United-Guardian, Inc. (NASDAQ:UG) Short Interest Down 13.0% in January

United-Guardian, Inc. (NASDAQ:UG) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 12,000 shares, a decline of 13.0% from the December 31st total of 13,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 16,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.7 days. Approximately 0.4% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com initiated coverage on United-Guardian in a report on Friday. They issued a “buy” rating for the company.

United-Guardian Stock Performance

Shares of United-Guardian stock traded up $0.19 on Friday, hitting $11.53. The stock had a trading volume of 17,829 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,276. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $10.10 and a 200 day moving average of $11.89. United-Guardian has a twelve month low of $7.02 and a twelve month high of $16.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $52.92 million, a P/E ratio of 15.17 and a beta of 0.75.

United-Guardian (NASDAQ:UG) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 8th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.06 million during 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 will be paid on Tuesday, February 18th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 12.14%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 10th. United-Guardian’s payout ratio is presently 92.11%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United-Guardian

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its position in United-Guardian by 1.1% during the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 187,563 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,677,000 after acquiring an additional 2,100 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of United-Guardian by 8.3% in the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 28,335 shares of the company’s stock valued at $450,000 after purchasing an additional 2,170 shares during the period. Finally, Essex Investment Management Co. LLC acquired a new position in shares of United-Guardian in the 3rd quarter valued at about $126,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 23.16% of the company’s 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.