United Bancorp, Inc. Reports 25% Increase in Quarterly Diluted

United Bancorp, Inc. UBCP, headquartered in Martins Ferry, Ohio reported diluted earnings per share of $0.15 for the quarter ended December 31, 2014 compared to $0.12 for the quarter ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 25%.  For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.53 which matched last year's performance.  The $0.53 diluted earnings per share for 2014 is comprised of an increase in core earnings as compared to the $0.53 diluted earnings per share reported in 2013 which included $900,000 related to a non-core, tax-exempt BOLI benefit. By matching the diluted earnings per share of $0.53 without the $900,000 BOLI benefit, the Company demonstrated strong growth in core earnings year-over-year. This growth in core earnings can be attributed to several factors which are explained in detail below. Randall M. Greenwood, Senior Vice President, CFO and Treasurer remarked, "We are very happy to report on the core earnings improvement of our Company for the year ended December 31, 2014.  From an operating perspective, the Company's net interest margin increased in 2014 to a level of 3.75% compared to 3.70% for 2013.  The Company was See full press release