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

Key Points

• United Bancorp, Inc. experienced a 19.4% decrease in short interest in August, with a total of 12,900 shares sold short.
• The company recently announced a quarterly dividend increase to $0.1875 per share, resulting in a yield of 5.1% for investors.
• As of the latest trading session, United Bancorp's stock price was $14.60, reflecting a minor decline of 0.3%.

United Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBCP - Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in August. As of August 15th, there was short interest totaling 12,900 shares, a decline of 19.4% from the July 31st total of 16,000 shares. Currently, 0.3% of the company's stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 4,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 4,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.1 days. Currently, 0.3% of the company's stock are short sold.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Bancorp

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United Bancorp in the 4th quarter valued at $258,000. Northern Trust Corp boosted its holdings in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 7,264 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of United Bancorp in the 2nd quarter valued at $64,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of United Bancorp in the 2nd quarter valued at $43,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of United Bancorp by 5.5% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 40,956 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $528,000 after purchasing an additional 2,125 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 15.42% of the company's stock.

United Bancorp Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ UBCP traded down $0.39 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $14.02. 2,342 shares of the company's stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,413. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66. United Bancorp has a 12 month low of $11.70 and a 12 month high of $15.64. The company's 50 day moving average price is $14.31 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $80.90 million, a PE ratio of 11.04 and a beta of 0.39.

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

United Bancorp Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 10th will be given a dividend of $0.1875 per share. This is an increase from United Bancorp's previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. This represents a $0.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 10th. United Bancorp's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 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.