United-Guardian, Inc. (UG)

In the past six months, United-Guardian's stock price has experienced a significant decline. As of January 5, 2026, the share price was $6.17, representing a 37.68% decline from $9.90 on January 6, 2025. The 52-week trading range for the stock has been between $5.58 and $11.98. Key events impacting the stock include a change in dividend policy to semi-annual in July 2023, notification to the FDA of a Renacidin shortage in September 2023, a 150% dividend increase in early 2024, stable revenues but increased earnings per share in Q3 2024 due to growth in cosmetic ingredients and effective cost management, and a decline in net sales and income in Q1 2025 primarily due to a drop in cosmetic ingredients sales.

Demand for United-Guardian's products and services has shown fluctuations rather than a clear, consistent seasonal pattern across all segments. In 2023, weakening demand for cosmetic ingredients and medical lubricants was observed, particularly in China, attributed to a slow economic reopening, a stronger dollar, and customer destocking. In Q3 2024, cosmetic ingredient sales showed growth, while medical lubricant sales dipped and pharmaceutical sales declined due to supply disruption issues. In Q1 2025, cosmetic ingredients experienced a sharp drop in sales, while medical lubricant sales increased and pharmaceutical sales rebounded due to the normalization of Renacidin supply. These events suggest that demand can be influenced by broader economic conditions, inventory levels within distribution channels, and specific supply chain issues, rather than a predictable seasonal cycle.

United-Guardian, Inc. is a specialty chemical manufacturer established in 1942, focusing on high-value ingredients and finished products for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, and medical device sectors. The company emphasizes proprietary product innovation, particularly in specialty hydrogels and chemicals, with a business model centered on research-driven quality to serve niche markets. Its major products include the Lubrajel line, Renacidin, and Clorpactin WCS-90, along with custom formulation, manufacturing, product development, research, and regulatory support services. The company's primary industry is Specialty Chemicals, with other industries including Personal Products.

United-Guardian, Inc. serves a global customer base. Its corporate office, principal office, factory, and research facility are located in Hauppauge, New York, United States. Pharmaceutical products are sold and distributed by full-line drug wholesalers throughout the United States. The company has also seen demand for its medical lubricants from customers in India and China.

United-Guardian's brand reputation is built on its mission of proprietary product innovation, particularly in specialty hydrogels and chemicals, and its commitment to research-driven quality. The company is recognized for its leadership in areas such as lubricants, plasticizers, emollients used in pharmaceutical preparations, and advanced cosmetic ingredients. Its competitive advantage lies in proprietary formulations like the Lubrajel line and the prescription drug Renacidin, allowing it to maintain a defensible niche in specialized, fragmented markets. The company's cultural DNA prioritizes financial stability. The supply disruption of Renacidin and the decline in cosmetic ingredient sales in Q1 2025 could have implicitly affected its reputation.

United-Guardian, Inc. has a concentrated ownership structure. Retail and other public investors constitute the largest segment of the float, holding approximately 79.44% to 80.13% of the shares. Institutional investors hold between 12.99% and 19.87% of the company's stock, with major institutional shareholders including Renaissance Technologies LLC, Gamco Investors, Inc. Et Al, Vanguard Group Inc, Rodgers Brothers Inc., and Dimensional Fund Advisors Lp. Insiders own approximately 6.88% to 7.02% of the stock, with a single largest individual shareholder holding immense voting power.