Short Interest in United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO) Increases By 69.9%

United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 19,200 shares, a growth of 69.9% from the August 31st total of 11,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 31,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Approximately 0.2% of the shares of the company are short sold.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, StockNews.com began coverage on shares of United Security Bancshares in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. They issued a “hold” rating on the stock.

United Security Bancshares Price Performance

UBFO stock traded up $0.09 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $8.64. 24,396 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 19,438. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $149.64 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.31 and a beta of 0.59. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $8.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $7.60. United Security Bancshares has a 12 month low of $6.82 and a 12 month high of $8.94.

United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. United Security Bancshares had a return on equity of 14.48% and a net margin of 26.73%. The business had revenue of $13.04 million during the quarter.

United Security Bancshares Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, October 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 7th. United Security Bancshares’s dividend payout ratio is presently 46.15%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Jagroop Gill acquired 140,384 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 24th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $7.96 per share, for a total transaction of $1,117,456.64. Following the purchase, the director now owns 1,220,051 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,711,605.96. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 20.10% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Security Bancshares

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in United Security Bancshares in the 1st quarter worth approximately $108,000. Salzhauer Michael grew its holdings in United Security Bancshares by 6.7% in the first quarter. Salzhauer Michael now owns 27,071 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $209,000 after purchasing an additional 1,700 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC grew its holdings in United Security Bancshares by 7.8% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 43,549 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $336,000 after purchasing an additional 3,150 shares during the period. Private Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of United Security Bancshares by 1.6% during the second quarter. Private Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 81,811 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $591,000 after purchasing an additional 1,299 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kennedy Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of United Security Bancshares by 33.6% during the first quarter. Kennedy Capital Management LLC now owns 78,141 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $602,000 after purchasing an additional 19,658 shares during the last quarter. 30.88% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About United Security Bancshares

United Security Bancshares operates as the bank holding company for United Security Bank, a state-chartered bank that provides a range of commercial banking services to the business and professional community, and individuals in California. The company accepts various deposit products, including personal and business checking accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market accounts, and time certificates of deposit.