Form 4: SYBT EVP Budnick Reports Stock Appreciation Rights Grant

Stock Yards Bancorp Executive Vice President Shannon Budnick reported the acquisition of 2,552 Stock Appreciation Rights and changes in beneficial ownership of common stock.

Summary

• Shannon Budnick, Executive Vice President of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (SYBT), reported the acquisition of 2,552 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) on February 19, 2026, with an exercise price of $68.33.
• These newly acquired SARs become exercisable on February 19, 2027, and expire on February 19, 2036.
• Budnick also reported indirect beneficial ownership of 336 shares of Common Stock through a KSOP (fbo Shannon Budnick), which includes employer contributions and automatic dividend reinvestment.
• Direct beneficial ownership of Common Stock stands at 7,754 shares.
• Existing derivative holdings include SARs for 7,500 shares (exercise price $54.92, exercisable 01/03/2025), 2,866 shares (exercise price $47.95, exercisable 02/12/2025), and 2,157 shares (exercise price $75.21, exercisable 02/10/2026).

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a moderately positive signal. The grant of Stock Appreciation Rights to a key executive indicates continued alignment of management incentives with shareholder value, which is generally well-received by investors.

Positives

• The acquisition of 2,552 Stock Appreciation Rights by a key executive aligns management's financial interests with the long-term performance and shareholder value of Stock Yards Bancorp.
• Increased insider exposure to the company's equity through SARs can signal confidence in future growth prospects.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that insider transactions, such as the grant of Stock Appreciation Rights, are common forms of executive compensation in the financial services industry. These grants are designed to incentivize long-term performance and align executive interests with shareholder returns, a standard practice among regional banks and financial institutions.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The grant of Stock Appreciation Rights to an executive can align management's incentives with shareholder interests, potentially leading to decisions that enhance long-term stock value.
• Employees: Executive compensation structures, including equity-linked awards, can influence overall compensation philosophy and morale within the company.

Key Dates

Keywords

Stock Yards Bancorp, SYBT, Shannon Budnick, Executive Vice President, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Stock Appreciation Rights, SARs, Beneficial Ownership, Equity Compensation