Simmons First Ups Net Interest Margin

Core Insights - Simmons First National reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.44, exceeding analyst expectations of $0.39, while revenue was $214.2 million, slightly below the consensus forecast of $216.66 million [1][2] - The quarter demonstrated progress in profitability, margin expansion, and efficiency, despite a slow growth pace and rising credit costs [1] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP EPS increased by 33.3% year-over-year from $0.33 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue grew by 8.6% compared to Q2 2024, up from $197.2 million [2] - Net interest income rose by 11.6% year-over-year to $171.8 million [2] - Noninterest expense decreased slightly by 0.6% year-over-year to $138.6 million [2] - The net charge-off ratio increased to 0.25%, up from 0.19% in Q2 2024 [2] - Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) improved to 10.97%, up from 8.89% in Q2 2024 [2] Operational Highlights - The net interest margin reached 3.06%, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth [6] - Cost of deposits decreased to 2.36%, down from 2.79% in Q2 2024 [6] - Noninterest income fell by about 2% year-over-year, primarily due to lower fee income from interest rate swaps [7] - Loan balances remained stable at $17.1 billion, with growth in commercial and industrial loans [8] - The deposit base held steady at $21.8 billion, with an increase in brokered deposits [9] Asset Quality and Capital Management - Nonperforming loans rose to $157.2 million from $103.4 million in Q2 2024, affecting the nonperforming loan coverage ratio [10] - The common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio improved to 12.36%, above regulatory requirements [11] - Tangible book value per share increased to $16.97, with no share repurchases during the period [11] Strategic Focus - The company is focused on maintaining asset quality, strong capital ratios, cost control, and organic growth [4] - Management highlighted a strong loan pipeline of $1.6 billion, with $564 million close to funding [13] - The company aims to manage deposit competition and increase low-cost deposits [13][14]