United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO) Sees Significant Drop in Short Interest

United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO - Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest during the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totalling 42,700 shares, a drop of 28.8% from the March 15th total of 60,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 15,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.8 days. Approximately 0.3% of the company's shares are short sold.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on United Security Bancshares in a research note on Friday. They set a "hold" rating on the stock.

United Security Bancshares Stock Performance

Shares of United Security Bancshares stock traded down $0.06 on Friday, reaching $7.36. 4,960 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 15,477. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. United Security Bancshares has a twelve month low of $5.50 and a twelve month high of $8.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $127.48 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.34 and a beta of 0.60. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $7.46 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $7.70.

United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 25th. The financial services provider reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. United Security Bancshares had a return on equity of 16.99% and a net margin of 30.02%. The company had revenue of $14.95 million during the quarter.

United Security Bancshares Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 22nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 8th will be issued a $0.12 dividend. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.52%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 5th. United Security Bancshares's payout ratio is currently 41.38%.

Institutional Trading of United Security Bancshares

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in United Security Bancshares by 566,900.0% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 5,670 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 5,669 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in United Security Bancshares by 4,392.7% during the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,526 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 5,403 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG lifted its stake in United Security Bancshares by 80.5% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 7,542 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $63,000 after acquiring an additional 3,363 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada acquired a new position in United Security Bancshares during the 4th quarter worth about $78,000. Finally, BHZ Capital Management LP lifted its stake in United Security Bancshares by 34.8% during the 1st quarter. BHZ Capital Management LP now owns 25,488 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $163,000 after acquiring an additional 6,584 shares in the last quarter. 30.88% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About United Security Bancshares

United Security Bancshares operates as the bank holding company for United Security Bank, a state-chartered bank that provides a range of commercial banking services to the business and professional community, and individuals in California. The company accepts various deposit products, including personal and business checking accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market accounts, and time certificates of deposit.