United-Guardian (NASDAQ:UG) Earns Buy Rating from Analysts at StockNews.com

StockNews.com started coverage on shares of United-Guardian (NASDAQ:UG) in a research report report published on Thursday morning. The firm issued a buy rating on the stock.

United-Guardian Trading Down 3.0 %

Shares of United-Guardian stock opened at $9.61 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.48 and a 200-day simple moving average of $11.44. The stock has a market cap of $44.15 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.64 and a beta of 0.73. United-Guardian has a 12-month low of $7.02 and a 12-month high of $16.25.

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

United-Guardian Cuts Dividend

The company also recently declared 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 14.57%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 10th. United-Guardian’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 92.11%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United-Guardian

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

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.