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Simmons First National (SFNC)
NASDAQ:SFNC

Simmons 1st Nat'l (SFNC) AI Stock Analysis

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SFNC

Simmons 1st Nat'l

(NASDAQ:SFNC)

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Neutral 61 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
$21.50
â–²(15.90% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/04/26
The score is anchored by weaker financial performance driven by the 2025 loss, partially offset by a supportive earnings-call outlook (NIM/NII guidance and repricing tailwinds). Technical indicators are largely neutral and valuation is helped by the ~4.17% dividend yield, though the negative P/E limits earnings-based valuation support.
Positive Factors
Balance-sheet resilience
Leverage has improved and equity is sizable versus assets, providing a durable capital buffer. That resilience reduces solvency risk, supports loss absorption, and preserves capacity to fund lending or dividends through economic cycles, enhancing multi-quarter financial flexibility.
Consistent cash generation
Operating and free cash flow remained positive and improved in 2025 despite the headline loss, indicating the core business generates cash. Persistent cash generation supports organic loan growth, dividend funding, and the $175M buyback optionality while limiting reliance on expensive wholesale funding.
Back-book repricing and NII/NIM guidance
Management expects substantial back-book repricing (> $2.5B under 4%) and guided to 9%–11% NII growth with NIM near mid‑3.80%. These structural repricing dynamics and explicit guidance support a durable uplift in net interest income and margin recovery across the next two years.
Negative Factors
2025 profitability shock
A large net loss and materially negative margins in 2025 represent a meaningful reversal of prior profitability. Restoring stable earnings will require sustained NIM and fee improvement plus expense control; until then, ROE and capital deployment plans remain constrained and risk investor confidence.
Deposit competition and funding constraints
Elevated deposit competition and a below‑peer share of core noninterest-bearing deposits limit low-cost funding growth. A high cumulative deposit beta (~64%) raises NIM sensitivity and may force reliance on pricier funding or slower loan growth, constraining durable margin expansion.
Compressed loan pricing in CRE markets
Management notes aggressive, return‑compressing CRE pricing that reduces risk‑adjusted yields. If competitive pressure persists, attractive lending opportunities shrink, underwriting must tighten, and long-term loan spread recovery will be harder, limiting sustainable revenue and margin upside.

Simmons 1st Nat'l (SFNC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Simmons 1st Nat'l Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSimmons First National Corporation operates as the holding company for Simmons Bank that provides banking and other financial products and services to individuals and businesses. It offers checking, savings, and time deposits; consumer, real estate, and commercial loans; agricultural finance, equipment, and small business administration lending; trust and fiduciary services; credit cards; investment management products; insurance products; and securities and investment services. The company also provides ATM services; Internet and mobile banking platforms; overdraft facilities; and safe deposit boxes. As of January 27, 2022, the company operated through 199 financial centers in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Simmons First National Corporation was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
How the Company Makes MoneySimmons 1st National Corporation generates revenue through several key streams, primarily from net interest income, which is derived from the difference between the interest earned on loans and the interest paid on deposits. The bank lends money to consumers and businesses at higher rates than what it pays to depositors, creating a profit margin. Additionally, SFNC earns non-interest income from various fees associated with its banking services, including account maintenance fees, transaction fees, and service charges. The bank also generates revenue from its mortgage lending operations, investment management services, and wealth management solutions. Significant partnerships with local businesses and community organizations further enhance its service offerings and customer base, contributing to its overall financial performance.

Simmons 1st Nat'l Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 20, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 28, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call portrayed strong operational and financial momentum: meaningful NIM expansion, elevated loan production, robust revenue and pre-provision income growth, improved funding mix and notable profitability (ROA ~1.29%, ROTCE ~mid-teens). Management also resolved legacy asset-quality issues, reduced expenses versus multi-year run rates, and signaled investments in talent and deposit-growth initiatives. Offsetting items include competitive pressure on loan pricing (especially CRE), deposit competition in select markets, some nonrecurring Q4 items (BOLI gains and favorable tax rate), planned modest expense growth to fund investments, and management’s cautious guidance for 2026 loan growth and the potential sensitivity to future rate cuts. On balance, the positive operational and financial developments materially outweigh the challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Loan Production and Growth
Highest quarterly loan production in a couple of years; underlying fourth-quarter loan growth was stated to be well in excess of a 7% annualized rate despite elevated paydowns and some seasonality (agri and mortgage warehouse declines). Pipeline size remains healthy at roughly $1.5–$2.0 billion with rate-ready-to-close at a multi-quarter high; guidance for 2026 is low- to mid-single-digit loan growth.
Net Interest Margin Expansion
Fourth-quarter linked-quarter NIM improved by ~31 basis points to 3.81%; year-over-year NIM expanded ~94 basis points. ~19–20 bps of the quarter's improvement was from the partial-quarter impact of the balance sheet restructure; ~11 bps from core NIM expansion (3 bps loan growth, 8 bps rate/mix).
Back-Book Repricing Tailwind
Over $2.5 billion of loans with rates below 4% are scheduled to reprice over the next two years, providing an ongoing tailwind to loan yields and NIM even after recent rate cuts.
Revenue and Pre-Provision Net Revenue Gain
Fourth-quarter revenue rose nearly 20% year-over-year and pre-provision net revenue increased ~60% year-over-year, reflecting improved net interest income and stronger fee income.
Strong Profitability Metrics
Fourth-quarter annualized ROA was 1.29%; quarterly ROTCE printed around mid-teens (~16% referenced for the quarter). Management reiterated targets of an ROA ~1.25%+ and ROTCE in the mid-teens over the medium term.
Improved Funding Profile and Liability Mix
Balance sheet repositioning materially reduced wholesale/brokered funding (about $1.4 billion less brokered deposits), shifting sensitivity from liability sensitive to asset sensitive beyond the short end and lowering funding risk.
Asset Quality Actions and Resolution
Resolution of two problem credits with less impact than initially expected, sale of the equipment finance business and targeted charge-offs; management concluded reserves and specific loss recognition were adequate and characterized credit as stable after a deep-dive.
Efficiency and Expense Discipline
2025 expenses are below the run rate of Q4 2022 despite years of inflation and investments; facilities reduced square footage by ~6%; procurement and automation initiatives cited as ongoing drivers of efficiency while funding continued investments.
Negative Updates
Competitive Pressure on Loan Pricing (CRE)
Management highlighted 'irrational' loan pricing in CRE markets, compressing risk-adjusted returns and making some growth opportunities less attractive despite strong pipelines.
Deposit Competition and Funding Constraints
Deposit competition—notably from smaller banks—remains elevated in pockets of the footprint; noninterest-bearing deposits remain below peers and management identifies core deposit growth as a key constraint on accelerated loan growth. Cumulative deposit beta is ~64% and is expected to settle in the high-50s by the end of 2026.
Seasonality and One-Time Items Inflating Q4
Fourth-quarter results included nonrecurring items (a little over $3 million of BOLI gains and a favorable Q4 tax rate below the expected ~20% tax rate for 2026) and seasonality that may not repeat, tempering the comparability of Q4 profitability to run rates.
Moderation in Pipeline and Cautious 2026 Guidance
Although ready-to-close pipeline items increased, the overall pipeline was described as 'flattish' and management guided to a more cautious low- to mid-single-digit loan growth for 2026 rather than sustaining Q4's elevated production pace.
Expense Growth to Fund Investments
Expense guidance for 2026 is up 2%–3% year-over-year as the bank intends to fund hiring and technology investments; management described the efficiency program as in the 'middle innings' with later gains harder to achieve.
Loan Paydowns and Divestitures Impacting Balances
Fourth quarter included elevated paydowns, divested loans, and charge-offs (including legacy equipment finance runoff) that reduced balances despite strong production.
Short-Term NIM Sensitivity and Rate Cut Risk
Management noted some short-end liability sensitivity (day 1–3 months) and that additional rate cuts would lessen the back-book tailwind; the FY guidance assumes two rate cuts (May and August) but NIM stability could be pressured if cuts are deeper/faster or deposit betas prove higher.
Limited Near-Term Capital Deployment Plans for Buybacks
Although capital generation is improving, management prioritized organic growth and dividends; share buybacks are not embedded in the current budget and would be opportunistic rather than planned near-term activity.
Company Guidance
Management guided 2026 to low- to mid‑single‑digit loan growth (pipeline ~$1.5–$2.0B with approved/ready‑to‑close at a multi‑quarter high), stable net interest margin roughly in the mid‑3.80% area (Q4 NIM 3.81%; linked‑quarter +31 bps — ~19–20 bps from the partial quarter impact of the balance‑sheet restructure and ~11 bps of core NIM expansion: ~3 bps loan growth, ~8 bps rate/mix), and net interest income growth of 9%–11%; the guide embeds two Fed cuts (May and August) and assumes cumulative deposit beta currently ~64% with incremental beta for future cuts ~50% (cumulative beta settling in the high‑50s by year‑end), over $2.5B of loans repricing under 4% over the next two years, an expense outlook up about 2%–3% y/y, an effective tax rate nearer to ~20% in 2026, and longer‑term targets of ROA ~1.25%+ and ROTCE in the mid‑teens, with excess funding coming from securities runoff, targeted promotional CDs or wholesale only if needed.

Simmons 1st Nat'l Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals: the balance sheet has de-risked with improved leverage (supporting resilience) and operating/free cash flow remained positive. However, the 2025 profitability breakdown (large net loss and deeply negative margins) materially weakens earnings stability and outweighs prior-year strength.
Income Statement
32
Negative
Revenue growth was solid through 2024 (including strong growth in 2022–2023), but profitability deteriorated sharply in 2025: net income swung to a large loss and margins turned deeply negative after several years of healthy positive net margins. The magnitude of the 2025 earnings reversal outweighs the prior multi-year profitability trend and raises concerns about earnings stability.
Balance Sheet
64
Positive
Leverage looks moderate, with debt-to-equity improving notably over time and reaching a relatively conservative level in 2025. Equity remains sizable relative to assets, which supports balance-sheet resilience. However, returns on equity turned negative in 2025 following positive returns in prior years, signaling that capital is currently not generating profits and pressuring overall balance-sheet quality.
Cash Flow
58
Neutral
Operating cash flow and free cash flow were positive across the period and improved in 2025 versus 2024, showing underlying cash generation despite the reported loss. That said, free cash flow growth has been volatile year-to-year, and cash flow relative to the scale of obligations appears thin based on the low operating cash flow coverage levels provided, which limits financial flexibility in a stress scenario.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue626.80M1.45B1.34B1.02B847.94M
Gross Profit36.36M715.97M750.42M861.07M799.62M
EBITDA-474.97M217.42M248.48M355.52M379.68M
Net Income-397.55M152.69M175.06M256.41M271.16M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets24.54B26.88B27.35B27.46B24.72B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.65B2.08B3.77B4.54B8.77B
Total Debt641.35M1.15B1.41B1.39B1.91B
Total Liabilities21.12B23.35B23.92B24.19B21.48B
Stockholders Equity3.42B3.53B3.43B3.27B3.25B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow423.05M380.42M507.89M286.93M229.92M
Operating Cash Flow461.19M425.92M540.98M322.20M277.78M
Investing Cash Flow1.56B369.51M-183.59M-946.23M-2.54B
Financing Cash Flow-2.00B-722.15M-425.42M-344.50M438.46M

Simmons 1st Nat'l Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price18.55
Price Trends
50DMA
19.94
Negative
100DMA
19.03
Negative
200DMA
18.98
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.47
Positive
RSI
36.30
Neutral
STOCH
17.76
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SFNC, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 18.55 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 19.54, below the 50-day MA of 19.94, and below the 200-day MA of 18.98, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.47 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 36.30 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 17.76 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for SFNC.

Simmons 1st Nat'l Risk Analysis

Simmons 1st Nat'l disclosed 49 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Simmons 1st Nat'l reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Simmons 1st Nat'l Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Outperform
$2.96B15.3010.99%3.14%9.41%20.64%
70
Outperform
$3.19B8.175.67%4.35%41.49%-5.53%
69
Neutral
$3.19B12.648.99%2.71%-5.44%45.47%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
64
Neutral
$2.65B24.156.87%1.34%10.50%-6.22%
63
Neutral
$3.01B15.107.37%3.04%9.48%12.83%
61
Neutral
$2.71B-6.78-11.48%4.41%-55.53%-387.04%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SFNC
Simmons 1st Nat'l
18.70
-0.92
-4.67%
BKU
BankUnited
43.29
9.78
29.20%
CBU
Community Bank System
56.20
0.84
1.52%
TOWN
TowneBank
32.65
-1.04
-3.08%
WSBC
WesBanco
33.21
2.88
9.49%
FBK
FB Financial
51.12
4.84
10.46%

Simmons 1st Nat'l Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Simmons First Enhances Executive Change-in-Control Severance Terms
Positive
Mar 4, 2026

On February 27, 2026, Simmons First National Corporation and Simmons Bank amended an existing Executive Change in Control Severance Agreement with executive James M. Brogdon, originally dated July 30, 2021. The amendment increases the formula for his termination compensation from two times to three times his Base Period Income, enhancing his severance benefits in the event of a change in control and signaling a more protective stance toward key executive retention and compensation.

The most recent analyst rating on (SFNC) stock is a Hold with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Simmons 1st Nat’l stock, see the SFNC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Simmons First National Launches New $175 Million Buyback
Positive
Feb 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, Simmons First National Corporation announced that its board of directors had authorized a new stock repurchase program allowing the company to buy back up to $175 million of its Class A common stock. The initiative, which replaces a prior plan that ended on January 31, 2026, is scheduled to run through January 31, 2028, highlighting an ongoing capital management strategy aimed at potentially enhancing shareholder value.

The company may conduct repurchases on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, including trades executed under Rule 10b5-1, with management retaining broad discretion over timing, pricing and volume based on market conditions and corporate needs. Simmons plans to fund the program from available liquidity, such as cash on hand and future cash flow, while retaining the flexibility to modify, suspend or discontinue the buybacks, which gives the bank room to adjust capital deployment as economic and market conditions evolve.

The most recent analyst rating on (SFNC) stock is a Buy with a $22.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Simmons 1st Nat’l stock, see the SFNC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Simmons First National Posts Strong Q4 2025 Earnings
Positive
Jan 20, 2026

On January 20, 2026, Simmons First National Corporation reported fourth-quarter 2025 diluted earnings per share of $0.54 on net income of $78.1 million, driven by total revenue of $249.0 million and a 31-basis-point sequential expansion in net interest margin to 3.81%. Adjusted pre-provision net revenue rose 19% from the prior quarter to $110.4 million, supported by lower deposit costs, improved efficiency ratios, and modest annualized growth of 7% in total loans and 7–8% in total deposits, while key capital ratios such as tangible common equity and CET1 remained solid. Asset quality metrics showed mixed signals: the net charge-off ratio increased to 1.12% due to previously disclosed credit issues and a run-off portfolio, but the nonperforming loan ratio improved by 26 basis points to 0.64%, with management highlighting proactive credit cleanup and appropriate reserve levels as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the loan portfolio and overall balance sheet positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (SFNC) stock is a Hold with a $19.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Simmons 1st Nat’l stock, see the SFNC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Simmons First CEO Enters Personal Aircraft Time-Sharing Agreement
Neutral
Dec 23, 2025

On December 23, 2025, Simmons First National Corporation entered into an aircraft time sharing agreement with its chairman and chief executive officer, George Makris, Jr., allowing him to lease the company’s aircraft with crew on a non-exclusive basis for personal travel for himself and his guests. Under the arrangement, Makris must reimburse Simmons for the actual costs of each flight, including any related deadhead legs, and either party can terminate the agreement with 10 business days’ written notice, while the company will not provide any tax reimbursements related to his personal use of the aircraft, shifting all associated tax obligations to the executive.

The most recent analyst rating on (SFNC) stock is a Hold with a $22.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Simmons 1st Nat’l stock, see the SFNC Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Simmons 1st Nat’l Approves Vesting for Retiring Executive
Neutral
Dec 9, 2025

On December 4, 2025, Simmons First National Corporation’s board of directors decided to allow the unvested performance share units granted to George Makris, Jr. in 2024 to vest post-retirement. This decision ensures that the units will vest as if he had remained employed for the entire performance period, without any proration or acceleration of payment.

The most recent analyst rating on (SFNC) stock is a Hold with a $19.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Simmons 1st Nat’l stock, see the SFNC Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 04, 2026