United Utilities Group PLC (OTCMKTS:UUGRY) Short Interest Up 148.7% in December

United Utilities Group PLC (OTCMKTS:UUGRY) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of 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 days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

UUGRY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of United Utilities Group to a “moderate buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 9th. Citigroup raised shares of United Utilities Group from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 5th. Finally, Barclays raised United Utilities Group from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, December 12th.

United Utilities Group Price Performance

Shares of United Utilities Group stock traded down $0.28 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $23.09. 257,791 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 153,586. The company’s 50 day simple moving average is $26.96 and its 200 day simple moving average is $26.89. The company has a quick ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. United Utilities Group has a 52 week low of $22.73 and a 52 week high of $29.10.

United Utilities Group Cuts Dividend

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

About United Utilities Group

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.