Stock Yards Bank & Trust Bundle
Who Owns Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company?
Understanding the ownership of a financial institution like Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company is key to grasping its strategic direction and accountability. This regional financial services company, founded in 1904, is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBT).
As of late 2024, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. oversees a company with approximately $8 billion in assets, operating across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. The bank offers a wide array of financial solutions, including commercial and personal banking, private banking, trust, and investment management services.
Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. is the parent entity of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company. As a publicly traded company on NASDAQ, its ownership is distributed among its shareholders. As of July 2025, the market capitalization of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. is approximately $2.3 billion. For a deeper understanding of the external factors influencing the company, consider a Stock Yards Bank & Trust PESTEL Analysis.
Who Founded Stock Yards Bank & Trust?
Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company was established in 1904 in Louisville, Kentucky, with an initial capitalization of $100,000. Its founding was directly tied to the needs of Louisville's growing livestock industry, aiming to provide essential financing and traditional banking services to local businesses and individuals. The early ownership was rooted in the community, reflecting a commitment to regional economic development.
Founding Capital
The bank began operations in 1904 with an initial investment of $100,000.
Initial Purpose
Its establishment was driven by the need to finance transactions within Louisville's burgeoning livestock industry.
Early Ownership Focus
Early ownership was characterized by a local and community-focused approach, supporting regional businesses.
Service Offering
The bank provided traditional deposit banking and lending services to its clientele.
Record Availability
Specific details on initial founders and equity splits are not readily available in recent public records.
Ownership Stability
The bank experienced a stable early ownership environment without significant reported disputes or buyouts.
While precise details regarding the individual founders and their exact equity stakes at the inception of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company are not extensively documented in current public records, the initial ownership structure was intrinsically local and community-oriented. This foundation aligned perfectly with the bank's core mission to bolster the regional economy through dedicated service to local businesses and individuals. The emphasis was on cultivating relationships, a principle that continues to guide the bank's operations. Given its establishment in the early 20th century, comprehensive records detailing initial vesting schedules, buy-sell agreements, or early investor profiles are not typically part of contemporary public filings for institutions of this age. The bank's historical progression suggests a stable early ownership landscape, with no public accounts of significant initial ownership conflicts or buyouts that defined its formative years. For a deeper understanding of its origins, one can refer to the Brief History of Stock Yards Bank & Trust.
Early Operational Focus
The bank's establishment in 1904 was a direct response to the financial needs of Louisville's expanding livestock sector.
- Financing livestock transactions
- Providing traditional deposit banking
- Offering lending services
- Supporting local businesses and individuals
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How Has Stock Yards Bank & Trust’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (SYBT), the parent entity of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, transitioned to a publicly traded company in 1988, marking a significant shift in its ownership structure from its local origins. This evolution has led to a diverse shareholder base, including institutional investors, company insiders, and individual retail investors, all influencing the bank's strategic direction and financial performance.
| Shareholder Type | Percentage of Ownership (as of March 31, 2025) | Number of Shares (as of March 31, 2025) |
| Institutional Investors | 61.99% | 24,214,382 |
| Insider Ownership | (Not specified in provided data) | (Not specified in provided data) |
| Retail Investors | (Not specified in provided data) | (Not specified in provided data) |
The ownership of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, through its parent Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (SYBT), is predominantly held by institutional investors. As of March 31, 2025, these entities collectively owned 61.99% of the outstanding shares, amounting to 24,214,382 shares. This substantial institutional backing underscores the confidence that professional investment firms place in the company's stability and growth prospects.
Key Institutional Stakeholders
Major institutional investors play a crucial role in the ownership of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. Their significant holdings reflect a commitment to the company's long-term strategy.
- BlackRock, Inc. holds 2,011,763 shares.
- Vanguard Group Inc possesses 1,888,056 shares.
- Neuberger Berman Group LLC has 1,532,926 shares.
- Victory Capital Management Inc owns 1,358,138 shares.
- Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC manages 1,278,442 shares.
- Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. itself maintains a stake of 1,035,913 shares.
The company's financial performance, including record earnings for the second quarter of 2025 with net income reaching $34.0 million, and total assets of approximately $8.86 billion as of December 31, 2024, is influenced by its diverse ownership. While insider ownership is a smaller component, it aligns executive and board interests with the company's overall success. Understanding the ownership structure is key to grasping the dynamics of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, and further insights can be found in the Competitors Landscape of Stock Yards Bank & Trust.
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Who Sits on Stock Yards Bank & Trust’s Board?
The Board of Directors for Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. currently comprises 12 individuals, with an average tenure of 11.2 years as of July 2025. This experienced group oversees the company's strategic direction and governance. James A. (Ja) Hillebrand leads as both Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, holding these roles since January 1, 2021, and October 1, 2018, respectively.
| Director | Tenure (Years) | Key Role/Affiliation |
| James A. (Ja) Hillebrand | N/A (CEO since Oct 2018, Chairman since Jan 2021) | Chairman and CEO |
| Richard A. Lechleiter | 18.5 | Director |
| David P. Heintzman | 33.5 | Director |
| Carl G. Herde | 20.5 | Director |
| Allison J. Donovan | ~2.7 (Joined Nov 2022) | Director, Expertise in M&A and Corporate Governance |
Stock Yards Bancorp operates with a standard one-share-one-vote structure, a common practice for companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. This ensures that voting power directly correlates with share ownership, promoting equitable shareholder influence. As of March 1, 2024, the company had 29,366,737 shares of Common Stock outstanding, with each share granting one vote on all matters presented at shareholder meetings. The company's proxy statements, such as the one filed on March 14, 2024, detail proposals for shareholder consideration, including director elections and executive compensation votes, without any indication of recent proxy disputes or significant activist investor involvement.
Understanding Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company's Governance
The governance structure of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. emphasizes experienced leadership and a straightforward voting system. This approach aims to align management and shareholder interests effectively.
- 12 directors on the board as of July 2025.
- Average director tenure of 11.2 years.
- One-share-one-vote structure for all common stock.
- James A. (Ja) Hillebrand serves as Chairman and CEO.
- Detailed information on board composition and voting is available in proxy statements, reflecting a commitment to transparency in Target Market of Stock Yards Bank & Trust.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Stock Yards Bank & Trust’s Ownership Landscape?
Over the past few years, Stock Yards Bancorp has shown steady growth and smart capital management, aligning with trends in regional banking. The company's ownership structure remains stable, characterized by strong institutional backing.
| Development | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Share Repurchase Program | July 2025 | Authorization to buy back up to 1,000,000 shares over two years. |
| Branch Expansion | Ongoing | New locations planned in Bardstown, Kentucky, and Liberty Township, Ohio. |
| Record Earnings | Q2 2025 | Net income of $34.0 million, or $1.15 per diluted share. |
| Loan Growth | Year-over-year | Total loans increased by 13% to $779 million. |
| Deposit Growth | Past 12 months | Deposit balances expanded by 14%. |
| Executive Promotion | January 3, 2024 | Shannon Budnick promoted to EVP, Director of Wealth Management & Trust Group. |
| Principal Accounting Officer Appointment | March 2025 | T. Clay Stinnett appointed following Michael B. Newton's departure. |
Stock Yards Bancorp's recent developments highlight a commitment to shareholder value and market expansion. The announcement of a new share repurchase program in July 2025, authorizing the buyback of up to 1,000,000 shares, signals management's confidence in the company's future. This initiative, coupled with planned branch expansions in Bardstown, Kentucky, and Liberty Township, Ohio, aims to strengthen its market presence. The company achieved record earnings in the second quarter of 2025, with net income reaching $34.0 million, or $1.15 per diluted share. This performance was fueled by a robust 13% year-over-year increase in total loans, reaching $779 million, and a 14% expansion in deposit balances over the preceding twelve months. Leadership transitions, including Shannon Budnick's promotion to Executive Vice President, Director of Wealth Management & Trust Group in January 2024 and T. Clay Stinnett's appointment as principal accounting officer in March 2025, reflect strategic succession planning. These actions collectively demonstrate a proactive approach to growth and capital management, consistent with the strong institutional ownership observed in the regional banking sector. Understanding these strategic moves is key to grasping the company's overall direction, as detailed in the Marketing Strategy of Stock Yards Bank & Trust.
Shareholder Returns
The company's new share repurchase program, authorized in July 2025, allows for the buyback of up to 1,000,000 shares. This move underscores a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
Financial Performance
Stock Yards Bancorp reported record earnings for Q2 2025, with net income at $34.0 million. This strong performance was driven by significant loan and deposit growth.
Strategic Expansion
The bank is expanding its physical presence with new branches planned in Bardstown, Kentucky, and Liberty Township, Ohio. This geographic expansion aims to enhance market reach.
Leadership and Succession
Recent leadership appointments, including a new Director of Wealth Management & Trust and a principal accounting officer, highlight proactive succession planning. These changes ensure continuity in executive roles.
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- What is Brief History of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company?
- What is Competitive Landscape of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company?
- What is Growth Strategy and Future Prospects of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company?
- How Does Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Work?
- What is Sales and Marketing Strategy of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company?
- What are Mission Vision & Core Values of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company?
- What is Customer Demographics and Target Market of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company?
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