United-Guardian, Inc. (NASDAQ:UG) Sees Large Decline in Short Interest

United-Guardian, Inc. (NASDAQ:UG) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of February. As of February 28th, there was short interest totalling 6,000 shares, a drop of 39.4% from the February 13th total of 9,900 shares. Approximately 0.2% of the company’s stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 8,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days.

United-Guardian Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of NASDAQ UG opened at $9.87 on Monday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $10.50 and a 200 day moving average of $11.58. United-Guardian has a 12-month low of $7.02 and a 12-month high of $16.25. The stock has a market cap of $45.34 million, a PE ratio of 12.99 and a beta of 0.73.

United-Guardian Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 18th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 10th were issued a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 10th. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 14.19%. United-Guardian’s dividend payout ratio is currently 92.11%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On United-Guardian

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Heron Bay Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of United-Guardian in the 4th quarter valued at $135,000. United Capital Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United-Guardian in the 4th quarter valued at $192,000. Northern Trust Corp raised its holdings in shares of United-Guardian by 69.5% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 25,527 shares of the company’s stock valued at $244,000 after purchasing an additional 10,466 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of United-Guardian by 10.3% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 31,264 shares of the company’s stock valued at $302,000 after purchasing an additional 2,929 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its position in shares of United-Guardian by 4.3% in the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 190,163 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,818,000 after buying an additional 7,800 shares during the last quarter. 23.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of United-Guardian in a report on Wednesday, March 12th. They set a “buy” rating on the stock.

United-Guardian Company Profile

United-Guardian, Inc manufactures and markets cosmetic ingredients, pharmaceuticals, medical lubricants, and proprietary specialty industrial products in the United States and internationally The company offers cosmetic ingredients, including LUBRAJEL, a line of water-based gel formulation for sensory enhancement, lubrication, and texture to personal care products; LUBRAJEL NATURAL for skin moisturizing; LUBRAJEL MARINE that develops natural products using naturally derived polymers; LUBRAJEL OlL NATURAL, which makes luxuriant textures without adding viscosity; LUBRAJEL TERRA, a multifunctional, moisturizing hydrogel products; LUBRASIL II SB, a formulation of LUBRAJEL; LUBRAJEL II XD; B-122, a powdered lubricant used in the manufacture of pressed powders, eyeliners, rouges, and industrial products; and ORCHID COMPLEX, an oil-soluble base for extract of fresh orchids used in fragrance products, such as perfumes and toiletries.