United Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBCP) Sees Large Decline in Short Interest

Key Points

• Short Interest Decline: United Bancorp, Inc. experienced a significant drop in short interest, falling 51.9% from 12,900 shares to 6,200 shares as of August 31st.
• Increased Dividend: The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.1875 per share, up from $0.19, resulting in an annualized dividend of $0.75 and a yield of 5.3%.
• Stock Performance: United Bancorp's stock is currently down 2.7%, with a trading price of $14.02, and has seen a 52-week range between $11.70 and $15.64.

United Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBCP - Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totaling 6,200 shares, a decline of 51.9% from the August 15th total of 12,900 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the company's stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.4 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 4,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.4 days. Currently, 0.1% of the company's stock are sold short.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Bancorp

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United Bancorp during the 4th quarter valued at about $258,000. Northern Trust Corp boosted its position in United Bancorp by 40.2% during the fourth quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 25,314 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $329,000 after purchasing an additional 7,264 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in United Bancorp by 5.5% during the fourth quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 40,956 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $528,000 after purchasing an additional 2,125 shares during the period. Commonwealth Financial Services LLC boosted its position in United Bancorp by 1.2% during the first quarter. Commonwealth Financial Services LLC now owns 82,462 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $1,107,000 after purchasing an additional 1,005 shares during the period. Finally, Post Resch Tallon Group Inc. boosted its position in United Bancorp by 3.0% during the first quarter. Post Resch Tallon Group Inc. now owns 45,425 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $593,000 after purchasing an additional 1,325 shares during the period. 15.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

United Bancorp Stock Down 2.7%

Shares of United Bancorp stock opened at $14.02 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $80.90 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.04 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.81. United Bancorp has a 52-week low of $11.70 and a 52-week high of $15.64. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $14.31 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.66.

United Bancorp (NASDAQ:UBCP - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The financial services provider reported $0.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $7.99 million during the quarter. United Bancorp had a return on equity of 11.96% and a net margin of 16.44%.

United Bancorp Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.1875 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 10th. This represents a $0.75 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.3%. This is a positive change from United Bancorp's previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. United Bancorp's dividend payout ratio is presently 59.06%.

United Bancorp Company Profile

United Bancorp, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Unified Bank that provides commercial and retail banking services in Ohio. The company provides range of banking and financial services, which includes accepting demand, savings, and time deposits. It also offers commercial, real estate and consumer loans.

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