Short Interest in United Utilities Group PLC (OTCMKTS:UUGRY) Expands By 148.7%

United Utilities Group PLC (OTCMKTS:UUGRY) was the target of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 28,600 shares, a growth of 148.7% from the December 15th total of 11,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 101,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days.

United Utilities Group Price Performance

OTCMKTS UUGRY traded down $0.28 on Wednesday, reaching $23.09. The company had a trading volume of 257,791 shares, compared to its average volume of 153,586. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $26.87 and its 200 day moving average price is $26.87. United Utilities Group has a 12 month low of $22.73 and a 12 month high of $29.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.14 and a current ratio of 0.14.

United Utilities Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 21st. Investors of record on Friday, November 29th will be given a $0.4369 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 29th.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays upgraded United Utilities Group from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, December 12th. Royal Bank of Canada raised United Utilities Group to a “moderate buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. Finally, Citigroup raised shares of United Utilities Group from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, November 5th.

United Utilities Group Company Profile

United Utilities Group PLC provides water and wastewater services in the United Kingdom. It is involved in the renewable energy generation, corporate trustee, financing, and property management activities; and provision of consulting, and project management services. The company operates 43,000 kilometers of water pipes; and 79,000 kilometers of wastewater pipes.