PINE BLUFF, Ark., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Jay Brogdon, Simmons' President and CEO, commented on third quarter 2026 results:

"The third quarter showcased our commitment to delivering sustainable long-term value through focused execution of several strategic initiatives designed to improve profitability and further optimize our balance sheet. We continue to achieve reductions in noninterest expenses as well as back-book loans and deposits with low relationship value. Combined with disciplined loan and deposit pricing, these initiatives drove net interest margin expansion of 8 basis points to 3.92%, and drove meaningful improvements in our adjusted ROAA and adjusted ROTCE performance.

Credit quality metrics remained relatively stable during the quarter, as we actively manage legacy credits and pursue early identification of potential problems. We continue strengthening reserves to buffer our already strong capital levels. 

As we look to the fourth quarter and beyond, we will remain relentless in our commitment to the principles of generating sound and profitable growth. By simplifying and focusing our business, we have gained efficiencies that will more than fund ongoing investments that support high-value organic growth. We plan to further outline our strategic objectives and future financial targets at our upcoming Investor Day in December."

Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) (Simmons or Company) today reported net income of $47.1 million for the third quarter of 2026, compared to net income of $66.7 million for the second quarter of 2026 and a net loss of $562.8 million in the third quarter of 2025. Diluted earnings per share were $0.32 for the third quarter of 2026, compared to $0.46 for the second quarter of 2026 and $(4.00) for the third quarter of 2025. Adjusted earnings¹ for the third quarter of 2026 were $79.0 million, compared to $72.2 million for the second quarter of 2026 and $64.9 million for the third quarter of 2025. Adjusted diluted earnings per share¹ for the third quarter of 2026 were $0.54, compared to $0.50 for the second quarter of 2026 and $0.46 for the third quarter of 2025.

For the third quarter of 2026, return on average assets was 0.77 percent and return on average common equity was 5.37 percent. Adjusted return on average assets¹ was 1.29 percent and adjusted return on average tangible common equity¹ was 15.50 percent.

The table below summarizes the impact of certain items, consisting primarily of branch/real estate rightsizing costs, severance/early retirement program costs, certain professional services, accelerated prepaid expenses, loss on sale of securities and loss on early extinguishment of debt. These items are also described in further detail in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" tables contained in this press release.

Impact of Certain Items on Earnings and Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the third quarter of 2026 totaled $204.0 million, up $3.3 million, or 7 percent annualized, compared to $200.6 million for the second quarter of 2026 and up $17.3 million, or 9 percent, compared to $186.7 million for the third quarter of 2025. The increase in net interest income on a linked quarter basis was due to a $1.4 million increase in interest income, coupled with a $2.0 million decrease in interest expense. These changes were primarily driven by loan yields increasing as lower fixed rate loan back book repriced higher, continued optimization of funding costs, including lower customer deposit costs and utilization of FHLB advances as an alternative to higher rate brokered deposits, and one extra day in the quarter. The increase in net interest income on a year-over-year basis was primarily due to a full quarter impact of balance sheet repositioning completed in the third quarter of 2025, along with the previously mentioned lower fixed rate loan back book repricing and optimization of funding cost.

Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2026 on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis² was 3.92 percent, up 8 basis points compared to 3.84 percent for the second quarter of 2026 and up 42 basis points compared to 3.50 percent for the third quarter of 2025. The increase in net interest margin on a linked quarter basis reflected an increase in loan yields, coupled with the deleveraging of the balance sheet driven by the run-off of certain lower yielding, low relationship credits and a corresponding reduction of higher cost funding. The increase in the net interest margin on a year-over-year basis primarily reflected the full impact of the balance sheet repositioning that was completed during the third quarter of 2025 and previously mentioned optimization of loan yields and funding cost.

Noninterest Income
Noninterest income for the third quarter of 2026 was $47.2 million, compared to $47.9 million in the second quarter of 2026 and $(756.2) million in the third quarter of 2025. Included in noninterest income in the third quarter of 2025 was a loss on the sale of securities totaling $801.5 million in connection with the balance sheet repositioning. Adjusted noninterest income¹ for the third quarter of 2025 was $45.9 million. The decrease in noninterest income on a linked quarter basis was primarily due to a decrease in swap fee income and a higher positive valuation adjustment on Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) investments in the second quarter of 2026, both of which are included in "other income" in the table below. These decreases more than offset a $1.3 million increase in service charges on deposit accounts and a $1.2 million increase in wealth management services.

Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2026 was $182.0 million, compared to $147.7 million in the second quarter of 2026 and $142.0 million in the third quarter of 2025. Included in noninterest expense are certain items consisting of branch/real estate rightsizing costs, severance/early retirement program costs, certain professional services, accelerated prepaid expenses and loss on early extinguishment of debt. Collectively, these items totaled $43.1 million in the third quarter of 2026, $7.4 million in the second quarter of 2026 and $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2025. Excluding these items (which are described in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" table below) adjusted noninterest expense¹ was $138.9 million in the third quarter of 2026, $140.3 million in the second quarter of 2026 and $139.7 million in the third quarter of 2025. The efficiency ratio for the third quarter of 2026 was 71.59 percent, compared to 58.72 percent for the second quarter of 2026 and (25.11) percent for the third quarter of 2025. The adjusted efficiency ratio¹ was 53.31 percent for the third quarter of 2026, compared to 54.26 percent for the second quarter of 2026 and 57.72 percent for the third quarter of 2025.

Loans and Unfunded Loan Commitments
Total loans at the end of the third quarter of 2026 were $17.5 billion, compared to $18.1 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and $17.2 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2025. The decrease in total loans on a linked quarter basis reflected higher levels of paydowns, early payoffs, and continued focus on profitability and relationship banking as we deleveraged the balance sheet through the run-off of certain lower yielding, low relationship credits. Unfunded commitments at the end of the third quarter of 2026 were $4.4 billion, relatively unchanged from second quarter 2026 levels and up from $4.0 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2025. The commercial loan pipeline totaled $1.3 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2026, and ready-to-close commercial loans totaled $455 million with a weighted average rate of 6.78 percent.

Deposits and Other Borrowings
Total deposits at the end of the third quarter of 2026 were $18.6 billion, compared to $19.7 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and $19.8 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2025. Noninterest bearing deposits totaled $4.3 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2026, compared to $4.4 billion at the end of both the second quarter of 2026 and the third quarter of 2025. Interest bearing deposits at the end of the third quarter of 2026 totaled $14.3 billion, compared to $15.4 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and $15.5 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2025. The decrease in interest bearing deposits on a linked quarter basis reflected balance sheet deleveraging of higher rate deposits, seasonal decreases in public fund deposits and a reduction in the utilization of brokered deposits given pricing relative to FHLB advances. The decrease in total deposits on a year-over-year basis primarily reflected a decrease in time deposits, coupled with a decrease in brokered deposits.

Other borrowings at the end of the third quarter of 2026 were $1.4 billion, compared to $941.3 million at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and $18.8 million at the end of the third quarter of 2025. The increase in other borrowings on a linked quarter and year-over-year basis reflected increased utilization of short-term FHLB advances given favorable pricing.

Asset Quality
Provision for credit losses on loans totaled $12.2 million for the third quarter of 2026, compared to $17.4 million in the second quarter of 2026 and $15.2 million in the third quarter of 2025. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the third quarter of 2026 were 27 basis points, compared to 20 basis points in the second quarter of 2026 and 25 basis points in the third quarter of 2025. The allowance for credit losses on loans at the end of the third quarter of 2026 was $238.5 million, compared to $238.2 million at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and $258.0 million at the end of the third quarter of 2025. The allowance for credit losses on loans as a percentage of total loans at the end of the third quarter of 2026 was 1.37 percent, compared to 1.32 percent at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and 1.50 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2025.

Loans past due 30-89 days as a percentage of total loans were 30 basis points at the end of the third quarter of 2026, compared to 29 basis points at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and 11 basis points at the end of the third quarter of 2025. Total nonperforming loans at the end of the third quarter of 2026 totaled $179.9 million, compared to $166.1 million at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and $153.9 million at the end of the third quarter of 2025. The increase in nonperforming loans on a linked quarter basis reflected normal credit migration. The nonperforming loan coverage ratio ended the third quarter of 2026 at 133 percent, compared to 143 percent at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and 168 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2025. Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets were 78 basis points at the end of the third quarter of 2026, compared to 72 basis points at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and 66 basis points at the end of the third quarter of 2025.

Capital
Total stockholders' equity at the end of the third quarter of 2026 was $3.3 billion, compared to $3.5 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and $3.4 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2025. Book value per share at the end of the third quarter of 2026 was $23.18, compared to $24.11 at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and unchanged from the third quarter of 2025. Tangible book value per share¹ at the end of the third quarter of 2026 was $13.52, compared to $14.42 at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and $13.45 at the end of the third quarter of 2025. The decrease in book value per share and tangible book value per share on a linked quarter basis was primarily due to an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss reflecting higher long-term interest rates, offset in part, by an increase in undivided profits.  

Total stockholders' equity as a percentage of total assets at the end of the third quarter of 2026 was 13.9 percent, compared to 14.1 percent at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and unchanged from the level at the end of the third quarter of 2025. Tangible common equity as a percentage of tangible assets¹ was 8.6 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2026, compared to 8.9 percent at the end of the second quarter of 2026 and 8.5 percent at the end of the third quarter of 2025. Both Simmons and its principal subsidiary, Simmons Bank, continue to maintain regulatory capital ratios significantly above "well-capitalized" regulatory guidelines.

Share Repurchase Program
During the third quarter of 2026, Simmons did not repurchase shares under its stock repurchase program that was authorized in January 2026 (2026 Program). Remaining authorization under the 2026 Program as of September 30, 2026, was approximately $161 million. The timing, pricing and amount of any repurchases under the 2026 Program will be determined by Simmons' management at its discretion based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, market conditions, trading volume and market price of Simmons' common stock, Simmons' capital needs, Simmons' working capital and investment requirements, other corporate considerations, economic conditions, and legal requirements. The 2026 Program does not obligate Simmons to repurchase any common stock and may be modified, discontinued or suspended at any time without prior notice.

Conference Call
Management will conduct a live conference call to review this information beginning at 7:30 a.m. Central Time on Friday, October 16, 2026. Interested parties can listen to this call by dialing toll-free 1-844-481-2779 (North America only) and asking for the Simmons First National Corporation conference call, conference ID 10212015. In addition, the call will be available live or in recorded version on Simmons' website at simmonsbank.com for at least 60 days following the date of the call.

Simmons First National Corporation
Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) is a Mid-South based financial holding company that has paid cash dividends to its shareholders for 117 consecutive years. Its principal subsidiary, Simmons Bank, operates 220 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Founded in 1903, Simmons Bank offers comprehensive financial solutions delivered with a client-centric approach. Recently, Simmons Bank was recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2026, by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Companies 2026 and by American Banker as one of the Top Performing Banks 2026 with $10 billion to $50 billion of assets. In 2025, Simmons Bank was recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces 2025 in Arkansas and one of America's Best Regional Banks 2025, and by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 2024-2025 Best Companies to Work For in the South. Additional information about Simmons Bank can be found on our website at simmonsbank.com, by following @Simmons_Bank on X or by visiting our newsroom.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their analysis of the Company's performance. These measures adjust GAAP performance measures to, among other things, include the tax benefit associated with revenue items that are tax-exempt, as well as exclude from net income (including on a per share diluted basis), pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, net charge-offs, income available to common shareholders, noninterest income, and noninterest expense certain income and expense items attributable to, for example, branch/real estate rightsizing costs, severance/early retirement program costs, certain professional services, accelerated prepaid expenses, loss on sale of securities and loss on early extinguishment of debt.

In addition, the Company also presents certain figures based on tangible common stockholders' equity, tangible assets and tangible book value, which exclude goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company further presents certain figures that are exclusive of the impact of deposits and/or loans acquired through acquisitions, mortgage warehouse loans, and/or energy loans, or gains and/or losses on the sale of securities. The Company's management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors because they, among other things, present the results of the Company's ongoing operations without the effect of mergers or other items not central to the Company's ongoing business, as well as normalize for tax effects and certain other effects. Management, therefore, believes presentations of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the operating results of the Company's ongoing businesses, and management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to assess the performance of the Company's ongoing businesses as related to prior financial periods. These non-GAAP disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as the reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in the tables of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may not be based on historical facts and should be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements made in Mr. Brogdon's quote, may be identified by reference to future periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "believe," "budget," "expect," "foresee," "anticipate," "intend," "indicate," "target," "estimate," "plan," "project," "continue," "contemplate," "positions," "prospects," "predict," or "potential," by future conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," "might" or "may," or by variations of such words or by similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to Simmons' future growth, business strategies, lending capacity and lending activity, loan demand, revenue, assets, asset quality, profitability, dividends, net interest margin, non-interest revenue, share repurchase program, acquisition strategy, digital banking initiatives, the Company's ability to recruit and retain key employees, the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, future economic conditions and interest rates, and the adequacy of reserve levels for loans. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and Simmons undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release. By nature, forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and involve inherent risk and uncertainties. Various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in economic conditions, changes in credit quality, changes in interest rates and related governmental policies, the effects of a government shutdown, changes in loan demand, changes in deposit flows, changes in real estate values, changes in the assumptions used in making the forward-looking statements, changes in the securities markets generally or the price of Simmons' common stock specifically, changes in information technology affecting the financial industry, and changes in customer behaviors, including consumer spending, borrowing, and saving habits; changes in tariff policies; general economic and market conditions; changes in governmental administrations; market disruptions including pandemics or significant health hazards, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises, war and other military conflicts (including the ongoing military conflicts in Iran and the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine) or other major events, or the prospect of these events; the soundness of other financial institutions and any indirect exposure related to the closings of other financial institutions and their impact on the broader market through other customers, suppliers and partners, or that the conditions which resulted in the liquidity concerns experienced by closed financial institutions may also adversely impact, directly or indirectly, other financial institutions and market participants with which the Company has commercial or deposit relationships; increased inflation; the loss of key employees; increased competition in the markets in which the Company operates and from non-bank financial institutions; increased unemployment; labor shortages; claims, damages, and fines related to litigation or government actions; changes in accounting principles relating to loan loss recognition (current expected credit losses); fraud that results in material losses or that the Company has not discovered yet that may result in material losses; the Company's ability to manage and successfully integrate its mergers and acquisitions and to fully realize cost savings and other benefits associated with acquisitions; increased delinquency and foreclosure rates on commercial real estate loans; significant increases in nonaccrual loan balances; cyber or other information technology threats, attacks or events; emerging issues related to the development and use of artificial intelligence that could give rise to legal or regulatory action or increase cybersecurity threats; reliance on third parties for key services; government legislation; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. In addition, there can be no guarantee that the board of directors (Board) of Simmons will approve a quarterly dividend in future quarters, and the timing, payment, and amount of future dividends (if any) is subject to, among other things, the discretion of the Board and may differ significantly from past dividends. Additional information on factors that might affect the Company's financial results is included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company's Form 10-Qs for the quarters ended March 31, 2026 and June 30, 2026, and other reports that the Company has filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), all of which are available from the SEC on its website, www.sec.gov.