United Utilities Group PLC (OTCMKTS:UUGRY) Short Interest Up 159.1% in July

Key Points

• As of July 15th, United Utilities Group PLC has seen a significant increase in short interest, rising by 159.1% from 4,400 shares to 11,400 shares.
• Equity analysts have downgraded the stock, with UBS Group and Royal Bank of Canada both changing their ratings to "hold."
• United Utilities Group announced a dividend of $0.8506 per share, reflecting a substantial increase from the previous $0.44 dividend.

United Utilities Group PLC (OTCMKTS:UUGRY - Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totaling 11,400 shares, anincreaseof159.1% from the June 30th total of 4,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 71,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average daily volume of 71,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. UBS Group downgraded United Utilities Group from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Tuesday, April 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded United Utilities Group from a "moderate buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Friday, June 20th.

United Utilities Group Trading Down 0.7%

Shares of OTCMKTS UUGRY traded down $0.21 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $30.62. 9,711 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 83,457. United Utilities Group has a 12 month low of $22.73 and a 12 month high of $32.03. The company's 50 day moving average price is $30.73 and its 200 day moving average price is $28.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.16, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a current ratio of 1.94.

United Utilities Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 8th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.8506 per share. This is a boost from United Utilities Group's previous dividend of $0.44. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 20th. This represents a dividend yield of 394.0%.

About United Utilities Group

United Utilities Group PLC provides water and wastewater services in the United Kingdom. It is involved in the renewable energy generation, corporate trustee, financing, and property management activities; and provision of consulting, and project management services. The company operates 43,000 kilometers of water pipes; and 79,000 kilometers of wastewater pipes.