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Central Bancompany, Inc., a Jefferson City, Missouri–based bank holding company with deep community roots dating back to 1902, is preparing to list its Class A common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CBC. The company plans to offer 17,778,000 shares at an expected price range of $21.00 to $24.00 per share, implying a midpoint price of $22.50. At that midpoint, the deal would raise approximately $400 million in gross proceeds and value the company at an estimated $5.4 billion post-offering. Joint lead bookrunners include Morgan Stanley and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (a Stifel Company), joined by BofA Securities, Piper Sandler, and Stephens Inc.
Following the offering, Central Bancompany will remain a controlled company under Nasdaq rules, with about 65.8% of voting power retained by a family-led voting trust overseen by Executive Chairman S. Bryan Cook. The IPO marks a rare public debut for a fifth-generation Midwestern bank that has endured 23 U.S. recessions without a single loss-making year—a reflection of its conservative management and long-term discipline.
As of September 30, 2025, the company reported $19.2 billion in total assets and $15.4 billion in wealth assets under advice. Through its subsidiary, The Central Trust Bank, it operates 156 branches across Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Florida, maintaining a weighted-average deposit market share of 24%, more than double the peer median of 11%. Central’s success is built on relationship banking and customer retention, with an impressive Net Promoter Score of 71 and an average deposit customer tenure of 13 years.
The company generates balanced revenue across Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Wealth Management, blending small-town service with enterprise-level technology. In 2024, total revenue reached $897.7 million, a 3% year-over-year increase, with a fee-income ratio of 23.4%—well above the 19.1% peer median. Its wealth division manages $15.4 billion in client assets and posted a 32% pre-tax margin for the first nine months of 2025, making it one of the company’s most profitable business lines. Over the past decade, total loans have grown 6% annually and deposits 7%, both ahead of the national banking average.
Financially, Central Bancompany presents one of the strongest profiles in the regional banking universe. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, adjusted revenue totaled $769.5 million, with adjusted net income of $295 million and an annualized ROAA of 2.06%. For 2024, adjusted total revenue was $934.4 million and net income reached $333.7 million, yielding a net margin above 21% and an efficiency ratio of 54.5%. Even during 2023’s liquidity-driven turbulence, the company maintained a return on assets above 1.6%, reinforcing its reputation for durability.
Beyond profitability, Central’s balance sheet remains a model of strength. The company’s CET1 ratio of 24.6% is roughly twice the peer median of 12.2%, with zero wholesale-funding reliance—no brokered deposits or FHLB borrowings. Its loan-to-deposit ratio stands at 77%, and cash plus securities equal 37% of total assets, underscoring exceptional liquidity. Non-performing assets represent just 0.30% of assets, among the best ratios in the sector.
For investors, the Central Bancompany IPO offers a chance to own a share of one of America’s most quietly consistent banking franchises. With more than a century of stable growth, a loyal deposit base, and capital levels among the highest in the industry, CBC positions itself as a defensive yet growth-minded regional bank story—one that blends old-school prudence with modern performance.
Central Bancompany is expected to trade on November 20th, 2025.
