Simmons First National Corporation Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

PINE BLUFF, Ark., April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Fehlman, Simmons' Chief Executive Officer, commented on first quarter 2024 results:

Simmons delivered solid results in the quarter that clearly reflect our driving principles centered on a strong risk management culture, profitability and organic growth.

Total loans increased 4 percent on a linked quarter annualized basis and our commercial loan pipeline expanded for the third consecutive quarter. Total deposits were up 2 percent on a linked quarter annualized basis. We were particularly encouraged by the growth in money market and savings accounts again this quarter after robust growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. Importantly, the growth in loans and deposits, coupled with lower wholesale funding costs, enabled us to maintain a relatively stable net interest margin despite continued low-cost deposit migration.

Credit trends throughout the industry are beginning to normalize after an extended period at historically low levels. To that end, provision expense exceeded net charge-offs in the quarter and our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans stood at 1.34 percent. Moreover, our strong capital and liquidity positions provide us a solid foundation to continue delivering sound, profitable growth.

Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) (Simmons or Company) today reported net income of $38.9 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $23.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $45.6 million for the first quarter of 2023. Diluted earnings per share were $0.31 for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $0.19 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and $0.36 for the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted earnings¹ for the first quarter of 2024 were $40.4 million, compared to $50.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $47.3 million for the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted diluted earnings per share¹ for the first quarter of 2024 were $0.32, compared to $0.40 for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $0.37 for the first quarter of 2023.

During the first quarter of 2024, we recorded $1.6 million of noninterest expense for an FDIC special assessment levied to support the Deposit Insurance Fund following the failure of certain banks in 2023. This expense was in addition to the $10.5 million FDIC special assessment we recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023. The table below summarizes the impact of these items, along with the impact of certain other items, consisting primarily of branch right sizing, early retirement and a loss recorded in connection with the strategic sale of available-for-sale securities. They are also described in further detail in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" tables contained in this press release.

Impact of Certain Items on Earnings and Diluted EPS

Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the first quarter of 2024 totaled $151.9 million, compared to $155.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $177.8 million for the first quarter of 2023. Interest income totaled $322.6 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $323.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The decrease in interest income on a linked quarter basis was primarily due to a decline in the contribution from investment securities resulting from a lower average balance in the portfolio. Interest expense totaled $170.7 million for the first quarter of 2024, up $2.9 million on a linked quarter basis as an increase in deposit costs more than offset a decline in other borrowings. Included in net interest income is accretion recognized on assets, which totaled $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2024, $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2023.

The yield on loans on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis for the first quarter of 2024 was 6.24 percent, compared to 6.20 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 5.67 percent in the first quarter of 2023. The yield on investment securities in the first quarter of 2024 was 3.76 percent, compared to 3.67 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2.92 percent in the first quarter of 2023. Cost of deposits for the first quarter of 2024 was 2.75 percent, compared to 2.58 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 1.58 percent in the first quarter of 2023. The net interest margin on an FTE basis for the first quarter of 2024 was 2.66 percent, compared to 2.68 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 3.09 percent in the first quarter of 2023.

Noninterest Income
Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2024 was $43.2 million, compared to $22.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and $45.8 million in the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted noninterest income¹ was $43.2 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $42.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and $45.8 million in the first quarter of 2023. The increase in noninterest income on a linked quarter basis was primarily the result of increased activity related to debit and credit card fees, mortgage banking income and bank owned life insurance income, as well as a $20.2 million loss on the strategic sale of available-for-sale securities recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2024 was $139.9 million, compared to $148.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $143.2 million for the first quarter of 2023. During the first quarter of 2024 and fourth quarter of 2023, noninterest expense included an FDIC special assessment of $1.6 million and $10.5 million, respectively. Also included in noninterest expense are certain items consisting of branch right sizing, early retirement and merger and integration costs. Collectively, these items totaled $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2024, $15.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2023. Excluding these items (which are described in the "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" tables below), adjusted noninterest expense¹ was $137.9 million for the first quarter of 2024, $132.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $140.9 million for the first quarter of 2023. The decrease in noninterest expense on a linked quarter basis was primarily the result of lower FDIC special assessment charges and branch right sizing costs during the first quarter of 2024, offset in part by an increase in salaries and employee benefits principally due to higher payroll taxes typically incurred during the first quarter.

Loans and Unfunded Loan Commitments
Total loans at the end of the first quarter of 2024 were $17.0 billion, up $447 million, or 3 percent, compared to $16.6 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2023. Total loans on a linked quarter basis increased $156 million, or 1 percent, reflecting our focus on maintaining disciplined pricing strategies and prudent underwriting standards given projections surrounding near-term economic activity and conditions. Unfunded loan commitments at the end of the first quarter of 2024 were $3.9 billion, compared to $3.9 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and $4.7 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2023. At the same time, our commercial loan pipeline experienced measured growth for the third consecutive quarter. Commercial loans ready to close at the end of the first quarter of 2024 were $381 million and the rate on ready to close commercial loans was 8.38 percent.  

Deposits
Total deposits at the end of the first quarter of 2024 were $22.4 billion, compared to $22.2 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and $22.5 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2023. On a linked quarter basis, deposit growth was driven by increased levels of interest bearing transaction accounts (interest bearing checking, money market and savings accounts), time deposits and brokered deposits. Noninterest bearing deposits totaled $4.7 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2024, compared to $4.8 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. The loan-to-deposit ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2024 was 76 percent, unchanged from the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and up slightly from 74 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2023.

Asset Quality
Provision for credit losses totaled $10.2 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $10.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and $24.2 million for the first quarter of 2023. Included in provision for credit losses was the recapture of provision expense on investment securities totaling $1.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, while the first quarter of 2023 included provision expense on investment securities totaling $13.3 million. The allowance for credit losses on loans at the end of the first quarter of 2024 was $227.4 million, compared to $225.2 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and $206.6 million at the end of the first quarter of 2023. The increase in allowance for credit losses on loans on a linked quarter and year-over-year basis reflected in part increased activity in the loan portfolio, as well as changes in macroeconomic conditions. The allowance for credit losses on loans as a percentage of total loans was 1.34 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2024, unchanged from fourth quarter 2023 levels and up from 1.25 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2023.

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans for the first quarter of 2024 were 19 basis points, compared to 11 basis points for the fourth quarter of 2023 and 3 basis points for the first quarter of 2023. The increase in net charge-offs on a linked quarter basis was primarily due to $4.5 million of charge-offs associated with the small ticket equipment finance portfolio that has been designated for run-off, as well as certain loans acquired through mergers since 2020. Net charge-offs from run-off and acquired portfolios accounted for 11 basis points of total net charge-offs recorded during the first quarter of 2024.

Total nonperforming loans at the end of the first quarter of 2024 were $107.3 million, compared to $84.5 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and $63.7 million at the end of the first quarter of 2023. The increase in nonperforming loans on a linked quarter basis was primarily due to an $11.0 million asset based lending loan and a $6.6 million non-owner occupied real estate loan to a business that was negatively impacted by Covid. The asset based lending portfolio was acquired in 2021 and has also been designated for run-off. The nonperforming loan coverage ratio ended the first quarter of 2024 at 212 percent. Total nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets were 0.41 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2024, compared to 0.33 percent at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and 0.26 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2023.

Capital
Total stockholders' equity at the end of the first quarter of 2024 was $3.4 billion, compared to $3.3 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2023. On a linked quarter basis, total stockholders' equity increased $12.6 million, primarily as a result of a $12.5 million increase in retained earnings. Book value per share at the end of the first quarter of 2024 was $27.42, compared to $27.37 at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and $26.24 at the end of the first quarter of 2023. Tangible book value per share¹ at the end of the first quarter of 2024 was $16.02, compared to $15.92 at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and $14.88 at the end of the first quarter of 2023.

Stockholders' equity as a percentage of total assets at March 31, 2024, was 12.6 percent, compared to 12.5 percent at December 31, 2023, and 12.1 percent at March 31, 2023. Tangible common equity as a percentage of tangible assets¹ was 7.8 percent at March 31, 2024, compared to 7.7 percent at December 31, 2023, and 7.3 percent at March 31, 2023. Both Simmons and Simmons Bank continue to maintain strong regulatory capital positions with all regulatory capital ratios significantly exceeding "well-capitalized" guidelines.   

Cash Dividend and Share Repurchase Program
As a result of Simmons' solid capital position and its ability to organically generate capital, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on Simmons' Class A common stock of $0.21 per share, which represents a 5 percent increase from the cash dividend paid for the same time period last year. The cash dividend is payable on July 1, 2024, to shareholders of record as of June 14, 2024. Simmons has paid cash dividends for 115 consecutive years, and 2024 represents the 13th consecutive year that Simmons has increased its dividend. According to research by Dividend Power, Simmons is one of only 26 U.S. publicly traded companies that have paid dividends for 100+ uninterrupted years. Simmons also earned Dividend Power's designation as a "Dividend Contender," a title reserved exclusively for companies that have increased their dividend for 10 to 24 consecutive years. As of April 8, 2024, Dividend Power research noted that Simmons is one of only 347 companies out of nearly 6,000 companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ to achieve this distinction.

During the first quarter of 2024, Simmons did not repurchase shares under its stock repurchase program that was authorized in January 2024 (2024 Program) and which replaced its former repurchase program that was authorized in January 2022. Remaining authorization under the 2024 Program as of March 31, 2024, was approximately $175 million. The timing, pricing and amount of any repurchases under the 2024 Program will be determined by Simmons' management at its discretion based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, market conditions, trading volume and market price of Simmons' common stock, Simmons' capital needs, Simmons' working capital and investment requirements, other corporate considerations, economic conditions, and legal requirements.  The 2024 Program does not obligate Simmons to repurchase any common stock and may be modified, discontinued or suspended at any time without prior notice.

Conference Call
Management will conduct a live conference call to review this information beginning at 9:00 a.m. Central Time today, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Interested persons can listen to this call by dialing toll-free 1-844-481-2779 (North America only) and asking for the Simmons First National Corporation conference call, conference ID 10187669. In addition, the call will be available live or in recorded version on Simmons' website at simmonsbank.com for at least 60 days following the date of the call.

Simmons First National Corporation
Simmons First National Corporation (NASDAQ: SFNC) is a Mid-South based financial holding company that has paid cash dividends to its shareholders for 115 consecutive years. Its principal subsidiary, Simmons Bank, operates 233 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. Founded in 1903, Simmons Bank offers comprehensive financial solutions delivered with a client-centric approach. In 2023, Simmons Bank was recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Midsize Employers and among the World's Best Banks for the fourth consecutive year. Additional information about Simmons Bank can be found on our website at simmonsbank.com, by following @Simmons_Bank on X (formerly Twitter) or by visiting our newsroom.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their analysis of the Company's performance. These measures adjust GAAP performance measures to, among other things, include the tax benefit associated with revenue items that are tax-exempt, as well as exclude from net income (including on a per share diluted basis), pre-tax, pre-provision earnings, net charge-offs, income available to common shareholders, non-interest income, and non-interest expense certain income and expense items attributable to, for example, merger activity (primarily including merger-related expenses), gains and/or losses on sale of branches, net branch right-sizing initiatives, FDIC special assessment charges and gain/loss on the sale of AFS investment securities. The Company has updated its calculation of certain non-GAAP financial measures to exclude the impact of gains or losses on the sale of AFS investment securities in light of the impact of the Company's strategic AFS investment securities transactions during the fourth quarter of 2023 and has presented past periods on a comparable basis.

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

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may not be based on historical facts and should be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements made in Mr. Fehlman's quote and estimated earn back periods, may be identified by reference to future periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "believe," "budget," "expect," "foresee," "anticipate," "intend," "indicate," "target," "estimate," "plan," "project," "continue," "contemplate," "positions," "prospects," "predict," or "potential," by future conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," "might" or "may," or by variations of such words or by similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to Simmons' future growth, business strategies, lending capacity and lending activity, loan demand, revenue, assets, asset quality, profitability, dividends, net interest margin, non-interest revenue, share repurchase program, acquisition strategy, digital banking initiatives, the Company's ability to recruit and retain key employees, the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, and future economic conditions and interest rates. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and Simmons undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release. By nature, forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions and involve inherent risk and uncertainties. Various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in economic conditions, changes in credit quality, changes in interest rates and related governmental policies, changes in loan demand, changes in deposit flows, changes in real estate values, changes in the assumptions used in making the forward-  looking statements, changes in the securities markets generally or the price of Simmons' common stock specifically, changes in information technology affecting the financial industry, and changes in customer behaviors, including consumer spending, borrowing, and saving habits; general economic and market conditions; market disruptions including pandemics or significant health hazards, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises, war and other military conflicts (including the ongoing military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas) or other major events, or the prospect of these events; the soundness of other financial institutions and any indirect exposure related to the closings of other financial institutions and their impact on the broader market through other customers, suppliers and partners, or that the conditions which resulted in the liquidity concerns experienced by closed financial institutions may also adversely impact, directly or indirectly, other financial institutions and market participants with which the Company has commercial or deposit relationships;  increased inflation; the loss of key employees; increased competition in the markets in which the Company operates; increased unemployment; labor shortages; claims, damages, and fines related to litigation or government actions; changes in accounting principles relating to loan loss recognition (current expected credit losses); the Company's ability to manage and successfully integrate its mergers and acquisitions and to fully realize cost savings and other benefits associated with acquisitions; increased delinquency and foreclosure rates on commercial real estate loans; cyber threats, attacks or events; reliance on third parties for key services; government legislation; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Additional information on factors that might affect the Company's financial results is included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other reports that the Company has filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), all of which are available from the SEC on its website, www.sec.gov. In addition, there can be no guarantee that the board of directors (Board) of Simmons will approve a quarterly dividend in future quarters, and the timing, payment, and amount of future dividends (if any) is subject to, among other things, the discretion of the Board and may differ significantly from past dividends.