Simmons First National Corp - SFNC STOCK NEWS

Simmons First National Corporation has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share, payable on April 4, 2022, to shareholders on record as of March 15, 2022. This marks a 6% increase from the previous year’s dividend. With a current annualized cash dividend rate of $0.76 per share, Simmons boasts a 113-year history of returning capital to shareholders. The company has achieved a 7% compound annual growth rate in dividends over the last decade, positioning it alongside established brands like Coca Cola and Procter & Gamble.

Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) reported record net income of $271.2 million for 2021, a 6 percent increase from 2020. Diluted EPS rose to $2.46, reflecting strong operational performance despite merger-related costs. Newly funded loans topped $2.6 billion in Q4, with a 31% surge in unfunded commitments. A new $175 million share repurchase program was authorized, alongside a 6 percent increase in cash dividends. Total deposits climbed to $19.4 billion, up $2.4 billion year-over-year, signaling robust growth and acquisition success.

Simmons First National Corp. (NASDAQ: SFNC) will announce its fourth quarter 2021 earnings on January 27, 2022, prior to market opening. A live conference call will be held at 9:00 a.m. CDT the same day, accessible via toll-free number 1-866-298-7926. The call will also be available on their website for at least 60 days. Simmons Bank, the company's principal subsidiary, operates over 200 financial centers across six states and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the 'World’s Best Banks' for two consecutive years.

Simmons Bank has initiated a pioneering sponsorship program aimed at supporting female student-athletes across ten universities, including Arkansas State and Oklahoma State. This unique initiative focuses on customized programming, financial education, and career development opportunities. It is believed to be the first of its kind, covering all women's athletic teams at each university. Simmons Bank's commitment underscores the correlation between athletic participation and career success, as highlighted by findings from a study linking sports to business leadership.

Simmons Bank has announced a lease agreement with the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis to establish a new full-service branch at the ULSTL headquarters, located at 1408 North Kingshighway. Construction is set to begin in early 2022, with completion expected by summer 2022. This 2,567 square-foot branch will offer a range of banking services and include a drive-thru lane and ATM. The initiative aims to support under-banked residents and small businesses in North St. Louis, enhancing economic opportunities in the community.

Simmons First National Corporation has announced a definitive merger agreement to acquire Spirit of Texas Bancshares for an estimated $581 million. The transaction involves a mix of cash and Simmons' common stock, with about 18.3 million shares to be issued, translating to approximately 1.02 shares of Simmons stock per Spirit share. The exchange ratio is contingent on various conditions, including the number of outstanding shares and the price of Simmons stock at closing, set at $31.73 as of November 17, 2021.

Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) has announced a definitive merger agreement to acquire Spirit of Texas Bancshares (NASDAQ: STXB) for approximately $581 million, enhancing its presence in key Texas markets such as Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. The merger will involve cash and stock, converting Spirit's shares into Simmons' stock. With this acquisition, Simmons' total assets will rise to $28.2 billion, augmenting its loan capacity and market share ranking in Texas. The deal is projected to be accretive to earnings by $0.22 per share in 2023.

Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share, payable on January 4, 2022, for shareholders of record as of December 15, 2021. This marks a 6% increase from the previous year's dividend. For the full year of 2021, total dividends amount to $0.72 per share, yielding approximately 2.3%. Simmons has consistently returned capital to shareholders for 112 consecutive years, aligning with its growth strategy, as evidenced by a five-year compound annual growth rate in dividends exceeding 8%.

Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) reported a net income of $80.6 million for Q3 2021, a 22% increase from the previous year, with diluted EPS rising 23% to $0.74. Loan production reached $1.5 billion, while total deposits grew by $1.1 billion to $18.1 billion. The company saw a decline in nonperforming loans for the fourth consecutive quarter and recorded a $19.9 million provision expense recapture. Share repurchases totaled 1.8 million shares in Q3. The company maintains strong capital ratios significantly exceeding guidelines, indicating a solid financial position.