Martins Ferry, Ohio-based United Bancorp Inc. will pay a first-quarter cash dividend of 13 cents per common share, up from the linked quarter's 12 cents.

CEO Scott Everson said the hike was in recognition of the lower corporate tax rate and that the current level makes United's dividend yield "nearly twice that presently seen within [the] industry."

It will be distributed March 20 to shareholders of record as of March 9.