Simmons First National Corp.
Former Simmons CEO Gifts UAMS $200K for ALS Research
The funds, donated by Tommy and Kathryn May, will accelerate ALS research and clinical trials. read more >
Simmons Tops Wall Street Forecasts With 62% Jump in Q4 Profit
Results were lifted by sharply lower interest expense and rising interest income. read more >
The Great Reset: Arkansas’ Leadership Shakeups and the Stories That Defined 2025
Has any recent year reshaped Arkansas’ business and policy landscape this dramatically? read more >
A Native Arkansan Takes the Helm at Murphy USA
The next generation of leadership is ready to take the chair at Murphy USA, one of the largest public companies in the state. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Simmons Reports $563M Q3 Loss After Bonds Sale
The bank also issued 18.65 million shares of common stock, raising capital to reposition its balance sheet. read more >
Jay Brogdon to Lead Simmons Bank Into Next Era of Growth
While George Makris Jr. built Simmons into a six-state banking force through acquisitions and splashy branding, Brogdon plans to focus on organic growth, technology and customer experience. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
![George A. Makris Jr., Simmons’ departing CEO, said he was “very proud of the fact that we were able to do this transaction.” [Karen E. Segrave]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ARBiz_George_Makris_119_opt-300x194.jpg)
Simmons Absorbs $604M Loss, Recoups With Stock Sale
Simmons First absorbed a $604 million loss on securities sales, but a stock offering and investor confidence steadied the bank’s outlook. read more >
by Griffin Coop -
Looking for a Role Model? (Editorial)
The most effective leadership is often not flashy or flamboyant, but calm and deliberate. read more >
Simmons Names Jay Brogdon Next CEO as George Makris Announces Retirement
Brogdon joined Simmons in 2021 as CFO and was named president in 2023. He previously spent more than 13 years at Stephens Inc. read more >
Walmart CEO Tops List of Highest-Paid Executives
Walmart leads Arkansas’ public company rankings in revenue, profit, and executive pay, with CEO Doug McMillon earning $27.4M. read more >
by Gwen Moritz -
Simmons Reports 34% Jump in Net Income for Q2
The parent company for Simmons Bank reported second-quarter net income of $54.8 million, beating Wall Street expectations and rising 34% from a year ago. read more >
![George Makris Jr. chairman and CEO of Simmons First National Corp. of Pine Bluff. [Karen E. Segrave ]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ARBiz_George_Makris_19_opt-300x194.jpg)
Simmons First National Shutters 12 Texas Branches in Strategic Consolidation Move
In 2024, Simmons First National Corp. closed 12 branches in Texas, focusing on growth in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, while shifting away from less profitable markets like San Antonio and Austin. read more >
by George Waldon -
![U.S. Rep. French Hill has issued a list of 25 priorities to “Make Community Banking Great Again.” [photo provided]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/French_Hill404327545_902384757917406_8973079737088440338_n_opt-300x194.jpg)
Views From the Chair: French Hill’s Plans for Leading Financial Services Panel
U.S. Rep. French Hill, as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, plans to reduce regulatory burdens for community banks while promoting innovation and transparency in finance. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Simmons Reports Soaring Q4 Profits, Closure of 12 Branches
Simmons reportedly closed branches in all major Texas markets and completely exited San Antonio and Austin. read more >
Simmons’ Q3 Income Falls 48% as Bank Takes Loss on Securities Sale
CEO Bob Fehlman said the bank offloaded certain lower-yielding bonds to "hasten the pace of our ongoing balance sheet optimization strategy." read more >
Simmons’ Q2 Income Falls 30% on Rising Deposit Costs, Credit Provisions
The bank reported earnings of 32 cents per share, which surpassed Wall Street expectations. read more >
40 Great Whispers (40 Years of Arkansas Business)
Whispers, the chatty space devoted to juicy news and informed speculation, has been the most popular feature in Arkansas Business right from the beginning. Here we summarize some of the best. read more >
Simmons Income Falls 15% in Q1 as FDIC Levies Another Special Assessment
The results met Wall Street expectations, but shares fell nearly 5% on Wednesday morning. read more >
Simmons Profit Falls on FDIC Assessment, Securities Losses in Q4
The bank reported net income of $23.9 million, down 71.3% from the same quarter the previous year. read more >
Simmons First Names Daniel Hobbs as CFO
Simmons First National Corp. of Pine Bluff says Daniel Hobbs will join the company Monday as executive vice president and chief financial officer. read more >
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