United Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBCP) Short Interest Down 17.2% in March

United Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBCP - Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totalling 7,700 shares, a decline of 17.2% from the March 15th total of 9,300 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 6,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.2 days.

Institutional Trading of United Bancorp

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of United Bancorp in the 4th quarter worth about $258,000. Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in United Bancorp by 40.2% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 25,314 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $329,000 after buying an additional 7,264 shares in the last quarter. Founders Financial Alliance LLC grew its position in shares of United Bancorp by 11.0% in the fourth quarter. Founders Financial Alliance LLC now owns 36,642 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $476,000 after purchasing an additional 3,633 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in shares of 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 valued at $528,000 after buying an additional 2,125 shares during the period. Finally, Wesbanco Bank Inc. lifted its stake in United Bancorp by 52.9% in the 4th quarter. Wesbanco Bank Inc. now owns 42,055 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $547,000 after purchasing an additional 14,550 shares in the last quarter. 15.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

United Bancorp Price Performance

Shares of United Bancorp stock traded up $0.26 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $12.99. 1,088 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,528. The firm's fifty day moving average price is $13.13 and its 200-day moving average price is $13.10. The stock has a market cap of $77.50 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.23 and a beta of 0.23. United Bancorp has a 12 month low of $11.40 and a 12 month high of $14.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 0.79.

United Bancorp (NASDAQ:UBCP - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 7th. The financial services provider reported $0.31 earnings per share for the quarter. United Bancorp had a return on equity of 11.73% and a net margin of 16.83%.

United Bancorp Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 20th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.185 per share. This is an increase from United Bancorp's previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 10th. This represents a $0.74 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.70%. United Bancorp's dividend payout ratio is presently 57.48%.

About United Bancorp

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.