Simmons First National Charts a New Course with Leadership and Growth Focus

Following a solid performance in its 2025 fiscal year, Simmons First National Corporation is accelerating a strategic transformation, pivoting decisively toward organic growth. This shift involves a significant restructuring of its senior leadership and a renewed emphasis on building its wealth management division. The central question for the regional bank is whether it can successfully replace its longstanding acquisition-driven model with internally generated expansion.

The bank’s stable position is underscored by its fourth-quarter 2025 results, released approximately two weeks ago. The figures confirmed a continuation of the previous year's positive trend, with diluted earnings per share of $0.54 and net interest income of $197.3 million. The final quarter saw a net profit of $78.08 million.

Looking ahead to the 2026 fiscal year, management has expressed confidence. The bank anticipates its net interest margin (NIM) will stabilize and reach 3.80% by the fourth quarter. Supported by loan repricing and a moderate trajectory for deposit costs, Simmons First National projects net interest income growth in the range of 9% to 11%. Loan growth is forecast to be in the low- to mid-single digits.

Leadership Reshuffle and Talent Acquisition

A cornerstone of the new strategy is a reinforced leadership team. Effective two days ago, Brian Jackson assumed the role of President for Consumer and Wealth Management, while Jonathan Schneider took over as President for Commercial Banking. Each executive brings nearly twenty years of industry experience to their positions.

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In a parallel move to bolster its capabilities, the bank integrated an eight-member private banking and wealth management team previously with BMO Financial Group's U.S. operation. Led by Rick Sartori, this group will focus on expanding the bank's footprint in key markets including St. Louis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Wichita. This targeted recruitment of established talent is a fundamental component of the plan to grow the business without resorting to external corporate acquisitions.

Strategic Pivot from Acquisitions to Organic Development

The current initiatives signal a clear evolution in corporate direction. Historically, Simmons First National’s growth was primarily fueled by acquisitions, with its last purchase completed in 2022. The focus has now shifted to attracting specialized personnel and deepening client relationships within its existing six-state network. The objective is to diversify the loan portfolio and strengthen ties with both existing and new customers.

Despite this strategic shift, the bank remains committed to its shareholder-friendly policies. It has maintained an uninterrupted dividend payout for 116 years, with the most recent quarterly distribution of $0.2125 per share paid in early January. As the year progresses, the successful execution of its net interest income growth targets will be crucial for evaluating the efficacy of this new organic growth strategy.