Simmons First National
SFNC
#4067
Rank
$2.95 B
Marketcap
$20.43
Share price
2.82%
Change (1 day)
14.45%
Change (1 year)

Simmons First National - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549


Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For Quarter Ended June 30, 1997 Commission File Number 06253
------------- -----


SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Arkansas 71-0407808
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)


501 Main Street Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code 870-541-1350

Not Applicable
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period) and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.


YES X NO
---- ----

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of issuer's classes of common
stock.

Class A, Common 5,722,612
Class B, Common None



SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION

INDEX


Part I: Summarized Financial Information

Consolidated Balance Sheets --
June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 3-4

Consolidated Statements of Income --
Three months and six months ended
June 30, 1997 and 1996 5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
Six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 6

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
Equity -- Six months ended
June 30, 1997 and 1996 7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8-16

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 17-18

Review by Independent Certified Public Accountants 19

Part II: Other Information 20-21



Part I: Summarized Financial Information


<TABLE>
Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996


ASSETS



<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)

<S> <C> <C>
Cash and non-interest bearing balances due from banks $ 30,962 $ 41,989
Interest bearing balances due from banks 5,253 8,312
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
under agreements to resell 38,805 18,980
--------- ---------

Cash and cash equivalents 75,020 69,281

Investment securities 258,431 237,662
Mortgage loans held for sale, net of unrealized gains (losses) 3,953 10,101
Assets held in trading accounts 1,023 182
Loans 546,091 510,813
Allowance for loan losses (8,358) (8,366)
--------- ---------
Net loans 537,733 502,447

Premises and equipment 21,104 20,764
Foreclosed assets held for sale 1,248 903
Interest receivable 8,705 9,675
Cost of loan servicing rights acquired 7,900 8,906
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired, at amortized cost 2,977 3,164
Other assets 12,658 18,247
--------- ---------

TOTAL ASSETS $ 930,752 $ 881,332
========= =========

The December 31, 1996 Consolidated Balance Sheet is as reported in the
Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to the Stockholders.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)

LIABILITIES
<S> <C> <C>
Non-interest bearing transaction accounts $117,360 $126,568
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits 269,066 264,554
Time deposits 367,457 345,245
-------- --------
Total deposits 753,883 736,367
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
under agreements to repurchase 35,447 29,079
Short-term debt 5,451 1,484
Long-term debt 18,294 1,067
Accrued interest and other liabilities 10,981 10,510
-------- --------
Total liabilities 824,056 778,507
-------- --------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Capital stock
Class A, common, par value $1 a share (par value $5
a share in 1996),authorized 10,000,000 shares,
5,722,612 issued and outstanding at 1997 and
5,705,415 at 1996 5,723 28,527
Surplus 44,939 22,040
Undivided profits 54,964 51,106
Unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale securities,
net of income taxes of $608 at 1997 and $655 at 1996 1,070 1,152
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity 106,696 102,825
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $930,752 $881,332
======== ========
The December 31, 1996 Consolidated Balance Sheet is as reported in the
Corporation's 1996 Annual Report to the Stockholders.

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996



<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(In thousands, except per share data) 1997 1996 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
INTEREST INCOME
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Loans $ 12,158 $ 10,716 $ 23,679 $ 21,202
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
under agreements to resell 572 382 1,110 929
Investment securities 3,745 3,415 7,417 6,852
Mortgage loans held for sale, net of unrealized gains 79 388 196 788
Assets held in trading accounts 32 30 48 40
Interest bearing balances due from banks 61 77 138 106
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME 16,647 15,008 32,588 29,917
-------- -------- -------- --------

INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits 1,972 1,710 3,856 3,344
Time deposits 4,887 4,627 9,540 9,415
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
under agreements to repurchase 485 276 948 667
Short-term debt 35 14 64 28
Long-term debt 56 102 82 206
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE 7,435 6,729 14,490 13,660
-------- -------- -------- --------

NET INTEREST INCOME 9,212 8,279 18,098 16,257
Provision for loan losses 881 502 1,645 1,003
-------- -------- -------- --------
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION
FOR LOAN LOSSES 8,331 7,777 16,453 15,254
-------- -------- -------- --------
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Trust department income 523 476 1,127 1,029
Service charges on deposit accounts 859 746 1,604 1,485
Other service charges and fees 390 363 699 592
Income (loss) on sale of mortgage loans, net of commissions 102 (58) 223 48
Income on investment banking, net of commissions 127 39 402 339
Credit card fees 2,293 2,433 4,487 4,690
Loan servicing fees 1,968 1,620 3,674 3,223
Other income 42 216 314 357
Investment securities gains, net -- 118 -- 269
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME 6,304 5,953 12,530 12,032
-------- -------- -------- --------

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits 5,513 5,420 11,149 11,050
Occupancy expense, net 597 569 1,218 1,148
Furniture and equipment expense 726 558 1,469 1,119
Loss on foreclosed assets 327 282 579 563
Other expense 3,501 3,133 6,981 6,532
-------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE 10,664 9,962 21,396 20,412
-------- -------- -------- --------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 3,971 3,768 7,587 6,874
Provision for income taxes 1,157 1,107 2,185 1,971
-------- -------- -------- --------
NET INCOME $ 2,814 $ 2,661 $ 5,402 $ 4,903
======== ======== ======== ========
EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE $ 0.49 $ 0.47 $ 0.94 $ 0.86
======== ======== ======== ========
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.14 $ 0.12 $ 0.27 $ 0.23
======== ======== ======== ========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996


<CAPTION>
June 30, June 30,
(In thousands, except per share data) 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 5,402 $ 4,903
Items not requiring (providing) cash
Depreciation and amortization 2,397 1,472
Provision for loan losses 1,645 1,003
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on
investment securities 184 139
Deferred income taxes 15 84
Provision for foreclosed assets 23 108
Investment securities gains (losses), net -- (269)
Gain on sale of premises and equipment (2) (13)
Changes in
Interest receivable 970 (542)
Mortgage loans held for sale, net of unrealized gains (losses) 6,148
9,655
Assets held in trading accounts (841) (418)
Other assets 5,314 (1,718)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (377) (274)
Income taxes payable 751 25
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 21,629 14,155
-------- --------

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net origination's of loans (37,299) (12,608)
Purchase of premises and equipment (1,872) (3,627)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment 605 246
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets -- 83
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities -- 265
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities 69,384 51,716
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (92,811) (59,054)
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities 12,509 43,003
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities (10,035) (33,502)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (59,519) (13,478)
-------- --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net decrease in transaction accounts and
savings deposits (4,696) (8,440)
Net increase (decrease) in time deposits 22,212 (7,458)
Net increase in other borrowings 3,967 1,457
Dividends paid (1,544) (1,296)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 17,250 --
Repayments of long-term debt (23) (3,670)
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased
and securities sold under agreements to repurchase 6,368 (5,876)
Issuance (repurchase) of common stock 95 (455)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 43,629 (25,738)
-------- --------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS 5,739 (25,061)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
BEGINNING OF YEAR 69,281 73,422
-------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 75,020 $ 48,361
======== ========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
Simmons First National Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996

<CAPTION>
Unrealized
Appreciation
On Available-
Common For-Sale Undivided
(In thousands) Stock Surplus Securities, Net Profits Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1995 $ 19,083 $ 22,651 $ 2,025 $ 53,038 $ 96,797

Exercise of stock options--15,000 shares 50 62 112

Repurchase of common stock (85) (482) (567)

Net income 4,903 4,903

Cash dividends declared ($0.23 per share) (1,296) (1,296)

Change in unrealized appreciation on
available-for-sale securities, net of income
tax credit of $630 (1,106) (1,106)
-------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------

Balance, June 30, 1996 19,048 22,231 919 56,645 98,843

Exercise of stock options--1,500 shares 5 8 13

Repurchase of common stock (35) (199) (234)

Common stock dividend
-1,901,776 9,509 (9,509)

Net income 5,398 5,398

Cash dividends declared ($0.25 per share) (1,428) (1,428)

Change in unrealized appreciation on
available-for-sale securities, net of
income taxes of $134 233 233
-------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------

Balance, December 31, 1996 28,527 22,040 1,152 51,106 102,825

Common stock par value change (22,822) 22,822

Exercise of stock options--19,500 shares 20 138 158

Repurchase of common stock (2) (61) (63)

Net income 5,402 5,402

Cash dividends declared ($0.27 per share) (1,544) (1,544)

Change in unrealized appreciation on
available-for-sale securities, net of
income tax credit of $47 (82) (82)
-------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------

Balance, June 30, 1997 $ 5,723 $ 44,939 $ 1,070 $ 54,964 $ 106,696
======== ======== ========== ======== =========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1: ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Simmons
First National Corporation and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

All adjustments made to the unaudited financial statements were of a
normal recurring nature. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary
for a fair presentation of the results of interim periods have been made.
Certain prior year amounts are reclassified to conform to current year
classification.

The accounting policies followed in the presentation of interim
financial results are presented on pages 25-28 of the 1996 Annual Report to
shareholders.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair
value, determined using an aggregate basis. Write-downs to fair value are
recognized as a charge to earnings at the time the decline in value occurs.
Forward commitments to sell mortgage loans are acquired to reduce market risk on
mortgage loans in the process of origination and mortgage loans held for sale.
Amounts paid to investors to obtain forward commitments are deferred until such
time as the related loans are sold. The fair values of the forward commitments
are not recognized into the financial statements. Gains and losses resulting
from sales of mortgage loans are recognized when the respective loans are sold
to investors. Gains and losses are determined by the difference between the
selling price and the carrying amount of the loans sold, net of discounts
collected or paid, commitment fees paid and considering a normal servicing rate.
Fees received from borrowers to guarantee the funding of mortgage loans held for
sale are recognized as income or expense when the loans are sold or when it
becomes evident that the commitment will not be used.

NOTE 2: INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of investments in debt securities
that are held-to-maturity and available-for-sale are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
1997 1996
Gross Gross Estimated Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
(In thousands) Cost Gains (Losses) Value Cost Gains (Losses) Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Held-to-Maturity

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury $ 24,942 $ 116 $ (101) $ 24,957 $ 24,700 $ 179 $ (122) $ 24,757
U.S. Government
agencies 32,041 473 (108) 32,406 35,286 527 (167) 35,646
Mortgage-backed
securities 3,791 9 (67) 3,733 4,243 13 (69) 4,187
State and political
subdivisions 64,513 1,275 (277) 65,511 63,586 1,116 (327) 64,375
Other securities 298 1 -- 299 332 2 (4) 330
--------- ------ ----- --------- --------- ------ ------- ---------
$ 125,585 $ 1,874 $ (553) $ 126,906 $ 128,147 $ 1,837 $ (689) $ 129,295
========= ====== ===== ========= ========= ====== ====== =========

Available-for-Sale

U.S. Treasury $ 68,562 $ 662 $ (65) $ 69,159 $ 63,248 $ 1,006 $ (55) $ 64,199
U.S. Government
agencies 59,377 158 (94) 59,441 41,358 186 (135) 41,409
Other securities 3,229 1,017 -- 4,246 3,102 805 -- 3,907
--------- ------ ----- --------- --------- ------ ------ ---------
$ 131,168 $ 1,837 $ (159) $ 132,846 $ 107,708 $ 1,997 $ (190) $ 109,515
========= ====== ===== ========= ========= ====== ====== =========
</TABLE>


The book value of securities pledged as collateral, to secure public
deposits and for other purposes, amounted to $106,777,000 at June 30, 1997 and
$86,360,000 at December 31, 1996. The approximate fair value of pledged
securities amounted to $107,229,000 at June 30, 1997 and $87,399,000 at December
31, 1996.

The book value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted
to $5,157,000 and $169,000 for June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996,
respectively.

Income earned on the above securities for the six months ended June 30,
1997 and 1996 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Taxable
Held-to-maturity $2,032 $2,234
Available-for-sale 3,743 3,059

Non-taxable
Held-to-maturity 1,642 1,559
Available-for-sale -- --
------ ------

Total $7,417 $6,852
====== ======
</TABLE>

Maturities of investment securities at June 30, 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Held-to-Maturity Available-for-Sale
Amortized Fair Amortized Fair
(In thousands) Cost Value Cost Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
One year or less $ 19,434 $ 19,460 $ 57,731 $ 57,857
After one through five years 52,443 52,829 52,875 54,304
After five through ten years 45,447 45,802 17,333 16,439
After ten years 4,172 4,783 -- --
Mortgage-backed securities not due
on a single date 3,791 3,733 -- --
Other securities 298 299 3,225 4,246
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Total $ 125,585 $ 126,906 $ 131,164 $ 132,846
========== ========== ========== =========
</TABLE>


The table below shows gross realized gains and losses during the first six
months of 1997 and 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
Proceeds from sales $ -- $ 265
---------- ----------

Gross gains -- 269
Gross losses -- --
---------- ----------

Securities gains (losses) $ -- $ 269
========== ==========
</TABLE>


Approximately 10 percent of the state and political subdivision
securities are rated A or above. Of the remaining securities, most are non-rated
bonds and represent small, Arkansas issues, which are evaluated on an ongoing
basis.


NOTE 3: LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The various categories are summarized as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Consumer
Credit cards $168,911 $166,346
Student loans 63,852 64,193
Other consumer 71,350 65,384
Real estate
Construction 26,914 20,325
Single family residential 60,592 57,251
Other commercial 64,975 60,439
Commercial
Commercial 47,872 41,375
Agricultural 29,573 21,003
Financial institutions 7,792 8,469
Other 4,260 6,028
-------- --------
Total loans before allowance for loan losses $546,091 $510,813
======== ========
</TABLE>

During the first six months of 1997, foreclosed assets held for sale
increased to $1,248,000 and are carried at the lower of cost or fair market
value. Other non-performing assets, non-accrual loans and other non-performing
loans for the Corporation at June 30, 1997, were $5,000, $2,123,000 and
$1,710,000, respectively, bringing the total of non-performing assets to
$5,086,000.

Transactions in the allowance for loan losses are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
Balance, beginning of year $ 8,366 $ 8,418
Additions
Provision charged to expense 1,645 1,003
------- -------
10,011 9,421
Deductions
Losses charged to allowance, net of recoveries
of $303 and $221 for the first six months of
1997 and 1996, respectively 1,653 1,057
------- -------

Balance, June 30 $ 8,358 $ 8,364
======= -------

Additions
Provision charged to expense 1,338
-------
9,702
Deductions
Losses charged to allowance, net of recoveries
of $270 for the last six months of
1996 1,336
-------

Balance, end of year $ 8,366
=======
</TABLE>

At June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, impaired loans totaled
$4,503,000 and $4,912,000, respectively, all of which had reserves allocated. An
allowance of $832,000 and $831,000 for possible losses related to those loans at
June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.

Interest of $125,000 and $130,000 was recognized on average impaired
loans of $4,707,000 and $4,523,000 as of June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Interest recognized on impaired loans on a cash basis during the first six
months of 1997 and 1996 was immaterial.

NOTE 4: ACQUISITIONS

In August, 1996, the Simmons First Bank of Dermott charter was moved to
Rogers, Arkansas. The three branches of Simmons First National Bank located in
Rogers, Springdale, and Bella Vista, Arkansas were then sold to the relocated
bank and the bank name was changed to Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas.
The banking facility remaining at Dermott, along with its assets and
liabilities, was then transferred to Simmons First Bank of Lake Village,
Arkansas and is now a branch of that bank. The name of Simmons First Bank of
Lake Village was subsequently changed to Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas.

In February, 1996, the flagship bank, Simmons First National, located
in Pine Bluff, opened an additional branch in Little Rock, Arkansas, bringing
its total branches to twenty-four.

On March 21, 1997, an announcement was made jointly by the Chief
Executive Officers of both the Corporation and First Commercial Corporation of
Little Rock, Arkansas regarding a definitive agreement to acquire all the
outstanding capital stock of First Bank of Arkansas, Searcy, Arkansas and First
Bank of Arkansas, Russellville, Arkansas, in a cash purchase transaction valued
at $53 million. The banks to be acquired had consolidated assets, as adjusted of
approximately $310 million, as of December 31, 1996.

NOTE 5: CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

From time to time the Corporation and its subsidiaries have made loans
and other extensions of credit to directors, officers, their associates and
members of their immediate families, and from time to time directors, officers
and their associates and members of their immediate families have placed
deposits with Simmons First National Bank, Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas,
Simmons First Bank of Jonesboro, Simmons First Bank of Dumas and Simmons First
Bank of Northwest Arkansas. Such loans, other extensions of credit and deposits
were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms
(including interest rates and collateral) as those prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than normal
risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

NOTE 6: STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK

As of June 30, 1997, 252,300 shares of common stock of the Corporation
had been granted through an employee stock option incentive plan. There were
104,250 exercisable options at the end of the second quarter of 1997. Thirty-Six
thousand shares have been issued upon exercise of options. As of June 30, 1997,
3000 shares of common stock of the corporation had been granted and issued as
Bonus Shares of restricted stock.

NOTE 7: ADDITIONAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
Interest paid $ 7,153 $13,127
Income taxes
paid $ 1,490 $ 1,813
</TABLE>

NOTE 8: INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following
components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, June 30,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
Income taxes currently payable $2,170 $1,887
Deferred income taxes 15 84
------ ------
Provision for income taxes $2,185 $1,971
====== ======
</TABLE>

The tax effects of temporary differences related to deferred taxes
shown on the balance sheet are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for loan losses $ 2,960 $ 2,952
Valuation of foreclosed assets
held for sale 309 299
Deferred compensation payable 430 445
Deferred loan fee income 678 642
Other 759 706
------- -------
Total deferred tax assets 5,136 5,044
------- -------

Deferred tax liabilities
Accumulated depreciation (762) (776)
Available-for-sale securities (608) (655)
Other (409) (288)
------- -------
Total deferred tax liabilities (1,779) (1,719)
------- -------
Net deferred tax assets included in other
assets on balance sheets $ 3,357 $ 3,325
======= =======
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of income tax expense at the statutory rate to the
Corporation's actual income tax expense is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, June 30,
(In thousands) 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------


<S> <C> <C>
Computed at the statutory rate (34%) $ 2,579 $ 2,337

Increase (decrease) resulting from:
Tax exempt income (614) (525)
Other differences, net 220 159
------- -------

Actual tax provision $ 2,185 $ 1,971
======= =======
</TABLE>

NOTE 9: TIME DEPOSITS

Time deposits include approximately $107,062,000 and $88,731,000 of
certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more at June 30, 1997, and December 31,
1996, respectively.

NOTE 10: COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT RISK

The five affiliate banks of the Corporation grant agribusiness,
commercial, consumer, and residential loans to their customers. Included in the
Corporation's diversified loan portfolio is unsecured debt in the form of credit
card receivables that comprised approximately 30.9% and 32.6% of the portfolio,
as of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as
long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses
and may require payment of a fee. Since a portion of the commitments may expire
without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily
represent future cash requirements. Each customer's creditworthiness is
evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed
necessary, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty.
Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory,
property, plant and equipment, commercial real estate, and residential real
estate.

At June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, the Corporation had outstanding
commitments to originate loans aggregating approximately $55,763,000 and
$79,710,000, respectively. The commitments extended over varying periods of
time, with the majority being disbursed within a one year period. Loan
commitments at fixed rates of interest amounted to $35,385,000 and $64,616,000
at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively, with the remainder at
floating market rates.

Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the bank
subsidiaries of the Corporation, to guarantee the performance of a customer to a
third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private
borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar
transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is
essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. The
Corporation had total outstanding letters of credit amounting to $2,418,000 and
$2,113,000 at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively, with terms
ranging from 90 days to one year.

Lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there
is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Lines of credit
generally have fixed expiration dates. Since a portion of the line may expire
without being drawn upon, the total unused lines do not necessarily represent
future cash requirements. Each customer's creditworthiness is evaluated on a
case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon
extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the
counterparty. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable,
inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial real estate, and
residential real estate. Management uses the same credit policies in granting
lines of credit as it does for on balance sheet instruments.

At June 30, 1997, the Corporation had granted unused lines of credit to
borrowers aggregating approximately $43,540,000 and $163,850,000 for commercial
lines and open-end consumer lines, respectively. At December 31, 1996, unused
lines of credit to borrowers aggregated approximately $12,677,000 for commercial
lines and $160,938,000 for open-end consumer lines, respectively.

Mortgage loans serviced for others totaled $1,404,305,000 and
$1,477,945,000 at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively. A reserve
has been established for potential loss obligations, based on management's
evaluation of a number of variables, including the amount of delinquent loans
serviced for other investors, length of delinquency, and amounts previously
advanced on behalf of the borrower that the Corporation does not expect to
recover. This reserve is netted against foreclosure receivables included in
other assets. As of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, this reserve balance
was $659,000 and $566,000, respectively.

NOTE 11: CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

A number of legal proceedings exist in which the Corporation and/or its
subsidiaries are either plaintiffs or defendants or both. Most of the lawsuits
involve loan foreclosure activities. The various unrelated legal proceedings
pending against the subsidiary banks in the aggregate are not expected to have a
material adverse effect on the financial position of the Corporation and its
subsidiaries.

NOTE 12: UNDIVIDED PROFITS

The subsidiary banks are subject to a legal limitation on dividends
that can be paid to the parent corporation without prior approval of the
applicable regulatory agencies. The approval of the Comptroller of the Currency
is required, if the total of all dividends declared by a national bank in any
calendar year exceeds the total of its net profits, as defined, for that year
combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years. Arkansas bank
regulators have specified that the maximum dividend limit state banks may pay to
the parent company without prior approval is 50% of current year earnings. At
June 30, 1997, the bank subsidiaries had approximately $14 million available for
payment of dividends to the Corporation without prior approval of the regulatory
agencies. Subsequent to June 30, 1997, the bank subsidiaries paid approximately
$ 14 million in dividends to the corporation.

The Federal Reserve Board's risk-based capital guidelines include the
definitions for (1) a well-capitalized institution, (2) an
adequately-capitalized institution, and (3) an undercapitalized institution. The
criteria for a well-capitalized institution are: a 5% "Tier l leverage capital"
ratio, a 6% "Tier 1 risk-based capital" ratio, and a 10% "total risk-based
capital" ratio. As of June 30, 1997, each of the five subsidiary banks met the
capital standards for a well-capitalized institution. The Corporation's total
capital to total risk-weighted assets ratio was 22.3% at June 30, 1997, well
above the minimum required.

NOTE 13: CAPITAL STOCK

At the April 22, 1997 annual meeting of shareholders, an amendment to
the Articles of Incorporation was approved reducing the par value of the class A
common stock of the Company from $5.00 to $1.00.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, was $2,814,000, an
increase of $153,000, or 5.7%, over the same period in 1996. Earnings per share
for the three-month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, were $.49 and $.47,
respectively, when adjusted for the fifty percent stock dividend paid in the
fourth quarter of 1996.

The Corporation's annualized return on average assets (ROA) for the
three-month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, were 1.25% and 1.28%,
respectively. Annualized return on equity (ROE) for the same three-month periods
were 10.46% and 10.85%, respectively.

Growth in earning assets, a continued strong interest margin, and
increase in non-interest income contributed to the Corporation's earnings
performance in the second quarter.

Net interest income, the difference between interest income and
interest expense, for the three-month period ended June 30, 1997, increased
$933,000, or 11.3%, when compared to the same period in 1996, due to the
increase in earning assets and a strong interest margin. During the second
quarter, interest income increased $1,639,000, or 10.9%, while interest expense
increased $706,000, or 10.4%, when compared to the same period in 1996. For the
six-months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, net interest income was $18,098,000 was
$16,257,000, respectively. This represents an increase of $1,841,000, or 11.3%.
Interest income for the six-month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 was up
$2,671,000, to $32,588,000, over the $29,917,000 reported as for June 30, 1996,
which signifies a 8.9% increase. Year-to-date interest expense at June 30, 1997
and 1996, was $14,490,000 and $13,660,000, respectively, which equates to a 6.1%
increase in the cost of funding the growth in the balance sheet in 1997 when
compared to 1996.

The provision for loan losses for the second quarter of 1997 was
$881,000, compared to $502,000 for the same period of 1996, resulting in a
$379,000, or 75.5%, increase. For the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996,
the provision was $1,645,000 and $1,003,000, respectively, also resulting in a
64% increase.

Non-interest income, exclusive of net gains on securities sold, for the
second quarter ended June 30, 1997, was $6,304,000, a 8.0% increase over the
$5,835,000 reported for the same period in 1996. For the six-months ended June
30, 1996 and 1995, non-interest income, exclusive of net gains on securities
sold, was $12,530,000 and $11,763,000, respectively. Total fee income for both
the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 1997 was up 7.0% and 5.2%,
respectively.

During the three months ended June 30, 1997, non-interest expense
increased $702,000, or 7.0%, over the same period in 1996. This increase
reflects the normal increase in the cost of doing business. Year-to-date
non-interest expense was $21,396,000 at June 30, 1997, compared to $20,412,000,
for the same period ended June 30, 1996.



At June 30, 1997, total assets for the Corporation were $930,752,000, a
increase of $49,420,000, or 5.6%, from the same figure at December 31, 1996.
Deposits at June 30, 1997, totaled $753,883,000, a increase of $17,516,000, or
2.4%, from the same figure at December 31, 1996.

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.53%
at June 30, 1997. The coverage ratio (allowance for loan losses as a percentage
of non-performing loans) was 218%.

Stockholders' equity at the end of the second quarter was $106,696,000, an
increase of $3,871,000, or 3.8%, from the December 31, 1996 figure.
In June 1997 the Corporation completed its trust preferred securities
offering which raised $17.25 million, to be used for pending acquisitions. On
August 1, 1997, the Corporation completed its acquisition of First Bank of
Arkansas, Russellville, Arkansas and First Bank of Arkansas, Searcy, Arkansas.
With the completion of these acquisitions, the Corporation will have total
assets approximating $1.3 billion.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Generally speaking, the Corporation's banking subsidiaries rely upon
net inflows of cash from financing activities, supplemented by net inflows of
cash from operating activities, to provide cash used in their investing
activities. As is typical of most banking companies, significant financing
activities include: deposit gathering; use of short-term borrowing facilities,
such as federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements; and the issuance of
long-term debt. The banks' primary investing activities include loan
origination's and purchases of investment securities, offset by loan payoffs and
investment maturities.

Liquidity represents an institution's ability to provide funds to
satisfy demands from depositors and borrowers, by either converting assets into
cash or accessing new or existing sources of incremental funds. It is a major
responsibility of management to maximize net interest income within prudent
liquidity constraints. Internal corporate guidelines have been established to
constantly measure liquid assets as well as relevant ratios concerning earning
asset levels and purchased funds. Each bank subsidiary is also required to
monitor these same indicators and report regularly to its own senior management
and board of directors. At June 30, 1997, each bank was within established
guidelines and total corporate liquidity was strong. At June 30, 1997, cash and
due from banks, securities available for sale and held in trading accounts,
federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements for resell, and
mortgage loans held for sale were 22.9% of total assets.

REVIEW BY INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

BAIRD, KURTZ & DOBSON

Certified Public Accountants
200 East Eleventh
Pine Bluff, Arkansas


Board of Directors
Simmons First National Bank
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

We have made a review of the accompanying consolidated condensed
financial statements, appearing on pages 3 to 16 of the accompanying Form 10-Q,
of SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION and consolidated subsidiaries as of June
30, 1997 and for the six-months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, in accordance with
standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

A review of interim financial information consists principally of
obtaining an understanding of the system for the preparation of interim
financial information, applying analytical review procedures to financial data,
and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an examination in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications
that should be made to the condensed financial statements referred to above for
them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1996, and
the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows and changes in
stockholders' equity for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our
report dated January 29, 1997, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those
consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in
the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1996,
is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated
balance sheet from which it has been derived.



BAIRD, KURTZ & DOBSON


Pine Bluff, Arkansas
July 31, 1997


Part II

Item 2. Changes in Securities.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities. The following transactions are
sales of unregistered shares of Class A Common Stock of the registrant which
were issued to executive and senior management officers upon the exercise of
rights granted under either the Simmons First National Corporation Incentive and
Non-qualified Stock Option Plan or the Simmons First National Corporation
Executive Stock Incentive Plan. No underwriters were involved and no
underwriter's discount or commissions were involved. Exemption from registration
is claimed under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 as private
placements. Unless noted otherwise, the registrant received cash as the
consideration for the transaction.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number
Identity(1) Date of Sale of Shares Price(2) Type of Transaction
- -------- ------------ --------- ------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
9 Officers April, 1997 10,500 9.625 (3) Incentive Stock Option
1 Officer May, 1997 1,500 6.667 Incentive Stock Option
1 Officer June, 1997 300 1.000 Grant of Bonus Shares
- ----------------
<FN>
Notes:

1. The transactions are grouped to show sales of stock based upon exercises of
rights by officers of the registrant or its subsidiaries under the stock plans
which occurred at the same price during a calendar month.

2. The per share price paid for incentive stock options represents the fair
market value of the stock as determined under the terms of the Plan on the date
the incentive stock option was granted to the officer. Additionally, the price
paid has been adjusted to reflect the effect of the 50% stock dividend paid on
December 6, 1996. The per share price paid for the Bonus shares is the par value
of the Class A Common Stock.

3. Two Officers exercised their privilege under the Plan to exchange existing
shares of SFNC in exercise of the incentive stock options. One such Officer
exchanged 421 shares valued at $27.375 on the date of the transaction plus
$25.12 in cash for the acquisition of 1,200 shares. A second Officer exchanged
300 shares at $27.375 on the date of the transaction plus $450 in cash for the
acquisition of 900 shares.
</FN>
</TABLE>


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

(a) The annual shareholders meeting of the Company was held on April 22,
1997. The matters submitted to the security holders for approval included
setting the number of directors at ten (10), the election of directors, an
amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to reduce the par value of the
registrant's Class A Common Stock from $5.00 to $1.00 and the ratification of
the adoption of the Simmons First National Corporation Executive Stock Incentive
Plan.

(b) At the annual meeting, all ten (10) nominees for director were elected
by the voting of proxies solicited pursuant to Section 14 of the Security
Exchange Act of 1934, without any solicitation in opposition thereto.

(c)(i) The following table shows the required analysis of the voting by
security holders to set the number of directors at ten (10):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Voting of Shares
For Against Abstain
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Set Number of
Directors
at Ten (10) 4,648,917 2,671 12,255
</TABLE>

(ii) The following table shows the required analysis of the voting by
security holders for the election of directors:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Voting of Shares
For Against Abstain
<S> <C> <C> <C>
W. E. Ayres 4,607,752 3,315 46,799
Ben Floriani 4,607,752 3,315 46,799
C. Ramon Greenwood 4,605,952 3,315 48,599
Lara F. Hutt, III 4,601,441 3,315 46,699
George A. Makris, Jr. 4,605,436 3,315 46,799
J. Thomas May 4,607,752 3,315 46,799
David R. Perdue 4,605,741 3,315 46,799
Harry L. Ryburn 4,606,852 3,315 47,699
Donald W. Stone 4,607,752 3,315 46,799
Henry F. Trotter, Jr. 4,606,140 3,315 48,099
</TABLE>

(iii) The following table shows the required analysis of the voting by
security holders for the adoption of the proposed amendment to the Articles of
Incorproation to reduce the par value of the registrant's Class A Common Stock
from $5.00 to $1.00:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Voting of Shares
For Against Abstain
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Amendment to Articles
of Incorporation to
reduce par value 4,481,195 60,923 116,131
</TABLE>

(iv) The following table shows the required analysis of the voting by
security holders for the ratification of the adoption of the Simmons First
National Corporation Executive Stock Incentive Plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Voting of Shares
For Against Abstain
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Ratification of
SFNC Executive
Stock Incentive Plan 4,236,798 287,779 124,114
</TABLE>

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits.

Exhibit
-------
4 Restated Articles of Incorporation

10 Simmons First National Corporation Executive Stock Incentive Plan


(b) Reports on Form 8-K

The registrant filed 1 Form 8-K during the quarter on June 6, 1997. The
report contained disclosures under Item 5 concerning the acquisition of First
Bank of Arkansas, Russellville and First Bank of Arkansas, Searcy and contained
the combined financial statements of First Bank of Arkansas, Russellville and
First Bank of Arkansas, Searcy, as of December 31, 1996 (audited) and March 31,
1997 (unaudited) and for the periods then ended, the statements of income and
cash flows for the three (3) months ended March 31, 1996 (unaudited) and the pro
forma condensed combining financial information of SFNC, First Bank of Arkansas,
Russellville and First Bank of Arkansas, Searcy, for the year ended December 31,
1996 and as of and for the quarter ended March 31, 1997.


SIGNATURES


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

SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORPORATION
(Registrant)



Date: 8/13/97 /s/ J. Thomas May
----------------- ----------------------------------------
J. Thomas May, Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer



Date: 8/13/97 /s/ Barry L. Crow
----------------- -----------------------------------------
Barry L. Crow, Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer