Community banks are navigating a mixed operating backdrop marked by still-elevated funding costs, competitive deposit pricing and the need to balance loan growth with disciplined credit risk management. In this environment, United Bancorp, Inc. (UBCP) and Ohio Valley Banc Corp. (OVBC) stand out as two regional institutions with similar core banking foundations but distinct operating footprints and business levers. UBCP operates through Unified Bank with 18 banking centers across multiple Ohio counties and p ...

Core Points - United Bancorp, Inc. (UBCP) declared a fourth quarter dividend payment of $0.19 per share for shareholders of record on December 10, 2025, with a payment date of December 19, 2025 [1] - The fourth quarter dividend payment is higher than the regular cash dividends paid in the first three quarters of the current year, which were $0.1825, $0.1850, and $0.1875 respectively [1] Summary by Category - **Dividend Announcement** - The Board of Directors of United Bancorp, Inc. declared a fourth quarter dividend of $0.19 per share [1] - The record date for the dividend is December 10, 2025, and the payment date is December 19, 2025 [1] - **Comparison with Previous Dividends** - The fourth quarter dividend of $0.19 is an increase compared to the first three quarters' dividends of $0.1825, $0.1850, and $0.1875 [1]

Financial Performance - Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $1,931 thousand, up 6.1% from $1,820 thousand in the same period of 2024[10] - Basic earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $0.34, compared to $0.31 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a growth of 9.7%[10] - Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $5,717,000, compared to $5,553,000 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a growth of 2.96%[17] - Comprehensive income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $7,841 thousand, compared to $5,881 thousand in the same period of 2024, representing a 33.3% increase[12] - For Q3 2025, United Bancorp reported net income of $1,931,000, a 6.1% increase from Q3 2024, and diluted earnings per share of $0.34, up 9.7% year-over-year[147][148] - For the first nine months of 2025, net income reached $5,717,000, reflecting a 3.0% increase compared to the same period in 2024, with diluted earnings per share of $0.99, up 4.2%[147][148] Asset Growth - Total assets increased to $866,756 thousand as of September 30, 2025, up from $816,656 thousand at December 31, 2024, representing a growth of 6.4%[7] - Total assets as of September 30, 2025, were $866.8 million, with total shareholders' equity of $66.5 million[157] - Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period increased to $45,652,000 in 2025 from $37,778,000 in 2024, marking a growth of 20.88%[17] - Cash and due from the Federal Reserve Bank increased by $7.8 million, or 20.6%, to $45.6 million[150] Deposits and Loans - Total deposits rose to $645,193 thousand as of September 30, 2025, compared to $613,494 thousand at December 31, 2024, marking a 5.2% increase[7] - The net change in deposits was $31,699,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to a decrease of $5,640,000 in 2024[17] - Total gross loans increased to $496.5 million as of September 30, 2025, from $491.0 million at December 31, 2024, marking a 0.1% growth[64] - Commercial and commercial real estate loans comprised 80.2% of total loans, with an increase of $8.0 million or approximately 2.0% since December 31, 2024[166] Income and Expenses - Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $6,729 thousand, an increase of 9.6% compared to $6,139 thousand for the same period in 2024[10] - Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, totaled $4,019 thousand, an increase of 23.0% from $3,265 thousand in the same period of 2024[10] - Noninterest expenses rose by $451,000 or 8.2% year-over-year, attributed to staffing for the new Wheeling Banking Center and merit increases[179] - Total interest income for Q3 2025 was $10,635,000, an increase from $9,944,000 in Q3 2024, while total interest expense rose to $3,906,000 from $3,805,000[144] Credit Losses and Provisions - The provision for credit loss expense for loans was $186 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $69 thousand in the same period of 2024, indicating a significant increase in credit loss provisions[10] - The provision for credit loss expense increased to $488,000 in 2025 from $174,000 in 2024, indicating a rise of 179.31%[17] - The total allowance for credit losses to total loans was 0.87%, a three basis point increase from the previous year[152] Shareholder Returns - Dividends per share increased to $0.1875 for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $0.1775 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a growth of 8.5%[10] - The regular cash dividend increased by $0.03 to $0.555, a 5.7% increase from the previous year[155] - The total cash dividends paid to shareholders in the first nine months of 2025 amounted to $0.73, an increase of $0.055 or 8.2% year-over-year[155] Securities and Investments - The company purchased available-for-sale securities totaling $20,608,000 in 2025, down from $44,911,000 in 2024, a decrease of 54.1%[17] - The total amortized cost of available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2025, was $263.940 million, with a fair value of $253.726 million, reflecting unrealized losses of $11.071 million[53] - The net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities was $10,214,000 as of September 30, 2025[102] Nonperforming Loans - As of September 30, 2025, total nonaccrual loans and loans past due 30 plus days were $3.1 million, representing 0.63% of gross loans[152] - Nonperforming loans totaled $2,451,000, with $2,437,000 in nonaccrual status and $14,000 still accruing interest[92] - The total current period gross charge-offs for consumer loans amounted to $133,000[78] Capital and Equity - Total stockholders' equity increased to $66,470 thousand as of September 30, 2025, from $63,457 thousand at December 31, 2024, a rise of 4.7%[7] - The common equity tier 1 capital ratio was reported at 12.60%, indicating strong capital adequacy in compliance with regulatory requirements[189]

Core Insights - United Bancorp, Inc. (UBCP) reported a 4.3% increase in share price following its earnings report for Q3 2025, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.5% growth during the same period, although it underperformed over the past month with a 2.9% decline compared to the S&P 500's 3.2% gain [1] - The company achieved earnings per share of 34 cents, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.7% [1] Financial Performance - Net interest income rose by 9.6% to $6.7 million, driven by a 7% increase in total interest income to $10.6 million [2] - Total noninterest income increased by 10.9% to $1.4 million, while noninterest expenses rose by 8.2% to $6 million, resulting in an 8.9% increase in pre-tax earnings [2] - Net income reached $1.9 million, a 6.1% increase from the same quarter in 2024 [2] Key Business Metrics - Net interest margin improved by 16 basis points to 3.66%, supported by a 5% increase in total assets to $866.8 million [3] - Gross loans increased by 4.5% year over year to $496.5 million, and cash held at the Federal Reserve rose by 20.6% to $45.6 million [3] - The company invested $21 million in excess reserves into municipal securities, achieving a taxable equivalent yield of 6.1% [3] Funding and Deposits - Total deposits increased by 4.8% to $645.2 million, with noninterest-bearing demand deposits rising by 8.5% to $156.3 million [4] - Interest expense increased by 2.7% year over year, but as a percentage of average assets, it only rose three basis points to 1.80% [4] Management Commentary - CFO Randall M. Greenwood acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainties but emphasized stable financial performance and positive trends in net interest income and margin expansion [5] - CEO Scott A. Everson highlighted the focus on expanding the balance sheet to exceed $1 billion in assets, particularly in the small-business segment [6] Earnings Drivers - Earnings growth was primarily supported by higher loan yields and an expanding loan book, with interest income on loans increasing by 7.6% [7] - Credit quality remained stable, with nonperforming assets at 0.66% of total assets and minimal net charge-offs at -0.04% of average loans [7] Credit Loss Provisions - The company doubled its provision for credit losses on loans to $0.2 million from $0.07 million in the prior year, reflecting proactive credit risk management [8] - The allowance for credit losses to total loans improved to 0.87%, with coverage of nonaccrual loans at 177% [8] Growth Initiatives - The company plans to open a new regional banking center in Wheeling, WV, which is expected to enhance deposit and loan growth [9] - Investments in digital transformation, including a new AI platform, aim to improve customer support and cross-selling opportunities [10] Strategic Infrastructure Developments - United Bancorp is finalizing renovations for the new Unified Center in St. Clairsville, OH, expected to enhance customer experience and internal efficiencies by Q1 2026 [11] Shareholder Returns - The company increased its regular cash dividend by 5.7% year over year to 55.5 cents and its special dividend by 16.7% to 17.5 cents, resulting in a total dividend payout of 73 cents for the first nine months of 2025, an 8.2% increase [12]

Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, United Bancorp, Inc. reported diluted earnings per share of $0.34 and net income of $1,931,000, representing increases of 9.7% and 6.1% respectively compared to Q3 2024[1][2] - For the first nine months of 2025, net income reached $5,717,000, an increase of $165,000 or 3.0%, and diluted earnings per share were $0.99, up by $0.04 or 4.2% year-over-year[2] - Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $1,931,041, reflecting a 6.12% increase from the previous year[10] - Net income for the period was $5,717,427, reflecting a 2.97% increase from $5,552,537[11] - Earnings per common share (basic) increased by 9.68% to $0.34 for the three months ended September 30, 2025[10] - Earnings per common share (diluted) rose by 4.21% to $0.99 from $0.95[11] Asset and Loan Growth - The company's total assets increased by $41.3 million or 5.0% year-over-year, reaching $866.8 million as of September 30, 2025[3] - Gross loans increased by $21.5 million or 4.5% to $496.5 million, while cash and due from the Federal Reserve Bank rose by $7.8 million or 20.6% to $45.6 million[3] - Total assets as of September 30, 2025, were $866.8 million, with total shareholders' equity of $66.5 million[7] - Total assets increased by 5.00% to $866,755,858, up from $825,482,119[11] - Gross loans grew by 4.53% to $496,536,989 compared to $475,004,333 in 2024[11] Deposits and Interest Income - Total deposits increased by $29.4 million or 4.8% to $645.2 million, with noninterest-bearing demand balances rising by $12.3 million or 8.5%[3] - Total deposits increased by 4.77% to $645,193,065, up from $615,818,830[11] - Net interest income for the first nine months of 2025 increased by $1,116,000 or 6.0%, with the net interest margin improving by 16 basis points to 3.66%[3] - Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $6,729,460, a 9.62% increase from the previous year[10] - Total interest income rose by 4.91% to $30,888,667 from $29,442,820 in the previous year[11] - Interest income on loans increased by 8.05% to $22,109,536 compared to $20,462,806 in 2024[11] Dividends - Regular cash dividend increased by $0.03 to $0.555, a rise of 5.7% year-over-year[6] - Special cash dividend of $0.175 was paid, up $0.025 or 16.7% from the previous year[6] - Total cash dividends paid in the first nine months of 2025 amounted to $0.73, an increase of $0.055 or 8.2% compared to the same period in 2024[6] Credit Quality - The total allowance for credit losses to total loans was 0.87%, reflecting a three basis point increase year-over-year[4] - Provision for credit losses on loans rose to $186,000, a significant increase of 166.99% year-over-year[10] - Non-accrual loans surged by 541.38% to $2,437,164 from $379,988[11] - Total allowance for credit losses to non-accrual loans was 176.54%[12] - Total allowance for credit losses to total loans was 0.87%[12] Strategic Initiatives - United Bancorp, Inc. is focused on growing its asset base to $1.0 billion or greater, with initiatives including the construction of a new regional banking center in Wheeling, West Virginia[5] - The company is investing in technology and digital transformation, including the implementation of an artificial intelligence solution to enhance customer service[5] - The Unified Center in St. Clairsville, Ohio, will centralize accounting, technology, and customer support functions, enhancing service delivery and customer experience[5] - The company is focusing on market expansion and new product development strategies[12] - Future guidance indicates a positive outlook for revenue growth and operational efficiency improvements[12] Market Performance - The fair market value of the company's stock increased by $0.85, or 6.5%, year-over-year as of September 30, 2025[6] - Market value at the end of the period was $13.98 billion, with a dividend payout ratio of 56.06%[12] Efficiency Ratios - Return on average assets (ROA) was reported at 0.91%[12] - Return on average equity (ROE) improved to 12.48%[12] - Net interest margin increased to 3.66%[12] Other Metrics - Average loans decreased by 0.04% compared to the previous period[1] - Non-accrual loans and OREO to average assets increased to 0.68% from 0.46%[1] - Non-accrual loans and OREO to total assets rose to 0.66% from 0.46%[1] - Equity to assets at period end was 7.67%, down from 7.93%, a decrease of 0.26%[1]

Core Insights - United Bancorp, Inc. reported diluted earnings per share of $0.34 for the three months ended September 30, 2025 [1] - The net income for the same period was $1,931,000 [1] - For the first nine months of 2025, the company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.99 and net income of $5,717,000 [1]

Financial Performance - Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $1,914 thousand, up 10.1% from $1,739 thousand in the same period of 2024[10]. - Basic earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $0.33, compared to $0.30 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a growth of 10%[10]. - Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $3,786,000, compared to $3,732,000 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a growth of 1.45%[16]. - For Q2 2025, United Bancorp, Inc. reported net income of $1,914,000 and diluted earnings per share of $0.33, reflecting increases of 10.0% and 10.0% respectively compared to Q2 2024[150]. - For the first six months of 2025, net income was $3,786,000, an increase of $54,000 or 1.4% year-over-year, while diluted earnings per share remained at $0.65[150]. Asset Growth - Total assets increased to $847,884 thousand as of June 30, 2025, up from $816,656 thousand at December 31, 2024, representing a growth of 3.5%[7]. - Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period rose to $49,686,000 as of June 30, 2025, up from $37,570,000 in 2024, marking a 32.3% increase[16]. - Total deposits rose to $642,945 thousand as of June 30, 2025, compared to $613,494 thousand at December 31, 2024, marking an increase of 4.8%[7]. - The company reported a net change in deposits of $29,451,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $1,730,000 in 2024, showing a substantial increase in deposit growth[16]. Income and Expenses - Net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $6,595 thousand, an increase of 6.3% compared to $6,202 thousand for the same period in 2024[10]. - Noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, increased to $2,671 thousand, up from $2,050 thousand in the same period of 2024, a rise of 30.2%[10]. - Total noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $5,843 thousand, a slight increase from $5,670 thousand in the same period of 2024[10]. - The provision for credit loss expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was $302,000, an increase of $68,000 year-over-year, leading to a decrease in diluted earnings per share of $0.03[154]. Loan and Credit Quality - Total gross loans increased to $500.7 million as of June 30, 2025, from $491.0 million at December 31, 2024, reflecting a growth of 1.6%[63]. - The allowance for credit losses increased to $4.156 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $4.026 million at December 31, 2024, indicating a rise of 3.2%[63]. - The company experienced a net change in loans of $(9,723,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $(1,151,000) in 2024, indicating a significant increase in loan activity[16]. - Total nonperforming loans amounted to $1,796,000 as of June 30, 2025, with $1,350,000 in commercial real estate and $238,000 in residential loans[92]. Investment and Securities - The total amortized cost of available-for-sale securities was $244.948 million as of June 30, 2025, with a fair value of $227.253 million, reflecting gross unrealized losses of $17.697 million[52]. - The company reported unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities totaling $17.7 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $12.5 million at December 31, 2024[58]. - The net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities was $(17,695,000) as of June 30, 2025, compared to $(12,130,000) at the end of 2024[102]. Capital and Dividends - Stockholders' equity decreased by $3.8 million to $59.7 million at June 30, 2025, with a total stockholders' equity to total assets ratio of 7.04%[191]. - The regular cash dividend increased by $0.02 to $0.3675, a 5.8% increase year-over-year, while the special cash dividend was $0.1750, a 16.7% increase[159]. - The Company maintains a strong capital position with a common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 12.86% and a total capital ratio of 13.55%[196]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued growth in gross loans and higher interest income due to the repricing of the loan portfolio in a higher-rate environment[151]. - The company is cautiously optimistic about managing economic risks, monitoring higher risk segments within the loan portfolio due to inflationary pressures[198]. - The company has undertaken several transformative projects, including the construction of a new banking center and investment in technology, which are expected to enhance future growth[150].

Core Viewpoint - United Bancorp, Inc. demonstrated steady earnings growth in Q2 2025, with a notable increase in net income and interest income, despite facing macroeconomic pressures and a recent stock pullback [1][2][5]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q2 2025 reached 33 cents, up from 30 cents a year earlier [1]. - Total interest income increased by 5.4% year over year to $10.4 million, driven by a 9.3% rise in interest income on loans and a 30.3% surge in loan fees [2]. - Net income rose to $1.9 million, marking a 10% increase from $1.7 million in the same quarter of 2024 [2]. - Noninterest income reached $1.4 million, up 17.3% from the previous year, supported by a 65.6% increase in other noninterest income [3]. Cost and Expense Management - Noninterest expenses increased by 3.1% to $5.8 million, attributed to ongoing investment initiatives [3]. - Despite rising expenses, earnings before income taxes improved to $1.9 million, a 20.1% increase from the prior-year quarter [3]. Credit Quality - Provision for credit losses decreased by 12.2% to $0.2 million [4]. - Total nonaccrual loans rose to $1.8 million from $0.4 million a year earlier, primarily due to a single commercial account [4]. - Loans past due by more than 30 days declined by 43.3%, maintaining total past-due and nonaccrual loans at a modest 0.45% of gross loans [4]. Management Insights - The Chief Financial Officer highlighted the company's earnings growth as encouraging amidst macroeconomic challenges, emphasizing investments in branch expansion and technology [5]. - The Chief Executive Officer reinforced long-term growth ambitions, focusing on a strong small-business-oriented commercial loan portfolio, which constitutes 80% of total loans [6]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is advancing several strategic initiatives, including the construction of a new regional banking center in Wheeling, WV, expected to open within 90 days [11]. - Technology enhancements and AI integration into customer service are part of a broader digital transformation effort aimed at improving efficiency and client engagement [12]. Shareholder Returns - United Bancorp raised its regular cash dividend by 5.8% and its special dividend by 16.7% year over year, resulting in total cash dividends of 54.25 cents per share in the first half of 2025, a 9.1% increase from the prior year [12].

Financial Performance - For Q2 2025, United Bancorp reported diluted earnings per share of $0.33 and net income of $1,914,000, representing increases of 10.0% year-over-year[2]. - Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $1,914,513, reflecting a 10.03% increase from $1,739,967 in 2024[9]. - Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was $12,842,062, up 4.27% from $12,316,509 in 2024[9]. - Total noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025, increased by 30.26% to $2,670,874 from $2,050,414 in 2024[9]. - Basic and diluted earnings per common share remained stable at $0.65, showing no percentage change[10]. Asset and Loan Growth - Total assets grew by $26.0 million, or 3.2%, reaching $847.9 million, with gross loans exceeding $500.0 million for the first time in company history[2]. - Total assets as of June 30, 2025, were $847.9 million, with total shareholders' equity of $59.7 million[6]. - Total assets grew by 3.17% to $847,884,370 compared to $821,814,882 in the previous period[10]. - Gross loans increased by 3.35% to $500,747,168 from $484,514,415[10]. Deposit and Interest Income - Total deposits increased by $19.8 million, or 3.2%, to $642.9 million, contributing to a modest rise in interest expense of $229,000, or 3.2%[3]. - Total deposits rose by 3.17% to $642,944,191 from $623,188,540[10]. - Year-to-date net interest income increased by $526,000, or 4.3%, with a net interest margin improvement of 11 basis points to 3.65%[2]. Credit Quality - Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 30 days were $2.2 million, or 0.45% of gross loans, with a year-over-year increase of $1.1 million[4]. - The company has a total allowance for credit losses to total loans ratio of 0.83%, indicating strong coverage against potential losses[4]. - Non-accrual loans surged by 396.51% to $1,797,604 from $362,051[10]. - Net charge-offs to average loans remained stable at 0.07%[10]. Dividends - Regular cash dividend increased by $0.02 to $0.3675, a rise of 5.8% year-over-year[6]. - Special cash dividend of $0.1750 was paid, up $0.025 or 16.7% from the previous year[6]. - Total cash dividends for the first half of 2025 amounted to $0.5425, an increase of $0.045 or 9.1% compared to the same period in 2024[6]. - Cash dividends paid increased by 9.05% to $0.5425 from $0.4975[10]. - The dividend payout ratio increased to 56.54% from 54.30%, a change of 2.24%[10]. - The company maintains a total dividend yield of 6.3%, based on the second quarter cash dividend and special dividend[6]. Strategic Initiatives - A new regional banking center in Wheeling, West Virginia is set to open within 90 days, aimed at driving growth in the loan portfolio[5]. - The Unified Mortgage Division is expected to generate higher fee income as it scales, alongside a focus on Treasury Management services for small businesses[5]. - Significant investments in technology and digital transformation are underway, including the implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance customer service[5]. - The Unified Center in St. Clairsville, Ohio will centralize key functions and improve customer support, with renovations expected to be completed by year-end[5]. Market Performance - The fair market value of the company's stock increased by $1.95, or 15.5%, year-over-year as of June 30, 2025[6]. - Market value at the last close increased by 15.54% to $14.50 from $12.55[10]. - Return on average equity (ROE) improved to 12.70% from 12.34%, reflecting a 0.36% increase[10].

Core Viewpoint - Zacks Investment Research has initiated coverage of United Bancorp, Inc. (UBCP) with a Neutral recommendation, indicating a balanced perspective on the company's strengths and challenges [1] Financial Performance - United Bancorp has a forward dividend yield of 5.51%, with a second-quarter 2025 dividend of 18.5 cents per share, reflecting a 5.7% year-over-year increase [2] - The bank reported $6.3 million in net interest income in Q1 2025, slightly up from the previous year, driven by steady loan yields and tax-exempt municipal income [3] - Noninterest income grew 48% year over year to $1.3 million, supported by stronger deposit-related fees and gains on securities [5] Liquidity and Stability - Liquidity surged more than 85% to $36.4 million, while deposits rose to $624.1 million, enhancing lending flexibility and financial stability [4] - The bank's loan book is conservatively managed, with nonperforming loans at just 0.39% and a solid 0.82% allowance for credit losses [4] Risks and Challenges - The available-for-sale securities portfolio reported $15.2 million in unrealized losses as of March 2025, up from $12.5 million at year-end 2024, impacting tangible book value and shareholder equity [6] - Non-interest expenses increased by $0.7 million year over year, primarily due to rising employee costs, which compressed pre-tax income [7] - The company faces pressure from a shift toward higher-cost funding, including a $9.1 million increase in time deposits and a $7.1 million rise in repurchase agreements, which may narrow net interest margins [7] Market Position - United Bancorp's stock has appreciated but continues to trade below broader sector valuation benchmarks, indicating investor caution regarding long-term growth prospects amid rising costs and margin pressures [8] - The bank's footprint in southeastern Ohio and parts of West Virginia positions it to benefit from federal infrastructure investments, offering potential growth opportunities in commercial lending and community banking services [5]