Predecessor firms date to 1854. In 1965, J.J.B. Hilliard & Son and W.L. Lyons and Company combined to become J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons. From 1998 to 2008, the company was owned by PNC Financial Services. Now ownership is shared between Hilliard Lyons employees and Houchens Industries, a 100% employee-owned conglomerate based in Bowling Green, Ky. Other companies under the Houchens umbrella include Stewart-Richey Construction, Inc., Tampico Beverages, Inc., Food Giant, and Hitcents.
Operations
;Private Client Group Approximately 400 financial consultants provide financial guidance to individuals and families, including retirement planning, estate planning, financial planning, risk management, and education funding.
Investment banking
In 2010, the firm acquired middle-market investment banking firm bCatalyst to complement existing Investment Banking capabilities. As a result, Hilliard Lyons now assists business owners with business valuations, financing for expansion and acquisition, and mergers and acquisitions.
Lending
In 2011, Hilliard Lyons partnered with The Bancorp, Inc. to offer clients a broad range of borrowing services.
Trust
Hilliard Lyons Trust Company provides asset management, estate planning, and trust services to Hilliard Lyons clients. HLTC serves as a trustee for numerous types of revocable and irrevocable trusts. HLTC also functions as executor and investment manager. HLTC can hold and manage assets such as real estate, oil and gas, personal property, and closely held companies. HLTC also manages assets for institutional investors, including corporate and government retirement plans, foundations, endowments, and mutual fund families.
Public finance
Hilliard Lyons acts in numerous capacities for states, cities, counties, schools, and other issuers of public debt. Notably, in 2010 Hilliard Lyons handled critical elements of the debt for the $238 million Louisville Downtown Arena, now the Yum! Center. The firm maintains municipal bond trading and underwriting desks in Louisville and Indianapolis. Hilliard Lyons actively participates in the new-issue market on a regional basis.
Research
Hilliard Lyons research analysts cover about 130 companies. Seven of Hilliard Lyons' ten equity analysts have held The Wall Street Journal's All-Star/Best on the Street title a combined total of 17 times. Analysts have also won the Financial Times StarMine Award five times for stock picks within their industry and on a broader scale, the Financial Times has ranked two Hilliard Lyons analysts among the nation's top 10 analysts overall, regardless of industry. Analysts are and have been quoted in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the New York Times and Barron's. They frequently appear on CNBC, FOX Business News, and Bloomberg.
Culture
Hilliard Lyons is a ten-time winner of the Best Places to Work inKentucky designation, a seven-time winner in Indiana, a five-time winner in Ohio, and a past winner in South Carolina.
