Union Bankshares Downgraded to Sell by StockNews.com

Union Bankshares (NASDAQ:UNB) has recently been downgraded by StockNews.com from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating according to a report released to investors on Friday.

Union Bankshares Stock Performance

On Friday, shares of Union Bankshares traded higher by $0.88, reaching a price of $34.40. During this trading session, 8,626 shares exchanged hands, which is above the company's average volume of 6,188 shares. As of now, Union Bankshares has a market capitalization of $155.66 million, a P/E ratio of 17.73, and a beta value of 0.81. The company's financial health is also reflected by a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, alongside a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.82. Additionally, the bank's stock is trading at a 50-day moving average of $31.13 and a 200-day moving average of $28.81. Over the past year, Union Bankshares has registered a low of $21.00 and a high of $37.70.

Earnings Results

Union Bankshares reported its latest earnings results on January 15, indicating earnings per share (EPS) of $0.67 for the quarter. The bank achieved a return on equity of 13.09% and a net margin of 11.74%, showcasing its profitability within the financial sector.

Institutional Investors' Interest

Recently, several institutional investors have adjusted their holdings in Union Bankshares. Northern Trust Corp increased its stake by 16.8% in the fourth quarter and now holds a total of 30,880 shares valued at approximately $893,000. Meanwhile, Alpine Global Management LLC acquired a new investment in Union Bankshares worth around $269,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP also boosted its position in the bank by 4.4%, amassing a total of 35,276 shares valued at $1,020,000 after purchasing an additional 1,474 shares last quarter. Additionally, Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings by 13.2%, and Cardinal Capital Management increased its stake by 2.2%, reflecting growing institutional interest in the bank's shares. Currently, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own about 14.84% of Union Bankshares’ stock.

About Union Bankshares

Union Bankshares, Inc. serves as the holding company for Union Bank, offering a range of retail, commercial, and municipal banking products and services primarily in northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Their offerings include retail depository services such as personal checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and more.

Conclusion

The recent downgrade from StockNews.com highlights a shift in market sentiment towards Union Bankshares, prompting investors to reassess their positions. As the stock has shown fluctuating performance in the past year, stakeholders may want to keep a close watch on market developments and institutional activity surrounding the bank.

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