0000090498 sfnc:AcquiredLoansMember us-gaap:ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember sfnc:OtherConsumerLoansMember 2019-09-30






UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019
OR
For Quarter EndedMarch 31, 2019
 Commission File Number 000-06253
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
sfnclogoa02.jpg
 Commission File Number 000-06253
slogo.jpgSIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Arkansas71-0407808
(State or other jurisdiction of(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)Identification No.)
  
501 Main Street71601
Pine Bluff(Zip Code)
Arkansas71601
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(870) (870) 541-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last reportreport) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per shareSFNCThe Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    xYes¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   
xYes¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerx
Accelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filer¨
Smaller reporting company¨
Emerging Growth company¨ 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.).  ¨ Yes   x No
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per shareSFNCThe NASDAQ Global Select Market



The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock as of May 3,November 4, 2019, was 95,876,505.96,654,900.







Simmons First National Corporation
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
March 31,September 30, 2019


Table of Contents


  Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
*
*
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities*
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures*
Item 5.Other Information*
   
 
___________________
*    No reportable information under this item.









Part I:Financial Information
Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018
 September 30, December 31,
(In thousands, except share data)2019 2018
 (Unaudited)  
ASSETS 
  
Cash and non-interest bearing balances due from banks$161,440
 $171,792
Interest bearing balances due from banks and federal funds sold368,530
 661,666
Cash and cash equivalents529,970
 833,458
Interest bearing balances due from banks - time5,041
 4,934
Investment securities:   
Held-to-maturity42,237
 289,194
Available-for-sale2,356,134
 2,151,752
Total investments2,398,371
 2,440,946
Mortgage loans held for sale50,099
 26,799
Loans:   
Legacy loans9,643,365
 8,430,388
Allowance for loan losses(65,993) (56,599)
Loans acquired, net of discount and allowance3,359,587
 3,292,783
Net loans12,936,959
 11,666,572
Premises and equipment378,678
 295,060
Foreclosed assets and other real estate owned19,576
 25,565
Interest receivable53,966
 49,938
Bank owned life insurance234,655
 193,170
Goodwill926,648
 845,687
Other intangible assets101,149
 91,334
Other assets123,399
 69,874
Total assets$17,758,511
 $16,543,337
    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Deposits:   
Non-interest bearing transaction accounts$3,044,330
 $2,672,405
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits7,337,571
 6,830,191
Time deposits3,086,108
 2,896,156
Total deposits13,468,009

12,398,752
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase116,536
 95,792
Other borrowings1,098,395
 1,345,450
Subordinated debentures354,223
 353,950
Accrued interest and other liabilities174,277
 102,959
Total liabilities15,211,440

14,296,903
    
Stockholders’ equity:   
Common stock, Class A, $0.01 par value; 175,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; 96,613,855 and 92,347,643 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively966
 923
Surplus1,708,058
 1,597,944
Undivided profits814,338
 674,941
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)23,709
 (27,374)
Total stockholders’ equity2,547,071
 2,246,434
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$17,758,511
 $16,543,337

 March 31, December 31,
(In thousands, except share data)2019 2018
 (Unaudited)  
ASSETS 
  
Cash and non-interest bearing balances due from banks$151,112
 $171,792
Interest bearing balances due from banks and federal funds sold340,049
 661,666
Cash and cash equivalents491,161
 833,458
Interest bearing balances due from banks - time4,684
 4,934
Investment securities:   
Held-to-maturity61,435
 289,194
Available-for-sale2,240,111
 2,151,752
Total investments2,301,546
 2,440,946
Mortgage loans held for sale18,480
 26,799
Loans:   
Legacy loans8,684,550
 8,430,388
Allowance for loan losses(59,243) (56,599)
Loans acquired, net of discount and allowance3,056,187
 3,292,783
Net loans11,681,494
 11,666,572
Premises and equipment333,740
 295,060
Foreclosed assets and other real estate owned18,952
 25,565
Interest receivable51,796
 49,938
Bank owned life insurance192,736
 193,170
Goodwill845,687
 845,687
Other intangible assets88,694
 91,334
Other assets62,669
 69,874
Total assets$16,091,639
 $16,543,337
    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Deposits:   
Non-interest bearing transaction accounts$2,674,034
 $2,672,405
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits6,666,823
 6,830,191
Time deposits2,648,674
 2,896,156
Total deposits11,989,531

12,398,752
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase120,213
 95,792
Other borrowings1,169,989
 1,345,450
Subordinated debentures354,041
 353,950
Accrued interest and other liabilities155,544
 102,959
Total liabilities13,789,318

14,296,903
    
Stockholders’ equity:   
Common stock, Class A, $0.01 par value; 175,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018; 92,568,361 and 92,347,643 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively926
 923
Surplus1,599,566
 1,597,944
Undivided profits707,829
 674,941
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(6,000) (27,374)
Total stockholders’ equity2,302,321
 2,246,434
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$16,091,639
 $16,543,337


See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3









Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except per share data)2019 2018 2019 2018
 (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
INTEREST INCOME       
Loans$179,971
 $162,438
 $517,533
 $456,041
Interest bearing balances due from banks and federal funds sold1,586
 1,405
 4,861
 3,828
Investment securities15,367
 14,640
 49,273
 41,558
Mortgage loans held for sale382
 501
 924
 964
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME197,306
 178,984
 572,591
 502,391
        
INTEREST EXPENSE       
Deposits36,936
 24,390
 102,482
 58,448
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase249
 104
 642
 302
Other borrowings5,381
 6,240
 18,393
 16,520
Subordinated notes and debentures4,576
 5,282
 13,528
 12,350
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE47,142
 36,016
 135,045
 87,620
        
NET INTEREST INCOME150,164
 142,968
 437,546
 414,771
Provision for loan losses21,973
 10,345
 38,337
 28,528
        
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES128,191
 132,623
 399,209
 386,243
        
NON-INTEREST INCOME       
Trust income6,108
 6,277
 17,610
 17,148
Service charges on deposit accounts10,825
 10,837
 31,450
 31,245
Other service charges and fees1,308
 1,201
 3,909
 5,968
Mortgage lending income4,509
 1,521
 10,988
 7,773
SBA lending income956
 304
 2,348
 1,627
Investment banking income513
 664
 1,491
 2,312
Debit and credit card fees7,059
 6,820
 20,369
 25,721
Bank owned life insurance income1,302
 1,105
 3,357
 3,310
Gain on sale of securities, net7,374
 54
 12,937
 53
Other income43,821
 4,942
 52,083
 14,151
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME83,775
 33,725
 156,542
 109,308
        
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE       
Salaries and employee benefits52,065
 55,515
 164,560
 167,550
Occupancy expense, net8,342
 7,713
 22,736
 22,594
Furniture and equipment expense4,898
 3,761
 12,462
 12,184
Other real estate and foreclosure expense1,125
 538
 2,353
 2,940
Deposit insurance
 2,248
 4,550
 6,232
Merger related costs2,556
 804
 11,548
 3,980
Other operating expenses37,879
 29,674
 100,808
 81,353
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE106,865
 100,253
 319,017
 296,833
        
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES105,101
 66,095
 236,734
 198,718
Provision for income taxes23,275
 10,902
 51,289
 38,651
        
NET INCOME81,826
 55,193
 185,445
 160,067
Preferred stock dividends
 
 326
 
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS$81,826
 $55,193
 $185,119
 $160,067
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE$0.85
 $0.60
 $1.95
 $1.74
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE$0.84
 $0.59
 $1.94
 $1.72

   Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)    2019 2018
   (Unaudited)
INTEREST INCOME       
Loans    $159,440
 $143,350
Interest bearing balances due from banks and federal funds sold    2,154
 1,009
Investment securities    17,312
 12,622
Mortgage loans held for sale    210
 158
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME    179,116
 157,139
        
INTEREST EXPENSE       
Deposits    30,750
 15,597
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase    136
 110
Other borrowings    6,793
 5,139
Subordinated notes and debentures    4,411
 1,327
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE    42,090
 22,173
        
NET INTEREST INCOME    137,026
 134,966
Provision for loan losses    9,285
 9,150
        
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES    127,741
 125,816
        
NON-INTEREST INCOME       
Trust income    5,708
 5,249
Service charges on deposit accounts    10,068
 10,345
Other service charges and fees    1,289
 2,750
Mortgage lending income    2,823
 3,472
SBA lending income    497
 973
Investment banking income    618
 834
Debit and credit card fees    6,098
 8,796
Bank owned life insurance income    795
 1,103
Gain on sale of securities, net    2,740
 6
Other income    3,125
 4,007
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME    33,761
 37,535
        
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE       
Salaries and employee benefits    56,367
 56,357
Occupancy expense, net    7,475
 6,960
Furniture and equipment expense    3,358
 4,403
Other real estate and foreclosure expense    637
 1,020
Deposit insurance    2,040
 2,128
Merger related costs    1,470
 1,711
Other operating expenses    30,062
 25,494
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE    101,409
 98,073
        
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES    60,093
 65,278
Provision for income taxes    12,398
 13,966
        
NET INCOME    $47,695
 $51,312
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE    $0.52
 $0.56
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE    $0.51
 $0.55




See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4









Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018
  Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
  (Unaudited)(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
NET INCOME $47,695
 $51,312
$81,826
 $55,193
 $185,445
 $160,067
           
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)           
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on available-for-sale securities 29,130
 (22,735)18,736
 (10,583) 79,547
 (41,612)
Unrealized holding gain on the transfer of held-to-maturity securities to available-for-sale per ASU 2017-12 2,547
 

 
 2,547
 
Less: Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income 2,740
 6
Less: Reclassification adjustment for realized gains (losses) included in net income7,374
 54
 12,937
 53
Other comprehensive gain (loss), before tax effect 28,937
 (22,741)11,362
 (10,637) 69,157
 (41,665)
Less: Tax effect of other comprehensive income (loss) 7,563
 (5,943)2,969
 (2,780) 18,074
 (10,889)
           
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 21,374
 (16,798)8,393
 (7,857) 51,083
 (30,776)
           
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $69,069
 $34,514
$90,219
 $47,336
 $236,528
 $129,291




See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
5









Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)(Unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
  
 
  
Net income$47,695
 $51,312
$185,445
 $160,067
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization7,451
 6,677
25,462
 20,810
Provision for loan losses9,285
 9,150
38,337
 28,528
Gain on sale of investments(2,740) (6)(12,937) (53)
Net accretion of investment securities and assets(9,559) (14,368)(35,272) (41,423)
Net amortization (accretion) on borrowings91
 (211)273
 (471)
Stock-based compensation expense3,084
 2,585
9,316
 8,448
(Gain) loss on sale of foreclosed assets held for sale(32) 41
(16) 150
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale(3,342) (2,610)(14,196) (9,675)
Loss (gain) on sale of loans4,451
 (10)
Gain on sale of Visa, Inc. class B common stock(42,860) 
Fair value write-down of closed branches
 954
Deferred income taxes2,081
 3,921
10,933
 7,316
Income from bank owned life insurance(876) (1,103)(3,438) (3,310)
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale(98,255) (113,012)(499,178) (424,751)
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale109,916
 121,952
490,674
 410,269
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Interest receivable(1,858) 1,582
(679) (7,798)
Lease right-of-use assets2,294
 
(1,370) 
Other assets3,730
 (5,648)3,802
 (24,695)
Accrued interest and other liabilities30,805
 33,983
10,881
 23,821
Income taxes payable(10,977) (13,955)18,722
 3,956
Net cash provided by operating activities88,793

80,290
188,350

152,133
      
INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Net originations of loans(18,116) (140,804)(299,013) (1,034,175)
Decrease in due from banks - time250
 245
Proceeds from sale of loans104,587
 24,977
Decrease (increase) in due from banks - time395
 (640)
Purchases of premises and equipment, net(13,027) (6,052)(37,523) (17,084)
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets held for sale7,214
 4,359
16,139
 20,739
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities209,968
 7,726
561,374
 7,726
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities55,804
 58,548
405,090
 197,464
Purchases of available-for-sale securities(110,767) (320,798)(593,700) (634,791)
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities11,408
 15,512
29,179
 46,515
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities
 (1,172)
Purchases of bank owned life insurance
 (4,000)
Proceeds from bank owned life insurance death benefits1,310
 616
1,310
 616
Disposition of assets and liabilities held for sale1,393
 (75,586)1,245
 (58,295)
Purchase of Reliance Bancshares, Inc.(37,017) 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities145,437
 (456,234)152,066
 (1,452,120)
      
FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Net change in deposits(409,221) 564,040
(156,010) 995,631
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes
 326,711

 326,355
Repayments of subordinated debentures
 (94,915)
Dividends paid on preferred stock(326) 
Dividends paid on common stock(14,807) (14,081)(45,722) (41,766)
Net change in other borrowed funds(175,461) (239,038)(404,455) 40,893
Net change in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase24,421
 (1,535)6,598
 (13,231)
Net shares issued under stock compensation plans(2,771) 443
(3,301) 1,756
Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan1,312
 1,026
1,312
 1,026
Retirement of preferred stock(42,000) 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(576,527)
637,566
(643,904)
1,215,749
      
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(342,297) 261,622
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(303,488) (84,238)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD833,458
 598,042
833,458
 598,042
      
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD$491,161

$859,664
$529,970

$513,804


See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
6









Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018

(In thousands, except share data) 
Common
Stock
 Surplus 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Undivided
Profits
 Total
Balance at, December 31, 2017 $920
 $1,586,034
 $(17,264) $514,874
 $2,084,564
           
Comprehensive income 
 
 (16,798) 51,312
 34,514
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan – 39,782 shares 
 1,026
 
 
 1,026
Stock-based compensation plans, net – 173,489 2
 3,026
 
 
 3,028
Dividends on common stock – $0.15 per share 
 
 
 (14,081) (14,081)
           
Balance, March 31, 2018 (Unaudited) 922

1,590,086

(34,062)
552,105

2,109,051
           
Comprehensive income 
 
 6,688
 164,401
 171,089
Stock-based compensation plans, net – 105,254 1
 7,858
 
 
 7,859
Dividends on common stock – $0.45 per share 
 
 
 (41,565) (41,565)
           
Balance, December 31, 2018 923

1,597,944

(27,374)
674,941

2,246,434
           
Comprehensive income 
 
 21,374
 47,695
 69,069
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan – 60,413 shares 1
 1,311
 
 
 1,312
Stock-based compensation plans, net – 160,305 2
 311
 
 
 313
Dividends on common stock – $0.16 per share 
 
 
 (14,807) (14,807)
           
Balance, March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) $926

$1,599,566

$(6,000)
$707,829

$2,302,321
(In thousands, except share data)Preferred Stock 
Common
Stock
 Surplus 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Undivided
Profits
 Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019          
Balance, June 30, 2019 (Unaudited)$
 $966
 $1,705,262
 $15,316
 $747,969
 $2,469,513
            
Comprehensive income
 
 
 8,393
 81,826
 90,219
Stock-based compensation plans, net – 23,199 shares
 
 2,796
 
 
 2,796
Dividends on common stock – $0.16 per share
 
 
 
 (15,457) (15,457)
            
Balance, September 30, 2019 (Unaudited)$
 $966
 $1,708,058
 $23,709
 $814,338
 $2,547,071
            
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018          
Balance, June 30, 2018 (Unaudited)$
 $923
 $1,594,342
 $(40,183) $591,826
 $2,146,908
            
Comprehensive income
 
 
 (7,857) 55,193
 47,336
Stock-based compensation plans, net – 14,245 shares
 
 2,919
 
 
 2,919
Dividends on common stock – $0.15 per share
 
 
 
 (13,844) (13,844)
            
Balance, September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)$
 $923
 $1,597,261
 $(48,040) $633,175
 $2,183,319






See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
7






Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

(In thousands, except share data)Preferred Stock 
Common
Stock
 Surplus 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Undivided
Profits
 Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019           
Balance, December 31, 2018$
 $923
 $1,597,944
 $(27,374) $674,941
 $2,246,434
            
Comprehensive income
 
 
 51,083
 185,445
 236,528
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan – 60,413 shares
 1
 1,311
 
 
 1,312
Stock-based compensation plans, net – 206,176 shares
 2
 6,013
 
 
 6,015
Stock issued for Reliance acquisition – 3,999,623 shares42,000
 40
 102,790
 
 
 144,830
Preferred stock retirement(42,000) 
 
 
 
 (42,000)
Dividends on preferred stock
 
 
 
 (326) (326)
Dividends on common stock – $0.48 per share
 
 
 
 (45,722) (45,722)
            
Balance, September 30, 2019 (Unaudited)$
 $966

$1,708,058

$23,709

$814,338

$2,547,071
            
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018           
Balance, December 31, 2017$
 $920

$1,586,034

$(17,264)
$514,874

$2,084,564
            
Comprehensive income
 
 
 (30,776) 160,067
 129,291
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan – 39,782 shares
 
 1,026
 
 
 1,026
Stock-based compensation plans, net – 226,715 shares
 3
 10,201
 
 
 10,204
Dividends on common stock – $0.45 per share
 
 
 
 (41,766) (41,766)
            
Balance, September 30, 2018 (Unaudited)$
 $923

$1,597,261

$(48,040)
$633,175

$2,183,319




See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
8








SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
 
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 1: PREPARATION OF INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Description of Business and Organizational Structure
 
Simmons First National Corporation (the “Company”) is a publicly traded financial holding company that trades on the NASDAQ Market (“NASDAQ”) under the ticker symbol “SFNC”headquartered in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and the parent company of Simmons Bank, an Arkansas state-chartered bank that began as a community bank in 1903. Simmons Bank is the parent company of Simmons First Investment Group, Inc. (a registered broker-dealer), Simmons First Insurance Services, Inc. (an insurance agency), and Simmons First Insurance Services of TN, LLC (an insurance agency).
Description of Business
The Company is headquartered in Pine Bluff, Arkansas andthrough its subsidiaries, conducts banking operations from 212 financial centers conveniently located in communities throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The Company, through its subsidiaries, offers consumer, real estate and commercial loans,loans; checking, savings and time deposits from 191 financial centers conveniently located throughout its market areas. Additionally, the Company offersdeposits; and specialized products and services such(such as credit cards, trust and fiduciary services, investments, agricultural finance lending, equipment lending, insurance and small business administration (“SBA”) lending.lending).
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared based upon Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules that permit reduced disclosures for interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted in accordance with those rules and regulations. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018, was derived from audited financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of interim results of operations, including normal recurring accruals. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, this report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2019.
 
The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income items and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and actual results may differ from these estimates. Such estimates include, but are not limited to, the Company’s allowance for loan losses.
 
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation. These changes and reclassifications did not impact previously reported net income or comprehensive income.
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
 
Cloud Computing Arrangements – In August 2018, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASUAccounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”), that amends the definition of a hosting arrangement and requires a customer in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to capitalize certain implementation costs as if the arrangement was an internal-use software project. The internal-use software guidance states that only qualifying costs incurred during the application development stage can be capitalized. The effective date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Entities have the option to apply the guidance prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption or retrospectively in accordance with the applicable guidance. At the time of adoption, entities will be required to disclose the nature of its hosting arrangements that are service contracts and provide disclosures as if

8





the deferred implementation costs were a separate, major depreciable asset class. The Company early adopted ASU 2018-15 in the first quarter 2019 and elected to apply the guidance prospectively to all software implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, no$1.1 million of applicable software implementation costs have been incurred.capitalized and have not had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. 


9





Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements - In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”), that changes both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results in order to better align a company’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships. In summary, this amendment 1) expands the types of transactions eligible for hedge accounting; 2) eliminates the separate measurement and presentation of hedge ineffectiveness; 3) simplifies the requirements around the assessment of hedge effectiveness; 4) provides companies more time to finalize hedge documentation; and 5) enhances presentation and disclosure requirements. The effective date iswas for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. All transition requirements and elections should be applied to existing hedging relationships on the date of adoption and the effects should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. As part of this new guidance, entities are allowed to designate as the hedged item, an amount that is not expected to be affected by prepayments, defaults or other events affecting the timing and amount of cash flows in a closed portfolio of prepayable financial instruments (this is referred to as the “last-of-layer” method). Under the last-of-layer method, entities are able to reclassify, only at the time of adoption, eligible callable debt securities from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale without tainting its intentions to hold future debt securities to maturity. The available-for-sale security must be reported at fair value and any unrealized gain or loss must be recorded as an adjustment to other comprehensive income upon adoption. The Company evaluated its held-to-maturity portfolio during the first quarter 2019 and identified certain municipal bonds with a fair value of $216.4 million that met the last-of-layer criteria under ASU 2017-12 and as a result, reclassified those to available-for-sale and recorded an unrealized gain of $2.5 million during the first quarter 2019.


Goodwill Impairment – In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”), that eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test which required entities to compare the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount. Under the amendments, the goodwill impairment will be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The effective date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim or annual impairment tests beginning in 2017. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04 during the second quarter 2019 to coincide with the Company’s formal impairment analysis. See Note 7, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information.

Leases - In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), that establishes the principles to report transparent and economically neutral information about the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. The new guidance results in a more consistent representation of the rights and obligations arising from leases by requiring lessees to recognize the lease asset and lease liabilities that arise from leases in the statement of financial positionconsolidated balance sheet and to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about lease transactions, such as information about variable lease payments and options to renew and terminate leases. The effective date iswas for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-02 requires entities to adopt the new lease standard using a modified retrospective transition method, meaning an entity initially applies the new lease standard at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements. Due to complexities associated with using this method, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, to relieve entities of the requirement to present prior comparative years’ results when they adopt the new lease standard and giving entities the option to recognize the cumulative effect of applying the new standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Adoption of ASU 2016-02 resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets of $32.8 million and right-of-use liabilities of $32.8 million on the statement of financial positionconsolidated balance sheet with no material impact to the results of operations. The Company has elected to adopt the guidance using the optional transition method, which allows for a modified retrospective method of adoption with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings without restating comparable periods. The Company also elected the relief package of practical expedients for which there is no requirement to reassess existence of leases, their classification, and initial direct costs as well as an exemption for short-term leases with a term of less than one year, whereby the Company did not recognize a lease liability or right-of-use asset on the statement of financial positionconsolidated balance sheet but instead will recognize lease payments as an expense over the lease term as appropriate. See Note 6, Right-of-Use Lease Assets and Lease Liabilities, for additional information related to the Company’s right-of-use lease obligations.



10





Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
Fair Value Measurement Disclosures – In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”), that eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. These amendments are part of FASB’s disclosure review project and they are expected to reduce costs for preparers while providing more decision-useful information for financial statement users. The eliminated disclosure requirements include the 1) the amount of, and reasons for, transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; 2) the policy of timing of transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy; and 3) the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. Among other modifications, the amended disclosure requirements remove the term “at a minimum” from the phrase “an entity shall disclose at a minimum” to promote the appropriate exercise of discretion by entities and clarifies that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurement as of the reporting date. Under the new disclosure requirements, entities must disclose the changes in unrealized gains or losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value

9





measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its fair value disclosures.


Goodwill Impairment – In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”), that eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test which required entities to compare the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying amount. Under the amendments, the goodwill impairment will be measured as the excess of the reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The effective date is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim or annual impairment tests beginning in 2017. The Company will early adopt ASU 2017-04 during the second quarter 2019 to coincide with the Company’s formal impairment analysis and it is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments – In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires earlier measurement of credit losses, expands the range of information considered in determining expected credit losses and enhances disclosures. The main objective of ASU 2016-13 is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current US GAAP with a methodology (the current expected credit losses, or “CECL”, methodology) that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates.

The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for loans, held-to-maturity debt securities and other receivables measured at amortized cost at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The allowance for credit losses is adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. This methodology replaces the multiple existing impairment methods in current guidance, which generally require that a loss be incurred before it is recognized. Within the life cycle of a loan or other financial asset, this new guidance will generally result in the earlier recognition of the provision for credit losses and the related allowance for credit losses than current practice. For available-for-sale debt securities that the Company intends to hold and where fair value is less than cost, credit-related impairment, if any, will be recognized through an allowance for credit losses and adjusted each period for changes in credit risk.

The effective date for these amendments is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has formed a cross functional team that continues to assess its data and system needs and evaluate the potential impact of adopting the new guidance. The Company anticipates a significant change in the processes and procedures to calculate the loan losses, including changes in assumptions and estimates to consider expected credit losses over the life of the loan versus the current accounting practice that utilizes the incurred loss model. In December 2018, the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) issued a final rule revising regulatory capital rules in anticipation of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 that provides an option to phase in over a three year period on a straight line basis the day-one impact on earnings and tier one capital. Due to this final rule from the regulatory agencies, the Company is continuing to research and study options for recording a one-time adjustment or structuring any capital impact over an allowable period of time. The impact will be reflected as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings, net of income taxes, at adoption.

Based on a preliminary analysis performed, the Company previously disclosed that the allowance for credit losses was estimated to increase by approximately 130% to 170% over the allowance based on June 30, 2019 loan balances. When purchase discounts are considered, the increase is expected to be 10% to 30% over the June 30, 2019 total credit coverage ratio. These estimates were based upon the Company’s analysis of current macroeconomic conditions, assumptions and forecasts at the point in time at which the initial guidance was given and did not include the impact of the Company’s acquisition of The Landrum Company. When factoring in the Company’s recent acquisition of The Landrum Company (see Note 2, Acquisitions, for additional information regarding the acquisition), the allowance for credit losses is estimated to increase by approximately 165% to 215% over the allowance and when purchase discounts are considered, the increase is expected to be 5% to 25% over the total credit coverage ratio.

11





These estimates are subject to change based on continuing review and challenge of the models, methodologies and judgments. The impact at adoption will also be influenced by the loan portfolio composition and quality at the adoption date, as well as, macroeconomic conditions and forecast at that time. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 in 2020 could also impact the Company’s ongoing earnings, perhaps materially.

Implementation efforts for the adoption of CECL have been underway, including model development and validation, fulfillment of additional data needs for new disclosures and reporting requirements, and drafting of accounting policies. Model validations and user acceptance testing commenced in the first quarter of 2019, with loss forecast modeling taking place in the third quarter of 2019. The Company intends to utilize a single macroeconomic scenario in estimating expected credit losses. Reasonable and supportable forecast periods and methods to revert to historical averages to arrive at lifetime expected credit losses vary by product. The Company has not yet determined the magnitude of any such adjustment or the overall impact on its results of operations, financial position or disclosures. However, the Company is continuing its efforts in developing processescompleted decisions around model methodologies, and procedures to ensure it is fully compliant at the required adoption date. Among other things, the Company continues to gather data and develop forecast models for asset quality, loan balances, and portfolio net charge-offs and is working with the selected model vendor to produce parallel calculations through the year leading up to implementation. Model inputs began in the fourth quarter 2018 with additional inputs and scenarios to be modeled throughout 2019 with focus on calculating a potential range of financial impact.relevant elections are being finalized.

There have been no other significant changes to the Company’s accounting policies from the 2018 Form 10-K. Presently, the Company is not aware of any other changes to the Accounting Standards Codification that will have a material impact on its present or future financial position or results of operations. 


NOTE 2: SUBSEQUENT ACQUISITIONACQUISITIONS

Reliance Bancshares, Inc.
 
On April 12, 2019, the Company completed its merger with Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (“Reliance”), headquartered in the St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Reliance Agreement”), dated November 13, 2018, as amended February 11, 2019. The Company was the surviving corporation in the merger. The merger was described in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on January 25, 2019, and amended on February 12, 2019. As a result of the merger, the Company expanded its presence in the St. Louis banking market and now has approximately $17.6 billion in assets and approximately $12.9 billion and $13.1 billion in loans and deposits, respectively.

In the merger, each outstanding share of Reliance common stock, andas well as each Reliance common stock equivalentsequivalent was canceled and converted into the right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock and/or cash in accordance with the terms of the Reliance Agreement. In addition, each share of Reliance’s Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock was converted into the right to receive one1 share of Simmons’ comparable Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, and each share of Reliance’s Series C Preferred Stock was converted into the right to receive one1 share of Simmons’ comparable Series C Preferred Stock (unless the holder of such Series C Preferred Stock elected to receive alternate consideration in accordance with the Reliance Agreement). The Company is issuingissued 3,999,623 shares of its common stock and paid $62.7 million in cash to effect the merger. The merger was approved by stockholdersCompany also issued $42.0 million of preferred stock in exchange for all outstanding shares of Reliance on April 8, 2019.preferred stock. On May 13, 2019, the Company redeemed all of the preferred stock issued in connection with the merger, and paid all accrued and unpaid dividends up to the date of redemption. On October 29, 2019, the Company amended its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to cancel the Series C Preferred Stock, having 140 authorized shares, of which 0 shares have ever been issued or outstanding.


Prior to the merger, Reliance conducted banking business from 22 branches located in Missouri and Illinois. Including the effects of the acquisition method accounting adjustments, the Company acquired approximately $1.5 billion in assets, including approximately $1.1 billion in loans (inclusive of loan discounts), and approximately $1.2 billion in deposits. Contemporaneously with the completion of the Reliance merger, Reliance Bank was merged into Simmons Bank, with Simmons Bank as the surviving institution.

Goodwill of $81.0 million was recorded as a result of the transaction. The merger strengthened the Company’s market share and brought forth additional opportunities in the Company’s St. Louis metropolitan area footprint, which gave rise to the goodwill recorded. The goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes.


1012









DueA summary, at fair value, of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Reliance transaction, as of the acquisition date, is as follows:
(In thousands)Acquired from Reliance Fair Value Adjustments Fair Value
Assets Acquired     
Cash and due from banks$25,693
 $
 $25,693
Due from banks - time502
 
 502
Investment securities287,983
 (1,763) 286,220
Loans acquired1,138,527
 (41,657) 1,096,870
Allowance for loan losses(10,808) 10,808
 
Foreclosed assets11,092
 (5,180) 5,912
Premises and equipment32,452
 (3,001) 29,451
Bank owned life insurance39,348
 
 39,348
Core deposit intangible
 18,350
 18,350
Other assets25,165
 5,001
 30,166
Total assets acquired$1,549,954
 $(17,442) $1,532,512
      
Liabilities Assumed     
Deposits:     
Non-interest bearing transaction accounts$108,845
 $(33) $108,812
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits639,798
 
 639,798
Time deposits478,415
 (1,758) 476,657
Total deposits1,227,058
 (1,791) 1,225,267
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase14,146
 
 14,146
Other borrowings162,900
 (5,500) 157,400
Accrued interest and other liabilities8,185
 936
 9,121
Total liabilities assumed1,412,289
 (6,355) 1,405,934
Equity137,665
 (95,665) 42,000
Total equity assumed137,665
 (95,665) 42,000
Total liabilities and equity assumed$1,549,954
 $(102,020) $1,447,934
Net assets acquired    84,578
Purchase price    165,539
Goodwill    $80,961


The purchase price allocation and certain fair value measurements remain preliminary due to the timing of the merger andmerger. Management will continue to review the amount of assets and liabilities assumed, the Company is continuing to determine their preliminaryestimated fair values and evaluate the purchase price allocation.assumed tax positions. The Company expects to finalize theits analysis of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities in this transaction over the next few months, and within one year of the merger. Therefore, adjustments to the estimated amounts and carrying values may occur.

The Company will recordfollowing is a description of the merger usingmethods used to determine the fair values of significant assets and liabilities presented in the acquisitions above.
Cash and due from banks and time deposits due from banks – The carrying amount of these assets is a reasonable estimate of fair value based on the short-term nature of these assets.
Investment securities – Investment securities were acquired with an adjustment to fair value based upon quoted market prices if material. Otherwise, the carrying amount of these assets was deemed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Loans acquired – Fair values for loans were based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considered factors including the type of loan and related collateral, classification status, fixed or variable interest rate, term of loan and whether or not the loan

13





was amortizing, and current discount rates. The discount rates used for loans are based on current market rates for new originations of comparable loans and include adjustments for liquidity concerns. The discount rate does not include a factor for credit losses as that has been included in the estimated cash flows. Loans were grouped together according to similar characteristics and were treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques.

Foreclosed assets – These assets are presented at the estimated present values that management expects to receive when the properties are sold, net of related costs of disposal.
Premises and equipment – Bank premises and equipment were acquired with an adjustment to fair value, which represents the difference between the Company’s current analysis of property and equipment values completed in connection with the acquisition methodand book value acquired.
Bank owned life insurance – Bank owned life insurance is carried at its current cash surrender value, which is the most reasonable estimate of accounting and will recognizefair value.
Goodwill – The consideration paid as a result of the acquisition exceeded the fair value of the assets acquired, resulting in an intangible asset, goodwill. Goodwill established prior to the acquisitions, if applicable, was written off.
Core deposit intangible – This intangible asset represents the value of the relationships that the acquired banks had with their deposit customers.  The fair value of this intangible asset was estimated based on a discounted cash flow methodology that gave appropriate consideration to expected customer attrition rates, cost of the deposit base and liabilities assumed at theirthe net maintenance cost attributable to customer deposits.
Other assets – The fair value adjustment results from certain assets whose value was estimated to be less than book value, such as certain prepaid assets, receivables and other miscellaneous assets. Otherwise, the carrying amount of these assets was deemed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Deposits – The fair values asused for the demand and savings deposits that comprise the transaction accounts acquired, by definition equal the amount payable on demand at the acquisition date. The Company performed a fair value analysis of the estimated weighted average interest rate of the certificates of deposits compared to the current market rates and recorded a fair value adjustment for the difference.
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase – The carrying amount of securities sold under agreement to repurchase is a reasonable estimate of fair value based on the short-term nature of these liabilities.
FHLB and other borrowings – The fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and other borrowings is estimated based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for borrowings with similar terms and maturities.
Accrued interest and other liabilities – The adjustment establishes a liability for unfunded commitments equal to the estimated fair value of that liability at the date of acquisition.

The resultsLandrum Company (Subsequent Event - Acquisition)

On July 30, 2019, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Agreement”) with The Landrum Company (“Landrum”), headquartered in Columbia, Missouri. The merger was completed on October 31, 2019, at which time The Landrum Company was merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation. Pursuant to the terms of the merger will be includedAgreement, the shares of Landrum Class A Common Voting Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Landrum Class B Common Nonvoting Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were converted into the right to receive, in the aggregate, approximately 17,350,000 shares of the Company’s consolidated operating results beginning oncommon stock and each share of Landrum’s series E preferred stock was converted into the right to receive one share of the Company’s comparable series D preferred stock.

Prior to the acquisition, date.Landrum conducted banking business from 39 branches located in Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. As of September 30, 2019, Landrum had approximately $3.3 billion in assets, $2.0 billion in loans and $2.9 billion in deposits.


The purchase price allocation and certain fair value measurements remain preliminary due to the timing of the merger. Due to the recent October 31, 2019 closing, management remains in the early stages of reviewing the estimated fair values and evaluating the assumed tax positions of this merger. The Company expects to finalize its analysis of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities in this transaction over the next few months, within one year of the merger.


14





NOTE 3: INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities that are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) and available-for-sale (“AFS”) are as follows:
 
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
Held-to-Maturity 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Government agencies$
 $
 $
 $
 $16,990
 $
 $(49) $16,941
Mortgage-backed securities11,549
 93
 (42) 11,600
 13,346
 5
 (412) 12,939
State and political subdivisions28,692
 931
 
 29,623
 256,863
 3,029
 (954) 258,938
Other securities1,996
 83
 
 2,079
 1,995
 17
 
 2,012
Total HTM$42,237

$1,107

$(42)
$43,302

$289,194

$3,051

$(1,415)
$290,830
                
Available-for-Sale              
U.S. Government agencies$177,712
 $1,629
 $(1,202) $178,139
 $157,523
 $518
 $(3,740) $154,301
Mortgage-backed securities1,332,130
 9,405
 (3,741) 1,337,794
 1,552,487
 3,097
 (32,684) 1,522,900
State and political subdivisions658,984
 22,290
 (72) 681,202
 320,142
 171
 (5,470) 314,843
Other securities158,280
 719
 
 158,999
 157,471
 2,251
 (14) 159,708
Total AFS$2,327,106

$34,043

$(5,015)
$2,356,134

$2,187,623

$6,037

$(41,908)
$2,151,752
 March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized
(Losses)
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
Held-to-Maturity 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Government agencies$12,996
 $
 $(9) $12,987
 $16,990
 $
 $(49) $16,941
Mortgage-backed securities12,847
 10
 (240) 12,617
 13,346
 5
 (412) 12,939
State and political subdivisions33,597
 751
 (27) 34,321
 256,863
 3,029
 (954) 258,938
Other securities1,995
 36
 
 2,031
 1,995
 17
 
 2,012
Total HTM$61,435

$797

$(276)
$61,956

$289,194

$3,051

$(1,415)
$290,830
                
Available-for-Sale              
U.S. Government agencies$163,730
 $596
 $(2,749) $161,577
 $157,523
 $518
 $(3,740) $154,301
Mortgage-backed securities1,362,950
 2,569
 (19,842) 1,345,677
 1,552,487
 3,097
 (32,684) 1,522,900
State and political subdivisions571,716
 10,307
 (1,233) 580,790
 320,142
 171
 (5,470) 314,843
Other securities151,707
 437
 (77) 152,067
 157,471
 2,251
 (14) 159,708
Total AFS$2,250,103

$13,909

$(23,901)
$2,240,111

$2,187,623

$6,037

$(41,908)
$2,151,752

 
Securities with limited marketability, such as stock in the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank,FHLB, are carried at cost and are reported as other AFS securities in the table above.


Certain investment securities are valued at less than their historical cost. Total fair value of these investments at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, was $1.4 billion$710.6 million and $1.7 billion, which is approximately 60.1%29.6% and 70.3%, respectively, of the Company’s combined AFS and HTM investment portfolios.




1115









The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments with unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31,September 30, 2019:


 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
(In thousands)
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Held-to-Maturity 
  
  
  
  
  
Mortgage-backed securities$3,408
 $(15) $2,575
 $(27) $5,983
 $(42)
State and political subdivisions635
 
 15
 
 650
 
Total HTM$4,043

$(15)
$2,590

$(27)
$6,633

$(42)
            
Available-for-Sale           
U.S. Government agencies$16,662
 $(36) $90,974
 $(1,166) $107,636
 $(1,202)
Mortgage-backed securities133,538
 (528) 435,207
 (3,213) 568,745
 (3,741)
State and political subdivisions24,278
 (41) 3,297
 (31) 27,575
 (72)
Total AFS$174,478

$(605)
$529,478

$(4,410)
$703,956

$(5,015)
 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
(In thousands)
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Held-to-Maturity 
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Government agencies$
 $
 $12,987
 $(9) $12,987
 $(9)
Mortgage-backed securities487
 (1) 9,994
 (239) 10,481
 (240)
State and political subdivisions80
 (1) 4,881
 (26) 4,961
 (27)
Total HTM$567

$(2)
$27,862

$(274)
$28,429

$(276)
            
Available-for-Sale           
U.S. Government agencies$5,583
 $(30) $124,129
 $(2,719) $129,712
 $(2,749)
Mortgage-backed securities40,444
 (248) 1,086,169
 (19,594) 1,126,613
 (19,842)
State and political subdivisions1,016
 (4) 92,894
 (1,229) 93,910
 (1,233)
Other securities5,029
 (76) 100
 (1) 5,129
 (77)
Total AFS$52,072

$(358)
$1,303,292

$(23,543)
$1,355,364

$(23,901)

 
TheseThe declines reflected in the preceding table primarily resulted from the rate for these investments yielding less than current market rates. Based on evaluation of available evidence, management believes the declines in fair value for these securities are temporary. Management does not have the intent to sell these securities, and management believes it is more likely than not the Company will not have to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis less any current period credit losses.
 
Declines in the fair value of HTM and AFS securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (iii) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
 
Management has the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as HTM until they mature, at which time the Company expects to receive full value for the securities. Furthermore, as of March 31,September 30, 2019, management also had the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as AFS for a period of time sufficient for a recovery of cost. The unrealized losses are largely due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. Management does not believe any of the securities are impaired due to reasons of credit quality. Accordingly, as of March 31,September 30, 2019, management believes the impairments detailed in the table above are temporary. Should the impairment of any of these securities become other than temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in net income in the period the other-than-temporary impairment is identified.


12






Income earned on securities for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, is as follows:

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Taxable:     
  
Held-to-maturity$248
 $528
 $975
 $1,641
Available-for-sale10,166
 10,364
 34,422
 29,614
        
Non-taxable:       
Held-to-maturity83
 1,828
 1,334
 5,661
Available-for-sale4,870
 1,920
 12,542
 4,642
Total$15,367
 $14,640
 $49,273
 $41,558


16




(In thousands)    2019 2018
Taxable:     
  
Held-to-maturity    $438
 $567
Available-for-sale    12,551
 9,032
        
Non-taxable:       
Held-to-maturity    1,162
 1,936
Available-for-sale    3,161
 1,087
Total    $17,312
 $12,622


The amortized cost and estimated fair value by maturity of securities are shown in the following table. Securities are classified according to their contractual maturities without consideration of principal amortization, potential prepayments or call options. Accordingly, actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities. 

Held-to-Maturity Available-for-SaleHeld-to-Maturity Available-for-Sale
(In thousands)
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
One year or less$18,407
 $18,397
 $7,375
 $7,372
$5,039
 $5,057
 $7,599
 $7,605
After one through five years20,419
 20,624
 74,428
 74,208
17,346
 17,703
 70,442
 70,750
After five through ten years5,564
 5,691
 123,088
 124,101
5,561
 5,858
 139,421
 142,101
After ten years4,198
 4,627
 535,761
 541,815
2,742
 3,084
 632,504
 652,404
Securities not due on a single maturity date12,847
 12,617
 1,362,950
 1,345,677
11,549
 11,600
 1,332,130
 1,337,794
Other securities (no maturity)
 
 146,501
 146,938

 
 145,010
 145,480
Total$61,435

$61,956

$2,250,103

$2,240,111
$42,237

$43,302

$2,327,106

$2,356,134

 
The carrying value, which approximates the fair value, of securities pledged as collateral, to secure public deposits and for other purposes, amounted to $1.06$1.12 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019 and $1.02 billion at December 31, 2018.
 
There were approximately $2.7$7.6 million of gross realized gains and no$3,000 of gross realized losses from the sale of securities during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, and approximately $12.9 million of gross realized gains and $3,000 of gross realized losses from the sale of securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the third quarter 2019, the Company made adjustmentssold approximately $89 million of bonds as part of a plan to rebalance its investment portfolio resulting in a net gain on the sale of securities of $7.3 million. The gross realized gains recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is primarily due to the bond sale conducted during the third quarter 2019 as previously discussed and the adjustments made to the bond portfolio during the first quarter based upon projected cash flow changes due to the present low rate environment.changes. There were approximately $6,000$41,000 of gross realized gains and no0 gross realized losses from the sale of securities during the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, and approximately $54,000 of gross realized gains and $1,000 of gross realized losses from the sale of securities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
 
The state and political subdivision debt obligations are predominately non-rated bonds representing small issuances, primarily in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas issues, which are evaluated on an ongoing basis.





1317









NOTE 4: LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company’s loan portfolio was $11.74$13.00 billion, compared to $11.72 billion at December 31, 2018. The various categories of loans are summarized as follows:
 
(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Consumer: 
  
 
  
Credit cards$181,549
 $204,173
$195,083
 $204,173
Other consumer213,659
 201,297
208,643
 201,297
Total consumer395,208

405,470
403,726

405,470
Real Estate:      
Construction1,376,162
 1,300,723
1,712,858
 1,300,723
Single family residential1,431,407
 1,440,443
1,448,455
 1,440,443
Other commercial3,355,109
 3,225,287
3,630,708
 3,225,287
Total real estate6,162,678

5,966,453
6,792,021

5,966,453
Commercial:      
Commercial1,801,422
 1,774,909
1,894,819
 1,774,909
Agricultural147,216
 164,514
213,753
 164,514
Total commercial1,948,638

1,939,423
2,108,572

1,939,423
Other178,026
 119,042
339,046
 119,042
Loans8,684,550
 8,430,388
9,643,365
 8,430,388
Loans acquired, net of discount and allowance (1)
3,056,187
 3,292,783
3,359,587
 3,292,783
Total loans$11,740,737

$11,723,171
$13,002,952

$11,723,171
_____________________________
(1)    See Note 5, Loans Acquired, for segregation of loans acquired by loan class.


Loan Origination/Risk Management – The Company seeks to manage its credit risk by diversifying its loan portfolio, determining that borrowers have adequate sources of cash flow for loan repayment without liquidation of collateral; obtaining and monitoring collateral; providing an adequate allowance for loans losses by regularly reviewing loans through the internal loan review process. The loan portfolio is diversified by borrower, purpose and industry. The Company seeks to use diversification within the loan portfolio to reduce its credit risk, thereby minimizing the adverse impact on the portfolio if weaknesses develop in either the economy or a particular segment of borrowers. Collateral requirements are based on credit assessments of borrowers and may be used to recover the debt in case of default. Furthermore, a factor that influenced the Company’s judgment regarding the allowance for loan losses consists of a nine-year historical loss average segregated by each primary loan sector. On an annual basis, historical loss rates are calculated for each sector.
 
Consumer – The consumer loan portfolio consists of credit card loans and other consumer loans. Credit card loans are diversified by geographic region to reduce credit risk and minimize any adverse impact on the portfolio. Although they are regularly reviewed to facilitate the identification and monitoring of creditworthiness, credit card loans are unsecured loans, making them more susceptible to be impacted by economic downturns resulting in increasing unemployment. Other consumer loans include direct and indirect installment loans and overdrafts. Loans in this portfolio segment are sensitive to unemployment and other key consumer economic measures.
 
Real estate – The real estate loan portfolio consists of construction loans, single family residential loans and commercial loans. Construction and development loans (“C&D”) and commercial real estate loans (“CRE”) can be particularly sensitive to valuation of real estate. Commercial real estate cycles are inevitable. The long planning and production process for new properties and rapid shifts in business conditions and employment create an inherent tension between supply and demand for commercial properties. While general economic trends often move individual markets in the same direction over time, the timing and magnitude of changes are determined by other forces unique to each market. CRE cycles tend to be local in nature and longer than other credit cycles. Factors influencing the CRE market are traditionally different from those affecting residential real estate markets; thereby making predictions for one market based on the other difficult. Additionally, submarkets within commercial real estate – such as office, industrial, apartment, retail and hotel – also experience different cycles, providing an opportunity to lower the


1418









overall risk through diversification across types of CRE loans.  Management realizes that local demand and supply conditions will also mean that different geographic areas will experience cycles of different amplitude and length. The Company monitors these loans closely. 


Commercial – The commercial loan portfolio includes commercial and agricultural loans, representing loans to commercial customers and farmers for use in normal business or farming operations to finance working capital needs, equipment purchases or other expansion projects. Collection risk in this portfolio is driven by the creditworthiness of the underlying borrowers, particularly cash flow from customers’ business or farming operations. The Company continues its efforts to keep loan terms short, reducing the negative impact of upward movement in interest rates. Term loans are generally set up with one or three year balloons, and the Company has instituted a pricing mechanism for commercial loans. It is standard practice to require personal guaranties on commercial loans for closely-held or limited liability entities.


Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans – Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.


Nonaccrual loans, excluding loans acquired, segregated by class of loans, are as follows:
(In thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Consumer: 
  
Credit cards$521
 $296
Other consumer1,634
 2,159
Total consumer2,155

2,455
Real estate:   
Construction1,805
 1,269
Single family residential16,191
 11,939
Other commercial16,985
 7,205
Total real estate34,981

20,413
Commercial:   
Commercial35,018
 10,049
Agricultural567
 1,284
Total commercial35,585

11,333
Total$72,721

$34,201

(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Consumer: 
  
Credit cards$338
 $296
Other consumer1,555
 2,159
Total consumer1,893

2,455
Real estate:   
Construction2,570
 1,269
Single family residential15,324
 11,939
Other commercial8,612
 7,205
Total real estate26,506

20,413
Commercial:   
Commercial31,409
 10,049
Agricultural1,117
 1,284
Total commercial32,526

11,333
Total$60,925

$34,201


1519









An age analysis of past due loans, excluding loans acquired, segregated by class of loans, is as follows:
 
(In thousands)
Gross
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 Current 
Total
Loans
 
90 Days
Past Due &
Accruing
September 30, 2019 
  
  
  
  
  
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
  
Credit cards$958
 $650
 $1,608
 $193,475
 $195,083
 $130
Other consumer3,383
 694
 4,077
 204,566
 208,643
 14
Total consumer4,341

1,344

5,685

398,041

403,726

144
Real estate:           
Construction3,690
 613
 4,303
 1,708,555
 1,712,858
 
Single family residential10,022
 6,395
 16,417
 1,432,038
 1,448,455
 
Other commercial8,009
 3,385
 11,394
 3,619,314
 3,630,708
 
Total real estate21,721

10,393

32,114

6,759,907

6,792,021


Commercial:           
Commercial4,999
 10,990
 15,989
 1,878,830
 1,894,819
 11
Agricultural285
 349
 634
 213,119
 213,753
 
Total commercial5,284

11,339

16,623

2,091,949

2,108,572

11
Other
 
 
 339,046
 339,046
 
Total$31,346

$23,076

$54,422

$9,588,943

$9,643,365

$155
            
December 31, 2018           
Consumer:           
Credit cards$1,033
 $506
 $1,539
 $202,634
 $204,173
 $209
Other consumer4,264
 896
 5,160
 196,137
 201,297
 4
Total consumer5,297

1,402

6,699

398,771

405,470

213
Real estate:           
Construction533
 308
 841
 1,299,882
 1,300,723
 
Single family residential7,769
 4,127
 11,896
 1,428,547
 1,440,443
 
Other commercial3,379
 2,773
 6,152
 3,219,135
 3,225,287
 
Total real estate11,681

7,208

18,889

5,947,564

5,966,453


Commercial:           
Commercial4,472
 5,105
 9,577
 1,765,332
 1,774,909
 11
Agricultural467
 1,055
 1,522
 162,992
 164,514
 
Total commercial4,939

6,160

11,099

1,928,324

1,939,423

11
Other
 
 
 119,042
 119,042
 
Total$21,917

$14,770

$36,687

$8,393,701

$8,430,388

$224
(In thousands)
Gross
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 Current 
Total
Loans
 
90 Days
Past Due &
Accruing
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
  
  
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
  
Credit cards$733
 $561
 $1,294
 $180,255
 $181,549
 $222
Other consumer3,018
 489
 3,507
 210,152
 213,659
 52
Total consumer3,751

1,050

4,801

390,407

395,208

274
Real estate:           
Construction961
 909
 1,870
 1,374,292
 1,376,162
 
Single family residential10,226
 5,491
 15,717
 1,415,690
 1,431,407
 7
Other commercial4,384
 4,652
 9,036
 3,346,073
 3,355,109
 
Total real estate15,571

11,052

26,623

6,136,055

6,162,678

7
Commercial:           
Commercial6,845
 8,611
 15,456
 1,785,966
 1,801,422
 
Agricultural202
 954
 1,156
 146,060
 147,216
 
Total commercial7,047

9,565

16,612

1,932,026

1,948,638


Other
 
 
 178,026
 178,026
 
Total$26,369

$21,667

$48,036

$8,636,514

$8,684,550

$281
            
December 31, 2018           
Consumer:           
Credit cards$1,033
 $506
 $1,539
 $202,634
 $204,173
 $209
Other consumer4,264
 896
 5,160
 196,137
 201,297
 4
Total consumer5,297

1,402

6,699

398,771

405,470

213
Real estate:           
Construction533
 308
 841
 1,299,882
 1,300,723
 
Single family residential7,769
 4,127
 11,896
 1,428,547
 1,440,443
 
Other commercial3,379
 2,773
 6,152
 3,219,135
 3,225,287
 
Total real estate11,681

7,208

18,889

5,947,564

5,966,453


Commercial:           
Commercial4,472
 5,105
 9,577
 1,765,332
 1,774,909
 11
Agricultural467
 1,055
 1,522
 162,992
 164,514
 
Total commercial4,939

6,160

11,099

1,928,324

1,939,423

11
Other
 
 
 119,042
 119,042
 
Total$21,917

$14,770

$36,687

$8,393,701

$8,430,388

$224

 
Impaired Loans – A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not receive all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loans, including scheduled principal and interest payments. This includes loans that are delinquent 90 days or more, nonaccrual loans and certain other loans identified by management. Certain other loans identified by management consist of performing loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses. Impaired loans are carried at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
 
Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of a similar nature and on an individual loan basis for other loans. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged-off when deemed uncollectible.


1620









Impaired loans, net of government guarantees and excluding loans acquired, segregated by class of loans, are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Investment in
Impaired
Loans
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Investment in
Impaired
Loans
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Investment in
Impaired
Loans
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
  
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
September 30, 2019September 30, 2019  
  
  
  
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
Consumer:                              
Credit cards$338
 $338
 $
 $338
 $
 $317
 $30
$521
 $521
 $
 $521
 $
 $423
 $40
 $370
 $110
Other consumer1,699
 1,555
 
 1,555
 
 1,857
 13
1,783
 1,634
 
 1,634
 
 1,603
 9
 1,730
 33
Total consumer2,037

1,893



1,893


 2,174
 43
2,304

2,155



2,155


 2,026
 49
 2,100
 143
Real estate:                              
Construction2,648
 2,090
 480
 2,570
 237
 1,920
 14
1,898
 1,708
 97
 1,805
 
 1,972
 10
 1,946
 38
Single family residential16,379
 11,891
 3,432
 15,323
 38
 13,703
 98
17,526
 13,985
 2,206
 16,191
 31
 15,920
 85
 14,812
 287
Other commercial14,279
 3,882
 3,201
 7,083
 137
 8,992
 64
15,642
 4,200
 11,007
 15,207
 628
 11,739
 77
 10,365
 201
Total real estate33,306

17,863

7,113

24,976

412
 24,615
 176
35,066

19,893

13,310

33,203

659
 29,631
 172
 27,123
 526
Commercial:                              
Commercial38,420
 6,268
 23,327
 29,595
 108
 20,739
 148
50,712
 10,153
 23,930
 34,083
 4,620
 32,020
 176
 26,379
 511
Agricultural2,215
 583
 532
 1,115
 1
 1,147
 8
583
 450
 116
 566
 
 873
 3
 1,010
 20
Total commercial40,635

6,851

23,859

30,710

109
 21,886
 156
51,295

10,603

24,046

34,649

4,620
 32,893
 179
 27,389
 531
Total$75,978

$26,607

$30,972

$57,579

$521
 $48,675
 $375
$88,665

$32,651

$37,356

$70,007

$5,279
 $64,550
 $400
 $56,612
 $1,200
December 31, 2018  
  
  
  
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
        
Credit cards$296
 $296
 $
 $296
 $
 $283
 $35
 $259
 $60
Other consumer2,311
 2,159
 
 2,159
 
 3,561
 28
 4,109
 96
Total consumer2,607
 2,455
 
 2,455
 
 3,844
 63
 4,368
 156
Real estate:                 
Construction1,344
 784
 485
 1,269
 211
 1,411
 11
 1,747
 41
Single family residential12,906
 11,468
 616
 12,084
 36
 13,577
 98
 13,550
 315
Other commercial8,434
 5,442
 5,458
 10,900
 
 12,282
 108
 14,284
 332
Total real estate22,684
 17,694
 6,559
 24,253
 247
 27,270
 217
 29,581
 688
Commercial:                 
Commercial10,361
 7,254
 4,628
 11,882
 437
 11,840
 108
 9,533
 222
Agricultural2,419
 1,180
 
 1,180
 
 1,355
 12
 1,470
 34
Total commercial12,780
 8,434
 4,628
 13,062
 437
 13,195
 120
 11,003
 256
Total$38,071
 $28,583
 $11,187
 $39,770
 $684
 $44,309
 $400
 $44,952
 $1,100

December 31, 2018  
  
  
  
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
    
Credit cards$296
 $296
 $
 $296
 $
 $234
 $15
Other consumer2,311
 2,159
 
 2,159
 
 4,658
 34
Total consumer2,607
 2,455
 
 2,455
 
 4,892
 49
Real estate:             
Construction1,344
 784
 485
 1,269
 211
 2,082
 16
Single family residential12,906
 11,468
 616
 12,084
 36
 13,523
 100
Other commercial8,434
 5,442
 5,458
 10,900
 
 16,287
 120
Total real estate22,684
 17,694
 6,559
 24,253
 247
 31,892
 236
Commercial:             
Commercial10,361
 7,254
 4,628
 11,882
 437
 7,226
 53
Agricultural2,419
 1,180
 
 1,180
 
 1,586
 12
Total commercial12,780
 8,434
 4,628
 13,062
 437
 8,812
 65
Total$38,071
 $28,583
 $11,187
 $39,770
 $684
 $45,596
 $350


At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, impaired loans, net of government guarantees and excluding loans acquired, totaled $57.6$70.0 million and $39.8 million, respectively. Allocations of the allowance for loan losses relative to impaired loans were $521,000$5.3 million and $684,000 at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Approximately $375,000$400,000 and $1,200,000 of interest income was recognized on average impaired loans of $48.7$64.6 million and $56.6 million for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019. Interest income recognized on impaired loans on a cash basis during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018 was not material.

Included in certain impaired loan categories are troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). When the Company restructures a loan to a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulty and grants a concession that it would not otherwise consider, a “troubled debt restructuring” results and the Company classifies the loan as a TDR. The Company grants various types of concessions, primarily interest rate reduction and/or payment modifications or extensions, with an occasional forgiveness of principal.

21





Under ASC Topic 310-10-35 – Subsequent Measurement, a TDR is considered to be impaired, and an impairment analysis must be performed. The Company assesses the exposure for each modification, either by collateral discounting or by calculation of the present value of future cash flows, and determines if a specific allocation to the allowance for loan losses is needed.
 

17





Once an obligation has been restructured because of such credit problems, it continues to be considered a TDR until paid in full; or, if an obligation yields a market interest rate and no longer has any concession regarding payment amount or amortization, then it is not considered a TDR at the beginning of the calendar year after the year in which the improvement takes place. The Company returns TDRs to accrual status only if (1) all contractual amounts due can reasonably be expected to be repaid within a prudent period, and (2) repayment has been in accordance with the contract for a sustained period, typically at least six months.


The following table presents a summary of troubled debt restructurings,TDRs, excluding loans acquired, segregated by class of loans.
 
 Accruing TDR Loans Nonaccrual TDR Loans Total TDR Loans
(Dollars in thousands)Number Balance Number Balance Number Balance
September 30, 2019           
Real estate:           
Construction
 $
 1
 $97
 1
 $97
Single-family residential6
 549
 10
 627
 16
 1,176
Other commercial2
 3,166
 2
 950
 4
 4,116
Total real estate8

3,715

13

1,674

21

5,389
Commercial:           
Commercial4
 2,804
 3
 84
 7
 2,888
Total commercial4

2,804

3

84

7

2,888
Total12

$6,519

16

$1,758

28

$8,277
            
December 31, 2018           
Real estate:           
Construction
 $
 3
 $485
 3
 $485
Single-family residential6
 230
 10
 616
 16
 846
Other commercial2
 3,306
 2
 1,027
 4
 4,333
Total real estate8

3,536

15

2,128

23

5,664
Commercial:           
Commercial4
 2,833
 6
 718
 10
 3,551
Total commercial4

2,833

6

718

10

3,551
Total12

$6,369

21

$2,846

33

$9,215



22




 Accruing TDR Loans Nonaccrual TDR Loans Total TDR Loans
(Dollars in thousands)Number Balance Number Balance Number Balance
March 31, 2019           
Real estate:           
Construction
 $
 3
 $480
 3
 $480
Single-family residential6
 227
 9
 593
 15
 820
Other commercial2
 3,250
 2
 1,003
 4
 4,253
Total real estate8

3,477

14

2,076

22

5,553
Commercial:           
Commercial4
 2,820
 5
 427
 9
 3,247
Total commercial4

2,820

5

427

9

3,247
Total12

$6,297

19

$2,503

31

$8,800
            
December 31, 2018           
Real estate:           
Construction
 $
 3
 $485
 3
 $485
Single-family residential6
 230
 10
 616
 16
 846
Other commercial2
 3,306
 2
 1,027
 4
 4,333
Total real estate8

3,536

15

2,128

23

5,664
Commercial:           
Commercial4
 2,833
 6
 718
 10
 3,551
Total commercial4

2,833

6

718

10

3,551
Total12

$6,369

21

$2,846

33

$9,215


There were no loans restructured as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The following table presents loans that were restructured as TDRs during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, excluding loans acquired, segregated by class of loans.


       Modification Type  
(Dollars in thousands)
Number of
Loans
 
Balance Prior
to TDR
 Balance at September 30, 
Change in
Maturity
Date
 
Change in
Rate
 
Financial Impact
on Date of
Restructure
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019          
Real estate:           
Single-family residential1
 $330
 $330
 $330
 $
 $
Total real estate1
 330
 330
 330
 
��
Total1
 $330
 $330
 $330
 $
 $
            
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018           
Real estate:           
Construction1
 $99
 $98
 $98
 $
 $
Other commercial2
 392
 390
 390
 
 212
Total real estate3
 491
 488
 488
 
 212
Commercial:           
Commercial3
 2,363
 2,358
 2,358
 
 190
Total commercial3
 2,363
 2,358
 2,358
 
 190
Total6
 $2,854
 $2,846
 $2,846
 $
 $402
            
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018          
Consumer:           
Other consumer1
 $91
 $91
 $91
 $
 $
Total consumer1
 91
 91
 91
 
 
Real estate:           
Construction1
 99
 98
 98
 
 
Single-family residential1
 61
 62
 62
 
 
Other commercial2
 392
 390
 390
 
 212
Total real estate4
 552
 550
 550
 
 212
Commercial:           
Commercial3
 2,363
 2,358
 2,358
 
 190
Total commercial3
 2,363
 2,358
 2,358
 
 190
Total8
 $3,006
 $2,999
 $2,999
 $
 $402
       Modification Type  
(Dollars in thousands)
Number of
Loans
 
Balance Prior
to TDR
 Balance at March 31, 
Change in
Maturity
Date
 
Change in
Rate
 
Financial Impact
on Date of
Restructure
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018           
Consumer:           
Other consumer1
 $91
 $91
 $91
 $
 $
Total consumer1
 91
 91
 91
 
 
Real estate:           
Single-family residential1
 61
 62
 62
 
 
Total real estate1
 61
 62
 62
 
 
Total2
 $152
 $153
 $153
 $
 $

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company modified 1 loan with a recorded investment of $330,000 prior to modification which was deemed troubled debt restructuring. The restructured loan was modified by deferring amortized principal payments, changing the maturity date and requiring interest-only payments for a period of up to 12 months. Also, there was no immediate financial impact from the restructuring of this loan, as it was not considered necessary to charge-off interest or principal on the date of restructure.
18






During the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Company modified 26 loans with a recorded investment of $152,000$2.9 million and during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company modified 8 loans with a recorded investment of $3.0 million prior to modification which were deemed troubled debt restructuring. The restructured loans were modified by deferring amortized principal payments, changing the maturity date and requiring interest onlyinterest-only payments for a period of up to 12 months. A specific reserve was not considered necessary for these loans based uponBased on the fair value of the collateral.collateral, a specific reserve of $402,000 was determined necessary for these loans. Also, there was no immediate

23





financial impact from the restructuring of these loans, as it was not considered necessary to charge-off interest or principal on the date of restructure.
 
There was onewere 4 loans consisting of commercial loanand real estate construction loans, considered a TDRTDRs for which a payment default occurred during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019. A charge-off ofThe Company charged off approximately $138,000 was recorded$552,000 for this loan.these loans. There was one1 commercial real estate loan for which a payment default occurred during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018. A charge-off of $66,300 was recorded for this loan and $294,300 was transferred to OREO. The Company defines a payment default as a payment received more than 90 days after its due date.
 
In addition to the TDRs that occurred during the periods provided in the preceding tables, the Company had TDRs with pre-modification loan balances, specifically in commercial real estate, of $294,300 at March 31,September 30, 2018, for which OREO was received in full or partial satisfaction of the loans. There were no0 TDRs with pre-modification loan balancebalances for which OREO was received in full or partial satisfaction of the loans during the three or nine month periodperiods ended March 31,September 30, 2019. At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had $3,498,000$3,925,000 and $3,899,000, respectively, of consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process. At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had $4,716,000$4,401,000 and $3,530,000, respectively, of OREO secured by residential real estate properties.
 
Credit Quality Indicators – As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to (i) the weighted-average risk rating of commercial and real estate loans, (ii) the level of classified commercial and real estate loans, (iii) net charge-offs, (iv) non-performing loans (see details above) and (v) the general economic conditions in the States of Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.


The Company utilizes a risk rating matrix to assign a risk rate to each of its commercial and real estate loans. Loans are rated on a scale of 1 to 8. A description of the general characteristics of the 8 risk ratings is as follows:
 
Risk Rate 1 – Pass (Excellent) – This category includes loans which are virtually free of credit risk. Borrowers in this category represent the highest credit quality and greatest financial strength.
Risk Rate 2 – Pass (Good) - Loans under this category possess a nominal risk of default. This category includes borrowers with strong financial strength and superior financial ratios and trends. These loans are generally fully secured by cash or equivalents (other than those rated “excellent”).
Risk Rate 3 – Pass (Acceptable – Average) - Loans in this category are considered to possess a normal level of risk. Borrowers in this category have satisfactory financial strength and adequate cash flow coverage to service debt requirements. If secured, the perfected collateral should be of acceptable quality and within established borrowing parameters.
Risk Rate 4 – Pass (Monitor) - Loans in the Watch (Monitor) category exhibit an overall acceptable level of risk, but that risk may be increased by certain conditions, which represent “red flags”. These “red flags” require a higher level of supervision or monitoring than the normal “Pass” rated credit. The borrower may be experiencing these conditions for the first time, or it may be recovering from weakness, which at one time justified a higher rating. These conditions may include: weaknesses in financial trends; marginal cash flow; one-time negative operating results; non-compliance with policy or borrowing agreements; poor diversity in operations; lack of adequate monitoring information or lender supervision; questionable management ability/stability.
Risk Rate 5 – Special Mention - A loan in this category has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special Mention loans are not adversely classified (although they are “criticized”) and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Borrowers may be experiencing adverse operating trends, or an ill-proportioned balance sheet. Non-financial characteristics of a Special Mention rating may include management problems, pending litigation, a non-existent, or ineffective loan agreement or other material structural weakness, and/or other significant deviation from prudent lending practices.
Risk Rate 6 – Substandard - A Substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. The loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. This does not imply ultimate loss of the principal, but may involve burdensome administrative expenses and the accompanying cost to carry the loan.
Risk Rate 1 – Pass (Excellent) – This category includes loans which are virtually free of credit risk. Borrowers in this category represent the highest credit quality and greatest financial strength.

Risk Rate 2 – Pass (Good) - Loans under this category possess a nominal risk of default. This category includes borrowers with strong financial strength and superior financial ratios and trends. These loans are generally fully secured by cash or equivalents (other than those rated “excellent”).
24
Risk Rate 3 – Pass (Acceptable – Average) - Loans in this category are considered to possess a normal level of risk. Borrowers in this category have satisfactory financial strength and adequate cash flow coverage to service debt requirements. If secured, the perfected collateral should be of acceptable quality and within established borrowing parameters.
Risk Rate 4 – Pass (Monitor) - Loans in the Watch (Monitor) category exhibit an overall acceptable level of risk, but that risk may be increased by certain conditions, which represent “red flags”. These “red flags” require a higher level of supervision or monitoring than the normal “Pass” rated credit. The borrower may be experiencing these conditions for the first time, or it may be recovering from weakness, which at one time justified a higher rating. These conditions may include: weaknesses in financial trends; marginal cash flow; one-time negative operating results; non-compliance with policy or borrowing agreements; poor diversity in operations; lack of adequate monitoring information or lender supervision; questionable management ability/stability.
Risk Rate 5 – Special Mention - A loan in this category has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special Mention loans are not adversely classified (although they are “criticized”) and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Borrowers may be experiencing adverse operating trends, or an ill-proportioned balance sheet. Non-financial characteristics of a Special Mention rating may include management problems, pending litigation, a non-existent, or ineffective loan agreement or other material structural weakness, and/or other significant deviation from prudent lending practices.
Risk Rate 6 – Substandard - A Substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. The loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. This does not imply ultimate loss of the principal, but may involve burdensome administrative expenses and the accompanying cost to carry the loan.

19









Risk Rate 7 – Doubtful - A loan classified Doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard loan except that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full (on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values) highly questionable and improbable. Doubtful borrowers are usually in default, lack adequate liquidity, or capital, and lack the resources necessary to remain an operating entity. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of specific pending events that may strengthen the asset, its classification as loss is deferred. Pending factors include: proposed merger or acquisition; liquidation procedures; capital injection; perfection of liens on additional collateral; and refinancing plans. Loans classified as Doubtful are placed on nonaccrual status.
Risk Rate 8 – Loss - Loans classified Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loans has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless loan, even though partial recovery may be affected in the future. Borrowers in the Loss category are often in bankruptcy, have formally suspended debt repayments, or have otherwise ceased normal business operations. Loans should be classified as Loss and charged-off in the period in which they become uncollectible.
Risk Rate 7 – Doubtful - A loan classified Doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard loan except that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full (on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values) highly questionable and improbable. Doubtful borrowers are usually in default, lack adequate liquidity, or capital, and lack the resources necessary to remain an operating entity. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of specific pending events that may strengthen the asset, its classification as loss is deferred. Pending factors include: proposed merger or acquisition; liquidation procedures; capital injection; perfection of liens on additional collateral; and refinancing plans. Loans classified as Doubtful are placed on nonaccrual status.
Risk Rate 8 – Loss - Loans classified Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loans has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless loan, even though partial recovery may be affected in the future. Borrowers in the Loss category are often in bankruptcy, have formally suspended debt repayments, or have otherwise ceased normal business operations. Loans should be classified as Loss and charged-off in the period in which they become uncollectible.
Loans acquired are evaluated using this internal grading system. Loans acquired are evaluated individually and include purchased credit impaired loans of $3.7$3.1 million and $4.1 million that are accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 and are classified as substandard (Risk Rating 6) as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Of the remaining loans acquired and accounted for under ASC Topic 310-20, $77.2$37.4 million and $50.4 million were classified (Risk Ratings 6, 7 and 8 – see classified loans discussion below) at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
 
Purchased credit impaired loans are loans that showed evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts contractually owed. Their fair value was initially based on the estimate of cash flows, both principal and interest, expected to be collected or estimated collateral values if cash flows are not estimable, discounted at prevailing market rates of interest. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the fair value at acquisition is recognized as interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loan. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition are not recognized as a yield adjustment. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the initial investment are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the loan over its remaining life. Decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment.
 
Classified loans for the Company include loans in Risk Ratings 6, 7 and 8. Loans may be classified, but not considered impaired, due to one of the following reasons: (1)The Company has established minimum dollar amount thresholds for loan impairment testing. Loans rated 6 – 8 that fall under the threshold amount are not tested for impairment and therefore are not included in impaired loans. (2) Of the loans that are above the threshold amount and tested for impairment, after testing, some are considered to not be impaired and are not included in impaired loans. Total classified loans, excluding loans accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30, were $177.4$146.2 million and $119.0 million, as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
 


2025









The following table presents a summary of loans by credit risk rating as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, segregated by class of loans. Loans accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 are all included in Risk Rate 1-4 in this table.
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rate
1-4
 
Risk Rate
5
 
Risk Rate
6
 
Risk Rate
7
 
Risk Rate
8
 Total
Risk Rate
1-4
 
Risk Rate
5
 
Risk Rate
6
 
Risk Rate
7
 
Risk Rate
8
 Total
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
  
  
September 30, 2019 
  
  
  
  
  
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Credit cards$180,988
 $
 $561
 $
 $
 $181,549
$194,433
 $
 $650
 $
 $
 $195,083
Other consumer211,642
 
 2,017
 
 
 213,659
206,647
 
 1,996
 
 
 208,643
Total consumer392,630



2,578





395,208
401,080



2,646





403,726
Real estate:                      
Construction1,372,113
 443
 3,606
 
 
 1,376,162
1,705,376
 1,456
 6,026
 
 
 1,712,858
Single family residential1,407,554
 1,784
 21,839
 230
 
 1,431,407
1,422,086
 3,246
 23,119
 4
 
 1,448,455
Other commercial3,313,139
 21,629
 20,341
 
 
 3,355,109
3,571,706
 33,030
 25,972
 
 
 3,630,708
Total real estate6,092,806

23,856

45,786

230



6,162,678
6,699,168

37,732

55,117

4



6,792,021
Commercial:                      
Commercial1,745,162
 9,671
 46,589
 
 
 1,801,422
1,837,374
 10,420
 47,025
 
 
 1,894,819
Agricultural145,828
 67
 1,321
 
 
 147,216
213,072
 69
 612
 
 
 213,753
Total commercial1,890,990

9,738

47,910





1,948,638
2,050,446

10,489

47,637





2,108,572
Other178,026
 
 
 
 
 178,026
339,046
 
 
 
 
 339,046
Loans acquired2,930,179
 45,157
 80,515
 336
 
 3,056,187
3,272,024
 46,796
 40,639
 128
 
 3,359,587
Total$11,484,631

$78,751

$176,789

$566

$

$11,740,737
$12,761,764

$95,017

$146,039

$132

$

$13,002,952
(In thousands)
Risk Rate
1-4
 
Risk Rate
5
 
Risk Rate
6
 
Risk Rate
7
 
Risk Rate
8
 Total
December 31, 2018 
  
  
  
  
  
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
  
Credit cards$203,667
 $
 $506
 $
 $
 $204,173
Other consumer198,840
 
 2,457
 
 
 201,297
Total consumer402,507



2,963





405,470
Real estate:           
Construction1,296,988
 1,910
 1,825
 
 
 1,300,723
Single family residential1,420,052
 1,628
 18,528
 235
 
 1,440,443
Other commercial3,193,289
 17,169
 14,829
 
 
 3,225,287
Total real estate5,910,329

20,707

35,182

235



5,966,453
Commercial:           
Commercial1,742,002
 8,357
 24,550
 
 
 1,774,909
Agricultural162,824
 75
 1,615
 
 
 164,514
Total commercial1,904,826

8,432

26,165





1,939,423
Other119,042
 
 
 
 
 119,042
Loans acquired3,187,083
 51,255
 54,097
 348
 
 3,292,783
Total$11,523,787

$80,394

$118,407

$583

$

$11,723,171
(In thousands)
Risk Rate
1-4
 
Risk Rate
5
 
Risk Rate
6
 
Risk Rate
7
 
Risk Rate
8
 Total
December 31, 2018 
  
  
  
  
  
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
  
Credit cards$203,667
 $
 $506
 $
 $
 $204,173
Other consumer198,840
 
 2,457
 
 
 201,297
Total consumer402,507



2,963





405,470
Real estate:           
Construction1,296,988
 1,910
 1,825
 
 
 1,300,723
Single family residential1,420,052
 1,628
 18,528
 235
 
 1,440,443
Other commercial3,193,289
 17,169
 14,829
 
 
 3,225,287
Total real estate5,910,329

20,707

35,182

235



5,966,453
Commercial:           
Commercial1,742,002
 8,357
 24,550
 
 
 1,774,909
Agricultural162,824
 75
 1,615
 
 
 164,514
Total commercial1,904,826

8,432

26,165





1,939,423
Other119,042
 
 
 
 
 119,042
Loans acquired3,187,083
 51,255
 54,097
 348
 
 3,292,783
Total$11,523,787

$80,394

$118,407

$583

$

$11,723,171

 


2126









Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10, Receivables, and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450-20, Loss Contingencies. Accordingly, the methodology is based on the Company’s internal grading system, specific impairment analysis, qualitative and quantitative factors.
 
As mentioned above, allocations to the allowance for loan losses are categorized as either specific allocations or general allocations.
 
A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not receive all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan, including scheduled principal and interest payments. For a collateral dependent loan, the Company’s evaluation process includes a valuation by appraisal or other collateral analysis. This valuation is compared to the remaining outstanding principal balance of the loan. If a loss is determined to be probable, the loss is included in the allowance for loan losses as a specific allocation. If the loan is not collateral dependent, the measurement of loss is based on the difference between the expected and contractual future cash flows of the loan.
 
The general allocation is calculated monthly based on management’s assessment of several factors such as (1) historical loss experience based on volumes and types, (2) volume and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals, (3) lending policies and procedures including those for loan losses, collections and recoveries, (4) national, state and local economic trends and conditions, (5) external factors and pressure from competition, (6) the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff, (7) seasoning of new products obtained and new markets entered through acquisition and (8) other factors and trends that will affect specific loans and categories of loans. The Company establishes general allocations for each major loan category. This category also includes allocations to loans which are collectively evaluated for loss such as credit cards, one-to-four family owner occupied residential real estate loans and other consumer loans.


The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for legacy loans for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories. 
(In thousands)Commercial 
Real
Estate
 
Credit
Card
 
Other
Consumer
and Other
 TotalCommercial 
Real
Estate
 
Credit
Card
 
Other
Consumer
and Other
 Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019         
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019         
Balance, beginning of period (2)
$20,514
 $29,743
 $3,923
 $2,419
 $56,599
$21,739
 $34,917
 $3,951
 $2,460
 $63,067
Provision for loan losses (1)
1,874
 2,843
 898
 1,206
 6,821
19,150
 2,405
 946
 (528) 21,973
Charge-offs(1,968) (374) (1,142) (1,533) (5,017)(17,729) (907) (1,117) (1,059) (20,812)
Recoveries158
 142
 240
 300
 840
65
 55
 223
 1,422
 1,765
Net charge-offs(1,810) (232) (902) (1,233) (4,177)(17,664) (852) (894) 363
 (19,047)
Balance, March 31, 2019 (2)
$20,578
 $32,354
 $3,919
 $2,392
 $59,243
Balance, September 30, 2019 (2)
$23,225
 $36,470
 $4,003
 $2,295
 $65,993
         
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019         
Balance, beginning of period (2)
$20,514
 $29,743
 $3,923
 $2,419
 $56,599
Provision for loan losses (1)
23,980
 7,929
 2,644
 1,320
 35,873
Charge-offs(21,564) (1,552) (3,298) (3,497) (29,911)
Recoveries295
 350
 734
 2,053
 3,432
Net charge-offs(21,269) (1,202) (2,564) (1,444) (26,479)
Balance, September 30, 2019 (2)
$23,225
 $36,470
 $4,003
 $2,295
 $65,993
                  
Period-end amount allocated to:                  
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$109
 $412
 $
 $
 $521
$4,620
 $659
 $
 $
 $5,279
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment20,469
 31,942
 3,919
 2,392
 58,722
18,605
 35,811
 4,003
 2,295
 60,714
Balance, March 31, 2019 (2)
$20,578

$32,354

$3,919

$2,392

$59,243
Balance, September 30, 2019 (2)
$23,225

$36,470

$4,003

$2,295

$65,993



2227








Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows:
(In thousands)Commercial 
Real
Estate
 
Credit
Card
 
Other
Consumer
and Other
 Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018         
Balance, beginning of period (3)
$7,007
 $27,281
 $3,784
 $3,596
 $41,668
Provision for loan losses (1)
4,286
 3,286
 751
 759
 9,082
Charge-offs(1,761) (455) (999) (1,056) (4,271)
Recoveries69
 302
 263
 94
 728
Net charge-offs(1,692) (153) (736) (962) (3,543)
Balance, March 31, 2018 (2)
$9,601
 $30,414
 $3,799
 $3,393
 $47,207
          
Period-end amount allocated to:         
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$18
 $426
 $
 $
 $444
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment9,583
 29,988
 3,799
 3,393
 46,763
Balance, March 31, 2018 (2)
$9,601

$30,414

$3,799

$3,393

$47,207
          
Period-end amount allocated to:         
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$437
 $247
 $
 $
 $684
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment20,077
 29,496
 3,923
 2,419
 55,915
Balance, December 31, 2018 (2)
$20,514

$29,743

$3,923

$2,419

$56,599
______________________
(1)    Provision for loan losses of $0 and $2,464,000 attributable to loans acquired was excluded from this table for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, respectively (total provision for loan losses for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $9,285,000)$21,973,000 and $38,337,000). There were $1,247,000$515,000 and $2,862,000 in charge-offs for loans acquired during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, respectively, and recoveries of $900,000 for loans acquired during the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, resulting in an ending balance in the allowance related to loans acquired of $1,312,000. Provision for loan losses of $68,000 attributable to loans acquired was excluded from this table for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (total provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $9,150,000). There were $79,000 in charge-offs for loans acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2018, resulting in an ending balance in the allowance related to loans acquired of $407,000.$597,000.
(2)    Allowance for loan losses at March 31,September 30, 2019 includes $1,312,000$597,000 allowance for loans acquired (not shown in the table above). Allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 includes $1,112,000 and March 31, 2018 includes $95,000, and $407,000, respectively, of allowance for loans acquired (not shown in the table above). The total allowance for loan losses at March 31,September 30, 2019 was $60,555,000$66,590,000 and total allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $64,179,000 and March 31,$56,694,000, respectively.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $56,694,000as follows:
(In thousands)Commercial 
Real
Estate
 
Credit
Card
 
Other
Consumer
and Other
 Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018         
Balance, beginning of period (4)
$15,767
 $28,904
 $3,822
 $3,239
 $51,732
Provision for loan losses (3)
3,589
 5,308
 719
 729
 10,345
Charge-offs(592) (4,952) (919) (1,321) (7,784)
Recoveries450
 210
 229
 176
 1,065
Net charge-offs(142) (4,742) (690) (1,145) (6,719)
Balance, September 30, 2018 (4)
$19,214
 $29,470
 $3,851
 $2,823
 $55,358
          
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018         
Balance, beginning of period (4)
$7,007
 $27,281
 $3,784
 $3,596
 $41,668
Provision for loan losses (3)
14,772
 7,133
 2,219
 2,567
 26,691
Charge-offs(3,143) (5,568) (2,930) (3,743) (15,384)
Recoveries578
 624
 778
 403
 2,383
Net charge-offs(2,565) (4,944) (2,152) (3,340) (13,001)
Balance, September 30, 2018 (4)
$19,214
 $29,470
 $3,851
 $2,823
 $55,358
          
Period-end amount allocated to:         
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$191
 $268
 $
 $
 $459
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment19,023
 29,202
 3,851
 2,823
 54,899
Balance, September 30, 2018 (4)
$19,214

$29,470

$3,851

$2,823

$55,358
          
Period-end amount allocated to:         
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$437
 $247
 $
 $
 $684
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment20,077
 29,496
 3,923
 2,419
 55,915
Balance, December 31, 2018 (5)
$20,514

$29,743

$3,923

$2,419

$56,599
______________________
(3)    Provision for loan losses of $0 and $47,614,000,$1,837,000 attributable to loans acquired was excluded from this table for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively (total provision for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $10,345,000 and $28,528,000, respectively). There were $699,000 and $910,000 in charge-offs for loans acquired during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, resulting in an ending balance in the allowance related to loans acquired of $1,345,000.
(4)    Allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2018, June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 includes $1,345,000, $2,044,000 and $418,000, respectively, of allowance for loans acquired (not shown in the table above). The total allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2018, June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $56,703,000, $53,776,000 and $42,086,000, respectively.
(3)(5)    Allowance for loan losses at December 31, 20172018 includes $418,000$95,000 allowance for loans acquired (not shown in the table above). The total allowance for loan losses at December 31, 20172018 was $42,086,000.$56,694,000.


28





The Company’s recorded investment in loans, excluding loans acquired, related to each balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology was as follows:


(In thousands)Commercial 
Real
Estate
 
Credit
Card
 
Other
Consumer
and Other
 Total
September 30, 2019 
  
  
  
  
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$34,649
 $33,203
 $521
 $1,634
 $70,007
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment2,073,923
 6,758,818
 194,562
 546,055
 9,573,358
Balance, end of period$2,108,572

$6,792,021

$195,083

$547,689

$9,643,365
          
December 31, 2018         
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$13,062
 $24,253
 $296
 $2,159
 $39,770
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment1,926,361
 5,942,200
 203,877
 318,180
 8,390,618
Balance, end of period$1,939,423

$5,966,453

$204,173

$320,339

$8,430,388

(In thousands)Commercial 
Real
Estate
 
Credit
Card
 
Other
Consumer
and Other
 Total
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
  
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$30,710
 $24,976
 $338
 $1,555
 $57,579
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment1,917,928
 6,137,702
 181,211
 390,130
 8,626,971
Balance, end of period$1,948,638

$6,162,678

$181,549

$391,685

$8,684,550
          
December 31, 2018         
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$13,062
 $24,253
 $296
 $2,159
 $39,770
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment1,926,361
 5,942,200
 203,877
 318,180
 8,390,618
Balance, end of period$1,939,423

$5,966,453

$204,173

$320,339

$8,430,388


23





NOTE 5: LOANS ACQUIRED
 
The Company accounts for its acquisitions under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the loans acquired is recorded on the acquisition date as the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk. Loans acquired are recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The fair value estimates associated with the loans include estimates related to expected prepayments and the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows.


The Company evaluates non-impaired loans acquired in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. The fair value discount on these loans is accreted into interest income over the weighted average life of the loans using a constant yield method. The Company evaluates purchased impaired loans in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Purchased loans are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and if it is probable that not all contractually required payments will be collected.
 
For impaired loans accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30, the Company continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected on purchased credit impaired loans. The Company evaluates, at each balance sheet date, whether the present value of the purchased credit impaired loans determined using the effective interest rates has decreased significantly and if so, recognize a provision for loan loss in the consolidated statement of income. For any significant increases in cash flows expected to be collected, the Company adjusts the amount of accretable yield recognized on a prospective basis over the remaining life of the purchased credit impaired loan.

During the second quarter 2019, the Company evaluated $1.097 billion of net loans ($1.127 billion gross loans less $30.6 million discount) purchased in conjunction with the acquisition of Reliance, described in Note 2, Acquisitions, in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 310-20. The Company evaluated the remaining $176,000 of net loans ($385,000 gross loans less $209,000 discount) purchased in conjunction with the acquisition of Reliance for impairment in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 310-30.

29





The following table reflects the carrying value of all loans acquired as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018: 

Loans AcquiredLoans Acquired
(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Consumer: 
  
 
  
Other consumer$11,979
 $15,658
$7,431
 $15,658
Real estate:      
Construction404,512
 429,605
362,000
 429,605
Single family residential533,917
 566,188
504,490
 566,188
Other commercial1,730,472
 1,848,679
2,134,973
 1,848,679
Total real estate2,668,901
 2,844,472
3,001,463
 2,844,472
Commercial:      
Commercial374,033
 430,914
349,821
 430,914
Agricultural1,274
 1,739
872
 1,739
Total commercial375,307
 432,653
350,693
 432,653
Total loans acquired (1)
$3,056,187
 $3,292,783
$3,359,587
 $3,292,783
________________________
(1)    Loans acquired are reported net of a $1,312,000$597,000 and $95,000 allowance at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


24






Nonaccrual loans acquired, excluding purchased credit impaired loans accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30, segregated by class of loans, are as follows (see Note 4, Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, for discussion of nonaccrual loans):


(In thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
    
Consumer: 
  
Other consumer$71
 $140
Real estate:   
Construction48
 114
Single family residential4,492
 6,603
Other commercial1,029
 1,167
Total real estate5,569

7,884
Commercial:   
Commercial1,636
 13,578
Agricultural23
 38
Total commercial1,659

13,616
Total$7,299

$21,640



30




(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
    
Consumer: 
  
Other consumer$149
 $140
Real estate:   
Construction130
 114
Single family residential6,342
 6,603
Other commercial8,973
 1,167
Total real estate15,445

7,884
Commercial:   
Commercial3,117
 13,578
Agricultural20
 38
Total commercial3,137

13,616
Total$18,731

$21,640


An age analysis of past due loans acquired segregated by class of loans, is as follows (see Note 4, Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, for discussion of past due loans):


(In thousands)
Gross
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 Current 
Total
Loans
 
90 Days
Past Due &
Accruing
Gross
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 Current 
Total
Loans
 
90 Days
Past Due &
Accruing
                      
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
  
  
September 30, 2019 
  
  
  
  
  
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Other consumer$94
 $77
 $171
 $11,808
 $11,979
 $
$131
 $36
 $167
 $7,264
 $7,431
 $4
Real estate:                      
Construction5
 8,122
 8,127
 396,385
 404,512
 
30
 12
 42
 361,958
 362,000
 
Single family residential5,058
 2,583
 7,641
 526,276
 533,917
 24
3,664
 1,790
 5,454
 499,036
 504,490
 17
Other commercial305
 8,267
 8,572
 1,721,900
 1,730,472
 
1,888
 943
 2,831
 2,132,142
 2,134,973
 
Total real estate5,368

18,972

24,340

2,644,561

2,668,901
 24
5,582

2,745

8,327

2,993,136

3,001,463
 17
Commercial:                      
Commercial7,265
 6,673
 13,938
 360,095
 374,033
 
607
 724
 1,331
 348,490
 349,821
 
Agricultural
 
 
 1,274
 1,274
 

 
 
 872
 872
 
Total commercial7,265

6,673

13,938

361,369

375,307
 
607

724

1,331

349,362

350,693
 
                      
Total$12,727

$25,722

$38,449

$3,017,738

$3,056,187
 $24
$6,320

$3,505

$9,825

$3,349,762

$3,359,587
 $21
25
December 31, 2018           
Consumer:           
Other consumer$337
 $49
 $386
 $15,272
 $15,658
 $2
Real estate:           
Construction8,283
 27
 8,310
 421,295
 429,605
 
Single family residential4,706
 3,049
 7,755
 558,433
 566,188
 
Other commercial168
 577
 745
 1,847,934
 1,848,679
 
Total real estate13,157
 3,653
 16,810
 2,827,662
 2,844,472
 
Commercial:           
Commercial1,302
 9,542
 10,844
 420,070
 430,914
 
Agricultural31
 5
 36
 1,703
 1,739
 
Total commercial1,333
 9,547
 10,880
 421,773
 432,653
 
            
Total$14,827
 $13,249
 $28,076
 $3,264,707
 $3,292,783
 $2




31







(In thousands)
Gross
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total
Past Due
 Current 
Total
Loans
 
90 Days
Past Due &
Accruing
            
December 31, 2018           
Consumer:           
Other consumer$337
 $49
 $386
 $15,272
 $15,658
 $2
Real estate:           
Construction8,283
 27
 8,310
 421,295
 429,605
 
Single family residential4,706
 3,049
 7,755
 558,433
 566,188
 
Other commercial168
 577
 745
 1,847,934
 1,848,679
 
Total real estate13,157
 3,653
 16,810
 2,827,662
 2,844,472
 
Commercial:           
Commercial1,302
 9,542
 10,844
 420,070
 430,914
 
Agricultural31
 5
 36
 1,703
 1,739
 
Total commercial1,333
 9,547
 10,880
 421,773
 432,653
 
            
Total$14,827
 $13,249
 $28,076
 $3,264,707
 $3,292,783
 $2


The following table presents a summary of loans acquired by credit risk rating, segregated by class of loans (see Note 4, Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, for discussion of loan risk rating). Loans accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 are all included in Risk Rate 1-4 in this table.


(In thousands)
Risk Rate
1-4
 
Risk Rate
5
 
Risk Rate
6
 
Risk Rate
7
 
Risk Rate
8
 Total
Risk Rate
1-4
 
Risk Rate
5
 
Risk Rate
6
 
Risk Rate
7
 
Risk Rate
8
 Total
                      
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
  
  
September 30, 2019 
  
  
  
  
  
Consumer: 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Other consumer$11,715
 $
 $264
 $
 $
 $11,979
$7,285
 $
 $146
 $
 $
 $7,431
Real estate:                      
Construction369,267
 27,475
 7,770
 
 
 404,512
344,075
 17,874
 51
 
 
 362,000
Single family residential520,159
 2,049
 11,373
 336
 
 533,917
492,826
 1,224
 10,312
 128
 
 504,490
Other commercial1,675,051
 11,894
 43,527
 
 
 1,730,472
2,085,649
 26,207
 23,117
 
 
 2,134,973
Total real estate2,564,477

41,418

62,670

336



2,668,901
2,922,550

45,305

33,480

128



3,001,463
Commercial:                      
Commercial352,779
 3,739
 17,515
 
 
 374,033
341,385
 1,491
 6,945
 
 
 349,821
Agricultural1,208
 
 66
 
 
 1,274
804
 
 68
 
 
 872
Total commercial353,987

3,739

17,581





375,307
342,189

1,491

7,013





350,693
                      
Total$2,930,179

$45,157

$80,515

$336

$

$3,056,187
$3,272,024

$46,796

$40,639

$128

$

$3,359,587
26
December 31, 2018           
Consumer:           
Other consumer$15,380
 $
 $278
 $
 $
 $15,658
Real estate:           
Construction393,122
 27,621
 8,862
 
 
 429,605
Single family residential553,460
 2,081
 10,299
 348
 
 566,188
Other commercial1,822,179
 9,137
 17,363
 
 
 1,848,679
Total real estate2,768,761
 38,839
 36,524
 348
 
 2,844,472
Commercial:           
Commercial401,300
 12,416
 17,198
 
 
 430,914
Agricultural1,642
 
 97
 
 
 1,739
Total commercial402,942
 12,416
 17,295
 
 
 432,653
            
Total$3,187,083
 $51,255
 $54,097
 $348
 $
 $3,292,783






(In thousands)
Risk Rate
1-4
 
Risk Rate
5
 
Risk Rate
6
 
Risk Rate
7
 
Risk Rate
8
 Total
            
December 31, 2018           
Consumer:           
Other consumer$15,380
 $
 $278
 $
 $
 $15,658
Real estate:           
Construction393,122
 27,621
 8,862
 
 
 429,605
Single family residential553,460
 2,081
 10,299
 348
 
 566,188
Other commercial1,822,179
 9,137
 17,363
 
 
 1,848,679
Total real estate2,768,761
 38,839
 36,524
 348
 
 2,844,472
Commercial:           
Commercial401,300
 12,416
 17,198
 
 
 430,914
Agricultural1,642
 
 97
 
 
 1,739
Total commercial402,942
 12,416
 17,295
 
 
 432,653
            
Total$3,187,083
 $51,255
 $54,097
 $348
 $
 $3,292,783


Loans acquired were individually evaluated and recorded at estimated fair value, including estimated credit losses, at the time of acquisition. These loans are systematically reviewed by the Company to determine the risk of losses that may exceed those identified at the time of the acquisition. Techniques used in determining risk of loss are similar to the Company’s legacy loan portfolio, with most focus being placed on those loans which include the larger loan relationships and those loans which exhibit higher risk characteristics.


In addition to the accretable yield on loans acquired not considered to be impaired, the amount of the estimated cash flows expected to be received from the purchased credit impaired loans in excess of the fair values recorded for the purchased credit impaired loans is referred to as the accretable yield. The accretable yield is recognized as interest income over the estimated lives of the loans. Each quarter, the Company estimates the cash flows expected to be collected from the acquired purchased credit impaired loans, and adjustments may or may not be required. This has resulted in an increase in interest income that is spread on a level-yield basis over the remaining expected lives of the loans. These adjustments will be recognized over the remaining lives of the purchased credit impaired loans. The accretable yield adjustments recorded in future periods will change as the Company continues to evaluate expected cash flows from the purchased credit impaired loans.




32





Changes in the carrying amount of the accretable yield for all purchased impaired loans were as follows for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018.


Three Months Ended
March 31, 2019
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2019
(In thousands)
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount of
Loans
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount of
Loans
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount of
Loans
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount of
Loans
Beginning balance$1,460
 $4,050
 $620
 $17,116
$1,461
 $3,487
 $1,460
 $4,050
Additions
 
 
 

 
 
 175
Accretable yield adjustments17
 
 1,134
 
10
 
 38
 
Accretion(9) 9
 (385) 385
(12) 12
 (39) 39
Payments and other reductions, net
 (408) 
 104

 (422) 
 (1,187)
Balance, ending$1,468
 $3,651
 $1,369
 $17,605
$1,459
 $3,077
 $1,459
 $3,077


 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount of
Loans
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount of
Loans
Beginning balance$1,382
 $13,995
 $620
 $17,116
Additions
 
 
 
Accretable yield adjustments717
 
 1,895
 
Accretion(635) 635
 (1,051) 1,051
Payments and other reductions, net
 (9,664) 
 (13,201)
Balance, ending$1,464
 $4,966
 $1,464
 $4,966


Purchased impaired loans are evaluated on an individual borrower basis. Because some loans evaluated by the Company were determined to have experienced impairment in the estimated credit quality or cash flows, the Company recorded a provision and established an allowance for loan loss for loans acquired resulting in a total allowance on loans acquired of $1,312,000$597,000 at March 31,September 30, 2019 and $95,000 at December 31, 2018. The provision on loans acquired for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $0 and $2,464,000, respectively. The provision on loans acquired for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $2,464,000$0 and $68,000,$1,837,000, respectively.


27






33






NOTE 6: RIGHT-OF-USE LEASE ASSETS AND LEASE LIABILITIES


As of the first quarter 2019, the Company accounts for its leases in accordance with ASC Topic 842, Leases, which requires recognition of most leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months, on the balance sheet. At lease commencement, the lease contract is reviewed to determine whether the contract is a finance lease or an operating lease; a lease liability is recognized on a discounted basis, related to the Company’s obligation to make lease payments; and a right-of-use asset is also recognized related to the Company’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The Company accounts for lease and non-lease components (such as taxes, insurance and common area maintenance costs) separately as such amounts are generally readily determinable under the lease contracts. Lease payments over the expected term are discounted using the Company’s Federal Home Loan BankFHLB advance rates for borrowings of similar term. If it is reasonably certain that a renewal or termination option will be exercised, the effects of such options are included in the determination of the expected lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.


The Company’s leases are classified as operating leases with a term, including expected renewal or termination options, greater than one year, and are related to certain office facilities and office equipment. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, right-of-use lease assets included in premises and equipment are $30.5$34.1 million and lease liabilities included in other liabilities are $30.4$34.3 million. During the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company recognized lease expense of $2.6$2.8 million and $8.1 million, respectively, and the weighted average discount rate was 3.46%3.47%. At March 31,September 30, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term was 9.298.63 years.


See Note 1, in the Recently Adopted Accounting Standards section of Note 1, Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, for additional information related to the adoption of ASC Topic 842.


NOTE 7: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
Goodwill is tested annually, or more often than annually, if circumstances warrant, for impairment. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than its carrying amount, goodwill impairment is indicated, and goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. Subsequent increases in goodwill value are not recognized in the financial statements. Goodwill totaled $926.6 million at September 30, 2019 and $845.7 million at both March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

The Company recorded $81.0 million of goodwill during the second quarter 2019 as a result of its acquisition of Reliance. Goodwill impairment was neither indicated nor recorded during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 or the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
Core deposit premiums are amortized over periods ranging from 10 years to 15 years and are periodically evaluated, at least annually, as to the recoverability of their carrying value. Core deposit premiums of $18.4 million were recorded during the second quarter 2019 as part of the Reliance acquisition. Additionally, intangible assets are being amortized over various periods ranging from 10 years to 15 years.
 
The Company’s goodwill and other intangibles (carrying basis and accumulated amortization) at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were as follows: 
 
(In thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Goodwill$926,648
 $845,687
Core deposit premiums:   
Gross carrying amount124,334
 105,984
Accumulated amortization(33,918) (26,177)
Core deposit premiums, net90,416

79,807
Books of business intangible:   
Gross carrying amount15,234
 15,234
Accumulated amortization(4,501) (3,707)
Books of business intangible, net10,733

11,527
Other intangible assets, net101,149
 91,334
Total goodwill and other intangible assets$1,027,797

$937,021

(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Goodwill$845,687
 $845,687
Core deposit premiums:   
Gross carrying amount105,984
 105,984
Accumulated amortization(28,552) (26,177)
Core deposit premiums, net77,432

79,807
Books of business intangible:   
Gross carrying amount15,234
 15,234
Accumulated amortization(3,972) (3,707)
Books of business intangible, net11,262

11,527
Other intangible assets, net88,694
 91,334
Total goodwill and other intangible assets$934,381

$937,021


2834









The Company’s estimated remaining amortization expense on intangibles as of March 31,September 30, 2019 is as follows:
 
(In thousands)Year 
Amortization
Expense
 Remainder of 2019 $2,947
 2020 11,776
 2021 11,714
 2022 11,662
 2023 11,379
 Thereafter 51,671
 Total $101,149

(In thousands)Year 
Amortization
Expense
 Remainder of 2019 $7,924
 2020 10,552
 2021 10,490
 2022 10,438
 2023 10,156
 Thereafter 39,134
 Total $88,694


NOTE 8: TIME DEPOSITS
 
Time deposits include approximately $1.507$1.679 billion and $1.443 billion of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more at March 31,September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively. Of this total approximately $770.1$777.5 million and $753.2 million of certificates of deposit were over $250,000 at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
 
NOTE 9: INCOME TAXES
 
The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following components for the periods indicated below:
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Income taxes currently payable$17,282
 $5,638
 $40,356
 $31,335
Deferred income taxes5,993
 5,264
 10,933
 7,316
Provision for income taxes$23,275
 $10,902
 $51,289
 $38,651
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)    2019 2018
Income taxes currently payable    $10,317
 $10,045
Deferred income taxes    2,081
 3,921
Provision for income taxes    $12,398
 $13,966

 
The tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts that give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and their appropriate tax effects, are as follows:
(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets: 
  
 
  
Loans acquired$11,052
 $12,536
$15,906
 $12,536
Allowance for loan losses14,885
 13,947
16,332
 13,947
Valuation of foreclosed assets1,474
 1,474
2,706
 1,474
Tax NOLs from acquisition6,969
 7,242
18,021
 7,242
Deferred compensation payable2,793
 2,707
2,572
 2,707
Accrued equity and other compensation6,304
 8,182
8,340
 8,182
Acquired securities397
 397
2,598
 397
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities2,718
 9,196

 9,196
Other7,130
 7,042
5,409
 7,042
Gross deferred tax assets53,722

62,723
71,884

62,723



2935









(In thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Goodwill and other intangible amortization$(34,304) $(30,471)
Accumulated depreciation(16,587) (13,361)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities(6,811) 
Other(5,304) (5,360)
Gross deferred tax liabilities(63,006) (49,192)
    
Net deferred tax asset, included in other assets$8,878
 $13,531

(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Deferred tax liabilities:   
Goodwill and other intangible amortization$(30,273) $(30,471)
Accumulated depreciation(13,361) (13,361)
Other(5,115) (5,360)
Gross deferred tax liabilities(48,749) (49,192)
    
Net deferred tax asset, included in other assets$4,973
 $13,531


A reconciliation of income tax expense at the statutory rate to the Company’s actual income tax expense is shown for the periods indicated below:
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
Computed at the statutory rate (21%)
 $12,620
 $13,708
$22,071
 $13,880
 $49,646
 $41,731
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:           
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 1,345
 1,822
2,956
 986
 5,721
 4,073
Discrete items related to ASU 2016-09 (26) (273)
Tax exempt interest income (961) (677)(1,105) (833) (3,090) (2,292)
Tax exempt earnings on BOLI (179) (186)(225) (186) (619) (562)
Federal tax credits (729) 
(730) 
 (2,188) 
Other differences, net 328
 (428)308
 (2,945) 1,819
 (4,299)
Actual tax provision $12,398
 $13,966
$23,275
 $10,902
 $51,289
 $38,651


The Company follows ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties. The Company has no history of expiring net operating loss carryforwards and is projecting significant pre-tax and financial taxable income in 2019 and in future years. The Company expects to fully realize its deferred tax assets in the future.


The amount of unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the future for various reasons including adding amounts for current tax year positions, expiration of open income tax returns due to the statutes of limitation, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examinations, litigation and legislative activity and the addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions.


Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes an annual limit on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” to use its U.S. net operating losses to reduce its tax liability. The Company closed a stock acquisitionhas engaged in a prior year that invoked thetwo tax-free reorganization transactions in which acquired net operating losses are limited pursuant to Section 382 annual limitation. Approximately $33.8382. In total, approximately $85.9 million of federal net operating losses subject to the IRC SecSection 382 annual limitation are expected to be utilized by the Company. TheCompany, of which $53.6 million is related to the Reliance acquisition during second quarter 2019. All of the acquired Reliance net operating losses are expected to be fully utilized by 2029, with the remaining acquired net operating loss carryforwards expire between 2028 and 2035.expected to be fully utilized by 2036.



36





The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction. The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns are open and subject to examinations from the 2015 tax year and forward. The Company’s various state income tax returns are generally open from the 2015 and later tax return years based on individual state statute of limitations.



30





NOTE 10: SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
 
The Company utilizes securities sold under agreements to repurchase to facilitate the needs of its customers and to facilitate secured short-term funding needs. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are stated at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The Company monitors collateral levels on a continuous basis. The Company may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. Securities pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements are maintained with safekeeping agents.
 
The gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreements was $117.0$116.3 million and $95.5 million at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The remaining contractual maturity of the securities sold under agreements to repurchase in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is presented in the following tables.
 
 Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
(In thousands)
Overnight and
Continuous
 Up to 30 Days 30-90 Days 
Greater than
90 Days
 Total
September 30, 2019         
Repurchase agreements:         
U.S. Government agencies$116,286
 $
 $
 $
 $116,286
          
December 31, 2018         
Repurchase agreements:         
U.S. Government agencies$95,542
 $
 $
 $
 $95,542

 Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
(In thousands)
Overnight and
Continuous
 Up to 30 Days 30-90 Days 
Greater than
90 Days
 Total
March 31, 2019         
Repurchase agreements:         
U.S. Government agencies$116,963
 $
 $
 $
 $116,963
          
December 31, 2018         
Repurchase agreements:         
U.S. Government agencies$95,542
 $
 $
 $
 $95,542


NOTE 11: OTHER BORROWINGS AND SUBORDINATED NOTES AND DEBENTURES
 
Debt at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of the following components: 
(In thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Other Borrowings 
  
FHLB advances, net of discount, due 2019 to 2033, 1.38% to 7.37% secured by real estate loans$1,098,395
 $1,345,450
Revolving credit agreement, due 10/4/2019, floating rate of 1.50% above the one month LIBOR rate, unsecured
 
Total other borrowings1,098,395

1,345,450
    
Subordinated Notes and Debentures   
Subordinated notes payable, due 4/1/2028, fixed-to-floating rate (fixed rate of 5.00% through 3/31/2023, floating rate of 2.15% above the three month LIBOR rate, reset quarterly)330,000
 330,000
Trust preferred securities, net of discount, due 9/15/2037, floating rate of 1.37% above the three month LIBOR rate, reset quarterly10,310
 10,310
Trust preferred securities, net of discount, due 6/6/2037, floating rate of 1.57% above the three month LIBOR rate, reset quarterly, callable without penalty10,310
 10,310
Trust preferred securities, due 12/15/2035, floating rate of 1.45% above the three month LIBOR rate, reset quarterly, callable without penalty6,702
 6,702
Unamortized debt issuance costs(3,099) (3,372)
Total subordinated notes and debentures354,223

353,950
Total other borrowings and subordinated debt$1,452,618

$1,699,400
(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Other Borrowings 
  
FHLB advances, net of discount, due 2019 to 2033, 1.38% to 7.37% secured by real estate loans$1,169,989
 $1,345,450
Revolving credit agreement, due 10/4/2019, floating rate of 1.50% above the one month LIBOR rate, unsecured
 
Total other borrowings1,169,989

1,345,450
    
Subordinated Notes and Debentures   
Subordinated notes payable, due 4/1/2028, fixed-to-floating rate (fixed rate of 5.00% through 3/31/2023, floating rate of 2.15% above the three month LIBOR rate, reset quarterly)330,000
 330,000
Trust preferred securities, net of discount, due 9/15/2037, floating rate of 1.37% above the three month LIBOR rate, reset quarterly10,310
 10,310
Trust preferred securities, net of discount, due 6/6/2037, floating rate of 1.57% above the three month LIBOR rate, reset quarterly, callable without penalty10,310
 10,310
Trust preferred securities, due 12/15/2035, floating rate of 1.45% above the three month LIBOR rate, reset quarterly, callable without penalty6,702
 6,702
Unamortized debt issuance costs(3,281) (3,372)
Total subordinated notes and debentures354,041

353,950
Total other borrowings and subordinated debt$1,524,030

$1,699,400

 


3137









In March 2018, the Company issued $330.0 million in aggregate principal amount, of 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes (“the Notes”) at a public offering price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Company incurred $3.6 million in debt issuance costs related to the offering during March.March 2018. The Notes will mature on April 1, 2028 and will bear interest at an initial fixed rate of 5.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears. From and including April 1, 2023 to, but excluding, the maturity date or the date of earlier redemption, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then-current three month LIBOR rate plus 215 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears. The Notes will be subordinated in right of payment to the payment of the Company’s other existing and future senior indebtedness, including all of its general creditors. The Notes are obligations of Simmons First National Corporation only and are not obligations of, and are not guaranteed by, any of its subsidiaries. During 2018, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repay certain outstanding indebtedness, including the amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”)(described below), certain trust preferred securities, both discussed below, and unsecured debt from correspondent banks. The Notes qualify for Tier 2 capital treatment.
 
In 2017, the Company entered into thea Revolving Credit Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association (the “Credit Agreement”) and executed an unsecured Revolving Credit Note pursuant to which the Company may borrow, prepay and re-borrow up to $75.0 million, the proceeds of which were primarily used to pay off amounts outstanding under a term note assumed with the First Texas acquisition. The Credit Agreement contained customary representations, warranties, and covenants of the Company, including, among other things, covenants that impose various financial ratio requirements. In October 2018, the Company and U.S. Bank National Association entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, which extended the expiration date from October 5, 2018 to October 4, 2019, reduced the $75.0 million to $50.0 million, and increased the commitment fee on the unused portion from an annual rate of 0.25% to 0.30%. In December 2018, the Company entered into a Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement that clarified the financial metrics contained in certain affirmative covenants are evaluated on a consolidated basis. In October 2019, allAll amounts borrowed, together with applicable interest, fees, and other amounts owed by the Company arewere due and payable.payable on October 4, 2019. The balance due under the Credit Agreement at March 31,September 30, 2019 and October 4, 2019 was zero.$0. The Company did not renew the Credit Agreement upon the expiration date.


At March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company had $1.2$1.09 billion of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)FHLB advances outstanding with original or expected maturities of one year or less, of which $775.0 million$1.03 billion are FHLB Owns the Option (“FOTO”) advances. FOTO advances are a low cost, fixed-rate source of funding in return for granting to FHLB the flexibility to choose a termination date earlier than the maturity date. Typically, FOTO exercise dates follow a specified lockout period at the beginning of the term when FHLB cannot terminate the FOTO advance. If FHLB exercises its option to terminate the FOTO advance at one of the specified option exercise dates, there is no termination or prepayment fee, and replacement funding will be available at then-prevailing market rates, subject to FHLB’s credit and collateral requirements. The Company’s FOTO advances outstanding at the end of the firstthird quarter have maturity dates of ten years to fifteen year maturity datesyears with lockout periods that vary but do not exceed one year. These FOTO advanceshave expired and, as a result, are considered and monitored by the Company as short-term advances due toadvances. The possibility of the likelihood of FHLB exercising the options within a year ofis analyzed by the settlement dates based uponCompany along with the risingmarket expected rate environment and the short lockout periods.outcome.


The Company had total FHLB advances of $1.2$1.10 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019, with approximately $2.2$3.1 billion of additional advances available from the FHLB. The FHLB advances are secured by mortgage loans and investment securities totaling approximately $4.7$5.4 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019.
 
The trust preferred securities are tax-advantaged issues that qualified for Tier 1 capital treatment until December 31, 2017, when the Company reached $15 billion in assets. They still qualify for inclusion as Tier 2 capital at March 31,September 30, 2019. Distributions on these securities are included in interest expense on long-term debt. Each of the trusts is a statutory business trust organized for the sole purpose of issuing trust securities and investing the proceeds thereof in junior subordinated debentures of the Company, the sole asset of each trust. The preferred securities of each trust represent preferred beneficial interests in the assets of the respective trusts and are subject to mandatory redemption upon payment of the junior subordinated debentures held by the trust. The common securities of each trust are wholly-owned by the Company. Each trust’s ability to pay amounts due on the trust preferred securities is solely dependent upon the Company making payments on the related junior subordinated debentures. The Company’s obligations under the junior subordinated securities and other relevant trust agreements, in the aggregate, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of each respective trust’s obligations under the trust securities issued by each respective trust.




3238









The Company’s long-term debt includes subordinated debt notes payable and long-term FHLB advances with an original maturity of greater than one year. Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt at March 31,September 30, 2019, are as follows:
 
(In thousands)Year 
Annual
Maturities
 2019 $356
 2020 2,105
 2021 1,804
 2022 948
 2023 925
 Thereafter 361,480
 Total $367,618
(In thousands)Year 
Annual
Maturities
 2019 $1,775
 2020 2,099
 2021 1,801
 2022 948
 2023 925
 Thereafter 361,482
 Total $369,030

NOTE 12: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
 
The Company and/or its subsidiaries have various unrelated legal proceedings, which, in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
NOTE 13: COMMONCAPITAL STOCK
 
On January 18, 2018, the boardBoard of directorsDirectors of the Company approved a two-for-one stock split of the Corporation’sCompany’s outstanding Class A common stock (“Common Stock”) in the form of a 100% stock dividend for shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 30, 2018 (“Record Date”).2018. The new shares were distributed by the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare, and the Company’s common stockCommon Stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market on February 9, 2018. All previously reported share and per share data included in filings subsequent to February 8, 2018 are restated to reflect the retroactive effect of this two-for-one2-for-one stock split.


On March 19, 2018, the Company filed a shelf registration with the SEC. The shelf registration statement provides increased flexibility and more efficient access to raise capital from time to time through the sale of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depository shares, warrants, purchase contracts, purchase units, subscription rights, units or a combination thereof, subject to market conditions. Specific terms and prices are determined at the time of any offering under a separate prospectus supplement that the Company is required to file with the SEC at the time of the specific offering.
 
On April 19, 2018, shareholders of the Company approved an increase in the number of authorized shares from 120,000,000 to 175,000,000.


On July 23, 2012, the Company approved a stock repurchase program which authorized the repurchase of up to 1,700,000 shares (split adjusted) of Class A common stock, or approximately 2% of the shares outstanding. Under the current plan,Common Stock. On October 22, 2019, the Company can repurchase an additional 308,272 shares. The shares are to be purchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or unsolicited negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions. Under theannounced a new stock repurchase program there is no time limitthat replaces the program approved on July 23, 2012. See Note 22, Subsequent Events, for the stock repurchases, nor is there a minimum number of shares that the Company intends to repurchase. The Company may discontinue purchases at any time that management determines additional purchases are not warranted. The Company intends to use the repurchased shares to satisfy stock option exercises, payment of future stock awards and dividends and general corporate purposes.

information regarding this subsequent event. The Company had no0 repurchases of its common stock pursuant to the repurchase program during the three and nine month periodperiods ended March 31,September 30, 2019.

On April 12, 2019, as part of the acquisition of Reliance, the Company issued 40,000 shares of Simmons Series A Preferred Stock and 2,000 shares Simmons Series B Preferred Stock in exchange for the outstanding shares of Reliance’s Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock. On May 13, 2019, the Company redeemed all of the preferred stock, including accrued and unpaid dividends.
 




3339









NOTE 14: UNDIVIDED PROFITS
 
The Company’s subsidiary bank is subject to legal limitations on dividends that can be paid to the parent company without prior approval of the applicable regulatory agencies. The approval of the Commissioner of the Arkansas State Bank Department is required if the total of all dividends declared by an Arkansas state bank in any calendar year exceeds seventy-five percent (75%) of the total of its net profits, as defined, for that year combined with seventy-five percent (75%) of its retained net profits of the preceding year. At March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company’s subsidiary bank had approximately $57.7$128.8 million available for payment of dividends to the Company, without prior regulatory approval.
 
The risk-based capital guidelines of the Federal Reserve Board and the Arkansas State Bank Department include the definitions for (1) a well-capitalized institution, (2) an adequately-capitalized institution, and (3) an undercapitalized institution. Under the Basel III Rules effective January 1, 2015, the criteria for a well-capitalized institution are: a 5% “Tier l leverage capital” ratio, an 8% “Tier 1 risk-based capital” ratio, 10% “total risk-based capital” ratio; and a 6.50% “common equity Tier 1 (CET1)” ratio.
 
The Company and Bank must hold a capital conservation buffer composed of CET1 capital above its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016, at the 0.625% level and was phased in over a four-yearfour year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1 until it reached 2.5% on January 1, 2019). As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company and its subsidiary bank met all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules. The Company’s CET1 ratio was 10.46%10.25% at March 31,September 30, 2019.

NOTE 15: STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
 
The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted various stock-based compensation plans. The plans provide for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and performance stock units. Pursuant to the plans, shares are reserved for future issuance by the Company upon exercise of stock options or awarding of performance or bonus shares granted to directors, officers and other key employees.


The table below summarizes the transactions under the Company’s active stock compensation plans for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019:
 
 
Stock Options
Outstanding
 
Non-vested
Stock Awards
Outstanding
 
Non-vested
Stock Units
Outstanding
 (Shares in thousands)
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Balance, January 1, 2019695
 $22.42
 72
 $21.45
 817
 $27.65
Granted
 
 
 
 516
 26.07
Stock options exercised(1) 10.65
 
 
 
 
Stock awards/units vested (earned)
 
 (39) 20.12
 (334) 26.45
Forfeited/expired
 
 (2) 21.82
 (90) 28.29
            
Balance, September 30, 2019694
 $22.43
 31
 $23.16
 909
 $27.18
            
Exercisable, September 30, 2019694
 $22.43
        
 
Stock Options
Outstanding
 
Non-vested
Stock Awards
Outstanding
 
Non-vested
Stock Units
Outstanding
 
Number
of Shares
(000)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
of Shares
(000)
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Number
of Shares
(000)
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Balance, January 1, 2019695
 $22.42
 72
 $21.45
 817
 $27.65
Granted
 
 
 
 399
 26.57
Stock options exercised(1) 10.65
 
 
 
 
Stock awards/units vested (earned)
 
 (21) 18.65
 (266) 26.55
Forfeited/expired
 
 (1) 18.92
 (57) 28.45
            
Balance, March 31, 2019694
 $22.43
 50
 $22.68
 893
 $27.49
            
Exercisable, March 31, 2019694
 $22.43
        

 


3440









The following table summarizes information about stock options under the plans outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2019:
 
    Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Prices
 
Number
of Shares
(In thousands)
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
of Shares
(In thousands)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$9.46
  $9.46
 1 2.30 $9.46 1 $9.46
10.65
  10.65
 3 3.32 10.65 3 10.65
10.76
  10.76
 2 0.30 10.76 2 10.76
20.29
  20.29
 71 5.25 20.29 71 20.29
20.36
  20.36
 3 5.13 20.36 3 20.36
22.20
  22.20
 74 5.48 22.20 74 22.20
22.75
  22.75
 436 5.86 22.75 436 22.75
23.51
  23.51
 97 6.30 23.51 97 23.51
24.07
  24.07
 7 5.96 24.07 7 24.07
$9.46
  $24.07
 694 5.78 $22.43 694 $22.43

    Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Prices
 
Number
of Shares
(000)
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
of Shares
(000)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$9.46
  $9.46
 1 2.80 $9.46 1 $9.46
10.65
  10.65
 3 3.83 10.65 3 10.65
10.76
  10.76
 2 0.80 10.76 2 10.76
20.29
  20.29
 71 5.75 20.29 71 20.29
20.36
  20.36
 3 5.63 20.36 3 20.36
22.20
  22.20
 74 5.98 22.20 74 22.20
22.75
  22.75
 436 6.36 22.75 436 22.75
23.51
  23.51
 97 6.81 23.51 97 23.51
24.07
  24.07
 7 6.46 24.07 7 24.07
$9.46
  $24.07
 694 6.28 $22.43 694 $22.43


The table below summarizes the Company’s restricted performance stock unit activity for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019:


(In thousands) Performance Stock Units
Non-vested, January 1, 2019 177

Granted 83118

Vested (earned) (5493)
Forfeited (173)
Non-vested, March 31,September 30, 2019 189199




Stock-based compensation expense was $3,084,000$9,316,000 and $2,621,000$9,818,000 during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all stock-based awards. There was zero of0 unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options at March 31,September 30, 2019. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards and stock units was $20,533,000$16,269,000 at March 31,September 30, 2019. At such date, the weighted-average period over which this unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized was 2.01.7 years.
 
The intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable at March 31,September 30, 2019 was $1,425,000$1,717,000 and $1,423,000,$1,714,000, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period, which was $24.48$24.90 as of March 31,September 30, 2019, and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and March 31,September 30, 2018, was $6,000 and $646,000,$1,155,000, respectively.


The fair value of the Company’s employee stock options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, changes to which can materially affect the fair value estimate. There were no0 stock options granted during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018.
 




3541









NOTE 16: EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)
 
Basic EPS is computed based on theby dividing reported net income available to common stockholders by weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is computed usingby dividing reported net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares and all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.
 
The computation of earnings per share is as follows:


 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands, except per share data)2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income available to common stockholders$81,826
 $55,193
 $185,119
 $160,067
        
Average common shares outstanding96,608
 92,290
 95,090
 92,246
Average potential dilutive common shares360
 551
 360
 551
Average diluted common shares96,968
 92,841
 95,450

92,797
        
Basic earnings per share$0.85
 $0.60
 $1.95
 $1.74
Diluted earnings per share$0.84
 $0.59
 $1.94
 $1.72

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)    2019 2018
Net income    $47,695
 $51,312
        
Average common shares outstanding    92,520
 92,182
Average potential dilutive common shares    351
 457
Average diluted common shares    92,871

92,639
        
Basic earnings per share    $0.52
 $0.56
Diluted earnings per share    $0.51
 $0.55


There were no0 stock options excluded from the earnings per share calculation due to the related exercise price exceeding the average market price for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018.

NOTE 17: ADDITIONAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
The following is a summary of the Company’s additional cash flow information:
 
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)2019 2018
Interest paid$130,904
 $78,987
Income taxes (refunded) paid34,028
 25,576
Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets held for sale3,666
 7,745
Transfers of premises to foreclosed assets and other real estate owned556
 3,690
Right-of use lease assets obtained in exchange for lessee operating lease liabilities (adoption of ASU 2016-02)32,757
 
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)2019 2018
Interest paid$38,047
 $22,863
Income taxes (refunded) paid(54) (7,375)
Transfers of loans to foreclosed assets held for sale569
 1,316
Transfers of premises to foreclosed assets and other real estate owned
 106
Right-of use lease assets obtained in exchange for lessee operating lease liabilities32,757
 

 




3642









NOTE 18: OTHER INCOME AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
 
Other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $43.8 million and $52.1 million, respectively, and primarily consisted of the gain on sale of Visa Inc. class B common stock of $42.9 million. Other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $4.9 million and $14.2 million, respectively.

Other operating expenses consist of the following:
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Professional services$4,310
 $4,616
 $12,125
 $13,896
Postage1,471
 1,262
 4,642
 4,103
Telephone2,507
 1,248
 5,605
 4,217
Credit card expense4,200
 3,405
 11,822
 9,820
Marketing7,021
 2,912
 12,514
 6,334
Software and technology6,531
 4,733
 16,607
 10,716
Operating supplies493
 585
 1,671
 1,917
Amortization of intangibles2,947
 2,772
 8,535
 8,394
Branch right sizing expense160
 970
 3,092
 1,049
Other expense8,239
 7,171
 24,195
 20,907
Total other operating expenses$37,879
 $29,674
 $100,808

$81,353
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In thousands)    2019 2018
Professional services    $4,323
 $4,330
Postage    1,726
 1,399
Telephone    1,619
 1,486
Credit card expense    3,860
 3,228
Marketing    3,057
 1,660
Software and technology    4,496
 2,648
Operating supplies    618
 749
Amortization of intangibles    2,641
 2,837
Branch right sizing expense    45
 61
Other expense    7,677
 7,096
Total other operating expenses    $30,062

$25,494

 
NOTE 19: CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries have made loans, other extensions of credit, and vendor contracts to directors, officers, their associates and members of their immediate families. Additionally, some directors, officers and their associates and members of their immediate families have placed deposits with the Company’s subsidiary bank, Simmons Bank. Such loans and other extensions of credit, deposits and vendor contracts (which were not material) were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms (including interest rates and collateral) as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with otherunrelated persons or through a competitive bid process. Further, in management’s opinion, these extensions of credit did not involve more than normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.
 
NOTE 20: COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT RISK
 
The Company grants agri-business, commercial and residential loans to customers primarily throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, along with credit card loans to customers throughout the United States. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since a portion of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial real estate and residential real estate.
 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company had outstanding commitments to extend credit aggregating approximately $573,779,000$598,992,000 and $3,384,471,000$3,310,794,000 for credit card commitments and other loan commitments. At December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding commitments to extend credit aggregating approximately $560,863,000 and $3,455,471,000 for credit card commitments and other loan commitments, respectively.
 
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. The Company had total outstanding letters of credit amounting to $36,929,000$49,447,000 and $39,101,000 at March 31,September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively, with terms ranging from 9 months to 15 years. At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had no0 deferred revenue under standby letter of credit agreements.



43





37







NOTE 21: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
 
ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Topic 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
 
Level 1 Inputs – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Inputs – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 Inputs – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Level 1 Inputs – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Inputs – Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 Inputs – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.


In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the Company’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Company’s valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein. A more detailed description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.
 
Following is a description of the inputs and valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
 
Available-for-sale securities – Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities would include highly liquid government bonds, mortgage products and exchange traded equities. Other securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things. In order to ensure the fair values are consistent with ASC Topic 820, the Company periodically checks the fair values by comparing them to another pricing source, such as Bloomberg. The availability of pricing confirms Level 2 classification in the fair value hierarchy. The third-party pricing service is subject to an annual review of internal controls (SSAE 16), which is made available for the Company’s review. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. The Company’s investment in U.S. Treasury securities, if any, is reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. The remainder of the Company’s available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs.
 
Derivative instruments – The Company’s derivative instruments are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The Company obtains fair value measurements from dealer quotes.




3844









The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets by level within the fair value hierarchy that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
   Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)Fair Value 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
September 30, 2019 
  
  
  
Available-for-sale securities 
  
  
  
U.S. Government agencies$178,139
 $
 $178,139
 $
Mortgage-backed securities1,337,794
 
 1,337,794
 
State and political subdivisions681,202
 
 681,202
 
Other securities158,999
 
 158,999
 
Derivative asset14,377
 
 14,377
 
Derivative liability(14,478) 
 (14,478) 
        
December 31, 2018       
Available-for-sale securities       
U.S. Government agencies$154,301
 $
 $154,301
 $
Mortgage-backed securities1,522,900
 
 1,522,900
 
States and political subdivisions314,843
 
 314,843
 
Other securities159,708
 
 159,708
 
Derivative asset6,242
 
 6,242
 
Derivative liability(5,283) 
 (5,283) 
   Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)Fair Value 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
Available-for-sale securities 
  
  
  
U.S. Government agencies$161,577
 $
 $161,577
 $
Mortgage-backed securities1,345,677
 
 1,345,677
 
State and political subdivisions580,790
 
 580,790
 
Other securities152,067
 
 152,067
 
Derivative asset6,306
 
 6,306
 
Derivative liability(5,861) 
 (5,861) 
        
December 31, 2018       
Available-for-sale securities       
U.S. Government agencies$154,301
 $
 $154,301
 $
Mortgage-backed securities1,522,900
 
 1,522,900
 
States and political subdivisions314,843
 
 314,843
 
Other securities159,708
 
 159,708
 
Derivative asset6,242
 
 6,242
 
Derivative liability(5,283) 
 (5,283) 

 
Certain financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include the following:
 
Impaired loans (collateral dependent) – Loan impairment is reported when full payment under the loan terms is not expected. Allowable methods for determining the amount of impairment include estimating fair value using the fair value of the collateral for collateral-dependent loans. If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of impairment is utilized. This method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor to the value. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to require an increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed. Impaired loans that are collateral dependent are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy when impairment is determined using the fair value method.
 
Appraisals are updated at renewal, if not more frequently, for all collateral dependent loans that are deemed impaired by way of impairment testing. Impairment testing is performed on all loans over $1.5 million rated Substandard or worse, all existing impaired loans regardless of size and all TDRs. All collateral dependent impaired loans meeting these thresholds have had updated appraisals or internally prepared evaluations within the last one to two years and these updated valuations are considered in the quarterly review and discussion of the corporate Special Asset Committee. On targeted CRE loans, appraisals/internally prepared valuations may be updated before the typical 1-3 year balloon/maturity period. If an updated valuation results in decreased value, a specific (ASC 310) impairment is placed against the loan, or a partial charge-down is initiated, depending on the circumstances and anticipation of the loan’s ability to remain a going concern, possibility of foreclosure, certain market factors, etc.


Foreclosed assets and other real estate owned – Foreclosed assets and other real estate owned are reported at fair value, less estimated costs to sell. At foreclosure, if the fair value, less estimated costs to sell, of the real estate acquired is less than the


3945









Company’s recorded investment in the related loan, a write-down is recognized through a charge to the allowance for loan losses. Additionally, valuations are periodically performed by management and any subsequent reduction in value is recognized by a charge to income. The fair value of foreclosed assets and other real estate owned is estimated using Level 3 inputs based on unobservable market data. As of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the fair value of foreclosed assets and other real estate owned less estimated costs to sell was $19.0$19.6 million and $25.6 million, respectively.
 
The significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in the fair value measurement of collateral for collateral-dependent impaired loans and foreclosed assets primarily relate to the specialized discounting criteria applied to the borrower’s reported amount of collateral. The amount of the collateral discount depends upon the condition and marketability of the collateral, as well as other factors which may affect the collectability of the loan. Management’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset. It is reasonably possible that a change in the estimated fair value for instruments measured using Level 3 inputs could occur in the future. As the Company’s primary objective in the event of default would be to liquidate the collateral to settle the outstanding balance of the loan, collateral that is less marketable would receive a larger discount. During the reported periods, collateral discounts ranged from 10% to 40% for commercial and residential real estate collateral.
 
Mortgage loans held for sale – Mortgage loans held for sale are reported at fair value if, on an aggregate basis, the fair value of the loans is less than cost. In determining whether the fair value of loans held for sale is less than cost when quoted market prices are not available, the Company may consider outstanding investor commitments, discounted cash flow analyses with market assumptions or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Such loans are classified within either Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Where assumptions are made using significant unobservable inputs, such loans held for sale are classified as Level 3. At March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the aggregate fair value of mortgage loans held for sale exceeded their cost. Accordingly, no0 mortgage loans held for sale were marked down and reported at fair value.
 
The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets by level within the fair value hierarchy that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
  Fair Value Measurements Using  Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)Fair Value 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Fair Value 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
September 30, 2019 
  
  
  
Impaired loans (1) (2) (collateral dependent)
$2,101
 $
 $
 $2,101
$46,903
 $
 $
 $46,903
Foreclosed assets and other real estate owned (1)
302
 
 
 302
15,046
 
 
 15,046
              
December 31, 2018              
Impaired loans (1) (2) (collateral dependent)
$17,789
 $
 $
 $17,789
$17,789
 $
 $
 $17,789
Foreclosed assets and other real estate owned (1)
23,714
 
 
 23,714
23,714
 
 
 23,714
________________________
(1)These amounts represent the resulting carrying amounts on the Consolidated Balance Sheetsconsolidated balance sheets for impaired collateral dependent loans and foreclosed assets and other real estate owned for which fair value re-measurements took place during the period.
(2)Specific allocations of zero$1,297,000 and $2,738,000 were related to the impaired collateral dependent loans for which fair value re-measurements took place during the periods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.



46





ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure in annual and interim financial statements of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments not previously disclosed.

Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value (Level 1).


Interest bearing balances due from banks – The fair value of interest bearing balances due from banks – time is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies the rates currently offered on deposits of similar remaining maturities (Level 2).
 

40





Held-to-maturity securities – Fair values for held-to-maturity securities equal quoted market prices, if available, such as for highly liquid government bonds (Level 1). If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated based on quoted market prices of similar securities. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things (Level 2). In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.
 
Loans – The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows, using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. Additional factors considered include the type of loan and related collateral, variable or fixed rate, classification status, remaining term, interest rate, historical delinquencies, loan to value ratios, current market rates and remaining loan balance. The loans were grouped together according to similar characteristics and were treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques. The discount rates used for loans were based on current market rates for new originations of similar loans. Estimated credit losses were also factored into the projected cash flows of the loans. The fair value of loans is estimated on an exit price basis incorporating the above factors (Level 3).
 
Deposits – The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amount) (Level 2). The fair value of fixed-maturity time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities (Level 3).
 
Federal Funds purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase and short-term debt – The carrying amount for Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase and short-term debt are a reasonable estimate of fair value (Level 2).
 
Other borrowings – For short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. For long-term debt, rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value (Level 2).
 
Subordinated debentures – The fair value of subordinated debentures is estimated using the rates that would be charged for subordinated debentures of similar remaining maturities (Level 2).
 
Accrued interest receivable/payable – The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximated fair value (Level 2).
 
Commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and lines of credit – The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair values of letters of credit and lines of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.
 
The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.




4147









The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
 
 Carrying Fair Value Measurements  
(In thousands)Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
September 30, 2019 
  
  
  
  
Financial assets: 
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$529,970
 $529,970
 $
 $
 $529,970
Interest bearing balances due from banks - time5,041
 
 5,041
 
 5,041
Held-to-maturity securities42,237
 
 43,302
 
 43,302
Mortgage loans held for sale50,099
 
 
 50,099
 50,099
Interest receivable53,966
 
 53,966
 
 53,966
Legacy loans, net9,577,372
 
 
 9,505,701
 9,505,701
Loans acquired, net3,359,587
 
 
 3,334,446
 3,334,446
          
Financial liabilities:         
Non-interest bearing transaction accounts3,044,330
 
 3,044,330
 
 3,044,330
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits7,337,571
 
 7,337,571
 
 7,337,571
Time deposits3,086,108
 
 
 3,080,775
 3,080,775
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase116,536
 
 116,536
 
 116,536
Other borrowings1,098,395
 
 1,099,171
 
 1,099,171
Subordinated notes and debentures354,223
 
 366,289
 
 366,289
Interest payable15,404
 
 15,404
 
 15,404
          
December 31, 2018         
Financial assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$833,458
 $833,458
 $
 $
 $833,458
Interest bearing balances due from banks - time4,934
 
 4,934
 
 4,934
Held-to-maturity securities289,194
 
 290,830
 
 290,830
Mortgage loans held for sale26,799
 
 
 26,799
 26,799
Interest receivable49,938
 
 49,938
 
 49,938
Legacy loans, net8,373,789
 
 
 8,280,690
 8,280,690
Loans acquired, net3,292,783
 
 
 3,256,174
 3,256,174
          
Financial liabilities:         
Non-interest bearing transaction accounts2,672,405
 
 2,672,405
 
 2,672,405
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits6,830,191
 
 6,830,191
 
 6,830,191
Time deposits2,896,156
 
 
 2,872,342
 2,872,342
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase95,792
 
 95,792
 
 95,792
Other borrowings1,345,450
 
 1,342,868
 
 1,342,868
Subordinated debentures353,950
 
 355,812
 
 355,812
Interest payable9,897
 
 9,897
 
 9,897

 Carrying Fair Value Measurements  
(In thousands)Amount Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
March 31, 2019 
  
  
  
  
Financial assets: 
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents$491,161
 $491,161
 $
 $
 $491,161
Interest bearing balances due from banks - time4,684
 
 4,684
 
 4,684
Held-to-maturity securities61,435
 
 61,956
 
 61,956
Mortgage loans held for sale18,480
 
 
 18,480
 18,480
Interest receivable51,796
 
 51,796
 
 51,796
Legacy loans, net8,625,307
 
 
 8,539,036
 8,539,036
Loans acquired, net3,056,187
 
 
 3,025,619
 3,025,619
          
Financial liabilities:         
Non-interest bearing transaction accounts2,674,034
 
 2,674,034
 
 2,674,034
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits6,666,823
 
 6,666,823
 
 6,666,823
Time deposits2,648,674
 
 
 2,632,615
 2,632,615
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase120,213
 
 120,213
 
 120,213
Other borrowings1,169,989
 
 1,168,914
 
 1,168,914
Subordinated notes and debentures354,041
 
 359,090
 
 359,090
Interest payable13,941
 
 13,941
 
 13,941
          
December 31, 2018         
Financial assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$833,458
 $833,458
 $
 $
 $833,458
Interest bearing balances due from banks - time4,934
 
 4,934
 
 4,934
Held-to-maturity securities289,194
 
 290,830
 
 290,830
Mortgage loans held for sale26,799
 
 
 26,799
 26,799
Interest receivable49,938
 
 49,938
 
 49,938
Legacy loans, net8,373,789
 
 
 8,280,690
 8,280,690
Loans acquired, net3,292,783
 
 
 3,256,174
 3,256,174
          
Financial liabilities:         
Non-interest bearing transaction accounts2,672,405
 
 2,672,405
 
 2,672,405
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits6,830,191
 
 6,830,191
 
 6,830,191
Time deposits2,896,156
 
 
 2,872,342
 2,872,342
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase95,792
 
 95,792
 
 95,792
Other borrowings1,345,450
 
 1,342,868
 
 1,342,868
Subordinated debentures353,950
 
 355,812
 
 355,812
Interest payable9,897
 
 9,897
 
 9,897

The fair value of commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and lines of credit is not presented since management believes the fair value to be insignificant.





4248






NOTE 22: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 22, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program (the “Program”) under which the Company may repurchase up to $60,000,000 of its Class A common stock currently issued and outstanding. The Program will terminate on October 31, 2021 (unless terminated sooner). The new Program replaces the Company’s existing stock repurchase program, which was announced on July 23, 2012.

Under the Program, the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock through open market and privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing, pricing, and amount of any repurchases under the Program will be determined by the Company’s management at its discretion based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, trading volume and market price of the Company’s common stock, corporate considerations, the Company’s working capital and investment requirements, general market and economic conditions, and legal requirements. The Program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any common stock and may be modified, discontinued, or suspended at any time without prior notice. The Company anticipates funding for this Program to come from available sources of liquidity, including cash on hand and future cash flow.

On October 29, 2019, the Company filed its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (“Amended Articles”) with the Arkansas Secretary of State. The Amended Articles classified and designated Series D Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share (“Series D Preferred Stock”) out of the Company’s authorized preferred stock. The Amended Articles also canceled the Company’s 7% Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share, Series C (“Series C Preferred Stock”), having 140 authorized shares, of which 0 shares have ever been issued or outstanding. The Amended Articles were effective as of October 29, 2019.

Please refer to Note 2, Acquisitions, for a discussion of the Company’s recent acquisition of The Landrum Company that closed on October 31, 2019.

49








REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
 
Audit Committee, Board of Directors and Stockholders
Simmons First National Corporation
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
 
Results of Review of Interim Financial Statements
 
We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Simmons First National Corporation (“the Company”) as of March 31,September 30, 2019, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, and comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity for the three-month and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, and stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the three-monthnine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information or statements”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 27, 2019, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
 
Basis for Review Results
 
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
 




 /s/ BKD, LLP
 
Little Rock, Arkansas
May 8,November 7, 2019




4350









Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
 
NetOur net income for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $47.7$81.8 million, andor $0.84 diluted earnings per share, were $0.51, a decreaseincreases of $3.6$26.6 million and $0.04,$0.25, respectively, compared to the same periodthird quarter 2018. Included in 2018.
Net income for the first three months in both third quarter 2019 and 2018 includedresults, were non-core items related to our acquisitions, early retirement program expenses and branch right sizing initiatives. Excluding all non-core items, core earnings for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 were $49.1$84.0 million, or $0.53$0.87 core diluted core earnings per share, compared to $52.6$56.5 million, or $0.57$0.61 core diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2018. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” below for additional discussion of non-GAAP measures.

We are very pleased with our operating results this quarter. We continue to have very strong loan demand opportunities throughout our footprint although our customers are displaying cautious optimism regarding the uncertainty in the world economy and interest rate adjustments. We had several notable events during the third quarter 2019 that affected our operating results. First, provision expense increased $15 million primarily related to the charge-off of a participation interest in a shared national credit to White Star Petroleum, LLC (“White Star”) (further discussed below in “Provision for Loan Losses”). Second, we sold Visa Inc. class B common stock resulting in a gain of $42.9 million, and in connection with that sale, we contributed $4 million to the Simmons First Foundation so it may continue its work to provide community development grants throughout our footprint. Third, we sold $114 million of primarily commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans resulting in a net loss of $5.1 million.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $185.1 million, or $1.94 diluted earnings per share, increases of $25.1 million and $0.22, respectively, compared to the same period in 2018. Excluding all non-core items, core earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 were $198.5 million, or $2.08 core diluted earnings per share, compared to $163.8 million, or $1.76 core diluted earnings per share, for the same period in 2018. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” below for additional discussion of non-GAAP measures.
 
We had solid operating results during the first quarter 2019. Revenue was affected by three significant items compared to the first quarter 2018. Accretion income was down $4.6 million; debit card interchange income, primarily as a result of the Durbin rate cap, was down $2.8 million; and the gain on sale of securities was up $2.7 million, resulting in a net decrease of $4.7 million from the previous year.
In April 2019, we completed the acquisition of Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (“Reliance”). Contemporaneously with the Reliance acquisition, Reliance’s subsidiary bank, Reliance Bank, was merged with and performedinto Simmons Bank, with Simmons Bank as the associated systems conversion.surviving entity. We are excited about our merger withthe Reliance transaction and the opportunities we now have in the St. Louis market due to our increased presence. See Note 2, Pending Acquisition,Acquisitions, in the accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report, for additional information related to this acquisition.


In 2018, we announced our Next Generation Banking (“NGB”) strategic initiative that we believe positions us to provide competitive banking services well into the future. Through this program, we will evaluatehave evaluated the primary information technology systems and functions that support our operations and improveare improving or replacereplacing many of them with updated and/or enhanced banking technologies. This initiative will, among other things, assist us in our efforts to create a differentiated experience for our customers across all channels, including digital.

We are beginning to see real changes as a result of our NGB investments. For example, we accomplished a major milestone in the third quarter 2019 when we successfully completed the migration of our core banking platform to our vendor hosted environment. The transition was very successful and has increased security and the reliability of our systems. In addition, in October 2019, we successfully launched our new mobile banking application. Our new application makes us a formidable competitor in mobile banking, and customer response to date has been very positive. We will continue to expand customer offerings through our digital channel.
 
Stockholders’ equity as of March 31,September 30, 2019 was $2.3$2.5 billion, book value per share was $24.87$26.36 and tangible book value per share was $14.78.$15.73. Our ratio of stockholders’ equity to total assets was 14.3% and the ratio of tangible stockholders’ equity to tangible assets was 9.0%9.1% at March 31,September 30, 2019. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” below for additional discussion of non-GAAP measures. The Company’s Tier I leverage ratio of 9.1%, as well as our other regulatory capital ratios, remain significantly above the “well capitalized” levels (see Table 12 in the Capital section of this Item).
 
Total loans, including loans acquired, were $11.741$13.003 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019, compared to $13.127 billion at June 30, 2019 and $11.723 billion at December 31, 2018. During the third quarter 2019, we reduced our real estate loan portfolio as part of an effort to manage our CRE concentration. The increase in our overall loan balance since year-end 2018 and $10.987 billion at March 31, 2018. Total loans increased approximately $17.6 millionwas primarily due to the Reliance Bank merger completed in April 2019.

As mentioned above, during the quarter. We experienced seasonal decreasesquarter we incurred a loss related to the White Star bankruptcy. The White Star loss is disappointing and contrary to the credit culture at Simmons. Because we were only a participant in the shared national credit, cardwe were limited both in our ability to act unilaterally and agricultural portfolios.in our access to timely information. We have learned some valuable lessons from this experience. We have made changes to our credit underwriting and approval processes that are consistent with our conservative


51





credit culture. We continuewill work to exit all purchased syndicated energy credits. Currently we have good asset quality. $187 million in syndicated energy loans in which Simmons is not the lead bank. We expect to exit at least $120 million of these credits by the second quarter of next year.
At March 31,September 30, 2019, the allowance for loan losses for legacy loans was $59.2$66.0 million. The allowance for loan losses for loans acquired was $1.3 million$597,000 and the acquired loan discount credit mark was $42.4$60.4 million. The allowances for loan losses and credit marks provide a total of $103.0$127.0 million of coverage, which equates to a total coverage ratio of 0.9%1.0% of gross loans. The ratio of credit mark and related allowance to loans acquired was 1.4%1.8%.

On October 31, 2019, we completed our previously announced acquisition of The Landrum Company. We are excited about the expanded market presence in several states as a result of this acquisition.

Simmons First National Corporation is an Arkansas-based financial holding company that, as of March 31,September 30, 2019, has approximately $16.1$17.8 billion in consolidated assets and, through its subsidiaries, conducts financial operations throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Overview
 
We follow accounting and reporting policies that conform, in all material respects, to generally accepted accounting principles and to general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. While we base estimates on historical experience, current information and other factors deemed to be relevant, actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
We consider accounting estimates to be critical to reported financial results if (i) the accounting estimate requires management to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and (ii) different estimates that management reasonably could have used

44





for the accounting estimate in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, could have a material impact on our financial statements. 


The accounting policies that we view as critical to us are those relating to estimates and judgments regarding (a) the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, (b) acquisition accounting and valuation of loans, (c) the valuation of goodwill and the useful lives applied to intangible assets, (d) the valuation of stock-based compensation plans and (e) income taxes.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses on Loans Not Acquired
 
The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of probable losses in the loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
The allowance for loan losses is calculated monthly based on management’s assessment of several factors such as (1) historical loss experience based on volumes and types, (2) volume and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals, (3) lending policies and procedures including those for loan losses, collections and recoveries, (4) national, state and local economic trends and conditions, (5) external factors and pressure from competition, (6) the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff, (7) seasoning of new products obtained and new markets entered through acquisition and (8) other factors and trends that will affect specific loans and categories of loans. We establish general allocations for each major loan category. This category also includes allocations to loans which are collectively evaluated for loss such as credit cards, one-to-four family owner occupied residential real estate loans and other consumer loans. General reserves have been established, based upon the aforementioned factors and allocated to the individual loan categories. Allowances are accrued for probable losses on specific loans evaluated for impairment for which the basis of each loan, including accrued interest, exceeds the discounted amount of expected future collections of interest and principal or, alternatively, the fair value of loan collateral.
 
Our evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates. The actual amounts of loan losses realized in the near term could differ from the amounts estimated in arriving at the allowance for loan losses reported in the financial statements.

Refer to the Recently Issued Accounting Standards section in Note 1, Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, in the accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion regarding the pending accounting

52





pronouncement that will replace the current incurred loss accounting model for the allowance for loan losses, which will be effective on January 1, 2020.

Acquisition Accounting, Loans Acquired
 
We account for our acquisitions under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the purchase method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the loans acquired is recorded on the acquisition date as the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk. Loans acquired are recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 820. The fair value estimates associated with the loans include estimates related to expected prepayments and the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows.
 
We evaluate loans acquired in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. The fair value discount on these loans is accreted into interest income over the weighted average life of the loans using a constant yield method. These loans are not considered to be impaired loans. We evaluate purchased impaired loans in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Purchased loans are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and if it is probable that not all contractually required payments will be collected. All loans acquired are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and if it is probable that not all contractually required payments will be collected.
 
For impaired loans accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30, we continue to estimate cash flows expected to be collected on purchased credit impaired loans. We evaluate at each balance sheet date whether the present value of our purchased credit impaired loans determined using the effective interest rates has decreased significantly and if so, recognize a provision for loan loss in our consolidated statement of income. For any significant increases in cash flows expected to be collected, we adjust the amount of accretable yield recognized on a prospective basis over the remaining life of the purchased credit impaired loan.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance but can be separately distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. We perform an annual goodwill impairment test, and more than annually if circumstances warrant, in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, as amended by ASU 2011-08 – Testing Goodwill for

45





Impairment. ASC Topic 350 requires that goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite lives be reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if certain conditions occur. Impairment losses on recorded goodwill, if any, will be recorded as operating expenses.


Stock-based Compensation Plans
 
We have adopted various stock-based compensation plans. The plans provide for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance stock units. Pursuant to the plans, shares are reserved for future issuance by the Company upon exercise of stock options or awarding of performance or bonus shares granted to directors, officers and other key employees.
 
In accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, the fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses various assumptions. This model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, changes to which can materially affect the fair value estimate. For additional information, see Note 15, Stock Based Compensation, in the accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.
 
Income Taxes
 
We are subject to the federal income tax laws of the United States, and the tax laws of the states and other jurisdictions where we conduct business. Due to the complexity of these laws, taxpayers and the taxing authorities may subject these laws to different interpretations. Management must make conclusions and estimates about the application of these innately intricate laws, related regulations, and case law. When preparing the Company’s income tax returns, management attempts to make reasonable interpretations of the tax laws. Taxing authorities have the ability to challenge management’s analysis of the tax law or any reinterpretation management makes in its ongoing assessment of facts and the developing case law. Management assesses the reasonableness of its effective tax rate quarterly based on its current estimate of net income and the applicable taxes expected for

53





the full year. On a quarterly basis, management also reviews circumstances and developments in tax law affecting the reasonableness of deferred tax assets and liabilities and reserves for contingent tax liabilities.
 
The adoption of ASU 2016-09 – Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, decreased the effective tax rate during 2018 as the new standard impacted how the income tax effects associated with stock-based compensation are recognized.


IMPACTS OF GROWTH
 
During 2017, through both internal growth and acquisitions, the assets of the Company exceeded the $10 billion threshold.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act and associated Federal Reserve regulations cap the interchange rate on debit card transactions that can be charged by banks that, together with their affiliates, have at least $10 billion in assets at $0.21 per transaction plus five basis points multiplied by the value of the transaction. The cap goes into effect July 1st of the year following the year in which a bank reaches the $10 billion asset threshold. Simmons Bank, when viewed together with its affiliates, had assets in excess of $10 billion at December 31, 2017, and therefore, became subject to the interchange rate cap effective July 1, 2018. Because of the cap, Simmons Bank received approximately $5.9 million less in debit card fees on a pre-tax basis in 2018. The interchange rate cap resulted in a $2.8$5.9 million reduction in debit card fees for the first quarter ofyear-to-date 2019 when compared to the first quartersame period of 2018.
 
As of December 31, 2017, the Company exceeded $15 billion in total assets and the grandfather provisions applicable to its trust preferred securities no longer apply, and trust preferred securities are no longer included as Tier 1 capital. Trust preferred securities and qualifying subordinated debt is included as total Tier 2 capital.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act also previously required banks and bank holding companies with more than $10 billion in assets to conduct annual stress tests, report the results to regulators and publicly disclose such results. As a result of regulatory reform signed into law during the second quarter of 2018, the Company and Simmons Bank are no longer required to conduct an annual stress test of capital under the Dodd-Frank Act. In anticipation of becoming subject to this requirement, the Company and Simmons Bank had begun the necessary preparations, including undertaking a gap analysis, implementing enhancements to the audit and compliance departments, and investing in various information technology systems.
 
Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act established the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “CFPB”) and granted it supervisory authority over banks with total assets of more than $10 billion. Simmons Bank, with assets now exceeding $10 billion, is subject to CFPB oversight with respect to its compliance with federal consumer financial laws. Simmons Bank will continue to be subject to the oversight of its other regulators with respect to matters outside the scope of the CFPB’s jurisdiction. The CFPB has broad rule-making, supervisory and examination authority, as well as expanded data collecting and enforcement powers, all of which is expected to impact the operations of Simmons Bank.
 

46





It is also important to note that the Dodd-Frank Act changed how the FDIC calculates deposit insurance premiums payable by insured depository institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act directed the FDIC to amend its assessment regulations so that assessments are generally based upon a depository institution’s average total consolidated assets less the average tangible equity of the insured depository institution during the assessment period. Assessments were previously based on the amount of an institution’s insured deposits. Now that Simmons Bank exceeds $10 billion in total assets, it is subject to the assessment rates assigned to larger banks which may result in higher deposit insurance premiums.


NET INTEREST INCOME
 
Overview
 
Net interest income, our principal source of earnings, is the difference between the interest income generated by earning assets and the total interest cost of the deposits and borrowings obtained to fund those assets. Factors that determine the level of net interest income include the volume of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, yields earned and rates paid, the level of non-performing loans and the amount of non-interest bearing liabilities supporting earning assets. Net interest income is analyzed in the discussion and tables below on a fully taxable equivalent basis. The adjustment to convert certain income to a fully taxable equivalent basis consists of dividing tax-exempt income by one minus the combined federal and state income tax rate of 26.135% for periods beginning January 1, 2018.
 
Our practice is to limit exposure to interest rate movements by maintaining a significant portion of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities in short-term repricing. Historically, approximately 65% of our loan portfolio and approximately 75% of our time deposits have repriced in one year or less. Our current interest rate sensitivity shows that approximately 60%54% of our loans and 80% of our time deposits will reprice in the next year.


54





Net Interest Income Quarter-to-Date Analysis


For the three month period ended March 31,September 30, 2019, net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis was $138.6$152.0 million, an increase of $2.5$7.6 million, or 1.9%5.3%, over the same period in 2018. The increase in net interest income was the result of a $22.4$18.8 million increase in interest income partially offset by a $19.9$11.1 million increase in interest expense.


The increase in interest income primarily resulted from a $16.1$17.6 million increase in interest income on loans and an increase of $5.1$1.1 million in interest income on investment securities. IncreasesThe increase in loan volume during 2019 generated $19.5 million of $12.1 million due to increased average loan balancesadditional interest income, primarily from our Reliance acquisition completed during the first three months ofApril 2019, as well as $4.1 million due to an increasewhile a 7 basis point decline in yield of 15 basis points contributed to the increaseresulted in a $1.9 million decrease in interest income on loans during 2019.income.


Included in interest income is the additional yield accretion recognized as a result of updated estimates of the cash flows of our loans acquired, as discussed in Note 5, Loans Acquired, in the accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report. Each quarter, we estimate the cash flows expected to be collected from the loans acquired, and adjustments may or may not be required. The cash flows estimate has increased based on payment histories and reduced loss expectations of the loans. This resulted in increased interest income that is spread on a level-yield basis over the remaining expected lives of the loans. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, interest income included $6.7$9.3 million and $11.3$10.0 million, respectively, for the yield accretion recognized on loans acquired.


The $19.9$11.1 million increase in interest expense is due to the higher cost of deposits, growth in typesdeposit accounts from organic growth as well as the Reliance acquisition, and, although the Federal Reserve did lower interest rates during the third quarter 2019, the rates were higher in the third quarter 2019 when compared to the same quarter in 2018. Interest expense increased $4.2 million due to deposit growth primarily from the Reliance acquisition and $8.4 million due to the increase in yield of 35 basis points on deposit accounts. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in FHLB borrowings in third quarter 2019 compared to the same quarter in 2018.

Net Interest Income Year-to-Date Analysis

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis was $442.7 million, an increase of $24.1 million, or 5.8%, over the same period in 2018. The increase in net interest income was the result of a $71.5 million increase in interest income partially offset by a $47.4 million increase in interest expense.

The increase in interest income primarily resulted from a $61.6 million increase in interest income on loans and an increase of $9.0 million in interest income on investment securities. Increases in loan volume increased interest income by $54.5 million during the first nine months of 2019 due to both organic loan growth and our Reliance acquisition. Interest income also increased $7.1 million due to an increase in yield of 9 basis points on loans during 2019.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, interest income included $26.1 million and $31.4 million, respectively, for the yield accretion recognized on loans acquired.

The $47.4 million increase in interest expense is due to growth in deposit accounts, higher cost of deposits due to the rising-rate environment during 2018 and the additional subordinatedfirst half of 2019 and other debt.the increase in rates for FHLB borrowings. Interest expense increased $2.7$10.9 million due to deposit growth, $12.5$33.2 million due to the increase in yield of 5748 basis points on deposit accounts and $4.7$3.2 million due to increasesthe increase in subordinated debt and increasedyield of 35 basis points on FHLB borrowings.


Net Interest Margin
 
Our net interest margin decreased 3217 basis points to 3.85%3.81% for the three month period ended March 31,September 30, 2019, when compared to 4.17%3.98% for the same period in 2018. Normalized for all accretion, our core net interest margin at March 31,(non-GAAP) for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 was 3.67%3.58% and 3.82%3.71%, respectively. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, net interest margin decreased 18 basis points to 3.86% when compared to 4.04% for the same period in 2018.


47






Since the first quarter of 2018, loan yield has increased 159 basis points and core loan yield has increased 3424 basis points while cost of interest bearing deposits has risen 5766 basis points and the cost of borrowed funds has increased 10382 basis points. The decrease in both the net interest margin and the core net interest margin for the three and nine month periodperiods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 is a direct result of the prior rising rate environment. We expect continued pressure on the net interest margin from the recent Federal Reserve rate reductions due to immediate downward repricing on the portion of our loans that are variable rate while the ability to reprice deposits will lag the reductions.



55





Net Interest Income Tables
 
Tables 1 and 2 reflect an analysis of net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as well as changes in fully taxable equivalent net interest margin for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 versus March 31,September 30, 2018.
 
Table 1: Analysis of Net Interest Margin
(FTE = Fully Taxable Equivalent)Equivalent using an effective tax rate of 26.135%)



  Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
Interest income $179,116
 $157,139
$197,306
 $178,984
 $572,591
 $502,391
FTE adjustment 1,601
 1,130
1,843
 1,393
 5,150
 3,831
Interest income – FTE 180,717

158,269
199,149
 180,377
 577,741

506,222
Interest expense 42,090
 22,173
47,142
 36,016
 135,045
 87,620
Net interest income – FTE $138,627

$136,096
$152,007
 $144,361
 $442,696

$418,602
           
Yield on earning assets – FTE 5.02% 4.84%4.99% 4.98% 5.04% 4.89%
Cost of interest bearing liabilities 1.52% 0.89%1.55% 1.29% 1.54% 1.10%
Net interest spread – FTE 3.50% 3.95%3.44% 3.69% 3.50% 3.79%
Net interest margin – FTE 3.85% 4.17%3.81% 3.98% 3.86% 4.04%


Table 2:  Changes in Fully Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Margin
 
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands) 2019 vs. 20182019 vs. 2018 2019 vs. 2018
Increase due to change in earning assets $15,209
$20,336
 $59,278
Increase due to change in earning asset yields 7,239
(1,564) 12,241
Decrease due to change in interest bearing liabilities (4,535)(2,710) (10,194)
Decrease due to change in interest rates paid on interest bearing liabilities (15,382)(8,416) (37,231)
Increase in net interest income $2,531
$7,646
 $24,094
 
Table 3 shows, for each major category of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, the average (computed on a daily basis) amount outstanding, the interest earned or expensed on such amount and the average rate earned or expensed for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018. The table also shows the average rate earned on all earning assets, the average rate expensed on all interest bearing liabilities, the net interest spread and the net interest margin for the same periods. The analysis is presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis. Nonaccrual loans were included in average loans for the purpose of calculating the rate earned on total loans.



4856









Table 3:  Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis
(FTE = Fully Taxable Equivalent using an effective tax rate of 26.135%)

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30,
2019 20182019 2018
Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/
(In thousands)Balance Expense Rate (%) Balance Expense Rate (%)Balance Expense Rate (%) Balance Expense Rate (%)
ASSETS                
Earning assets:                
Interest bearing balances due from banks and federal funds sold$394,462
 $2,154
 2.21 $338,505
 $1,009
 1.21$344,761
 $1,586
 1.83 $373,528
 $1,405
 1.49
Investment securities - taxable1,880,694
 12,989
 2.80 1,618,270
 9,599
 2.411,712,672
 10,414
 2.41 1,775,193
 10,892
 2.43
Investment securities - non-taxable590,941
 5,834
 4.00 460,675
 4,083
 3.59681,505
 6,687
 3.89 539,135
 5,064
 3.73
Mortgage loans held for sale17,733
 210
 4.80 14,775
 158
 4.3439,551
 382
 3.83 43,554
 501
 4.56
Loans11,710,075
 159,530
 5.53 10,819,324
 143,420
 5.3813,052,943
 180,080
 5.47 11,641,843
 162,515
 5.54
Total interest earning assets14,593,905
 180,717
 5.02 13,251,549
 158,269
 4.8415,831,432
 199,149
 4.99 14,373,253
 180,377
 4.98
Non-earning assets1,708,292
   1,836,661
   1,889,166
   1,667,631
   
Total assets$16,302,197
   $15,088,210
   $17,720,598
   $16,040,884
   
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                
Liabilities: 
  
    
  
   
  
    
  
  
Interest bearing liabilities: 
  
    
  
   
  
    
  
  
Interest bearing transaction and savings deposits$6,749,032
 $18,430
 1.11 $6,579,295
 $10,755
 0.66$7,322,395
 $21,363
 1.16 $6,840,403
 $16,373
 0.95
Time deposits2,781,592
 12,320
 1.80 2,003,668
 4,842
 0.983,122,422
 15,573
 1.98 2,379,142
 8,017
 1.34
Total interest bearing deposits9,530,624
 30,750
 1.31 8,582,963
 15,597
 0.7410,444,817
 36,936
 1.40 9,219,545
 24,390
 1.05
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase109,302
 136
 0.50 120,443
 110
 0.37123,883
 249
 0.80 107,770
 104
 0.38
Other borrowings1,224,255
 6,793
 2.25 1,282,527
 5,139
 1.631,127,886
 5,381
 1.89 1,375,052
 6,240
 1.80
Subordinated debt and debentures353,996
 4,411
 5.05 162,813
 1,327
 3.31354,178
 4,576
 5.13 379,168
 5,282
 5.53
Total interest bearing liabilities11,218,177
 42,090
 1.52 10,148,746
 22,173
 0.8912,050,764
 47,142
 1.55 11,081,535
 36,016
 1.29
                
Non-interest bearing liabilities:                
Non-interest bearing deposits2,707,715
   2,632,182
   3,012,544
   2,679,469
   
Other liabilities127,407
   204,230
   288,517
   103,315
   
Total liabilities14,053,299
   12,985,158
   15,351,825
   13,864,319
   
Stockholders’ equity2,248,898
   2,103,052
   2,368,773
   2,176,565
   
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$16,302,197
   $15,088,210
   $17,720,598
   $16,040,884
   
Net interest spread    3.50     3.95    3.44     3.69
Net interest margin  $138,627
 3.85   $136,096
 4.17  $152,007
 3.81   $144,361
 3.98




4957









 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2019 2018
 Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/
(In thousands)Balance Expense Rate (%) Balance Expense Rate (%)
ASSETS           
Earning assets:           
Interest bearing balances due from banks and federal funds sold$338,349
 $4,861
 1.92 $378,468
 $3,828
 1.35
Investment securities - taxable1,795,103
 35,397
 2.64 1,714,898
 31,255
 2.44
Investment securities - non-taxable632,780
 18,730
 3.96 505,170
 13,918
 3.68
Mortgage loans held for sale29,852
 924
 4.14 29,111
 964
 4.43
Loans12,530,348
 517,829
 5.53 11,209,992
 456,257
 5.44
Total interest earning assets15,326,432
 577,741
 5.04 13,837,639
 506,222
 4.89
Non-earning assets1,813,987
     1,736,123
    
Total assets$17,140,419
     $15,573,762
    
            
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
            
Liabilities: 
  
    
  
  
Interest bearing liabilities: 
  
    
  
  
Interest bearing transaction and savings deposits$7,072,363
 $59,983
 1.13 $6,664,347
 $39,414
 0.79
Time deposits2,993,336
 42,499
 1.90 2,206,873
 19,034
 1.15
Total interest bearing deposits10,065,699
 102,482
 1.36 8,871,220
 58,448
 0.88
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase122,195
 642
 0.70 111,760
 302
 0.36
Other borrowings1,209,511
 18,393
 2.03 1,311,781
 16,520
 1.68
Subordinated debt and debentures354,088
 13,528
 5.11 336,990
 12,350
 4.90
Total interest bearing liabilities11,751,493
 135,045
 1.54 10,631,751
 87,620
 1.10
            
Non-interest bearing liabilities:           
Non-interest bearing deposits2,852,687
     2,673,285
    
Other liabilities208,397
     129,908
    
Total liabilities14,812,577
     13,434,944
    
Stockholders’ equity2,327,842
     2,138,818
    
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$17,140,419
     $15,573,762
    
Net interest spread    3.50     3.79
Net interest margin  $442,696
 3.86   $418,602
 4.04


58





Table 4 shows changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in volume and changes in interest rates for the three and nine month periodperiods ended March 31,September 30, 2019, as compared to the same periodperiods of the prior year. The changes in interest rate and volume have been allocated to changes in average volume and changes in average rates in proportion to the relationship of absolute dollar amounts of the changes in rates and volume.
 
Table 4:  Volume/Rate Analysis


Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2019 vs. 20182019 vs. 2018 2019 vs. 2018
(In thousands, on a fully taxable equivalent basis)Volume 
Yield/
Rate
 TotalVolume 
Yield/
Rate
 Total Volume 
Yield/
Rate
 Total
Increase (decrease) in: 
  
  
       
  
  
Interest income: 
  
  
       
  
  
Interest bearing balances due from banks and federal funds sold$190
 $955
 $1,145
$(114) $295
 $181
 $(440) $1,473
 $1,033
Investment securities - taxable1,684
 1,706
 3,390
(382) (96) (478) 1,506
 2,636
 4,142
Investment securities - non-taxable1,248
 503
 1,751
1,388
 235
 1,623
 3,718
 1,094
 4,812
Mortgage loans held for sale34
 18
 52
(43) (76) (119) 24
 (64) (40)
Loans12,053
 4,057
 16,110
19,487
 (1,922) 17,565
 54,470
 7,102
 61,572
Total15,209

7,239

22,448
20,336
 (1,564) 18,772
 59,278

12,241

71,519
                
Interest expense:                
Interest bearing transaction and savings accounts284
 7,391
 7,675
1,216
 3,774
 4,990
 2,542
 18,027
 20,569
Time deposits2,378
 5,100
 7,478
2,979
 4,577
 7,556
 8,341
 15,124
 23,465
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase(11) 37
 26
18
 127
 145
 30
 310
 340
Other borrowings(242) 1,896
 1,654
(1,167) 308
 (859) (1,361) 3,234
 1,873
Subordinated notes and debentures2,126
 958
 3,084
(336) (370) (706) 642
 536
 1,178
Total4,535

15,382

19,917
2,710
 8,416
 11,126
 10,194

37,231

47,425
Increase (decrease) in net interest income$10,674

$(8,143)
$2,531
$17,626
 $(9,980) $7,646
 $49,084

$(24,990)
$24,094




59





PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
The provision for loan losses represents management’s determination of the amount necessary to be charged against the current period’s earnings in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level considered appropriate in relation to the estimated risk inherent in the loan portfolio. The level of provision to the allowance is based on management’s judgment, with consideration given to the composition, maturity and other qualitative characteristics of the portfolio, assessment of current economic conditions, past due and non-performing loans and historical net loan loss experience. It is management’s practice to review the allowance on a monthly basis and, after considering the factors previously noted, to determine the level of provision made to the allowance.
 
The provision for loan losses for the three month period ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $9.3$22.0 million compared to $9.2$10.3 million for the three monthsame period ended March 31,in 2018, an increase of $135,000.$11.6 million. The provision for loan losses for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, was $38.3 million, compared to $28.5 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $9.8 million. The increase in both periods was due to the special provision made during the third quarter 2019 related to White Star. We were a participant in a shared national credit to White Star. White Star became the subject of bankruptcy proceedings earlier this year, and on September 30, 2019, the bankruptcy court authorized the sale of White Star assets through a Section 363 proceeding under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Our portion of the shared national credit was $19.1 million. Based upon the anticipated net proceeds from the pending bankruptcy sale, our loss recorded in third quarter 2019 was $14.7 million. As a result, we increased the provision by $15 million to increase the allowance to an appropriate level consistent with our historical ratios. See Allowance for Loan Losses section for additional information.
 
The provision increase was necessary to maintain an appropriate allowance for loan losses for the company’s growing legacy portfolio. Significant loan growth in our markets, both from new loans and from loans acquired migrating to legacy, required an allowance to be established for those loans through a provision.
Additionally, the provision on loans acquired for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $2,464,000$0 and $2.5 million, respectively. The year-to-date provision was primarily the result of identifying certain loans during first quarter 2019, specific to an acquired portfolio in our Dallas market which were poorly structured or were poorly managed post-funding. We have carefully reviewed these loans for potential losses and believe we have adequately identified any risk associated with the loans. In addition, a portion of the loans identified during the first quarter were subsequently paid off in the second quarter of 2019. The recovery on this loan was added to the allowance for acquired loans.

The provision on loans acquired for the three and nine month periodperiods ended March 31,September 30, 2018 was $68,000$0 and $1.8 million, respectively, and was the result of a decrease in expected cash flows from our required ongoingthe evaluation of credit marks on certain purchased credit impaired loans.



50





NON-INTEREST INCOME
Total non-interest income was $33.8 million for the three month period ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of approximately $3.8 million, or 10.1%, compared to $37.5 million for the same period in 2018.

During the first quarter 2019, we had decreases in total service charges and fees, mortgage and SBA lending income, and debit and credit card fees that were partially offset by additional trust income and gains on the sale of securities. Total service charges and fees decreased $1.7 million, or 13.3%, mortgage and SBA lending income decreased $1.1 million, or 25.3%, and debit and credit card fees decreased $2.7 million, or 30.7%. Service charges and fees decreased due to less NSF revenue and ATM interchange income. Mortgage and SBA lending income decreased due to less mortgage lending transactions as a result of the rising rate environment and remaining selective in our decisions regarding loan sales as premium rates continue to be lower, respectively. The interchange rate cap as established by the Durbin amendment became effective for us July 1, 2018, resulting in a $2.8 million reduction in debit card fees when compared to the first quarter of last year. The additional gains on the sale of securities was a result of selling approximately $197 million of securities during the first quarter, which resulted in a gain of $2.7 million, as part of a bond portfolio analysis of expected cash flow changes.
 
Non-interest income is principally derived from recurring fee income, which includes service charges, trust fees and debit and credit card fees. Non-interest income also includes income on the sale of mortgage and SBA loans, investment banking income, income from the increase in cash surrender values of bank owned life insurance and gains (losses) from sales of securities.

Total non-interest income was $83.8 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2019, an increase of approximately $50.1 million, or 148.4%, compared to the third quarter 2018. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, total non-interest income was $156.5 million, an increase of approximately $47.2 million, or 43.2%, compared to the first nine months of 2018.

The majority of the increase in both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 was related to the gain on sale of the Visa Inc. class B common stock of $42.9 million. Additionally, during 2019 we have been focused on rebalancing our investment portfolio and consequently have recognized additional gains on the sale of securities in both periods. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we sold approximately $551 million of securities resulting in a net gain of $12.9 million. Increases in mortgage lending income were due to a strong real estate housing market driven by the recent interest rate decreases.

Debit card fees decreased $5.9 million in 2019 compared to 2018 as a direct result of the Durbin amendment that became effective for the Company during the third quarter 2018.

60





Table 5 shows non-interest income for the three and nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as well as changes in 2019 from 2018.
 
Table 5:  Non-Interest Income
 
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
Change from
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
2019
Change from
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2019
Change from
(In thousands)   2019 2018 20182019 2018 2018 2019 2018 2018
Trust income $5,708
 $5,249
 $459
 8.7 %$6,108
 $6,277
 $(169) (2.7)% $17,610
 $17,148
 $462
 2.7 %
Service charges on deposit accounts 10,068
 10,345
 (277) (2.7)10,825
 10,837
 (12) (0.1) 31,450
 31,245
 205
 0.7
Other service charges and fees 1,289
 2,750
 (1,461) (53.1)1,308
 1,201
 107
 8.9
 3,909
 5,968
 (2,059) (34.5)
Mortgage lending income 2,823
 3,472
 (649) (18.7)4,509
 1,521
 2,988
 196.5
 10,988
 7,773
 3,215
 41.4
SBA lending income 497
 973
 (476) (48.9)956
 304
 652
 214.5
 2,348
 1,627
 721
 44.3
Investment banking income 618
 834
 (216) (25.9)513
 664
 (151) (22.7) 1,491
 2,312
 (821) (35.5)
Debit and credit card fees 6,098
 8,796
 (2,698) (30.7)7,059
 6,820
 239
 3.5
 20,369
 25,721
 (5,352) (20.8)
Bank owned life insurance income 795
 1,103
 (308) (27.9)1,302
 1,105
 197
 17.8
 3,357
 3,310
 47
 1.4
Gain on sale of securities, net 2,740
 6
 2,734
 *
Gain on sale of premises held for sale, net 
 4
 (4) (100.0)
Gain (loss) on sale of securities, net7,374
 54
 7,320
 * 12,937
 53
 12,884
 *
Gain on sale of Visa, Inc. class B common stock42,860
 
 42,860
 * 42,860
 
 42,860
 *
Other income 3,125
 4,003
 (878) (21.9)961
 4,942
 (3,981) (80.6) 9,223
 14,151
 (4,928) (34.8)
Total non-interest income $33,761

$37,535

$(3,774) (10.1)%$83,775
 $33,725
 $50,050
 148.4 % $156,542

$109,308

$47,234
 43.2 %
_____________________________
*    Not meaningful
 
Recurring fee income (total service charges, trust fees, debit and credit card fees) for the three month period ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $23.2$25.3 million, an increase of $165,000 from the same period in 2018. Recurring fee income for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, was $73.3 million, a decrease of $4.0$6.7 million from the three monthsame period ended March 31, 2018. The majority ofin 2018, primarily due to the decrease isreduction in total service charges and debit and credit card fees as previously discussed.



51





NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
 
Non-interest expense consists of salaries and employee benefits, occupancy, equipment, foreclosure losses and other expenses necessary for the operation of the Company. Management remains committed to controlling the level of non-interest expense, through the continued use of expense control measures. We utilize an extensive profit planning and reporting system involving all subsidiaries. Based on a needs assessment of the business plan for the upcoming year, monthly and annual profit plans are developed, including manpower and capital expenditure budgets. These profit plans are subject to extensive initial reviews and monitored by management monthly. Variances from the plan are reviewed monthly and, when required, management takes corrective action intended to ensure financial goals are met. We also regularly monitor staffing levels at each subsidiary to ensure productivity and overhead are in line with existing workload requirements.
 
Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $101.4$106.9 million, an increase of $3.3$6.6 million, or 3.4%6.6%, from the same period in 2018. The third quarter 2019 included $2.9 million of non-core items: $2.6 million of merger-related costs due to the Reliance acquisition, $177,000 of early retirement program expenses, and $160,000 of branch-right sizing costs. Normalizing for these non-core costs, non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2019 increased $5.5 million, or 5.6%, from the same period in 2018.

Non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $319.0 million, an increase of $22.2 million, or 7.5%, from the same period in 2018. Normalizing for the non-core costs, such as the early retirement program costs, merger related costs and branch right sizing expenses, non-interest expense for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 increased $3.2$9.1 million, or 3.4%3.1%, from the same period in 2018.

As previously mentioned, our NGB technology initiative is well underway and the incremental software and technology expenditures of $1.8$5.9 million during the first quarternine months of 2019 were primarily related to this initiative. MarketingAdditionally, marketing costs increased year over prior year primarily due to the $4 million donation to the Simmons First Foundation during third quarter 2019 and also incorporating a comprehensive community banking marketing philosophy over our expanded footprint.footprint during the year. The early retirement option offered to qualifying associates in the first quarter of this year contributed to the decline in salaries and employee benefit expense during 2019. The reduction in deposit insurance expense was primarily due to a credit assessment received from the FDIC during the third quarter 2019 for $2.3 million.

61





Table 6 below shows non-interest expense for the three and nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as well as changes in 2019 from 2018.
 
Table 6:  Non-Interest Expense
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2019
Change from
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
2019
Change from
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2019
Change from
(In thousands)   2019 2018 20182019 2018 2018 2019 2018 2018
Salaries and employee benefits $56,012
 $56,357
 $(345) (0.6)%$51,888
 $55,515
 $(3,627) (6.5)% $161,096
 $167,550
 $(6,454) (3.9)%
Early retirement program 355
 
 355
 *177
 
 177
 * 3,464
 
 3,464
 *
Occupancy expense, net 7,475
 6,960
 515
 7.4
8,342
 7,713
 629
 8.2
 22,736
 22,594
 142
 0.6
Furniture and equipment expense 3,358
 4,403
 (1,045) (23.7)4,898
 3,761
 1,137
 30.2
 12,462
 12,184
 278
 2.3
Other real estate and foreclosure expense 637
 1,020
 (383) (37.6)1,125
 538
 587
 109.1
 2,353
 2,940
 (587) (20.0)
Deposit insurance 2,040
 2,128
 (88) (4.1)
 2,248
 (2,248) (100.0) 4,550
 6,232
 (1,682) (27.0)
Merger related costs 1,470
 1,711
 (241) (14.1)2,556
 804
 1,752
 217.9 11,548
 3,980
 7,568
 190.2
Other operating expenses:                       
Professional services 4,323
 4,330
 (7) (0.2)4,310
 4,616
 (306) (6.6) 12,125
 13,896
 (1,771) (12.7)
Postage 1,726
 1,399
 327
 23.3
1,471
 1,262
 209
 16.6
 4,642
 4,103
 539
 13.1
Telephone 1,619
 1,486
 133
 8.9
2,507
 1,248
 1,259
 100.9
 5,605
 4,217
 1,388
 32.9
Credit card expenses 3,860
 3,228
 632
 19.6
4,200
 3,405
 795
 23.4
 11,822
 9,820
 2,002
 20.4
Marketing 3,057
 1,660
 1,397
 84.2
7,021
 2,912
 4,109
 141.1
 12,514
 6,334
 6,180
 97.6
Software and technology 4,496
 2,648
 1,848
 69.8
6,531
 4,733
 1,798
 38.0
 16,607
 10,716
 5,891
 55.0
Operating supplies 618
 749
 (131) (17.5)493
 585
 (92) (15.7) 1,671
 1,917
 (246) (12.8)
Amortization of intangibles 2,641
 2,837
 (196) (6.9)2,947
 2,772
 175
 6.3
 8,535
 8,394
 141
 1.7
Branch right sizing expense 45
 61
 (16) (26.2)160
 970
 (810) (83.5) 3,092
 1,049
 2,043
 194.8
Other expense 7,677
 7,096
 581
 8.2
8,239
 7,171
 1,068
 14.9
 24,195
 20,907
 3,288
 15.7
Total non-interest expense $101,409

$98,073

$3,336
 3.4 %$106,865
 $100,253
 $6,612
 6.6 % $319,017

$296,833

$22,184
 7.5 %
_____________________________
*    Not meaningful


52





LOAN PORTFOLIO
 
Our legacy loan portfolio, excluding loans acquired, averaged $8.536$9.206 billion and $5.934$6.618 billion during the first threenine months of 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, total loans, excluding loans acquired, were $8.68$9.64 billion, an increase of $254.2 million$1.21 billion from December 31, 2018. The most significant components of the loan portfolio were loans to businesses (commercial loans, commercial real estate loans and agricultural loans) and individuals (consumer loans, credit card loans and single-family residential real estate loans).


When we make a credit decision on an acquired loan as a result of the loan maturing or renewing, the outstanding balance of that loan migrates from loans acquired to legacy loans. Our legacy loan growth from December 31, 2018 to March 31,September 30, 2019 included $81.2 million$1.2 billion in balances that migrated from loans acquired during the period. These migrated loan balances are included in the legacy loan balances as of March 31,September 30, 2019.


We seek to manage our credit risk by diversifying our loan portfolio, determining that borrowers have adequate sources of cash flow for loan repayment without liquidation of collateral, obtaining and monitoring collateral, providing an appropriate allowance for loan losses and regularly reviewing loans through the internal loan review process. The loan portfolio is diversified by borrower, purpose, industry and geographic region. We seek to use diversification within the loan portfolio to reduce credit risk, thereby minimizing the adverse impact on the portfolio, if weaknesses develop in either the economy or a particular segment of borrowers. Collateral requirements are based on credit assessments of borrowers and may be used to recover the debt in case of default. We use the allowance for loan losses as a method to value the loan portfolio at its estimated collectible amount. Loans are regularly reviewed to facilitate the identification and monitoring of deteriorating credits.



62





The balances of loans outstanding, excluding loans acquired, at the indicated dates are reflected in Table 7, according to type of loan.


Table 7:  Loan Portfolio
 
(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Consumer: 
  
 
  
Credit cards$181,549
 $204,173
$195,083
 $204,173
Other consumer213,659
 201,297
208,643
 201,297
Total consumer395,208

405,470
403,726

405,470
Real estate:      
Construction1,376,162
 1,300,723
1,712,858
 1,300,723
Single family residential1,431,407
 1,440,443
1,448,455
 1,440,443
Other commercial3,355,109
 3,225,287
3,630,708
 3,225,287
Total real estate6,162,678

5,966,453
6,792,021

5,966,453
Commercial:      
Commercial1,801,422
 1,774,909
1,894,819
 1,774,909
Agricultural147,216
 164,514
213,753
 164,514
Total commercial1,948,638

1,939,423
2,108,572

1,939,423
Other178,026
 119,042
339,046
 119,042
Total loans, excluding loans acquired, before allowance for loan losses$8,684,550

$8,430,388
$9,643,365

$8,430,388


Consumer loans consist of credit card loans and other consumer loans.  Consumer loans were $395.2$403.7 million at March 31,September 30, 2019, or 4.6%4.2% of total loans, compared to $405.5 million, or 4.8% of total loans at December 31, 2018. The decrease in consumer loans from December 31, 2018, to March 31,September 30, 2019, was primarily due to the expected seasonal decline in our credit card portfolio partially offset by growth in direct consumer loans.


Real estate loans consist of construction loans, single-family residential loans and commercial real estate loans. Real estate loans were $6.163$6.792 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019, or 71.0%70.4% of total loans, compared to $5.966 billion, or 70.8%, of total loans at December 31, 2018, an increase of $196.2$825.6 million, or 3.3%13.8%. Our construction and development (“C&D”) loans increased by $75.4$412.1 million, or 5.8%31.7%, single family residential loans decreasedincreased by $9.0$8.0 million, or 0.6%, and commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans increased by

53





$129.8 $405.4 million, or 4.0%12.6%. The construction portfolio is continuingincreases are primarily due to fundthe recent Reliance merger as well as loans that were closed in prior quarters, however,migrating from the overall commitments have trended down in the first quarter of 2019.acquired loan portfolio.


Commercial loans consist of non-real estate loans related to business and agricultural loans. Total commercial loans were $1.949$2.109 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019, or 22.4%21.9% of total loans, compared to $1.939 billion, or 23.0% of total loans at December 31, 2018, an increase of $9.2$169.1 million, or 0.5%8.7%. Non-agricultural commercial loans increased to $1.801$1.895 billion, a $26.5$119.9 million increase, or 1.5%6.8%, from December 31, 2018. Agricultural loans decreasedincreased to $147.2$213.8 million, a $17.3$49.2 million decrease,increase, or (10.5)%29.9%, primarily due to seasonality of the portfolio, which normally peaks in the third quarter and is at its lowest point at the end of the first quarter.


LOANS ACQUIRED
 
As previously discussed, loans acquired are initially recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology. The fair value estimates associated with the loans include estimates related to expected prepayments and the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows. When we make a credit decision on an acquired loan as a result of the loan maturing or renewing, the outstanding balance of that loan migrates from loans acquired to legacy loans.


On April 12, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Reliance and issued 3,999,623 shares of our common stock plus $62.7 million in cash in exchange for all outstanding shares of Reliance common stock. We also issued $42.0 million of preferred stock in exchange for all outstanding shares of Reliance preferred stock. Included in the acquisition were loans with a fair value of $1.1 billion.


63





Table 8 reflects the carrying value of all loans acquired as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 
Table 8:  Loans Acquired
 
(In thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Consumer: 
  
 
  
Other consumer$11,979
 $15,658
$7,431
 $15,658
Real estate:      
Construction404,512
 429,605
362,000
 429,605
Single family residential533,917
 566,188
504,490
 566,188
Other commercial1,730,472
 1,848,679
2,134,973
 1,848,679
Total real estate2,668,901

2,844,472
3,001,463

2,844,472
Commercial:      
Commercial374,033
 430,914
349,821
 430,914
Agricultural1,274
 1,739
872
 1,739
Total commercial375,307

432,653
350,693

432,653
Total loans acquired (1)
$3,056,187
 $3,292,783
$3,359,587
 $3,292,783

(1)    Loans acquired are reported net of a $1.3 million$597,000 and $95,000 allowance at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


The majority of the loans originally acquired were evaluated and are being accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. The fair value discount is being accreted into interest income over the weighted average life of the loans using a constant yield method. These loans are not considered to be impaired loans.
 
We evaluated the remaining loans purchased in conjunction with acquisitions for impairment in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Purchased loans are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and if it is probable that not all contractually required payments will be collected.
 
Some purchased loans were determined to have experienced credit deterioration in the first threenine months of 2019. During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, we recorded approximately $2.5 million in a provision for these loans, and charge-offs of $1,247,000,$2.9 million, and recoveries of $900,000, resulting in an allowance for loan losses on loans acquired at March 31,September 30, 2019 of $1.3 million.$597,000. The large provision recorded during the first quarter 2019 was due to our credit risk management practices identifying loans specific to an acquired portfolio in our Dallas market which were poorly structured or were poorly managed post-funding. We have carefully reviewed these loans for potential losses and believe we have adequately identified any risk associated with the loans. In addition, a portion of the loans identified during the first quarter were subsequently paid off in the second quarter of 2019. See Note 5, Loans Acquired, in the accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for further discussion and analysis of loans acquired.


54





ASSET QUALITY
 
A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that we will not receive all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loans. Impaired loans include non-performing loans (loans past due 90 days or more and nonaccrual loans) and certain other loans identified by management that are still performing.
 
Non-performing loans are comprised of (a) nonaccrual loans, (b) loans that are contractually past due 90 days and (c) other loans for which terms have been restructured to provide a reduction or deferral of interest or principal, because of deterioration in the financial position of the borrower. The subsidiary bank recognizes income principally on the accrual basis of accounting. When loans are classified as nonaccrual, generally, the accrued interest is charged off and no further interest is accrued. Loans, excluding credit card loans, are placed on a nonaccrual basis either: (1) when there are serious doubts regarding the collectability of principal or interest, or (2) when payment of interest or principal is 90 days or more past due and either (i) not fully secured or (ii) not in the process of collection. If a loan is determined by management to be uncollectible, the portion of the loan determined to be uncollectible is then charged to the allowance for loan losses.


64





Credit card loans are classified as impaired when payment of interest or principal is 90 days past due. When accounts reach 90 days past due and there are attachable assets, the accounts are considered for litigation. Credit card loans are generally charged off when payment of interest or principal exceeds 150 days past due. The credit card recovery group pursues account holders until it is determined, on a case-by-case basis, to be uncollectible.


Total non-performing assets, excluding all loans acquired, increased $20.1$32.4 million from December 31, 2018 to March 31,September 30, 2019. Nonaccrual loans increased by $26.7$38.5 million during the period, primarily commercial loans, partially offset by a decrease in foreclosed assets held for sale of $6.6$6.0 million. The nonaccrual loan increase was primarily due to onetwo loans that became reportable as non-performing legacy loans during the quarter. One particular acquired loan migrated from loans acquired to legacy loans during the quarter, with the entire balance previously being included in the Southwest Market.nonaccrual loans acquired total. The decrease in foreclosed assets held for sale was partially offset by foreclosed assets received from the Reliance merger. Non-performing assets, including troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and acquired foreclosed assets, as a percent of total assets were 0.54%0.56% at March 31,September 30, 2019, compared to 0.40% at December 31, 2018.
 
From time to time, certain borrowers are experiencing declines in income and cash flow. As a result, these borrowers are seeking to reduce contractual cash outlays, the most prominent being debt payments. In an effort to preserve our net interest margin and earning assets, we are open to working with existing customers in order to maximize the collectability of the debt.
 
When we restructure a loan to a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulty and grant a concession that we would not otherwise consider, a “troubled debt restructuring” results and the Company classifies the loan as a TDR. The Company grants various types of concessions, primarily interest rate reduction and/or payment modifications or extensions, with an occasional forgiveness of principal.
 
Under ASC Topic 310-10-35 – Subsequent Measurement, a TDR is considered to be impaired, and an impairment analysis must be performed. We assess the exposure for each modification, either by collateral discounting or by calculation of the present value of future cash flows, and determine if a specific allocation to the allowance for loan losses is needed.
 
Once an obligation has been restructured because of such credit problems, it continues to be considered a TDR until paid in full; or, if an obligation yields a market interest rate and no longer has any concession regarding payment amount or amortization, then it is not considered a TDR at the beginning of the calendar year after the year in which the improvement takes place. Our TDR balance decreased to $8.8$8.3 million at March 31,September 30, 2019, compared to $9.2 million at December 31, 2018. The majority of our TDR balance remains in the CRE portfolio with the largest balance comprised of threefour relationships.
 
We return TDRs to accrual status only if (1) all contractual amounts due can reasonably be expected to be repaid within a prudent period, and (2) repayment has been in accordance with the contract for a sustained period, typically at least six months.
 
We continue to maintain good asset quality, compared to the industry. Strong asset quality remains a primary focus of our strategy. The allowance for loan losses as a percent of total legacy loans was 0.68% as of March 31,September 30, 2019. Non-performing loans equaled 0.70%0.76% of total loans. Non-performing assets were 0.50%0.52% of total assets, a 1315 basis point increase from December 31, 2018. The allowance for loan losses was 97%91% of non-performing loans. Our annualized net charge-offs to total loans for the first threenine months of 2019 was 0.20%0.38%. Excluding credit cards, the annualized net charge-offs to total loans for the same period was 0.16%0.35%. Annualized net credit card charge-offs to total credit card loans were 1.92%1.79%, compared to 1.64% during the full year 2018, and 165204 basis points better than the most recently published industry average charge-off ratio as reported by the Federal Reserve for all banks.




5565









Table 9 presents information concerning non-performing assets, including nonaccrual loans and foreclosed assets held for sale (excluding all loans acquired).
 
Table 9:  Non-performing Assets
(Dollars in thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Nonaccrual loans (1)
$60,925
 $34,201
$72,721
 $34,201
Loans past due 90 days or more (principal or interest payments)281
 224
155
 224
Total non-performing loans61,206

34,425
72,876

34,425
Other non-performing assets:      
Foreclosed assets held for sale18,952
 25,565
19,576
 25,565
Other non-performing assets505
 553
540
 553
Total other non-performing assets19,457

26,118
20,116

26,118
Total non-performing assets$80,663

$60,543
$92,992

$60,543
      
Performing TDRs$6,297
 $6,369
$6,519
 $6,369
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans97% 164%91% 164%
Non-performing loans to total loans0.70% 0.41%0.76% 0.41%
Non-performing assets (including performing TDRs) to total assets (2)
0.54% 0.40%0.56% 0.40%
Non-performing assets to total assets (2)
0.50% 0.37%0.52% 0.37%

(1)Includes nonaccrual TDRs of approximately $2.5$1.8 million at March 31,September 30, 2019 and $2.8 million at December 31, 2018.
(2)Excludes all loans acquired, except for their inclusion in total assets.


There was no interest income on nonaccrual loans recorded for the three and nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018.
 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, impaired loans, net of government guarantees and loans acquired, were $57.6$70.0 million compared to $39.8 million at December 31, 2018. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates the underlying collateral on all impaired loans and allocates specific reserves, where appropriate, in order to absorb potential losses if the collateral were ultimately foreclosed.






5666









ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
Overview
 
The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 310-10, Receivables, and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450-20, Loss Contingencies. Accordingly, the methodology is based on our internal grading system, specific impairment analysis, qualitative and quantitative factors.
 
As mentioned above, allocations to the allowance for loan losses are categorized as either specific allocations or general allocations.
 
Specific Allocations
 
A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that we will not receive all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan, including scheduled principal and interest payments. For a collateral dependent loan, our evaluation process includes a valuation by appraisal or other collateral analysis. This valuation is compared to the remaining outstanding principal balance of the loan. If a loss is determined to be probable, the loss is included in the allowance for loan losses as a specific allocation. If the loan is not collateral dependent, the measurement of loss is based on the difference between the expected and contractual future cash flows of the loan.


General Allocations


The general allocation is calculated monthly based on management’s assessment of several factors such as (1) historical loss experience based on volumes and types, (2) volume and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals, (3) lending policies and procedures including those for loan losses, collections and recoveries, (4) national, state and local economic trends and conditions, (5) external factors and pressure from competition, (6) the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff, (7) seasoning of new products obtained and new markets entered through acquisition and (8) other factors and trends that will affect specific loans and categories of loans. We established general allocations for each major loan category. This category also includes allocations to loans which are collectively evaluated for loss such as credit cards, one-to-four family owner occupied residential real estate loans and other consumer loans.
 
Reserve for Unfunded Commitments
 
In addition to the allowance for loan losses, we have established a reserve for unfunded commitments, classified in other liabilities. This reserve is maintained at a level sufficient to absorb losses arising from unfunded loan commitments. The adequacy of the reserve for unfunded commitments is determined monthly based on methodology similar to our methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other non-interest expense.




5767









An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for legacy loans is shown in Table 10.
 
Table 10:  Allowance for Loan Losses 
(In thousands)2019 20182019 2018
Balance, beginning of year$56,599
 $41,668
$56,599
 $41,668
Loans charged off:      
Credit card1,142
 999
3,298
 2,930
Other consumer1,533
 1,056
3,497
 3,743
Real estate374
 455
1,552
 5,568
Commercial1,968
 1,761
21,564
 3,143
Total loans charged off5,017

4,271
29,911

15,384
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:      
Credit card240
 263
734
 778
Other consumer300
 94
2,053
 403
Real estate142
 302
350
 624
Commercial158
 69
295
 578
Total recoveries840

728
3,432

2,383
Net loans charged off4,177
 3,543
26,479
 13,001
Provision for loan losses (1)
6,821
 9,082
35,873
 26,691
Balance, March 31 (3)
$59,243

$47,207
Balance, September 30 (3)
$65,993

$55,358
      
Loans charged off:      
Credit card  3,052
  1,121
Other consumer  5,581
  2,894
Real estate  5,450
  337
Commercial  4,862
  3,480
Total loans charged off  18,945
  7,832
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:      
Credit card  742
  227
Other consumer  463
  154
Real estate  689
  367
Commercial  676
  167
Total recoveries  2,570
  915
Net loans charged off  16,375
  6,917
Provision for loan losses (2)
  25,767
  8,158
Balance, end of year (3)
  $56,599
  $56,599

(1)Provision for loan losses of $2,464,000 attributable to loans acquired, was excluded from this table for 2019 (total year-to-date provision for loan losses was $9,285,000)$38,337,000) and $68,000$1,837,000 was excluded from this table for 2018 (total year-to-date 2018 provision for loan losses was $9,150,000)$28,528,000). Charge offs of $1,247,000$2,862,000 on loans acquired were excluded from this table for 2019 and $79,000$910,000 for 2018. Additionally, recoveries of $900,000 on loans acquired were excluded from this table for 2019.
(2)Provision for loan losses of $3,299,000 attributable to loans acquired, was excluded from this table for 2018 (total 2018 provision for loan losses was $38,148,000).
(3)Allowance for loan losses at March 31,September 30, 2019 includes $1,312,000$597,000 allowance for loans acquired (not shown in the table above). Allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2018 and March 31,September 30, 2018 includes $95,000 and $407,000,$1,345,000, respectively, of allowance for loans acquired (not shown in the table above). The total allowance for loan losses at March 31,September 30, 2019 was $60,555,000$66,590,000 and total allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2018 and March 31,September 30, 2018 was $56,694,000 and $47,614,000,$56,703,000, respectively.




5868









Provision for Loan Losses
 
The amount of provision added to the allowance during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, and for the year ended December 31, 2018, was based on management’s judgment, with consideration given to the composition of the portfolio, historical loan loss experience, assessment of current economic conditions, past due and non-performing loans and net loss experience. It is management’s practice to review the allowance on a monthly basis, and after considering the factors previously noted, to determine the level of provision made to the allowance.


Allowance for Loan Losses Allocation
 
As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the allowance for loan losses reflects an increase of approximately $2.6$9.4 million from December 31, 2018, while total loans, excluding loans acquired, increased by $254.2 million$1.2 billion over the same threenine month period. The allocation in each category within the allowance generally reflects the overall changes in the loan portfolio mix.
 
The following table sets forth the sum of the amounts of the allowance for loan losses attributable to individual loans within each category, or loan categories in general. The table also reflects the percentage of loans in each category to the total loan portfolio, excluding loans acquired, for each of the periods indicated. These allowance amounts have been computed using the Company’s internal grading system, specific impairment analysis, qualitative and quantitative factor allocations. The amounts shown are not necessarily indicative of the actual future losses that may occur within individual categories.
 
Table 11:  Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
 
March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance
Amount
 
% of
loans (1)
 
Allowance
Amount
 
% of
loans (1)
Allowance
Amount
 
% of
loans (1)
 
Allowance
Amount
 
% of
loans (1)
Credit cards$3,919
 2.1% $3,923
 2.4%$4,003
 2.0% $3,923
 2.4%
Other consumer2,344
 2.5% 2,380
 2.4%2,100
 2.2% 2,380
 2.4%
Real estate32,354
 71.0% 29,743
 70.8%36,470
 70.4% 29,743
 70.8%
Commercial20,578
 22.4% 20,514
 23.0%23,225
 21.9% 20,514
 23.0%
Other48
 2.0% 39
 1.4%195
 3.5% 39
 1.4%
Total (2)
$59,243

100.0%
$56,599

100.0%$65,993

100.0%
$56,599

100.0%

(1)Percentage of loans in each category to total loans, excluding loans acquired.
(2)Allowance for loan losses at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 includes $1,312,000$597,000 and $95,000, respectively, allowance for loans acquired (not shown in the table above). The total allowance for loan losses at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $60,555,000$66,590,000 and $56,694,000, respectively.


DEPOSITS
 
Deposits are our primary source of funding for earning assets and are primarily developed through our network of 191212 financial centers. We offer a variety of products designed to attract and retain customers with a continuing focus on developing core deposits. Our core deposits consist of all deposits excluding time deposits of $100,000 or more and brokered deposits. As of March 31,September 30, 2019, core deposits comprised 78.6%79.6% of our total deposits.
 
We continually monitor the funding requirements along with competitive interest rates in the markets we serve. Because of our community banking philosophy, our executives in the local markets, with oversight by the Asset Liability Committee and the Bank’s Treasury Management, establish the interest rates offered on both core and non-core deposits. This approach ensures that the interest rates being paid are competitively priced for each particular deposit product and structured to meet the funding requirements. We believe we are paying a competitive rate when compared with pricing in those markets.
 
We manage our interest expense through deposit pricing. We believe that additional funds can be attracted and deposit growth can be accelerated through deposit pricing if we experience increased loan demand or other liquidity needs. We can also utilize brokered deposits as an additional source of funding to meet liquidity needs. We do expect costs of funding withare continually monitoring and looking for opportunities to fairly reprice our deposits to increase with the continued risewhile remaining competitive in interest rates and increased competition for deposits across all our markets.this current challenging rate environment.



5969









Our total deposits as of March 31,September 30, 2019, were $12.0$13.47 billion, a decreasean increase of $409.2 million$1.07 billion from December 31, 2018. We are managing our balance sheet and our net interest margin by continuingThe increase was primarily due to eliminate several high-cost deposits related to public funds and brokered deposits. We are very pleased with ourthe Reliance Bank merger, however, we also achieved organic core deposit growth in core deposits duringfor the quarterfirst nine months of $148.0 million as we continue to emphasize relationship banking.2019. Non-interest bearing transaction accounts, interest bearing transaction accounts and savings accounts totaled $9.3$10.4 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019, compared to $9.5 billion at December 31, 2018, a $161.7$879.3 million decrease.increase. Total time deposits decreased $247.5increased $190.0 million to $2.6$3.1 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019, from $2.9 billion at December 31, 2018. We had $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion of brokered deposits at March 31,September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively.


OTHER BORROWINGS AND SUBORDINATED NOTES AND DEBENTURES
 
Our total debt was $1.5$1.45 billion and $1.7$1.70 billion at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The decrease from year end was due to the Company using a portion of excess cash to repay FHLB advances. The outstanding balance for March 31,September 30, 2019 includes $1.2$1.1 billion in FHLB short-term advances, $15.0$13.4 million in FHLB long-term advances, $330.0 million in subordinated notes and $24.0$24.2 million of trust preferred securities and other subordinated debt. FHLB short-term advances mostly consist of FHLB Owns the Option (“FOTO”) advances that are a low cost, fixed-rate source of funding in return for granting to FHLB the flexibility to choose a termination date earlier than the maturity date. The Company’s FOTO advances outstanding at the end of the firstthird quarter have ten to fifteen year maturity dates with lockout periods that vary but do not exceed one year. These FOTO advanceshave expired and, as a result, are considered and monitored by the Company as short-term advances due toadvances. The possibility of the likelihood of FHLB exercising the options within a year ofis analyzed by the settlement dates based uponCompany along with the risingmarket expected rate environment and the short lockout periods.outcome.
 
In March 2018, we issued $330 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes (“the Notes”) at a public offering price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Company incurred $3.6 million in debt issuance costs related to the offering. The Notes will mature on April 1, 2028 and will bear interest at an initial fixed rate of 5.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears. From and including April 1, 2023 to, but excluding, the maturity date or the date of earlier redemption, the interest will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then-current three month LIBOR rate plus 125 basis points, payable quarterly in arrears. The notes will be subordinated in right of payment to the payment of our other existing and future senior indebtedness, including all our general creditors. The Notes are obligations of Simmons First National Corporationthe Company only and are not obligations of, and are not guaranteed by, any of its subsidiaries.

During 2017, we entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association and executed an unsecured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) pursuant to which we may borrow, prepay and reborrow up to $75.0 million, the proceeds of which were primarily used to pay off amounts outstanding under a term note assumed in an acquisition. In October 2018, we entered into a First Amendment to the Credit Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association, which primarily extended the expiration date to October 2019 and reduced the $75.0 million to $50.0 million. In December 2018, we entered into a Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement that clarified the financial metrics contained in certain affirmative covenants are evaluated on a consolidated basis. In October 2019, allAll amounts borrowed, together with applicable interest, fees, and other amounts owed by the Company arewere due and payable.payable on October 4, 2019. The balance due under the Credit Agreement at March 31,September 30, 2019 and October 4, 2019 was zero.$0. The Company did not renew the Credit Agreement upon the expiration date.


During 2018, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repay certain outstanding indebtedness, including the $75.0 million outstanding balance on the Credit Agreement, $43.3 million in notes payable, $94.9 million in trust preferred securities and $19.1 million in subordinated debt.


CAPITAL
 
Overview
 
At March 31,September 30, 2019, total capital was $2.302$2.55 billion. Capital represents shareholder ownership in the Company – the book value of assets in excess of liabilities. At March 31,September 30, 2019, our common equity to assets ratio was 14.31%14.34% compared to 13.58% at year-end 2018.
 
Capital Stock
 
On February 27, 2009, at a special meeting, our shareholders approved an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to establish 40,040,000 authorized shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value. The aggregate liquidation preference of all shares of preferred stock cannot exceed $80,000,000.
 
On January 18, 2018, the boardBoard of directorsDirectors of the Company approved a two-for-one stock split of the Corporation’sCompany’s outstanding Class A common stock, $0.01 par value (“Common Stock”), in the form of a 100% stock dividend for shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 30, 2018 (“Record Date”).2018. The new shares were distributed by the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare,

60





and the Company’s common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market on February 9,

70





2018. All previously reported share and per share data included in filings subsequent to February 8, 2018 are restated to reflect the retroactive effect of this two-for-one stock split.


On March 19, 2018, the Company filed a shelf registration with the SEC. The shelf registration statement provides increased flexibility and more efficient access to raise capital from time to time through the sale of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depository shares, warrants, purchase contracts, purchase units, subscription rights, units or a combination thereof, subject to market conditions. Specific terms and prices are determined at the time of any offering under a separate prospectus supplement that the Company is required to file with the SEC at the time of the specific offering.
 
On April 19, 2018, shareholders of the Company approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 120,000,000 to 175,000,000.

On April 12, 2019, as part of the acquisition of Reliance, the Company issued 40,000 shares of Simmons Series A Preferred Stock and 2,000.02 shares Simmons Series B Preferred Stock in exchange for the outstanding shares of Reliance’s Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock. On May 13, 2019, the Company redeemed all of the preferred stock, including accrued and unpaid dividends.
 
Stock Repurchase
 
On July 23, 2012,Through third quarter 2019, we announced the adoption by our Board of Directors ofhad a stock repurchase program in place which authorized the repurchase of up to 1,700,000 (split adjusted) of Class ACommon Stock. As previously discussed in Note 22, Subsequent Events, of the accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, on October 22, 2019, we announced a new stock repurchase program which replaces the previous program and under which we may repurchase up to $60,000,000 of our Common Stock currently issued and outstanding. We may repurchase shares of our common stock or approximately 2% of the shares outstanding. The shares are to be purchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or unsolicitedand privately negotiated transactions depending upon market conditions. Underor otherwise. The timing, pricing, and amount of any repurchases under the new stock repurchase program there is no time limitwill be determined by management at its discretion based on a variety of factors. We anticipate funding for thethis new stock repurchases, nor is there a minimum numberrepurchase program to come from available sources of shares that we intend to repurchase. We may discontinue purchases at any time that management determines additional purchases are not warranted. We intend to use the repurchased shares to satisfy stock option exercises, payment ofliquidity, including cash on hand and future stock awards and dividends and general corporate purposes.cash flow. We had no stock repurchases pursuant to the repurchase program during the first threenine months of 2019 or 2018.


Cash Dividends
 
We declared cash dividends on our common stock of $0.16$0.48 per share for the first threenine months of 2019 compared to $0.15$0.45 per share for the first threenine months of 2018, an increase of $0.01,$0.03, or 7%. On October 22, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a regular $0.16 per share quarterly cash dividend payable January 6, 2020, to shareholders of record December 16, 2019. The timing and amount of future dividends are at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our consolidated earnings, financial condition, liquidity and capital requirements, the amount of cash dividends paid to us by our subsidiaries, applicable government regulations and policies and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors anticipates that we will continue to pay quarterly dividends in amounts determined based on the factors discussed above. However, there can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock at the current levels or at all.
 
Parent Company Liquidity
 
The primary liquidity needs of the Parent Company are the payment of dividends to shareholders and the funding of debt obligations. The primary sources for meeting these liquidity needs are the current cash on hand at the parent company and the future dividends received from Simmons Bank. Payment of dividends by the bank subsidiary is subject to various regulatory limitations. See the Liquidity and Market Risk Management discussions of Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk for additional information regarding the parent company’s liquidity. The Company continually assesses its capital and liquidity needs and the best way to meet them, including, without limitation, through capital raising via, among other things, equity or debt offerings.
 
Risk Based Capital
 
Our bank subsidiary is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
 

71





Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total, Tier 1 and common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes that, as of March 31,September 30, 2019, we meet all capital adequacy requirements to which we are subject.

As of the most recent notification from regulatory agencies, the bank subsidiary was well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company and the Banks must maintain minimum total

61





risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, common equity Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s categories.


Our risk-based capital ratios at March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are presented in Table 12 below:
 
Table 12:  Risk-Based Capital


(Dollars in thousands)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Tier 1 capital: 
  
 
  
Stockholders’ equity$2,302,321
 $2,246,434
$2,547,071
 $2,246,434
Goodwill and other intangible assets(910,122) (912,428)(1,013,309) (912,428)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes6,000
 27,374
Unrealized (gain) loss on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes(23,709) 27,374
Total Tier 1 capital1,398,199

1,361,380
1,510,053

1,361,380
Tier 2 capital:      
Trust preferred securities and subordinated debt354,041
 353,950
354,223
 353,950
Qualifying allowance for loan losses67,771
 63,608
74,455
 63,608
Total Tier 2 capital421,812

417,558
428,678

417,558
Total risk-based capital$1,820,011

$1,778,938
$1,938,731

$1,778,938
      
Risk weighted assets$13,364,636
 $13,326,832
$14,725,571
 $13,326,832
      
Assets for leverage ratio$15,423,961
 $15,512,042
$16,681,527
 $15,512,042
      
Ratios at end of period:      
Common equity Tier 1 ratio (CET1)10.46% 10.22%10.25% 10.22%
Tier 1 leverage ratio9.07% 8.78%9.05% 8.78%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio10.46% 10.22%10.25% 10.22%
Total risk-based capital ratio13.62% 13.35%13.17% 13.35%
Minimum guidelines:      
Common equity Tier 1 ratio4.50% 4.50%4.50% 4.50%
Tier 1 leverage ratio4.00% 4.00%4.00% 4.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio6.00% 6.00%6.00% 6.00%
Total risk-based capital ratio8.00% 8.00%8.00% 8.00%
 
Regulatory Capital Changes
 
In July 2013, the Company’s primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve, published final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banks. The rules implement the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework known as “Basel III” for strengthening international capital standards. The Basel III Capital Rules introduced substantial revisions to the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions.
 

72





The Basel III Capital Rules define the components of capital and address other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios. The rules also address risk weights and other issues affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replace the existing risk-weighting approach with a more risk-sensitive approach.
 
The Basel III Capital Rules expanded the risk-weighting categories from four Basel I-derived categories (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to a much larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the assets, generally ranging from 0% for U.S. government and agency securities, to 600% for certain equity exposures, and resulting in higher risk weights for a variety of asset categories, including many residential mortgages and certain commercial real estate.
 

62





The final rules included a new common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5% and a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. The rules also raised the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0% and require a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for the Company and its subsidiary bank on January 1, 2015, with full compliance with all of the final rule’s requirements on January 1, 2019.


Prior to December 31, 2017, Tier 1 capital included common equity Tier 1 capital and certain additional Tier 1 items as provided under the Basel III Rules. The Tier 1 capital for the Company consisted of common equity Tier 1 capital and trust preferred securities. The Basel III Rules include certain provisions that require trust preferred securities to be phased out of qualifying Tier 1 capital when assets surpass $15 billion. As of December 31, 2017, the Company exceeded $15 billion in total assets and the grandfather provisions applicable to its trust preferred securities no longer apply and trust preferred securities are no longer included as Tier 1 capital. Trust preferred securities and qualifying subordinated debt of $354.0$354.2 million is included as Tier 2 and total capital as of March 31,September 30, 2019.


RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
See the section titled Recently Issued Accounting Standardssection in Note 1, Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, in the accompanying Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for details of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on the Company’s ongoing financial position and results of operation.
 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements contained in this quarterly report may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) 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, those relating to the Company’s future growth, revenue, assets, asset quality, profitability and customer service, critical accounting policies, net interest margin, non-interest revenue, market conditions related to the Company’s stock repurchase program, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the effect of certain new accounting standards on the Company’s financial statements (including, without limitation, the CECL methodology and its anticipated effect on the provision and allowance for credit losses), income tax deductions, credit quality, the level of credit losses from lending commitments, net interest revenue, interest rate sensitivity, loan loss experience, liquidity, capital resources, market risk, earnings, effect of pendingfuture litigation, acquisition strategy, legal and regulatory limitations and compliance and competition.
 
These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation: changes in the Company’s operating or expansion and acquisition strategy (including difficulties integrating The Landrum Company into the Company’s business), the effects of future economic conditions, including unemployment levels and slowdowns in economic growth, governmental monetary and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes; real estate values; the risks of changes in interest rates and their effects on the level and composition of deposits, loan demand and the values of loan collateral, securities and interest sensitive assets and liabilities; changes in the securities markets generally or the price of the Company’s common stock specifically; developments in information technology affecting the financial industry; changes in the assumptions, forecasts, models, and methodology used to calculate the expected impact of CECL on the Company’s financial statements; the costs of evaluating possible acquisitions and the risks inherent in integrating acquisitions; the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds and other financial institutions operating in our market area and elsewhere, including institutions operating regionally, nationally and internationally, together with such competitors offering banking products and services by mail, telephone, computer and the Internet; the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for possible loan losses, fair value for loans and other real estate owned; and those factors set forth under Item 1A. Risk-Factors of this report and other cautionary statements

73





set forth elsewhere in this report. Please also refer to the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and related disclosures in other filings, which have been filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to predict or control.control, and actual results could differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to these factors and others. In addition, as a result of these and other factors, our past financial performance should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
 
We believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, based on information available to us on the date hereof. However, given the described uncertainties and risks, we cannot guarantee our future performance or results of operations and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, and all written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this section.



63





RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
 
The tables below present computations of core earnings (net income excluding non-core items {merger related costs, early retirement program costs and the one-time costs of branch right sizing}) and diluted core earnings per share (non-GAAP) as well as a reconciliation of tangible book value per share (non-GAAP), tangible common equity to tangible equity (non-GAAP) and the core net interest margin (non-GAAP). Non-core items are included in financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)(US GAAP).
 
We believe the exclusion of these non-core items in expressing earnings and certain other financial measures, including “core earnings,” provides a meaningful basebasis for period-to-period and company-to-company comparisons, which management believes will assist investors and analysts in analyzing the core financial measures of the Company and predicting future performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are also used by management to assess the performance of the Company’s business because management does not consider these non-core items to be relevant to ongoing financial performance. Management and the Board of Directors utilize “core earnings” (non-GAAP) for the following purposes:
 
•   Preparation of the Company’s operating budgets
•   Monthly financial performance reporting
•   Monthly “flash” reporting of consolidated results (management only)
•   Investor presentations of Company performance
 
We believe the presentation of “core earnings” on a diluted per share basis, “diluted core earnings per share” (non-GAAP) and core net interest margin (non-GAAP), provides a meaningful base for period-to-period and company-to-company comparisons, which management believes will assist investors and analysts in analyzing the core financial measures of the Company and predicting future performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are also used by management to assess the performance of the Company’s business, because management does not consider these non-core items to be relevant to ongoing financial performance on a per share basis. Management and the Board of Directors utilize “diluted core earnings per share” (non-GAAP) for the following purposes:
 
•   Calculation of annual performance-based incentives for certain executives
•   Calculation of long-term performance-based incentives for certain executives
•   Investor presentations of Company performance
 
We have $934.4 million$1.0 billion and $937.0 million total goodwill and other intangible assets for the periods ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Because of our high level of intangible assets, management believes a useful calculation is return on tangible equity (non-GAAP).
 
We believe that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures will permit investors and analysts to assess the performance of the Company on the same basis as that is applied by management and the Board of Directors.
 
Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. To mitigate these limitations, we have procedures in place to identify and approve each item that qualifies as non-core to ensure that the Company’s “core” results are properly reflected for period-to-period comparisons. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders in the evaluation of a company, they have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of results as reported under GAAP. In particular, a measure of earnings that excludes non-core items does not represent the amount that effectively accrues directly to stockholders (i.e., non-core items are

74





included in earnings and stockholders’ equity). Additionally, similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies may not be computed in the same or similar fashion.

64






See Table 13 below for the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude non-core items for the periods presented.
 
Table 13:  Reconciliation of Core Earnings (non-GAAP)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
Net income $47,695
 $51,312
Net income available to common stockholders$81,826
 $55,193
 $185,119
 $160,067
Non-core items:           
Merger related costs 1,470
 1,711
2,556
 804
 11,548
 3,980
Early retirement program 355
 
177
 
 3,464
 
Branch right sizing 45
 57
160
 970
 3,092
 1,049
Tax effect (1)
 (489) (462)(756) (463) (4,731) (1,314)
Net non-core items 1,381
 1,306
2,137
 1,311
 13,373
 3,715
Core earnings (non-GAAP) $49,076

$52,618
$83,963
 $56,504
 $198,492

$163,782
           
Diluted earnings per share(2) $0.51
 $0.55
$0.84
 $0.59
 $1.94
 $1.72
Non-core items:           
Merger related costs 0.02
 0.02
0.04
 0.01
 0.12
 0.04
Early retirement program 0.01 

 
 0.04 
Branch right sizing 
 

 0.01
 0.03
 0.01
Tax effect (1)
 (0.01) 
(0.01) 
 (0.05) (0.01)
Net non-core items 0.02
 0.02
0.03
 0.02
 0.14
 0.04
Diluted core earnings per share (non-GAAP) $0.53

$0.57
$0.87
 $0.61
 $2.08

$1.76

(1)Effective tax rate of 26.135%.
(2)See Note 16, Earnings Per Share, for number of shares used to determine EPS.


See Table 14 below for the reconciliation of tangible book value per share.
 
Table 14: Reconciliation of Tangible Book Value per Share (non-GAAP)
 
(In thousands, except per share data)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Total common stockholders’ equity$2,302,321
 $2,246,434
$2,547,071
 $2,246,434
Intangible assets:      
Goodwill(845,687) (845,687)(926,648) (845,687)
Other intangible assets(88,694) (91,334)(101,149) (91,334)
Total intangibles(934,381)
(937,021)(1,027,797)
(937,021)
Tangible common stockholders’ equity$1,367,940

$1,309,413
$1,519,274

$1,309,413
Shares of common stock outstanding92,568,361
 92,347,643
96,613,855
 92,347,643
      
Book value per common share$24.87
 $24.33
$26.36
 $24.33
      
Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)$14.78
 $14.18
$15.73
 $14.18




6575









See Table 15 below for the calculation of tangible common equity and the reconciliation of tangible common equity to tangible assets.
 
Table 15:  Reconciliation of Tangible Common Equity and the Ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets (non-GAAP)
 
(In thousands, except per share data)March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Total common stockholders’ equity$2,302,321
 $2,246,434
$2,547,071
 $2,246,434
Intangible assets:      
Goodwill(845,687) (845,687)(926,648) (845,687)
Other intangible assets(88,694) (91,334)(101,149) (91,334)
Total intangibles(934,381)
(937,021)(1,027,797)
(937,021)
Tangible common stockholders’ equity$1,367,940

$1,309,413
$1,519,274

$1,309,413
      
Total assets$16,091,639
 $16,543,337
$17,758,511
 $16,543,337
Intangible assets:      
Goodwill(845,687) (845,687)(926,648) (845,687)
Other intangible assets(88,694) (91,334)(101,149) (91,334)
Total intangibles(934,381)
(937,021)(1,027,797)
(937,021)
Tangible assets$15,157,258

$15,606,316
$16,730,714

$15,606,316
      
Ratio of common equity to assets14.31% 13.58%14.34% 13.58%
Ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)9.02% 8.39%9.08% 8.39%
 
See Table 16 below for the calculation of core net interest margin for the periods presented.
 
Table 16:  Reconciliation of Core Net Interest Margin (non-GAAP)
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands) 2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
Net interest income $137,026
 $134,966
$150,164
 $142,968
 $437,546
 $414,771
FTE adjustment 1,601
 1,130
1,843
 1,393
 5,150
 3,831
Fully tax equivalent net interest income 138,627

136,096
152,007
 144,361
 442,696

418,602
Total accretable yield (6,660) (11,294)(9,322) (10,006) (26,144) (31,413)
Core net interest income $131,967

$124,802
$142,685
 $134,355
 $416,552

$387,189
           
Average earning assets – quarter-to-date $14,593,905
 $13,251,549
$15,831,432
 $14,373,253
 $15,326,432
 $13,837,639
           
Net interest margin 3.85% 4.17%3.81% 3.98% 3.86% 4.04%
Core net interest margin (non-GAAP) 3.67% 3.82%3.58% 3.71% 3.63% 3.74%




6676









Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
 
The Company has leveraged its investment in its subsidiary bank and depends upon the dividends paid to it, as the sole shareholder of the subsidiary bank, as a principal source of funds for dividends to shareholders, stock repurchases and debt service requirements. At March 31,September 30, 2019, undivided profits of Simmons Bank were approximately $428.6approximately $629.6 million,, of which approximately $57.7which approximately $128.8 million was available for the payment of dividends to the Company without regulatory approval. In addition to dividends, other sources of liquidity for the Company are the sale of equity securities and the borrowing of funds.
 
Subsidiary Bank
 
Generally speaking, the Company’s subsidiary bank relies upon net inflows of cash from financing activities, supplemented by net inflows of cash from operating activities, to provide cash used in investing activities. Typical of most banking companies, significant financing activities include: deposit gathering; use of short-term borrowing facilities, such as federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements; and the issuance of long-term debt. The subsidiary bank’s primary investing activities include loan originations and purchases of investment securities, offset by loan payoffs and investment cash flows and maturities.
 
Liquidity represents an institution’s ability to provide funds to satisfy demands from depositors and borrowers by either converting assets into cash or accessing new or existing sources of incremental funds. A major responsibility of management is to maximize net interest income within prudent liquidity constraints. Internal corporate guidelines have been established to constantly measure liquid assets as well as relevant ratios concerning earning asset levels and purchased funds. The management and boardBoard of directorsDirectors of the subsidiary bank monitors these same indicators and makes adjustments as needed.
 
Liquidity Management
 
The objective of our liquidity management is to access adequate sources of funding to ensure that cash flow requirements of depositors and borrowers are met in an orderly and timely manner. Sources of liquidity are managed so that reliance on any one funding source is kept to a minimum. Our liquidity sources are prioritized for both availability and time to activation.
 
Our liquidity is a primary consideration in determining funding needs and is an integral part of asset/liability management. Pricing of the liability side is a major component of interest margin and spread management. Adequate liquidity is a necessity in addressing this critical task. There are seven primary and secondary sources of liquidity available to the Company. The particular liquidity need and timeframe determine the use of these sources.
 
The first sourcessource of liquidity available to the Company are a $50.0 million revolving line of credit with U.S. Bank National Association for purposes of financing distributions, financing certain acquisitions and working capital purposes andis Federal funds. Federal funds are available on a daily basis and are used to meet the normal fluctuations of a dynamic balance sheet. The Bank has approximately $380 million in Federal funds lines of credit from upstream correspondent banks that can be accessed, when needed. In order to ensure availability of these upstream funds we test these borrowing lines at least annually. Historical monitoring of these funds has made it possible for us to project seasonal fluctuations and structure our funding requirements on a month-to-month basis.
 
Second, the bank subsidiary has lines of credit available with the Federal Home Loan Bank. While we use portions of those lines to match off longer-term mortgage loans, we also use those lines to meet liquidity needs. Approximately $2.2$3.1 billion of these lines of credit are currently available, if needed, for liquidity.
 
A third source of liquidity is that we have the ability to access large wholesale deposits from both the public and private sector to fund short-term liquidity needs.
 
A fourth source of liquidity is the retail deposits available through our network of financial centers throughout Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Although this method can be a somewhat more expensive alternative to supplying liquidity, this source can be used to meet intermediate term liquidity needs.
 
Fifth, we use a laddered investment portfolio that ensures there is a steady source of intermediate term liquidity. These funds can be used to meet seasonal loan patterns and other intermediate term balance sheet fluctuations. Approximately 97.3% of98.2% of the investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale. We also use securities held in the securities portfolio to pledge when obtaining public funds.


Sixth, we have a network of downstream correspondent banks from which we can access debt to meet liquidity needs.
 

67





Finally, we have the ability to access funds through the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window.



77





We believe the various sources available are ample liquidity for short-term, intermediate-term and long-term liquidity.
 
Market Risk Management
 
Market risk arises from changes in interest rates. We have risk management policies to monitor and limit exposure to market risk. In asset and liability management activities, policies designed to minimize structural interest rate risk are in place. The measurement of market risk associated with financial instruments is meaningful only when all related and offsetting on- and off-balance-sheet transactions are aggregated, and the resulting net positions are identified.
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
Interest rate risk represents the potential impact of interest rate changes on net income and capital resulting from mismatches in repricing opportunities of assets and liabilities over a period of time. A number of tools are used to monitor and manage interest rate risk, including simulation models and interest sensitivity gap analysis. Management uses simulation models to estimate the effects of changing interest rates and various balance sheet strategies on the level of the Company’s net income and capital. As a means of limiting interest rate risk to an acceptable level, management may alter the mix of floating and fixed-rate assets and liabilities, change pricing schedules and manage investment maturities during future security purchases.
 
The simulation model incorporates management’s assumptions regarding the level of interest rates or balance changes for indeterminate maturity deposits for a given level of market rate changes. These assumptions have been developed through anticipated pricing behavior. Key assumptions in the simulation models include the relative timing of prepayments, cash flows and maturities. These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely estimate net interest income or precisely predict the impact of a change in interest rates on net income or capital. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to the timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions and management strategies, among other factors.
 
As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the model simulations projected that 100 and 200 basis point increases in interest rates would result in a positive variance in net interest income of 2.13%2.24% and 4.02%4.64%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months, while decreases in interest rates of 100 basis points and 200 basis points would result in a negative variance in net interest income of (2.03)(2.37)% and (4.81)(3.40)%, respectively, relative to the base case over the next 12 months. These are good faith estimates and assume that the composition of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at each period-end will remain constant over the relevant twelve month measurement period and that changes in market interest rates are instantaneous and sustained across the yield curve regardless of duration of pricing characteristics of specific assets or liabilities. Also, this analysis does not contemplate any actions that we might undertake in response to changes in market interest rates. We believe these estimates are not necessarily indicative of what actually could occur in the event of immediate interest rate increases or decreases of this magnitude. As interest-bearing assets and liabilities reprice in different time frames and proportions to market interest rate movements, various assumptions must be made based on historical relationships of these variables in reaching any conclusion. Since these correlations are based on competitive and market conditions, we anticipate that our future results will likely be different from the foregoing estimates, and such differences could be material.
 
The table below presents our sensitivity to net interest income at March 31,September 30, 2019:  
 
Table 14:Net Interest Income Sensitivity
 
Interest Rate Scenario% Change from Base
Up 200 basis points4.02%4.64%
Up 100 basis points2.13%2.24%
Down 100 basis points(2.03)(2.37)%
Down 200 basis points(4.81)(3.40)%




6878









Item 4.Controls and Procedures
 
TheManagement, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, havehas reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act)Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s current disclosure controls and procedures were effective foras of the period.end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures will detect or uncover every situation involving the failure of persons within the Company or its subsidiary to disclose material information required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31,September 30, 2019, which materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Part II:Other Information


Item 1.Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of its operations, the Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various legal proceedings. Based on the information presently available, and after consultation with legal counsel, management believes that the ultimate outcome in such proceedings, in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the business or the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Item 1A.Risk Factors


Management is not aware of anyThere have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in Part 1, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2018 (“2018 Form 10-K”). In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our 2018 Form 10-K, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, ongoing financial condition and results of operations. The risks described are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to management or that management currently believes to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business, ongoing financial condition or results of operations.
 

79





Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The information concerning our purchases of Common Stock for the periods indicated is as follows:

 
Total number of shares purchased(1)
 Average price paid per share 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs(2)
 Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
July 1, 2019 - July 31, 20191,394
 $23.22
 
 308,272
August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019
 
 
 308,272
September 1, 2019 - September 30, 20192,001
 25.11
 
 308,272
Total3,395
 $24.33
 
 308,272

(1)Total number of shares purchased consists of 3,395 shares of restricted stock repurchased in connection with employee tax withholding obligations under employee compensation plans, which are not purchases under any publicly announced plan.
(2)On July 23, 2012, the Company approved a stock repurchase program which authorized the repurchase of up to 1,700,000 shares of Common Stock. The Company had no repurchases of its Common Stock during the three months ended September 30, 2019. On October 22, 2019, the Company announced a new stock repurchase program, replacing the previous stock repurchase program, under which the Company may repurchase up to $60,000,000 of Common Stock currently issued and outstanding. The new stock repurchase program will terminate on October 31, 2021 (unless terminated sooner).

Item 6.Exhibits

Item 6.     Exhibits

Exhibit No.Description
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 24, 2014, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and Delta Trust & Banking Corporation (incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed by Simmons First National Corporation on July 23, 2014 (File No. 000-06253)).


Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 6, 2014, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and Community First Bancshares, Inc., as amended on September 11, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed by Simmons First National Corporation on October 8, 2014 (File No. 000-06253)).


Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 27, 2014, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and Liberty Bancshares, Inc., as amended on September 11, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Annex B to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed by Simmons First National Corporation on October 8, 2014 (File No. 000-06253)).


Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 28, 2015, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and Ozark Trust & Investment Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Simmons First National Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K for April 29, 2015 (File No. 000-06253)).


Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Citizens National Bank, Citizens National Bancorp, Inc. and Simmons First National Corporation, dated as of May 18, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Simmons First National Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K for May 18, 2016 (File No. 000-06253)).


Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 17, 2016, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and Hardeman County Investment Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Simmons First National Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K for November 17, 2016 (File No. 000-06253)).


Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 14, 2016, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and Southwest Bancorp, Inc., as amended on July 19, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.11 to Simmons First National Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2017 (File No. 000-06253)).



80





Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 23, 2017, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and First Texas, BHC, Inc., as amended on July 19, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.12 to Simmons First National Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended June 30, 2017 (File No. 000-06253)).



69





Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 13, 2018, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and Reliance Bancshares, Inc., as amended on February 11, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) by Simmons First National Corporation for March 4, 2019 (File No. 333-229378)).

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 30, 2019, by and between Simmons First National Corporation and The Landrum Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Simmons First National Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K for November 13, 2018July 30, 2019 (File No. 000-06253)).

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Simmons First National Corporation, as amended on February 12,October 29, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Simmons First National Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A on April 11,8-K for November 1, 2019 (File No. 000-06253)).


As Amended By-Laws of Simmons First National Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-233559) filed by Simmons First National Corporation’s Quarterly ReportCorporation on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended JuneAugust 30, 20172019 (File No. 000-06253)).


4.1
Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures. Simmons First National Corporation hereby agrees to furnish copies of instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request. No issuance of debt exceeds ten percent of the total assets of the Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.


Amended and Restated Simmons First National Corporation Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to Simmons First National Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K on July 19, 2018 (File No. 000-06253)).

Awareness Letter of BKD, LLP.*


Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) Certification – George A. Makris, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.*


Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) Certification – Robert A. Fehlman, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer.*


Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) Certification – David W. Garner, Executive Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer.*


Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sections 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – George A. Makris, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.*


Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sections 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Robert A. Fehlman, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer.*


Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sections 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – David W. Garner, Executive Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer.*


101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.**Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. **


101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.**


101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.**


101.DEF
XBRLInlineXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.**


101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase.**


101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.**


104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).**

* Filed herewith
 
** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.



7081









SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
(Registrant)
 


Date:May 8,November 7, 2019/s/ George A. Makris, Jr.
  George A. Makris, Jr.
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   
   
   
Date:May 8,November 7, 2019/s/ Robert A. Fehlman
  Robert A. Fehlman
  Senior Executive Vice President,
  Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer
and Treasurer
   
   
Date:May 8,November 7, 2019/s/ David W. Garner
  David W. Garner
  Executive Vice President, Controller
  and Chief Accounting Officer




7182