United-Guardian, Inc. (NASDAQ:UG) Sees Significant Growth in Short Interest

United-Guardian, Inc. (NASDAQ:UG) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totalling 11,000 shares, a growth of 69.2% from the March 15th total of 6,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 8,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.3 days. Currently, 0.4% of the shares of the stock are short sold.

United-Guardian Stock Down 1.7 %

Shares of NASDAQ UG traded down $0.15 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $8.21. 4,311 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 13,248. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $9.51 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $10.61. The company has a market capitalization of $37.69 million, a P/E ratio of 10.80 and a beta of 0.85. United-Guardian has a 52-week low of $7.67 and a 52-week high of $16.25.

United-Guardian (NASDAQ:UG) last issued its earnings results on Friday, March 21st. The company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.48 million for the quarter. United-Guardian had a net margin of 28.30% and a return on equity of 30.25%.

United-Guardian Cuts Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 18th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 10th were paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 17.06%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 10th. United-Guardian’s payout ratio is 98.59%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On United-Guardian

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in United-Guardian by 8.3% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 28,335 shares of the company’s stock valued at $450,000 after acquiring an additional 2,170 shares in the last quarter. Heron Bay Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of United-Guardian in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $135,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its position in shares of United-Guardian by 4.3% during the fourth quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 190,163 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,818,000 after purchasing an additional 7,800 shares in the last quarter. United Capital Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in United-Guardian in the fourth quarter worth $192,000. Finally, Northern Trust Corp raised its holdings in United-Guardian by 69.5% in the fourth quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 25,527 shares of the company’s stock worth $244,000 after purchasing an additional 10,466 shares in the last quarter. 23.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on United-Guardian in a research report on Sunday, April 13th. They set a “buy” rating on the stock.

About United-Guardian

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.