United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest

United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO) was the target of a significant growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 51,100 shares, a growth of 137.7% from the December 15th total of 21,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 25,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.0 days. Currently, 0.4% of the company’s stock are sold short.

United Security Bancshares Stock Performance

UBFO traded up $0.13 on Thursday, reaching $9.88. 21,984 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 23,233. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $9.82 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.73. 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 firm has a market capitalization of $171.15 million, a PE ratio of 9.69 and a beta of 0.60. United Security Bancshares has a fifty-two week low of $7.02 and a fifty-two week high of $10.49.

United Security Bancshares (NASDAQ:UBFO) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $13.84 million during the quarter. United Security Bancshares had a net margin of 25.78% and a return on equity of 13.96%.

United Security Bancshares Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 17th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 2nd will be given a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 2nd. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.86%. United Security Bancshares’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.06%.

Insider Transactions at United Security Bancshares

In related news, SVP Robert C. Oberg, Jr. sold 4,800 shares of United Security Bancshares stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.81, for a total value of $47,088.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 18,228 shares in the company, valued at $178,816.68. This trade represents a 20.84 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 20.10% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of United Security Bancshares

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in United Security Bancshares by 23.1% in the 3rd quarter. Miracle Mile Advisors LLC now owns 16,000 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $139,000 after buying an additional 3,000 shares during the last quarter. Private Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of United Security Bancshares by 1.5% during the third quarter. Private Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 83,044 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $716,000 after purchasing an additional 1,233 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC raised its stake in United Security Bancshares by 5.2% in the 3rd quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 49,201 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $429,000 after purchasing an additional 2,412 shares during the last quarter. Fourthstone LLC boosted its stake in United Security Bancshares by 314.5% during the 3rd quarter. Fourthstone LLC now owns 171,540 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $1,494,000 after purchasing an additional 130,151 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Banc Funds Co. LLC raised its position in shares of United Security Bancshares by 2.5% in the third quarter. Banc Funds Co. LLC now owns 573,139 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $4,992,000 after buying an additional 13,912 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 30.88% of the company’s stock.

United Security Bancshares Company Profile

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.