United Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBCP) Sees Significant Decrease in Short Interest

United Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBCP) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 9,300 shares, a decrease of 28.5% from the February 28th total of 13,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 7,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. Approximately 0.2% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Bancorp

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Tallon Kerry Patrick acquired a new position in United Bancorp during the fourth quarter worth $584,000. Wesbanco Bank Inc. grew its holdings in shares of 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 during the last quarter. Founders Financial Alliance LLC increased its position in shares of United Bancorp by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Founders Financial Alliance LLC now owns 36,642 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $476,000 after purchasing an additional 3,633 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in United Bancorp by 5.5% during 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 during the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp boosted its position in United Bancorp by 40.2% in the fourth 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. Institutional investors own 15.42% of the company’s stock.

United Bancorp Stock Down 6.7 %

Shares of UBCP stock opened at $12.76 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $76.13 million, a P/E ratio of 10.05 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $13.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $13.07. United Bancorp has a one year low of $11.40 and a one year high of $14.94.

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

United Bancorp Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 20th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 10th were issued a $0.1825 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, March 10th. This is a boost from United Bancorp’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. This represents a $0.73 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.72%. 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.