Southside Bancshares (SBSI) 10-K 27 Feb 24 2023 FY Annual report Financial data

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Feb. 23, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2023
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity File Number	000-12247
Entity Registrant Name	SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TX
Entity Central Index Key	0000705432
Entity Tax Identification Number	75-1848732
Entity Address, Address Line One	1201 S. Beckham Avenue,
Entity Address, City or Town	Tyler,
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75701
City Area Code	903
Local Phone Number	531-7111
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $1.25 par value
Trading Symbol	SBSI
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Document Financial Statement Error Correction	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 751.3
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding (in shares)		30,255,576
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Certain portions of the Registrant’s Proxy statement to be filed for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 15, 2024 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other than those portions of the proxy statement specifically incorporated by reference pursuant to Items 10-14 of Part III hereof, no other portions of the proxy statement shall be deemed so incorporated.

AUDIT INFORMATION

AUDIT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Audit Information [Abstract]
Auditor Name	Ernst & Young LLP
Auditor Location	Dallas, Texas
Auditor Firm ID	42

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$ 122,021	$ 106,143
Interest earning deposits		391,719	9,276
Federal funds sold		46,770	83,833
Total cash and cash equivalents		560,510	199,252
Securities AFS, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $1,332,467 and $1,387,874, respectively)		1,296,294	1,299,014
Securities HTM (estimated fair value of $1,166,162 and $1,149,156, respectively)		1,307,053	1,326,729
FHLB stock, at cost		11,936	9,190
Equity investments		9,691	11,181
Loans held for sale		10,894	667
Loans:
Loans		4,524,510	4,147,691
Less:  Allowance for loan losses		(42,674)	(36,515)
Net loans		4,481,836	4,111,176
Premises and equipment, net		138,950	141,256
Operating lease ROU assets		14,837	15,314
Goodwill		201,116	201,116
Other intangible assets, net		2,925	4,622
Interest receivable		50,489	49,350
Deferred tax asset, net		30,426	34,695
BOLI		136,330	133,911
Other assets		31,627	21,163
Total assets		8,284,914	7,558,636
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing		1,390,407	1,671,562
Interest bearing		5,159,274	4,526,457
Total deposits		6,549,681	6,198,019
Other borrowings		509,820	221,153
FHLB borrowings		212,648	153,358
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	[1]	93,877	98,674
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,270	60,265
Operating lease liabilities		16,704	17,070
Other liabilities		68,626	64,100
Total liabilities		7,511,626	6,812,639
Off-balance-sheet arrangements, commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock:  ($1.25 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 38,039,706 shares issued at December 31, 2023 and 38,000,822 shares issued at December 31, 2022)		47,550	47,501
Paid-in capital		788,840	784,545
Retained earnings		282,355	239,610
Treasury stock: (shares at cost, 7,790,276 at December 31, 2023 and 6,454,192 at December 31, 2022)		(231,995)	(188,203)
AOCI		(113,462)	(137,456)
Total shareholders’ equity		773,288	745,997
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$ 8,284,914	$ 7,558,636
[1] This debt consists of subordinated notes with a remaining maturity greater than one year that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2 capital, subject to certain limitations.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Securities available for sale, amortized cost	$ 1,332,467	$ 1,387,874
Held to maturity
Securities held to maturity, fair value	$ 1,166,162	$ 1,149,156
Stockholders' equity
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common Stock, Authorized (in shares)	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common Stock, Issued (in shares)	38,039,706	38,000,822
Treasury Stock, (in shares)	7,790,276	6,454,192

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Interest income:
Loans	$ 244,803	$ 170,410	$ 144,803
Taxable investment securities	31,186	18,940	13,312
Tax-exempt investment securities	54,629	45,001	37,730
MBS	19,450	16,639	19,534
FHLB stock and equity investments	1,185	503	530
Other interest earning assets	8,488	1,488	78
Total interest income	359,741	252,981	215,987
Interest expense:
Deposits	108,157	29,075	9,404
FHLB borrowings	6,777	3,291	7,348
Subordinated notes	3,920	4,015	8,246
Trust preferred subordinated debentures	4,504	2,397	1,390
Other borrowings	21,356	1,862	42
Total interest expense	144,714	40,640	26,430
Net interest income	215,027	212,341	189,557
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses	9,154	3,241	(16,964)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	205,873	209,100	206,521
Noninterest income:
Deposit services	25,497	25,843	26,368
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale	(15,976)	(3,819)	3,862
Net gain on sale of equity securities	5,058	0	0
Gain on sale of loans	563	531	1,641
Trust fees	5,910	5,992	5,959
BOLI	5,823	2,647	2,618
Brokerage services	3,305	3,335	3,383
Other noninterest income	5,654	6,328	5,505
Total noninterest income	35,834	40,857	49,336
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	85,625	82,633	79,892
Net occupancy	14,694	15,130	14,239
Advertising, travel & entertainment	4,093	3,430	2,367
ATM expense	1,351	1,314	1,166
Professional fees	5,351	4,959	4,015
Software and data processing	9,395	6,847	5,675
Communications	1,469	1,896	2,233
FDIC insurance	3,558	1,945	1,807
Amortization of intangibles	1,697	2,273	2,849
(Gain on purchase) loss on redemption of subordinated notes	0	0	1,118
Other	13,345	9,899	9,669
Total noninterest expense	140,578	130,326	125,030
Income before income tax expense	101,129	119,631	130,827
Income tax expense	14,437	14,611	17,426
Net income	$ 86,692	$ 105,020	$ 113,401
Earnings per common share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.82	$ 3.27	$ 3.48
Earnings per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	2.82	3.26	3.47
Cash dividends paid per common share	$ 1.42	$ 1.40	$ 1.37

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 86,692	$ 105,020	$ 113,401
Securities AFS and transferred securities:
Change in unrealized holding gain (loss) on AFS securities during the period	28,782	(179,684)	(37,199)
Change in net unrealized loss on securities transferred from AFS to HTM	0	(125,175)	0
Reclassification adjustment for amortization related to AFS and HTM debt securities	8,004	4,968	1,363
Reclassification adjustment for net (gain) loss on sale of AFS securities, included in net income	15,976	3,819	(3,862)
Derivatives:
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on effective cash flow hedge interest rate swap derivatives	1,222	44,757	13,648
Reclassification adjustment of net (gain) loss related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	(24,544)	(3,638)	6,395
Retirement plans:
Amortization of net actuarial loss, included in net periodic benefit cost	756	895	1,264
Effect of settlement recognition	(16)	0	0
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	192	4,487	6,524
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	30,372	(249,571)	(11,867)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,378)	52,410	2,492
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23,994	(197,161)	(9,375)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 110,686	$ (92,141)	$ 104,026

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common  Stock	Paid In  Capital	Retained  Earnings	Treasury  Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance, net of tax at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 875,297	$ 47,419	$ 771,511	$ 111,208	$ (123,921)	$ 69,080
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	113,401			113,401
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,375)					(9,375)
Issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan	1,353	42	1,311
Purchase of common stock	(34,148)				(34,148)
Stock compensation expense	3,020		3,020
Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plan	7,193	0	4,659	(227)	2,761
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(44,569)			(44,569)
Ending balance, net of tax at Dec. 31, 2021	912,172	47,461	780,501	179,813	(155,308)	59,705
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	105,020			105,020
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(197,161)					(197,161)
Issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan	1,233	40	1,193
Purchase of common stock	(33,841)				(33,841)
Stock compensation expense	3,221		3,221
Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plan	289	0	(370)	(287)	946
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(44,936)			(44,936)
Ending balance, net of tax at Dec. 31, 2022	745,997	47,501	784,545	239,610	(188,203)	(137,456)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	86,692			86,692
Other comprehensive income (loss)	23,994					23,994
Issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan	1,224	49	1,175
Purchase of common stock	(45,074)				(45,074)
Stock compensation expense	3,552		3,552
Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plan	485	0	(432)	(365)	1,282
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(43,582)			(43,582)
Ending balance, net of tax at Dec. 31, 2023	$ 773,288	$ 47,550	$ 788,840	$ 282,355	$ (231,995)	$ (113,462)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CH_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)	38,884	31,853	34,150
Common Stock purchased (in shares)	1,435,193	923,775	938,484
Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plan (in shares)	99,109	86,500	305,212
Cash dividends paid on common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.42	$ 1.40	$ 1.37

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 86,692,000	$ 105,020,000	$ 113,401,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and net amortization	10,577,000	11,105,000	11,421,000
Securities premium amortization (discount accretion), net	4,523,000	18,261,000	22,770,000
Loan (discount accretion) premium amortization, net	400,000	(52,000)	(829,000)
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses	9,154,000	3,241,000	(16,964,000)
Stock compensation expense	3,552,000	3,221,000	3,020,000
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	(2,110,000)	(89,000)	4,752,000
Net (gain) loss on sale of AFS securities	15,976,000	3,819,000	(3,862,000)
Net gain on sale of equity securities	(5,058,000)	0	0
Loss on impairment of investments	0	38,000	0
Net loss on premises and equipment	342,000	576,000	324,000
Gross proceeds from sales of loans held for sale	17,161,000	23,774,000	45,803,000
Gross originations of loans held for sale	(19,295,000)	(22,757,000)	(43,792,000)
Net (gain) loss on OREO	(61,000)	(40,000)	(174,000)
(Gain on purchase) loss on redemption of subordinated notes	(587,000)	0	1,118,000
Net change in:
Interest receivable	(1,139,000)	(10,205,000)	(437,000)
Other assets	37,874,000	(5,447,000)	(2,672,000)
Interest payable	7,422,000	1,378,000	(2,257,000)
Other liabilities	(85,559,000)	94,674,000	24,482,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	79,864,000	226,517,000	156,104,000
Securities AFS:
Purchases	(2,046,010,000)	(708,307,000)	(692,675,000)
Sales	1,125,414,000	460,765,000	160,498,000
Maturities, calls and principal repayments	960,614,000	107,787,000	315,455,000
Securities HTM:
Purchases	0	(1,632,000)	0
Maturities, calls and principal repayments	22,563,000	12,002,000	18,304,000
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	6,679,000	0	0
Proceeds from redemption of FHLB stock and equity investments	36,919,000	46,812,000	32,174,000
Purchases of FHLB stock and equity investments	(39,796,000)	(40,967,000)	(21,221,000)
Net loan paydowns (originations)	(388,304,000)	(503,647,000)	11,891,000
Purchases of premises and equipment	(6,904,000)	(9,301,000)	(8,365,000)
Proceeds from (purchases of) BOLI	951,000	0	(13,000,000)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment	430,000	1,365,000	1,861,000
Net proceeds from sales of OREO	203,000	220,000	816,000
Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets	168,000	124,000	254,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(327,073,000)	(634,779,000)	(194,008,000)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in deposits	351,551,000	475,629,000	789,968,000
Net change in other borrowings	288,667,000	197,934,000	47,000
Proceeds from FHLB borrowings	2,019,000,000	3,321,000,000	14,998,118,000
Repayment of FHLB borrowings	(1,959,710,000)	(3,511,680,000)	(15,486,607,000)
Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes	0	0	(95,000)
Purchase/redemption of subordinated notes	(4,365,000)	0	(100,011,000)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	1,082,000	790,000	7,672,000
Cash paid to tax authority related to tax withholding on share-based awards	(597,000)	(501,000)	(479,000)
Purchase of common stock	(44,803,000)	(33,708,000)	(34,148,000)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan	1,224,000	1,233,000	1,353,000
Cash dividends paid	(43,582,000)	(44,936,000)	(44,569,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	608,467,000	405,761,000	131,249,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	361,258,000	(2,501,000)	93,345,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	199,252,000	201,753,000	108,408,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	560,510,000	199,252,000	201,753,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES FOR CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest paid	137,292,000	39,262,000	28,687,000
Income taxes paid	15,750,000	11,950,000	10,750,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Loans transferred to other repossessed assets and real estate through foreclosure	226,000	465,000	740,000
Loans transferred from held for investment to held for sale	8,093,000	0	0
Transfer of AFS to HTM securities	0	1,369,639,000	0
Unsettled trades to purchase securities	0	0	(18,995,000)
Unsettled trades to repurchase common stock	$ 0	$ (133,000)	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES Organization . Southside Bancshares, Inc., incorporated in Texas in 1982, is a bank holding company for Southside Bank, a Texas state bank headquartered in Tyler, Texas that was formed in 1960. We operate through 55 branches, 13 of which are located in grocery stores. We consider our primary market areas to be East Texas, Southeast Texas, as well as the greater Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston, Texas areas. We are a community-focused financial institution that offers a full range of financial services to individuals, businesses, municipal entities and nonprofit organizations in the communities that we serve. These services include consumer and commercial loans, deposit accounts, wealth management and trust services, brokerage services and safe deposit services. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation . The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP and include the accounts of Southside Bancshares, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southside Bank and the nonbank subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We determine if we have a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a VIE under GAAP. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provides the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. We consolidate voting interest entities in which we have all, or at least a majority of, the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when an enterprise has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE. Accounting Changes and Reclassifications . Certain prior period amounts may be reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Current Expected Credit Losses – Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures We adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” on January 1, 2023, the effective date of the guidance, on a prospective basis. ASU 2022-02 eliminated the accounting guidance for TDRs, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Specifically, rather than applying the recognition and measurement guidance for TDRs, an entity must apply the loan refinancing and restructuring guidance to determine whether a modification results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. Additionally, ASU 2022-02 requires an entity to disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses—Measured at Amortized Cost.” ASU 2022-02 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Use of Estimates . In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve matters of judgment. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses. The status of contingencies are particularly subject to change. Segment Information . Operating segments are components of a business about which separate financial information is available and that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Our chief operating decision-maker uses consolidated results to make operating and strategic decisions. Therefore, we have determined that our business is conducted in one reportable segment. Cash Equivalents . Cash equivalents, for purposes of reporting cash flow, include cash, amounts due from banks and federal funds sold that have an initial maturity of less than 90 days. We maintain deposits with other institutions in amounts that exceed federal deposit insurance coverage. Management regularly evaluates the credit risk associated with the counterparties to these transactions and believes that we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on cash and cash equivalents. Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share . Basic earnings per common share is based on net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of stock awards granted using the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and the weighted average common shares used in calculating diluted earnings per common share for the reported periods is provided in “Note 2 – Earnings Per Share.” Comprehensive Income . Comprehensive income includes all changes in shareholders’ equity during a period, except those resulting from transactions with shareholders. Besides net income, other components of comprehensive income include the after tax effect of changes in the fair value of AFS securities, changes in the net unrealized loss on securities transferred to/from HTM, changes in the accumulated gain or loss on effective cash flow hedging instruments and changes in the funded status of defined benefit retirement plans. Comprehensive income is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income and in “Note 3 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).” Loans . Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost consists of the outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs and any unamortized origination fees and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income over the life of the loan. A loan is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Substantially all of our individually evaluated loans are collateral-dependent, and as such, are measured for expected credit losses based on the fair value of the collateral. Loans Held For Sale . Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, as determined by aggregate outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold. From time to time, certain commercial real estate loans are held for sale which are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Loan Fees . We treat loan fees, net of direct costs, as an adjustment to the yield of the related loan over its term. Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans . In accordance with ASC 326, the allowance for credit losses on loans is estimated and recognized upon origination of the loan based on expected credit losses. The CECL model uses historical experience and current conditions for homogeneous pools of loans, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about future events. The impact of varying economic conditions and portfolio stress factors are a component of the credit loss models applied to each portfolio. Reserve factors are specific to the loan segments that share similar risk characteristics based on the probability of default assumptions and loss given default assumptions, over the contractual term. The forecasted periods gradually mean-revert the economic inputs to their long-run historical trends. Management evaluates the economic data points used in the Moody’s forecasting scenarios on a quarterly basis to determine the most appropriate impact to the various portfolio characteristics based on management’s view and applies weighting to various forecasting scenarios as deemed appropriate based on known and expected economic activities. Management also considers and may apply relevant qualitative factors, not previously considered, to determine the appropriate allowance level. The use of the CECL model includes significant judgment by management and may differ from those of our peers due to different historical loss patterns, economic forecasts, and the length of time of the reasonable and supportable forecast period and reversion period. We utilize Moody’s Analytics economic forecast scenarios and assign probability weighting to those scenarios which best reflect management’s views on the economic forecast. The probability weighting and scenarios utilized for the estimate of the allowance were generally reflective of increased economic and repricing concerns, as based on known and knowable information as of December 31, 2023. When determining the appropriate allowance for credit losses on our loan portfolio, our commercial construction and real estate loans, commercial loans and municipal loans utilize the probability of default/loss given default discounted cash flow approach. Reserves on these loans are based upon risk factors including the loan type and structure, collateral type, leverage ratio, refinancing risk and origination quality, among others. Our consumer construction real estate loans, 1-4 family residential loans and our loans to individuals use a loss rate based upon risk factors including loan types, origination year and credit scores. Loans evaluated collectively in a pool are monitored to ensure they continue to exhibit similar risk characteristics with other loans in the pool. If a loan does not share similar risk characteristics with other loans, expected credit losses for that loan are evaluated individually. When assessing for credit losses from period to period, the change may be indicative of changes in the estimates of timing or the amount of future cash flows, based on the probability of economic forecast scenarios applied, as well as the passage of time. We have elected to report the entire change in present value as provision for credit losses. When using the discounted cash flow method to determine the allowance for credit losses, management does not adjust the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments, but rather applies separate prepayment factors. Accrued Interest . Accrued interest for our loans and debt securities, included in interest receivable on our consolidated balance sheets, is excluded from the estimate of allowance for credit losses. Nonaccrual Assets and Loan Charge-offs . Nonaccrual assets include financial assets 90 days or more delinquent and full collection of both principal and interest is not expected. Financial instruments that are not delinquent or that are delinquent less than 90 days may be placed on nonaccrual status if it is probable that we will not receive contractual principal or interest. When an asset is categorized as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued and any accrued balance is reversed for financial statement purposes. Payments received on nonaccrual assets are applied to the outstanding principal balance. Payments of contractual interest are recognized as income only to the extent that full recovery of the principal balance is reasonably certain. Assets are returned to accrual status when all payments contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Industry and our own experience indicate that a portion of our loans will become delinquent and a portion of our loans will require partial or full charge-off. Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may occur as a result of various factors beyond our control, including, among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of properties used as collateral for loans and problems affecting the credit worthiness of the borrower and the ability of the borrower to make payments on the loan. We charge-off loans when deemed uncollectible. Our policy is to charge-off or partially charge-off a retail credit after it is 120 days past due. Charge-offs on commercial credits are determined on a case-by-case basis when a credit loss has been determined. Restructured Loans . A loan is considered restructured if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and the loan has been modified. Modifications may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. We may provide a combination of modifications which may include an extension of the amortization period, interest rate reduction and/or converting the loan to interest-only for a limited period of time. In most instances, interest will continue to be charged on principal balances outstanding during the extended term. OREO and Foreclosed Assets . OREO includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations. OREO is initially carried at the fair value of the collateral net of estimated selling costs. Prior to foreclosure, the recorded amount of the loan is written down, if necessary, to the appraised fair value of the real estate to be acquired, less selling costs, by charging the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent reduction in fair value net of estimated selling costs is charged to noninterest expense. Costs of maintaining and operating foreclosed properties are expensed as incurred and included in other expense in our income statement. Expenditures to complete or improve foreclosed properties are capitalized only if expected to be recovered; otherwise, they are expensed. Other foreclosed assets are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure, by charging the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Foreclosed assets are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in noninterest expense. Securities . AFS. Debt securities that will be held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that may be sold in response to changes in market interest or prepayment rates, needs for liquidity or changes in the availability of and the yield on alternative investments are classified as AFS. These assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, not related to credit losses, reported as a separate component of AOCI, net of tax. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices as of the close of business on the balance sheet date. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar securities or estimates from independent pricing services. AFS securities hedged with qualifying derivatives are carried at fair value with the change in the fair value on both the hedged instrument and the securities recorded in interest income in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded in the month of the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. HTM. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as HTM and are carried at their amortized cost which includes the remaining unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts. Our HTM securities are presented on the consolidated balance sheets net of allowance for credit losses, if any. As of December 31, 2023, there was no allowance for credit losses on our HTM securities portfolio. Premiums and Discounts. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are generally amortized over the contractual life of the security, except for MBS where prepayments are anticipated and for callable debt securities whose premiums are amortized to the earliest call date in accordance with ASC 310. The amortization of purchased premium or discount is included in interest income on our consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded in the month of the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Premiums on debt securities are amortized to the earliest call date. Allowance for Credit Losses – AFS Securities . In accordance with ASC 326, for AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position where management (i) has the intent to sell or (ii) where it will more-likely-than-not be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the loss in earnings. For those AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position that do not meet either of these criteria, management assesses whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. Management assesses the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, industry and/or geographic conditions, credit ratings as well as other indicators at the individual security level. If a credit loss is determined to exist, the present value of discounted cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of discounted cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit loss is recorded, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost. Any impairment that is not recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Any future changes in the allowance for credit losses is recorded as provision for (reversal of) credit losses. Allowance for Credit Losses – HTM Securities . In accordance with ASC 326, expected credit losses on HTM securities are measured on a collective basis by major security type, when similar risk characteristics exist. Risk characteristics for segmenting HTM debt securities include issuer, maturity, coupon rate, yield, payment frequency, source of repayment, bond payment structure, and embedded options. Upon assignment of the risk characteristics to the major security types, management may further evaluate the qualitative factors associated with these securities to determine the expectation of credit losses, if any. The major security types within our HTM portfolio include residential and commercial MBS, state and political subdivisions and corporate securities. Our state and political subdivisions include highly-rated municipal securities with a long history of no credit losses. Our investment policy prohibits bond purchases with a rating less than BAA and limits our entity concentration. We utilize term structures and due to no prior loss exposure on our state and political subdivision securities, we apply third-party average data to model our securities to represent the portion of the asset that would be lost if the issuer were to default. These third-party estimates of recoveries and defaults, adjusted for constant probability over the securities expected life, are used to evaluate the expected loss of the securities. Due to the limited number and the nature of the HTM state and political subdivisions we hold, we do not model these securities as a pool, but on the specific identification method in conjunction with the application of our third-party fair value measurement. Our residential and commercial MBS are issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or GSEs and are collateralized by pools of single- or multi-family mortgages. Our MBS are highly rated securities with a long history of no credit losses which are either explicitly or implicitly backed by the U.S. government agencies, which guarantee the payment of principal and interest to investors. Management has collectively evaluated the characteristics of these securities and has assumed an expectation of zero credit loss. Our corporate bonds and other investment securities consist of investment grade bonds, private placement bonds with a long history of no credit losses, and two bonds totaling approximately $6.4 million rated one grade below investment grade. We reevaluate the characteristics of our major security types at every reporting period and reassess the considerations to continue to support our expectation of credit loss. Equity Investments . Equity investments with readily determinable fair values are stated at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses reported in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost less impairment, if any. Securities with Limited Marketability . Securities with limited marketability, such as stock in the FHLB, are carried at cost, which is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of those assets and are assessed for other-than-temporary impairment. Premises and Equipment . Land is carried at cost. Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Useful lives are estimated to be 15 to 40 years for premises and 3 to 10 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are generally depreciated over the lesser of the term of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred while major improvements and replacements are capitalized. Leases . We evaluate our contracts at inception to determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Our operating leases relate primarily to bank branches and office space. The Company has no finance leases. Short-term leases, leases with an initial term of 12 months or less and do not contain a purchase option that is likely to be exercised, are not recorded on the balance sheet. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term. Our leases do not provide an implicit rate, so we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is reevaluated upon lease modification. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any initial direct costs and prepaid lease payments made less any lease incentives. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. BOLI . The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and officers. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received are reflected in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income and are not subject to income taxes. Goodwill and Other Intangibles . Other intangible assets consist primarily of core deposits and trust relationship intangibles. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated life. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are subject to at least an annual impairment test and more frequently if a triggering event occurs. If any such impairment is determined, a write-down is recorded. We have selected October 1 of each year as the measurement date on which we will complete our annual goodwill impairment assessment. We may elect to perform a quantitative impairment analysis or first conduct a qualitative analysis to determine if a quantitative analysis is necessary. We performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative factors considered include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic and State of Texas economic conditions, industry and market conditions and trends, the Company’s financial performance, market capitalization, stock price, and any Company-specific events relevant to the assessment. If the assessment of qualitative factors indicates that it is not more likely than not that an impairment exists, no further testing is required; otherwise an impairment test is performed. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s goodwill impairment evaluation, based on its qualitative assessment, indicated there was no impairment. As a result, we did not record any goodwill impairment for the years ended December 31, 2023 or 2022, and we had no cumulative goodwill impairment. At December 31, 2023, core deposit intangible and trust relationship intangible was $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, amortization expense related to our core deposit intangible and trust relationship intangible was $1.7 million, $2.3 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Repurchase Agreements . We sell certain securities under agreements to repurchase. The agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The dollar amount of the securities underlying the agreements remains in the asset account. We determine the type of debt securities to pledge which may include investment securities and U.S. agency MBS. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities . Derivative financial instruments are carried on the consolidated balance sheets as other assets or other liabilities, as applicable, at estimated fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative financial instrument is determined by whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, by the type of hedging relationship. We present derivative financial instruments at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets on a net basis when a right of offset exists, based on transactions with a single counterparty and any cash collateral paid to and/or received from that counterparty for derivative contracts that are subject to legally enforceable master netting arrangements. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item (i.e., the ineffective portion), if any, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change. Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, as well as the change in the fair value on the hedged item, are recorded in interest income in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses due to changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements completely offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the hedged item. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss is recognized in current earnings during the period of change. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we entered into partial term fair value hedges, as allowed under ASU 2017-12, for certain of our fixed rate callable AFS municipal securities. The instruments are designated as fair value hedges as the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are expected to offset changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to changes in the SOFR swap rate, the designated benchmark interest rate. These derivative contracts involve the receipt of floating rate interest from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreement, without the exchange of the underlying notional value. For derivatives designated as hedging instruments at inception, statistical regression analysis is used at inception and for each reporting period thereafter to assess whether the derivative used has been and is expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. All components of each derivative instrument’s gain or loss are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Net hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in other noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income. Terminated Derivative Financial Instruments . In accordance with ASC Topic 815, if a hedging item is terminated prior to maturity for a cash settlement, the existing gain or loss within AOCI will continue to be reclassified into earnings during the period or periods in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings unless it is probable the forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. These transactions are reevaluated on a monthly basis to determine if the hedged forecasted transactions are still probable of occurring. If at a subsequent evaluation, it is determined that the transactions will not occur, any related gains or losses recorded in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings. Further information on our derivative instruments and hedging activities is included in “Note 11 – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities.” Allowance for Credit Losses – Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures . Our off-balance-sheet credit exposures include contractual commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. For these credit exposures we evaluate the expected credit losses using usage given defaults and credit conversion factors depending on the type of commitment and based upon historical usage rates. These assumptions are reevaluated on an annual basis and adjusted if necessary. In accordance with Topic 326, credit losses are not recognized for those credit exposures that are unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for credit losses for these off-balance-sheet credit exposures is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets and is adjusted with a corresponding adjustment to provision for credit losses on our consolidated statements of income. Revenue Recognition . Our revenue consists of net interest income on financial assets and financial liabilities and noninterest income. The classifications of our revenue are presented in the consolidated statements of income. In accordance with ASC Topic 606, revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of goods or services. We recogniz

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Basic and Diluted Earnings: Net income $ 86,692 $ 105,020 $ 113,401 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 30,704 32,120 32,558 Add: Stock awards 55 131 134 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 30,759 32,251 32,692 Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 2.82 $ 3.27 $ 3.48 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 2.82 $ 3.26 $ 3.47

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component are as follows for the years presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Retirement Plans Total Beginning balance, net of tax $ (149,181) $ 31,227 $ (19,502) $ (137,456) Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 28,782 1,222 176 30,180 Reclassification adjustments included in net income 23,980 (24,544) 756 192 Income tax (expense) benefit (11,080) 4,898 (196) (6,378) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 41,682 (18,424) 736 23,994 Ending balance, net of tax $ (107,499) $ 12,803 $ (18,766) $ (113,462) Year Ended December 31, 2022 Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Retirement Plans Total Beginning balance, net of tax $ 84,716 $ (1,257) $ (23,754) $ 59,705 Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (304,859) 44,757 4,487 (255,615) Reclassification adjustments included in net income 8,787 (3,638) 895 6,044 Income tax (expense) benefit 62,175 (8,635) (1,130) 52,410 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (233,897) 32,484 4,252 (197,161) Ending balance, net of tax $ (149,181) $ 31,227 $ (19,502) $ (137,456) Year Ended December 31, 2021 Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Retirement Plans Total Beginning balance, net of tax $ 116,078 $ (17,091) $ (29,907) $ 69,080 Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (37,199) 13,648 6,524 (17,027) Reclassification adjustments included in net income (2,499) 6,395 1,264 5,160 Income tax (expense) benefit 8,336 (4,209) (1,635) 2,492 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (31,362) 15,834 6,153 (9,375) Ending balance, net of tax $ 84,716 $ (1,257) $ (23,754) $ 59,705 The reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in net income are presented below (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Unrealized gains and losses on securities transferred: Amortization of unrealized gains and losses (1) $ (8,004) $ (4,968) $ (1,363) Tax benefit 1,681 1,043 286 Net of tax $ (6,323) $ (3,925) $ (1,077) Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities: Realized net gain (loss) on sale of securities (2) $ (15,976) $ (3,819) $ 3,862 Tax (expense) benefit 3,355 802 (811) Net of tax $ (12,621) $ (3,017) $ 3,051 Derivatives: Realized net gain (loss) on interest rate swap derivatives (3) $ 24,544 $ 3,638 $ (6,395) Tax (expense) benefit (5,154) (764) 1,343 Net of tax $ 19,390 $ 2,874 $ (5,052) Amortization of retirement plans: Net actuarial loss (4) $ (756) $ (895) $ (1,264) Tax benefit 159 188 265 Net of tax $ (597) $ (707) $ (999) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ (151) $ (4,775) $ (4,077) (1) Included in interest income on the consolidated statements of income. (2) Listed as net gain (loss) on sale of securities AFS on the consolidated statements of income. (3) Included in interest expense for FHLB borrowings, other borrowings and deposits on the consolidated statements of income. (4) These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (income) presented in “Note 10 – Employee Benefits.”

SECURITIES

SECURITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
SECURITIES	SECURITIES Debt securities The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of investment and mortgage-backed AFS and HTM securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are reflected in the tables below (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Amortized Gross Gross Unrealized Estimated AVAILABLE FOR SALE Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Investment securities: U.S. Treasury $ 139,706 $ 19 $ — $ 139,725 State and political subdivisions 603,913 362 35,530 568,745 Corporate bonds and other 14,569 31 507 14,093 MBS: (1) Residential 569,039 3,202 3,258 568,983 Commercial 5,240 44 536 4,748 Total $ 1,332,467 $ 3,658 $ 39,831 $ 1,296,294 HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 1,039,440 $ 10,070 $ 126,233 $ 923,277 Corporate bonds and other 146,712 488 15,738 131,462 MBS: (1) Residential 90,619 13 7,263 83,369 Commercial 30,282 — 2,228 28,054 Total $ 1,307,053 $ 10,571 $ 151,462 $ 1,166,162 December 31, 2022 Amortized Gross Gross Unrealized Estimated AVAILABLE FOR SALE Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 1,039,453 $ 956 $ 75,557 $ 964,852 Corporate bonds and other 8,692 26 14 8,704 MBS: (1) Residential 328,400 250 13,623 315,027 Commercial 11,329 50 948 10,431 Total $ 1,387,874 $ 1,282 $ 90,142 $ 1,299,014 HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 1,037,556 $ 3,969 $ 163,283 $ 878,242 Corporate bonds and other 152,552 575 7,993 145,134 MBS: (1) Residential 93,796 21 8,343 85,474 Commercial 42,825 — 2,519 40,306 Total $ 1,326,729 $ 4,565 $ 182,138 $ 1,149,156 (1) All MBS issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. GSEs. From time to time, we transfer securities from AFS to HTM due to overall balance sheet strategies. We did not transfer any securities from AFS to HTM during the year ended December 31, 2023. We transferred securities from AFS to HTM with an estimated fair value of $1.25 billion during the year ended December 31, 2022. The remaining net unamortized, unrealized loss on the transferred securities included in AOCI in the accompanying balance sheets totaled $113.5 million ($89.7 million, net of tax) at December 31, 2023 and $121.5 million ($96.0 million, net of tax) at December 31, 2022. Any net unrealized gain or loss on the transferred securities included in AOCI at the time of transfer will be amortized over the remaining life of the underlying security as an adjustment to the yield on those securities. Securities transferred with losses included in AOCI continue to be included in management’s assessment for impairment for each individual security. We transferred these securities due to overall balance sheet strategies, and our management has the current intent and ability to hold these securities until maturity. Investment securities and MBS with carrying values of $2.28 billion and $1.82 billion were pledged as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, to collateralize FHLB borrowings, borrowings from the FRDW, including from the BTFP, repurchase agreements and public fund deposits, for potential liquidity needs or other purposes as required by law. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the amount of excess collateral at the FRDW was $213.1 million and $339.6 million, respectively. The following tables present the fair value and unrealized losses on AFS and HTM investment securities and MBS, if applicable, for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded as of December 31, 2023 or 2022, segregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous loss position (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Less Than 12 Months More Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized AVAILABLE FOR SALE Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 26,371 $ 297 $ 516,520 $ 35,233 $ 542,891 $ 35,530 Corporate bonds and other 8,103 319 5,071 188 13,174 507 MBS: Residential 150,865 549 36,864 2,709 187,729 3,258 Commercial — — 2,484 536 2,484 536 Total $ 185,339 $ 1,165 $ 560,939 $ 38,666 $ 746,278 $ 39,831 HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 16,549 $ 123 $ 713,499 $ 126,110 $ 730,048 $ 126,233 Corporate bonds and other 9,956 1,135 114,787 14,603 124,743 15,738 MBS: Residential — — 82,747 7,263 82,747 7,263 Commercial — — 28,054 2,228 28,054 2,228 Total $ 26,505 $ 1,258 $ 939,087 $ 150,204 $ 965,592 $ 151,462 December 31, 2022 Less Than 12 Months More Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized AVAILABLE FOR SALE Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 859,270 $ 68,683 $ 26,620 $ 6,874 $ 885,890 $ 75,557 Corporate bonds and other 3,678 14 — — 3,678 14 MBS: Residential 306,294 13,623 — — 306,294 13,623 Commercial 5,613 318 2,545 630 8,158 948 Total $ 1,174,855 $ 82,638 $ 29,165 $ 7,504 $ 1,204,020 $ 90,142 HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 426,382 $ 66,898 $ 323,385 $ 96,385 $ 749,767 $ 163,283 Corporate bonds and other 125,250 6,660 12,738 1,333 137,988 7,993 MBS: Residential 80,801 7,799 3,932 544 84,733 8,343 Commercial 40,306 2,519 — — 40,306 2,519 Total $ 672,739 $ 83,876 $ 340,055 $ 98,262 $ 1,012,794 $ 182,138 For those AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position (i) where management has the intent to sell or (ii) where it will more-likely-than-not be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the loss in earnings. For those AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position that do not meet either of these criteria, management assesses whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit-related factors, using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Determining the allowance under the credit loss method requires the use of a discounted cash flow method to assess the credit losses. Any credit-related impairment will be recognized in allowance for credit losses on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Noncredit-related temporary impairment, the portion of the impairment relating to factors other than credit (such as changes in market interest rates), is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we did not have an allowance for credit losses on our AFS securities, based on our consideration of the qualitative factors associated with each security type in our AFS portfolio. The unrealized losses on our investment and MBS are due to changes in interest rates and spreads and other market conditions. At December 31, 2023, we had 373 AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position. Our state and political subdivisions are highly rated municipal securities with a long history of no credit losses. Our AFS MBS are highly rated securities which are either explicitly or implicitly backed by the U.S. Government through its agencies which are highly rated by major ratings agencies and also have a long history of no credit losses. Our AFS corporate bonds and other investment securities consist of investment grade bonds and private placement bonds. We assess the likelihood of default and the potential amount of default when assessing our HTM securities for credit losses. We utilize term structures and, due to no prior loss exposure on our state and political subdivision securities or our corporate securities, we currently apply a third-party average loss given default rate to model these securities. We elected to use the specific identification method to model our HTM securities which aligns with our third-party fair value measurement process. The model determined any expected credit loss over the life of these securities to be insignificant. Management further evaluated the remote expectation of loss, along with the qualitative factors associated with these securities and concluded that, due to the securities being highly rated municipals and investment grade corporates, private placement bonds with a long history of no credit losses, and two bonds rated one grade below investment grade, no credit loss should be recognized for these securities for the year ended December 31, 2023 or 2022. The accrued interest receivable on our debt securities is excluded from the credit loss estimate and is included in interest receivable The following table reflects interest income recognized on securities for the periods presented (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 U.S. Treasury $ 11,331 $ 271 $ 615 State and political subdivisions 67,355 57,663 46,296 Corporate bonds and other 7,129 6,007 4,131 MBS 19,450 16,639 19,534 Total interest income on securities $ 105,265 $ 80,580 $ 70,576 There was a $16.0 million net realized loss as a result of sales from the AFS securities portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2023, which consisted of $24.5 million in realized losses on sales of AFS securities and $2.0 million in realized gains on sales of AFS securities, offset by a net gain of $6.5 million on the unwind of fair value municipal security hedges in the AFS securities portfolio. There was a $3.8 million net realized loss as a result of sales from the AFS securities portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2022, which consisted of $4.4 million in realized losses and $584,000 in realized gains. There was a $3.9 million net realized gain from the AFS securities portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2021, which consisted of $4.1 million in realized gains and $218,000 in realized losses. There were no sales from the HTM portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021. We calculate realized gains and losses on sales of securities under the specific identification method. Expected maturities on our securities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. MBS are presented in total by category since MBS are typically issued with stated principal amounts and are backed by pools of mortgages that have loans with varying maturities. The characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages, such as fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, as well as prepayment risk, are passed on to the security holder. The term of a mortgage-backed pass-through security thus approximates the term of the underlying mortgages and can vary significantly due to prepayments. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of AFS and HTM securities at December 31, 2023, are presented below by contractual maturity (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Amortized Cost Fair Value AVAILABLE FOR SALE Investment securities: Due in one year or less $ 139,916 $ 139,935 Due after one year through five years 4,260 4,242 Due after five years through ten years 22,203 21,689 Due after ten years 591,809 556,697 758,188 722,563 MBS: 574,279 573,731 Total $ 1,332,467 $ 1,296,294 December 31, 2023 Amortized Cost Fair Value HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: Due in one year or less $ 15,969 $ 15,092 Due after one year through five years 4,868 4,739 Due after five years through ten years 140,774 126,474 Due after ten years 1,024,541 908,434 1,186,152 1,054,739 MBS: 120,901 111,423 Total $ 1,307,053 $ 1,166,162 Equity Investments Equity investments on our consolidated balance sheets include CRA funds with a readily determinable fair value as well as equity investments without readily determinable fair values. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had equity investments recorded in our consolidated balance sheets of $9.7 million and $11.2 million, respectively. Any realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity investments are reported in income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost less impairment, if any. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there was a net gain on the sale of equity securities of $5.1 million. The following is a summary of unrealized and realized gains and losses on equity investments recognized in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income during the periods presented (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity investments $ 5,131 $ (685) $ (174) Less: Net gains recognized during the period on equity investments sold during the period 5,058 — — Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on equity investments still held at the reporting date $ 73 $ (685) $ (174) Equity investments are assessed quarterly for other-than-temporary impairment. Based upon that evaluation, management does not consider any of our equity investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2023. FHLB Stock Our FHLB stock, which has limited marketability, is carried at cost and is assessed quarterly for other-than-temporary impairment. Based upon evaluation by management at December 31, 2023, our FHLB stock was not impaired and thus was not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LO

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Receivables [Abstract]
LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES	LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES Loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Real estate loans: Construction $ 789,744 $ 559,681 1-4 family residential 696,738 663,519 Commercial 2,168,451 1,987,707 Commercial loans 366,893 412,064 Municipal loans 441,168 450,067 Loans to individuals 61,516 74,653 Total loans 4,524,510 4,147,691 Less: Allowance for loan losses 42,674 36,515 Net loans $ 4,481,836 $ 4,111,176 Loans to Affiliated Parties In the normal course of business, we make loans to certain of our executive officers and directors and their related interests. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, these loans totaled $13.7 million and $14.2 million, respectively. These loans represented 1.8% and 1.9% of shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Construction Real Estate Loans Our construction loans are collateralized by property located primarily in or near the market areas we serve. A number of our construction loans will be owner occupied upon completion. Construction loans for non-owner occupied projects are financed, but these typically have cash flows from leases with tenants, secondary sources of repayment, and in some cases, additional collateral. Our construction loans have both adjustable and fixed interest rates during the construction period. Construction loans to individuals are typically priced and made with the intention of granting the permanent loan on the completed property. Commercial construction loans are subject to underwriting standards similar to that of the commercial real estate loan portfolio. Owner occupied 1-4 family residential construction loans are subject to the underwriting standards of the permanent loan. 1-4 Family Residential Real Estate Loans Residential loan originations are generated by our mortgage loan officers, in-house origination staff, marketing efforts, present customers, walk-in customers and referrals from real estate agents and builders. We focus our lending efforts primarily on the origination of loans secured by first mortgages on owner occupied 1-4 family residences. Substantially all of our 1-4 family residential originations are secured by properties located in or near our market areas. Our 1-4 family residential loans generally have maturities ranging from 15 to 30 years. These loans are typically fully amortizing with monthly payments sufficient to repay the total amount of the loan. Our 1-4 family residential loans are made at both fixed and adjustable interest rates. Underwriting for 1-4 family residential loans includes debt-to-income analysis, credit history analysis, appraised value and down payment considerations. Changes in the market value of real estate can affect the potential losses in the residential portfolio. Commercial Real Estate Loans Commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2023 consisted of $1.79 billion of owner and non-owner occupied real estate, $347.5 million of loans secured by multi-family properties and $28.6 million of loans secured by farmland. Commercial real estate loans primarily include loans collateralized by retail, commercial office buildings, multi-family residential buildings, medical facilities and offices, senior living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, warehouse facilities, hotels and churches. In determining whether to originate commercial real estate loans, we generally consider such factors as the financial condition of the borrower and the debt service coverage of the property. Commercial real estate loans are made at both fixed and adjustable interest rates for terms generally up to 20 years. Commercial Loans Our commercial loans are diversified loan types including short-term working capital loans for inventory and accounts receivable and short- and medium-term loans for equipment or other business capital expansion. In our commercial loan underwriting, we assess the creditworthiness, ability to repay and the value and liquidity of the collateral being offered. Terms of commercial loans are generally commensurate with the useful life of the collateral offered. Municipal Loans We have made loans to municipalities and school districts primarily throughout the state of Texas, with a small percentage originating outside of the state. The majority of the loans to municipalities and school districts have tax or revenue pledges and in some cases are additionally supported by collateral. Municipal loans made without a direct pledge of taxes or revenues are usually made based on some type of collateral that represents an essential service. These loans allow us to earn a higher yield than we could if we purchased municipal securities for similar durations. Loans to Individuals Substantially all originations of our loans to individuals are made to consumers in our market areas. The majority of loans to individuals are collateralized by titled equipment, which are primarily automobiles. Loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower. The underwriting standards we employ for consumer loans include an application, a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts, with the greatest weight being given to payment history with us and an assessment of the borrower’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. Although creditworthiness of the applicant is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount. Most of our loans to individuals are collateralized, which management believes assists in limiting our exposure. Credit Quality Indicators We categorize loans into risk categories on an ongoing basis based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends, among other factors. We use the following definitions for risk ratings: • Pass (Rating 1 – 4) – This rating is assigned to all satisfactory loans. This category, by definition, consists of acceptable credit. Credit and collateral exceptions should not be present, although their presence would not necessarily prohibit a loan from being rated Pass, if deficiencies are in the process of correction. These loans are not included in the Watch List. • Pass Watch (Rating 5) – These loans require some degree of special treatment, but not due to credit quality. This category does not include loans specially mentioned or adversely classified; however, particular attention is warranted to characteristics such as: ▪ A lack of, or abnormally extended payment program; ▪ A heavy degree of concentration of collateral without sufficient margin; ▪ A vulnerability to competition through lesser or extensive financial leverage; and ▪ A dependence on a single or few customers or sources of supply and materials without suitable substitutes or alternatives. • Special Mention (Rating 6) – A Special Mention loan 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 loan or in our credit position at some future date. Special Mention loans are not adversely classified and do not expose us to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. • Substandard (Rating 7) – Substandard loans are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor 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. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. • Doubtful (Rating 8) – Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation, in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. The following tables set forth the amortized cost basis by class of financing receivable and credit quality indicator for the periods presented (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Construction real estate: Pass $ 132,838 $ 236,573 $ 196,311 $ 37,997 $ 3,938 $ 6,457 $ 144,358 $ 758,472 Pass watch — 7,798 — — — — — 7,798 Special mention 13,166 9,456 698 — 7 — — 23,327 Substandard 36 — 68 — — 43 — 147 Doubtful — — — — — — — — Total construction real estate $ 146,040 $ 253,827 $ 197,077 $ 37,997 $ 3,945 $ 6,500 $ 144,358 $ 789,744 Current period gross charge-offs $ — $ 92 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 92 1-4 family residential real estate: Pass $ 41,520 $ 126,981 $ 145,671 $ 114,631 $ 63,710 $ 196,651 $ 1,803 $ 690,967 Pass watch — — — 32 — — — 32 Special mention — — — 75 — — — 75 Substandard 325 — 73 1,379 — 3,259 74 5,110 Doubtful — — — 163 — 391 — 554 Total 1-4 family residential real estate $ 41,845 $ 126,981 $ 145,744 $ 116,280 $ 63,710 $ 200,301 $ 1,877 $ 696,738 Current period gross charge-offs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1 $ 118 $ — $ 119 Commercial real estate: Pass $ 469,844 $ 641,577 $ 495,363 $ 143,150 $ 91,085 $ 189,021 $ 16,493 $ 2,046,533 Pass watch 24,300 34,424 255 1,037 333 146 — 60,495 Special mention 17,403 — — — 9,746 25,072 — 52,221 Substandard — 862 95 269 1,565 6,346 — 9,137 Doubtful — — — — 65 — — 65 Total commercial real estate $ 511,547 $ 676,863 $ 495,713 $ 144,456 $ 102,794 $ 220,585 $ 16,493 $ 2,168,451 Current period gross charge-offs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 788 $ — $ — $ 788 Commercial loans: Pass $ 78,090 $ 62,192 $ 42,114 $ 10,708 $ 4,356 $ 3,310 $ 161,153 $ 361,923 Pass watch — 128 117 — — 18 — 263 Special mention 191 174 — 16 — 162 — 543 Substandard 14 2,357 73 — 65 12 821 3,342 Doubtful 238 267 133 — 64 120 — 822 Total commercial loans $ 78,533 $ 65,118 $ 42,437 $ 10,724 $ 4,485 $ 3,622 $ 161,974 $ 366,893 Current period gross charge-offs $ 745 $ 440 $ 44 $ 26 $ 23 $ 5 $ — $ 1,283 Municipal loans: Pass $ 39,028 $ 61,429 $ 68,979 $ 49,746 $ 39,949 $ 182,037 $ — $ 441,168 Pass watch — — — — — — — — Special mention — — — — — — — — Substandard — — — — — — — — Doubtful — — — — — — — — Total municipal loans $ 39,028 $ 61,429 $ 68,979 $ 49,746 $ 39,949 $ 182,037 $ — $ 441,168 Current period gross charge-offs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Loans to individuals: Pass $ 22,788 $ 15,503 $ 11,588 $ 6,256 $ 2,180 $ 941 $ 2,216 $ 61,472 Pass watch — — — — — — — — Special mention — — — — — — — — Substandard — — — — 13 — — 13 Doubtful 4 17 — 10 — — — 31 Total loans to individuals $ 22,792 $ 15,520 $ 11,588 $ 6,266 $ 2,193 $ 941 $ 2,216 $ 61,516 Current period gross charge-offs (1) $ 1,682 $ 54 $ 61 $ 20 $ 6 $ 99 $ — $ 1,922 Total loans $ 839,785 $ 1,199,738 $ 961,538 $ 365,469 $ 217,076 $ 613,986 $ 326,918 $ 4,524,510 Total current period gross charge-offs (1) $ 2,427 $ 586 $ 105 $ 46 $ 818 $ 222 $ — $ 4,204 (1) Includes $1.7 million in charged off demand deposit overdrafts reported as 2023 originations. December 31, 2022 Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 Prior Construction real estate: Pass $ 169,652 $ 184,501 $ 34,537 $ 7,091 $ 1,844 $ 6,434 $ 152,530 $ 556,589 Pass watch 299 — — — — — — 299 Special mention 1,858 290 — — — — — 2,148 Substandard — — — 10 42 194 — 246 Doubtful — 44 — 355 — — — 399 Total construction real estate $ 171,809 $ 184,835 $ 34,537 $ 7,456 $ 1,886 $ 6,628 $ 152,530 $ 559,681 1-4 family residential real estate: Pass $ 82,847 $ 144,424 $ 128,666 $ 70,142 $ 36,710 $ 194,490 $ 2,160 $ 659,439 Pass watch — — — — — — — — Special mention — — 79 — 1,397 — — 1,476 Substandard 3 — 217 54 32 1,942 43 2,291 Doubtful — — — — 173 140 — 313 Total 1-4 family residential real estate $ 82,850 $ 144,424 $ 128,962 $ 70,196 $ 38,312 $ 196,572 $ 2,203 $ 663,519 Commercial real estate: Pass $ 798,653 $ 546,938 $ 168,607 $ 136,440 $ 55,480 $ 233,509 $ 12,315 $ 1,951,942 Pass watch — 9,219 — — — — — 9,219 Special mention — — 1,832 330 115 1,849 — 4,126 Substandard — — 281 14,603 260 6,992 — 22,136 Doubtful — — — 76 — 208 — 284 Total commercial real estate $ 798,653 $ 556,157 $ 170,720 $ 151,449 $ 55,855 $ 242,558 $ 12,315 $ 1,987,707 Commercial loans: Pass $ 113,678 $ 68,509 $ 17,852 $ 8,249 $ 4,820 $ 3,313 $ 178,951 $ 395,372 Pass watch 208 13 56 — — — — 277 Special mention — 5,109 31 — 288 — 9,986 15,414 Substandard 220 116 70 110 12 9 — 537 Doubtful 68 100 — 86 210 — — 464 Total commercial loans $ 114,174 $ 73,847 $ 18,009 $ 8,445 $ 5,330 $ 3,322 $ 188,937 $ 412,064 Municipal loans: Pass $ 65,258 $ 74,617 $ 57,147 $ 47,636 $ 24,576 $ 173,919 $ — $ 443,153 Pass watch — — — 508 403 6,003 — 6,914 Special mention — — — — — — — — Substandard — — — — — — — — Doubtful — — — — — — — — Total municipal loans $ 65,258 $ 74,617 $ 57,147 $ 48,144 $ 24,979 $ 179,922 $ — $ 450,067 Loans to individuals: Pass $ 29,579 $ 21,480 $ 12,651 $ 5,261 $ 1,665 $ 1,005 $ 2,935 $ 74,576 Pass watch — — — — — — — — Special mention — — — — — — — — Substandard — 1 — 6 — 2 — 9 Doubtful 7 — — 18 40 3 — 68 Total loans to individuals $ 29,586 $ 21,481 $ 12,651 $ 5,285 $ 1,705 $ 1,010 $ 2,935 $ 74,653 Total loans $ 1,262,330 $ 1,055,361 $ 422,026 $ 290,975 $ 128,067 $ 630,012 $ 358,920 $ 4,147,691 Watch List loans reported as 2023 originations as of December 31, 2023 and Watch List loans reported as 2022 originations as of December 31, 2022 were, for the majority, first originated in various years prior to 2023 and 2022, respectively, but were renewed in the respective year. The following tables present the aging of the amortized cost basis in past due loans by class of loans (in thousands): December 31, 2023 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Greater than Total Past Current Total Real estate loans: Construction $ 474 $ — $ 29 $ 503 $ 789,241 $ 789,744 1-4 family residential 4,638 774 1,700 7,112 689,626 696,738 Commercial 621 34 40 695 2,167,756 2,168,451 Commercial loans 1,693 347 127 2,167 364,726 366,893 Municipal loans 27 — — 27 441,141 441,168 Loans to individuals 107 1 10 118 61,398 61,516 Total $ 7,560 $ 1,156 $ 1,906 $ 10,622 $ 4,513,888 $ 4,524,510 December 31, 2022 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Greater than Total Past Current Total Real estate loans: Construction $ 43 $ 21 $ — $ 64 $ 559,617 $ 559,681 1-4 family residential 3,529 368 214 4,111 659,408 663,519 Commercial 105 153 415 673 1,987,034 1,987,707 Commercial loans 515 277 247 1,039 411,025 412,064 Municipal loans — — — — 450,067 450,067 Loans to individuals 203 3 40 246 74,407 74,653 Total $ 4,395 $ 822 $ 916 $ 6,133 $ 4,141,558 $ 4,147,691 The following table sets forth the amortized cost basis of nonperforming assets for the periods presented (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Nonaccrual loans: Real estate loans: Construction $ 29 $ 405 1-4 family residential 2,093 848 Commercial 528 762 Commercial loans 1,208 757 Loans to individuals 31 74 Total nonaccrual loans (1) 3,889 2,846 Accruing loans past due more than 90 days — — Restructured loans (2) 13 7,849 OREO 99 93 Repossessed assets — 74 Total nonperforming assets $ 4,001 $ 10,862 (1) Includes $506,000 and $897,000 of restructured loans as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. (2) Pursuant to our adoption of ASU 2022-02, effective January 1, 2023, we prospectively discontinued the recognition and measurement guidance previously required on troubled debt restructures. As a result, “restructured” loans as of December 31, 2023 exclude any loan modifications that are performing but would have previously required disclosure as troubled debt restructures. We reversed $89,000 and $36,000 of interest income on nonaccrual loans during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We had $1.0 million and $1.6 million of loans on nonaccrual for which there was no related allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Collateral-dependent loans are loans that we expect the repayment to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral of the loan and we have determined that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In such cases, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date, adjusted for selling costs. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $7.5 million and $8.1 million, respectively, of collateral-dependent loans, secured mainly by real estate and equipment. There have been no significant changes to the collateral that secures the collateral-dependent assets. Foreclosed assets include OREO and repossessed assets. For 1-4 family residential real estate properties, a loan is recognized as a foreclosed property once legal title to the real estate property has been received upon completion of foreclosure or the borrower has conveyed all interest in the residential property through a deed in lieu of foreclosure. There were $1.0 million loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process as of December 31, 2023. There were no loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process as of December 31, 2022. Restructured Loans Pursuant to our adoption of ASU 2022-02 effective January 1, 2023, we prospectively discontinued the recognition and measurement of TDRs. This guidance eliminated TDR accounting for loans in which the borrower was experiencing financial difficulty and the creditor granted a concession. See “Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements included in this report. A loan is now considered restructured if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and the loan has been modified. Modifications may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. We may provide a combination of modifications which may include an extension of the amortization period, interest rate reduction and/or converting the loan to interest-only for a limited period of time. In most instances, interest will continue to be charged on principal balances outstanding during the extended term. Therefore, the financial effects of the recorded investment of loans restructured during the year ended December 31, 2023 were not significant. The following table sets forth the recorded balance of restructured loans and type of modification by class of loans during the periods presented (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 Amortization Interest Rate Reduction Combination Total Modifications Number of Loans Percent of Total Class Commercial loans $ 603 $ — $ 64 $ 667 5 0.18 % Total $ 603 $ — $ 64 $ 667 5 There were three restructured loans totaling $506,000 included in our nonaccrual loans in nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2023. On an ongoing basis, the performance of the restructured loans is monitored for subsequent payment default. Payment default is recognized when the borrower is 90 days or more past due. As of December 31, 2023, there were no restructured loans in default. Payment defaults for restructured loans did not significantly impact the determination of the allowance for loan losses in the periods presented. At December 31, 2023, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans had been restructured. Allowance for Loan Losses The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 Real Estate Construction 1-4 Family Residential Commercial Commercial Loans Municipal Loans Loans to Individuals Total Balance at beginning of period $ 3,164 $ 2,173 $ 28,701 $ 2,235 $ 45 $ 197 $ 36,515 Loans charged-off (1) (92) (119) (788) (1,283) — (1,922) (4,204) Recoveries of loans charged-off 2 110 1 298 — 1,043 1,454 Net loans (charged-off) recovered (90) (9) (787) (985) — (879) (2,750) Provision for (reversal of) loan losses 2,213 676 4,352 836 (26) 858 8,909 Balance at end of period $ 5,287 $ 2,840 $ 32,266 $ 2,086 $ 19 $ 176 $ 42,674 Year Ended December 31, 2022 Real Estate Construction 1-4 Family Residential Commercial Commercial Loans Municipal Loans Loans to Individuals Total Balance at beginning of period $ 3,787 $ 1,866 $ 26,980 $ 2,397 $ 47 $ 196 $ 35,273 Loans charged-off — (69) — (792) — (1,723) (2,584) Recoveries of loans charged-off 2 107 81 593 — 1,105 1,888 Net loans (charged-off) recovered 2 38 81 (199) — (618) (696) Provision for (reversal of) loan losses (625) 269 1,640 37 (2) 619 1,938 Balance at end of period $ 3,164 $ 2,173 $ 28,701 $ 2,235 $ 45 $ 197 $ 36,515 Year Ended December 31, 2021 Real Estate Construction 1-4 Family Residential Commercial Commercial Loans Municipal Loans Loans to Individuals Total Balance at beginning of period $ 6,490 $ 2,270 $ 35,709 $ 4,107 $ 46 $ 384 $ 49,006 Loans charged-off — (136) — (1,004) — (1,611) (2,751) Recoveries of loans charged-off 2 75 87 674 — 1,142 1,980 Net loans (charged-off) recovered 2 (61) 87 (330) — (469) (771) Provision for (reversal of) loan losses (2,705) (343) (8,816) (1,380) 1 281 (12,962) Balance at end of period $ 3,787 $ 1,866 $ 26,980 $ 2,397 $ 47 $ 196 $ 35,273 (1) Included in charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2023 is a $788,000 write down to fair value an $8.1 million commercial real estate loan relationship transferred to held for sale. The accrued interest receivable on our loan receivables is excluded from the allowance for credit loss estimate and is included in interest receivable on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the accrued interest on our loan portfolio was $21.3 million and $18.8 million, respectively.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT	PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT Premises and equipment at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 2022 Premises $ 189,643 $ 185,588 Furniture and equipment 44,719 44,126 234,362 229,714 Less: Accumulated depreciation 95,412 88,458 Total $ 138,950 $ 141,256 Assets with accumulated depreciation of $1.5 million and $1.9 million were written off for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Depreciation expense was $8.4 million, $8.6 million and $8.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

DEPOSITS

DEPOSITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Deposits [Abstract]
DEPOSITS	DEPOSITS Deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Noninterest bearing demand deposits: Private accounts $ 1,322,793 $ 1,607,952 Public accounts 67,614 63,610 Total noninterest bearing demand deposits 1,390,407 1,671,562 Interest bearing deposits: Private accounts: Savings accounts 602,050 672,676 Money market demand accounts 356,506 424,676 Platinum money market accounts 421,505 421,826 Interest bearing checking accounts 1,897,017 1,496,784 NOW demand accounts 14,507 13,601 CDs of $250,000 or more 232,343 120,387 CDs under $250,000 489,584 532,409 Total private accounts 4,013,512 3,682,359 Public accounts: Savings accounts 2,000 1,949 Money market demand accounts 31,808 33,871 Platinum money market accounts 498,079 365,720 Interest bearing checking accounts 75,573 89,320 NOW demand accounts 370,752 234,027 CDs of $250,000 or more 161,194 113,810 CDs under $250,000 6,356 5,401 Total public accounts 1,145,762 844,098 Total interest bearing deposits 5,159,274 4,526,457 Total deposits $ 6,549,681 $ 6,198,019 For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, interest expense on CDs of $250,000 or more was $13.0 million, $2.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities of CDs, including public accounts, were as follows (in thousands): 2024 $ 758,980 2025 113,907 2026 6,256 2027 3,627 2028 6,707 2029 and thereafter — $ 889,477 Brokered deposits may consist of CDs and non-maturity deposits. At December 31, 2023, we had no brokered CDs. Brokered non-maturity deposits were $828.0 million at December 31, 2023 with a weighted average cost of 323 basis points. As of December 31, 2022, we had $220.9 million in brokered CDs and $438.4 million in brokered non-maturity deposits. Our current policy allows for maximum brokered deposits of the lesser of $1.20 billion or 20% of total deposits. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had approximately $9.8 million and $11.0 million, respectively, in deposits from related parties, including directors and named executive officers. The aggregate amount of demand deposit overdrafts that have been reclassified as loans were $1.3 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure	BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS Information related to borrowings is provided in the table below (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Other borrowings: Balance at end of period $ 509,820 $ 221,153 Average amount outstanding during the period (1) 436,676 77,845 Maximum amount outstanding during the period (2) 1,030,421 316,563 Weighted average interest rate during the period (3) 4.9 % 2.4 % Interest rate at end of period (4) 5.0 % 4.1 % FHLB borrowings: Balance at end of period $ 212,648 $ 153,358 Average amount outstanding during the period (1) 276,584 135,926 Maximum amount outstanding during the period (2) 533,242 423,645 Weighted average interest rate during the period (3) 2.5 % 2.4 % Interest rate at end of period (5) 1.2 % 0.7 % (1) The average amount outstanding during the period was computed by dividing the total daily outstanding principal balances by the number of days in the period. (2) The maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period. (3) The weighted average interest rate during the period was computed by dividing the actual interest expense by the average amount outstanding during the period. The weighted average interest rate on other borrowings and FHLB borrowings includes the effect of interest rate swaps. (4) Stated rate. (5) The interest rate on FHLB borrowings includes the effect of interest rate swaps. Maturities of the obligations associated with our borrowing arrangements based on scheduled repayments at December 31, 2023 are as follows (in thousands): Payments Due by Period Less than 1-2 Years 2-3 Years 3-4 Years 4-5 Years Thereafter Total Other borrowings $ 503,387 $ 6,433 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 509,820 FHLB borrowings 210,740 772 484 406 246 — 212,648 Total obligations $ 714,127 $ 7,205 $ 484 $ 406 $ 246 $ — $ 722,468 Other borrowings may include federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements and borrowings from the Federal Reserve through the FRDW and BTFP. Southside Bank has three unsecured lines of credit for the purchase of overnight federal funds at prevailing rates with Frost Bank, TIB – The Independent Bankers Bank and Comerica Bank for $40.0 million, $15.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively. There were no federal funds purchased at December 31, 2023 or 2022. To provide more liquidity in response to economic conditions in recent years, the Federal Reserve has encouraged broader use of the discount window. At December 31, 2023, the amount of additional funding the Bank could obtain from the FRDW, collateralized by securities, was approximately $213.1 million. There were $300.0 million in borrowings from the FRDW at December 31, 2023, and $188.0 million at December 31, 2022. To provide more stability and to assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all of their depositors, the Federal Reserve created the BTFP in the first quarter of 2023. At December 31, 2023, the amount of additional funding the Bank could obtain from the BTFP, collateralized by securities, was approximately $8,000. There were $117.7 million in borrowings from the BTFP at December 31, 2023, with a remaining maturity under three months. Southside Bank has a $5.0 million line of credit with Frost Bank to be used to issue letters of credit, and at December 31, 2023, the line had one outstanding letter of credit for $155,000. Southside Bank currently has no outstanding letters of credit from FHLB held as collateral for its public fund deposits. Southside Bank enters into sales of securities under repurchase agreements. These repurchase agreements totaled $92.1 million at December 31, 2023 and $33.2 million at December 31, 2022, and had maturities of less than two years. Repurchase agreements are secured by investment and MBS securities and are stated at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT Information related to our long-term debt is summarized as follows for the periods presented (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Subordinated notes: (1) 3.875% Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs (2) $ 93,877 $ 98,674 Total Subordinated notes 93,877 98,674 Trust preferred subordinated debentures: (3) Southside Statutory Trust III, net of unamortized debt issuance costs (4) 20,578 20,573 Southside Statutory Trust IV 23,196 23,196 Southside Statutory Trust V 12,887 12,887 Magnolia Trust Company I 3,609 3,609 Total Trust preferred subordinated debentures 60,270 60,265 Total Long-term debt $ 154,147 $ 158,939 (1) This debt consists of subordinated notes with a remaining maturity greater than one year that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2 capital, subject to certain limitations. (2) The unamortized discount and debt issuance costs reflected in the carrying amount of the subordinated notes totaled approximately $1.1 million at December 31, 2023 and $1.3 million at December 31, 2022. (3) This debt consists of trust preferred securities that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 1 capital, subject to certain limitations. (4) The unamortized debt issuance costs reflected in the carrying amount of the Southside Statutory Trust III junior subordinated debentures totaled $41,000 at December 31, 2023 and $46,000 at December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023, the details of the subordinated notes and the trust preferred subordinated debentures are summarized below (dollars in thousands): Date Issued Amount Issued Fixed or Floating Rate Interest Rate Maturity Date 3.875% Subordinated Notes (1) November 6, 2020 $ 100,000 Fixed-to-Floating 3.875% November 15, 2030 Southside Statutory Trust III (2) September 4, 2003 $ 20,619 Floating 3 month SOFR + 3.20% September 4, 2033 Southside Statutory Trust IV (2) August 8, 2007 $ 23,196 Floating 3 month SOFR + 1.56% October 30, 2037 Southside Statutory Trust V (2) August 10, 2007 $ 12,887 Floating 3 month SOFR + 2.51% September 15, 2037 Magnolia Trust Company I (2)(3) May 20, 2005 $ 3,609 Floating 3 month SOFR + 2.06% November 23, 2035 (1) On June 14, 2023, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the $100.0 million fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on November 15, 2030. (2) Effective July 1, 2023, the Comany began utilizing SOFR to reset rates on our floating rate trust preferred debentures, due to the fact that LIBOR ceased to be published as of June 30, 2023. (3) On October 10, 2007, as part of an acquisition we assumed $3.6 million of floating rate junior subordinated debentures issued in 2005 to Magnolia Trust Company I.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Employee Benefits Including Defined Benefit Plans and Share-based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Deferred Compensation Agreements Southside Bank has deferred compensation agreements with 33 of its executive officers, which generally provide for payment of an aggregate amount of $10.1 million over a maximum period of 15 years after retirement or death. Of the 33 executives included in the agreements, payments have commenced to 11 former executives and/or their beneficiaries. Deferred compensation expense was $86,000, $310,000 and $457,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the deferred compensation plan liability totaled $3.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Health Insurance We provide accident and health insurance for substantially all employees through a self-funded insurance program. The cost of health care benefits was $8.1 million, $8.4 million and $8.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Our healthcare plan provides health insurance coverage for any retiree having 50 years of service with the Company. In addition, the eligible retiree must have Medicare coverage, including part A, part B and part D. There was one retiree participating in the health insurance plan as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Employee Stock Ownership Plan We have an ESOP which covers substantially all employees. Contributions to the ESOP are at the sole discretion of the board of directors. We contributed $1.0 million to the ESOP for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the ESOP owned 366,791 and 345,847 shares of common stock, respectively. These shares are treated as externally held shares for dividend and earnings per share calculations. Long-term Disability We have an officer’s long-term disability income policy which provides coverage in the event they become disabled as defined under its terms. Individuals are automatically covered under the policy if they (a) have been elected as an officer, (b) have been an employee of Southside Bank for three years and (c) receive earnings of $50,000 or more on an annual basis. The policy provides, among other things, that should a covered individual become totally disabled he would receive two-thirds of his current salary, not to exceed $15,000 per month. The benefits paid out of the policy are limited by the benefits paid to the individual under the terms of our other Company-sponsored benefit plans. Split Dollar Agreements We originally entered into split dollar agreements with eight of our executive officers. The agreements provide we will be the beneficiary of BOLI insuring the executives’ lives. The agreements provide the executives the right to designate the beneficiaries of the death benefits guaranteed in each agreement. The agreements originally provided for death benefits of an initial aggregate amount of $4.5 million. Prior to an executive’s retirement, their individual amount is increased annually on the anniversary date of the agreement by inflation adjustment factors of either 3% or 5%. As of December 31, 2023, three of the executives remained actively employed with us. Death benefits under this agreement were paid during 2018 for one retired covered officer and during 2013 for one active covered officer. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated death benefits for the seven executives totaled $5.8 million. The agreements also state that after the executive’s retirement, we shall also pay an annual gross-up bonus to the executive in an amount sufficient to enable the executive to pay federal income tax on both the economic benefit and on the gross-up bonus. A credit to expense of $95,000 was required to record the post retirement liability associated with the split dollar post retirement bonus for the year ended December 31, 2023. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 the expense was $27,000 and $87,000, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the split dollar liability totaled $1.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively. 401(k) Plan We have a 401(k) Plan covering substantially all employees that permits each participant to make before- or after-tax contributions subject to certain limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Beginning January 1, 2017, eligible employees may participate in the 401(k) Plan after they have worked at least 30 days with the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, expense attributable to the 401(k) Plan totaled $2.2 million, $2.0 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Retirement Plans We have a defined benefit pension plan pursuant to which participants are entitled to benefits based on final average monthly compensation and years of credited service determined in accordance with plan provisions. We have a nonfunded supplemental retirement plan for our employees whose benefits under the principal retirement plan are reduced because of compensation deferral elections or limitations under federal tax laws. Entrance into the Retirement Plan by new employees was frozen effective December 31, 2005. Employees hired after December 31, 2005 are not eligible to participate in the Retirement Plan. All remaining participants in the Retirement Plan are fully vested. Benefits are payable monthly commencing on the later of age 65 or the participant’s date of retirement. Eligible participants may retire at reduced benefit levels after reaching age 55. We contribute amounts to the pension fund sufficient to satisfy funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Effective December 31, 2020, all future benefit accruals and accrual of benefit service, including consideration of compensation increases, were frozen. No further benefits have been or will be earned by employees since that date. Retirement Plan assets included 240,666 shares of our stock at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Our stock included in the Retirement Plan assets was purchased at fair value. During 2023, our funded status improved, and at December 31, 2023, we had a funded status of $8.4 million compared to a funded status of $6.9 million at December 31, 2022. The improvement in the funded status was a result of a greater than expected return on the fair value of plan assets since December 31, 2022, partially offset by a decrease in the discount rate to better reflect the current market conditions at December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. In connection with the acquisition of Omni, we acquired the OmniAmerican Bank Defined Benefit Plan which was remeasured at fair value. The Acquired Retirement Plan originally called for benefits to be paid to eligible employees at retirement based primarily upon years of service and the compensation levels at retirement. As of December 31, 2006, the benefits under the Acquired Retirement Plan were frozen by Omni. No further benefits have been or will be earned by employees since that date. In addition, no new participants may be added to the Acquired Retirement Plan after December 31, 2006. During 2023, our funded status improved and at December 31, 2023, we had a funded status of $839,000 compared to a funded status of $749,000 at December 31, 2022. The improvement in the funded status was a result of a greater than expected return on the fair value of plan assets since December 31, 2022, partially offset by a decrease in the discount rate to better reflect the current market conditions at December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. We use a measurement date of December 31 for our plans. Activity in our defined benefit pension plans and restoration plan were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration (in thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at end of prior year $ 69,869 $ 2,379 $ 15,463 $ 94,170 $ 3,483 $ 19,321 $ 96,848 $ 3,704 $ 18,789 Interest cost 3,771 126 831 2,741 102 578 2,570 92 520 Actuarial (gain) loss 3,856 201 555 (22,997) (1,076) (3,763) (1,381) (155) 684 Benefits paid (4,218) (61) (673) (3,950) (60) (673) (3,734) (59) (672) Expenses paid (113) (88) — (95) (70) — (133) (99) — Settlements — (311) — — — — — — — Benefit obligation at end of year 73,165 2,246 16,176 69,869 2,379 15,463 94,170 3,483 19,321 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at end of prior year 76,735 3,128 — 97,439 3,871 — 90,419 3,613 — Actual return 9,147 417 — (16,659) (613) — 10,887 416 — Employer contributions — — 673 — — 673 — — 672 Benefits paid (4,218) (61) (673) (3,950) (60) (673) (3,734) (59) (672) Expenses paid (113) (88) — (95) (70) — (133) (99) — Settlements — (311) — — — — — — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 81,551 3,085 — 76,735 3,128 — 97,439 3,871 — (Un)Funded status at end of year 8,386 839 (16,176) 6,866 749 (15,463) 3,269 388 (19,321) Accrued benefit (liability) asset recognized $ 8,386 $ 839 $ (16,176) $ 6,866 $ 749 $ (15,463) $ 3,269 $ 388 $ (19,321) Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year $ 73,165 $ 2,246 $ 16,176 $ 69,869 $ 2,379 $ 15,463 $ 94,170 $ 3,483 $ 19,321 Amounts related to our defined benefit pension plans and restoration plan recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Recognition of net loss $ 726 $ — $ 30 $ 640 $ — $ 255 $ 1,002 $ 6 $ 256 Recognition of gain due to settlement — (16) — — — — — — — Net gain (loss) occurring during the year 718 29 (555) 493 231 3,763 6,848 361 (685) 1,444 13 (525) 1,133 231 4,018 7,850 367 (429) Deferred tax (expense) benefit (303) (3) 110 (238) (48) (844) (1,648) (77) 90 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ 1,141 $ 10 $ (415) $ 895 $ 183 $ 3,174 $ 6,202 $ 290 $ (339) The noncash adjustment to the employee benefit plan assets and/or liabilities, consisting of changes in net loss, was $948,000 and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Net loss $ 726 $ — $ 30 $ 640 $ — $ 255 Deferred tax expense (153) — (6) (134) — (54) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ 573 $ — $ 24 $ 506 $ — $ 201 Amounts recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Net gain (loss) $ (21,356) $ 113 $ (2,511) $ (22,800) $ 100 $ (1,986) Deferred tax (expense) benefit 4,485 (24) 527 4,788 (21) 417 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ (16,871) $ 89 $ (1,984) $ (18,012) $ 79 $ (1,569) Net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit cost included the following components (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Retirement Plan: Interest cost $ 3,771 $ 2,741 $ 2,570 Expected return on assets (4,573) (5,845) (5,420) Net loss amortization 726 640 1,002 Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ (76) $ (2,464) $ (1,848) Acquired Retirement Plan: Interest cost $ 126 $ 102 $ 92 Expected return on assets (187) (232) (211) Net loss amortization — — 6 Gain recognized due to settlement (16) — — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ (77) $ (130) $ (113) Restoration Plan: Interest cost $ 831 $ 578 $ 520 Net loss amortization 30 255 256 Net periodic benefit cost $ 861 $ 833 $ 776 The Retirement Plan and Acquired Retirement Plan assets, which consist primarily of marketable equity and debt instruments, are valued using market quotations in active markets for identical assets, market quotations for similar assets in active or non-active markets or the net asset value provided by the plan administrator. The Retirement Plans’ obligations and the annual pension expense are determined by independent actuaries and through the use of a number of assumptions. Key assumptions in measuring the Retirement Plans’ obligations include the discount rate and the estimated future return on plan assets. In determining the discount rate, we utilized a cash flow matching analysis to determine a range of appropriate discount rates for the defined benefit pension plans and restoration plan. In developing the cash flow matching analysis, we had our actuaries construct a portfolio of high quality noncallable bonds to match as closely as possible the timing of future benefit payments of the Retirement Plans at December 31, 2023. We utilized a bond selection-settlement approach that selects a portfolio of bonds from a universe of high quality corporate bonds rated AA by at least half of the rating agencies available. Based on the results of this cash flow matching analysis, we were able to determine an appropriate discount rate. The expected long-term rate of return assumption reflects the average return expected based on the investment strategies and asset allocation of the assets invested to provide for the Retirement Plans’ liabilities. We considered broad equity and bond indices, long-term return projections and actual long-term historical Plan performance when evaluating the expected long-term rate of return assumption. The assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation were as follows: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Discount rate 5.13 % 5.13 % 5.13 % 5.46 % 5.46 % 5.46 % The assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit cost were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Retirement Plan: Discount rate 5.46 % 2.95 % 2.65 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.13 % 6.13 % 6.13 % Acquired Retirement Plan: Discount rate 5.46 % 2.95 % 2.65 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.13 % 6.13 % 6.13 % Restoration Plan: Discount rate 5.46 % 2.95 % 2.65 % During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we updated our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the Retirement Plan and the Acquired Retirement Plan from 6.50% to 6.125%. Material changes in pension benefit costs may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions. Future annual amounts could be impacted by changes in the number of Plan participants, changes in the level of benefits provided, changes in the discount rates, changes in the expected long-term rate of return, changes in the level of contributions to the Retirement Plan and other factors. The major categories of assets in the Plan and the Acquired Retirement Plan are presented in the following table (in thousands). Assets are segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy established by ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” utilized to measure fair value (see “Note 12 – Fair Value Measurement”). Our Restoration Plan is unfunded. December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Level 1: Cash $ 1,428 $ — $ 605 $ — Equity securities: U.S. large cap (1) 28,506 1,055 23,032 1,103 U.S. mid cap (2) 4,323 125 3,594 135 U.S. small cap (3) 11,907 64 12,447 66 International developed (4) 9,317 — 8,161 — International emerging (2) 1,964 — 1,841 — International (5) — 540 — 547 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds (6) — 1,078 — 1,027 U.S. government treasuries (6) 148 — 233 — Real estate (7) — 223 — 250 Level 2: Cash Equivalents 5,957 — 8,543 — Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds (6) 1,893 — 1,979 — U.S. government agencies (6) 4,871 — 4,380 — Municipal bonds (6) 11,119 — 11,774 — U.S. agency MBS (8) 118 — 146 — Total fair value of plan assets $ 81,551 $ 3,085 $ 76,735 $ 3,128 (1) For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds and domestic stocks. (2) For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “active” mutual funds. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds. (3) For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds and shares of Southside Bancshares stock. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds. (4) This category is comprised of a broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds. (5) This category is comprised of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds and international stocks. (6) For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of individual investment grade securities that are generally HTM. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds, bonds and fixed income securities. (7) This category is comprised of a pooled separate account invested in commercial real estate and includes mortgage loans which are backed by the associated properties. (8) This category is comprised of individual securities that are generally not HTM. We did not have any plan assets with Level 3 input fair value measurements at December 31, 2023 or 2022. Our overall investment strategy is to realize long-term growth of the Retirement Plan within acceptable risk parameters, while funding benefit payments from dividend and interest income, to the extent possible. The target allocations for plan assets are 64.0% equities, 35.0% fixed income and 1.0% cash equivalents. Equity securities are diversified among U.S. and international (both developed and emerging), large, mid and small caps, value and growth securities and REITs. The investment objective of equity funds is long-term capital appreciation with current income. Fixed income securities include government agencies, CDs, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and MBS. The investment objective of fixed income funds is to maximize investment return while preserving investment principal. Mutual funds are primarily used for equity and REITs because of the superior diversification they provide. Subsequent to December 31, 2023, we began the liquidation and reinvestment of the assets in the Retirement Plan using a liability-driven investment strategy. As of December 31, 2023, expected future benefit payments related to the Retirement Plan, the Acquired Retirement Plan and the Restoration Plan were as follows (in thousands): Retirement Plan Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration 2024 $ 4,415 $ 85 $ 694 2025 4,616 92 818 2026 4,930 92 1,156 2027 5,115 128 1,406 2028 5,210 373 1,420 2029 through 2033 26,495 564 7,137 $ 50,781 $ 1,334 $ 12,631 We expect to contribute $725,000 to our Restoration Plan in 2024. We do not expect to make additional contributions to the Retirement Plan or the Acquired Retirement Plan in 2024. Share-based Incentive Plans 2017 Incentive Plan On May 10, 2017, our shareholders approved the 2017 Incentive Plan, which is a stock-based incentive compensation plan. A total of 2,460,000 shares of our common stock were reserved and available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2017 Incentive Plan. This amount includes a number of additional shares (not to exceed 410,000) underlying awards outstanding as of May 10, 2017 under the Company’s 2009 Incentive Plan that thereafter terminate or expire unexercised, or are cancelled, forfeited or lapse for any reason. Under the 2017 Incentive Plan, we are authorized to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and qualified performance-based awards or any combination thereof to selected employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1,033,423 shares remaining available for grant for future awards. All share data has been adjusted to give retroactive recognition to stock dividends, where applicable. Reference to incentive plans refers to the 2017 Incentive Plan and predecessor incentive plans. As of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, there were 201,315, 277,600 and 368,447 unvested awards outstanding, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, there was $3.2 million, $2.9 million and $2.7 million of share-based compensation expense for employees related to the incentive plans, respectively, and $671,000, $605,000 and $570,000 of income tax benefit related to the stock compensation expense, respectively. Director stock compensation expense was $359,000, $342,000, and $306,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 respectively, and $75,000, $72,000 and $64,000 of income tax benefit related to the director stock compensation expense, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, there was $5.7 million, $7.4 million and $6.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the incentive plans, respectively. The remaining cost at December 31, 2023 is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. The fair value of each NQSO is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. There were no NQSO grants during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021. The NQSOs have contractual terms of 10 years and vest in equal annual installments over either a three The fair value of each RSU is the ending stock price on the date of grant. RSUs granted to employees vest in equal annual installments over a period of between three The fair value of each PSU is the ending stock price on the date of grant. PSUs granted to executive officers will cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the grantee’s continued service on such date, and will be earned based on the Company’s ROATCE related to ROATCE of the KBW Nasdaq Regional Bank Index (NASDAQ: KRX), over a 3 year performance period. The PSUs may be earned between a minimum payout of 50%, based on a ROATCE performance threshold of 25th percentile of the Peer Group, a target payout of 100%, based on a ROATCE performance threshold of 50th percentile, and a maximum payout of 150%, based on a performance threshold of 75th percentile or greater. Share payout for performance between the minimum threshold, target and maximum is calculated on a straight line basis, and performance below the minimum threshold results in no share payout. Each award is evidenced by an award agreement that specifies the option price, if applicable, the duration of the award, the number of shares to which the award pertains and such other provisions as the board of directors determines. Historically, shares issued in connection with stock compensation awards have been issued from available authorized shares. Beginning in the second quarter of 2017, shares were issued from available treasury shares. Shares issued in connection with stock compensation awards along with other related information are presented in the following table (in thousands, except share amounts): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 New shares issued from available treasury shares 99,109 86,500 305,212 Proceeds from stock option exercises $ 1,082 $ 790 $ 7,672 Intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 229 $ 421 $ 3,005 A combined summary of activity in our share-based plans as of December 31, 2023 is presented below. Performance stock units outstanding are presented assuming attainment of the maximum payout rate as set forth by the performance criteria: Restricted Stock Units Stock Options Service Based Performance Based Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Weighted- Balance, January 1, 2023 225,928 $ 36.60 13,514 $ 41.74 673,011 $ 33.45 $ 6.49 Granted 57,966 30.14 15,140 38.89 — — — Stock options exercised — — — — (38,556) 28.03 6.77 Stock awards vested (74,698) 36.57 — — — — — Forfeited (11,253) 36.30 — — (3,682) 34.83 5.89 Canceled/expired — — — — (10,267) 34.12 6.37 Balance, December 31, 2023 197,943 $ 34.76 28,654 $ 40.18 620,506 $ 33.76 $ 6.47 Other information regarding options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2023 is as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number Weighted- Weighted- Number Weighted- $ 23.66 - $ 25.00 6,153 $ 23.66 1.02 6,153 $ 23.66 25.01 - 30.00 86,226 26.61 1.48 86,226 26.61 30.01 - 35.00 451,962 34.67 5.06 451,962 34.67 35.01 - 37.28 76,165 37.28 2.87 76,165 37.28 Total 620,506 $ 33.76 4.25 620,506 $ 33.76 The total intrinsic value of outstanding in-the-money stock options and outstanding in-the-money exercisable stock options was $453,000 for both at December 31, 2023. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options exercisable at December 31, 2023 was 4.3 years.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVES INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES DISCLOSURE	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Our hedging policy allows the use of interest rate derivative instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk or hedge specified assets and liabilities. These instruments may include interest rate swaps and interest rate caps and floors. All derivative instruments are carried on the balance sheet at their estimated fair value and are recorded in other assets or other liabilities, as appropriate. Derivative instruments may be designated as cash flow hedges of variable rate assets or liabilities, cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions, fair value hedges of a recognized asset or liability or as non-hedging instruments. Cash Flow Hedges Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI to the extent they are effective. If the hedge is effective, the amount recorded in other comprehensive income is reclassified to interest expense in the same periods that the hedged cash flows impact earnings. We have entered into certain interest rate swap contracts on specific variable rate agreements and fixed rate short-term pay agreements with third-parties. These interest rate swap contracts were designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges under ASC Topic 815. The objective of the interest rate swap contracts is to manage the expected future cash flows on $1.01 billion of Bank liabilities. The cash flows from the swap contracts are expected to be highly effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to fluctuations in the underlying SOFR rate. In accordance with ASC Topic 815, if a hedging item is terminated prior to maturity for a cash settlement, the existing gain or loss within AOCI will continue to be reclassified into earnings during the period or periods in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings unless it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. These transactions are reevaluated on a monthly basis to determine if the hedged forecasted transactions are still probable of occurring. If at a subsequent evaluation, it is determined that the transactions are probable of not occurring, any related gains or losses recorded in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings. During the second quarter of 2023, we terminated one interest rate swap contract designated as a cash flow hedge. At the time of termination, we determined the underlying hedged forecasted transactions were still probable of occurring. The existing loss in AOCI will be reclassified into earnings in the same periods the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Fair Value Hedges Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, as well as the change in fair value on the hedged item, are recorded in interest income in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of the interest rate swap agreements completely offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the hedged item. During 2022, we entered into partial term fair value hedges, as allowed under ASU 2017-12, for certain of our fixed rate callable AFS municipal securities. The instruments are designated as fair value hedges as the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are expected to offset changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to changes in the SOFR swap rate, the designated benchmark interest rate. As of December 31, 2023, hedged securities with a carrying amount of $460.4 million are included in our AFS securities portfolio in our consolidated balance sheets. These derivative contracts involve the receipt of floating rate interest from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreement, without the exchange of the underlying notional value. During 2023, we terminated some of our fair value hedging relationships and sold the hedged items. As a result of the sale, the cumulative adjustments to the carrying amount was a fair value net gain of $6.5 million recognized in earnings and recorded in noninterest income. The following table presents the amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to the cumulative adjustments for fair value hedges (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Amortized cost of hedged assets - Securities AFS $ 487,486 $ 804,224 Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount of the hedged items 13,642 21,562 Derivatives Designated as Non-Hedging Instruments From time to time, we may enter into certain interest rate swaps, cap and floor contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments. These interest rate derivative contracts relate to transactions in which we enter into an interest rate swap, cap or floor with a customer while concurrently entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, cap or floor with a third-party financial institution. We agree to pay interest to the customer on a notional amount at a variable rate and receive interest from the customer on a similar notional amount at a fixed interest rate. At the same time, we agree to pay a third-party financial institution the same fixed interest rate on the same notional amount and receive the same variable interest rate on the same notional amount. These interest rate derivative contracts allow our customers to effectively convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate loan. The changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts primarily offset each other and do not significantly impact our results of operations. We recognized swap fee income associated with these derivative contracts immediately based upon the difference in the bid/ask spread of the underlying transactions with the customer and the third-party financial institution. The swap fee income is included in other noninterest income in our consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, net derivative assets included $46.8 million and $82.1 million, respectively, of cash collateral received from counterparties under master netting agreements. The notional amounts of the derivative instruments represent the contractual cash flows pertaining to the underlying agreements. These amounts are not exchanged and are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the interest rate swaps are presented at net in other assets and other liabilities and in the net change in each of these financial statement line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows when a right of offset exists, based on transactions with a single counterparty that are subject to a legally enforceable master netting agreement. The following tables present the notional and estimated fair value amount of derivative positions outstanding (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Notional Amount (1) Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Notional (1) Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts: Swaps-Cash Flow Hedge-Financial institution counterparties $ 1,010,000 $ 24,223 $ 6,910 $ 575,000 $ 39,527 $ — Swaps-Fair Value Hedge-Financial institution counterparties 453,440 13,658 16 742,675 21,733 171 Derivatives designated as non-hedging instruments Interest rate contracts: Swaps-Financial institution counterparties 248,073 18,249 509 223,124 21,046 — Swaps-Customer counterparties 248,073 509 18,249 223,124 — 21,046 Gross derivatives 56,639 25,684 82,306 21,217 Offsetting derivative assets/liabilities (7,435) (7,435) (171) (171) Cash collateral received/posted (46,760) — (82,135) — Net derivatives included in the consolidated balance sheets (2) $ 2,444 $ 18,249 $ — $ 21,046 (1) Notional amounts, which represent the extent of involvement in the derivatives market, are used to determine the contractual cash flows required in accordance with the terms of the agreement. These amounts are typically not exchanged, significantly exceed amounts subject to credit or market risk and are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. (2) Net derivative assets are included in other assets and net derivative liabilities are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in the fair value of net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are credit valuation adjustments reflecting counterparty credit risk and our credit risk. At December 31, 2023, we had $1.9 million credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and $509,000 related to interest rate swaps with customers. At December 31, 2022, we had no credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and none related to interest rate swaps with customers. The credit risk associated with customer transactions is partially mitigated as these are generally secured by the non-cash collateral securing the underlying transaction being hedged. The summarized expected weighted average remaining maturity of the notional amount of interest rate swaps and the weighted average interest rates associated with the amounts expected to be received or paid on interest rate swap agreements are presented below (dollars in thousands). Variable rates received on fixed pay swaps are based on one-month or three-month LIBOR or overnight SOFR rates in effect at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted Average Weighted Average Notional Amount Remaining Maturity Receive Rate Pay Rate Notional Amount Remaining Maturity Receive Rate Pay Swaps-Cash Flow hedge Financial institution counterparties $ 1,010,000 2.3 5.44 % 2.65 % $ 575,000 2.3 4.44 % 1.13 % Swaps-Fair Value hedge Financial institution counterparties 453,440 5.4 5.37 % 3.13 % 742,675 6.3 3.42 % 3.21 % Swaps-Non-hedging Financial institution counterparties 248,073 7.4 5.84 % 2.88 % 223,124 9.0 4.83 % 2.69 % Customer counterparties 248,073 7.4 2.88 % 5.84 % 223,124 9.0 2.69 % 4.83 % The following table presents amounts included in the consolidated statements of income related to interest rate swap agreements (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Swaps-Cash Flow hedge Gain (loss) included in interest expense on deposits $ 15,225 $ 2,917 $ (103) Gain (loss) included in interest expense on FHLB borrowings 8,432 721 (6,292) Gain (loss) included in interest expense on other borrowings 887 — — 24,544 3,638 (6,395) Swaps-Fair Value hedge Gain (loss) included in interest income on tax-exempt investment securities 12,834 422 — Derivatives designated as non-hedging instruments Swaps-Non-hedging Other noninterest income 352 472 813

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact. Valuation techniques including the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach are utilized to determine fair value. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our investment department and reported to our ALCO for review. An entity must consider all aspects of nonperforming risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring fair value of a liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. A fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows: Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities. Certain financial assets are measured at fair value in accordance with GAAP. Adjustments to the fair value of these assets usually result from the application of fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. A 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. Securities AFS and Equity Investments with readily determinable fair values – U.S. Treasury securities and equity investments with readily determinable fair values are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Other securities classified as AFS are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For most of these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from independent pricing services and obtain an understanding of the pricing methodologies used by these independent pricing services. 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 bond’s terms and conditions, among other things, as stated in the pricing methodologies of the independent pricing services. We review and validate the prices supplied by the independent pricing services for reasonableness by comparison to prices obtained from, in some cases, two additional third-party sources. For securities where prices are outside a reasonable range, we further review those securities, based on internal ALCO approved procedures, to determine what a reasonable fair value measurement is for those securities, given available data. Derivatives – Derivatives are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. We obtain fair value measurements from two sources including an independent pricing service and the counterparty to the derivatives designated as hedges. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, credit information and the derivatives’ terms and conditions, among other things. We review the prices supplied by the sources for reasonableness. In addition, we obtain a basic understanding of their underlying pricing methodology. We validate prices supplied by the sources by comparison to one another. Certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value and tested for goodwill impairment. Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which means that 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 financial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis included foreclosed assets and collateral-dependent loans at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Foreclosed Assets – Foreclosed assets are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell. The fair value measurements of foreclosed assets can include Level 2 measurement inputs such as real estate appraisals and comparable real estate sales information, in conjunction with Level 3 measurement inputs such as cash flow projections, qualitative adjustments and sales cost estimates. As a result, the categorization of foreclosed assets is Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In connection with the measurement and initial recognition of certain foreclosed assets, we may recognize charge-offs through the allowance for credit losses. Collateral-Dependent Loans – Certain loans may be reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected substantially from the operation or sale of the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria or appraisals. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the impact of the fair value of collateral-dependent loans was reflected in our allowance for loan losses. The fair value estimate of financial instruments for which quoted market prices are unavailable is dependent upon the assumptions used. Consequently, those estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented in the fair value tables do not necessarily represent their underlying value. The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using Carrying Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Recurring fair value measurements Investment securities: U.S. Treasury $ 139,725 $ 139,725 $ — $ — State and political subdivisions 568,745 — 568,745 — Corporate bonds and other 14,093 — 14,093 — MBS: (1) Residential 568,983 — 568,983 — Commercial 4,748 — 4,748 — Equity investments: Equity investments 5,308 5,308 — — Derivative assets: Interest rate swaps 56,639 — 56,639 — Total asset recurring fair value measurements $ 1,358,241 $ 145,033 $ 1,213,208 $ — Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 25,684 $ — $ 25,684 $ — Total liability recurring fair value measurements $ 25,684 $ — $ 25,684 $ — Nonrecurring fair value measurements Foreclosed assets $ 99 $ — $ — $ 99 Collateral-dependent loans (2) 7,000 — — 7,000 Total asset nonrecurring fair value measurements $ 7,099 $ — $ — $ 7,099 December 31, 2022 Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using Carrying Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Recurring fair value measurements Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 964,852 $ — $ 964,852 $ — Corporate bonds and other 8,704 — 8,704 — MBS: (1) Residential 315,027 — 315,027 — Commercial 10,431 — 10,431 — Equity investments: Equity investments 5,235 5,235 — — Derivative assets: Interest rate swaps 82,306 — 82,306 — Total asset recurring fair value measurements $ 1,386,555 $ 5,235 $ 1,381,320 $ — Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 21,217 $ — $ 21,217 $ — Total liability recurring fair value measurements $ 21,217 $ — $ 21,217 $ — Nonrecurring fair value measurements Foreclosed assets $ 167 $ — $ — $ 167 Collateral-dependent loans (2) 7,815 — — 7,815 Total asset nonrecurring fair value measurements $ 7,982 $ — $ — $ 7,982 (1) All MBS are issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. GSEs. (2) Consists of individually evaluated loans. Loans for which the fair value of the collateral and commercial real estate fair value of the properties is less than cost basis are presented net of allowance. Losses on these loans represent charge-offs which are netted against the allowance for loan losses. Disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, is required when it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other estimation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Such techniques and assumptions, as they apply to individual categories of our financial instruments, are as follows: Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of those assets’ fair value. Investment and MBS HTM – Fair values for these securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar securities or estimates from independent pricing services. FHLB stock – The carrying amount of FHLB stock is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of those assets. Equity investments – The carrying value of equity investments without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost less impairment, if any, adjusted for observable price changes for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. This carrying value is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of those assets. Loans receivable – We estimate the fair value of our loan portfolio to an exit price notion with adjustments for liquidity, credit and prepayment factors. Nonperforming loans continue to be estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or the underlying value of the collateral where applicable. Loans held for sale – The fair value of loans held for sale is determined based on expected proceeds, which are based on sales contracts and commitments. Deposit liabilities – The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and certain money market deposits is the amount on demand at the reporting date, which is the carrying value. Fair values for fixed rate CDs are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Other borrowings – Federal funds purchased generally have original terms to maturity of one day and repurchase agreements generally have terms of less than one year, and therefore both are considered short-term borrowings. Consequently, their carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Borrowings from the Federal Reserve through the FRDW and BTFP have original maturities of one year or less, and the fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates at which borrowings would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. FHLB borrowings – The fair value of these borrowings is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates at which borrowings would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. Subordinated notes – The fair value of the subordinated notes is estimated by discounting future cash flows using estimated rates at which long-term debt would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the remaining maturities. Trust preferred subordinated debentures – The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated by discounting future cash flows using estimated rates at which long-term debt would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the remaining maturities. The following tables present our financial assets and financial liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis at both their respective carrying amounts and estimated fair value (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value December 31, 2023 Carrying Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 560,510 $ 560,510 $ 560,510 $ — $ — Investment securities: HTM, at carrying value 1,186,152 1,054,739 — 1,054,739 — MBS: HTM, at carrying value 120,901 111,423 — 111,423 — FHLB stock, at cost 11,936 11,936 — 11,936 — Equity investments 4,383 4,383 — 4,383 — Loans, net of allowance for loan losses 4,481,836 4,198,879 — — 4,198,879 Loans held for sale 10,894 10,894 — 10,894 — Financial Liabilities: Deposits $ 6,549,681 $ 6,534,929 $ — $ 6,534,929 $ — Other borrowings 509,820 510,242 — 510,242 — FHLB borrowings 212,648 202,750 — 202,750 — Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 93,877 86,285 — 86,285 — Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 60,270 57,480 — 57,480 — Estimated Fair Value December 31, 2022 Carrying Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 199,252 $ 199,252 $ 199,252 $ — $ — Investment securities: HTM, at carrying value 1,190,108 1,023,376 — 1,023,376 — MBS: HTM, at carrying value 136,621 125,780 — 125,780 — FHLB stock, at cost 9,190 9,190 — 9,190 — Equity investments 5,946 5,946 — 5,946 — Loans, net of allowance for loan losses 4,111,176 3,880,664 — — 3,880,664 Loans held for sale 667 667 — 667 — Financial liabilities: Deposits $ 6,198,019 $ 6,158,517 $ — $ 6,158,517 $ — Other borrowings 221,153 221,153 — 221,153 — FHLB borrowings 153,358 140,976 — 140,976 — Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 98,674 91,357 — 91,357 — Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 60,265 60,594 — 60,594 —

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Broker-Dealer, Net Capital Requirement, SEC Regulation [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Cash dividends declared and paid were $1.42, $1.40 and $1.37 per share for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Future dividends will depend on our earnings, financial condition and other factors which the board of directors considers to be relevant. Our dividend policy requires that any cash dividend payments made may not exceed consolidated earnings for that year. We are 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 classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators regarding components, risk weightings and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total Capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 Capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). At December 31, 2023, we exceeded all regulatory minimum capital requirements. As of December 31, 2023, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized us as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized we must maintain minimum Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Total risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table (dollars in thousands). There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed our category. Actual For Capital To Be Well Capitalized Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio December 31, 2023 Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 690,296 12.28 % $ 252,954 4.50 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 836,228 14.88 % $ 252,865 4.50 % $ 365,249 6.50 % Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 748,755 13.32 % $ 337,273 6.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 836,228 14.88 % $ 337,153 6.00 % $ 449,537 8.00 % Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 884,095 15.73 % $ 449,697 8.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 877,691 15.62 % $ 449,537 8.00 % $ 561,922 10.00 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) (1) Consolidated $ 748,755 9.39 % $ 318,906 4.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 836,228 10.49 % $ 318,814 4.00 % $ 398,517 5.00 % December 31, 2022 Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 687,686 12.63 % $ 245,107 4.50 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 823,323 15.12 % $ 245,085 4.50 % $ 354,012 6.50 % Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 746,140 13.70 % $ 326,809 6.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 823,323 15.12 % $ 326,780 6.00 % $ 435,707 8.00 % Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 877,281 16.11 % $ 435,746 8.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 855,790 15.71 % $ 435,707 8.00 % $ 544,633 10.00 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) (1) Consolidated $ 746,140 9.96 % $ 299,511 4.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 823,323 11.00 % $ 299,410 4.00 % $ 374,263 5.00 % (1) Refers to quarterly average assets as calculated in accordance with policies established by bank regulatory agencies. Our payment of dividends is limited under regulation. The amount that can be paid in any calendar year without prior approval of our regulatory agencies cannot exceed the lesser of net profits (as defined) for that year plus the net profits for the preceding two calendar years or retained earnings.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COMMO

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Dividend Reinvestment and Common Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN	DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN We have in effect a DRIP which allows enrolled shareholders to reinvest dividends paid to them by the Company into new shares of our stock. The DRIP is funded by stock authorized but not yet issued. For the year ended December 31, 2023, 38,884 shares were issued under this plan at an average price per share of $31.48, reflective of other trades at the time of each sale. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 31,853 and 34,150 shares, respectively, were issued under this plan at an average price per share of $38.70 and $39.64, respectively, reflective of other trades at the time of each sale. We repurchased 1,435,193 shares of our common stock at a cost of $45.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, 923,775 shares of common stock at a cost of $33.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, and 938,484 shares of common stock at a cost of $34.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. Repurchased shares are designated as treasury shares and are available for general corporate purposes, which may include possible use in connection with our share-based incentive plans and other distributions. Our board of directors continually evaluates the Company's capital needs and those of the Bank and may, at its discretion, initiate, modify or discontinue an authorized repurchase plan without notice.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The income tax expense included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income consists of the following (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Current income tax expense $ 16,547 $ 14,700 $ 12,674 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (2,110) (89) 4,752 Income tax expense $ 14,437 $ 14,611 $ 17,426 The components of the net deferred tax asset/liability as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized below (in thousands): Assets Liabilities Allowance for loan losses $ 8,962 $ Retirement and other benefit plans 2,529 Premises and equipment 8,852 Operating lease liabilities 3,508 Operating lease ROU assets 3,116 Core deposit intangible 292 Unrealized losses on securities AFS 31,820 Effective hedging derivatives 6,268 Fair value adjustment on loans 436 Unfunded status of defined benefit plan 4,988 State business tax credit 181 Stock-based compensation 1,294 Other 294 Gross deferred tax assets/liabilities 51,483 21,057 Net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2023 $ 30,426 Allowance for loan losses $ 7,668 $ Retirement and other benefit plans 2,435 Premises and equipment 9,269 Operating lease liabilities 3,585 Operating lease ROU assets 3,216 Core deposit intangible 548 Unrealized losses on securities AFS 44,299 Effective hedging derivatives 12,829 Fair value adjustment on loans 500 Unfunded status of defined benefit plan 5,184 State business tax credit 242 Stock-based compensation 1,177 Other 337 Gross deferred tax assets/liabilities 62,992 28,297 Net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2022 $ 34,695 A reconciliation of tax at statutory rates and total tax expense is as follows (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Amount Percent of Pre-Tax Income Amount Percent of Pre-Tax Income Amount Percent of Pre-Tax Income Statutory tax expense $ 21,237 21.0 % $ 25,123 21.0 % $ 27,474 21.0 % Increase (decrease) in taxes from: Tax exempt interest (6,107) (6.0) % (10,345) (8.6) % (9,636) (7.4) % BOLI (1,222) (1.2) % (555) (0.5) % (549) (0.4) % Share-based compensation 89 0.1 % (93) (0.1) % (392) (0.3) % State business tax 353 0.3 % 312 0.3 % 366 0.3 % Other, net 87 0.1 % 169 0.1 % 163 0.1 % Income tax expense $ 14,437 14.3 % $ 14,611 12.2 % $ 17,426 13.3 %

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	LEASES We lease certain retail- and full-service branch locations, ATM locations and certain equipment. Short-term leases, leases with an initial term of 12 months or less and do not contain a purchase option that is likely to be exercised, are not recorded on the balance sheet. Operating lease cost, which is comprised of the amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest accreted on the operating lease liability, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in net occupancy expense on our consolidated statements of income. We evaluate the lease term by assuming the exercise of options to extend that are reasonably assured and those option periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if deemed not reasonably certain to be exercised. The lease term is used to determine the straight-line expense and limits the depreciable life of any related leasehold improvements. Certain leases require us to pay real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses associated with the leased premises. These expenses are classified in net occupancy expense on our consolidated statements of income, consistent with similar costs for owned locations, but is not included in operating lease cost below. Our leases have remaining lease terms ranging from 1 month to 16.7 years, some of which include options to extend for up to 10 years, and some of which include options to terminate within 90 days. We calculate the lease liability using a discount rate that represents our incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. Balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating leases: Operating lease ROU assets $ 14,837 $ 15,314 Operating lease liabilities $ 16,704 $ 17,070 The components of lease cost were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Operating lease cost $ 1,802 $ 1,773 $ 1,811 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 1,716 $ 1,644 $ 2,016 ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1) $ 809 $ 1,531 $ 1,330 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2021, the ROU assets obtained were primarily due to one lease that commenced in January 2021 with an initial ROU asset of $1.1 million. Additional information related to leases was as follows: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 13.0 13.8 Weighted average discount rate 3.27 % 2.98 % Future minimum rental commitments due under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2024 $ 1,607 2025 1,754 2026 1,737 2027 1,616 2028 1,581 2029 and thereafter 12,281 Total lease payments (1) 20,576 Less: Interest (3,872) Present value of lease liabilities $ 16,704 (1) Excludes $422,000 of lease payments for a lease executed but not yet commenced. Lease will commence in 2024 with a lease term of 5.4 years. We also lease certain of our owned facilities or portions thereof to third parties. Our primary leased facility is a 202,000 square-foot office building in Fort Worth, Texas that is used for a branch location and certain bank operations. We occupy approximately 39,000 square feet of the building and lease the remaining space to various tenants. Some of these leases contain options to extend and options to terminate at the discretion of the tenant. Operating lease income received from tenants who rent our properties is reported as a reduction to occupancy expense on our consolidated statements of income. The underlying assets associated with these operating leases are included in premises and equipment on our consolidated balance sheets. Gross rental income from these leases were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Gross rental income $ 3,584 $ 3,173 $ 3,288 At December 31, 2023, non-cancelable operating leases with future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2024 $ 2,962 2025 2,297 2026 1,964 2027 1,197 2028 509 2029 and thereafter 794 Total lease payments $ 9,723
Leases	LEASES We lease certain retail- and full-service branch locations, ATM locations and certain equipment. Short-term leases, leases with an initial term of 12 months or less and do not contain a purchase option that is likely to be exercised, are not recorded on the balance sheet. Operating lease cost, which is comprised of the amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest accreted on the operating lease liability, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in net occupancy expense on our consolidated statements of income. We evaluate the lease term by assuming the exercise of options to extend that are reasonably assured and those option periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if deemed not reasonably certain to be exercised. The lease term is used to determine the straight-line expense and limits the depreciable life of any related leasehold improvements. Certain leases require us to pay real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses associated with the leased premises. These expenses are classified in net occupancy expense on our consolidated statements of income, consistent with similar costs for owned locations, but is not included in operating lease cost below. Our leases have remaining lease terms ranging from 1 month to 16.7 years, some of which include options to extend for up to 10 years, and some of which include options to terminate within 90 days. We calculate the lease liability using a discount rate that represents our incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. Balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating leases: Operating lease ROU assets $ 14,837 $ 15,314 Operating lease liabilities $ 16,704 $ 17,070 The components of lease cost were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Operating lease cost $ 1,802 $ 1,773 $ 1,811 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 1,716 $ 1,644 $ 2,016 ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1) $ 809 $ 1,531 $ 1,330 (1) For the year ended December 31, 2021, the ROU assets obtained were primarily due to one lease that commenced in January 2021 with an initial ROU asset of $1.1 million. Additional information related to leases was as follows: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 13.0 13.8 Weighted average discount rate 3.27 % 2.98 % Future minimum rental commitments due under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2024 $ 1,607 2025 1,754 2026 1,737 2027 1,616 2028 1,581 2029 and thereafter 12,281 Total lease payments (1) 20,576 Less: Interest (3,872) Present value of lease liabilities $ 16,704 (1) Excludes $422,000 of lease payments for a lease executed but not yet commenced. Lease will commence in 2024 with a lease term of 5.4 years. We also lease certain of our owned facilities or portions thereof to third parties. Our primary leased facility is a 202,000 square-foot office building in Fort Worth, Texas that is used for a branch location and certain bank operations. We occupy approximately 39,000 square feet of the building and lease the remaining space to various tenants. Some of these leases contain options to extend and options to terminate at the discretion of the tenant. Operating lease income received from tenants who rent our properties is reported as a reduction to occupancy expense on our consolidated statements of income. The underlying assets associated with these operating leases are included in premises and equipment on our consolidated balance sheets. Gross rental income from these leases were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Gross rental income $ 3,584 $ 3,173 $ 3,288 At December 31, 2023, non-cancelable operating leases with future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2024 $ 2,962 2025 2,297 2026 1,964 2027 1,197 2028 509 2029 and thereafter 794 Total lease payments $ 9,723

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS,

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk . In the normal course of business, we are a party to certain financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These off-balance-sheet instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount reflected in the financial statements. The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement and exposure to credit loss that we have in these particular classes of financial instruments. The allowance for credit losses on these off-balance-sheet credit exposures is calculated using the same methodology as loans including a conversion or usage factor to anticipate ultimate exposure and expected losses and is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Balance at beginning of period $ 3,687 $ 2,384 $ 6,386 Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures 245 1,303 (4,002) Balance at end of period $ 3,932 $ 3,687 $ 2,384 Contractual commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided the terms established in the contract are met. Commitments to extend credit generally have fixed expiration dates and may require the payment of fees. Since some commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in commitments to extend credit and similarly do not necessarily represent future cash obligations. Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Commitments to extend credit $ 1,082,327 $ 1,296,773 Standby letters of credit 10,823 26,844 Total $ 1,093,150 $ 1,323,617 We apply the same credit policies in making commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies but may include cash or cash equivalents, negotiable instruments, real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, oil, gas and mineral interests, property, plant and equipment. Securities . In the normal course of business we buy and sell securities. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no unsettled trades to purchase securities and no unsettled trades to sell securities. Deposits. There were no unsettled issuances of brokered CDs at December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022. Litigation . We are involved with various litigation in the normal course of business. Management, after consulting with our legal counsel, believes that any liability resulting from litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATION

SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK	SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK Although we have a diversified loan portfolio, a significant portion of our loans are collateralized by real estate. Repayment of these loans is in part dependent upon the economic conditions in the market area. Our market areas primarily include East and Southeast Texas, as well as the greater Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston, Texas areas. Part of the risk associated with real estate loans has been mitigated since 19.1% of this group represents loans collateralized by residential dwellings that are primarily owner occupied. Losses on this type of loan have historically been less than those on speculative properties. Many of the remaining real estate loans are collateralized primarily with non-owner occupied commercial real estate. The MBS we hold consist exclusively of U.S. agency securities which are either directly or indirectly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government or guaranteed by GSEs. The GNMA MBS are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac U.S. agency GSE guaranteed MBS are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORM

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION Condensed financial information for Southside Bancshares, Inc. (parent company only) was as follows (in thousands, except share amounts): CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2023 2022 ASSETS Cash and due from banks $ 5,097 $ 20,235 Investment in bank subsidiaries at equity in underlying net assets 917,035 879,449 Investment in nonbank subsidiaries at equity in underlying net assets 1,826 1,826 Other assets 4,765 4,411 Total assets $ 928,723 $ 905,921 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs $ 93,877 $ 98,674 Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 60,270 60,265 Other liabilities 1,288 985 Total liabilities 155,435 159,924 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock: ($1.25 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 38,039,706 shares issued at December 31, 2023 and 38,000,822 shares issued at December 31, 2022) 47,550 47,501 Paid-in capital 788,840 784,545 Retained earnings 282,355 239,610 Treasury stock: (shares at cost, 7,790,276 at December 31, 2023 and 6,454,192 at December 31, 2022) (231,995) (188,203) AOCI (113,462) (137,456) Total shareholders’ equity 773,288 745,997 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 928,723 $ 905,921 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Income Dividends from subsidiary $ 85,000 $ 85,000 $ 100,000 Interest income 135 72 42 Other 587 — — Total income 85,722 85,072 100,042 Expense Interest expense 8,424 6,412 9,636 Other 3,319 3,148 4,162 Total expense 11,743 9,560 13,798 Income before income tax expense 73,979 75,512 86,244 Income tax benefit 2,314 1,992 2,889 Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 76,293 77,504 89,133 Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 10,399 27,516 24,268 Net income $ 86,692 $ 105,020 $ 113,401 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Income $ 86,692 $ 105,020 $ 113,401 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations: Amortization 159 145 277 Stock compensation expense 360 342 306 Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries (10,399) (27,516) (24,268) (Gain on purchase) loss on redemption of subordinated notes (587) — 1,118 Net change in other assets (354) (27) 348 Net change in other liabilities 303 204 (1,732) Net cash provided by operating activities 76,174 78,168 89,450 INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net cash used in investing activities — — — FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated long-term debt — — (95) Purchase/redemption of subordinated notes (4,365) — (100,011) Purchase of common stock (45,074) (33,708) (34,148) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,709 1,522 8,546 Cash dividends paid (43,582) (44,936) (44,569) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (91,312) (77,122) (170,277) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (15,138) 1,046 (80,827) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 20,235 19,189 100,016 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,097 $ 20,235 $ 19,189

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 86,692	$ 105,020	$ 113,401

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Consolidation . The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP and include the accounts of Southside Bancshares, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southside Bank and the nonbank subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications	Certain prior period amounts may be reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
Accounting Pronouncements	Current Expected Credit Losses – Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures We adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” on January 1, 2023, the effective date of the guidance, on a prospective basis. ASU 2022-02 eliminated the accounting guidance for TDRs, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Specifically, rather than applying the recognition and measurement guidance for TDRs, an entity must apply the loan refinancing and restructuring guidance to determine whether a modification results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. Additionally, ASU 2022-02 requires an entity to disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses—Measured at Amortized Cost.” ASU 2022-02 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting Pronouncements . In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions.” ASU 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security should not be considered in measuring fair value. It also requires the following disclosures for equity securities subject to the contractual sale restrictions: 1) the fair value of equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions reflected in the balance sheet; 2) the nature and remaining duration of the restriction(s); and 3) the circumstances that could cause a lapse in the restriction(s). ASU 2022-03 is effective for the fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be applied prospectively. We adopted ASU 2022-03 on January 1, 2024. ASU 2022-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements – Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative.” ASU 2023-06 amends the ASC to incorporate certain disclosure requirements from SEC Release No. 33-10532 – Disclosure Update and Simplification that was issued in 2018. The effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. ASU 2023-06 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” ASU 2023-07 requires disclosures of significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Public entities with a single reportable segment are required to provide the new disclosures and all the disclosures required under ASC 280. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements, unless it is impracticable. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the pending adoption of ASU 2023-07 on our consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
Segment Information	Segment Information . Operating segments are components of a business about which separate financial information is available and that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Our chief operating decision-maker uses consolidated results to make operating and strategic decisions. Therefore, we have determined that our business is conducted in one reportable segment.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents . Cash equivalents, for purposes of reporting cash flow, include cash, amounts due from banks and federal funds sold that have an initial maturity of less than 90 days. We maintain deposits with other institutions in amounts that exceed federal deposit insurance coverage. Management regularly evaluates the credit risk associated with the counterparties to these transactions and believes that we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on cash and cash equivalents.
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share	Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
Loans	Loans . Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost consists of the outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs and any unamortized origination fees and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income over the life of the loan. A loan is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Substantially all of our individually evaluated loans are collateral-dependent, and as such, are measured for expected credit losses based on the fair value of the collateral.
Loans Held For Sale	Loans Held For Sale . Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, as determined by aggregate outstanding commitments from investors or current investor yield requirements. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold.
Loan Fees	Loan Fees . We treat loan fees, net of direct costs, as an adjustment to the yield of the related loan over its term.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans	Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans . In accordance with ASC 326, the allowance for credit losses on loans is estimated and recognized upon origination of the loan based on expected credit losses. The CECL model uses historical experience and current conditions for homogeneous pools of loans, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about future events. The impact of varying economic conditions and portfolio stress factors are a component of the credit loss models applied to each portfolio. Reserve factors are specific to the loan segments that share similar risk characteristics based on the probability of default assumptions and loss given default assumptions, over the contractual term. The forecasted periods gradually mean-revert the economic inputs to their long-run historical trends. Management evaluates the economic data points used in the Moody’s forecasting scenarios on a quarterly basis to determine the most appropriate impact to the various portfolio characteristics based on management’s view and applies weighting to various forecasting scenarios as deemed appropriate based on known and expected economic activities. Management also considers and may apply relevant qualitative factors, not previously considered, to determine the appropriate allowance level. The use of the CECL model includes significant judgment by management and may differ from those of our peers due to different historical loss patterns, economic forecasts, and the length of time of the reasonable and supportable forecast period and reversion period. We utilize Moody’s Analytics economic forecast scenarios and assign probability weighting to those scenarios which best reflect management’s views on the economic forecast. The probability weighting and scenarios utilized for the estimate of the allowance were generally reflective of increased economic and repricing concerns, as based on known and knowable information as of December 31, 2023. When determining the appropriate allowance for credit losses on our loan portfolio, our commercial construction and real estate loans, commercial loans and municipal loans utilize the probability of default/loss given default discounted cash flow approach. Reserves on these loans are based upon risk factors including the loan type and structure, collateral type, leverage ratio, refinancing risk and origination quality, among others. Our consumer construction real estate loans, 1-4 family residential loans and our loans to individuals use a loss rate based upon risk factors including loan types, origination year and credit scores. Loans evaluated collectively in a pool are monitored to ensure they continue to exhibit similar risk characteristics with other loans in the pool. If a loan does not share similar risk characteristics with other loans, expected credit losses for that loan are evaluated individually. When assessing for credit losses from period to period, the change may be indicative of changes in the estimates of timing or the amount of future cash flows, based on the probability of economic forecast scenarios applied, as well as the passage of time. We have elected to report the entire change in present value as provision for credit losses.
Accrued Interest	Accrued Interest . Accrued interest for our loans and debt securities, included in interest receivable on our consolidated balance sheets, is excluded from the estimate of allowance for credit losses.
Nonaccrual Assets and Loan Charge-offs	Nonaccrual Assets and Loan Charge-offs . Nonaccrual assets include financial assets 90 days or more delinquent and full collection of both principal and interest is not expected. Financial instruments that are not delinquent or that are delinquent less than 90 days may be placed on nonaccrual status if it is probable that we will not receive contractual principal or interest. When an asset is categorized as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued and any accrued balance is reversed for financial statement purposes. Payments received on nonaccrual assets are applied to the outstanding principal balance. Payments of contractual interest are recognized as income only to the extent that full recovery of the principal balance is reasonably certain. Assets are returned to accrual status when all payments contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Industry and our own experience indicate that a portion of our loans will become delinquent and a portion of our loans will require partial or full charge-off. Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may occur as a result of various factors beyond our control, including, among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of properties used as collateral for loans and problems affecting the credit worthiness of the borrower and the ability of the borrower to make payments on the loan. We charge-off loans when deemed uncollectible. Our policy is to charge-off or partially charge-off a retail credit after it is 120 days past due. Charge-offs on commercial credits are determined on a case-by-case basis when a credit loss has been determined.
Restructured Loans	Restructured Loans
Other Real Estate Owned	OREO and Foreclosed Assets . OREO includes real estate acquired in full or partial settlement of loan obligations. OREO is initially carried at the fair value of the collateral net of estimated selling costs. Prior to foreclosure, the recorded amount of the loan is written down, if necessary, to the appraised fair value of the real estate to be acquired, less selling costs, by charging the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent reduction in fair value net of estimated selling costs is charged to noninterest expense. Costs of maintaining and operating foreclosed properties are expensed as incurred and included in other expense in our income statement. Expenditures to complete or improve foreclosed properties are capitalized only if expected to be recovered; otherwise, they are expensed.
Foreclosed Assets	Other foreclosed assets are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure, by charging the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Foreclosed assets are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in noninterest expense.
Securities	Securities . AFS. Debt securities that will be held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that may be sold in response to changes in market interest or prepayment rates, needs for liquidity or changes in the availability of and the yield on alternative investments are classified as AFS. These assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, not related to credit losses, reported as a separate component of AOCI, net of tax. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices as of the close of business on the balance sheet date. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar securities or estimates from independent pricing services. AFS securities hedged with qualifying derivatives are carried at fair value with the change in the fair value on both the hedged instrument and the securities recorded in interest income in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded in the month of the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. HTM. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as HTM and are carried at their amortized cost which includes the remaining unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts. Our HTM securities are presented on the consolidated balance sheets net of allowance for credit losses, if any. As of December 31, 2023, there was no allowance for credit losses on our HTM securities portfolio. Premiums and Discounts. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are generally amortized over the contractual life of the security, except for MBS where prepayments are anticipated and for callable debt securities whose premiums are amortized to the earliest call date in accordance with ASC 310. The amortization of purchased premium or discount is included in interest income on our consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded in the month of the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Premiums on debt securities are amortized to the earliest call date. Equity Investments . Equity investments with readily determinable fair values are stated at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses reported in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost less impairment, if any.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Debt Securities	Allowance for Credit Losses – AFS Securities . In accordance with ASC 326, for AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position where management (i) has the intent to sell or (ii) where it will more-likely-than-not be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the loss in earnings. For those AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position that do not meet either of these criteria, management assesses whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. Management assesses the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, industry and/or geographic conditions, credit ratings as well as other indicators at the individual security level. If a credit loss is determined to exist, the present value of discounted cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of discounted cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit loss is recorded, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost. Any impairment that is not recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Any future changes in the allowance for credit losses is recorded as provision for (reversal of) credit losses. Allowance for Credit Losses – HTM Securities . In accordance with ASC 326, expected credit losses on HTM securities are measured on a collective basis by major security type, when similar risk characteristics exist. Risk characteristics for segmenting HTM debt securities include issuer, maturity, coupon rate, yield, payment frequency, source of repayment, bond payment structure, and embedded options. Upon assignment of the risk characteristics to the major security types, management may further evaluate the qualitative factors associated with these securities to determine the expectation of credit losses, if any. The major security types within our HTM portfolio include residential and commercial MBS, state and political subdivisions and corporate securities. Our state and political subdivisions include highly-rated municipal securities with a long history of no credit losses. Our investment policy prohibits bond purchases with a rating less than BAA and limits our entity concentration. We utilize term structures and due to no prior loss exposure on our state and political subdivision securities, we apply third-party average data to model our securities to represent the portion of the asset that would be lost if the issuer were to default. These third-party estimates of recoveries and defaults, adjusted for constant probability over the securities expected life, are used to evaluate the expected loss of the securities. Due to the limited number and the nature of the HTM state and political subdivisions we hold, we do not model these securities as a pool, but on the specific identification method in conjunction with the application of our third-party fair value measurement. Our residential and commercial MBS are issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or GSEs and are collateralized by pools of single- or multi-family mortgages. Our MBS are highly rated securities with a long history of no credit losses which are either explicitly or implicitly backed by the U.S. government agencies, which guarantee the payment of principal and interest to investors. Management has collectively evaluated the characteristics of these securities and has assumed an expectation of zero credit loss. Our corporate bonds and other investment securities consist of investment grade bonds, private placement bonds with a long history of no credit losses, and two bonds totaling approximately $6.4 million rated one grade below investment grade. We reevaluate the characteristics of our major security types at every reporting period and reassess the considerations to continue to support our expectation of credit loss.
Securities with Limited Marketability	Securities with Limited Marketability . Securities with limited marketability, such as stock in the FHLB, are carried at cost, which is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of those assets and are assessed for other-than-temporary impairment.
Premises and Equipment	Premises and Equipment . Land is carried at cost. Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Useful lives are estimated to be 15 to 40 years for premises and 3 to 10 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are generally depreciated over the lesser of the term of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred while major improvements and replacements are capitalized.
Leases	Leases . We evaluate our contracts at inception to determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease. Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Our operating leases relate primarily to bank branches and office space. The Company has no finance leases. Short-term leases, leases with an initial term of 12 months or less and do not contain a purchase option that is likely to be exercised, are not recorded on the balance sheet. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date
Bank Owned Life Insurance	BOLI . The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and officers. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received are reflected in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income and are not subject to income taxes.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Goodwill and Other Intangibles . Other intangible assets consist primarily of core deposits and trust relationship intangibles. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated life. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are subject to at least an annual impairment test and more frequently if a triggering event occurs. If any such impairment is determined, a write-down is recorded.
Repurchase Agreements	Repurchase Agreements . We sell certain securities under agreements to repurchase. The agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The dollar amount of the securities underlying the agreements remains in the asset account. We determine the type of debt securities to pledge which may include investment securities and U.S. agency MBS.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities . Derivative financial instruments are carried on the consolidated balance sheets as other assets or other liabilities, as applicable, at estimated fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative financial instrument is determined by whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, by the type of hedging relationship. We present derivative financial instruments at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets on a net basis when a right of offset exists, based on transactions with a single counterparty and any cash collateral paid to and/or received from that counterparty for derivative contracts that are subject to legally enforceable master netting arrangements. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item (i.e., the ineffective portion), if any, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change. Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, as well as the change in the fair value on the hedged item, are recorded in interest income in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses due to changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements completely offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the hedged item. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss is recognized in current earnings during the period of change. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we entered into partial term fair value hedges, as allowed under ASU 2017-12, for certain of our fixed rate callable AFS municipal securities. The instruments are designated as fair value hedges as the changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are expected to offset changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to changes in the SOFR swap rate, the designated benchmark interest rate. These derivative contracts involve the receipt of floating rate interest from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreement, without the exchange of the underlying notional value. For derivatives designated as hedging instruments at inception, statistical regression analysis is used at inception and for each reporting period thereafter to assess whether the derivative used has been and is expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. All components of each derivative instrument’s gain or loss are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. Net hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in other noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income. Terminated Derivative Financial Instruments . In accordance with ASC Topic 815, if a hedging item is terminated prior to maturity for a cash settlement, the existing gain or loss within AOCI will continue to be reclassified into earnings during the period or periods in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings unless it is probable the forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. These transactions are reevaluated on a monthly basis to determine if the hedged forecasted transactions are still probable of occurring. If at a subsequent evaluation, it is determined that the transactions will not occur, any related gains or losses recorded in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures	Allowance for Credit Losses – Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures . Our off-balance-sheet credit exposures include contractual commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. For these credit exposures we evaluate the expected credit losses using usage given defaults and credit conversion factors depending on the type of commitment and based upon historical usage rates. These assumptions are reevaluated on an annual basis and adjusted if necessary. In accordance with Topic 326, credit losses are not recognized for those credit exposures that are unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition . Our revenue consists of net interest income on financial assets and financial liabilities and noninterest income. The classifications of our revenue are presented in the consolidated statements of income. In accordance with ASC Topic 606, revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally this occurs with the transfer of control of goods or services. We recognize revenue equal to the amounts for which we have a right to invoice, revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the transfer of those goods or services. We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is within one year or less. These costs are recorded within salaries and employee benefits on the consolidated statements of income. The following summarizes our revenue recognition policies as they relate to revenue from contracts with customers: • Deposit services . Service charges on deposit accounts include fees for banking services provided, overdrafts and non-sufficient funds. Revenue is generally recognized in accordance with published deposit account agreements for retail accounts or contractual agreements for commercial accounts. Our deposit services also include our ATM and debit card interchange revenue that is presented net of the associated costs. Interchange revenue is generated by our deposit customers’ usage and volume of activity. Interchange rates are not controlled by the Company, which effectively acts as processor that collects and remits payments associated with customer debit card transactions. • Trust income. Trust income includes fees and commissions from investment management, administrative and advisory services primarily for individuals, and to a lesser extent, partnerships and corporations. Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis at the time the services are performed and when we have a right to invoice and are based on either the market value of the assets managed or the services provided. • Brokerage services. Brokerage services income includes fees and commissions charged when we arrange for another party to transfer brokerage services to a customer. The fees and commissions under this agent relationship are based upon stated fee schedules based upon the type of transaction, volume and value of the services provided. • Other noninterest income . Other noninterest income includes among other things, merchant services income. Merchant services revenue is derived from third-party vendors that process credit card transactions on behalf of our merchant customers. Merchant services revenue is primarily comprised of residual fee income based on the referred merchant’s processing volumes and/or margin.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes . We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Income tax expense represents the taxes expected to be paid or returned for current year taxes adjusted for the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of changes in tax rates is recognized in income in the period the change
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments . Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other estimation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.
Retirement Plan	Retirement Plan . Defined benefit pension obligations and the annual pension costs are determined by independent actuaries and through the use of a number of assumptions that are reviewed by management. These assumptions include a compensation rate increase, a discount rate used to determine the current benefit obligation and a long-term expected rate of return on plan assets. Net periodic defined benefit pension expense includes service cost, interest cost based on the assumed discount rate, an expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost and amortization of net actuarial gains or losses. Prior service costs include the impact of plan amendments on the liabilities and are amortized over the future service periods of active employees expected to receive benefits under the retirement plan. Actuarial gains and losses result from experience different from that assumed and from changes in assumptions. Amortization of actuarial gains and losses is included as a component of net periodic defined benefit pension cost. Prior to the freeze of all future benefit accruals and accrual of benefit service as of December 31, 2020, the service cost component was recorded on our consolidated income statement as salaries and employee benefits in noninterest expense. All other components other than service cost are recorded in other noninterest expense.
Share-Based Awards	Share-Based Awards
Loss Contingencies	Loss Contingencies . Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.
Wealth Management and Trust Assets	Wealth Management and Trust Assets . Our wealth management and trust assets, other than cash on deposit at Southside Bank, are not included in the accompanying financial statements, because they are not our assets.

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis	Earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Basic and Diluted Earnings: Net income $ 86,692 $ 105,020 $ 113,401 Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 30,704 32,120 32,558 Add: Stock awards 55 131 134 Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 30,759 32,251 32,692 Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 2.82 $ 3.27 $ 3.48 Diluted earnings per share: Net income $ 2.82 $ 3.26 $ 3.47

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component are as follows for the years presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Retirement Plans Total Beginning balance, net of tax $ (149,181) $ 31,227 $ (19,502) $ (137,456) Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 28,782 1,222 176 30,180 Reclassification adjustments included in net income 23,980 (24,544) 756 192 Income tax (expense) benefit (11,080) 4,898 (196) (6,378) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 41,682 (18,424) 736 23,994 Ending balance, net of tax $ (107,499) $ 12,803 $ (18,766) $ (113,462) Year Ended December 31, 2022 Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Retirement Plans Total Beginning balance, net of tax $ 84,716 $ (1,257) $ (23,754) $ 59,705 Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (304,859) 44,757 4,487 (255,615) Reclassification adjustments included in net income 8,787 (3,638) 895 6,044 Income tax (expense) benefit 62,175 (8,635) (1,130) 52,410 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (233,897) 32,484 4,252 (197,161) Ending balance, net of tax $ (149,181) $ 31,227 $ (19,502) $ (137,456) Year Ended December 31, 2021 Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives Retirement Plans Total Beginning balance, net of tax $ 116,078 $ (17,091) $ (29,907) $ 69,080 Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (37,199) 13,648 6,524 (17,027) Reclassification adjustments included in net income (2,499) 6,395 1,264 5,160 Income tax (expense) benefit 8,336 (4,209) (1,635) 2,492 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (31,362) 15,834 6,153 (9,375) Ending balance, net of tax $ 84,716 $ (1,257) $ (23,754) $ 59,705
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in net income are presented below (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Unrealized gains and losses on securities transferred: Amortization of unrealized gains and losses (1) $ (8,004) $ (4,968) $ (1,363) Tax benefit 1,681 1,043 286 Net of tax $ (6,323) $ (3,925) $ (1,077) Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities: Realized net gain (loss) on sale of securities (2) $ (15,976) $ (3,819) $ 3,862 Tax (expense) benefit 3,355 802 (811) Net of tax $ (12,621) $ (3,017) $ 3,051 Derivatives: Realized net gain (loss) on interest rate swap derivatives (3) $ 24,544 $ 3,638 $ (6,395) Tax (expense) benefit (5,154) (764) 1,343 Net of tax $ 19,390 $ 2,874 $ (5,052) Amortization of retirement plans: Net actuarial loss (4) $ (756) $ (895) $ (1,264) Tax benefit 159 188 265 Net of tax $ (597) $ (707) $ (999) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ (151) $ (4,775) $ (4,077) (1) Included in interest income on the consolidated statements of income. (2) Listed as net gain (loss) on sale of securities AFS on the consolidated statements of income. (3) Included in interest expense for FHLB borrowings, other borrowings and deposits on the consolidated statements of income. (4) These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (income) presented in “Note 10 – Employee Benefits.”

SECURITIES (Tables)

SECURITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in net income on equity investments	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of investment and mortgage-backed AFS and HTM securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are reflected in the tables below (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Amortized Gross Gross Unrealized Estimated AVAILABLE FOR SALE Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Investment securities: U.S. Treasury $ 139,706 $ 19 $ — $ 139,725 State and political subdivisions 603,913 362 35,530 568,745 Corporate bonds and other 14,569 31 507 14,093 MBS: (1) Residential 569,039 3,202 3,258 568,983 Commercial 5,240 44 536 4,748 Total $ 1,332,467 $ 3,658 $ 39,831 $ 1,296,294 HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 1,039,440 $ 10,070 $ 126,233 $ 923,277 Corporate bonds and other 146,712 488 15,738 131,462 MBS: (1) Residential 90,619 13 7,263 83,369 Commercial 30,282 — 2,228 28,054 Total $ 1,307,053 $ 10,571 $ 151,462 $ 1,166,162 December 31, 2022 Amortized Gross Gross Unrealized Estimated AVAILABLE FOR SALE Cost Gains Losses Fair Value Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 1,039,453 $ 956 $ 75,557 $ 964,852 Corporate bonds and other 8,692 26 14 8,704 MBS: (1) Residential 328,400 250 13,623 315,027 Commercial 11,329 50 948 10,431 Total $ 1,387,874 $ 1,282 $ 90,142 $ 1,299,014 HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 1,037,556 $ 3,969 $ 163,283 $ 878,242 Corporate bonds and other 152,552 575 7,993 145,134 MBS: (1) Residential 93,796 21 8,343 85,474 Commercial 42,825 — 2,519 40,306 Total $ 1,326,729 $ 4,565 $ 182,138 $ 1,149,156
Unrealized loss on securities	The following tables present the fair value and unrealized losses on AFS and HTM investment securities and MBS, if applicable, for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded as of December 31, 2023 or 2022, segregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous loss position (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Less Than 12 Months More Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized AVAILABLE FOR SALE Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 26,371 $ 297 $ 516,520 $ 35,233 $ 542,891 $ 35,530 Corporate bonds and other 8,103 319 5,071 188 13,174 507 MBS: Residential 150,865 549 36,864 2,709 187,729 3,258 Commercial — — 2,484 536 2,484 536 Total $ 185,339 $ 1,165 $ 560,939 $ 38,666 $ 746,278 $ 39,831 HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 16,549 $ 123 $ 713,499 $ 126,110 $ 730,048 $ 126,233 Corporate bonds and other 9,956 1,135 114,787 14,603 124,743 15,738 MBS: Residential — — 82,747 7,263 82,747 7,263 Commercial — — 28,054 2,228 28,054 2,228 Total $ 26,505 $ 1,258 $ 939,087 $ 150,204 $ 965,592 $ 151,462 December 31, 2022 Less Than 12 Months More Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized Fair Value Unrealized AVAILABLE FOR SALE Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 859,270 $ 68,683 $ 26,620 $ 6,874 $ 885,890 $ 75,557 Corporate bonds and other 3,678 14 — — 3,678 14 MBS: Residential 306,294 13,623 — — 306,294 13,623 Commercial 5,613 318 2,545 630 8,158 948 Total $ 1,174,855 $ 82,638 $ 29,165 $ 7,504 $ 1,204,020 $ 90,142 HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 426,382 $ 66,898 $ 323,385 $ 96,385 $ 749,767 $ 163,283 Corporate bonds and other 125,250 6,660 12,738 1,333 137,988 7,993 MBS: Residential 80,801 7,799 3,932 544 84,733 8,343 Commercial 40,306 2,519 — — 40,306 2,519 Total $ 672,739 $ 83,876 $ 340,055 $ 98,262 $ 1,012,794 $ 182,138
Interest income recognized on securities	The following table reflects interest income recognized on securities for the periods presented (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 U.S. Treasury $ 11,331 $ 271 $ 615 State and political subdivisions 67,355 57,663 46,296 Corporate bonds and other 7,129 6,007 4,131 MBS 19,450 16,639 19,534 Total interest income on securities $ 105,265 $ 80,580 $ 70,576
Amortized cost and fair value of securities presented by contractual maturity	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of AFS and HTM securities at December 31, 2023, are presented below by contractual maturity (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Amortized Cost Fair Value AVAILABLE FOR SALE Investment securities: Due in one year or less $ 139,916 $ 139,935 Due after one year through five years 4,260 4,242 Due after five years through ten years 22,203 21,689 Due after ten years 591,809 556,697 758,188 722,563 MBS: 574,279 573,731 Total $ 1,332,467 $ 1,296,294 December 31, 2023 Amortized Cost Fair Value HELD TO MATURITY Investment securities: Due in one year or less $ 15,969 $ 15,092 Due after one year through five years 4,868 4,739 Due after five years through ten years 140,774 126,474 Due after ten years 1,024,541 908,434 1,186,152 1,054,739 MBS: 120,901 111,423 Total $ 1,307,053 $ 1,166,162
Unrealized and realized gains (losses) recognized in net income on equity investments	The following is a summary of unrealized and realized gains and losses on equity investments recognized in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income during the periods presented (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity investments $ 5,131 $ (685) $ (174) Less: Net gains recognized during the period on equity investments sold during the period 5,058 — — Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on equity investments still held at the reporting date $ 73 $ (685) $ (174)

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN _2

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans by portfolio segment	Loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Real estate loans: Construction $ 789,744 $ 559,681 1-4 family residential 696,738 663,519 Commercial 2,168,451 1,987,707 Commercial loans 366,893 412,064 Municipal loans 441,168 450,067 Loans to individuals 61,516 74,653 Total loans 4,524,510 4,147,691 Less: Allowance for loan losses 42,674 36,515 Net loans $ 4,481,836 $ 4,111,176
Summary of loans by credit quality indicators and origination year	The following tables set forth the amortized cost basis by class of financing receivable and credit quality indicator for the periods presented (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Construction real estate: Pass $ 132,838 $ 236,573 $ 196,311 $ 37,997 $ 3,938 $ 6,457 $ 144,358 $ 758,472 Pass watch — 7,798 — — — — — 7,798 Special mention 13,166 9,456 698 — 7 — — 23,327 Substandard 36 — 68 — — 43 — 147 Doubtful — — — — — — — — Total construction real estate $ 146,040 $ 253,827 $ 197,077 $ 37,997 $ 3,945 $ 6,500 $ 144,358 $ 789,744 Current period gross charge-offs $ — $ 92 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 92 1-4 family residential real estate: Pass $ 41,520 $ 126,981 $ 145,671 $ 114,631 $ 63,710 $ 196,651 $ 1,803 $ 690,967 Pass watch — — — 32 — — — 32 Special mention — — — 75 — — — 75 Substandard 325 — 73 1,379 — 3,259 74 5,110 Doubtful — — — 163 — 391 — 554 Total 1-4 family residential real estate $ 41,845 $ 126,981 $ 145,744 $ 116,280 $ 63,710 $ 200,301 $ 1,877 $ 696,738 Current period gross charge-offs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 1 $ 118 $ — $ 119 Commercial real estate: Pass $ 469,844 $ 641,577 $ 495,363 $ 143,150 $ 91,085 $ 189,021 $ 16,493 $ 2,046,533 Pass watch 24,300 34,424 255 1,037 333 146 — 60,495 Special mention 17,403 — — — 9,746 25,072 — 52,221 Substandard — 862 95 269 1,565 6,346 — 9,137 Doubtful — — — — 65 — — 65 Total commercial real estate $ 511,547 $ 676,863 $ 495,713 $ 144,456 $ 102,794 $ 220,585 $ 16,493 $ 2,168,451 Current period gross charge-offs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 788 $ — $ — $ 788 Commercial loans: Pass $ 78,090 $ 62,192 $ 42,114 $ 10,708 $ 4,356 $ 3,310 $ 161,153 $ 361,923 Pass watch — 128 117 — — 18 — 263 Special mention 191 174 — 16 — 162 — 543 Substandard 14 2,357 73 — 65 12 821 3,342 Doubtful 238 267 133 — 64 120 — 822 Total commercial loans $ 78,533 $ 65,118 $ 42,437 $ 10,724 $ 4,485 $ 3,622 $ 161,974 $ 366,893 Current period gross charge-offs $ 745 $ 440 $ 44 $ 26 $ 23 $ 5 $ — $ 1,283 Municipal loans: Pass $ 39,028 $ 61,429 $ 68,979 $ 49,746 $ 39,949 $ 182,037 $ — $ 441,168 Pass watch — — — — — — — — Special mention — — — — — — — — Substandard — — — — — — — — Doubtful — — — — — — — — Total municipal loans $ 39,028 $ 61,429 $ 68,979 $ 49,746 $ 39,949 $ 182,037 $ — $ 441,168 Current period gross charge-offs $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Loans to individuals: Pass $ 22,788 $ 15,503 $ 11,588 $ 6,256 $ 2,180 $ 941 $ 2,216 $ 61,472 Pass watch — — — — — — — — Special mention — — — — — — — — Substandard — — — — 13 — — 13 Doubtful 4 17 — 10 — — — 31 Total loans to individuals $ 22,792 $ 15,520 $ 11,588 $ 6,266 $ 2,193 $ 941 $ 2,216 $ 61,516 Current period gross charge-offs (1) $ 1,682 $ 54 $ 61 $ 20 $ 6 $ 99 $ — $ 1,922 Total loans $ 839,785 $ 1,199,738 $ 961,538 $ 365,469 $ 217,076 $ 613,986 $ 326,918 $ 4,524,510 Total current period gross charge-offs (1) $ 2,427 $ 586 $ 105 $ 46 $ 818 $ 222 $ — $ 4,204 (1) Includes $1.7 million in charged off demand deposit overdrafts reported as 2023 originations. December 31, 2022 Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis Total 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 Prior Construction real estate: Pass $ 169,652 $ 184,501 $ 34,537 $ 7,091 $ 1,844 $ 6,434 $ 152,530 $ 556,589 Pass watch 299 — — — — — — 299 Special mention 1,858 290 — — — — — 2,148 Substandard — — — 10 42 194 — 246 Doubtful — 44 — 355 — — — 399 Total construction real estate $ 171,809 $ 184,835 $ 34,537 $ 7,456 $ 1,886 $ 6,628 $ 152,530 $ 559,681 1-4 family residential real estate: Pass $ 82,847 $ 144,424 $ 128,666 $ 70,142 $ 36,710 $ 194,490 $ 2,160 $ 659,439 Pass watch — — — — — — — — Special mention — — 79 — 1,397 — — 1,476 Substandard 3 — 217 54 32 1,942 43 2,291 Doubtful — — — — 173 140 — 313 Total 1-4 family residential real estate $ 82,850 $ 144,424 $ 128,962 $ 70,196 $ 38,312 $ 196,572 $ 2,203 $ 663,519 Commercial real estate: Pass $ 798,653 $ 546,938 $ 168,607 $ 136,440 $ 55,480 $ 233,509 $ 12,315 $ 1,951,942 Pass watch — 9,219 — — — — — 9,219 Special mention — — 1,832 330 115 1,849 — 4,126 Substandard — — 281 14,603 260 6,992 — 22,136 Doubtful — — — 76 — 208 — 284 Total commercial real estate $ 798,653 $ 556,157 $ 170,720 $ 151,449 $ 55,855 $ 242,558 $ 12,315 $ 1,987,707 Commercial loans: Pass $ 113,678 $ 68,509 $ 17,852 $ 8,249 $ 4,820 $ 3,313 $ 178,951 $ 395,372 Pass watch 208 13 56 — — — — 277 Special mention — 5,109 31 — 288 — 9,986 15,414 Substandard 220 116 70 110 12 9 — 537 Doubtful 68 100 — 86 210 — — 464 Total commercial loans $ 114,174 $ 73,847 $ 18,009 $ 8,445 $ 5,330 $ 3,322 $ 188,937 $ 412,064 Municipal loans: Pass $ 65,258 $ 74,617 $ 57,147 $ 47,636 $ 24,576 $ 173,919 $ — $ 443,153 Pass watch — — — 508 403 6,003 — 6,914 Special mention — — — — — — — — Substandard — — — — — — — — Doubtful — — — — — — — — Total municipal loans $ 65,258 $ 74,617 $ 57,147 $ 48,144 $ 24,979 $ 179,922 $ — $ 450,067 Loans to individuals: Pass $ 29,579 $ 21,480 $ 12,651 $ 5,261 $ 1,665 $ 1,005 $ 2,935 $ 74,576 Pass watch — — — — — — — — Special mention — — — — — — — — Substandard — 1 — 6 — 2 — 9 Doubtful 7 — — 18 40 3 — 68 Total loans to individuals $ 29,586 $ 21,481 $ 12,651 $ 5,285 $ 1,705 $ 1,010 $ 2,935 $ 74,653 Total loans $ 1,262,330 $ 1,055,361 $ 422,026 $ 290,975 $ 128,067 $ 630,012 $ 358,920 $ 4,147,691
Aging of past due loans by class of loan	The following tables present the aging of the amortized cost basis in past due loans by class of loans (in thousands): December 31, 2023 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Greater than Total Past Current Total Real estate loans: Construction $ 474 $ — $ 29 $ 503 $ 789,241 $ 789,744 1-4 family residential 4,638 774 1,700 7,112 689,626 696,738 Commercial 621 34 40 695 2,167,756 2,168,451 Commercial loans 1,693 347 127 2,167 364,726 366,893 Municipal loans 27 — — 27 441,141 441,168 Loans to individuals 107 1 10 118 61,398 61,516 Total $ 7,560 $ 1,156 $ 1,906 $ 10,622 $ 4,513,888 $ 4,524,510 December 31, 2022 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Greater than Total Past Current Total Real estate loans: Construction $ 43 $ 21 $ — $ 64 $ 559,617 $ 559,681 1-4 family residential 3,529 368 214 4,111 659,408 663,519 Commercial 105 153 415 673 1,987,034 1,987,707 Commercial loans 515 277 247 1,039 411,025 412,064 Municipal loans — — — — 450,067 450,067 Loans to individuals 203 3 40 246 74,407 74,653 Total $ 4,395 $ 822 $ 916 $ 6,133 $ 4,141,558 $ 4,147,691
Nonperforming assets by asset class	The following table sets forth the amortized cost basis of nonperforming assets for the periods presented (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Nonaccrual loans: Real estate loans: Construction $ 29 $ 405 1-4 family residential 2,093 848 Commercial 528 762 Commercial loans 1,208 757 Loans to individuals 31 74 Total nonaccrual loans (1) 3,889 2,846 Accruing loans past due more than 90 days — — Restructured loans (2) 13 7,849 OREO 99 93 Repossessed assets — 74 Total nonperforming assets $ 4,001 $ 10,862 (1) Includes $506,000 and $897,000 of restructured loans as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Troubled debt restructurings	The following table sets forth the recorded balance of restructured loans and type of modification by class of loans during the periods presented (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 Amortization Interest Rate Reduction Combination Total Modifications Number of Loans Percent of Total Class Commercial loans $ 603 $ — $ 64 $ 667 5 0.18 % Total $ 603 $ — $ 64 $ 667 5
Allowance for loan losses activity by portfolio segment	The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the periods presented (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2023 Real Estate Construction 1-4 Family Residential Commercial Commercial Loans Municipal Loans Loans to Individuals Total Balance at beginning of period $ 3,164 $ 2,173 $ 28,701 $ 2,235 $ 45 $ 197 $ 36,515 Loans charged-off (1) (92) (119) (788) (1,283) — (1,922) (4,204) Recoveries of loans charged-off 2 110 1 298 — 1,043 1,454 Net loans (charged-off) recovered (90) (9) (787) (985) — (879) (2,750) Provision for (reversal of) loan losses 2,213 676 4,352 836 (26) 858 8,909 Balance at end of period $ 5,287 $ 2,840 $ 32,266 $ 2,086 $ 19 $ 176 $ 42,674 Year Ended December 31, 2022 Real Estate Construction 1-4 Family Residential Commercial Commercial Loans Municipal Loans Loans to Individuals Total Balance at beginning of period $ 3,787 $ 1,866 $ 26,980 $ 2,397 $ 47 $ 196 $ 35,273 Loans charged-off — (69) — (792) — (1,723) (2,584) Recoveries of loans charged-off 2 107 81 593 — 1,105 1,888 Net loans (charged-off) recovered 2 38 81 (199) — (618) (696) Provision for (reversal of) loan losses (625) 269 1,640 37 (2) 619 1,938 Balance at end of period $ 3,164 $ 2,173 $ 28,701 $ 2,235 $ 45 $ 197 $ 36,515 Year Ended December 31, 2021 Real Estate Construction 1-4 Family Residential Commercial Commercial Loans Municipal Loans Loans to Individuals Total Balance at beginning of period $ 6,490 $ 2,270 $ 35,709 $ 4,107 $ 46 $ 384 $ 49,006 Loans charged-off — (136) — (1,004) — (1,611) (2,751) Recoveries of loans charged-off 2 75 87 674 — 1,142 1,980 Net loans (charged-off) recovered 2 (61) 87 (330) — (469) (771) Provision for (reversal of) loan losses (2,705) (343) (8,816) (1,380) 1 281 (12,962) Balance at end of period $ 3,787 $ 1,866 $ 26,980 $ 2,397 $ 47 $ 196 $ 35,273 (1) Included in charge-offs for the year ended

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of premises and equipment	Premises and equipment at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 2022 Premises $ 189,643 $ 185,588 Furniture and equipment 44,719 44,126 234,362 229,714 Less: Accumulated depreciation 95,412 88,458 Total $ 138,950 $ 141,256

DEPOSITS (Tables)

DEPOSITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposit Liabilities, Type	Deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Noninterest bearing demand deposits: Private accounts $ 1,322,793 $ 1,607,952 Public accounts 67,614 63,610 Total noninterest bearing demand deposits 1,390,407 1,671,562 Interest bearing deposits: Private accounts: Savings accounts 602,050 672,676 Money market demand accounts 356,506 424,676 Platinum money market accounts 421,505 421,826 Interest bearing checking accounts 1,897,017 1,496,784 NOW demand accounts 14,507 13,601 CDs of $250,000 or more 232,343 120,387 CDs under $250,000 489,584 532,409 Total private accounts 4,013,512 3,682,359 Public accounts: Savings accounts 2,000 1,949 Money market demand accounts 31,808 33,871 Platinum money market accounts 498,079 365,720 Interest bearing checking accounts 75,573 89,320 NOW demand accounts 370,752 234,027 CDs of $250,000 or more 161,194 113,810 CDs under $250,000 6,356 5,401 Total public accounts 1,145,762 844,098 Total interest bearing deposits 5,159,274 4,526,457 Total deposits $ 6,549,681 $ 6,198,019
Time Deposit Maturities	At December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities of CDs, including public accounts, were as follows (in thousands): 2024 $ 758,980 2025 113,907 2026 6,256 2027 3,627 2028 6,707 2029 and thereafter — $ 889,477

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	Information related to borrowings is provided in the table below (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Other borrowings: Balance at end of period $ 509,820 $ 221,153 Average amount outstanding during the period (1) 436,676 77,845 Maximum amount outstanding during the period (2) 1,030,421 316,563 Weighted average interest rate during the period (3) 4.9 % 2.4 % Interest rate at end of period (4) 5.0 % 4.1 % FHLB borrowings: Balance at end of period $ 212,648 $ 153,358 Average amount outstanding during the period (1) 276,584 135,926 Maximum amount outstanding during the period (2) 533,242 423,645 Weighted average interest rate during the period (3) 2.5 % 2.4 % Interest rate at end of period (5) 1.2 % 0.7 % (1) The average amount outstanding during the period was computed by dividing the total daily outstanding principal balances by the number of days in the period. (2) The maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period. (3) The weighted average interest rate during the period was computed by dividing the actual interest expense by the average amount outstanding during the period. The weighted average interest rate on other borrowings and FHLB borrowings includes the effect of interest rate swaps. (4) Stated rate. (5) The interest rate on FHLB borrowings includes the effect of interest rate swaps.
Schedule of maturities of borrowings	Maturities of the obligations associated with our borrowing arrangements based on scheduled repayments at December 31, 2023 are as follows (in thousands): Payments Due by Period Less than 1-2 Years 2-3 Years 3-4 Years 4-5 Years Thereafter Total Other borrowings $ 503,387 $ 6,433 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 509,820 FHLB borrowings 210,740 772 484 406 246 — 212,648 Total obligations $ 714,127 $ 7,205 $ 484 $ 406 $ 246 $ — $ 722,468

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	Information related to our long-term debt is summarized as follows for the periods presented (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Subordinated notes: (1) 3.875% Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs (2) $ 93,877 $ 98,674 Total Subordinated notes 93,877 98,674 Trust preferred subordinated debentures: (3) Southside Statutory Trust III, net of unamortized debt issuance costs (4) 20,578 20,573 Southside Statutory Trust IV 23,196 23,196 Southside Statutory Trust V 12,887 12,887 Magnolia Trust Company I 3,609 3,609 Total Trust preferred subordinated debentures 60,270 60,265 Total Long-term debt $ 154,147 $ 158,939 (1) This debt consists of subordinated notes with a remaining maturity greater than one year that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2 capital, subject to certain limitations. (2) The unamortized discount and debt issuance costs reflected in the carrying amount of the subordinated notes totaled approximately $1.1 million at December 31, 2023 and $1.3 million at December 31, 2022. (3) This debt consists of trust preferred securities that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 1 capital, subject to certain limitations. (4)
Schedule of subordinated borrowing	As of December 31, 2023, the details of the subordinated notes and the trust preferred subordinated debentures are summarized below (dollars in thousands): Date Issued Amount Issued Fixed or Floating Rate Interest Rate Maturity Date 3.875% Subordinated Notes (1) November 6, 2020 $ 100,000 Fixed-to-Floating 3.875% November 15, 2030 Southside Statutory Trust III (2) September 4, 2003 $ 20,619 Floating 3 month SOFR + 3.20% September 4, 2033 Southside Statutory Trust IV (2) August 8, 2007 $ 23,196 Floating 3 month SOFR + 1.56% October 30, 2037 Southside Statutory Trust V (2) August 10, 2007 $ 12,887 Floating 3 month SOFR + 2.51% September 15, 2037 Magnolia Trust Company I (2)(3) May 20, 2005 $ 3,609 Floating 3 month SOFR + 2.06% November 23, 2035 (1) On June 14, 2023, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the $100.0 million fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on November 15, 2030. (2) Effective July 1, 2023, the Comany began utilizing SOFR to reset rates on our floating rate trust preferred debentures, due to the fact that LIBOR ceased to be published as of June 30, 2023. (3)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Employee Benefits Including Defined Benefit Plans and Share-based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets	Activity in our defined benefit pension plans and restoration plan were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration (in thousands) Change in Projected Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at end of prior year $ 69,869 $ 2,379 $ 15,463 $ 94,170 $ 3,483 $ 19,321 $ 96,848 $ 3,704 $ 18,789 Interest cost 3,771 126 831 2,741 102 578 2,570 92 520 Actuarial (gain) loss 3,856 201 555 (22,997) (1,076) (3,763) (1,381) (155) 684 Benefits paid (4,218) (61) (673) (3,950) (60) (673) (3,734) (59) (672) Expenses paid (113) (88) — (95) (70) — (133) (99) — Settlements — (311) — — — — — — — Benefit obligation at end of year 73,165 2,246 16,176 69,869 2,379 15,463 94,170 3,483 19,321 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at end of prior year 76,735 3,128 — 97,439 3,871 — 90,419 3,613 — Actual return 9,147 417 — (16,659) (613) — 10,887 416 — Employer contributions — — 673 — — 673 — — 672 Benefits paid (4,218) (61) (673) (3,950) (60) (673) (3,734) (59) (672) Expenses paid (113) (88) — (95) (70) — (133) (99) — Settlements — (311) — — — — — — — Fair value of plan assets at end of year 81,551 3,085 — 76,735 3,128 — 97,439 3,871 — (Un)Funded status at end of year 8,386 839 (16,176) 6,866 749 (15,463) 3,269 388 (19,321) Accrued benefit (liability) asset recognized $ 8,386 $ 839 $ (16,176) $ 6,866 $ 749 $ (15,463) $ 3,269 $ 388 $ (19,321) Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year $ 73,165 $ 2,246 $ 16,176 $ 69,869 $ 2,379 $ 15,463 $ 94,170 $ 3,483 $ 19,321
Schedule of amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	Amounts related to our defined benefit pension plans and restoration plan recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Recognition of net loss $ 726 $ — $ 30 $ 640 $ — $ 255 $ 1,002 $ 6 $ 256 Recognition of gain due to settlement — (16) — — — — — — — Net gain (loss) occurring during the year 718 29 (555) 493 231 3,763 6,848 361 (685) 1,444 13 (525) 1,133 231 4,018 7,850 367 (429) Deferred tax (expense) benefit (303) (3) 110 (238) (48) (844) (1,648) (77) 90 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ 1,141 $ 10 $ (415) $ 895 $ 183 $ 3,174 $ 6,202 $ 290 $ (339)
Schedule of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit cost during period	Net amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Net loss $ 726 $ — $ 30 $ 640 $ — $ 255 Deferred tax expense (153) — (6) (134) — (54) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ 573 $ — $ 24 $ 506 $ — $ 201
Schedule of amounts recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss	Amounts recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Net gain (loss) $ (21,356) $ 113 $ (2,511) $ (22,800) $ 100 $ (1,986) Deferred tax (expense) benefit 4,485 (24) 527 4,788 (21) 417 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax $ (16,871) $ 89 $ (1,984) $ (18,012) $ 79 $ (1,569)
Schedule of components of net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit cost	Net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit cost included the following components (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Retirement Plan: Interest cost $ 3,771 $ 2,741 $ 2,570 Expected return on assets (4,573) (5,845) (5,420) Net loss amortization 726 640 1,002 Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ (76) $ (2,464) $ (1,848) Acquired Retirement Plan: Interest cost $ 126 $ 102 $ 92 Expected return on assets (187) (232) (211) Net loss amortization — — 6 Gain recognized due to settlement (16) — — Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ (77) $ (130) $ (113) Restoration Plan: Interest cost $ 831 $ 578 $ 520 Net loss amortization 30 255 256 Net periodic benefit cost $ 861 $ 833 $ 776
Schedule of assumptions used to determine benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost	The assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation were as follows: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration Discount rate 5.13 % 5.13 % 5.13 % 5.46 % 5.46 % 5.46 % The assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost and postretirement benefit cost were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Retirement Plan: Discount rate 5.46 % 2.95 % 2.65 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.13 % 6.13 % 6.13 % Acquired Retirement Plan: Discount rate 5.46 % 2.95 % 2.65 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.13 % 6.13 % 6.13 % Restoration Plan: Discount rate 5.46 % 2.95 % 2.65 %
Schedule of allocation of plan assets	The major categories of assets in the Plan and the Acquired Retirement Plan are presented in the following table (in thousands). Assets are segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy established by ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” utilized to measure fair value (see “Note 12 – Fair Value Measurement”). Our Restoration Plan is unfunded. December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Retirement Acquired Retirement Plan Level 1: Cash $ 1,428 $ — $ 605 $ — Equity securities: U.S. large cap (1) 28,506 1,055 23,032 1,103 U.S. mid cap (2) 4,323 125 3,594 135 U.S. small cap (3) 11,907 64 12,447 66 International developed (4) 9,317 — 8,161 — International emerging (2) 1,964 — 1,841 — International (5) — 540 — 547 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds (6) — 1,078 — 1,027 U.S. government treasuries (6) 148 — 233 — Real estate (7) — 223 — 250 Level 2: Cash Equivalents 5,957 — 8,543 — Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds (6) 1,893 — 1,979 — U.S. government agencies (6) 4,871 — 4,380 — Municipal bonds (6) 11,119 — 11,774 — U.S. agency MBS (8) 118 — 146 — Total fair value of plan assets $ 81,551 $ 3,085 $ 76,735 $ 3,128 (1) For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds and domestic stocks. (2) For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “active” mutual funds. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds. (3) For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds and shares of Southside Bancshares stock. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds. (4) This category is comprised of a broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds. (5) This category is comprised of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds and international stocks. (6) For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of individual investment grade securities that are generally HTM. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds, bonds and fixed income securities. (7) This category is comprised of a pooled separate account invested in commercial real estate and includes mortgage loans which are backed by the associated properties. (8) This category is comprised of individual securities that are generally not HTM.
Schedule of expected future benefit payments related to pension and postretirement plans	As of December 31, 2023, expected future benefit payments related to the Retirement Plan, the Acquired Retirement Plan and the Restoration Plan were as follows (in thousands): Retirement Plan Acquired Retirement Plan Restoration 2024 $ 4,415 $ 85 $ 694 2025 4,616 92 818 2026 4,930 92 1,156 2027 5,115 128 1,406 2028 5,210 373 1,420 2029 through 2033 26,495 564 7,137 $ 50,781 $ 1,334 $ 12,631
Schedule of shares issued in connection with stock compensation awards along with other related information	Shares issued in connection with stock compensation awards along with other related information are presented in the following table (in thousands, except share amounts): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 New shares issued from available treasury shares 99,109 86,500 305,212 Proceeds from stock option exercises $ 1,082 $ 790 $ 7,672 Intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 229 $ 421 $ 3,005
Schedule of stock options and restricted stock units award activity	A combined summary of activity in our share-based plans as of December 31, 2023 is presented below. Performance stock units outstanding are presented assuming attainment of the maximum payout rate as set forth by the performance criteria: Restricted Stock Units Stock Options Service Based Performance Based Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Weighted- Balance, January 1, 2023 225,928 $ 36.60 13,514 $ 41.74 673,011 $ 33.45 $ 6.49 Granted 57,966 30.14 15,140 38.89 — — — Stock options exercised — — — — (38,556) 28.03 6.77 Stock awards vested (74,698) 36.57 — — — — — Forfeited (11,253) 36.30 — — (3,682) 34.83 5.89 Canceled/expired — — — — (10,267) 34.12 6.37 Balance, December 31, 2023 197,943 $ 34.76 28,654 $ 40.18 620,506 $ 33.76 $ 6.47
Schedule of shares stock option exercise price range	Other information regarding options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2023 is as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number Weighted- Weighted- Number Weighted- $ 23.66 - $ 25.00 6,153 $ 23.66 1.02 6,153 $ 23.66 25.01 - 30.00 86,226 26.61 1.48 86,226 26.61 30.01 - 35.00 451,962 34.67 5.06 451,962 34.67 35.01 - 37.28 76,165 37.28 2.87 76,165 37.28 Total 620,506 $ 33.76 4.25 620,506 $ 33.76

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table presents the amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets related to the cumulative adjustments for fair value hedges (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Amortized cost of hedged assets - Securities AFS $ 487,486 $ 804,224 Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount of the hedged items 13,642 21,562
Schedule of derivative instruments in statement of financial position, fair value	The following tables present the notional and estimated fair value amount of derivative positions outstanding (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Estimated Fair Value Estimated Fair Value Notional Amount (1) Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Notional (1) Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Interest rate contracts: Swaps-Cash Flow Hedge-Financial institution counterparties $ 1,010,000 $ 24,223 $ 6,910 $ 575,000 $ 39,527 $ — Swaps-Fair Value Hedge-Financial institution counterparties 453,440 13,658 16 742,675 21,733 171 Derivatives designated as non-hedging instruments Interest rate contracts: Swaps-Financial institution counterparties 248,073 18,249 509 223,124 21,046 — Swaps-Customer counterparties 248,073 509 18,249 223,124 — 21,046 Gross derivatives 56,639 25,684 82,306 21,217 Offsetting derivative assets/liabilities (7,435) (7,435) (171) (171) Cash collateral received/posted (46,760) — (82,135) — Net derivatives included in the consolidated balance sheets (2) $ 2,444 $ 18,249 $ — $ 21,046 (1) Notional amounts, which represent the extent of involvement in the derivatives market, are used to determine the contractual cash flows required in accordance with the terms of the agreement. These amounts are typically not exchanged, significantly exceed amounts subject to credit or market risk and are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. (2) Net derivative assets are included in other assets and net derivative liabilities are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in the fair value of net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are credit valuation adjustments reflecting counterparty credit risk and our credit risk. At December 31, 2023, we had $1.9 million credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and $509,000 related to interest rate swaps with customers. At December 31, 2022, we had no credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and none related to interest rate swaps with customers. The credit risk associated with customer transactions is partially mitigated as these are generally secured by the non-cash collateral securing the underlying transaction being hedged.	[1]
Weighted average maturity and interest rates on risk management interest rate swaps	The summarized expected weighted average remaining maturity of the notional amount of interest rate swaps and the weighted average interest rates associated with the amounts expected to be received or paid on interest rate swap agreements are presented below (dollars in thousands). Variable rates received on fixed pay swaps are based on one-month or three-month LIBOR or overnight SOFR rates in effect at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted Average Weighted Average Notional Amount Remaining Maturity Receive Rate Pay Rate Notional Amount Remaining Maturity Receive Rate Pay Swaps-Cash Flow hedge Financial institution counterparties $ 1,010,000 2.3 5.44 % 2.65 % $ 575,000 2.3 4.44 % 1.13 % Swaps-Fair Value hedge Financial institution counterparties 453,440 5.4 5.37 % 3.13 % 742,675 6.3 3.42 % 3.21 % Swaps-Non-hedging Financial institution counterparties 248,073 7.4 5.84 % 2.88 % 223,124 9.0 4.83 % 2.69 % Customer counterparties 248,073 7.4 2.88 % 5.84 % 223,124 9.0 2.69 % 4.83 %
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The following table presents amounts included in the consolidated statements of income related to interest rate swap agreements (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Swaps-Cash Flow hedge Gain (loss) included in interest expense on deposits $ 15,225 $ 2,917 $ (103) Gain (loss) included in interest expense on FHLB borrowings 8,432 721 (6,292) Gain (loss) included in interest expense on other borrowings 887 — — 24,544 3,638 (6,395) Swaps-Fair Value hedge Gain (loss) included in interest income on tax-exempt investment securities 12,834 422 — Derivatives designated as non-hedging instruments Swaps-Non-hedging Other noninterest income 352 472 813
[1]Net derivative assets are included in other assets and net derivative liabilities are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in the fair value of net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are credit valuation adjustments reflecting counterparty credit risk and our credit risk. At December 31, 2023, we had $1.9 million credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and $509,000 related to interest rate swaps with customers. At December 31, 2022, we had no credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and none related to interest rate swaps with customers. The credit risk associated with customer transactions is partially mitigated as these are generally secured by the non-cash collateral securing the underlying transaction being hedged.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of fair value measurement on recurring and nonrecurring basis segregated by level of valuation inputs within fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value	The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (in thousands): December 31, 2023 Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using Carrying Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Recurring fair value measurements Investment securities: U.S. Treasury $ 139,725 $ 139,725 $ — $ — State and political subdivisions 568,745 — 568,745 — Corporate bonds and other 14,093 — 14,093 — MBS: (1) Residential 568,983 — 568,983 — Commercial 4,748 — 4,748 — Equity investments: Equity investments 5,308 5,308 — — Derivative assets: Interest rate swaps 56,639 — 56,639 — Total asset recurring fair value measurements $ 1,358,241 $ 145,033 $ 1,213,208 $ — Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 25,684 $ — $ 25,684 $ — Total liability recurring fair value measurements $ 25,684 $ — $ 25,684 $ — Nonrecurring fair value measurements Foreclosed assets $ 99 $ — $ — $ 99 Collateral-dependent loans (2) 7,000 — — 7,000 Total asset nonrecurring fair value measurements $ 7,099 $ — $ — $ 7,099 December 31, 2022 Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using Carrying Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Recurring fair value measurements Investment securities: State and political subdivisions $ 964,852 $ — $ 964,852 $ — Corporate bonds and other 8,704 — 8,704 — MBS: (1) Residential 315,027 — 315,027 — Commercial 10,431 — 10,431 — Equity investments: Equity investments 5,235 5,235 — — Derivative assets: Interest rate swaps 82,306 — 82,306 — Total asset recurring fair value measurements $ 1,386,555 $ 5,235 $ 1,381,320 $ — Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 21,217 $ — $ 21,217 $ — Total liability recurring fair value measurements $ 21,217 $ — $ 21,217 $ — Nonrecurring fair value measurements Foreclosed assets $ 167 $ — $ — $ 167 Collateral-dependent loans (2) 7,815 — — 7,815 Total asset nonrecurring fair value measurements $ 7,982 $ — $ — $ 7,982 (1) All MBS are issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. GSEs. (2)
Financial assets, financial liabilities, and unrecognized financial instruments at carrying amount and fair value	The following tables present our financial assets and financial liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis at both their respective carrying amounts and estimated fair value (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value December 31, 2023 Carrying Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 560,510 $ 560,510 $ 560,510 $ — $ — Investment securities: HTM, at carrying value 1,186,152 1,054,739 — 1,054,739 — MBS: HTM, at carrying value 120,901 111,423 — 111,423 — FHLB stock, at cost 11,936 11,936 — 11,936 — Equity investments 4,383 4,383 — 4,383 — Loans, net of allowance for loan losses 4,481,836 4,198,879 — — 4,198,879 Loans held for sale 10,894 10,894 — 10,894 — Financial Liabilities: Deposits $ 6,549,681 $ 6,534,929 $ — $ 6,534,929 $ — Other borrowings 509,820 510,242 — 510,242 — FHLB borrowings 212,648 202,750 — 202,750 — Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 93,877 86,285 — 86,285 — Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 60,270 57,480 — 57,480 — Estimated Fair Value December 31, 2022 Carrying Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 199,252 $ 199,252 $ 199,252 $ — $ — Investment securities: HTM, at carrying value 1,190,108 1,023,376 — 1,023,376 — MBS: HTM, at carrying value 136,621 125,780 — 125,780 — FHLB stock, at cost 9,190 9,190 — 9,190 — Equity investments 5,946 5,946 — 5,946 — Loans, net of allowance for loan losses 4,111,176 3,880,664 — — 3,880,664 Loans held for sale 667 667 — 667 — Financial liabilities: Deposits $ 6,198,019 $ 6,158,517 $ — $ 6,158,517 $ — Other borrowings 221,153 221,153 — 221,153 — FHLB borrowings 153,358 140,976 — 140,976 — Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 98,674 91,357 — 91,357 — Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 60,265 60,594 — 60,594 —

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Broker-Dealer, Net Capital Requirement, SEC Regulation [Abstract]
Schedule of compliance with regulatory capital requirements under ranking regulations	As of December 31, 2023, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized us as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized we must maintain minimum Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Total risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table (dollars in thousands). There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed our category. Actual For Capital To Be Well Capitalized Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio December 31, 2023 Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 690,296 12.28 % $ 252,954 4.50 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 836,228 14.88 % $ 252,865 4.50 % $ 365,249 6.50 % Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 748,755 13.32 % $ 337,273 6.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 836,228 14.88 % $ 337,153 6.00 % $ 449,537 8.00 % Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 884,095 15.73 % $ 449,697 8.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 877,691 15.62 % $ 449,537 8.00 % $ 561,922 10.00 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) (1) Consolidated $ 748,755 9.39 % $ 318,906 4.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 836,228 10.49 % $ 318,814 4.00 % $ 398,517 5.00 % December 31, 2022 Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 687,686 12.63 % $ 245,107 4.50 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 823,323 15.12 % $ 245,085 4.50 % $ 354,012 6.50 % Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 746,140 13.70 % $ 326,809 6.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 823,323 15.12 % $ 326,780 6.00 % $ 435,707 8.00 % Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Consolidated $ 877,281 16.11 % $ 435,746 8.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 855,790 15.71 % $ 435,707 8.00 % $ 544,633 10.00 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) (1) Consolidated $ 746,140 9.96 % $ 299,511 4.00 % N/A N/A Bank Only $ 823,323 11.00 % $ 299,410 4.00 % $ 374,263 5.00 % (1) Refers to quarterly average assets as calculated in accordance with policies established by bank regulatory agencies.

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of income tax provision	The income tax expense included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income consists of the following (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Current income tax expense $ 16,547 $ 14,700 $ 12,674 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (2,110) (89) 4,752 Income tax expense $ 14,437 $ 14,611 $ 17,426
Schedule of net deferred tax assets and liabilities	The components of the net deferred tax asset/liability as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized below (in thousands): Assets Liabilities Allowance for loan losses $ 8,962 $ Retirement and other benefit plans 2,529 Premises and equipment 8,852 Operating lease liabilities 3,508 Operating lease ROU assets 3,116 Core deposit intangible 292 Unrealized losses on securities AFS 31,820 Effective hedging derivatives 6,268 Fair value adjustment on loans 436 Unfunded status of defined benefit plan 4,988 State business tax credit 181 Stock-based compensation 1,294 Other 294 Gross deferred tax assets/liabilities 51,483 21,057 Net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2023 $ 30,426 Allowance for loan losses $ 7,668 $ Retirement and other benefit plans 2,435 Premises and equipment 9,269 Operating lease liabilities 3,585 Operating lease ROU assets 3,216 Core deposit intangible 548 Unrealized losses on securities AFS 44,299 Effective hedging derivatives 12,829 Fair value adjustment on loans 500 Unfunded status of defined benefit plan 5,184 State business tax credit 242 Stock-based compensation 1,177 Other 337 Gross deferred tax assets/liabilities 62,992 28,297 Net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2022 $ 34,695
Schedule of income tax reconciliation	A reconciliation of tax at statutory rates and total tax expense is as follows (dollars in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Amount Percent of Pre-Tax Income Amount Percent of Pre-Tax Income Amount Percent of Pre-Tax Income Statutory tax expense $ 21,237 21.0 % $ 25,123 21.0 % $ 27,474 21.0 % Increase (decrease) in taxes from: Tax exempt interest (6,107) (6.0) % (10,345) (8.6) % (9,636) (7.4) % BOLI (1,222) (1.2) % (555) (0.5) % (549) (0.4) % Share-based compensation 89 0.1 % (93) (0.1) % (392) (0.3) % State business tax 353 0.3 % 312 0.3 % 366 0.3 % Other, net 87 0.1 % 169 0.1 % 163 0.1 % Income tax expense $ 14,437 14.3 % $ 14,611 12.2 % $ 17,426 13.3 %

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Leases Balance Sheet Information	Balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating leases: Operating lease ROU assets $ 14,837 $ 15,314 Operating lease liabilities $ 16,704 $ 17,070 Additional information related to leases was as follows: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 13.0 13.8 Weighted average discount rate 3.27 % 2.98 %
Lease Expense	The components of lease cost were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Operating lease cost $ 1,802 $ 1,773 $ 1,811 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of the lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 1,716 $ 1,644 $ 2,016 ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1) $ 809 $ 1,531 $ 1,330 (1)
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	Future minimum rental commitments due under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2023 were as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2024 $ 1,607 2025 1,754 2026 1,737 2027 1,616 2028 1,581 2029 and thereafter 12,281 Total lease payments (1) 20,576 Less: Interest (3,872) Present value of lease liabilities $ 16,704 (1)
Gross Rental Income	Gross rental income from these leases were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Gross rental income $ 3,584 $ 3,173 $ 3,288
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity	At December 31, 2023, non-cancelable operating leases with future minimum lease payments are as follows (in thousands): Year ending December 31, 2024 $ 2,962 2025 2,297 2026 1,964 2027 1,197 2028 509 2029 and thereafter 794 Total lease payments $ 9,723

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENT_2

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Off-balance-sheet, Allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures	Allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures were as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Balance at beginning of period $ 3,687 $ 2,384 $ 6,386 Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures 245 1,303 (4,002) Balance at end of period $ 3,932 $ 3,687 $ 2,384
Scheduled maturities of unused commitments	Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Commitments to extend credit $ 1,082,327 $ 1,296,773 Standby letters of credit 10,823 26,844 Total $ 1,093,150 $ 1,323,617

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFO_2

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheets of Parent Company	Condensed financial information for Southside Bancshares, Inc. (parent company only) was as follows (in thousands, except share amounts): CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2023 2022 ASSETS Cash and due from banks $ 5,097 $ 20,235 Investment in bank subsidiaries at equity in underlying net assets 917,035 879,449 Investment in nonbank subsidiaries at equity in underlying net assets 1,826 1,826 Other assets 4,765 4,411 Total assets $ 928,723 $ 905,921 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs $ 93,877 $ 98,674 Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs 60,270 60,265 Other liabilities 1,288 985 Total liabilities 155,435 159,924 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock: ($1.25 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 38,039,706 shares issued at December 31, 2023 and 38,000,822 shares issued at December 31, 2022) 47,550 47,501 Paid-in capital 788,840 784,545 Retained earnings 282,355 239,610 Treasury stock: (shares at cost, 7,790,276 at December 31, 2023 and 6,454,192 at December 31, 2022) (231,995) (188,203) AOCI (113,462) (137,456) Total shareholders’ equity 773,288 745,997 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 928,723 $ 905,921
Condensed Statements of Income of Parent Company	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Income Dividends from subsidiary $ 85,000 $ 85,000 $ 100,000 Interest income 135 72 42 Other 587 — — Total income 85,722 85,072 100,042 Expense Interest expense 8,424 6,412 9,636 Other 3,319 3,148 4,162 Total expense 11,743 9,560 13,798 Income before income tax expense 73,979 75,512 86,244 Income tax benefit 2,314 1,992 2,889 Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 76,293 77,504 89,133 Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 10,399 27,516 24,268 Net income $ 86,692 $ 105,020 $ 113,401
Condensed Statements of Cash Flow of Parent Company	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Income $ 86,692 $ 105,020 $ 113,401 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations: Amortization 159 145 277 Stock compensation expense 360 342 306 Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries (10,399) (27,516) (24,268) (Gain on purchase) loss on redemption of subordinated notes (587) — 1,118 Net change in other assets (354) (27) 348 Net change in other liabilities 303 204 (1,732) Net cash provided by operating activities 76,174 78,168 89,450 INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net cash used in investing activities — — — FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated long-term debt — — (95) Purchase/redemption of subordinated notes (4,365) — (100,011) Purchase of common stock (45,074) (33,708) (34,148) Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,709 1,522 8,546 Cash dividends paid (43,582) (44,936) (44,569) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (91,312) (77,122) (170,277) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (15,138) 1,046 (80,827) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 20,235 19,189 100,016 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,097 $ 20,235 $ 19,189

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) segment banking_offices	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Number of branches | banking_offices	55
Number of branches in grocery stores | banking_offices	13
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization expense of intangible assets	1,697,000	2,273,000	$ 2,849,000
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 0
Financing Receivable, Threshold Period Past Due	90 days
Financing Receivable, Threshold Period Past Due, Writeoff	120 days
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 0	0
Equity balance	773,288,000	745,997,000	912,172,000	$ 875,297,000
Internal Noninvestment Grade
Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Amortized cost	6,400,000
Retained  Earnings
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets [Abstract]
Equity balance	282,355,000	239,610,000	179,813,000	$ 111,208,000
Core deposit intangible
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets, net	1,400,000
Trust relationship intangible
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Intangible assets, net	1,500,000
Core Deposit Intangible and Trust Relationship Intangible [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization expense of intangible assets	$ 1,700,000	$ 2,300,000	$ 2,800,000
Premises | Minimum
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	15 years
Premises | Maximum
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	40 years
Equipment | Minimum
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	3 years
Equipment | Maximum
Premises and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	10 years

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Basic and Diluted Earnings:
Net income	$ 86,692	$ 105,020	$ 113,401
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	30,704	32,120	32,558
Add: Stock options (in shares)	55	131	134
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	30,759	32,251	32,692
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings per common share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.82	$ 3.27	$ 3.48
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.82	$ 3.26	$ 3.47
Number of antidilutive options (in shares)	570	14	9

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Changes In (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance, net of tax	$ 745,997	$ 912,172	$ 875,297
Income tax (expense) benefit	(6,378)	52,410	2,492
Ending balance, net of tax	773,288	745,997	912,172
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance, net of tax	(149,181)	84,716	116,078
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28,782	(304,859)	(37,199)
Reclassification adjustments included in net income	23,980	8,787	(2,499)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(11,080)	62,175	8,336
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	41,682	(233,897)	(31,362)
Ending balance, net of tax	(107,499)	(149,181)	84,716
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance, net of tax	31,227	(1,257)	(17,091)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,222	44,757	13,648
Reclassification adjustments included in net income	(24,544)	(3,638)	6,395
Income tax (expense) benefit	4,898	(8,635)	(4,209)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(18,424)	32,484	15,834
Ending balance, net of tax	12,803	31,227	(1,257)
Retirement Plans
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance, net of tax	(19,502)	(23,754)	(29,907)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	176	4,487	6,524
Reclassification adjustments included in net income	756	895	1,264
Income tax (expense) benefit	(196)	(1,130)	(1,635)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	736	4,252	6,153
Ending balance, net of tax	(18,766)	(19,502)	(23,754)
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Beginning balance, net of tax	(137,456)	59,705	69,080
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	30,180	(255,615)	(17,027)
Reclassification adjustments included in net income	192	6,044	5,160
Income tax (expense) benefit	(6,378)	52,410	2,492
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23,994	(197,161)	(9,375)
Ending balance, net of tax	$ (113,462)	$ (137,456)	$ 59,705

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses		$ 8,004	$ 4,968	$ 1,363
Tax benefit (expense)		(14,437)	(14,611)	(17,426)
Realized net (loss) gain on sale of securities		(15,976)	(3,819)	3,862
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax		(151)	(4,775)	(4,077)
Unrealized gains (losses)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(23,980)	(8,787)	2,499
Realized net gain (loss) on interest rate swap derivatives
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		24,544	3,638	(6,395)
Net actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	[1]	(756)	(895)	(1,264)
Amortization of retirement plans
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(756)	(895)	(1,264)
Tax benefit		159	188	265
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax		(597)	(707)	(999)
Unrealized losses on securities transferred | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Unrealized gains (losses)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses	[2]	(8,004)	(4,968)	(1,363)
Tax benefit (expense)		1,681	1,043	286
Net of tax		(6,323)	(3,925)	(1,077)
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Unrealized gains (losses)
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Tax benefit (expense)		3,355	802	(811)
Net of tax		(12,621)	(3,017)	3,051
Realized net (loss) gain on sale of securities	[3]	(15,976)	(3,819)	3,862
Interest rate swap derivatives | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income | Realized net gain (loss) on interest rate swap derivatives
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Tax benefit (expense)		(5,154)	(764)	1,343
Net of tax		19,390	2,874	(5,052)
Realized net gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	[4]	$ 24,544	$ 3,638	$ (6,395)
[1]These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (income) presented in “Note 10 – Employee Benefits.”[2]Included in interest income on the consolidated statements of income.[3]Listed as net gain (loss) on sale of securities AFS on the consolidated statements of income.[4]Included in interest expense for FHLB borrowings, other borrowings and deposits on the consolidated statements of income.

SECURITIES - Schedule of Debt S

SECURITIES - Schedule of Debt Securities Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Amortized cost		$ 1,332,467	$ 1,387,874
Gross unrealized gain		3,658	1,282
Gross unrealized loss		39,831	90,142
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		1,296,294	1,299,014
HELD TO MATURITY:
Amortized Cost		1,307,053	1,326,729
Gross unrealized gains		10,571	4,565
Gross unrealized losses		151,462	182,138
Estimated fair value		1,166,162	1,149,156
US Treasury Securities
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Amortized cost		139,706
Gross unrealized gain		19
Gross unrealized loss		0
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		139,725
State and Political Subdivisions
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Amortized cost		603,913	1,039,453
Gross unrealized gain		362	956
Gross unrealized loss		35,530	75,557
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		568,745	964,852
HELD TO MATURITY:
Amortized Cost		1,039,440	1,037,556
Gross unrealized gains		10,070	3,969
Gross unrealized losses		126,233	163,283
Estimated fair value		923,277	878,242
Corporate bonds and other
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Amortized cost		14,569	8,692
Gross unrealized gain		31	26
Gross unrealized loss		507	14
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		14,093	8,704
HELD TO MATURITY:
Amortized Cost		146,712	152,552
Gross unrealized gains		488	575
Gross unrealized losses		15,738	7,993
Estimated fair value		131,462	145,134
Residential
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Amortized cost	[1]	569,039	328,400
Gross unrealized gain	[1]	3,202	250
Gross unrealized loss	[1]	3,258	13,623
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	[1]	568,983	315,027
HELD TO MATURITY:
Amortized Cost	[1]	90,619	93,796
Gross unrealized gains	[1]	13	21
Gross unrealized losses	[1]	7,263	8,343
Estimated fair value	[1]	83,369	85,474
Commercial
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
Amortized cost	[1]	5,240	11,329
Gross unrealized gain	[1]	44	50
Gross unrealized loss	[1]	536	948
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	[1]	4,748	10,431
HELD TO MATURITY:
Amortized Cost	[1]	30,282	42,825
Gross unrealized gains	[1]	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	[1]	2,228	2,519
Estimated fair value	[1]	$ 28,054	$ 40,306
[1]All MBS issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. GSEs.

SECURITIES - Unrealized Loss on

SECURITIES - Unrealized Loss on Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Less than 12 Months, fair value	$ 185,339	$ 1,174,855
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	1,165	82,638
More than 12 Months, fair value	560,939	29,165
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	38,666	7,504
Total fair value	746,278	1,204,020
Total unrealized loss	39,831	90,142
HELD TO MATURITY
Less than 12 months, fair value	26,505	672,739
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	1,258	83,876
More than 12 months, fair value	939,087	340,055
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	150,204	98,262
Total fair value	965,592	1,012,794
Total unrealized loss	151,462	182,138
State and Political Subdivisions
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Less than 12 Months, fair value	26,371	859,270
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	297	68,683
More than 12 Months, fair value	516,520	26,620
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	35,233	6,874
Total fair value	542,891	885,890
Total unrealized loss	35,530	75,557
HELD TO MATURITY
Less than 12 months, fair value	16,549	426,382
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	123	66,898
More than 12 months, fair value	713,499	323,385
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	126,110	96,385
Total fair value	730,048	749,767
Total unrealized loss	126,233	163,283
Corporate bonds and other
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Less than 12 Months, fair value	8,103	3,678
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	319	14
More than 12 Months, fair value	5,071	0
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	188	0
Total fair value	13,174	3,678
Total unrealized loss	507	14
HELD TO MATURITY
Less than 12 months, fair value	9,956	125,250
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	1,135	6,660
More than 12 months, fair value	114,787	12,738
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	14,603	1,333
Total fair value	124,743	137,988
Total unrealized loss	15,738	7,993
Residential
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Less than 12 Months, fair value	150,865	306,294
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	549	13,623
More than 12 Months, fair value	36,864	0
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	2,709	0
Total fair value	187,729	306,294
Total unrealized loss	3,258	13,623
HELD TO MATURITY
Less than 12 months, fair value	0	80,801
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	0	7,799
More than 12 months, fair value	82,747	3,932
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	7,263	544
Total fair value	82,747	84,733
Total unrealized loss	7,263	8,343
Commercial
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Less than 12 Months, fair value	0	5,613
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	0	318
More than 12 Months, fair value	2,484	2,545
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	536	630
Total fair value	2,484	8,158
Total unrealized loss	536	948
HELD TO MATURITY
Less than 12 months, fair value	0	40,306
Less than 12 Months, unrealized loss	0	2,519
More than 12 months, fair value	28,054	0
More than 12 Months, unrealized loss	2,228	0
Total fair value	28,054	40,306
Total unrealized loss	$ 2,228	$ 2,519

SECURITIES - Interest Income on

SECURITIES - Interest Income on Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
U.S. Treasury	$ 11,331	$ 271	$ 615
State and Political Subdivisions	67,355	57,663	46,296
Corporate bonds and other	7,129	6,007	4,131
Mortgage-backed Securities	19,450	16,639	19,534
Total interest income on securities	$ 105,265	$ 80,580	$ 70,576

SECURITIES - Amortized Cost and

SECURITIES - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt Securities By Contractual Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Available for sale, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	$ 139,916
Due after one year through five years	4,260
Due after five years through ten years	22,203
Due after ten years	591,809
Total available-for-sale investment securities	758,188
Mortgage-backed Securities	574,279
Amortized cost	1,332,467	$ 1,387,874
Available for sale Securities, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	139,935
Due after one year through five years	4,242
Due after five years through ten years	21,689
Due after ten years	556,697
Subtotal	722,563
Mortgage-backed Securities and Other Equity Securities	573,731
Total	1,296,294	1,299,014
Held to Maturity, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	15,969
Due after one year through five years	4,868
Due after five years through ten years	140,774
Due after ten years	1,024,541
Subtotal	1,186,152
Mortgage-backed Securities	120,901
Amortized Cost	1,307,053	1,326,729
Held to Maturity, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	15,092
Due after one year through five years	4,739
Due after five years through ten years	126,474
Due after ten years	908,434
Subtotal	1,054,739
Mortgage-backed Securities	111,423
Total	$ 1,166,162	$ 1,149,156

SECURITIES - Unrealized and Rea

SECURITIES - Unrealized and Realized Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Income on Equity Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Gain (Loss) on Securities [Line Items]
Net gains (losses) recognized during the period on equity investments	$ 5,131	$ (685)	$ (174)
Less: Net gains recognized during the period on equity investments sold during the period	5,058	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) recognized during the reporting period on equity investments still held at the reporting date	$ 73	$ (685)	$ (174)

SECURITIES - Narrative (Details

SECURITIES - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) debt_security bonds	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Investment [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Nonaccrual	$ 0	$ 0
Interest receivable	50,489,000	49,350,000
Transferred Securities, Unrealized Loss, Before Tax	113,500,000	121,500,000
Securities Transferred, Unrealized Loss, Net Of Tax	89,700,000	96,000,000
Fair value of securities transferred from AFS to HTM	0	1,250,000,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities available for sale	(15,976,000)	(3,819,000)	$ 3,862,000
Gross realized gains on AFS securities	2,000,000	584,000	4,100,000
Gross realized loss on AFS securities	24,500,000	4,400,000	218,000
Gain (loss) on hedging activity	6,500,000
Equity investments	9,691,000	11,181,000
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Sale or Transfer of Investment [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of held-to-maturity securities	0	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Allowance for Credit Loss	0	0
Other-than-temporarily impaired equity investments	0
FHLB Stock with other-than-temporary impairment	$ 0
Number of bonds rated one grade below investment grade | bonds	2
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Excluding Accrued Interest, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)	$ 0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Number of Positions | debt_security	373
Net gain on sale of equity securities	$ 5,058,000	0	$ 0
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Accrued Interest, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Interest receivable
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accrued Interest, after Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 15,400,000	16,900,000
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Accrued Interest, after Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 13,700,000	13,600,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accrued Interest, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Interest receivable
Asset Pledged as Collateral
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Sale or Transfer of Investment [Abstract]
Debt Securities	$ 2,280,000,000	1,820,000,000
Asset Pledged As Collateral, Excess Amount
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Sale or Transfer of Investment [Abstract]
Debt Securities	213,100,000	339,600,000
Financial Asset, Past Due
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Sale or Transfer of Investment [Abstract]
Securities HTM (estimated fair value of $138,879)	$ 0	$ 0

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN _3

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Loans by Portfolio Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans	$ 4,524,510	$ 4,147,691
Less: Allowance for loan losses	42,674	36,515	$ 35,273	$ 49,006
Net loans	4,481,836	4,111,176
Construction real estate loans
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans	789,744	559,681
Less: Allowance for loan losses	5,287	3,164	3,787	6,490
1-4 family residential real estate loans
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans	696,738	663,519
Less: Allowance for loan losses	2,840	2,173	1,866	2,270
Commercial real estate loans
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans	2,168,451	1,987,707
Less: Allowance for loan losses	32,266	28,701	26,980	35,709
Commercial loans
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans	366,893	412,064
Less: Allowance for loan losses	2,086	2,235	2,397	4,107
Municipal loans
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans	441,168	450,067
Less: Allowance for loan losses	19	45	47	46
Loans to individuals
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Loans	61,516	74,653
Less: Allowance for loan losses	$ 176	$ 197	$ 196	$ 384

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN _4

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Summary of Loans by Credit Quality Indicator and Origination Year (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023		Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	$ 839,785		$ 1,262,330
2022	1,199,738		1,055,361
2021	961,538		422,026
2020	365,469		290,975
2019	217,076		128,067
Prior	613,986		630,012
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	326,918		358,920
Total	4,524,510		4,147,691
Current period gross charge-offs
2023	2,427
2022	586
2021	105
2020	46
2019	818
Prior	222
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0
Total	4,204	[1]	2,584	$ 2,751
Construction real estate loans
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	146,040		171,809
2022	253,827		184,835
2021	197,077		34,537
2020	37,997		7,456
2019	3,945		1,886
Prior	6,500		6,628
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	144,358		152,530
Total	789,744		559,681
Current period gross charge-offs
2023	0
2022	92
2021	0
2020	0
2019	0
Prior	0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0
Total	92		0	0
Construction real estate loans | Pass
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	132,838		169,652
2022	236,573		184,501
2021	196,311		34,537
2020	37,997		7,091
2019	3,938		1,844
Prior	6,457		6,434
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	144,358		152,530
Total	758,472		556,589
Construction real estate loans | Pass watch
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		299
2022	7,798		0
2021	0		0
2020	0		0
2019	0		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	7,798		299
Construction real estate loans | Special mention
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	13,166		1,858
2022	9,456		290
2021	698		0
2020	0		0
2019	7		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	23,327		2,148
Construction real estate loans | Substandard
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	36		0
2022	0		0
2021	68		0
2020	0		10
2019	0		42
Prior	43		194
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	147		246
Construction real estate loans | Doubtful
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		44
2021	0		0
2020	0		355
2019	0		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	0		399
1-4 family residential real estate loans
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	41,845		82,850
2022	126,981		144,424
2021	145,744		128,962
2020	116,280		70,196
2019	63,710		38,312
Prior	200,301		196,572
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	1,877		2,203
Total	696,738		663,519
Current period gross charge-offs
2023	0
2022	0
2021	0
2020	0
2019	1
Prior	118
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0
Total	119		69	136
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Pass
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	41,520		82,847
2022	126,981		144,424
2021	145,671		128,666
2020	114,631		70,142
2019	63,710		36,710
Prior	196,651		194,490
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	1,803		2,160
Total	690,967		659,439
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Pass watch
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	32		0
2019	0		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	32		0
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Special mention
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		79
2020	75		0
2019	0		1,397
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	75		1,476
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Substandard
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	325		3
2022	0		0
2021	73		217
2020	1,379		54
2019	0		32
Prior	3,259		1,942
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	74		43
Total	5,110		2,291
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Doubtful
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	163		0
2019	0		173
Prior	391		140
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	554		313
Commercial real estate loans
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	511,547		798,653
2022	676,863		556,157
2021	495,713		170,720
2020	144,456		151,449
2019	102,794		55,855
Prior	220,585		242,558
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	16,493		12,315
Total	2,168,451		1,987,707
Current period gross charge-offs
2023	0
2022	0
2021	0
2020	0
2019	788
Prior	0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0
Total	788	[1]	0	0
Commercial real estate loans | Pass
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	469,844		798,653
2022	641,577		546,938
2021	495,363		168,607
2020	143,150		136,440
2019	91,085		55,480
Prior	189,021		233,509
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	16,493		12,315
Total	2,046,533		1,951,942
Commercial real estate loans | Pass watch
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	24,300		0
2022	34,424		9,219
2021	255		0
2020	1,037		0
2019	333		0
Prior	146		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	60,495		9,219
Commercial real estate loans | Special mention
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	17,403		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		1,832
2020	0		330
2019	9,746		115
Prior	25,072		1,849
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	52,221		4,126
Commercial real estate loans | Substandard
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	862		0
2021	95		281
2020	269		14,603
2019	1,565		260
Prior	6,346		6,992
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	9,137		22,136
Commercial real estate loans | Doubtful
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	0		76
2019	65		0
Prior	0		208
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	65		284
Commercial loans
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	78,533		114,174
2022	65,118		73,847
2021	42,437		18,009
2020	10,724		8,445
2019	4,485		5,330
Prior	3,622		3,322
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	161,974		188,937
Total	366,893		412,064
Current period gross charge-offs
2023	745
2022	440
2021	44
2020	26
2019	23
Prior	5
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0
Total	1,283		792	1,004
Commercial loans | Pass
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	78,090		113,678
2022	62,192		68,509
2021	42,114		17,852
2020	10,708		8,249
2019	4,356		4,820
Prior	3,310		3,313
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	161,153		178,951
Total	361,923		395,372
Commercial loans | Pass watch
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		208
2022	128		13
2021	117		56
2020	0		0
2019	0		0
Prior	18		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	263		277
Commercial loans | Special mention
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	191		0
2022	174		5,109
2021	0		31
2020	16		0
2019	0		288
Prior	162		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		9,986
Total	543		15,414
Commercial loans | Substandard
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	14		220
2022	2,357		116
2021	73		70
2020	0		110
2019	65		12
Prior	12		9
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	821		0
Total	3,342		537
Commercial loans | Doubtful
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	238		68
2022	267		100
2021	133		0
2020	0		86
2019	64		210
Prior	120		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	822		464
Municipal loans
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	39,028		65,258
2022	61,429		74,617
2021	68,979		57,147
2020	49,746		48,144
2019	39,949		24,979
Prior	182,037		179,922
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	441,168		450,067
Current period gross charge-offs
2023	0
2022	0
2021	0
2020	0
2019	0
Prior	0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0
Total	0		0	0
Municipal loans | Pass
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	39,028		65,258
2022	61,429		74,617
2021	68,979		57,147
2020	49,746		47,636
2019	39,949		24,576
Prior	182,037		173,919
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	441,168		443,153
Municipal loans | Pass watch
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	0		508
2019	0		403
Prior	0		6,003
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	0		6,914
Municipal loans | Special mention
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	0		0
2019	0		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	0		0
Municipal loans | Substandard
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	0		0
2019	0		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	0		0
Municipal loans | Doubtful
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	0		0
2019	0		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	0		0
Loans to individuals
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	22,792		29,586
2022	15,520		21,481
2021	11,588		12,651
2020	6,266		5,285
2019	2,193		1,705
Prior	941		1,010
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	2,216		2,935
Total	61,516		74,653
Current period gross charge-offs
2023	1,682
2022	54
2021	61
2020	20
2019	6
Prior	99
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0
Total	1,922		1,723	$ 1,611
Loans to individuals | Pass
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	22,788		29,579
2022	15,503		21,480
2021	11,588		12,651
2020	6,256		5,261
2019	2,180		1,665
Prior	941		1,005
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	2,216		2,935
Total	61,472		74,576
Loans to individuals | Pass watch
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	0		0
2019	0		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	0		0
Loans to individuals | Special mention
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		0
2021	0		0
2020	0		0
2019	0		0
Prior	0		0
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	0		0
Loans to individuals | Substandard
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	0		0
2022	0		1
2021	0		0
2020	0		6
2019	13		0
Prior	0		2
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	13		9
Loans to individuals | Doubtful
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2023	4		7
2022	17		0
2021	0		0
2020	10		18
2019	0		40
Prior	0		3
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis	0		0
Total	$ 31		$ 68
[1]Included in charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2023 is a $788,000 write down to fair value an $8.1 million commercial real estate loan relationship transferred to held for sale.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN _5

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Aging of Past Due Loans by Class of Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	$ 4,524,510	$ 4,147,691
Financial Asset, Current
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	4,513,888	4,141,558
30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	7,560	4,395
60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	1,156	822
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	1,906	916
Financial Asset, Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	10,622	6,133
Construction real estate loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	789,744	559,681
Construction real estate loans | Financial Asset, Current
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	789,241	559,617
Construction real estate loans | 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	474	43
Construction real estate loans | 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	0	21
Construction real estate loans | Greater than 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	29	0
Construction real estate loans | Financial Asset, Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	503	64
1-4 family residential real estate loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	696,738	663,519
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Financial Asset, Current
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	689,626	659,408
1-4 family residential real estate loans | 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	4,638	3,529
1-4 family residential real estate loans | 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	774	368
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Greater than 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	1,700	214
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Financial Asset, Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	7,112	4,111
Commercial real estate loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	2,168,451	1,987,707
Commercial real estate loans | Financial Asset, Current
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	2,167,756	1,987,034
Commercial real estate loans | 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	621	105
Commercial real estate loans | 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	34	153
Commercial real estate loans | Greater than 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	40	415
Commercial real estate loans | Financial Asset, Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	695	673
Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	366,893	412,064
Commercial loans | Financial Asset, Current
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	364,726	411,025
Commercial loans | 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	1,693	515
Commercial loans | 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	347	277
Commercial loans | Greater than 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	127	247
Commercial loans | Financial Asset, Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	2,167	1,039
Municipal loans
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	441,168	450,067
Municipal loans | Financial Asset, Current
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	441,141	450,067
Municipal loans | 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	27	0
Municipal loans | 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Municipal loans | Greater than 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	0	0
Municipal loans | Financial Asset, Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	27	0
Loans to individuals
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	61,516	74,653
Loans to individuals | Financial Asset, Current
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	61,398	74,407
Loans to individuals | 30 to 59 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	107	203
Loans to individuals | 60 to 89 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	1	3
Loans to individuals | Greater than 90 Days Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	10	40
Loans to individuals | Financial Asset, Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Loans	$ 118	$ 246

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN _6

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Nonperforming Assets by Asset Class (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Nonperforming Assets [Line Items]
Restructured loans		$ 506	$ 897
Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming Assets [Line Items]
Nonaccrual loans:	[1]	3,889	2,846
Accruing loans past due more than 90 days		0	0
Restructured loans	[2]	13	7,849
OREO		99	93
Repossessed assets		0	74
Total nonperforming assets		4,001	10,862
Nonperforming Assets | Construction real estate loans
Nonperforming Assets [Line Items]
Nonaccrual loans:		29	405
Nonperforming Assets | 1-4 family residential real estate loans
Nonperforming Assets [Line Items]
Nonaccrual loans:		2,093	848
Nonperforming Assets | Commercial real estate loans
Nonperforming Assets [Line Items]
Nonaccrual loans:		528	762
Nonperforming Assets | Commercial loans
Nonperforming Assets [Line Items]
Nonaccrual loans:		1,208	757
Nonperforming Assets | Loans to individuals
Nonperforming Assets [Line Items]
Nonaccrual loans:		$ 31	$ 74
[1]Includes $506,000 and $897,000 of restructured loans as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN _7

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Restructured Loans (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) loans	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	$ 506	$ 897
Commercial Portfolio Segment
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	$ 667
Restructured loans, Number Of Loans | loans	5
Commercial Portfolio Segment | Amortization Period Extension
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	$ 603
Commercial Portfolio Segment | Interest Rate Reduction
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	0
Commercial Portfolio Segment | Combination
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	64
Commercial Portfolio Segment | Commercial loans
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	$ 667
Restructured loans, Number Of Loans | loans	5
Restructured loans, to Total Financing Receivables, Percentage	0.18%
Commercial Portfolio Segment | Commercial loans | Amortization Period Extension
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	$ 603
Commercial Portfolio Segment | Commercial loans | Interest Rate Reduction
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	0
Commercial Portfolio Segment | Commercial loans | Combination
Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring [Line Items]
Restructured loans	$ 64

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN _8

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Allowance for Loan Losses Activity by Portfolio Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023		Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 36,515		$ 35,273	$ 49,006
Loans charged-off	(4,204)	[1]	(2,584)	(2,751)
Recoveries of loans charged-off	1,454		1,888	1,980
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	(2,750)		(696)	(771)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses	8,909		1,938	(12,962)
Balance at end of period	42,674		36,515	35,273
Construction real estate loans
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	3,164		3,787	6,490
Loans charged-off	(92)		0	0
Recoveries of loans charged-off	2		2	2
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	(90)		2	2
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses	2,213		(625)	(2,705)
Balance at end of period	5,287		3,164	3,787
1-4 family residential real estate loans
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,173		1,866	2,270
Loans charged-off	(119)		(69)	(136)
Recoveries of loans charged-off	110		107	75
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	(9)		38	(61)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses	676		269	(343)
Balance at end of period	2,840		2,173	1,866
Commercial real estate loans
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	28,701		26,980	35,709
Loans charged-off	(788)	[1]	0	0
Recoveries of loans charged-off	1		81	87
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	(787)		81	87
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses	4,352		1,640	(8,816)
Balance at end of period	32,266		28,701	26,980
Commercial real estate loans | Commercial and Industrial Sector
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Loans charged-off	(788)
Reclassification to held-for-sale	8,100
Commercial loans
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,235		2,397	4,107
Loans charged-off	(1,283)		(792)	(1,004)
Recoveries of loans charged-off	298		593	674
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	(985)		(199)	(330)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses	836		37	(1,380)
Balance at end of period	2,086		2,235	2,397
Municipal loans
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	45		47	46
Loans charged-off	0		0	0
Recoveries of loans charged-off	0		0	0
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	0		0	0
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses	(26)		(2)	1
Balance at end of period	19		45	47
Loans to individuals
Allowance for Loan Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	197		196	384
Loans charged-off	(1,922)		(1,723)	(1,611)
Recoveries of loans charged-off	1,043		1,105	1,142
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	(879)		(618)	(469)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses	858		619	281
Balance at end of period	$ 176		$ 197	$ 196
[1]Included in charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2023 is a $788,000 write down to fair value an $8.1 million commercial real estate loan relationship transferred to held for sale.

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN _9

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) loans Rate	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) Rate
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Loans	$ 4,524,510	$ 4,147,691
Loans to related parties	13,700	14,200
Nonaccrual loans, no allowance	1,000	1,600
Collateral-dependent loans	7,500	8,100
Mortgage Loans in Process of Foreclosure, Amount	$ 1,000	$ 0
Related party loans as a percent of stockholders' equity | Rate	1.80%	1.90%
Loans, Nonaccrual, Interest Income Reversal	$ 89	$ 36
Accrued interest receivable on our loan portfolio	$ 21,300	18,800
Restructured loans, Number Of Loans Modified, Nonaccrual | loans	3
Restructured loans	$ 506	897
1-4 family residential real estate loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Loans	$ 696,738	663,519
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Minimum
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
General loan term	15 years
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Maximum
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
General loan term	30 years
Commercial real estate loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Loans	$ 2,168,451	1,987,707
Loans secured by owner and non-owner occupied commercial real estate	1,790,000
Loans secured by multi-family properties	347,500
Loans secured by farmland	$ 28,600
General loan term	20 years
Construction real estate loans
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items]
Loans	$ 789,744	$ 559,681

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT (Details

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises	$ 189,643	$ 185,588
Furniture and equipment	44,719	44,126
Premises and equipment, gross	234,362	229,714
Less: Accumulated depreciation	95,412	88,458
Premises and equipment, net	138,950	141,256
Depreciation [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation of assets written off	1,500	1,900
Depreciation expense	$ 8,400	$ 8,600	$ 8,200

DEPOSITS - Types and Components

DEPOSITS - Types and Components of Deposit Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Noninterest bearing demand deposits:
Noninterest bearing demand deposits	$ 1,390,407	$ 1,671,562
Interest bearing deposits:
Total interest bearing deposits	5,159,274	4,526,457
Total deposits	6,549,681	6,198,019
Private accounts
Noninterest bearing demand deposits:
Noninterest bearing demand deposits	1,322,793	1,607,952
Interest bearing deposits:
Savings accounts	602,050	672,676
Money market demand accounts	356,506	424,676
Platinum money market accounts	421,505	421,826
Interest bearing checking accounts	1,897,017	1,496,784
NOW demand accounts	14,507	13,601
CDs of $250,000 or more	232,343	120,387
CDs under $250,000	489,584	532,409
Total interest bearing deposits	4,013,512	3,682,359
Public accounts
Noninterest bearing demand deposits:
Noninterest bearing demand deposits	67,614	63,610
Interest bearing deposits:
Savings accounts	2,000	1,949
Money market demand accounts	31,808	33,871
Platinum money market accounts	498,079	365,720
Interest bearing checking accounts	75,573	89,320
NOW demand accounts	370,752	234,027
CDs of $250,000 or more	161,194	113,810
CDs under $250,000	6,356	5,401
Total interest bearing deposits	$ 1,145,762	$ 844,098

DEPOSITS - Scheduled Maturities

DEPOSITS - Scheduled Maturities of Time Deposits (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Time Deposits, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2024	$ 758,980
2025	113,907
2026	6,256
2027	3,627
2028	6,707
2029 and thereafter	0
Total	$ 889,477

DEPOSITS - Narrative (Details)

DEPOSITS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest expense on time deposits of $250,000 or more	$ 13,000,000	$ 2,100,000	$ 1,400,000
Maximum brokered certificates of deposit balance allowed per company policy	$ 1,200,000,000
Maximum brokered certificates of deposit balance allowed per company policy, percent	20%
Related party deposit liabilities	$ 9,800,000	11,000,000
Demand deposit overdrafts reclassified as loans	1,300,000	1,200,000
Certificates of deposit - CDs
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Line Items]
Brokered deposits	0	220,900,000
Brokered non-maturity deposits
Deposit Liabilities Disclosures [Line Items]
Brokered deposits	$ 828,000,000	$ 438,400,000
Weighted average cost, domestic deposit, brokered	3.23%

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS - Inform

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS - Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other borrowings		$ 509,820	$ 221,153
FHLB borrowings		212,648	153,358
Other borrowings:
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other borrowings		509,820	221,153
Average amount outstanding during the period	[1]	436,676	77,845
Maximum amount outstanding during the period	[2]	$ 1,030,421	$ 316,563
Weighted average interest rate during the period	[3]	4.90%	2.40%
Interest rate at end of period	[4]	5%	4.10%
FHLB borrowings:
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
FHLB borrowings		$ 212,648	$ 153,358
Average amount outstanding during the period	[1]	276,584	135,926
Maximum amount outstanding during the period	[2]	$ 533,242	$ 423,645
Weighted average interest rate during the period	[3]	2.50%	2.40%
Interest rate at end of period	[5]	1.20%	0.70%
[1] The average amount outstanding during the period was computed by dividing the total daily outstanding principal balances by the number of days in the period. The maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period. The weighted average interest rate during the period was computed by dividing the actual interest expense by the average amount outstanding during the period. The weighted average interest rate on other borrowings and FHLB borrowings includes the effect of interest rate swaps. Stated rate. The interest rate on FHLB borrowings includes the effect of interest rate swaps.

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS - Maturi

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS - Maturities Table (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less than 1 Year	$ 714,127
1-2 Years	7,205
2-3 Years	484
3-4 Years	406
4-5 Years	246
Thereafter	0
Total	722,468
Other borrowings:
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less than 1 Year	503,387
1-2 Years	6,433
2-3 Years	0
3-4 Years	0
4-5 Years	0
Thereafter	0
Total	509,820
FHLB borrowings:
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less than 1 Year	210,740
1-2 Years	772
2-3 Years	484
3-4 Years	406
4-5 Years	246
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 212,648

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS - Narrat

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) oustanding_letters_of_credit credit_line	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of credit lines maintained by the Company | credit_line	3
Federal funds purchased	$ 0	$ 0
FHLB borrowings, unused funds	1,950,000,000
Letters of credit, FHLB, as collateral	0
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$ 92,100,000	33,200,000
Maturity of repurchase agreements, less than	2 years
Federal Reserve Discount Window [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Other borrowings	$ 300,000,000	$ 188,000,000
Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Other borrowings	$ 117,700,000
maturity, less than	3 months
Frost Bank
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 40,000,000
Line of credit facility, capacity available for issuance of letters of credit	$ 5,000,000
Number of outstanding letters of credit | oustanding_letters_of_credit	1
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 155,000
TIB - The Independent Bankers Bank
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	15,000,000
Comerica Bank
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	7,500,000
Federal Reserve Discount Window [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Additional Funding Available	213,100,000
Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Additional Funding Available	$ 8,000
Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
FHLB borrowings, interest rate at period end	0.57%
Maturity range of FHLB borrowings	22 days
Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
FHLB borrowings, interest rate at period end	4.80%
Maturity range of FHLB borrowings	4 years 6 months

LONG-TERM DEBT - Other Long-ter

LONG-TERM DEBT - Other Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Nov. 06, 2020

Oct. 10, 2007

Aug. 10, 2007

Aug. 08, 2007

May 20, 2005

[4]

Sep. 04, 2003

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs

[1]

$ 93,877

$ 98,674

Trust preferred subordinated debentures

[2]

60,270

60,265

Total long-term obligations

154,147

158,939

Southside Statutory Trust III, net of unamortized debt issuance costs

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Trust preferred subordinated debentures

20,578

[2],[3]

20,573

[2],[3]

$ 20,619

Unamortized debt issuance expense

41

46

Southside Statutory Trust IV

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Trust preferred subordinated debentures

23,196

[2]

23,196

[2]

$ 23,196

Southside Statutory Trust V

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Trust preferred subordinated debentures

12,887

[2]

12,887

[2]

$ 12,887

Magnolia Trust Company I

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Trust preferred subordinated debentures

3,609

[2]

3,609

[2]

$ 3,600

$ 3,609

3.875% Subordinated Notes

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs

[1],[5]

93,877

98,674

Unamortized debt issuance expense

$ 1,100

$ 1,300

Stated interest rate

3.875%

Debt face amount

[6]

$ 100,000

Minimum | 3.875% Subordinated Notes

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Long-term debt, remaining maturity, greater than

1 year

[1] This debt consists of subordinated notes with a remaining maturity greater than one year that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2 capital, subject to certain limitations. This debt consists of trust preferred securities that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 1 capital, subject to certain limitations. On October 10, 2007, as part of an acquisition we assumed $3.6 million of floating rate junior subordinated debentures issued in 2005 to Magnolia Trust Company I. The unamortized discount and debt issuance costs reflected in the carrying amount of the subordinated notes totaled approximately $1.1 million at December 31, 2023 and $1.3 million at December 31, 2022. On June 14, 2023, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the $100.0 million fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on November 15, 2030.

LONG-TERM DEBT - LT Debt Intere

LONG-TERM DEBT - LT Debt Interest Rates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

Nov. 14, 2025

Aug. 10, 2007

Aug. 08, 2007

May 20, 2005

Sep. 04, 2003

Dec. 31, 2023

Jun. 14, 2023

Dec. 31, 2022

Nov. 06, 2020

Oct. 10, 2007

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Other long-term debt

[1]

$ 60,270

$ 60,265

Southside Statutory Trust III

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Other long-term debt

$ 20,619

20,578

[1],[2]

20,573

[1],[2]

Southside Statutory Trust III | Three-Month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

[3]

3.20%

Southside Statutory Trust IV

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Other long-term debt

$ 23,196

23,196

[1]

23,196

[1]

Southside Statutory Trust IV | Three-Month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

[3]

1.56%

Southside Statutory Trust V

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Other long-term debt

$ 12,887

12,887

[1]

12,887

[1]

Southside Statutory Trust V | Three-Month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

[3]

2.51%

Magnolia Trust Company I

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Other long-term debt

$ 3,609

[4]

$ 3,609

[1]

$ 3,609

[1]

$ 3,600

Magnolia Trust Company I | Three-Month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

[3],[4]

2.06%

3.875% Subordinated Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt face amount

[5]

$ 100,000

Stated interest rate

3.875%

Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount

$ 5,000

Forecast [Member] | 3.875% Subordinated Notes | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap Rate

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

3.66%

[1] This debt consists of trust preferred securities that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 1 capital, subject to certain limitations. Effective July 1, 2023, the Comany began utilizing SOFR to reset rates on our floating rate trust preferred debentures, due to the fact that LIBOR ceased to be published as of June 30, 2023. On October 10, 2007, as part of an acquisition we assumed $3.6 million of floating rate junior subordinated debentures issued in 2005 to Magnolia Trust Company I. On June 14, 2023, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the $100.0 million fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on November 15, 2030.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Narrative (

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($) executive_officer retiree shares	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) retiree shares	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) retiree shares	Dec. 31, 2018 executive_officer	Dec. 31, 2013 executive_officer
Health Insurance Coverage [Abstract]
Cost of health care benefits			$ 8,100,000	$ 8,400,000	$ 8,600,000
Health coverage eligibility for retiring employees, minimum years of service			50 years
Retirees participating in health insurance | retiree			1	1	1
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) [Abstract]
Contributions to the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)			$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Shares owned by the ESOP (in shares) | shares			366,791	345,847
Supplemental Unemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Long-term disability coverage, minimum years of service rendered for officers to automatically qualify			3 years
Long-term disability coverage, minimum annual salary level for officers to automatically qualify			$ 50,000
Long-term disability coverage, maximum benefit provided, per month			$ 15,000
401(k) [Abstract]
Requisite service period			30 days
401(k) Plan expense			$ 2,200,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,200,000
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Adjustment To Pension Liability			$ 948,000	$ 5,400,000
Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Defined benefit pension plan, minimum eligibility age			65 years
Early retirement election at reduced benefit levels, minimum eligibility age			55 years
Discount rate			5.13%	5.46%
Number of shares of Company stock included in plan assets (in shares) | shares			240,666	240,666
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.125%	6.50%	6.13%	6.13%	6.13%
Funded (under funded) status			$ 8,386,000	$ 6,866,000	$ 3,269,000
Accrued benefit (liability) asset recognized			8,386,000	$ 6,866,000	$ 3,269,000
Expected future employer contributions, next fiscal year			$ 0
Retirement Plan Acquired
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Discount rate			5.13%	5.46%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.125%	6.50%	6.13%	6.13%	6.13%
Funded (under funded) status			$ 839,000	$ 749,000	$ 388,000
Accrued benefit (liability) asset recognized			839,000	$ 749,000	388,000
Expected future employer contributions, next fiscal year			$ 0
Restoration Plan
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Discount rate			5.13%	5.46%
Funded (under funded) status			$ (16,176,000)	$ (15,463,000)	(19,321,000)
Accrued benefit (liability) asset recognized			(16,176,000)	$ (15,463,000)	$ (19,321,000)
Expected future employer contributions, next fiscal year			$ 725,000
Equity securities | Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Target allocation			64%
Fixed income securities | Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Target allocation			35%
Cash equivalents | Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Target allocation			1%
Stock options
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Granted (shares) | shares			0	0	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Nonvested awards outstanding (in shares) | shares			197,943	225,928
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Nonvested awards outstanding (in shares) | shares			28,654	13,514
Incentive Plan 2009
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Number of additional shares (in shares) | shares			410,000
Incentive Plan 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Common stock shares reserved and available for issuance (in shares) | shares			2,460,000
Shares remaining available for grant for future awards (in shares) | shares			1,033,423
Incentive Plan
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Nonvested awards outstanding (in shares) | shares			201,315	277,600	368,447
Unrecognized compensation expense			$ 5,700,000	$ 7,400,000	$ 6,200,000
Unrecognized compensation, weighted-average period for recognition			2 years 3 months 18 days
Incentive Plan | Stock options
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of options exercisable			4 years 3 months 18 days
Awards contractual term			10 years
Total intrinsic value of outstanding stock options			$ 453,000
Total intrinsic value of exercisable stock options			$ 453,000
Incentive Plan | Stock options | Minimum
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Awards vesting period			3 years
Incentive Plan | Stock options | Maximum
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Awards vesting period			4 years
Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Minimum
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Awards vesting period			3 years
Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Maximum
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Awards vesting period			4 years
Incentive Plan | Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Shares earned, performance period			3 years
Performance earnings, minimum payout (as a percentage)			50%
Performance earnings, target payout (as a percentage)			100%
Performance earnings, maximum payout (as a percentage)			150%
Executive officers
Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]
Number of employees included in the deferred compensation agreement with the Company | executive_officer			33
Aggregate payment amount provided in the deferred compensation agreements			$ 10,100,000
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Maximum Contractual Term			15 years
Number of individuals receiving payments | executive_officer			11
Deferred compensation expense			$ 86,000	310,000	457,000
Total deferred compensation plan liability			$ 3,200,000	3,500,000
Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreements [Abstract]
Number of employees originally covered by the split dollar agreements | executive_officer			8
Aggregate death benefit amount provided originally in agreement, before inflation adjustment			$ 4,500,000
Number of employees covered by the split dollar agreements, Actively employed with us | executive_officer			3
Number of retired covered officers death benefits were paid | executive_officer						1
Number of active covered officers death benefits were paid | executive_officer							1
Number of remaining employees covered by the split dollar agreements | executive_officer			7
Aggregate death benefits for remaining executives, inflation adjusted			$ 5,800,000
Expense of Split Dollar Retirement Bonus			(95,000)	27,000	87,000
Total split dollar liability			$ 1,600,000	1,900,000
Executive officers | Minimum
Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreements [Abstract]
Inflation adjustment factor applied to benefits, annual			3%
Executive officers | Maximum
Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreements [Abstract]
Inflation adjustment factor applied to benefits, annual			5%
Employee | Incentive Plan
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense			$ 3,200,000	2,900,000	2,700,000
Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense			671,000	605,000	570,000
Director | Incentive Plan
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense			359,000	342,000	306,000
Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense			$ 75,000	$ 72,000	$ 64,000
Director | Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Awards vesting period			1 year

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Change in P

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Change in Projected Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Plan
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at end of prior year	$ 69,869	$ 94,170	$ 96,848
Interest cost	3,771	2,741	2,570
Actuarial (gain) loss	3,856	(22,997)	(1,381)
Benefits paid	(4,218)	(3,950)	(3,734)
Expenses paid	(113)	(95)	(133)
Settlements	0	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	73,165	69,869	94,170
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of prior year	76,735	97,439	90,419
Actual return	9,147	(16,659)	10,887
Employer contributions	0	0	0
Benefits paid	(4,218)	(3,950)	(3,734)
Expenses paid	(113)	(95)	(133)
Settlements	0	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	81,551	76,735	97,439
(Un)Funded status at end of year	8,386	6,866	3,269
Accrued benefit (liability) asset recognized	8,386	6,866	3,269
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	73,165	69,869	94,170
Retirement Plan Acquired
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at end of prior year	2,379	3,483	3,704
Interest cost	126	102	92
Actuarial (gain) loss	201	(1,076)	(155)
Benefits paid	(61)	(60)	(59)
Expenses paid	(88)	(70)	(99)
Settlements	(311)	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,246	2,379	3,483
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of prior year	3,128	3,871	3,613
Actual return	417	(613)	416
Employer contributions	0	0	0
Benefits paid	(61)	(60)	(59)
Expenses paid	(88)	(70)	(99)
Settlements	(311)	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,085	3,128	3,871
(Un)Funded status at end of year	839	749	388
Accrued benefit (liability) asset recognized	839	749	388
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	2,246	2,379	3,483
Restoration Plan
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at end of prior year	15,463	19,321	18,789
Interest cost	831	578	520
Actuarial (gain) loss	555	(3,763)	684
Benefits paid	(673)	(673)	(672)
Expenses paid	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	16,176	15,463	19,321
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at end of prior year	0	0	0
Actual return	0	0	0
Employer contributions	673	673	672
Benefits paid	(673)	(673)	(672)
Expenses paid	0	0	0
Settlements	0	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	0
(Un)Funded status at end of year	(16,176)	(15,463)	(19,321)
Accrued benefit (liability) asset recognized	(16,176)	(15,463)	(19,321)
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$ 16,176	$ 15,463	$ 19,321

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Amounts Rec

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Amounts Recognized as a Component of Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) occurring during the year	$ (192)	$ (4,487)	$ (6,524)
Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Recognition of net loss	726	640	1,002
Recognition of gain due to settlement	0	0	0
Net gain (loss) occurring during the year	718	493	6,848
Total adjustment during the year	1,444	1,133	7,850
Deferred tax (expense) benefit	(303)	(238)	(1,648)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,141	895	6,202
Retirement Plan Acquired
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Recognition of net loss	0	0	6
Recognition of gain due to settlement	(16)	0	0
Net gain (loss) occurring during the year	29	231	361
Total adjustment during the year	13	231	367
Deferred tax (expense) benefit	(3)	(48)	(77)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	10	183	290
Restoration Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Recognition of net loss	30	255	256
Recognition of gain due to settlement	0	0	0
Net gain (loss) occurring during the year	(555)	3,763	(685)
Total adjustment during the year	(525)	4,018	(429)
Deferred tax (expense) benefit	110	(844)	90
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (415)	$ 3,174	$ (339)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Amounts in

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Net loss	$ 726	$ 640	$ 1,002
Deferred tax expense	(153)	(134)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	573	506
Retirement Plan Acquired
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Net loss	0	0	6
Deferred tax expense	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0
Restoration Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Net loss	30	255	$ 256
Deferred tax expense	(6)	(54)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 24	$ 201

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Amounts R_2

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Amounts Recognized as a Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Net gain (loss)	$ (21,356)	$ (22,800)
Deferred tax (expense) benefit	4,485	4,788
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,871)	(18,012)
Retirement Plan Acquired
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Net gain (loss)	113	100
Deferred tax (expense) benefit	(24)	(21)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	89	79
Restoration Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Net gain (loss)	(2,511)	(1,986)
Deferred tax (expense) benefit	527	417
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (1,984)	$ (1,569)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Net Periodi

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Postretirement Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 3,771	$ 2,741	$ 2,570
Expected return on assets	(4,573)	(5,845)	(5,420)
Net loss amortization	726	640	1,002
Gain recognized due to settlement	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(76)	(2,464)	(1,848)
Retirement Plan Acquired
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	126	102	92
Expected return on assets	(187)	(232)	(211)
Net loss amortization	0	0	6
Gain recognized due to settlement	(16)	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(77)	(130)	(113)
Restoration Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Interest cost	831	578	520
Net loss amortization	30	255	256
Gain recognized due to settlement	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 861	$ 833	$ 776

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Assumptions

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Assumptions Used to Calculate Benefit Obligation, Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Postretirement Benefit (Details)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate			5.13%	5.46%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate			5.46%	2.95%	2.65%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.125%	6.50%	6.13%	6.13%	6.13%
Retirement Plan Acquired
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate			5.13%	5.46%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate			5.46%	2.95%	2.65%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.125%	6.50%	6.13%	6.13%	6.13%
Restoration Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate			5.13%	5.46%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate			5.46%	2.95%	2.65%

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Pension Pla

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Pension Plan Asset Categories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets		$ 81,551	$ 76,735	$ 97,439	$ 90,419
Retirement Plan Acquired
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets		3,085	3,128	$ 3,871	$ 3,613
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | Cash
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets		1,428	605
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | U.S. large cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[1]	28,506	23,032
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | U.S. mid cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[2]	4,323	3,594
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | U.S. small cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[3]	11,907	12,447
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[4]	0	0
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	0	0
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | International developed
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[6]	9,317	8,161
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | International emerging
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[2]	1,964	1,841
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[7]	0	0
Level 1 | Retirement Plan | US Treasury and Government
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	148	233
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | Cash
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets		0	0
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | U.S. large cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[1]	1,055	1,103
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | U.S. mid cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[2]	125	135
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | U.S. small cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[3]	64	66
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | International
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[4]	540	547
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	1,078	1,027
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | International developed
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[6]	0	0
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | International emerging
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[2]	0	0
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[7]	223	250
Level 1 | Retirement Plan Acquired | US Treasury and Government
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	0	0
Level 2 | Retirement Plan | Cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets		5,957	8,543
Level 2 | Retirement Plan | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	1,893	1,979
Level 2 | Retirement Plan | U.S. government agencies
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	4,871	4,380
Level 2 | Retirement Plan | Municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	11,119	11,774
Level 2 | Retirement Plan | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[8]	118	146
Level 2 | Retirement Plan Acquired | Cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets		0	0
Level 2 | Retirement Plan Acquired | Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	0	0
Level 2 | Retirement Plan Acquired | U.S. government agencies
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	0	0
Level 2 | Retirement Plan Acquired | Municipal bonds
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[5]	0	0
Level 2 | Retirement Plan Acquired | U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Categories of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Total fair value of plan assets	[8]	$ 0	$ 0
[1] For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds and domestic stocks. For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “active” mutual funds. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds. For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds and shares of Southside Bancshares stock. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds. This category is comprised of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds and international stocks. For the Retirement Plan, this category is comprised of individual investment grade securities that are generally HTM. The Acquired Retirement Plan assets in this category consist of pooled separate accounts invested in mutual funds, bonds and fixed income securities. This category is comprised of a broadly diversified “passive” and “active” mutual funds. This category is comprised of a pooled separate account invested in commercial real estate and includes mortgage loans which are backed by the associated properties. This category is comprised of individual securities that are generally not HTM.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Expected Fu

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Expected Future Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2024	$ 4,415
2025	4,616
2026	4,930
2027	5,115
2028	5,210
2029 through 2033	26,495
Total expected future payments	50,781
Retirement Plan Acquired
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2024	85
2025	92
2026	92
2027	128
2028	373
2029 through 2033	564
Total expected future payments	1,334
Restoration Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2024	694
2025	818
2026	1,156
2027	1,406
2028	1,420
2029 through 2033	7,137
Total expected future payments	$ 12,631

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Schedule of

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Schedule of Shares Issued in Connection with Stock Compensation Awards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$ 1,082	$ 790	$ 7,672
Stock options | Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from stock options exercised	1,082	790	7,672
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during period	$ 229	$ 421	$ 3,005
Treasury  Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
New shares issued (in shares)	99,109	86,500	305,212

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Summary of

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Summary of Activity of Share-based Plans (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Service Based - Restricted Stock Units Outstanding
Number of Shares
Balance, January 1, 2023	225,928
Granted (shares)	57,966
Stock options exercised (in shares)	0
Stock awards vested (shares)	(74,698)
Forfeited (shares)	(11,253)
Canceled/expired (shares)	0
Balance, December 31, 2023	197,943	225,928
Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Balance, January 1, 2023	$ 36.60
Granted (in dollars per share)	30.14
Stock options exercised (in dollars per share)	0
Stock awards vested (in dollars per share)	36.57
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	36.30
Canceled/expired (in dollars per share)	0
Balance, December 31, 2023	$ 34.76	$ 36.60
Performance Based - Restricted Stock Units Outstanding
Number of Shares
Balance, January 1, 2023	13,514
Granted (shares)	15,140
Stock options exercised (in shares)	0
Stock awards vested (shares)	0
Forfeited (shares)	0
Canceled/expired (shares)	0
Balance, December 31, 2023	28,654	13,514
Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Balance, January 1, 2023	$ 41.74
Granted (in dollars per share)	38.89
Stock options exercised (in dollars per share)	0
Stock awards vested (in dollars per share)	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Canceled/expired (in dollars per share)	0
Balance, December 31, 2023	$ 40.18	$ 41.74
Stock Options Outstanding
Number of Shares
Stock awards vested (shares)	0
Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Stock awards vested (in dollars per share)	$ 0
Number of Shares
Balance, January 1, 2023	673,011
Granted (shares)	0	0	0
Stock options exercised (shares)	(38,556)
Forfeited (shares)	(3,682)
Canceled/expired (shares)	(10,267)
Balance, December 31, 2023	620,506	673,011
Weighted- Average Exercise  Price
Balance, January 1, 2023	$ 33.45
Granted (in dollars per share)	0
Stock options exercised (in dollars per share)	28.03
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	34.83
Canceled/expired (in dollars per share)	34.12
Balance, December 31, 2023	33.76	$ 33.45
Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Balance, January 1, 2023	6.49
Granted (in dollars per share)	0
Stock options exercised (in dollars per share)	6.77
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	5.89
Canceled/expired (in dollars per share)	6.37
Balance, December 31, 2023	$ 6.47	$ 6.49

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Stock Optio

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - Stock Options Exercise Price Range (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 $ / shares shares
Options Outstanding
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	620,506
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 33.76
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	4 years 3 months
Options Exercisable
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	620,506
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 33.76
$23.66 - $25.00
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Lower Range Limit (in dollars per share)	23.66
Range of Exercise Prices - Upper Range Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 25
Options Outstanding
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	6,153
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 23.66
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	1 year 7 days
Options Exercisable
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	6,153
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 23.66
$25.01 - $30.00
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Lower Range Limit (in dollars per share)	25.01
Range of Exercise Prices - Upper Range Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 30
Options Outstanding
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	86,226
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 26.61
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	1 year 5 months 23 days
Options Exercisable
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	86,226
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 26.61
$30.01 - $35.00
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Lower Range Limit (in dollars per share)	30.01
Range of Exercise Prices - Upper Range Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 35
Options Outstanding
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	451,962
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.67
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	5 years 21 days
Options Exercisable
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	451,962
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.67
$35.01 - $37.28
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices - Lower Range Limit (in dollars per share)	35.01
Range of Exercise Prices - Upper Range Limit (in dollars per share)	$ 37.28
Options Outstanding
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	76,165
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 37.28
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years	2 years 10 months 13 days
Options Exercisable
Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	76,165
Weighted- Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 37.28

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	$ 1,296,294,000	$ 1,299,014,000
Gain (loss) on hedging activity	6,500,000
Cash collateral received from counterparties under master netting agreements	46,760,000	$ 82,135,000
Fair Value Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	460,400,000
Interest Rate Swaps | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 1,010,000,000

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_4

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Derivative [Line Items]
Cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments included in the carrying amount of the hedged items	$ 13,642	$ 21,562
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Amortized cost of hedged assets - Securities AFS	$ 487,486	$ 804,224
Derivative Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Securities AFS, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $1,332,467 and $1,387,874, respectively)	Securities AFS, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $1,332,467 and $1,387,874, respectively)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_5

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Schedule of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Asset Derivative
Gross derivatives		$ 56,639,000	$ 82,306,000
Offsetting derivative assets/liabilities		(7,435,000)	(171,000)
Cash collateral received/posted		$ (46,760,000)	(82,135,000)
Derivative Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]		Other liabilities
Net derivatives included in the consolidated balance sheets	[1]	$ 2,444,000	0
Liability Derivative
Gross derivatives		25,684,000	21,217,000
Offsetting derivative assets/liabilities		(7,435,000)	(171,000)
Cash collateral received/posted		0	0
Net derivatives included in the consolidated balance sheets	[1]	18,249,000	$ 21,046,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swaps
Liability Derivative
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 1,010,000,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Asset Derivative
Derivative Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]		Securities AFS, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $1,332,467 and $1,387,874, respectively)	Securities AFS, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $1,332,467 and $1,387,874, respectively)
Financial institution counterparties
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit exposure related to interest rate swaps		$ 1,900,000	$ 0
Financial institution counterparties | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swaps
Asset Derivative
Gross derivatives		24,223,000	39,527,000
Liability Derivative
Gross derivatives		6,910,000	0
Derivative, Notional Amount	[2]	1,010,000,000	575,000,000
Financial institution counterparties | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Fair Value Hedging | Interest Rate Swaps
Asset Derivative
Gross derivatives		13,658,000	21,733,000
Liability Derivative
Gross derivatives		16,000	171,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	[2]	453,440,000	742,675,000
Financial institution counterparties | Derivatives designated as non-hedging instruments | Interest Rate Swaps
Asset Derivative
Gross derivatives		18,249,000	21,046,000
Liability Derivative
Gross derivatives		509,000	0
Derivative, Notional Amount	[2]	248,073,000	223,124,000
Customer counterparties
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit exposure related to interest rate swaps		509,000	0
Customer counterparties | Derivatives designated as non-hedging instruments | Interest Rate Swaps
Asset Derivative
Gross derivatives		509,000	0
Liability Derivative
Gross derivatives		18,249,000	21,046,000
Derivative, Notional Amount	[2]	$ 248,073,000	$ 223,124,000
[1]Net derivative assets are included in other assets and net derivative liabilities are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in the fair value of net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are credit valuation adjustments reflecting counterparty credit risk and our credit risk. At December 31, 2023, we had $1.9 million credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and $509,000 related to interest rate swaps with customers. At December 31, 2022, we had no credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and none related to interest rate swaps with customers. The credit risk associated with customer transactions is partially mitigated as these are generally secured by the non-cash collateral securing the underlying transaction being hedged.[2]Notional amounts, which represent the extent of involvement in the derivatives market, are used to determine the contractual cash flows required in accordance with the terms of the agreement. These amounts are typically not exchanged, significantly exceed amounts subject to credit or market risk and are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_6

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Weighted Average Remaining Maturity, Lives, and Rates of Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount		$ 1,010,000,000
Financial institution counterparties | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	[1]	$ 248,073,000	$ 223,124,000
Remaining Maturity		7 years 4 months 24 days	9 years
Receive Rate		5.84%	4.83%
Pay Rate		2.88%	2.69%
Financial institution counterparties | Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	[1]	$ 1,010,000,000	$ 575,000,000
Remaining Maturity		2 years 3 months 18 days	2 years 3 months 18 days
Receive Rate		5.44%	4.44%
Pay Rate		2.65%	1.13%
Financial institution counterparties | Fair Value Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	[1]	$ 453,440,000	$ 742,675,000
Remaining Maturity		5 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 3 months 18 days
Receive Rate		5.37%	3.42%
Pay Rate		3.13%	3.21%
Customer counterparties | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	[1]	$ 248,073,000	$ 223,124,000
Remaining Maturity		7 years 4 months 24 days	9 years
Receive Rate		2.88%	2.69%
Pay Rate		5.84%	4.83%
[1]Notional amounts, which represent the extent of involvement in the derivatives market, are used to determine the contractual cash flows required in accordance with the terms of the agreement. These amounts are typically not exchanged, significantly exceed amounts subject to credit or market risk and are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_7

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Derivative Included In The Consolidated Statements Of Income Related To Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) included in interest expense on deposits	$ 108,157	$ 29,075	$ 9,404
Gain (loss) included in interest expense on FHLB borrowings	6,777	3,291	7,348
Gain (loss) included in interest expense on other borrowings	21,356	1,862	42
Total interest expense	144,714	40,640	26,430
Gain (loss) included in interest income on tax-exempt investment securities	54,629	45,001	37,730
Other noninterest income	5,654	6,328	5,505
Interest Rate Swaps | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Fair Value Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) included in interest income on tax-exempt investment securities	12,834	422	0
Interest Rate Swaps | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) included in interest expense on deposits	15,225	2,917	(103)
Gain (loss) included in interest expense on FHLB borrowings	8,432	721
Gain (loss) included in interest expense on FHLB borrowings			6,292
Gain (loss) included in interest expense on other borrowings	887	0	0
Total interest expense	24,544	3,638	(6,395)
Interest Rate Swaps | Derivatives designated as non-hedging instruments
Derivative [Line Items]
Other noninterest income	$ 352	$ 472	$ 813

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Fair V

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		$ 1,296,294	$ 1,299,014
Amortized cost of hedged assets - Securities AFS	[1]	2,444	0
Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps	[1]	18,249	21,046
US Treasury Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		139,725
State and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		568,745	964,852
Corporate bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		14,093	8,704
Residential MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	[2]	568,983	315,027
Commercial MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	[2]	4,748	10,431
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans		4,481,836	4,111,176
Estimated Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans		4,198,879	3,880,664
Estimated Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans		0	0
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans		0	0
Estimated Fair Value | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans		4,198,879	3,880,664
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity investments		5,308	5,235
Total asset fair value measurements		1,358,241	1,386,555
Total liability fair value measurements		25,684	21,217
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | US Treasury Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		139,725
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | State and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		568,745	964,852
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		14,093	8,704
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Residential MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	[3]	568,983	315,027
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Commercial MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	[3]	4,748	10,431
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amortized cost of hedged assets - Securities AFS		56,639	82,306
Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps		25,684	21,217
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity investments		5,308	5,235
Total asset fair value measurements		145,033	5,235
Total liability fair value measurements		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | US Treasury Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		139,725
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | State and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporate bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Residential MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Commercial MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amortized cost of hedged assets - Securities AFS		0	0
Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity investments		0	0
Total asset fair value measurements		1,213,208	1,381,320
Total liability fair value measurements		25,684	21,217
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | US Treasury Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | State and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		568,745	964,852
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		14,093	8,704
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Residential MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	[3]	568,983	315,027
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Commercial MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value	[3]	4,748	10,431
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amortized cost of hedged assets - Securities AFS		56,639	82,306
Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps		25,684	21,217
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity investments		0	0
Total asset fair value measurements		0	0
Total liability fair value measurements		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | US Treasury Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | State and Political Subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Residential MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Commercial MBS
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amortized cost of hedged assets - Securities AFS		0	0
Derivative liabilities: Interest rate swaps		0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreclosed assets		99	167
Total asset fair value measurements		7,099	7,982
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Collateral Pledged
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans	[4]	7,000	7,815
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreclosed assets		0	0
Total asset fair value measurements		0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Collateral Pledged
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans		0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreclosed assets		0	0
Total asset fair value measurements		0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Collateral Pledged
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans		0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreclosed assets		99	167
Total asset fair value measurements		7,099	7,982
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Collateral Pledged
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Collateral-dependent loans	[4]	$ 7,000	$ 7,815
[1]Net derivative assets are included in other assets and net derivative liabilities are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in the fair value of net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are credit valuation adjustments reflecting counterparty credit risk and our credit risk. At December 31, 2023, we had $1.9 million credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and $509,000 related to interest rate swaps with customers. At December 31, 2022, we had no credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and none related to interest rate swaps with customers. The credit risk associated with customer transactions is partially mitigated as these are generally secured by the non-cash collateral securing the underlying transaction being hedged.[2]All MBS issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. GSEs.[3] All MBS are issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. GSEs. Consists of individually evaluated loans. Loans for which the fair value of the collateral and commercial real estate fair value of the properties is less than cost basis are presented net of allowance. Losses on these loans represent charge-offs which are netted against the allowance for loan losses.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Fair_2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Carrying Amount
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 560,510	$ 199,252
Investment securities:
HTM, at carrying value	1,186,152	1,190,108
Mortgage-backed securities:
HTM, at carrying value	120,901	136,621
FHLB stock, at cost	11,936	9,190
Equity investments	4,383	5,946
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	4,481,836	4,111,176
Loans held for sale	10,894	667
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	6,549,681	6,198,019
Other borrowings	509,820	221,153
FHLB borrowings	212,648	153,358
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	93,877	98,674
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	60,270	60,265
Estimated Fair Value
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	560,510	199,252
Investment securities:
HTM, at carrying value	1,054,739	1,023,376
Mortgage-backed securities:
HTM, at carrying value	111,423	125,780
FHLB stock, at cost	11,936	9,190
Equity investments	4,383	5,946
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	4,198,879	3,880,664
Loans held for sale	10,894	667
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	6,534,929	6,158,517
Other borrowings	510,242	221,153
FHLB borrowings	202,750	140,976
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	86,285	91,357
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	57,480	60,594
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	560,510	199,252
Investment securities:
HTM, at carrying value	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities:
HTM, at carrying value	0	0
FHLB stock, at cost	0	0
Equity investments	0	0
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	0	0
Loans held for sale	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Other borrowings	0	0
FHLB borrowings	0	0
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	0	0
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	0	0
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investment securities:
HTM, at carrying value	1,054,739	1,023,376
Mortgage-backed securities:
HTM, at carrying value	111,423	125,780
FHLB stock, at cost	11,936	9,190
Equity investments	4,383	5,946
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	0	0
Loans held for sale	10,894	667
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	6,534,929	6,158,517
Other borrowings	510,242	221,153
FHLB borrowings	202,750	140,976
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	86,285	91,357
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	57,480	60,594
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investment securities:
HTM, at carrying value	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities:
HTM, at carrying value	0	0
FHLB stock, at cost	0	0
Equity investments	0	0
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	4,198,879	3,880,664
Loans held for sale	0	0
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits	0	0
Other borrowings	0	0
FHLB borrowings	0	0
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	0	0
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Fair_3

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT - Fair Value Measurements, Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 source
Available-for-sale Securities
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Number of additional third party sources used to validate prices	2
Derivative [Member]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Number of additional third party sources used to validate prices	2

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Regulato

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Regulatory Capital Requirements (Details) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Consolidated
Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital		$ 690,296	$ 687,686
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital for Capital Adequacy Purposes		$ 252,954	$ 245,107
Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk Weighted Assets) Ratios [Abstract]
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets		0.1228	0.1263
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes to Risk Weighted Assets		0.0450	0.0450
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Tier 1 Capital		$ 748,755	$ 746,140
Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes		$ 337,273	$ 326,809
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Ratios
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets		0.1332	0.1370
Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes to Risk Weighted Assets		0.0600	0.0600
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Total Capital		$ 884,095	$ 877,281
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes		$ 449,697	$ 435,746
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Ratios
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets		0.1573	0.1611
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes to Risk Weighted Assets		0.0800	0.0800
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Tier 1 Capital	[1]	$ 748,755	$ 746,140
Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes	[1]	$ 318,906	$ 299,511
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) Ratios
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets	[1]	0.0939	0.0996
Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes to Average Assets	[1]	0.0400	0.0400
Bank Only
Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital		$ 836,228	$ 823,323
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital for Capital Adequacy Purposes		252,865	245,085
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to be Well Capitalized		$ 365,249	$ 354,012
Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk Weighted Assets) Ratios [Abstract]
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets		0.1488	0.1512
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes to Risk Weighted Assets		0.0450	0.0450
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Required to be Well Capitalized to Risk Weighted Assets		0.0650	0.0650
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Tier 1 Capital		$ 836,228	$ 823,323
Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes		337,153	326,780
Tier 1 Capital Required to be Well Capitalized		$ 449,537	$ 435,707
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Ratios
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets		0.1488	0.1512
Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes to Risk Weighted Assets		0.0600	0.0600
Tier 1 Capital Required to be Well Capitalized to Risk Weighted Assets		0.0800	0.0800
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
Total Capital		$ 877,691	$ 855,790
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes		449,537	435,707
Total Capital Required to be Well Capitalized		$ 561,922	$ 544,633
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets) Ratios
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets		0.1562	0.1571
Total Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes to Risk Weighted Assets		0.0800	0.0800
Total Capital Required to be Well Capitalized to Risk Weighted Assets		0.1000	0.1000
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
Tier 1 Capital	[1]	$ 836,228	$ 823,323
Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes	[1]	318,814	299,410
Tier 1 Capital Required to be Well Capitalized	[1]	$ 398,517	$ 374,263
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) Ratios
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets	[1]	0.1049	0.1100
Tier 1 Capital Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes to Average Assets	[1]	0.0400	0.0400
Tier 1 Capital Required to be Well Capitalized to Average Assets	[1]	0.0500	0.0500
[1]Refers to quarterly average assets as calculated in accordance with policies established by bank regulatory agencies.

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Narrativ

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Payments of Ordinary Dividends [Abstract]
Cash dividends paid per common share	$ 1.42	$ 1.40	$ 1.37

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COM_2

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)	38,884	31,853	34,150
Stock issued during period under dividend reinvestment plan, average price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 31.48	$ 38.70	$ 39.64
Common Stock purchased (in shares)	1,435,193	923,775	938,484
Repurchase of common stock, cost	$ 45,074	$ 33,841	$ 34,148

INCOME TAXES - Provision for In

INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current income tax expense	$ 16,547	$ 14,700	$ 12,674
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(2,110)	(89)	4,752
Income tax expense	$ 14,437	$ 14,611	$ 17,426

INCOME TAXES - Summary of Net D

INCOME TAXES - Summary of Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Assets
Allowance for loan losses	$ 8,962	$ 7,668
Operating lease liabilities	3,508	3,585
Unrealized losses on securities AFS	31,820	44,299
Fair value adjustment on loans	436	500
Unfunded status of defined benefit plan	4,988	5,184
State business tax credit	181	242
Stock-based compensation	1,294	1,177
Other	294	337
Gross deferred tax assets	51,483	62,992
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	30,426	34,695
Liabilities
Retirement and other benefit plans	2,529	2,435
Premises and equipment	8,852	9,269
Operating lease ROU assets	3,116	3,216
Core deposit intangible	292	548
Effective hedging derivatives	6,268	12,829
Gross deferred tax liabilities	$ 21,057	$ 28,297

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Expen

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Expense Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Amount
Statutory tax expense	$ 21,237	$ 25,123	$ 27,474
Increase (decrease) in taxes from:
Tax exempt interest	(6,107)	(10,345)	(9,636)
BOLI	(1,222)	(555)	(549)
Share-based compensation	89	(93)	(392)
State business tax	353	312	366
Other, net	87	169	163
Income tax expense	$ 14,437	$ 14,611	$ 17,426
Percent of Pre-Tax Income
Statutory tax expense	21%	21%	21%
Increase (Decrease) in Taxes From:
Percent of Pre-tax income, Tax exempt interest	(6.00%)	(8.60%)	(7.40%)
Percent of Pre-tax income, Bank owned life insurance	(1.20%)	(0.50%)	(0.40%)
Percent of Pre-tax income, Share-based compensation	0.10%	(0.10%)	(0.30%)
Percent of Pre-tax income, State business tax	0.30%	0.30%	0.30%
Percent of Pre-tax income, Other net	0.10%	0.10%	0.10%
Percent of Pre-tax income, Income tax expense	14.30%	12.20%	13.30%

INCOME TAXES Narrative (Details

INCOME TAXES Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Narrative [Abstract]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$ 0	$ 0

LEASES Narrative (Details)

LEASES Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 ft²
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Extend	10 years
Building Acquired, Number of Square Feet	202,000
Number of Square Feet We Occupy	39,000
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Remaining Lease Term	1 month
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Remaining Lease Term	16 years 8 months 12 days
Lessee, Operating Lease, Option to Terminate	90 days

LEASES - Balance Sheet Informat

LEASES - Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease ROU assets	$ 14,837	$ 15,314
Operating lease liabilities	$ 16,704	$ 17,070

LEASES - Components of Lease Ex

LEASES - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 1,802	$ 1,773	$ 1,811

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021 USD ($) contract	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease ROU assets		$ 14,837	$ 15,314
Operating cash flows from operating leases		1,716	1,644	$ 2,016
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities		$ 809	$ 1,531	$ 1,330	[1]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Number of Contracts | contract	1
Operating lease
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease ROU assets	$ 1,100
[1]For the year ended December 31, 2021, the ROU assets obtained were primarily due to one lease that commenced in January 2021 with an initial ROU asset of $1.1 million.

LEASES - Weighted Average Lease

LEASES - Weighted Average Lease Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2023 Rate	Dec. 31, 2022 Rate
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining lease term	13 years	13 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average discount rate	3.27%	2.98%

LEASES - Future Operating Lease

LEASES - Future Operating Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
2024		$ 1,607
2025		1,754
2026		1,737
2027		1,616
2028		1,581
2029 and thereafter		12,281
Total lease payments	[1]	20,576
Less: Interest		(3,872)
Present value of lease liabilities		16,704	$ 17,070
Lease not yet commenced, liability		$ 422
Not yet commenced, lease term		5 years 4 months 24 days
[1]es $422,000 of lease payments for a lease executed but not yet commenced. Lease will commence in 2024 with a lease term of 5.4 years.

LEASES - Rental Income (Details

LEASES - Rental Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Lessor, Operating Lease, Description [Abstract]
Gross rental income	$ 3,584	$ 3,173	$ 3,288
Operating Lease, Income, Comprehensive Income, Extensible List, Not Disclosed, Flag	Gross rental income

LEASES - Future Operating Lea_2

LEASES - Future Operating Lease Receivable (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2024	$ 2,962
2025	2,297
2026	1,964
2027	1,197
2028	509
2029 and thereafter	794
Total lease payments	$ 9,723

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENT_3

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Off-Balance Sheet, Credit Loss, Liability [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 3,687	$ 2,384	$ 6,386
Provision for (reversal of) off-balance-sheet credit exposures	245	1,303	(4,002)
Balance at end of period	$ 3,932	$ 3,687	$ 2,384

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENT_4

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, at fair value	$ 1,093,150	$ 1,323,617
Commitments to extend credit
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, at fair value	1,082,327	1,296,773
Standby letters of credit
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk, at fair value	$ 10,823	$ 26,844

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENT_5

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Securities
Unsettled trades to purchase securities	$ 0	$ 0	$ 18,995,000
Unsettled trades to sell securities	0	0
Deposits [Abstract]
Unsettled issuances of brokered CDs	$ 0	$ 0

SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATI_2

SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 Rate
1-4 family residential real estate loans | Credit Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Real Estate Loans Collateralized by Owner-Occupied Residential Dwellings, Percentage	19.10%

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFO_3

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION - BALANCE SHEETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$ 122,021	$ 106,143
Other assets		31,627	21,163
Total assets		8,284,914	7,558,636
Liabilities
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	[1]	93,877	98,674
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,270	60,265
Other liabilities		68,626	64,100
Total liabilities		7,511,626	6,812,639
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock:  ($1.25 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 38,039,706 shares issued at December 31, 2023 and 38,000,822 shares issued at December 31, 2022)		47,550	47,501
Paid-in capital		788,840	784,545
Retained earnings		282,355	239,610
Treasury stock: (shares at cost, 7,790,276 at December 31, 2023 and 6,454,192 at December 31, 2022)		(231,995)	(188,203)
AOCI		(113,462)	(137,456)
Total shareholders’ equity		773,288	745,997	$ 912,172	$ 875,297
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		8,284,914	7,558,636
Parent
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		5,097	20,235
Other assets		4,765	4,411
Total assets		928,723	905,921
Liabilities
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		93,877	98,674
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs		60,270	60,265
Other liabilities		1,288	985
Total liabilities		155,435	159,924
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock:  ($1.25 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 38,039,706 shares issued at December 31, 2023 and 38,000,822 shares issued at December 31, 2022)		47,550	47,501
Paid-in capital		788,840	784,545
Retained earnings		282,355	239,610
Treasury stock: (shares at cost, 7,790,276 at December 31, 2023 and 6,454,192 at December 31, 2022)		(231,995)	(188,203)
AOCI		(113,462)	(137,456)
Total shareholders’ equity		773,288	745,997
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		928,723	905,921
Parent | Bank subsidiaries
ASSETS
Investment in subsidiaries at equity in underlying net assets		917,035	879,449
Parent | Nonbank subsidiaries
ASSETS
Investment in subsidiaries at equity in underlying net assets		$ 1,826	$ 1,826
[1] This debt consists of subordinated notes with a remaining maturity greater than one year that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2 capital, subject to certain limitations.

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFO_4

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION - BALANCE SHEETS SHARE INFORMATION (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common Stock, Authorized (in shares)	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common Stock, Issued (in shares)	38,039,706	38,000,822
Treasury Stock, (in shares)	7,790,276	6,454,192
Parent
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.25
Common Stock, Authorized (in shares)	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common Stock, Issued (in shares)	38,039,706	38,000,822
Treasury Stock, (in shares)	7,790,276	6,454,192

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFO_5

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION - INCOME STATEMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income
Other	$ 1,185	$ 503	$ 530
Total interest income	359,741	252,981	215,987
Expense
Interest expense	144,714	40,640	26,430
Income tax benefit	(14,437)	(14,611)	(17,426)
Net income	86,692	105,020	113,401
Parent
Income
Dividends from subsidiary	85,000	85,000	100,000
Interest income	135	72	42
Other	587	0	0
Total interest income	85,722	85,072	100,042
Expense
Interest expense	8,424	6,412	9,636
Other	3,319	3,148	4,162
Total expense	11,743	9,560	13,798
Income before income tax expense	73,979	75,512	86,244
Income tax benefit	2,314	1,992	2,889
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	76,293	77,504	89,133
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	10,399	27,516	24,268
Net income	$ 86,692	$ 105,020	$ 113,401

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFO_6

PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION - CASH FLOWS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$ 86,692	$ 105,020	$ 113,401
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Stock compensation expense	3,552	3,221	3,020
(Gain on purchase) loss on redemption of subordinated notes	0	0	1,118
Net change in other assets	37,874	(5,447)	(2,672)
Net change in other liabilities	(85,559)	94,674	24,482
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	79,864	226,517	156,104
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(327,073)	(634,779)	(194,008)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase/redemption of subordinated notes	(4,365)	0	(100,011)
Purchase of common stock	(44,803)	(33,708)	(34,148)
Cash dividends paid	(43,582)	(44,936)	(44,569)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	608,467	405,761	131,249
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	361,258	(2,501)	93,345
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	199,252
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	560,510	199,252
Parent
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	86,692	105,020	113,401
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Amortization	159	145	277
Stock compensation expense	360	342	306
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries	(10,399)	(27,516)	(24,268)
(Gain on purchase) loss on redemption of subordinated notes	(587)	0	1,118
Net change in other assets	(354)	(27)	348
Net change in other liabilities	303	204	(1,732)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	76,174	78,168	89,450
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes	0	0	(95)
Purchase/redemption of subordinated notes	(4,365)	0	(100,011)
Purchase of common stock	(45,074)	(33,708)	(34,148)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,709	1,522	8,546
Cash dividends paid	(43,582)	(44,936)	(44,569)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(91,312)	(77,122)	(170,277)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(15,138)	1,046	(80,827)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	20,235	19,189	100,016
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 5,097	$ 20,235	$ 19,189