SIMMONS FIRST NATIONAL CORP
10-K, 1997-03-28
NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANKS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
     [X]  Annual  Report  Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of
          1934 (Fee Required) For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 1996
                                                         OR
     [ ]  Transition  Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934 (No Fee Required)

                          Commission file number 0-6253

                       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)

                                 (501) 541-1000
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                          Name of Each Exchange
Title of Each Class                                         on Which Registered
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
None                                                              None

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                      Class A Common Stock, $5.00 par value
                                (Title of Class)

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 that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                                  Yes  X  No
                                     ----    ----

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation  S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,  to the
best of registrant's  knowledge in definitive proxy or in information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. 

The aggregate market value of common stock,  par value $5.00 per share,  held by
non-affiliates on March 17, 1997, was approximately $132,385,000.

The number of shares  outstanding of the  Registrant's  Common Stock as of March
17, 1997 was 5,715,194.

Part III is  incorporated  by reference from the  Registrant's  Proxy  Statement
relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 22, 1997.


                                 FORM 10-K INDEX

Part I

Item 1     Business...........................................................
             The Company and the Banks........................................
             Competition......................................................
             Employees........................................................
             Executive Officers of the Company................................
             Supervision and Regulation.......................................
Item 2     Properties.........................................................
Item 3     Legal Proceedings..................................................
Item 4     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders................


Part II

Item 5     Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6     Selected Consolidated Financial Data...............................
Item 7     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
           Results of Operations..............................................
Item 8     Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data...........
Item 9     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
           Financial Disclosure...............................................


Part III

Item 10    Directors and Executive Officers of the Company....................
Item 11    Executive Compensation.............................................
Item 12    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.....
Item 13    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.....................
Item 14    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K....

                                     PART I

ITEM 1.       BUSINESS

The Company and the Banks

         Simmons First National  Corporation  (the  "Company") is a bank holding
company  registered  under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. At December 31,
1996 the Company had consolidated  total assets of $881.3 million,  consolidated
net loans of $502.4  million and total  equity  capital of $102.8  million.  The
Company owns five  subsidiary  banks in Arkansas.  Its lead bank,  Simmons First
National Bank ("the Bank"), is a national bank which has been in operation since
1903.   The  Bank's   primary   market   area,   with  the   exception   of  its
nationally-provided  credit card and mortgage banking services,  is the State of
Arkansas.  The Company also owns four  community  banks,  Simmons  First Bank of
Jonesboro  ("Simmons/Jonesboro"),  and  Simmons  First  Bank of  South  Arkansas
("Simmons/South"),   both  acquired  in  1984;   Simmons  First  Bank  of  Dumas
("Simmons/Dumas")    and   Simmons    First   Bank   of    Northwest    Arkansas
("Simmons/Northwest"),   both  acquired  in  1995.  Simmons/Northwest,  formerly
Simmons  First Bank of  Dermott,  changed its name when the charter was moved to
Rogers,  Arkansas,  in August, 1996. The three branches of "the Bank" located in
Rogers,  Springdale,  and Bella Vista, Arkansas, were then sold to the relocated
bank.  Headquarters for  Simmons/Northwest is now the Rogers office. The banking
facility remaining at Dermott, along with its assets and liabilities,  were then
transferred  to  Simmons/South,  formerly  knows as  Simmons  First Bank of Lake
Village.  The Dermott location is now a branch of  Simmons/South.  The Company's
banking  subsidiaries conduct their operations through 29 branches located in 15
communities in Arkansas.

         Through its banking subsidiaries, the Company emphasizes retail banking
services,  and it considers the Bank to be a national leader in providing credit
card  services.  The Bank has offered  credit card services  since 1967,  and at
December 31, 1996, the Bank had  approximately  166.3 million in credit cards in
the loan portfolio,  representing approximately 33% of total consolidated loans.
The  Bank  has  consistently  employed  stringent,   subjectively-based   credit
standards in making credit  decisions  concerning card  applicants,  rather than
using a credit  scoring,  or statistical  profile system  typically  employed by
other credit card issuers.  Management believes this individualized  approach to
decision-making,  emphasizing credit histories and individual borrower profiles,
has been a significant  positive  factor in producing a high quality credit card
loan  portfolio,  which  continues  to rank far below the  national  averages in
delinquency and net loss ratios.

         The Bank is a leading provider of guaranteed student loans in Arkansas.
On  December  31,  1996,  the Bank owned and  serviced  student  loans  totaling
approximately  $64  million,   or  approximately  13%  of  the  Company's  total
consolidated loans.

         The  Company  provides  mortgage  banking  services  through the Bank's
production,   sale  and  servicing  of  residential  real  estate  mortgages  on
properties located primarily in the South,  Midwest and Southwest United States.
At  December  31,  1996,   the  Bank  was   servicing,   primarily  for  others,
approximately $1.5 billion of residential real estate mortgages.

         The  Company's  banks  also  provide  commercial  banking  services  to
individuals   and   businesses,   including  a  wide  range  of  commercial  and
agricultural  loans,  deposit,  checking  and  savings  accounts,  personal  and
corporate  trust  services  and  investment   management,   and  securities  and
investment services through selected banking locations in the State of Arkansas.

Growth Strategy

         The Company's  growth  strategy is to expand in its primary market area
of the State of Arkansas,  by  capitalizing  on its recent entry into  Northwest
Arkansas,  one of the  fastest  growing  areas  in the  state,  and  emphasizing
commercial  and  agricultural  lending in that area,  and by  expanding  through
further banking  acquisitions where the Company believes the acquired assets can
be redeployed  into higher  yielding  credit card loans and other retail banking
services.

Competition

         The  activities  engaged in by the  Company  and its  subsidiaries  are
highly  competitive.  In all aspects of its  business,  the  Company  encounters
intense  competition  from other banks,  lending  institutions,  credit  unions,
savings and loan associations,  brokerage firms, mortgage companies,  industrial
loan associations,  finance companies, and several other financial and financial
service institutions. The amount of competition among commercial banks and other
financial institutions has increased significantly over the past few years since
the  deregulation  of the  banking  industry.  The  Company's  subsidiary  banks
actively compete with other banks and financial institutions in their efforts to
obtain  deposits and make loans, in the scope and type of services  offered,  in
interest  rates paid on time  deposits and charged on loans and in other aspects
of commercial banking.

         Management  believes that the single most important  competitive factor
in the  credit  card  business  is  price,  in the form of  interest  rates  and
membership fees charged to cardholders,  discount fees charged to  participating
merchants,  and the level of fees and credits  shared with  members of the agent
bank network for their  participation in the Bank's network.  Maintenance of the
Bank's agent bank network is a key element in  maintaining  the Bank's  dominant
position in the credit card business in Arkansas.

         Management believes that the Bank's principal  competitive  strength in
both the Arkansas and national markets for new cardholder  business has been its
low interest rate charged to cardholders  and the resulting  favorable  national
recognition.  Within the past few years,  more Arkansas  banks have commenced or
recommenced  active marketing as a Visa and MasterCard issuer inside and outside
the state.  Management  cannot predict the effect on its credit card business of
these and other new entrants into the market, but believes the Bank's continuous
participation  and  experience in this market since 1967 provides it with unique
marketing and other strengths in competing for new cardholder business.

         As more  credit  card  issuers  have  entered  the market for  merchant
customers in Arkansas during the past several years, competition has intensified
for merchant  customers  and their related  business,  primarily on the basis of
price and quality of service. Independent sales organizations employed by out of
state processors  constitute the majority of this increased  competition.  While
the  Bank's  merchant  purchase  volume has shown a modest  increase  for recent
years,  management  believes that most card issuers in the Arkansas  market have
experienced  declines in their merchant  purchase  volume and expects the Bank's
merchant  purchase volume will experience a period of limited growth in
the future due to these continuing competitive conditions.

         The Company's  banking  subsidiaries are also in competition with major
national and international  retail banking  establishments,  brokerage firms and
other financial institutions within and outside Arkansas. Competition with these
financial institutions is expected to increase,  especially with the increase in
interstate banking.

Employees

         As of March 15,  1997,  the Company and its  subsidiaries  had 613 full
time equivalent employees. None of the employees are represented by any union or
similar  groups,  and the  Company  has not  experienced  any labor  disputes or
strikes arising from any such organized labor groups.  The Company considers its
relationship with its employees to be good.

Executive Officers of the Company

         The  following  is a list of all  executive  officers  of the  Company.
Executive officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NAME               AGE     POSITION                               YEARS SERVED
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>                                                 <C>
J. Thomas May      50      President and Chief Executive Officer       10

Barry L. Crow      54      Executive Vice President and                25
                            Chief Financial Officer

John L. Rush       62      Secretary                                   29
</TABLE>

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

The Company

         The Company,  as a bank holding company, is subject to both federal and
state  regulation.  Under  federal  law, a bank holding  company must  generally
obtain  approval  from the Board of  Governors  of the  Federal  Reserve  System
("FRB") before  acquiring  ownership or control of the assets or stock of a bank
or a bank holding company.  Prior to approval of any proposed  acquisition,  the
FRB will review the effect on competition of the proposed  acquisition,  as well
as other regulatory issues.

         The  federal  law  generally  prohibits  a bank  holding  company  from
directly or indirectly engaging in non-banking activities. This prohibition does
not include  loan  servicing,  liquidating  activities  or other  activities  so
closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto.

         As a bank holding company, the Company is required to file with the FRB
an annual report and such additional information as may be required by law. From
time to time,  the FRB examines the  financial  condition of the Company and its
subsidiaries.  The FRB, through civil and criminal  sanctions,  is authorized to
exercise   enforcement  powers  over  bank  holding  companies  and  non-banking
subsidiaries,  to limit activities that represent unsafe or unsound practices or
constitute violations of law.

     The  Company is subject to  certain  laws and  regulations  of the State of
Arkansas  applicable  to  bank  holding  companies,  including  examination  and
supervision  by the  Arkansas  Bank  Commissioner.  Under  Arkansas  law, a bank
holding company is prohibited from owning more than one subsidiary  bank, if any
subsidiary  bank owned by the holding  company has been  chartered for less than
five years and, further, requires the approval of the Arkansas Bank Commissioner
for any  acquisition  of more than 10% of the  capital  stock of any other  bank
located  in  Arkansas.  No bank  acquisition  may be  approved  if,  after  such
acquisition,  the holding company would control,  directly or indirectly,  banks
having  25% of the  total  bank  deposits  in the State of  Arkansas,  excluding
deposits of other banks and public funds.

         Legislation enacted in 1994, became effective September 29, 1995, which
now allows bank holding companies from any state to acquire banks located in any
state without regard to state law, provided that the bank holding company (1) is
adequately  capitalized,  (2) is adequately managed,  (3) would not control more
than 10% of the insured  deposits  in the United  States or more than 30% of the
insured deposits in such state, and (4) such bank has been in existence at least
five years if so required by the applicable state law.

Subsidiary Banks

         Simmons First National Bank, a national banking association, is subject
to regulation and supervision, of which regular bank examinations are a part, by
the Office of the  Comptroller  of the  Currency of the United  States  ("OCC").
Simmons/Jonesboro,  Simmons/South, Simmons/Dumas and Simmons/Northwest, as state
chartered banks, are subject to the supervision and regulation, of which regular
bank  examinations  are a part,  by the Federal  Deposit  Insurance  Corporation
("FDIC") and the Arkansas State Bank  Department.  The lending powers of each of
the subsidiary banks are generally  subject to certain  restrictions,  including
the amount which may be lent to a single borrower.

         The  subsidiary  banks,  with numerous  exceptions,  are subject to the
application  of the laws of the State of Arkansas,  including the  limitation of
the maximum  permissible  interest rate on loans.  This  limitation  for general
loans is 5% over the Federal Reserve  Discount Rate, with an additional  maximum
limitation of 17% per annum for consumer  loans and credit sales.  Certain loans
secured by first liens on residential  real estate and certain loans  controlled
by federal law (e.g., guaranteed student loans, SBA loans, etc.) are exempt from
this limitation;  however,  a very substantial  portion of the loans made by the
subsidiary  banks,  including  all  credit  card  loans,  are  subject  to  this
limitation.

         All of the Company's  subsidiary  banks are members of the FDIC,  which
currently  insures the deposits of each member bank to a maximum of $100,000 per
deposit relationship. For this protection, each bank pays a statutory assessment
to the FDIC each year.

         Federal law  substantially  restricts  transactions  between  banks and
their  affiliates.  As a result,  the Company's  subsidiary banks are limited in
making  extensions  of credit to the  Company,  investing  in the stock or other
securities of the Company and engaging in other financial  transactions with the
Company.  Those transactions which are permitted must generally be undertaken on
terms at least as  favorable  to the bank,  as those  prevailing  in  comparable
transactions with independent third parties.

Potential Enforcement Action for Bank Holding Companies and Banks

         Enforcement  proceedings  seeking  civil or criminal  sanctions  may be
instituted  against any bank,  any director,  officer,  employee or agent of the
bank,  that is believed  by the federal  banking  agencies to be  violating  any
administrative  pronouncement  or engaged in unsafe and  unsound  practices.  In
addition,  the FDIC may terminate the insurance of accounts,  upon determination
that the insured  institution has engaged in certain wrongful conduct,  or is in
an  unsound   condition  to  continue   operations.   Recent   legislation   has
significantly  expanded the enforcement  powers of the federal banking  agencies
and increased the penalties for violations of the law and regulations.

Risk-Weighted Capital Requirements for the Company and the Banks

         Since 1993, banking organizations (including bank holding companies and
banks)  were  required  to meet a  minimum  ratio  of  Total  Capital  to  Total
Risk-Weighted  Assets  of 8%, of which at least 4% must be in the form of Tier 1
Capital.  A well  capitalized  institution is one that has at least a 10% "total
risk based capital" ratio. For a tabular summary of the Company's  risk-weighted
capital ratios, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of  Operations - Capital"  and Note 21 of the Notes To  Consolidated
Financial Statements.

         A banking  organization's  qualifying  total  capital  consists  of two
components:  Tier 1 Capital  (core  capital)  and Tier 2 Capital  (supplementary
capital).  Tier 1 Capital is an amount equal to the sum of common  shareholders'
equity, certain preferred stock and the minority interest in the equity accounts
of consolidated  subsidiaries.  For bank holding companies,  goodwill may not be
included in Tier 1 Capital.  Identifiable  intangible  assets may be included in
Tier 1 Capital for banks and bank holding companies,  in accordance with certain
further  requirements.   At  least  50%  of  the  banking  organization's  total
regulatory capital must consist of Tier 1 Capital.

     Tier 2 Capital is an amount equal to the sum of the  qualifying  portion of
the allowance for loan losses,  certain  preferred stock not included in Tier 1,
hybrid  capital  instruments  (instruments  with  characteristics  of  debt  and
equity),  certain long-term debt securities and eligible term subordinated debt,
in an amount up to 100% of Tier 1 Capital.  The  eligibility  of these items for
inclusion as Tier 2 Capital is subject to certain  additional  requirements  and
limitations of the federal banking agencies.

         Under the  risk-based  capital  guidelines,  balance  sheet  assets and
certain off-balance sheet items, such as standby letters of credit, are assigned
to one of four risk weight categories (0%, 20%, 50%, or 100%),  according to the
nature of the asset, its collateral or the identity of the obligor or guarantor.
The  aggregate  amount in each risk  category  is  adjusted  by the risk  weight
assigned to that category, to determine weighted values, which are then added to
determine  the total  risk-weighted  assets for the  banking  organization.  For
example,  an asset, such as a commercial loan, assigned to a 100% risk category,
is  included in  risk-weighted  assets at its  nominal  face  value,  but a loan
secured by a one-to-four family residence is included at only 50% of its nominal
face value. The applicable ratios reflect capital, as so determined,  divided by
risk-weighted assets, as so determined.

Recent Legislation for Bank Holding Companies and Banks

         As part of the omnibus  spending  bill passed by Congress in September,
1996,  banks  which  have  acquired  thrift  deposits  must  contribute  to  the
re-capitalization  of the Savings  Association  Insurance Fund (SAIF).  For "the
Bank", the one-time pretax charge of $687,000 was charged against third quarter,
1996, earnings.

         The Federal Deposit Insurance  Corporation  Improvement Act ("FDICIA"),
enacted in 1991,  requires  the FDIC to  increase  assessment  rates for insured
banks and  authorizes  one or more "special  assessments",  as necessary for the
repayment  of funds  borrowed  by the FDIC or any other  necessary  purpose.  As
directed in FDICIA,  the FDIC has adopted a transitional  risk-based  assessment
system,  under which the assessment rate for insured banks will vary,  according
to the level of risk  incurred in the bank's  activities.  The risk category and
risk-based assessment for a bank is determined from its classification, pursuant
to  the   regulation,   as   well   capitalized,   adequately   capitalized   or
undercapitalized.

         FDICIA  substantially  revised the bank  regulatory  provisions  of the
Federal  Deposit  Insurance Act and other federal  banking  statutes,  requiring
federal  banking  agencies to establish  capital  measures and  classifications.
Pursuant to the regulations  issued under FDICIA, a depository  institution will
be deemed to be well capitalized if it  significantly  exceeds the minimum level
required for each relevant capital measure;  adequately  capitalized if it meets
each  such  measure;  undercapitalized  if it fails  to meet  any such  measure;
significantly  undercapitalized  if it is significantly  below any such measure;
and critically  undercapitalized  if it fails to meet any critical capital level
set forth in  regulations.  The federal banking  agencies must promptly  mandate
corrective  actions  by  banks  that  fail  to  meet  the  capital  and  related
requirements,  in order to minimize  losses to the FDIC. The Company was advised
by the FDIC  and OCC  that the  subsidiary  banks  had been  classified  as well
capitalized under these regulations.

         The  federal  banking  agencies  are  required  by FDICIA to  prescribe
standards  for banks and bank  holding  companies,  relating to  operations  and
management,  asset quality,  earnings,  and stock valuation and compensation.  A
bank or bank holding  company that fails to comply with such  standards  will be
required  to  submit  a plan  designed  to  achieve  compliance.  If no  plan is
submitted  or the plan is not  implemented,  the bank or holding  company  would
become subject to additional regulatory action or enforcement proceedings.

         A variety  of other  provisions  included  in  FDICIA  may  affect  the
operations  of the Company and the  subsidiary  banks,  including  new reporting
requirements,  revised regulatory  standards for real estate lending,  "truth in
savings" provisions,  and the requirement that a depository  institution give 90
days prior notice to customers and  regulatory  authorities  before  closing any
branch.

ITEM 2.       PROPERTIES

         The  principal  properties  of the Company  and the Bank  consist of an
eleven-story  office building,  located in the central business  district of the
city of Pine  Bluff,  Arkansas.  Originally  constructed  in  1929,  the  entire
building has since been  completely  renovated and  modernized.  The building is
comprised of  approximately  107,000  square feet of floor space,  approximately
7,500  square  feet of which is leased to a tenant as office  space.  The office
building is situated on approximately  one-fourth of a city block, the remainder
of which,  together with  approximately  one  additional  city block of adjacent
property,  is  presently  being used as a parking  complex for  customers of the
Company and its  subsidiaries,  tenants of the Company and its  subsidiaries and
their customers,  and the public.  Additional office space was made available in
1980,  with the renovation of a storage  facility to provide a 9,601 square foot
office  complex,  now housing the  Company  and its  subsidiary  real estate and
investment departments.  In 1992, additional office space was made available for
its  activities,  when the  Company  purchased  a  three-story  concrete  office
building,  containing  approximately  38,000  square  feet of space,  across the
street from its main bank  building in Pine  Bluff,  Arkansas.  A portion of the
building  had been leased by the Company  prior to the  purchase.  In 1994,  the
Company  completed  renovation of that building  which is occupied by the credit
card,  marketing,  and human  resources  divisions.  Also in 1994, an additional
6,000  square  feet of space was made  available  when the  Company  purchased a
three-story  brick  building  adjoining  the one  purchased in 1992.  This added
another 5,000 square feet of storage in addition to the office space for a total
of approximately  11,000 square feet. This facility houses the Company's student
loan  operation.  The Company and the Bank also operate seven  drive-in  banking
facilities, located throughout the city of Pine Bluff, and banking facilities at
Watson Chapel,  White Hall,  Sherrill,  Fort Smith, Gould, Grady, Star City, and
the most recent branch  facility which opened in February,  1996 in Little Rock,
Arkansas.  The largest banking facility comprises  approximately  107,000 square
feet of floor space, and the smallest comprises approximately 800 square feet.

         The  principal  property  of  Simmons/South  consists  of  a  one-story
building  located  in the  central  business  area of the city of Lake  Village,
comprising  approximately  6,000  square  feet  of  floor  space.  In  addition,
Simmons/South operates a branch in Dermott, Arkansas.

         The principal property of  Simmons/Jonesboro  consists of a three-story
building,  located in the central  business  district of the city of  Jonesboro,
Arkansas,  comprising approximately 47,108 square feet of floor space, 14,252 of
which is under lease to third parties. In addition,  Simmons/Jonesboro  operates
two drive-in banking facilities located in that city.

         The  principal  property of  Simmons/Dumas  is a  one-story  structure,
located  on the  corner of the  busiest  intersection  of Dumas,  Arkansas.  The
building,  built in 1973,  was recently  remodeled and has  approximately  5,800
square feet of space.

         The principal property of  Simmons/Northwest  is a one-story structure,
located at North 8th and West Maple in Rogers,  Arkansas. The facility was built
in 1996 and contains  approximately 10,000 square feet of space, all of which is
being utilized by the bank.

         All of the above  properties are owned in fee simple and  unencumbered,
except (a)  approximately  one-fourth city block in Pine Bluff,  which is leased
from  various  persons for terms  expiring in 2007 with options to extend for an
additional  50 years,  which  leased  parcels  comprise a portion of the parking
complex and lie partially under a small portion of a one-floor  extension of the
main  office  building,  (b) the lands upon which five of the  drive-in  banking
facilities  in Pine Bluff are  situated,  two of which  parcels are leased for a
term expiring in 2007,  one in 2000,  one in 2010, and one in 2035, the lands on
which the Bella Vista and one of the Fort Smith facilities, which are leased for
terms  expiring  in 2000 and 1997,  respectively,  the  offices of the  mortgage
marketing and dealer bank divisions,  located in Little Rock, Arkansas, comprise
approximately  20,000  square feet of a 36,000 square foot,  three-story  leased
building,  the  lease  terms of which  expired  at the end of 1996,  and (c) the
building and land described in a preceding paragraph for the banking facility in
Jonesboro,  which has a first mortgage lien to an insurance company with monthly
payments of approximately $12,000 including interest at 9.75%.

         The  Company  and its  subsidiaries  also  own or lease  various  small
parcels of land,  on some of which are located  improvements,  the  aggregate of
which would  comprise an  insignificant  portion of the properties of registrant
and its subsidiaries.

ITEM 3.       LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

         The Company and/or its subsidiary  banks have various  unrelated  legal
proceedings,  most of which involve loan foreclosure activity pending, which, in
the  aggregate,  are not  expected  to have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries.

ITEM 4.       SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS

         No matters were  submitted to a vote of  security-holders,  through the
solicitation  of proxies or otherwise,  during the fourth  quarter of the fiscal
year covered by this report.

                                     PART II

ITEM 5.       MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
              STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

         The Common  Stock is traded and quoted on the  over-the-counter  NASDAQ
National Market System under the symbol "SFNCA." The following table sets forth,
for all the periods  indicated,  cash  dividends  paid, and the high and low bid
prices for the Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Quarterly
                           Price Per                          Dividends
                         Common Share                        Per Common
                      High           Low                        Share
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>           <C>                         <C>
    1996
1st quarter         $  22.67      $  20.50                    $   0.11
2nd quarter            22.42         22.00                        0.12
3rd quarter            23.00         21.83                        0.12
4th quarter            27.25         26.00                        0.13

    1995
1st quarter         $  17.50      $  15.00                    $   0.09
2nd quarter            18.67         16.83                        0.10
3rd quarter            18.83         18.00                        0.10
4th quarter            20.67         18.50                        0.11
</TABLE>

         At  December  31,  1996,  the  Common  Stock  was  held  of  record  by
approximately 1,231 stockholders. On March 17, 1997, the last sale price for the
Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ was $27.75 per share.

         The Company's  policy is to declare regular  quarterly  dividends based
upon the Company's earnings,  financial position,  capital requirements and such
other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. This dividend policy is
subject to change,  however,  and the  payment of  dividends  by the  Company is
necessarily  dependent  upon the  availability  of  earnings  and the  Company's
financial  condition in the future. The payment of dividends on the Common Stock
is also subject to regulatory capital requirements.

         The Company's  principal  source of funds for dividend  payments to its
stockholders is dividends  received from its subsidiary banks.  Under applicable
banking laws, the declaration of dividends by the Bank in any year, in excess of
the sum of net income for that year and retained  earnings for the preceding two
years,  must be  approved  by the  Office of the  Comptroller  of the  Currency.
Further,  as  to   Simmons/Jonesboro,   Simmons/Dumas,   Simmons/Northwest   and
Simmons/South,  regulators have specified that the maximum dividends state banks
may pay to the parent company  without prior approval is 50% of the current year
earnings. At December 31, 1996,  approximately $17 million was available for the
payment of dividends by the subsidiary banks without  regulatory  approval.  For
further   discussion  of   restrictions   on  the  payment  of  dividends,   see
"Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition-Liquidity  and
Interest  Rate  Sensitivity,"  and Note 21 of Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial
Statements.

         On October 29,  1996,  the Company  declared a 50% stock  dividend.  An
additional  share of stock was distributed to  shareholders  for each two shares
owned on December 6, 1996.

Forward Looking Statements

     When  used in this  Form 10-K or future  filings  by the  Company  with the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission,  in the Company's  press releases or other
public  or  shareholder  communications,  or in oral  statements  made  with the
approval of an authorized  executive  officer,  the words or phrases "would be",
"will allow",  "intends  to",  "will likely  result",  "are expected to ", "will
continue", "is anticipated",  "estimate",  "project", or similar expressions are
intended  to  identify  "forward-looking  statements"  within the meaning of the
Private Securities  Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company wishes to caution
readers not to place  undue  reliance  on any such  forward-looking  statements,
which  speak  only as of the date  made,  and to  advise  readers  that  various
factors,  including  regional  and  national  economic  conditions,  substantial
changes in levels of market  interest  rates,  credit and other risks of lending
and investment activities and competitive,  and regulatory factors, could affect
the Company's financial performance and could cause the Company's actual results
for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. The
Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update
any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or
circumstances after the date of such statements.


ITEM 6.       SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

         The following  table sets forth  selected  consolidated  financial data
concerning  the  Company  and is  qualified  in  its  entirety  by the  detailed
information  and  consolidated  financial  statements,  including notes thereto,
included  elsewhere in this annual report.  The income statement,  balance sheet
and per common share data as of and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995,
1994, 1993, and 1992 were derived from consolidated  financial statements of the
Company, which were audited by Baird, Kurtz & Dobson.  Earnings per common share
and dividends per common share  presented in the financial  statements have been
restated  retroactively  to  reflect  the  effects  of the stock  dividend  on a
consistent  basis.  The  selected  consolidated  financial  data set forth below
should be read in conjunction  with the financial  statements of the Company and
related notes  thereto and  "Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this annual report.
<TABLE>
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
<CAPTION>
                                                    Years Ended December 31 (1)
(In thousands,
except per share data)                      1996      1995     1994      1993      1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Income statement data:
   Net interest income                   $ 33,805  $ 31,764  $ 29,259  $ 28,450  $ 26,525
   Provision for loan losses                2,341     2,092     2,050     3,006     3,741
   Net interest income after provision
     for loan losses                       31,464    29,672    27,209    25,444    22,784
   Non-interest income                     25,116    24,365    24,847    26,129    25,578
   Non-interest expense                    41,956    39,820    38,415    38,711    37,978
   Income tax expense                       4,323     4,198     3,781     3,466     2,907
   Net income                              10,301    10,019     9,860     9,396     7,477

Per share data:
   Earnings                                  1.81      1.77      1.79      1.85      1.73
Book value                                  18.02     16.91     15.17     13.66     12.02
   Dividends                                 0.48      0.40      0.31      0.27      0.27

Balance sheet data at period end:
   Assets                                 881,332   839,884   713,262   738,760   705,903
   Loans                                  510,813   471,956   418,392   394,426   367,655
   Allowance for loan losses                8,366     8,418     7,790     7,430     5,748
   Deposits                               736,367   704,768   583,538   610,355   590,409
   Long term debt and capital notes         1,067     4,757    12,144    12,178    12,208
   Stockholders' equity                   102,825    96,797    83,700    75,335    51,219
Capital ratios at period end:
   Stockholders' equity to
     total assets                          11.67%    11.53%    11.73%    10.20%     7.26%
   Leverage (2)                            11.70%    10.91%    11.47%    10.21%     6.90%
Tier 1 risk-based                          18.66%    18.63%    19.25%    17.19%    12.27%
   Total risk-based                        19.91%    20.03%    21.56%    20.01%    15.76%

Selected ratios:
   Return on average assets                 1.22%     1.30%     1.39%     1.33%     1.09%
   Return on average common equity         10.31%    10.95%    12.28%    14.31%    15.43%
   Net interest margin(3)                   4.65%     4.77%     4.80%     4.75%     4.56%
   Allowance/nonperforming loans          168.58%   260.46%   248.73%   177.92%    94.84%
Allowance for loan losses as a
     percentage of average loans            1.73%     1.91%     1.99%     1.88%     1.60%
   Nonperforming loans as a percentage
      of period-end loans                   0.97%     0.68%     0.75%     1.06%     1.65%
   Net charge-offs as a percentage
     of average total assets                0.28%     0.24%     0.24%     0.19%     0.48%
   Dividend payout                         26.47%    22.79%    17.32%    14.59%    15.61%
- ---------------------
<FN>
(1) The selected  consolidated  financial data set forth above should be read in
conjunction   with  the   financial   statements  of  the  Company  and  related
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations, included elsewhere in this Annual Report. (2) Leverage ratio is Tier
1 capital to average total assets less  intangible  assets and gross  unrealized
gains/losses on  available-for-sale  investments.  (3) Fully taxable  equivalent
(36.25% for 1996 and 1995 and 34% for 1994 through 1992).
</FN>
</TABLE>

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
           RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

     Simmons First National  Corporation (SFNC) is a multi-bank holding company,
comprised of five commercial bank  subsidiaries,  with $881.3 million in assets,
as of December 31, 1996.
         The Company achieved record earnings  performance in 1996. Earnings for
the twelve-month period ended December 31, 1996, were $10,754,000,  or $1.89 per
share,  before the  impact of a  one-time,  pretax  charge of  $687,000,  as the
Company's  assessment  for  the  recapitalization  of  the  Savings  Association
Insurance Fund (SAIF).  This assessment was imposed by Congress on all financial
institutions   which  acquired  thrift   deposits.   These  figures  compare  to
$10,019,000,  or $1.77 per share, for the twelve-month period ended December 31,
1995, an increase of 7.3%. After the SAIF charge, year-to-date earnings for 1996
were  $10,301,000,  or $1.81 per share.  Return on  average  assets was 1.22% in
1996, compared to 1.30% in 1995, and 1.39% in 1994. Return on average equity was
10.31% in 1996,  compared to 10.95% in 1995,  and 12.28% in 1994. On a per share
basis,  net income for 1996 was  $1.81,  compared  to $1.77 in 1995 and $1.79 in
1994.  Dividends  per share for 1996 were  $0.48  compared  to $0.40 in 1995 and
$0.31 in 1994.

         Stockholders'  equity at December  31,  1996,  was $102.8  million,  an
increase  of 6.2% over the 1995  amount.  On  December  6, 1996,  an  additional
1,901,776 shares were issued when a 50 percent stock dividend was paid, bringing
the total number of shares  outstanding to 5,705,415.  Earnings per common share
and dividends per common share  presented in the financial  statements have been
restated  retroactively  to  reflect  the  effects  of the stock  dividend  on a
consistent  basis.  In January,  1996,  the Company  announced the adoption of a
stock  repurchase  program which would authorize the repurchase of up to 100,000
shares of outstanding stock annually.  As of December 31, 1996, 20,900 shares of
stock had been  repurchased.  During 1995 and 1996,  3,000 and 16,500  shares of
stock, respectively, were issued relative to exercised stock options.

Acquisitions

         On April 1,  1995,  the  Company  completed  the  acquisition  of Dumas
Bancshares,  Inc. (DBI) by issuing  205,851 shares of common stock and utilizing
cash of $1.5 million in a transaction valued at $5 million.  DBI was merged into
the Company. DBI owned Dumas State Bank, Dumas,  Arkansas, and First State Bank,
Gould,  Arkansas,  with consolidated  assets at March 31, 1995, of approximately
$42  million.  First  State  Bank,  which had  branches  in Grady and Star City,
Arkansas,  in addition to its primary  location in Gould,  Arkansas,  was merged
into Simmons First National Bank,  SFNC's lead bank, and Dumas State Bank became
Simmons First Bank of Dumas and has continued to operate as a subsidiary bank of
the Company.

         On August 1, 1995,  the Company  completed the  acquisition  of Dermott
State Bank Bancshares,  Inc.  (DSBB),  located in Dermott,  Arkansas,  in a cash
transaction valued at approximately $2.4 million.  DSBB, the single-bank holding
company for Dermott State Bank, had at the time of acquisition approximately $20
million in consolidated assets. DSBB was liquidated into the Company and Dermott
State Bank became Simmons First Bank of Dermott.

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

         On August,  1996, the Company  repositioned  its banking  operations to
benefit  its  customers   through   improved   personal  service  and  operating
efficiency.  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 acquired by the relocated bank and
the bank name was changed to Simmons  First Bank of  Northwest  Arkansas,  whose
headquarters  is now the  Rogers  office.  The  banking  facility  remaining  at
Dermott, along with its assets and liabilities, was 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. At year-end,  1996, the Company was conducting financial
operations from 29 offices in 15 communities located throughout Arkansas.

Subsequent Events

         On March  21,  1997,  an  announcement  was made  jointly  by the Chief
Executive  Officers  of both the  Company and First  Commercial  Corporation  of
Little Rock,  Arkansas  regarding a definitive  agreement which had been entered
into by the two bank holding companies.  Under the terms of the agreement,  SFNC
will  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. The sale of these two banks by First  Commercial was  necessitated  by
regulatory  issues  relative to the pending  merger of First  Commercial and the
parent company of First Bank of Arkansas at Searcy and First Bank of Arkansas at
Russellville.  After completion of the transaction, SFNC will own seven banks in
the state of Arkansas and will be conducting  banking operations from 39 offices
in 21 communities.

Earnings Review For the Years 1996, 1995 and 1994

         In 1996, the Company reported record net earnings of $10.3 million, and
earnings per share of $1.81.  This compares to net earnings of $10.0 million and
$9.9  million,  and earnings per share of $1.77 and $1.79,  reported in 1995 and
1994,  respectively.  The earnings increase in 1996 was predominantly the result
of growth in earning  assets and an increase in  non-interest  income from trust
services, service charges and other fee income.

Net Interest Income

         Net interest income, the Company's principal source of earnings, is the
difference between the interest income generated by earning assets and the total
interest  cost of the deposits  and  borrowings  obtained to fund those  assets.
Factors that  determine the level of net interest  income  include the volume of
earning assets and interest bearing  liabilities,  yields earned and rates paid,
the  level of  non-performing  loans,  and the  amount of  non-interest  bearing
liabilities  supporting  earning assets.  Net interest income is analyzed in the
discussion and tables below on a fully taxable  equivalent basis. The adjustment
to convert  certain  income to a fully  taxable  equivalent  basis  consists  of
dividing tax exempt  income by one minus the  combined  federal and state income
tax rate (36.25% for 1996 and 1995 and 34% for 1994).

         For the year ended  December 31, 1996,  net interest  income on a fully
taxable  equivalent basis was $35.5 million,  an increase of approximately  $2.2
million,  or 6.5%,  from 1995 net interest  income.  The increase in 1996 in net
interest income resulted primarily from the growth in earning assets. The growth
offset a decrease in net interest margin  resulting from a higher cost of funds.
The net interest  margin was 4.65% in 1996,  compared to 4.77% in 1995 and 4.80%
in 1994. For the year ended  December 31, 1995,  net interest  income on a fully
taxable  equivalent basis was $33.3 million,  an increase of approximately  $2.7
million,  or 8.8%, from comparable  figures in 1994. The increase in 1995 in net
interest  income  resulted  primarily  from a $60.0 million  increase in average
earning  assets,  coupled  with a stable net interest  margin.  The tables below
reflect an analysis of net interest income on a fully taxable  equivalent  basis
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,  respectively,  as well as
changes  in fully  taxable  equivalent  net  interest  income for the years 1996
versus 1995 and 1995 versus 1994.

<TABLE>
Analysis of Net Interest Income
(FTE =Fully Taxable Equivalent)

<CAPTION>
                                           Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)                          1996        1995       1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>    
Interest income                        $61,367    $56,229    $45,727
FTE adjustment                           1,692      1,551      1,373
                                       -------    -------    -------

Interest income - FTE                   63,059     57,780     47,100
Interest expense                        27,562     24,465     16,468
                                       -------    -------    -------

Net interest income - FTE              $35,497    $33,315    $30,632
                                       =======    =======    =======

Yield on earning assets - FTE            8.26%      8.27%      7.38%

Cost of interest bearing liabilities     4.36%      4.28%      3.20%

Net interest spread - FTE                3.90%      3.99%      4.18%

Net interest margin - FTE                4.65%      4.77%      4.80%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
Changes in Fully Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Margin
<CAPTION>
                                                              1996      1995
                                                               vs.       vs.
(In thousands)                                                1995      1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                         <C>        <C>    
Increase due to change in earning assets                    $ 5,713    $ 4,718
Increase (decrease) due to change in earning asset yields      (434)     5,962
Decrease due to change in interest rates paid on
       interest bearing  liabilities                           (559)    (7,569)
Decrease due to change in interest bearing liabilities       (2,538)      (428)
                                                            -------    -------
Increase in net interest income                             $ 2,182    $ 2,683
                                                            =======    =======
</TABLE>

         The following  table shows,  for each major  category of earning assets
and interest bearing liabilities,  the average amount outstanding,  the interest
earned or expensed on such  amount,  and the average rate earned or expensed for
each of the years in the  three-year  period ended  December 31, 1996. The table
also shows the  average  rate  earned on all earning  assets,  the average  rate
expensed on all interest  bearing  liabilities,  the net interest spread and the
net interest  margin for the same periods.  The analysis is presented on a fully
taxable  equivalent  basis.  Nonaccrual loans were included in average loans for
the purpose of calculating the rate earned on total loans.

     UnderFinancial  Accounting  Standard Board  Statement No. 91 (FAS 91), loan
fees and related costs are deferred and amortized as part of interest income.

<TABLE>
Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Income Analysis

<CAPTION>
                                                                  Years Ended December 31
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1996                         1995                       1994
                                  ---------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
                                    Average   Income/  Yield/    Average   Income/  Yield/   Average  Income/  Yield/
(In thousands)                      Balance   Expense  Rate(%)   Balance   Expense  Rate(%)  Balance  Expense  Rate(%)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>        <C>         <C>  <C>        <C>        <C>  <C>        <C>         <C>
ASSETS

Earning Assets
   Interest bearing balances
     due from banks                $   5,258  $    291    5.54 $   2,069  $    120   5.82 $   1,408  $     55    3.88
Federal funds sold                    32,213     1,680    5.22    33,571     1,858   5.54    27,812     1,218    4.38
Investment securities - taxable      161,537    10,499    6.50   150,871    10,080   6.68   138,459     8,499    6.14
Investment securities - non-taxable   60,951     4,739    7.78    54,164     4,378   8.08    50,605     4,027    7.96
Mortgage loans held for sale,
   net of unrealized gains (losses)   17,768     1,333    7.50    16,383     1,250   7.63    27,957     2,081    7.44
Assets held in trading accounts        1,110        68    6.13     1,513        88   5.83     1,687       103    6.11
Loans                                484,578    44,449    9.17   440,109    40,006   9.09   390,501    31,117    7.97
                                     -------    ------          --------   -------         --------   -------
   Total interest earning assets     763,415    63,059    8.26   698,680    57,780   8.27   638,429    47,100    7.38
                                                ------                     -------                    -------
Non-earning assets                    81,710                      74,023                     71,377
                                     -------                    --------                   --------
   Total assets                    $ 845,125                   $ 772,703                  $ 709,806
                                    ========                    ========                   ========

LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Liabilities
   Interest bearing liabilities
   Interest bearing transaction
     and savings accounts          $ 254,812  $  7,106    2.79 $ 235,411  $  6,167   2.62 $ 232,351  $  5,248    2.26
   Time deposits                     343,906    18,663    5.43   300,530    16,097   5.36   241,786     9,223    3.81
                                    --------   -------          --------   -------         --------   -------
    Total interest bearing deposits  598,718    25,769    4.30   535,941    22,264   4.15   474,137    14,471    3.05
Federal funds purchased and
   securities sold under agreement
   to repurchase                      27,681     1,406    5.08    24,862     1,308   5.26    24,021       962    4.00
Other borrowed funds
   Short-term debt                     2,369       129    5.44     1,511        92   6.06     4,001       163    4.07
   Long-term debt                      1,086       106    9.87     1,124       110   9.78     1,161       122   10.49
Capital notes                          1,775       152    8.56     7,853       691   8.80    11,000       750    6.82
                                    --------   -------          --------   -------         --------   -------
   Total interest bearing 
     liabilities                     631,629    27,562    4.36   571,291    24,465   4.28   514,320    16,468    3.20
                                               -------                     -------
Non-interest bearing liabilities
   Non-interest bearing deposits     103,546                      99,839                    105,856
Other liabilities                     10,033                      10,067                      9,323
                                    --------                    --------                   --------
   Total liabilities                 745,208                     681,197                    629,499
                                    --------                    --------                   --------
Stockholders' equity                  99,917                      91,506                     80,307
                                    --------                    --------                   --------
   Total liabilities and
   stockholders' equity            $ 845,125                   $ 772,703                  $ 709,806
                                    ========                    ========                   ========
Net interest margin                           $ 35,497    4.65            $ 33,315   4.77            $ 30,632    4.80
                                               =======                     =======                    =======
</TABLE>

         The  following  table  shows  changes in interest  income and  interest
expense, resulting from changes in volume and changes in interest rates for each
of the years ended  December 31, 1996 and 1995, as compared to prior years.  The
changes in interest  rate and volume have been  allocated  to changes in average
volume and  changes in average  rates,  in  proportion  to the  relationship  of
absolute dollar amounts of the changes in rates and volume.


<TABLE>
Volume/Rate Analysis

<CAPTION>
                                                                 Years Ended December 31
                                          ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1996 over 1995                     1995 over 1994
                                          ---------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                                                        Yield/                             Yield/
                                            Volume       Rate        Total      Volume      Rate        Total
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     
Incease (decrease) in

Interest income
   Interest earning time deposits         $    176    $     (5)   $    171    $     31    $     34    $     65
   Federal funds sold                          (73)       (105)       (178)        281         359         640
   Investment securities - taxable             897        (478)        419         811         770       1,581
   Investment securities - non-taxable         528        (167)        361         281          70         351
   Mortgage loans held for sale, net of
     unrealized gains (losses)                 104         (21)         83        (884)         53        (831)
   Assets held in trading accounts             (24)          4         (20)        (10)         (5)        (15)
   Loans                                     4,105         338       4,443       4,208       4,681       8,889
                                          --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------

   Total                                     5,713        (434)      5,279       4,718       5,962      10,680
                                          --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------

Interest expense
   Interest bearing transaction and
     savings accounts                          525         414         939          70         849         919
   Time deposits                             2,353         213       2,566       2,595       4,279       6,874
   Federal funds purchased
     and securities sold under
     agreements to repurchase                  141         (43)         98          34         312         346
   Other borrowed funds
     Short-term debt                            45          (8)         37        (337)        266         (71)
     Long-term debt                             (4)          1          (3)         (4)          1          (3)
     Capital notes                            (521)        (18)       (539)     (1,930)      1,862         (68)
                                          --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
   Total                                     2,539         559       3,098         428       7,569       7,997
                                          --------    --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Increase (decrease) in
 net interest income                      $  3,174    $   (993)   $  2,181    $  4,290    $ (1,607)   $  2,683
                                          ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

 Provision for Loan Losses

           The provision for loan losses represents  management's  determination
of the amount necessary to be charged against the current period's earnings,  in
order to maintain the  allowance  for loan losses at a level which is considered
adequate, in relation to the estimated risk inherent in the loan portfolio.  The
provision for 1996 was $2.3 million, which was a slight increase,  when compared
to the  provisions  in 1995 and 1994.  The  provision for 1995 and 1994 was $2.1
million.

Non-Interest Income

           Total  non-interest  income was $25.1  million in 1996,  compared  to
$24.4  million  in 1995 and  $24.8  million  in  1994.  Non-interest  income  is
principally  derived from three  sources:  fee income,  which  includes  service
charges on deposit  accounts,  trust fees,  credit card fees, and loan servicing
fees; income on the sale of mortgage loans and investment  banking profits;  and
any gain or loss on sold or called securities.

           The  table  below  shows  non-interest  income  for the  years  ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,  as well as changes in 1996 from
1995 and in 1995 from 1994.

<TABLE>
Non-Interest Income

<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1996                 1995
                                                 Years Ended December 31         Change from          Change from
(In thousands)                                 1996       1995       1994            1995                 1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>  
Trust income                                $  2,166   $  1,790   $  1,763    $    376   21.01%   $     27     1.53%
Service charges on deposit accounts 3,222      2,768      2,263                    454   16.40         505    22.32
Other service charges & fees                   1,069        825        853         244   29.58         (28)   -3.28
Income on sale of mortgage loans,
   net of commissions                            287        325       (758)        (38) -11.69       1,083  -142.88
Income on investment banking,
   net of commissions                            758      1,017      1,247        (259) -25.47        (230)  -18.44
Credit card fees                               9,601     10,114     10,636        (513)  -5.07        (522)   -4.91
Loan servicing fees                            7,095      6,092      6,817       1,003   16.46        (725)  -10.64
Other operating income                           648      1,400      1,896        (752)  53.71        (496)  -26.16
Investment securities gains
   (losses), net                                 270         34        130         236  694.12         (96)  -73.85
                                             -------    -------    -------     -------             -------
       Total non-interest income            $ 25,116   $ 24,365   $ 24,847    $    751    3.08%   $   (482)   -1.94%
                                             =======    =======    =======     =======             =======
</TABLE>


         Fee income for 1996 was $23.2 million,  an increase of $1.6 million, or
7.4%, when compared with 1995 figures.  Fee income for 1995 was $21.6 million, a
decrease of $.7 million,  or 3.1%,  when compared  with 1994  figures.  In 1996,
credit card fees decreased $0.5 million from the 1995 level,  while loan service
fees increased $1.0 million.  In 1995,  both credit card and loan servicing fees
decreased $0.5 and $0.7, respectively, primarily due to a lower volume of credit
card fees, resulting from an increase in national competition and a lower volume
of mortgage loans serviced.

         On the  consolidated  statements  of  income,  income  from the sale of
mortgage  loans and dealer bank profits is  presented  net of  commissions.  The
income recorded in these accounts results from the Company's  investment banking
operation,  as well as fee income  associated with the purchase of single family
residential  loans, the  securitization  of those loans, and subsequent sale and
delivery of those securities  against prior  commitments.  For 1996, income from
these areas  totaled  $1.0  million,  compared  to $1.3  million in 1995 and $.5
million in 1994.  The  increase in 1995,  when  compared to 1994,  is  primarily
attributable to 1994 mortgage  marketing  losses of $1.0 million.  The resulting
reduced  level of  operating  income  for these two  operations  for 1995 can be
directly  attributed  to the  negative  impact of rising  interest  rates on the
nation's  mortgage and  securities  markets.  The overall  reduction in mortgage
income for 1994 was  partially  offset by a sale of a portion  of the  Company's
servicing rights, which resulted in other income of $.7 million.

Non-Interest Expense

         Non-interest  expense  consists  of  salaries  and  employee  benefits,
occupancy,  equipment  and other  expenses  necessary  for the  operation of the
Company.  Management  remains committed to controlling the level of non-interest
expense,  through the continued use of expense  control  measures that have been
installed.  The Company  utilizes an extensive  profit  planning  and  reporting
system involving all affiliates.  Monthly and annual profit plans are developed,
including manpower and capital expenditure budgets,  based on a needs assessment
of the business  plan for the upcoming  year.  These profit plans are subject to
extensive  initial  reviews and  monitored  by  management  on a monthly  basis.
Variances  from the plan are reviewed  monthly and,  when  required,  management
takes corrective  action intended to ensure financial goals are met.  Management
also  regularly   monitors   staffing  levels  at  each  affiliate,   to  ensure
productivity and overhead are in line with existing workload requirements.

         Non-interest  expense for 1996 was $42.0  million,  an increase of $2.2
million, or 5.4%, from 1995. Non-interest expense for 1995 was $39.8 million, an
increase of $1.4  million,  or 3.7%,  from 1994.  The  increase in  non-interest
expense in 1996,  compared to 1995,  primarily reflects the Company's entry into
the Little Rock market, an expansion of the Company's Springdale  facility,  and
the increased  amortization  of mortgage  servicing  rights  associated with the
acquisition of approximately $400 million in mortgage loan servicing.

         The table below shows non-interest expense for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,  as well as changes from 1996 to 1995 and
1995 to 1994, respectively.

<TABLE>
Non-Interest Expense
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1996                 1995
                                         Years Ended December 31        Change from          Change from
(In thousands)                          1996       1995      1994           1995                 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                 <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>     <C>          <C>  
Salaries and employee benefits      $ 21,774  $  21,192  $ 20,104    $   582     2.75%   $  1,088     5.41%
Occupancy expense, net                 2,310      2,512     2,043       (202)   -8.05         469    22.96
Furniture & equipment expense          2,416      2,167     1,964        249    11.50         203    10.34
Loss on foreclosed assets              1,135      1,401     1,641       (266)  -18.99        (240)  -14.63

Other expenses
   Professional services               1,553      1,400     1,634        153    10.92        (234)  -14.32
   Postage                             1,277      1,319     1,234        (42)   -3.18          85     6.89
   Telephone                             861        841       771         20     2.38          70     9.08
   Credit card expenses                1,426      1,445     1,458        (19)   -1.32         (13)   -0.89
   Operating supplies                    958        846       695        112    13.23         151    21.73
   FDIC insurance                        942        830     1,307        112    13.49        (477)  -36.50
   Miscellaneous expenses              7,304      5,867     5,564      1,437    24.49         303     5.45
                                     -------   --------   -------     ------              -------
       Total non-interest expense   $ 41,956  $  39,820  $ 38,415    $ 2,136     5.36%   $  1,405     3.66%
                                     =======   ========   =======     ======              =======
</TABLE>

Income Taxes

         The provision  for income taxes for 1996 was $4.3 million,  compared to
$4.2 million in 1995 and $3.8 million in 1994.  The  effective  income tax rates
for  the  years  ended  1996,  1995  and  1994  were  29.6%,  29.5%  and  27.8%,
respectively.

Loan Portfolio

         The Company's  loan portfolio  averaged  $484.6 million during 1996 and
$440.1  million  during 1995.  As of December 31, 1996,  total loans were $510.8
million,  compared to $472.0 million on December 31, 1995. The most  significant
components  of the loan  portfolio  were  loans to  individuals,  in the form of
credit card loans,  student  loans,  and single family  residential  real estate
loans.  The loan figures for 1995 include  $28.4 million in loans as a result of
the Company's two acquisitions.

         The Company  seeks to manage its credit risk by  diversifying  its loan
portfolio,  determining  that borrowers  have adequate  sources of cash flow for
loan  repayment  without  liquidation  of  collateral,  obtaining and monitoring
collateral,  providing  an adequate  allowance  for loan losses,  and  regularly
reviewing loans through the internal loan review process.  The loan portfolio is
diversified  by  borrower,  purpose,  industry  and,  in the case of credit card
loans,  which are  unsecured,  by  geographic  region.  The Company seeks to use
diversification  within  the loan  portfolio  to  reduce  credit  risk,  thereby
minimizing the adverse impact on the portfolio,  if weaknesses develop in either
the economy or a particular  segment of borrowers.  Collateral  requirements are
based on credit  assessments of borrowers and may be used to recover the debt in
case of default.  The Company uses the  allowance for loan losses as a method to
value  the  loan  portfolio  at its  estimated  collectible  amount.  Loans  are
regularly   reviewed,   to  facilitate  the  identification  and  monitoring  of
deteriorating credits.

         Consumer  loans  consist of credit card loans,  student loans and other
consumer  loans.  Consumer  loans were $295.9  million at December 31, 1996,  or
57.9% of total  loans,  compared to $275.5  million,  or 58.4% of total loans at
December 31, 1995. At year end, 1996, credit card loans were $166.3 million,  or
32.6% of total loans, versus $154.8 million, or 32.8% of total loans at December
31, 1995. This increase in credit card loans relates,  in part, to the Company's
efforts  to  maintain  its  market  share  through a variety  of  programs  that
encourage additional volume with minimum credit risk.

         At the end of 1996, commercial,  agricultural and financial institution
loans were $70.8  million,  or 13.9% of total loans,  a 7.0%  increase from 1995
year end's $66.2 million.  Real estate  construction loans at December 31, 1996,
were $20.3 million,  or 4.0% of total loans,  compared to $15.2 million, or 3.2%
of total loans at the end of 1995.  Single  family real estate loans at December
31,  1996,  were  $57.3  million,  or 11.2% of total  loans,  compared  to $53.6
million, or 11.4% of total loans at December 31, 1995.

         During 1995, the Company adopted Financial  Accounting  Standards Board
Statement  No. 114,  (FAS 114),  "Accounting  by Creditors  for  Impairment of a
Loan",  which  requires  that impaired  loans be measured,  based on the present
value of expected cash flows  discounted at the loan's  effective  interest rate
or, as a practical expedient,  at the loan's observable market price or the fair
value of the collateral,  if the loan is collateral  dependent.  The adoption of
FAS 114 did not have a material impact on financial results.

         The amount of loans outstanding at the indicated dates are reflected in
the following table, according to type of loan.

<TABLE>
Loan Portfolio

<CAPTION>
                                                               Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)                                 1996        1995        1994         1993        1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>       
Consumer
   Credit cards                            $  166,346  $  154,808  $   164,501  $  168,673  $  162,251
   Student loans                               64,193      63,492       62,836      65,379      58,727
   Other consumer                              65,384      57,166       40,739      36,763      31,878
Real Estate
   Construction                                20,325      15,177        6,232       6,281       4,708
   Single family residential                   57,251      53,556       43,045      36,297      41,733
   Other commercial                            60,439      59,012       44,141      37,853      27,991
Commercial
   Commercial                                  41,375      36,553       29,047      20,007      20,833
   Agricultural                                21,003      20,588       16,048      16,088      12,917
   Financial institutions                       8,469       9,058        6,681       3,087       3,142
Other                                           6,028       2,546        5,122       3,998       3,475
                                            ---------   ---------  -----------   ---------   ---------
      Total loans                          $  510,813  $  471,956  $   418,392  $  394,426  $  367,655
                                            =========   =========   ==========   =========   =========
</TABLE>

         The following table reflects the remaining maturities and interest rate
sensitivity of loans at December 31, 1996.

<TABLE>
Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity of Loans
<CAPTION>
                                                             Over 1
                                                              year
                                                1 year       through          Over
(In thousands)                                  or less      5 years         5 years       Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>       
Commercial, financial and agricultural      $    51,822    $   18,596     $     429    $   70,847
Real estate construction                         11,887         8,107           331        20,325
Other                                           271,460       120,716        27,465       419,641
                                             ----------     ---------      --------     ---------
      Total                                 $   335,169    $  147,419     $  28,225    $  510,813
                                             ==========     =========      ========     =========

Predetermined  rate                         $    87,669    $  138,458     $  22,028    $  248,155
Floating rate                                   247,500         8,961         6,197       262,658
                                              ---------      --------       -------      --------
    Total                                   $   335,169   $   147,419   $    28,225    $  510,813
                                             ==========    ==========    ==========     =========
</TABLE>


Asset Quality

         A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will
not receive all amounts due according to the contracted terms of the loans. This
includes nonaccrual loans and certain loans identified by management.

         Non-performing  loans are comprised of (a) nonaccrual  loans, (b) loans
which are  contractually  past due 90 days and (c) other  loans for which  terms
have been  restructured,  to provide a  reduction  or  deferral  of  interest or
principal, because of a deterioration in the financial position of the borrower.
The  subsidiary  banks  recognize  income  principally  on the accrual  basis of
accounting.  When loans are  classified as nonaccrual,  the accrued  interest is
charged off, and no further  interest is accrued.  Loans,  excluding credit card
loans,  are placed on a  nonaccrual  basis  either:  (1) when there are  serious
doubts  regarding  the  collectibility  of principal  or  interest,  or (2) when
payment of interest or  principal is 90 days or more past due and either (i) not
fully secured or (ii) not in the process of collection.  If a loan is determined
by  management  to be  uncollectible,  the portion of the loan  determined to be
uncollectible  is then charged to the  allowance  for loan  losses.  Credit card
loans are classified as sub-standard when payment of interest or principal is 90
days past due.  Litigation  accounts are placed on nonaccrual until such time as
deemed  uncollectible.  Credit card loans are generally charged off when payment
of interest or  principal  exceeds 180 days past due, but are turned over to the
credit  card  recovery  department,  to be  pursued  until such time as they are
determined, on a case-by-case basis, to be uncollectible.

         At December 31, 1996,  non-performing  loans were $5.0 million compared
to $3.2 million and $3.1 million in 1995 and 1994,  respectively.  This increase
in non-performing loans can be attributed to an increase in credit card loans in
bankruptcy and 90 days past due in commercial loans.

         The  following  tables  present  information  concerning  nonperforming
assets, including nonaccrual and restructured loans and other real estate owned.

<TABLE>
Non-performing Assets
<CAPTION>
                                                                Years Ended December 31
(In thousands)                                 1996          1995        1994       1993        1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>     
Nonaccrual loans                            $   2,652    $  1,638    $   2,052   $   2,813    $  4,374
Loans past due 90 days or more
  (principal or interest payments)              2,311       1,594          965       1,019       1,337
Restructured                                       --          --          115         344         350
                                             --------     -------     --------    --------     -------
Total non-performing loans(1)                   4,963       3,232        3,132       4,176       6,061
                                             --------     -------     --------    --------     -------

Other non-performing assets
  Foreclosed assets held for sale(2)              903       1,017        1,726       2,877       4,059
  Other non-performing assets                       6           7          780         992         212
                                             --------     -------     --------    --------     -------
      Total other non-performing assets           909       1,024        2,506       3,869       4,271
                                             --------     -------     --------    --------     -------

          Total non-performing assets       $   5,872    $  4,256    $   5,638   $   8,045    $ 10,332
                                             ========     =======     ========    ========     =======

Net charge-offs to average loans                0.49%       0.41%        0.43%       0.36%       0.91%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans        1.64%       1.78%        1.86%       1.88%       1.56%
Allowance for loan losses to
  non-performing loans                        168.58%     260.46%      248.73%     177.92%      94.84%
Non-performing loans to total loans             0.97%       0.68%        0.75%       1.06%       1.65%
Non-performing assets to total assets           0.67%       0.51%        0.79%       1.09%       1.46%
- ---------------------------
<FN>
(1) Impaired loans of $4,963 includes all non-performing loans and certain other
loans identified by management.  (2) Assets constituting  foreclosed assets held
for sale are generally  marked down to appraised  value less  estimated  selling
expense  at the time of  transfer  from the loan  portfolio,  and are  appraised
annually thereafter.
</FN>
</TABLE>

         Approximately  $184,000 and $172,000 of interest income would have been
recorded for the periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,  if the
nonaccrual  loans had been accruing  interest in accordance  with their original
terms.  There was no interest  income on the  nonaccrual  loans recorded for the
periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1995.

Allowance for Loan Losses

         An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the last five years is
shown in the table below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                 1996          1995        1994       1993        1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>    
Balance, beginning of year                   $  8,418     $ 7,790     $  7,430     $ 5,748     $ 5,302
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
Loans charged off
   Consumer
     Credit cards                               2,392       1,851        1,690       1,761       1,944
     Student loans                                 15           9            2           2          11
     Other consumer                               363         414          152         171         127
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
       Total consumer                           2,770       2,274        1,844       1,934       2,082
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
   Real Estate
     Construction                                  --          --           --          40           5
     Single family residential                     33           7          213          31          44
     Other commercial                               3           1           --           6         168
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
       Total real estate                           36           8          213          77         217
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
   Commercial
     Commercial                                    74          22           --          40       1,297
     Agricultural                                   4          --           53          --          74
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
       Total commercial                            78          22           53          40       1,371
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
       Total loans charged off                  2,884       2,304        2,110       2,051       3,670
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
Recoveries of loans previously charged off
   Consumer
     Credit cards                                 309         143          306         211         196
     Student loans                                 --          --            2           1          18
     Other consumer                               153         284           70          77          44
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
       Total consumer                             462         427          378         289         258
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
   Real estate
     Single family residential                      8           6            7           5          24
     Other commercial                              --           4           16           3          81
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
       Total real estate                            8          10           23           8         105
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
   Commercial
     Commercial                                    20          33           18         345          12
     Agricultural                                   1           9            1          85          --
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
       Total commercial                            21          42           19         430          12
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
       Total recoveries                           491         479          420         727         375
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
Net loans charged off                           2,393       1,825        1,690       1,324       3,295
Allowance for loan losses of
   acquired institutions                           --         361           --          --          --
Additions to reserve charged to
   operating expense                            2,341       2,092        2,050       3,006       3,741
                                              -------      ------      -------      ------      ------
Balance, end of year                         $  8,366     $ 8,418     $  7,790     $ 7,430     $ 5,748
                                              =======      ======      =======      ======      ======
</TABLE>

         The amounts of  additions  to the  allowance  during the year 1996 were
based on management's  judgment,  with consideration given to the composition of
the portfolio,  historical loan loss experience,  assessment of current economic
conditions,  past due loans, loans which could be future problems and net losses
from loans charged off for the last five years. It is  management's  practice to
review  the  allowance  on a  monthly  basis  to  determine  whether  additional
provisions  should be made to the allowance after  considering the factors noted
above.

         The Company  allocates the  allowance for loan losses  according to the
amount  deemed to be  reasonably  necessary  to provide for the  possibility  of
losses  being  incurred  within the  categories  of loans set forth in the table
below:

<TABLE>
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
<CAPTION>
                                                              December 31
                               1996             1995             1994             1993              1992
                        ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ------------------
                        Allowance  % of  Allowance  % of   Allowance  % of   Allowance % of   Allowance  % of
(In thousands)           Amount   loans*  Amount   loans*   Amount   loans*   Amount  loans*   Amount   loans*
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                      <C>       <C>    <C>        <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>        <C>    <C>       <C>  
Consumer
   Credit cards          $2,626    32.5%  $ 2,658    32.8%  $2,625    39.3%  $ 2,430    42.8%  $2,232    44.0%
   Student loans            100    12.6%      100    13.5%     100    15.0%      100    16.6%     100    16.0%
   Other consumer           123    12.8%      162    12.2%     324     9.8%      299     9.3%     483     8.7%

Real estate
   Construction             128     4.0%       --     3.2%      --     1.5%       13     1.6%      74     1.3%
   Single family 
      residential         1,706    11.3%      822    11.3%     343    10.3%    1,009     9.2%     310    11.5%
   Other commercial         751    11.8%    1,882    12.5%   1,510    10.6%      701     9.6%   1,261     7.6%

Commercial
   Commercial               518     8.1%      452     7.7%     362     6.9%      339     5.1%     295     5.7%
   Agricultural             120     4.1%       --     1.9%      32     3.8%       --     4.1%     188     3.5%
   Financial institutions    --     1.6%      387     4.4%     145     1.6%      161     0.8%      --     0.8%

Other                        --     1.2%       --     0.5%      --     1.2%       --     0.9%       3     0.9%

Unallocated               2,294       --    1,955       --   2,349       --    2,378       --     802       --
                          -----            ------            -----            ------            -----

     Total               $8,366   100.0%  $ 8,418   100.0%  $7,790   100.0%  $ 7,430   100.0%  $5,748   100.0%
                          =====            ======            =====            ======            =====
<FN>
*Percentage of loans in each category to total loans
</FN>
</TABLE>

Investments and Securities

         The Company's  securities  portfolio is the second largest component of
earning  assets and provides a  significant  source of revenue.  Securities  are
classified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading.

         Held-to-maturity  securities,  which  include  any  security  for which
management  has the  positive  intent and  ability to hold until  maturity,  are
carried at historical cost,  adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion
of discounts.  Premiums and discounts are amortized and accreted,  respectively,
to interest income using the constant yield method over the period to maturity.

         Available-for-sale  securities,  which  include any  security for which
management has no immediate  plans to sell, but which may be sold in the future,
are carried at fair value.  Realized  gains and  losses,  based on  specifically
identified  amortized  cost of the  specific  security,  are  included  in other
income.  Unrealized  gains and losses are  recorded,  net of related  income tax
effects,  in  stockholders'  equity.  Premiums and  discounts  are amortized and
accreted, respectively, to interest income, using the constant yield method over
the period to maturity.

         Held-to-maturity  and  available-for-sale  investment  securities  were
$128.1 million and $109.5 million,  respectively, at December 31, 1996, compared
to the held-to-maturity  amount of $134.4 million and available-for-sale  amount
of $90.4 at December 31, 1995. The Company's philosophy regarding investments is
conservative,  based  on  investment  type  and  maturity.  Investments  in  the
held-to-maturity  portfolio include U.S. Treasury  securities,  U.S.  government
agencies,  mortgage-backed  securities, and municipal securities. As of December
31, 1996,  $60.0 million,  or 46.8%,  of the  held-to-maturity  securities  were
invested  in  U.S.  Treasury  securities  and  obligations  of  U.S.  government
agencies,  of which  approximately  $19  million,  or  14.5%,  was  invested  in
securities with maturities of one year or less, and $21 million,  or 16.7%,  was
invested  in  securities   with   maturities  of  one  to  five  years.  In  the
available-for-sale  securities,  $105.6 million, or 96.4% of the securities were
in U.S.  Treasuries and obligations of U.S.  government  agencies,  89% of which
will mature in less than five years. In order to reduce the Company's income tax
burden,  an  additional  $63.6  million,  or  49.6%,  of  the   held-to-maturity
securities  portfolio,  was  invested  in  tax-exempt  obligations  of state and
political subdivisions.  There are no securities of any one issuer exceeding ten
percent of the Company's  stockholders' equity at December 31, 1996. The Company
has  approximately  $4.2 million,  or 3.3%,  in GNMA and other  mortgaged-backed
securities in the  held-to-maturity  portfolio.  The Company's general policy is
not  to  invest  in  derivative  type  investments,  except  for  collateralized
mortgage-backed securities for which collection of principal and interest is not
subordinated to significant superior rights held by others.

         As of December 31, 1996, the held-to-maturity  investment portfolio had
gross  unrealized  gains of $1.8  million  and  gross  unrealized  losses of $.7
million.  Net realized gains from called or sold  available-for-sale  securities
for 1996 were  $270,000,  up from net  realized  gains of $34,000  in 1995,  and
$130,000 in 1994.

         Trading  securities,  which  include any security  held  primarily  for
near-term  sale,  are  carried  at fair  value.  Gains  and  losses  on  trading
securities are included in other income.

         Interest and dividends on investments in debt and equity securities are
included in income when earned.

         The Company's  trading  account is  established  and maintained for the
benefit of the investment  banking  division.  All activities in the account are
performed  by  investment  banking  personnel  solely  for  operations  in  that
division.  The trading account is typically used to provide inventory for resale
and is not used to take advantage of short-term price movements.

         The  table  below  presents  the  carrying  value  and  fair  value  of
investment securities for each of the years indicated.

Investment Securities

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Years Ended December 31
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1996                                       1995
                        --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
                                      Gross       Gross    Estimated               Gross      Gross   Estimated
                         Amortized Unrealized  Unrealized    Fair     Amortized Unrealized Unrealized   Fair
(In thousands)             Cost       Gains     (Losses)     Value      Cost       Gains    (Losses)    Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                     <C>          <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>           <C>      <C>       <C>       
Held-to-Maturity
U.S. Treasury           $   24,700   $   179   $ (122) $   24,757  $   45,920    $   400  $   (46)  $   46,274
U.S. Government
  agencies                  35,286       527     (167)     35,646      23,569        692      (18)      24,243
Mortgage-backed
  securities                 4,243        13      (69)      4,187       6,344         37      (55)       6,326
State and political
  subdivisions              63,586     1,116     (327)     64,375      58,154      1,536     (356)      59,334
Other securities               332         2       (4)        330         446         11       --          457
                         ---------    ------    -----   ---------   ---------     ------   ------    ---------
                        $  128,147   $ 1,837   $ (689) $  129,295  $  134,433    $ 2,676  $  (475)  $  136,634
                         =========    ======    =====   =========   =========     ======   ======    =========
Available-for-Sale

U.S. Treasury           $   63,248   $ 1,006   $  (55) $   64,199  $   72,258    $ 2,102  $    (3)  $   74,357
U.S. Government
  agencies                  41,358       186     (135)     41,409      11,905        264      (35)      12,134
State and political
  subdivisions                  --        --       --          --          51         --       --           51
Other securities             3,102       805       --       3,907       2,976        851       (2)       3,825
                         ---------    ------    -----   ---------   ---------     ------   ------    ---------
                        $  107,708   $ 1,997   $ (190) $  109,515  $   87,190    $ 3,217  $   (40)  $   90,367
                         =========    ======    =====   =========   =========     ======   ======    =========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Years Ended December 31
                        ---------------------------------------------
                                           1994
                        ---------------------------------------------
                                      Gross       Gross    Estimated
                         Amortized Unrealized  Unrealized    Fair
(In thousands)             Cost       Gains     (Losses)     Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                     <C>          <C>       <C>      <C>       
Held-to-Maturity

U.S. Treasury           $   74,544   $   349   $(1,479) $   73,414
U.S. Government
  agencies                  13,375        32     (289)      13,118
Mortgage-backed
  securities                 3,551         6     (244)       3,313
State and political
  subdivisions              50,904       577   (1,962)      49,519
Other securities                --        --       --           --
                         ---------    ------    -----    ---------
                        $  142,374   $   964   $(3,974) $  139,364
                         =========    ======    ======   =========
Available-for-Sale

U.S. Treasury           $   25,701   $    96   $ (202) $   25,595
U.S. Government
  agencies                   1,002         3       --       1,005
State and political
  subdivisions                  --        --       --          --
Other securities             2,554       457       (1)      3,010
                         ---------    ------    -----   ---------
                        $   29,257   $   556   $ (203) $   29,610
                         =========    ======    =====   =========
</TABLE>

         The following  table reflects the amortized  cost and estimated  market
value of debt  securities at December 31, 1996,  by  contractual  maturity,  the
weighted  average yields (for  tax-exempt  obligations on a fully taxable basis,
assuming  a 36.25%  tax  rate) of such  securities  and the  taxable  equivalent
adjustment  used in calculating  yields.  Expected  maturities  will differ from
contractual  maturities,  because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay
obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Maturity Distribution of Investment Securities
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          December 31, 1996
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Over       Over
                                      1 year     5 years
                           1 year     through    through    Over    No fixed                Par      Market
(In thousands)             or less    5 years   10 years  10 years  maturity     Total     Value      Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                      <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>      
Held-to-Maturity

U.S. Treasury            $  14,091  $  8,829  $   1,780  $     --  $      --  $  24,700 $  24,600  $  24,756
U.S. Government
   agencies                  4,443    12,548     18,295        --         --     35,286    35,428     35,647
Mortgage-backed
   securities                   --        --         --        --      4,243      4,243     4,197      4,187
State and political
   subdivisions              3,642    25,271     28,998     5,675         --     63,586    63,763     64,375
Other securities                --        --         --        --        332        332       332        330
                          --------   -------   --------   -------   --------   --------  --------   --------
     Total               $  22,176  $ 46,648  $  49,073  $  5,675  $   4,575  $ 128,147 $ 128,320  $ 129,295
                          ========   =======   ========   =======   ========   ========  ========   ========

Percentage of total         17.31%    36.40%     38.29%     4.43%      3.57%    100.00%
                           =======    ======    =======    ======    =======    =======

Weighted average             6.04%     7.32%      7.30%    10.46%      6.59%      7.20%
                           =======    ======    =======    ======    =======    =======

Available-for-Sale

U.S. Treasury            $  30,085  $ 31,714  $   1,449  $     --  $      --  $  63,248 $  63,347  $  64,199
U.S. Government
   agencies                 11,769    18,687     10,902        --         --     41,358    41,525     41,409
State and political
   subdivisions                 --        --         --        --         --         --        --         --
Other securities                --        --         --        --      3,102      3,102        --      3,907
                          --------   -------   --------   -------   --------   --------  --------   --------
     Total               $  41,854  $ 50,401  $  12,351  $     --  $   3,102  $ 107,708 $ 104,872  $ 109,515
                          ========   =======   ========   =======   ========   ========  ========   ========

Percentage of total         38.86%    46.79%     11.47%        --      2.88%    100.00%
                           =======    ======    =======    ======    =======    =======

Weighted average             6.60%     6.84%      6.79%        --      5.89%      6.74%
                           =======    ======    =======    ======    =======    =======
</TABLE>

Deposits

         Total average deposits for 1996 were $702.3 million, compared to $635.8
million in 1995. The year-end balances of time deposits over $100,000 were $88.7
million in 1996,  compared to $104.9  million in 1995.  The increase at year end
1995 was due in part to the assumption of deposits through acquisitions.

         The following table reflects the classification of the average deposits
and the average  rate paid on each  deposit  category  which are in excess of 10
percent of average total deposits for the three years ended December 31, 1996.

<TABLE>
Average Deposits Balances and Rates
<CAPTION>
                                                                   December 31
                                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              1996                    1995                    1994
                                     ---------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------
                                       Average    Average      Average    Average      Average      Average
(In thousands)                         Amount    rate paid     Amount    rate paid     Amount      rate paid
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                 <C>            <C>      <C>             <C>      <C>            <C>
Non-interest bearing demand
   deposits                         $  103,546       --     $    99,839       --     $  105,856       --
Interest bearing transaction and
   savings deposits                    254,812     2.79%        235,411     2.62%       232,351     2.26%
Time deposits
   $100,000 or more                     97,376     5.50%         79,486     5.53%        53,479     3.61%
   Other time deposits                 246,530     5.40%        221,044     5.29%       188,307     3.87%
                                     ---------               ----------               ---------
      Total                         $  702,264              $   635,780              $  579,993
                                     =========               ==========               =========
</TABLE>

         The following  table set forth by time remaining to maturity,  deposits
(exclusive  of regular  savings) in amounts of $100,000 or more at December  31,
1996 and 1995, respectively.

Maturities of Large Denomination Time Deposits

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Time Certificates of Deposit
                                                               ($100,000 or more)
                                            -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   December 31
                                            -------------------------------------------------------
                                                        1996                        1995
                                            ---------------------------  --------------------------
(In thousands)                                  Balance      Percent         Balance      Percent
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                         <C>                <C>      <C>                <C>   
Maturing
   Three months or less                     $    38,326        43.19%   $    41,434        39.50%
   Over 3 months to 6 months                     27,550        31.05%        37,881        36.11%
   Over 6 months to 12 months                    16,705        18.83%        19,269        18.37%
   Over 12 months                                 6,150         6.93%         6,322         6.02%
                                             ----------                  ----------
         Total                              $    88,731       100.00%   $   104,906       100.00%
                                             ==========                  ==========
</TABLE>

Short-Term Borrowings

         Federal  funds  purchased  and  securities  sold  under  agreements  to
repurchase were $29.1 million at December 31, 1996, as compared to $20.9 million
at December 31, 1995. Other short-term  borrowings,  consisting of U.S. Treasury
Note  borrowings  were $1.5 million at December  31,  1996,  as compared to $1.4
million at December 31, 1995.

         The  Company  has  historically  funded its  growth in  earning  assets
through the use of core  deposits,  large  certificates  of deposits  from local
markets, and federal funds purchased.  Management anticipates that these sources
will provide necessary funding in the foreseeable  future. The Company's general
policy is to avoid the use of brokered deposits.

Long Term Debt

         The  Company's  long-term  debt was $1.1  million  and $4.8  million at
December  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  In 1996,  the  Company  prepaid the
remaining $3.7 million in capital notes, originally due to mature June 30, 1997,
twelve months prior to their  original due date.  Long-term debt at December 31,
1996,  consisted  of a mortgage  note payable to Mutual  Benefit Life  Insurance
Corporation.

Capital

         At December 31, 1996, the total capital reached $102.8 million, another
milestone in the Company's history.  Capital represents shareholder ownership in
the Company -- the book value of assets in excess of liabilities. With an equity
to asset ratio of 11.7% as of December 31, 1996,  the Company's  strong  capital
position  relative to peers,  provides  flexibility to finance future growth and
maintain the confidence of deposit customers,  investors, and banking regulatory
agencies.

         The  Federal  Reserve  Board's  risk-based  guidelines   established  a
risk-adjusted  ratio,  relating  capital to different  categories  of assets and
off-balance  sheet  exposures,  such as loan  commitments and standby letters of
credit.  These  guidelines  place a strong  emphasis on  tangible  stockholders'
equity as the core element of the capital base, with appropriate  recognition of
other components of capital.  At December 31, 1996, the tier 1 capital ratio was
18.6%, while the Company's risk-adjusted ratio for total capital, as of December
31, 1996, was 19.9%,  both of which exceed the capital  minimums  established in
the new risk-based capital requirements.

         The Company's  risk-based  capital ratios at December 31, 1996 and 1995
are presented below.

<TABLE>
Risk-Based Capital
<CAPTION>
                                               December 31
(In thousands)                              1996         1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                       <C>         <C>     
Tier 1 capital
   Stockholders' equity                   $102,825    $ 96,797
   Less Goodwill                             3,164       3,677
   Less unrealized gain on
     available for sale securities           1,152       2,025
                                          --------    --------
              Total tier 1 capital        $ 98,509    $ 91,095
                                          ========    ========
Tier 2 capital
   Qualifying allowance for loan losses      6,621       6,141
   Qualifying long-term debt                    --         730
                                          --------    --------
              Total capital               $105,130    $ 97,966
                                          ========    ========
Risk weighted assets                      $527,931    $488,981
                                          ========    ========
Ratios at end of year
   Leverage ratio                           11.20%      10.91%
   Risk-based capital
     Tier 1 capital                         18.66%      18.63%
     Total capital                          19.91%      20.03%
   Minimum guidelines
     Leverage ratio                          4.00%       4.00%
     Tier 1 capital                          4.00%       4.00%
     Total capital                           8.00%       8.00%
</TABLE>

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

Parent Company

         The  Company has  leveraged  its  investment  in  subsidiary  banks and
depends upon the dividends paid to it, as the sole shareholder of the subsidiary
banks, as a principal source of funds for debt service requirements. At December
31, 1996, undivided profits of the Company's subsidiaries were approximately $51
million,  of which  approximately  $17 million was  available for the payment of
dividends to the Company without regulatory approval.  In addition to dividends,
other sources of liquidity for the Company are the sale of equity securities and
the borrowing of funds.

Banking Subsidiaries

         Generally  speaking,  the Company'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 investing activities. 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 originations 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.  A major
responsibility  of management is 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. The management and board of directors of each
bank subsidiary  monitors these same indicators and makes adjustments as needed.
At year end, each subsidiary bank was within established  guidelines,  and total
corporate  liquidity  remains  strong.  At  December  31,  1996,  cash  and cash
equivalents,  trading and available-for-sale securities, and mortgage loans held
for sale were 21.5% of total assets, as compared to 22.7% at December 31, 1995.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

         Management  continually  reviews the  Company's  exposure to changes in
interest rates.  Among the factors considered during its evaluations are changes
in the mix of earning assets,  growth of earning  assets,  interest rate spreads
and  repricing  periods.  Management  forecasts  and models  the impact  various
interest rate  fluctuations  would have on net interest  income.  One such model
measures the interest rate  sensitivity  gap,  which  presents,  at a particular
point in time, the matching of interest rate sensitive assets with interest rate
sensitive liabilities.

         As shown in the schedule below,  the ratio of cumulative rate sensitive
assets  to  rate  sensitive   liabilities  at  six  months  and  one  year,  was
approximately 96% and 113%, respectively.  A financial institution is considered
to be liability  sensitive,  or as having a negative GAP, when the amount of its
interest  bearing  liabilities  maturing or repricing within a given time period
exceeds the amount of its  interest  earning  assets also  maturing or repricing
within that time period.  Conversely,  an  institution is considered to be asset
sensitive,  or as having a positive GAP, when the amount of its interest bearing
liabilities  maturing  and  repricing  is less than the  amount of its  interest
earning assets also maturing or repricing during the same period.  Generally, in
a falling interest rate environment, a negative GAP should result in an increase
in net interest income,  and in a rising interest rate environment this negative
GAP should adversely affect net interest income.  The converse would be true for
a positive  GAP: the  long-term  effect of rising  interest  rates would tend to
increase net interest  income  because of the positive GAP ratio.  However,  the
negative GAP for the short-term  would cause a decrease in net interest  income,
as a result of rising  rates for  approximately  six  months.  Since  conditions
change on a daily basis, these theoretical  conclusions may not be indicative of
actual future results.

<TABLE>
Interest Rate Sensitivity
<CAPTION>
                                                         Interest Rate Sensitivity Period
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       0-30       31-90    91-180     181-365   1 to 5     Over 5
(In thousands, except ratios)          Days       Days      Days       Days     Years       Years       Total
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                 <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       
Earning assets
   Short-term investments           $ 27,292  $      --  $     --  $      --  $      -- $      --  $   27,292
   Assets held in trading accounts       182         --        --         --         --        --         182
   Investment securities              16,029     19,935    24,278     53,644     91,434    32,342     237,662
   Mortgage loans held for sale,
     net of unrealized gains 
      (losses)                        10,101         --        --         --        --         --      10,101
   Loans                              64,902    192,950    29,472    100,718    107,944    14,827     510,813
     Total earning assets            118,506    212,885    53,750    154,362    199,378    47,169     786,050
                                     -------    -------   -------    -------    -------    ------     -------
Interest bearing liabilities
   Interest bearing transaction
     and savings accounts            142,250         --        --         --    100,185    22,120     264,554
   Time deposits                      57,653     70,438    99,171     78,648     39,334        --     345,245
   Short-term borrowings              30,563         --        --         --         --        --      30,563
   Long-term debt                          4          8        12         24        221       798       1,067
                                      ------   --------   -------   --------   --------  --------    --------
     Total interest bearing
       liabilities                   230,470     70,446    99,183     78,672    139,740    22,918     641,429
                                     -------   --------  --------   --------    -------  --------     -------

Interest rate sensitivity gap       (111,964)   142,439   (45,433)    75,690     59,638    24,251     144,621
Cumulative interest rate
   sensitivity gap                  (111,964)    30,475   (14,958)    60,732    120,370   144,621
Cumulative rate sensitive assets
   to rate sensitive liabilities       51.4%     110.1%     96.3%     112.7%     119.5%    122.6%
Cumulative gap as a % of
   earning assets                      14.2%       3.9%     -1.9%       7.7%      15.3%     18.4%
</TABLE>

Quarterly Results

         Selected unaudited quarterly  financial  information for the last eight
quarters is shown in the table below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Quarter
                                            -----------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share data)          First        Second       Third     Fourth       Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>     
1996

Net interest income                         $   7,979    $  8,279    $   8,676   $   8,871    $ 33,805
Provision for loan losses                         502         502          503         834       2,341
Non-interest income                             6,079       5,953        6,375       6,709      25,116
Non-interest expense                           10,450       9,962       10,846      10,698      41,956
Net realized gain on securities                   152         118           --          --         270
Net income                                      2,242       2,661        2,548       2,850      10,301
Earnings per common share (1)                    0.39        0.47         0.45        0.50        1.81

1995

Net interest income                         $   7,395    $  7,770    $   8,306   $   8,293    $ 31,764
Provision for loan losses                         449         452          506         685       2,092
Non-interest income                             6,099       5,832        6,114       6,320      24,365
Non-interest expense                            9,826       9,849       10,034      10,111      39,820
Net realized gain (loss) on securities              1          --           35          (2)         34
Net income                                      2,253       2,393        2,670       2,703      10,019
Earnings per common share (1)                    0.41        0.42         0.47        0.47        1.77
<FN>
(1)  Adjusted to give retroactive consideration to stock dividend in December, 1996.
</FN>
</TABLE>

ITEM 8.       CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

                                      INDEX

Item 1     Independent Accountants' Report....................................
           Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 1996 and 1995.............
           Consolidated Statements of Income Years Ended
              December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994................................
           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow Years Ended
              December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994................................
           Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity 
              Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994....................
           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
              December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994................................

Note:  Supplementary  Data may be found in Item 7  "Management's  Discussion and
Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of Operations - Quarterly  Results"
on page 31 hereof.

                         INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT



Board of Directors
Simmons First National Corporation
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

         We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SIMMONS
FIRST  NATIONAL  CORPORATION  as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,  and the related
consolidated  statements of income,  changes in stockholders'  equity,  and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended  December 31, 1996.  These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management. Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audits.

         We conducted our audits in accordance with generally  accepted auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

         In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present  fairly,  in all material  respects,  the financial  position of SIMMONS
FIRST NATIONAL  CORPORATION as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of
its  operations  and its cash  flows for each of the three  years in the  period
ended  December 31, 1996,  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.

         The Company changed its method of accounting for investment  securities
in 1994.



                                                           BAIRD, KURTZ & DOBSON


Pine Bluff, Arkansas
January 29, 1997


<TABLE>
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 and 1995

<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                                 1996            1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>         
ASSETS

Cash and non-interest bearing balances due from banks                      $     41,989    $     36,179
Interest bearing balances due from banks                                          8,312           2,398
Federal funds sold and securities purchased
   under agreements to resell                                                    18,980          34,845
                                                                           ------------    ------------
     Cash and cash equivalents                                                   69,281          73,422
Investment securities                                                           237,662         224,800
Mortgage loans held for sale, net of unrealized gains (losses)                   10,101          26,159
Assets held in trading accounts                                                     182             548
Loans                                                                           510,813         471,956
   Allowance for loan losses                                                     (8,366)         (8,418)
                                                                           ------------    ------------
     Net loans                                                                  502,447         463,538
Premises and equipment                                                           20,764          16,201
Foreclosed assets held for sale                                                     903           1,017
Interest receivable                                                               9,675           7,953
Cost of loan servicing rights acquired                                            8,906           4,867
Excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired, at amortized cost          3,164           3,677
Other assets                                                                     18,247          17,702
                                                                           ------------    ------------
         TOTAL ASSETS                                                      $    881,332    $    839,884
                                                                           ============    ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Non-interest bearing transaction accounts                                  $    126,568    $    108,779
Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits                      264,554         251,065
Time deposits                                                                   345,245         344,924
                                                                           ------------    ------------
     Total deposits                                                             736,367         704,768
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
   under agreements to repurchase                                                29,079          20,861
Short-term debt                                                                   1,484           1,405
Long-term debt                                                                    1,067           1,107
Capital notes                                                                      --             3,650
Accrued interest and other liabilities                                           10,510          11,296
                                                                           ------------    ------------
     Total liabilities                                                          778,507         743,087
                                                                           ------------    ------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Capital stock
   Class A, common, par value $5 a share, authorized 10,000,000
    shares, 5,705,415 issued and outstanding at 1996 and
    5,724,918 at 1995                                                            28,527          19,083
Surplus                                                                          22,040          22,651
Undivided profits                                                                51,106          53,038
Unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale  securities,
   net of income taxes of $655 at 1996 and $1,151 at 1995                         1,152           2,025
                                                                           ------------    ------------
     Total stockholders' equity                                                 102,825          96,797
                                                                           ------------    ------------
         TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                        $    881,332    $    839,884
                                                                           ============    ============
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<CAPTION>
(In thousands, except per share data)                                 1996       1995       1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>     
INTEREST INCOME
   Loans                                                            $ 44,333   $ 39,917   $ 31,035
   Federal funds sold and securities purchased
     under agreements to resell                                        1,680      1,858      1,218
   Investment securities                                              13,664     12,996     11,237
   Mortgage loans held for sale, net of unrealized gains (losses)      1,333      1,250      2,081
   Assets held in trading accounts                                        66         88        101
   Interest bearing balances due from banks                              291        120         55
                                                                    --------   --------   --------
         TOTAL INTEREST INCOME                                        61,367     56,229     45,727
                                                                    --------   --------   --------

INTEREST EXPENSE
   Interest bearing transaction accounts and savings deposits          7,106      6,167      5,248
   Time deposits                                                      18,663     16,097      9,223
   Federal funds purchased and securities sold
     under agreements to repurchase                                    1,406      1,308        962
   Short-term debt                                                       129         92        163
   Long-term debt                                                        106        110        122
   Capital notes                                                         152        691        750
                                                                    --------   --------   --------
         TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE                                       27,562     24,465     16,468
                                                                    --------   --------   --------

NET INTEREST INCOME                                                   33,805     31,764     29,259
   Provision for  loan losses                                          2,341      2,092      2,050
                                                                    --------   --------   --------
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION
 FOR LOAN LOSSES                                                      31,464     29,672     27,209
                                                                    --------   --------   --------
NON-INTEREST INCOME
   Trust department income                                             2,166      1,790      1,763
   Service charges on deposit accounts                                 3,222      2,768      2,263
   Other service charges and fees                                      1,069        825        853
   Income on sale of mortgage loans, net of commissions                  287        325       (758)
   Income on investment banking, net of commissions                      758      1,017      1,247
   Credit card fees                                                    9,601     10,114     10,636
   Loan servicing fees                                                 7,095      6,092      6,817
   Other income                                                          648      1,400      1,896
   Investment securities gains (losses), net                             270         34        130
                                                                    --------   --------   --------
         TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME                                    25,116     24,365     24,847
                                                                    --------   --------   --------

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
   Salaries and employee benefits                                     21,774     21,192     20,104
   Occupancy expense, net                                              2,310      2,512      2,043
   Furniture and equipment expense                                     2,416      2,167      1,964
   Loss on foreclosed assets                                           1,135      1,401      1,641
   Other expense                                                      14,321     12,548     12,663
                                                                    --------   --------   --------
         TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE                                   41,956     39,820     38,415
                                                                    --------   --------   --------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                            14,624     14,217     13,641
   Provision for income taxes                                          4,323      4,198      3,781
                                                                    --------   --------   --------
NET INCOME                                                          $ 10,301   $ 10,019   $  9,860
                                                                    ========   ========   ========
EARNINGS PER AVERAGE COMMON SHARE                                   $   1.81   $   1.77   $   1.79
                                                                    ========   ========   ========
DIVIDENDS PER COMMON SHARE                                          $   0.48   $   0.40   $   0.31
                                                                    ========   ========   ========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                           1996        1995          1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>      
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net income                                                         $  10,301    $  10,019    $   9,860
   Items not requiring (providing) cash
     Depreciation and amortization                                        4,095        3,254        1,341
     Provision for loan losses                                            2,341        2,092        2,050
     Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on
      investment securities                                                (148)       1,076           50
     Deferred income taxes                                                  152         (134)          63
     Provision for foreclosed assets                                        121          176          151
     Investment securities gains (losses), net                             (270)         (34)        (130)
     (Gain) loss on sale of premises and equipment                         (141)           6          (25)
   Changes in
     Interest receivable                                                 (1,722)      (1,664)        (460)
     Mortgage loans held for sale, net of unrealized gains (losses)      16,058      (17,438)
                                                                                                   39,055
     Assets held in trading accounts                                        366        2,186        1,025
     Other assets                                                          (631)      (1,160)       8,181
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses                               (2,339)       2,507       (1,606)
     Income taxes payable                                                    64         (685)         219
                                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------
         Net cash provided by operating activities                       28,247          201       59,774
                                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Net originations of loans                                            (41,389)     (25,371)     (25,939)
   Purchase of premises and equipment                                    (7,596)      (8,301)      (3,634)
   Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment                           1,646        4,505          745
   Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets                                   92          848        1,279
   Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale  securities                     265         --           --
   Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale  securities           112,632       18,851       98,209
   Purchases of available-for-sale  securities                         (130,694)     (73,879)    (103,709)
   Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity  securities              50,419       84,364       78,890
   Purchases of held-to-maturity  securities                            (44,410)     (59,846)     (46,316)
   Purchase of mortgage servicing rights                                 (6,159)        --           --
                                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------
         Net cash used in investing activities                          (65,194)     (58,829)        (475)
                                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Net increase (decrease) in transaction accounts and
     savings deposits                                                    31,278       (4,635)     (21,985)
   Net increase (decrease) in time deposits                                 321       72,722       (4,832)
   Net repayments of other borrowings                                    (3,611)      (7,603)      (3,426)
   Dividends paid                                                        (2,724)      (2,234)      (1,728)
   Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased
    and securities sold under agreements to repurchase                    8,218       (3,070)      (2,416)
   Net cash and cash equivalents received in acquisitions                  --          2,848         --
   Issuance (repurchase) of common stock                                   (676)          20         --
                                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------
         Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities             32,806       58,048      (34,387)
                                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
   CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                      (4,141)        (580)      24,912
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
   BEGINNING OF YEAR                                                     73,422       74,002       49,090
                                                                      ---------    ---------    ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR                                $  69,281    $  73,422    $  74,002
                                                                      =========    =========    =========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994

<CAPTION>
                                                                       Unrealized
                                                                      Appreciation
                                                                      On Available-
                                              Common                    For-Sale      Undivided
(In thousands)                                 Stock      Surplus    Securities, Net   Profits       Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>            <C>                        <C>       
Balance, December 31, 1993                  $  18,387   $  19,827      $              $  37,121   $   75,335

Adoption of FAS 115, net of income
taxes of $487                                                                  946                       946

Net income                                                                                9,860        9,860

Cash dividends declared ($0.31 per share)                                                (1,728)      (1,728)

Change in unrealized appreciation on
available for sale securities, net of 
income tax credit of $367                                                     (713)                     (713)
                                             --------    --------       ----------     --------    ---------

Balance, December 31, 1994                     18,387      19,827              233       45,253       83,700

Exercise of stock options--3,000 shares            10          10                                         20

Common stock issued in connection 
with purchase of Dumas Bancshares, Inc.
- --205,851 shares                                  686       2,814                                      3,500

Net income                                                                               10,019       10,019

Cash dividends declared ($0.40 per share)                                                (2,234)      (2,234)

Change in unrealized appreciation on
available-for-sale  securities, net of
income taxes of $1,032                                                       1,792                     1,792
                                             --------    --------       ----------     --------    ---------

Balance, December 31, 1995                     19,083      22,651            2,025       53,038       96,797

Exercise of stock options--16,500 shares           55          70                                        125

Repurchase of common stock                       (120)       (681)                                      (801)

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

Net income                                                                               10,301       10,301

Cash dividends declared ($0.48 per share)                                                (2,724)      (2,724)

Change in unrealized appreciation on
available-for-sale  securities, net of
income tax credit of $497                                                     (873)                     (873)
                                             --------    --------       ----------     --------    ---------

Balance, December 31, 1996                  $  28,527   $  22,040      $     1,152    $  51,106   $  102,825
                                             ========    ========       ==========     ========    =========
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1:  NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

         Simmons First National  Corporation is primarily engaged in providing a
full  range of  banking  and  mortgage  services  to  individual  and  corporate
customers through its subsidiaries and branch banks in Arkansas.  The Company is
subject to competition  from other financial  institutions.  The Company also is
subject to the  regulation of certain  federal and state  agencies and undergoes
periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.

Use of Estimates

         The  preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that  affect the  reported  amounts of assets and  liabilities  and
disclosure of  contingent  assets and  liabilities  at the date of the financial
statements  and the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

         Material  estimates  that are  particularly  susceptible to significant
change  relate  to the  determination  of the  allowance  for loan  losses,  the
valuation of foreclosed  assets and the allowance for foreclosure  expenses.  In
connection  with the  determination  of the  allowance  for loan  losses and the
valuation of foreclosed assets,  management obtains  independent  appraisals for
significant properties.

         Management  believes that the allowance for loan losses,  the valuation
of foreclosed  assets and the allowance for  foreclosure  expenses are adequate.
While  management  uses  available  information  to  recognize  losses on loans,
foreclosed assets held for sale, and foreclosure  expenses,  changes in economic
conditions,   particularly  in  Arkansas,  may  necessitate  revision  of  these
estimates in future  years.  In addition,  various  regulatory  agencies,  as an
integral part of their examination  process,  periodically  review the Company's
allowance  for loan losses,  valuation of  foreclosed  assets and  allowance for
foreclosure  expenses.  Such  agencies  may  require  the  Company to  recognize
additional losses,  based on their judgment of information  available to them at
the time of their examination.

Principles of Consolidation

         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.

Reclassifications

         Various items within the accompanying financial statements for previous
years have been  reclassified  to provide more  comparative  information.  These
reclassifications had no effect on net earnings.

Cash Equivalents

         The Company considers all amounts due from banks and federal funds sold
as cash equivalents.  The banking  subsidiaries are required to maintain average
reserve  balances  with the  Federal  Reserve  Bank,  based on a  percentage  of
deposits.  The average  amounts of those  reserve  balances  for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995, were $4,976,000 and  $3,888,000,  respectively.  The
Federal  Reserve  requirement  on  transaction  account  reserves was 10 percent
during 1996. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for varying periods
up to  thirty  days.  These  obligations  are  purchased  from  other  financial
institutions  and are held in the name of  Simmons  First  National  Bank at the
Federal Reserve Bank until maturity of the agreement.

Investments in Debt and Equity Securities

         Held-to-maturity  securities,  which include any security for which the
banking  subsidiaries  have  the  positive  intent  and  ability  to hold  until
maturity,  are carried at historical cost adjusted for  amortization of premiums
and accretion of  discounts.  Premiums and discounts are amortized and accreted,
respectively, to interest income using the constant yield method over the period
to maturity.

         Available-for-sale securities, which include any security for which the
banking subsidiaries have no immediate plan to sell but which may be sold in the
future,  are  carried  at fair  value.  Realized  gains  and  losses,  based  on
specifically  identified amortized cost of the individual security, are included
in other income. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded, net of related income
tax effects, in stockholders'  equity.  Premiums and discounts are amortized and
accreted,  respectively, to interest income using the constant yield method over
the period to maturity.

         Trading  securities,  which  include any security  held  primarily  for
near-term  sale,  are  carried  at fair  value.  Gains  and  losses  on  trading
securities are included in other income.

         Interest and dividends on investments in debt and equity securities are
included in income when earned.

Mortgage Loans Held For Sale

         Mortgage  loans held for sale are  carried at the lower of cost or fair
value,  determined by using an aggregate  loan 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.
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 and the costs of servicing  rights retained.
Fees received from borrowers to guarantee the funding of mortgage loans held for
sale and fees paid to  investors to ensure the  ultimate  sale of such  mortgage
loans are  recognized  as income or  expense  when the loans are sold or when it
becomes evident that the commitment will not be used.

Loans

         Loans  that  management  has the  intent  and  ability  to hold for the
foreseeable  future  or  until  maturity  or  pay-offs  are  reported  at  their
outstanding  principal  adjusted for any loans charged off and any deferred fees
or costs on originated loans and unamortized  premiums or discounts on purchased
loans.

         Discounts and premiums on purchased  residential  real estate loans are
amortized  to income  using the  interest  method over the  remaining  period to
contractual  maturity,  adjusted  for  anticipated  prepayments.  Discounts  and
premiums on purchased  consumer loans are recognized  over the expected lives of
the loans using methods that approximate the interest method.

Allowance for Loan Losses

         The  allowance  for loan losses is increased by  provisions  charged to
expense and reduced by loans  charged off, net of  recoveries.  The allowance is
maintained at a level considered  adequate to provide for potential loan losses,
based on management's evaluation of the loan portfolio, as well as on prevailing
and  anticipated  economic  conditions and  historical  losses by loan category.
General reserves have been established,  based upon the aforementioned  factors,
and  allocated to the  individual  loan  categories.  Allowances  are accrued on
specific  loans  evaluated  for  impairment  for which  the basis of each  loan,
including  accrued  interest,  exceeds the discounted  amount of expected future
collections of interest and principal or, alternatively,  the fair value of loan
collateral.

         A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will
not receive all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. This
includes  loans  that are  delinquent  90 days or more  (nonaccrual  loans)  and
certain  other  loans   identified  by   management.   Accrual  of  interest  is
discontinued,  and  interest  accrued  and  unpaid is  removed  at the time such
amounts are delinquent 90 days. Interest is recognized for nonaccrual loans only
upon receipt,  and only after all principal amounts are current according to the
terms of the contract.

Premises and Equipment

         Depreciable  assets are stated at cost, less accumulated  depreciation.
Depreciation  is charged to  expense,  using the  straight-line  method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are capitalized and
amortized by the straight-line method over the terms of the respective leases or
the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter.

Foreclosed Assets Held For Sale

         Assets  acquired by  foreclosure  or in settlement of debt and held for
sale are valued at estimated fair value,  as of the date of  foreclosure,  and a
related valuation  allowance is provided for estimated costs to sell the assets.
Management  evaluates the value of foreclosed  assets held for sale periodically
and increases the valuation allowance for any subsequent declines in fair value.
Changes in the valuation allowance are charged or credited to other expense.

Excess Cost Over Fair Value of Net Assets Acquired

         Unamortized  costs of subsidiaries  purchased in 1984, in excess of the
estimated  fair value of underlying  net assets  acquired,  aggregated  $647,000
(originally  $2,646,000)  at December 31, 1996,  and are being  amortized over a
20-year period, using the straight-line method.

         Unamortized  costs in excess of the estimated fair value of five branch
operations  of failed  savings  and loans  located in Fort Smith and Pine Bluff,
Arkansas  purchased by the Company  between 1990 and 1992,  aggregated  $922,000
(originally  $2,473,000  ) at December  31,  1996.  The amount  allocated to the
future earnings potential of acquired deposits (originally $1,554,000), is being
amortized  over  ten  years,  using  the  straight-line  method.  The  remaining
intangible  (originally  $919,000) is being amortized over fifteen years,  using
the straight-line method.

     Unamortized  costs in  excess  of the  estimated  fair  value of the  three
branches of  "Simmons/Northwest",  which was originally failed savings and loans
located in Rogers, Springdale,  and Bella Vista, Arkansas,  purchased in 1990 by
"the Company" and  transferred  in 1996 from "the Bank" to  "Simmons/Northwest",
aggregated  $192,000  (originally  $205,000) at December  31,  1996.  The amount
allocated  to the future  earnings  potential of acquired  deposits  (originally
$142,000),  is being amortized over ten years,  using the straight-line  method.
The remaining  intangible  (originally  $63,000) is being amortized over fifteen
years, using the straight-line method.

         Unamortized  costs of subsidiaries  purchased in 1995, in excess of the
estimated fair value of underlying net assets  acquired,  aggregated  $1,403,000
(originally $1,598,000) at December 31, 1996. The amount allocated to the future
earnings  potential  of  acquired  deposits  (originally  $820,000),   is  being
amortized  over  ten  years,  using  the  straight-line  method.  The  remaining
intangible  (originally  $778,000) is being amortized over fifteen years,  using
the straight-line method.

         Amortization  expense  related to these  acquisitions  for the  periods
ended  December 31, 1996,  1995,  and 1994 was $447,000,  $438,000 and $426,000,
respectively.

Fee Income

         Periodic  bank  card  fees,  net  of  direct   origination  costs,  are
recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis, over the period the fee entitles
the  cardholder  to use the card.  Other  loan fees,  net of direct  origination
costs, are recognized as revenue on a yield basis over the term of the loans.

Loan Servicing Rights

         The  cost  of  mortgage  servicing  rights  acquired  is  amortized  in
proportion  to,  and over the  period  of,  estimated  net  servicing  revenues.
Impairment of mortgage  servicing  rights is assessed based on the fair value of
those rights.  Fair values are estimated using  discounted cash flows based on a
current market interest rate. For purposes of measuring  impairment,  the rights
are stratified based on the predominant risk  characteristics  of the underlying
loans. The predominant  characteristic currently used for stratification is type
of loan.  The  amount  of  impairment  recognized  is the  amount  by which  the
capitalized mortgage servicing rights for a stratum exceed their fair value.

         When participating  interests in loans sold have an average contractual
interest rate,  adjusted for normal servicing fees, that differs from the agreed
yield to the  purchaser,  gains or losses are  recognized  equal to the  present
value of such differential over the estimated  remaining life of such loans. The
resulting  "excess  servicing  fees  receivable" is amortized over the estimated
life using a method approximating the constant yield method.

         The excess  servicing fees receivable and the  amortization  thereon is
periodically  evaluated in relation to estimated future net servicing  revenues,
taking into consideration  changes in interest rates,  current prepayment rates,
and expected future cash flows. The Company  evaluates the carrying value of the
excess servicing receivable by estimating the future net servicing income of the
portfolio  based  on  management's   best  estimate  of  remaining  loan  lives.
Management is of the opinion that a valuation allowance was not needed.

         During 1995,  the Company  adopted  Statement  of Financial  Accounting
Standards Board No. 122 (FAS 122),  "Accounting for Mortgage  Servicing Rights".
FAS 122 requires that mortgage servicing rights retained for originated mortgage
loans that are sold or  securitized  be  capitalized  based on the cost of their
servicing rights.  The adoption of FAS 122 did not have a material affect on the
Company's financial position or the results of its operation.

Allowance for Foreclosure Expenses

         The Company  charges  income for expected  costs that are incurred as a
result of the Company's responsibility as servicer of loans for other investors.
The charge to income is determined based on 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 Company does
not expect to recover.

Income Taxes

         Deferred tax  liabilities and assets are recognized for the tax effects
of  differences  between  the  financial  statement  and tax bases of assets and
liabilities. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets,
if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Earnings Per Share

         Earnings per share are based on the weighted  average  number of shares
outstanding during each year. Common stock equivalents,  in the form of employee
stock  options,  were not dilutive.  Weighted  average shares  outstanding  were
5,711,181 for 1996,  5,669,148  for 1995 and  5,516,067  for 1994,  after giving
retroactive consideration to the stock dividend in December, 1996.

NOTE 2:  INVESTMENT SECURITIES

           The amortized cost and fair value of investment  securities  that are
classified as held-to-maturity and available-for-sale are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Years Ended December 31
                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1996                                       1995
                        --------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
                                      Gross       Gross    Estimated               Gross      Gross   Estimated
                         Amortized Unrealized  Unrealized    Fair     Amortized Unrealized Unrealized   Fair
(In thousands)             Cost       Gains     (Losses)     Value      Cost       Gains    (Losses)    Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                     <C>          <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>           <C>      <C>       <C>       
Hled-to-Maturity

U.S. Treasury           $   24,700   $   179   $ (122) $   24,757  $   45,920    $   400  $   (46)  $   46,274
U.S. Government
  agencies                  35,286       527     (167)     35,646      23,569        692      (18)      24,243
Mortgage-backed
  securities                 4,243        13      (69)      4,187       6,344         37      (55)       6,326
State and political
  subdivisions              63,586     1,116     (327)     64,375      58,154      1,536     (356)      59,334
Other securities               332         2       (4)        330         446         11       --          457
                         ---------    ------    -----   ---------   ---------     ------   ------    ---------
                        $  128,147   $ 1,837   $ (689) $  129,295  $  134,433    $ 2,676  $  (475)  $  136,634
                         =========    ======    =====   =========   =========     ======   ======    =========

Available-for-Sale

U.S. Treasury           $   63,248   $ 1,006   $  (55) $   64,199  $   72,258    $ 2,102  $    (3)  $   74,357
U.S. Government
  agencies                  41,358       186     (135)     41,409      11,905        264      (35)      12,134
State and political
  subdivisions                  --        --       --          --          51         --       --           51
Other securities             3,102       805       --       3,907       2,976        851       (2)       3,825
                         ---------    ------    -----   ---------   ---------     ------   ------    ---------
                        $  107,708   $ 1,997   $ (190) $  109,515  $   87,190    $ 3,217  $   (40)  $   90,367
                         =========    ======    =====   =========   =========     ======   ======    =========
</TABLE>

         Income earned on the above  securities for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995, and 1994 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)           1996      1995      1994
- ----------------------------------------------------

<S>                    <C>       <C>       <C>    
Taxable
  Held-to-maturity     $ 4,303   $ 6,949   $ 5,696
  Available-for-sale     6,196     3,131     2,803

Non-taxable
  Held-to-maturity       3,164     2,914     2,738
  Available-for-sale         1         2      --
                       -------   -------   -------
         Total         $13,664   $12,996   $11,237
                       =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>

         Maturities  of  investment  securities  at December  31,  1996,  are as
follows:

<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                            $    22,176   $    22,189   $    41,854    $   42,052
After one through five years                     46,648        47,107        50,401        51,168
After five through ten years                     49,073        49,251        12,351        12,388
After ten years                                   5,675         6,231            --            --
Mortgage-backed  securities not due
  on a single date                                4,243         4,187            --            --
Other securities                                    332           330         3,102         3,907
                                             ----------    ----------    ----------     ---------
         Total                              $   128,147   $   129,295   $   107,708    $  109,515
                                             ==========    ==========    ==========     =========
</TABLE>

         The book value of securities  pledged as  collateral,  to secure public
deposits and for other  purposes,  amounted to $86,360,000 at December 31, 1996,
and  $107,133,000  at December 31, 1995. The  approximate  fair value of pledged
securities  amounted to $87,399,000 at December 31, 1996,  and  $110,319,000  at
December 31, 1995.

         The  book  value of  securities  sold  under  agreement  to  repurchase
amounted  to  $169,000   and   $1,417,000   for  December  31,  1996  and  1995,
respectively.

         The gross  realized  gains of $270,000 and $40,000,  and gross realized
losses   of  $0  and   $6,000,   respectively,   were   the   result   of   sold
available-for-sale  securities  in 1996 and called bonds in 1995.  Proceeds from
sales in 1996 were $270,000.

         As of December  15,  1995,  the Company  redesignated  held-to-maturity
securities  with an aggregate  amortized cost of $40,193,000  and net unrealized
gains of $1,905,000 to the available-for-sale  portfolio.  The redesignation was
prompted by the  announcement  by the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board to
allow a one-time redesignation and reflects management's revised expectations of
liquidity needs.

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

NOTE 3:  LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

       The various categories of loans are summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                   1996       1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                            <C>        <C>     
Consumer
   Credit cards                                $166,346   $154,808
   Student loans                                 64,193     63,492
   Other consumer                                65,384     57,166
Real estate
   Construction                                  20,325     15,177
   Single family residential                     57,251     53,556
   Other commercial                              60,439     59,012
Commercial
   Commercial                                    41,375     36,553
   Agricultural                                  21,003     20,588
   Financial institutions                         8,469      9,058
Other                                             6,028      2,546
                                               --------   --------
Total loans before allowance for loan losses   $510,813   $471,956
                                               ========   ========
</TABLE>

         As of January 1, 1995,  the  Company  adopted  Statement  of  Financial
Accounting Standards No. 114 (FAS 114),  "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
of a Loan". FAS 114 requires  discounting  expected future cash flows to measure
impairment  of  certain  loans,  or,  as  a  practical   expedient,   impairment
measurements  based on the loan's  observable  market price or the fair value of
collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  The adoption of FAS 114 did not
have a material impact on the financial results.

         At December 31, 1996 and 1995,  impaired  loans totaled  $4,912,000 and
$4,564,000,  respectively.  All  impaired  loans  had  designated  reserves  for
possible loan losses.  Reserves  relative to impaired loans at December 31, 1996
were  $831,000  and  $832,000 at December  31,  1995.  Interest of $260,000  was
recognized  on  average  impaired  loans of  $4,212,000  for 1996.  Interest  of
$200,000  was  recognized  on average  impaired  loans of  $3,623,000  for 1995.
Interest  recognized  on impaired  loans on a cash basis during 1996 or 1995 was
immaterial.

         As of December 31, 1996, credit card loans,  which are unsecured,  were
$166,346,000,  or 32.6%, of total loans versus  $154,808,000,  or 32.8% of total
loans at December 31, 1995. The credit card loans are  diversified by geographic
region to reduce credit risk and minimize any adverse  impact on the  portfolio.
Credit card loans are regularly  reviewed to facilitate the  identification  and
monitoring of creditworthiness.

         Transactions in the allowance for loan losses are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                              1996      1995     1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                       <C>       <C>       <C>    
Balance, beginning of year                                $ 8,418   $ 7,790   $ 7,430
Additions
   Provision charged to expense                             2,341     2,092     2,050
   Allowance for loan losses of acquired institutions        --         361      --
                                                          -------   -------   -------
                                                           10,759    10,243     9,480
Deductions
   Losses charged to allowance, net of recoveries
     of $491 for 1996, $479 for 1995, and $420 for 1994     2,393     1,825     1,690
                                                          -------   -------   -------

Balance, end of year                                      $ 8,366   $ 8,418   $ 7,790
                                                          =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>

NOTE 4:  ACQUISITIONS

         On April 1,  1995,  and  August  1,  1995,  the  Company  acquired  all
outstanding  stock of Dumas  Bancshares,  Inc.  (DBI),  and  Dermott  State Bank
Bancshares, Inc. (DSBB), respectively,  in exchange for 205,851 shares of common
stock  valued at $17.00  per share and cash of $3.9  million.  DBI and DSBB were
liquidated  into the Company  leaving  Dumas State Bank,  First State Bank,  and
Dermott State Bank as subsidiaries  of the Company.  First State Bank was merged
into Simmons First  National Bank and the names of the two remaining  banks were
changed to Simmons  First Bank of Dumas and Simmons  First Bank of  Dermott.  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.

     The  acquisitions  were  accounted  for as  purchases,  and the  results of
operations  from the  dates of  acquisition  are  included  in the  consolidated
financial  statements.  The total  acquisition cost of $7.4 million exceeded the
market  value  of  tangible  assets  and  liabilities  acquired  by  $1,598,000.
Unaudited pro forma consolidated  operations assuming the purchases were made at
the beginning of each year are shown below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands, except per share data)         1995      1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                          <C>       <C>    
Total revenue                                $82,213   $75,094

Net income                                    10,168    10,445

Earnings per share                              1.77      1.83
</TABLE>

         The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of what would have
occurred  had the  acquisitions  been on these dates,  nor are they  necessarily
indicative of future operations.

         Pro forma data reflect the adjusted  depreciation and amortization from
adjusting DBI and DSBB assets to market value. No adjustment was made to reflect
the  combined  impact of  operations  on income  tax  expenses  of the  separate
companies.


NOTE 5:  FORECLOSED ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

         Transactions in the allowance for losses on foreclosed  assets held for
sale were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                            1996     1995     1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                      <C>      <C>      <C>  
Balance, beginning of year                               $  47    $  97    $ 166
   Provisions charged to expense                           121        8      151
   Selling expenses incurred on foreclosed assets sold    (124)     (58)    (220)
                                                         -----    -----    -----
Balance, end of year                                     $  44    $  47    $  97
                                                         =====    =====    =====
</TABLE>

NOTE 6:  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

         Major classifications of premises and equipment, stated at cost, are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Estimated
(In thousands)                    1996      1995   Useful lives
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                             <C>       <C>       <C>
Land and improvements           $ 3,576   $ 2,394
Buildings and improvements       19,010    15,733   10-50 years
Leasehold improvements            1,782     1,743   5-20 years
Equipment                        15,638    15,689   3-10 years
                                -------   -------
                                 40,006    35,559

Less accumulated depreciation    19,242    19,358
                                -------   -------

Net premises and equipment      $20,764   $16,201
                                =======   =======
</TABLE>

NOTE 7:  TIME DEPOSITS

         Time deposits  included  approximately  $88,731,000 and $104,906,000 of
certificates  of deposit of  $100,000 or more,  at  December  31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

         Deposits  are the  Company's  primary  funding  source  for  loans  and
investment  securities.  The mix and repricing  alternatives  can  significantly
affect the cost of this source of funds and, therefore, impact the margin.

NOTE 8:  INCOME TAXES

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                    1996      1995        1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>       <C>        <C>
Income taxes currently payable   $ 4,171   $ 4,332    $ 3,718
Deferred income taxes                152      (134)        63
                                 -------   -------    -------
Provision for income taxes       $ 4,323   $ 4,198    $ 3,781
                                 =======   =======    =======
</TABLE>

         Deferred income taxes related to the change in unrealized  appreciation
on   available-for-sale   securities,   shown  in  stockholders'   equity,  were
($497,000), $1,032,000 and ($367,000), for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                       1996       1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                <C>        <C>    
Deferred tax assets
   Allowance for loan losses                       $ 2,952    $ 2,940
   Valuation of foreclosed assets                      299        250
   Deferred compensation payable                       445        444
   Deferred loan fee income                            642        707
   Vacation compensation                               312        313
   Loan servicing reserve                              208        190
   Loan interest                                       164        230
   Other                                                22        114
                                                   -------    -------
                                                     5,044      5,188
                                                   -------    -------
Deferred tax liabilities
   Accumulated depreciation                           (776)      (718)
   Available-for-sale securities                      (655)    (1,151)
   Other                                              (288)      (338)
                                                   -------    -------
                                                    (1,719)    (2,207)
                                                   -------    -------
Net deferred tax assets included in other assets
   on balance sheets                               $ 3,325    $ 2,981
                                                   =======    =======
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                           1996       1995       1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>    
Computed at the statutory rate (34%)   $ 4,972    $ 4,834    $ 4,637

Increase (decrease) resulting from
   Tax exempt income                    (1,018)      (935)      (985)
   Amortization of intangible assets        77         71         82
   State income taxes                      150        111        113
   Non-deductible expenses                  62         61         54
   Other differences,  net                  80         56       (120)
                                       -------    -------    -------

   Actual tax provision                $ 4,323    $ 4,198    $ 3,781
                                       =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>

NOTE 9:  LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL NOTES

         Long-term  debt  and  capital  notes at  December  31,  1996 and  1995,
consisted of the following components.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)              1996     1995
- -------------------------------------------

<S>                       <C>      <C>   
Capital notes             $ --     $3,650
Other debt                 1,067    1,107
                          ------   ------
   Total long-term debt   $1,067   $4,757
                          ======   ======
</TABLE>

         Long-term  debt consists of a mortgage  note payable to Mutual  Benefit
Life  Insurance  Corporation,  secured by land and building with a book value of
$2,142,000, payable in equal monthly installments of $12,000, including interest
at approximately 9.75% per annum. Final payment is due August, 2008.


         Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1996 are:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Annual
(In thousands)                                      Year            Maturities
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>             <C>     
                                                    1997            $     45
                                                    1998                  49
                                                    1999                  55
                                                    2000                  60
                                                    2001                  66
                                                 Thereafter              792
                                                                    --------
                                                    Total           $  1,067
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>

NOTE 10:  CAPITAL STOCK

         In addition to the common  stock from which stock has been  issued,  as
shown on the balance sheet, the following classes of stock have been authorized.

     Class B common stock of $1.00 par value per share,  authorized  300 shares:
none issued.
     Class A preferred stock of $100.00 par value per share,  authorized  50,000
shares: none issued.

     Class B preferred stock of $100.00 par value per share,  authorized  50,000
shares: none issued.

         In the second quarter of 1995,  3,000 shares of common stock,  relative
to exercised  stock  options,  were issued.  During 1996, an  additional  16,500
shares, also in the form of exercised stock options were issued.

         On April 1, 1995,  the Company  issued  205,851  shares of common stock
valued at $17.00  per share in  exchange  for shares in Dumas  Bancshares,  Inc.
(DBI).

         On December 6, 1996, the Company declared a 50% stock dividend,  giving
each  shareholder one share of stock for each two shares held on the issue date.
The number and price of shares  listed above have been  adjusted to reflect this
dividend.

NOTE 11:  TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

         At  December  31,  1996  and  1995,  the  subsidiary  banks  had  loans
outstanding  to  executive  officers,  directors,  and to companies in which the
banks' executive  officers or directors were principal  owners, in the amount of
$9,474,000 in 1996, and $7,635,000 in 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                 1996
- ----------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>    
Balance, beginning of year   $ 7,635
New loans                      4,974
Repayments                    (3,135)
                             -------

Balance, end of year         $ 9,474
                             =======
</TABLE>

         In management's  opinion, such loans and other extensions of credit and
deposits  were  made  in the  ordinary  course  of  business  and  were  made on
substantially the same terms (including  interest rates and collateral) as those
prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons.  Further,
in management's  opinion,  these loans did not involve more than the normal risk
of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

NOTE 12: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

         The Company's  401(k)  retirement  plan, which has been in effect since
January 1, 1991, covers substantially all employees. Employees may contribute up
to 12% of their compensation, with the Company and its subsidiaries matching 25%
of the employee's  contribution on the first 5% of the employee's  compensation.
The  charges  to  income  for  this  contribution  in 1996,  1995 and 1994  were
$134,000, $129,000 and $125,000, respectively.

         The Company and its  subsidiaries  have a discretionary  profit sharing
and employee stock ownership plan covering all employees.  The charges to income
for the plan were $730,000 for 1996, $640,000 for 1995, and $600,000 for 1994.

         In 1990, the Board of Directors  adopted an incentive and  nonqualified
stock option  plan.  Pursuant to the plan,  an aggregate of 210,000  shares were
reserved for future  issuance by the Company,  upon exercise of stock options to
be granted to officers and other key employees.

         In 1996, The Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board adopted  Financial
Accounting   Standards   No.  123  (FAS  123),   "Accounting   for   Stock-Based
Compensation". This statement establishes an alternative fair value-based method
of  accounting  for  stock-based  compensation  plans.  The Company  applies APB
Opinion  25 and  related  Interpretations  in  accounting  for the plan,  and no
compensation cost has been recognized. No fair value disclosures with respect to
stock options are presented  because in the opinion of management such values do
not have a material effect.

         The table below summarizes the  transactions  under the Company's stock
option plan at December  31,  1996,  1995 and 1994 and changes  during the years
then ended:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     1996                  1995                 1994
                              --------------------- -------------------- --------------------
                                         Weighted             Weighted              Weighted
                                          Average              Average              Average
                                Shares  Exercisable  Shares  Exercisable   Shares Exercisable
                                 (000)    Price      (000)     Price       (000)     Price
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                               <C>    <C>          <C>    <C>            <C>    <C>    
Outstanding, beginning of year    157    $ 12.96      104    $  9.64        95     $  9.08
Granted                            49      25.56       56      18.82         9       15.58
Exercised                         (17)      7.11       (3)      6.67        --          --
                                -----               -----                -----

Outstanding, end of year          189      16.80      157      12.96       104        9.64
                                =====               =====                =====

Exercisable, end of year          113    $ 12.09       87    $  8.59        64     $  8.49
                                =====               =====                =====
</TABLE>

       The following table summarizes  information about stock options under the
plan outstanding at December 31, 1996:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Options Outstanding                        Options Exercisable
                             --------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                                 Weighted-
                                                  Average          Weighted-                          Weighted-
                                 Number          Remaining          Average          Number            Average
       Range of                Outstanding      Contractual        Exercise        Exercisable        Exercise
     Exercise Prices              (000)            Life              Price            (000)             Price
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>              <C>                    <C>        <C>
  $  8.29 to  $ 12.33                75             1  year        $   9.61               75         $   9.61
  $ 15.58 to  $ 25.67               114           3.5 years        $  21.67               38         $  16.93
</TABLE>

         Also,  the Company has deferred  compensation  agreements  with certain
active and retired  officers.  The agreements  provide  monthly  payments which,
together  with  payments  from the  deferred  annuities  issued  pursuant to the
terminated  pension  plan,  equal 50 percent of  average  compensation  prior to
retirement or death. The charges to income for the plans were $196,000 for 1996,
$184,000 for 1995 and $128,000 for 1994. Such charges reflect the  straight-line
accrual  over the  employment  period of the present  value of benefits due each
participant, as of their full eligibility date, using an 8% discount factor.

NOTE 13:  ADDITIONAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION FOR 1996, 1995 and 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                     1996        1995       1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>          <C>        <C>
Non-cash investing activities
   Sale and financing of foreclosed assets held for sale        $     --     $    674   $    148
   Real estate acquired in settlement of debt                         66          169         81
   Common stock issued in connection with the DBI acquisition         --        3,500         --

         The  Company  purchased  all of the  common  stock  of DBI and DSBB for
$7,400,000.  In connection  with the  acquisition,  liabilities  were assumed as
follows:

Fair value of assets acquired                                                $ 61,278
Cash paid for the capital stock                                                (3,900)
Common stock issued                                                            (3,500)
                                                                              -------
  Liabilities assumed                                                        $  53,878
                                                                              ========

Additional cash payment information
   Interest paid                                                $ 27,414     $  23,093  $ 16,191

   Income taxes paid                                               4,237         3,851     4,530
</TABLE>

NOTE 14:  OTHER EXPENSE

  Other expense consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)            1996      1995       1994
- ------------------------------------------------------

<S>                     <C>       <C>       <C>    
Professional services   $ 1,553   $ 1,400   $ 1,634
Postage                   1,277     1,319     1,234
Telephone                   861       841       771
Credit card expense       1,426     1,445     1,458
Operating supplies          958       846       695
FDIC insurance              942       830     1,307
Miscellaneous expense     7,304     5,867     5,564
                        -------   -------   -------
         Total          $14,321   $12,548   $12,663
                        =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>

NOTE 15: DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

         The following  methods and  assumptions  were used to estimate the fair
value of each class of financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

         The carrying  amount for cash and cash  equivalents  approximates  fair
value.

Held-To-Maturity Securities

         Fair values for investment  securities  equal quoted market prices,  if
available. If quoted market prices are not available,  fair values are estimated
based on quoted market prices of similar securities.

Available-For-Sale  Securities and Trading Securities

         Fair value for trading and  available-for-sale  securities,  which also
are the amounts  recognized in the balance sheet, equal quoted market prices, if
available. If quoted market prices are not available,  fair values are estimates
based on quoted market prices of similar securities.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

         For  homogeneous  categories of loans,  such as mortgage loans held for
sale,  fair value is estimated,  using the quoted  market prices for  securities
backed by similar loans, adjusted for differences in loan characteristics.

Loans

         The fair value of loans is  estimated  by  discounting  the future cash
flows, using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers
with similar credit ratings and for the same  remaining  maturities.  Loans with
similar  characteristics  were aggregated for purposes of the calculations.  The
carrying amount of accrued interest approximates its fair value.

Deposits

         The fair value of demand  deposits,  savings  accounts and money market
deposits is the amount  payable on demand at the  reporting  date  (i.e.,  their
carrying amount).  The fair value of fixed-maturity  time deposits is estimated,
using a  discounted  cash flow  calculation  that  applies  the rates  currently
offered for deposits of similar  remaining  maturities.  The carrying  amount of
accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

     Federal Funds Purchased, Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase, and
Other Borrowings

         The carrying amount for federal funds purchased,  securities sold under
agreement to repurchase,  and other borrowings is a reasonable  estimate of fair
value.

Long-Term Debt and Capital Notes

         Rates  currently  available to the Company for debt with similar  terms
and remaining  maturities  are used to estimate fair value of existing debt. The
fair value of the capital notes approximated the carrying value.

Commitments to Extend Credit, Letters of Credit and Lines of Credit

         The fair value of  commitments  is estimated,  using the fees currently
charged to enter into  similar  agreements,  taking into  account the  remaining
terms of the agreements and the present  creditworthiness of the counterparties.
For fixed  rate loan  commitments,  fair  value also  considers  the  difference
between  current  levels of interest  rates and the  committed  rates.  The fair
values of  letters  of credit  and lines of credit  are based on fees  currently
charged  for  similar  agreements  or on the  estimated  cost  to  terminate  or
otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.

         The following table  represents  estimated fair values of the Company's
financial  instruments.  The fair  values of certain of these  instruments  were
calculated by discounting  expected cash flows. This method involves significant
judgments by management considering the uncertainties of economic conditions and
other factors  inherent in the risk  management of financial  instruments.  Fair
value is the estimated amount at which financial assets or liabilities  could be
exchanged in a current  transaction  between  willing  parties,  other than in a
forced or  liquidation  sale.  Because  no market  exists  for  certain of these
financial  instruments  and  because  management  does not  intend to sell these
financial  instruments,  the Company does not know whether the fair values shown
below represent values at which the respective  financial  instruments  could be
sold individually or in the aggregate.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                December 31, 1996           December 31, 1995
                                            --------------------------  --------------------------
                                               Carrying       Fair          Carrying       Fair
(In thousands)                                  Amount        Value          Amount        Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Financial assets
   Cash and cash equivalents                $    69,281   $    69,281   $    73,422    $   73,422
   Held-to-maturity securities                  128,147       129,295       134,433       136,634
   Available-for-sale securities                109,515       109,515        90,367        90,367
   Assets held in trading accounts                  182           182           548           548
   Mortgage loans held for sale, net
    of unrealized gains (losses)                 10,101        10,101        26,159        26,159
   Interest receivable                            9,675         9,675         7,953         7,953
   Loans, net                                   502,447       514,977       463,538       475,252

Financial liabilities
   Non-interest bearing transaction accounts    126,568       126,568       108,779       108,779
   Interest bearing transaction accounts and
     savings deposits                           264,554       264,554       251,065       251,065
   Time deposits                                345,245       348,589       344,924       351,163
   Federal funds purchased and securities
     sold under agreements to repurchase         29,079        29,079        20,861        20,861
   Short-term debt                                1,484         1,484         1,405         1,405
   Capital notes                                     --            --         3,650         3,650
   Long-term debt                                 1,067         1,162         1,107         1,137
   Interest payable                               3,238         3,238         3,090         3,090

Unrecognized financial instruments (net
   of contract amount)
     Letters of credit                               --            --            --            --
     Lines of credit                                 --            --            --            --
     Forward commitments                             --            --            --            --
</TABLE>

         The fair value of commitments to extend credit and forward  commitments
to sell mortgage loans do not differ  materially  from the notional or principal
amounts.

NOTE 16:  SIGNIFICANT ESTIMATES AND CONCENTRATIONS

         Generally accepted accounting  principles require disclosure of certain
significant estimates and current vulnerabilities due to certain concentrations.
Estimates related to the allowance for loan losses and certain concentrations of
credit risk are reflected in Note 3.

NOTE 17:  COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT RISK

     The Company grants agri-business,  credit card, commercial, and residential
loans to  customers  throughout  the  state.  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 December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had outstanding  commitments
to  originate   portfolio  loans  aggregating   approximately   $79,710,000  and
$67,853,000,  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 $64,616,000  and $26,744,000
at December  31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,  with the  remainder  at floating
interest rates.

         Mortgage  loans  serviced  for  others   totaled   $1,477,945,000   and
$1,224,467,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively and are not included
in the  accompanying  balance sheets. A reserve of $566,000 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 Company does not expect to recover. Such reserve is netted
against  foreclosure  receivables  included in other  assets.  The  transactions
included in that reserve are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                      1996       1995       1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                               <C>        <C>        <C>    
Balance, beginning of year        $   573    $   210    $   310

Additions
   Provision charged to reserve       864      1,349      1,398

Deductions
   Losses charged to reserve         (871)      (986)    (1,498)
                                  -------    -------    -------

Balance, end of year              $   566    $   573    $   210
                                  =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>

       Custodial  escrow  balances  maintained in connection  with the foregoing
loan servicing,  and included in deposits,  were  approximately  $11,700,000 and
$12,300,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

         Mortgage  loans in the process of origination  represent  amounts which
the Company plans to fund within a normal period of 60 to 90 days, and which are
intended for sale to investors in the secondary market.  Forward  commitments to
sell mortgage loans are  obligations to deliver loans at a specified price on or
before a specified  future date. The Company acquires such commitments to reduce
market risk on mortgage loans in the process of  origination  and mortgage loans
held for sale.

         Total  mortgage  loans  in  the  process  of  origination  amounted  to
$10,187,000  and   $27,691,000,   mortgage  loans  held  for  sale  amounted  to
$10,101,000  and  $26,159,000,  at  December  31,  1996 and 1995,  respectively.
Related  forward  commitments to sell mortgage  loans amounted to  approximately
$19,217,000  and  $40,677,000  at  December  31,  1996 and  1995,  respectively.
Included in mortgage  loans in the process of  origination  were  commitments to
originate  loans at fixed rates of interest of  $9,531,000  and  $26,127,000  at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

         Mortgage servicing rights of $6,159,000 and $2,413,000 were capitalized
in 1996 and 1995,  respectively.  Amortization of mortgage  servicing rights was
$2,120,000, $1,371,000 and $359,000 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

         Letters of credit are conditional  commitments issued by the Company 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  Company  had total  outstanding  letters  of credit  amounting  to
$2,113,000  and  $1,954,000  at December 31, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,  with
terms ranging from 95 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 borrower.
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 balance sheet instruments.

         At December 31, 1996, the Company had granted unused lines of credit to
borrowers, aggregating approximately $12,677,000 and $160,938,000 for commercial
lines and open-end  consumer lines. At December 31, 1995, unused lines of credit
aggregated  approximately  $3,365,000 for commercial  lines and $157,068,000 for
open-end consumer lines.

         At December 31, 1996, the Company did not have  concentrations of 5% or
more of the investment portfolio in any bonds issued by a single municipality.

NOTE 18:  LEASES

         At December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994,  there were  obligations  under a
number of long-term land and office  operating  leases,  which required  minimum
annual rentals,  aggregating approximately $311,000 for 1996, $316,000 for 1995,
and $553,000 for 1994.  The leases  extend for varying  periods,  up to the year
2057.

         Minimum  annual rentals under these  non-cancelable  leases at December
31, 1996, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Annual
(In thousands)                 Year                                   Rentals
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>                                               <C>    
                     1997-2001 (each year)                             $   219
                     2002-2006 (five year aggregate)                       836
                     2007-2011 (five year aggregate)                       646
                     2012-2016 (five year aggregate)                       646
                     2017 and thereafter (aggregate)                     4,227
</TABLE>

         The corporate  subsidiaries  are obligated under equipment  leases on a
month-to-month  basis, which are expected to be renewed and had aggregate annual
rentals of  approximately  $376,000 in 1996,  $148,000 in 1995,  and $150,000 in
1994.  The  subsidiaries  are also  obligated on one-year  leases for office and
storage space,  having  aggregate  annual rentals of  approximately  $530,000 in
1996, $516,000 in 1995, and $240,000 in 1994.

NOTE 19:  FUTURE CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

         The Financial Accounting Standards Board recently adopted Statement No.
125, (FAS 125),  "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishments  of  Liabilities".  FAS  125,  which  originally  was to  become
effective for transactions that occur after December 31, 1996, imposes new rules
for  determining  when transfers of financial  assets are accounted for as sales
versus when transfers are accounted for as borrowings.  Management believes that
FAS  125  should  have  no  significant  impact  on the  Company's  consolidated
financial statements.

NOTE 20:  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

         The Company and/or its subsidiary  banks have various  unrelated  legal
proceedings,  most of which involve loan foreclosure activity pending, which, in
the  aggregate,  are not  expected  to have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries.

NOTE 21:  STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

         The  Company's  subsidiaries  are  subject  to a  legal  limitation  on
dividends that can be paid to the parent  company  without prior approval of the
applicable regulatory agencies. The approval of the Office of the Comptroller of
the  Currency  is  required,  if the total of all the  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
the current year earnings.  At December 31, 1996, the Company  subsidiaries  had
approximately   $17,000,000  in  undivided  profits  available  for  payment  of
dividends to the Company, without prior approval of the regulatory agencies. The
most restrictive  regulatory capital requirements at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
were $37,618,000 and $36,733,000, respectively.

       The  Company's  subsidiaries  are subject to various  regulatory  capital
requirements  administered  by the  federal  banking  agencies.  Failure to meet
minimum  capital  requirements  can  initiate  certain  mandatory  and  possibly
additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a
direct  material  effect on the Company's  financial  statements.  Under capital
adequacy  guidelines and the regulatory  framework for prompt corrective action,
the Company must meet  specific  capital  guidelines  that involve  quantitative
measures of the Company's  assets,  liabilities,  and certain  off-balance-sheet
items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company's capital
amounts and  classifications  are also subject to  qualitative  judgments by the
regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

       Quantitative   measures  established  by  regulation  to  ensure  capital
adequacy  requires the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth
in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the  regulations)
to  risk-weighted  assets (as  defined),  and of Tier I capital (as  defined) to
average assets (as defined).  Management believes that, as of December 31, 1996,
the Company meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

       As of the most recent notification from regulatory agencies,  the Company
was well  capitalized  under the  regulatory  framework  for  prompt  corrective
action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Company must maintain minimum
total risk-based,  Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in
the  table.  There are no  conditions  or events  since that  notification  that
management believes have changed the institutions' categories.

       The Company's actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the
table.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    To Be Well
                                                                                                 Capitalized Under
                                                                              For Capital        Prompt Corrective
                                                         Actual            Adequacy Purposes     Action Provision
(In thousands)                                      Amount    Ratio-%      Amount    Ratio-%     Amount    Ratio-%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>             <C>   <C>             <C>   <C>            <C>
As of December 31, 1996
   Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
     Consolidated                                $   105,130     19.9  $       N/A           $       N/A
     Simmons First National Bank                      69,120     17.8       31,074     8.0        38,843    10.0
     Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas              5,111     21.4        1,908     8.0         2,385    10.0
     Simmons First Bank of Jonesboro                   8,776     14.1        4,972     8.0         6,216    10.0
     Simmons First Bank of Dumas                       3,257     19.3        1,348     8.0         1,685    10.0
     Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas          5,910     15.7        3,020     8.0         3,775    10.0
   Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
     Consolidated                                     98,509     18.7          N/A                   N/A
     Simmons First National Bank                      64,244     16.5       15,537     4.0        23,306     6.0
     Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas              4,811     20.2          954     4.0         1,431     6.0
     Simmons First Bank of Jonesboro                   7,999     12.9        2,486     4.0         3,729     6.0
     Simmons First Bank of Dumas                       3,047     18.1          674     4.0         1,011     6.0
     Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas          5,598     14.8        1,510     4.0         2,265     6.0
   Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
     Consolidated                                     98,509     11.7          N/A                   N/A
     Simmons First National Bank                      64,244     10.3       24,954     4.0        31,192     5.0
     Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas              4,811      9.0        2,133     4.0         2,666     5.0
     Simmons First Bank of Jonesboro                   7,999      7.3        4,404     4.0         5,505     5.0
     Simmons First Bank of Dumas                       3,047     10.5        1,158     4.0         1,447     5.0
     Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas          5,598      9.2        2,432     4.0         3,040     5.0

As of December 31, 1995
   Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
     Consolidated                                     97,966     20.0          N/A                   N/A
     Simmons First National Bank                      63,533     16.3       31,232     8.0        39,040    10.0
     Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas              3,779     24.5        1,232     8.0         1,541    10.0
     Simmons First Bank of Jonesboro                   7,592     13.0        4,666     8.0         5,833    10.0
     Simmons First Bank of Dumas                       3,013     19.4        1,245     8.0         1,557    10.0
     Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas          2,584     33.7          613     8.0           766    10.0
   Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
     Consolidated                                     91,095     18.6          N/A                   N/A
     Simmons First National Bank                      58,628     15.0       15,616     4.0        23,424     6.0
     Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas              3,584     23.3          616     4.0           924     6.0
     Simmons First Bank of Jonesboro                   6,862     11.8        2,333     4.0         3,500     6.0
     Simmons First Bank of Dumas                       2,818     18.1          623     4.0           934     6.0
     Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas          2,528     33.0          306     4.0           460     6.0
   Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
     Consolidated                                     91,095     10.9          N/A                   N/A
     Simmons First National Bank                      58,628      9.0       25,933     4.0        32,416     5.0
     Simmons First Bank of South Arkansas              3,584     10.6        1,347     4.0         1,684     5.0
     Simmons First Bank of Jonesboro                   6,862      7.1        3,888     4.0         4,859     5.0
     Simmons First Bank of Dumas                       2,818     10.6        1,066     4.0         1,333     5.0
     Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas          2,528     12.2          829     4.0         1,036     5.0
</TABLE>

NOTE 22:  CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

<TABLE>
                            CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 and 1995

<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                             1996       1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents                                               $  4,368   $    898
Investments in wholly-owned subsidiaries                                  89,849     79,799
Excess cost over fair value of net assets acquired, at amortized cost        647        796
Investment securities                                                      3,428     16,470
Premises and equipment                                                     4,776      2,710
Other assets                                                               1,183      1,042
                                                                        --------   --------
         TOTAL ASSETS                                                   $104,251   $101,715
                                                                        ========   ========

LIABILITIES
Borrowed Funds                                                          $  1,067   $  4,757
Other liabilities                                                            359        161
                                                                        --------   --------
         Total liabilities                                                 1,426      4,918
                                                                        --------   --------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock                                                              28,527     19,083
Surplus                                                                   22,040     22,651
Undivided profits                                                         51,106     53,038
Unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale
   securities, net of income taxes of $655 and
   $1,151 at 1996 and 1995, respectively                                   1,152      2,025
                                                                        --------   --------
         Total stockholders' equity                                      102,825     96,797
                                                                        --------   --------
         TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                     $104,251   $101,715
                                                                        ========   ========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
                         CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                         1996     1995      1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>       <C>       <C>
Income
   Dividends from subsidiaries                       $ 3,170   $ 3,205   $ 3,659
   Other income                                        3,653     4,256     1,702
                                                     -------   -------   -------
                                                       6,823     7,461     5,361
Expenses                                               3,273     3,982     1,943
                                                     -------   -------   -------
   Income before income taxes and equity in
     undistributed net income of subsidiaries          3,550     3,479     3,418
   Provision for income taxes                            171       137      (162)
                                                     -------   -------   -------

Income before equity in undistributed  net
   income of subsidiaries                              3,379     3,342     3,580
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries     6,922     6,677     6,280
                                                     -------   -------   -------

Net income                                           $10,301   $10,019   $ 9,860
                                                     =======   =======   =======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
                       CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                                                    1996        1995        1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
   Net income                                                   $ 10,301    $ 10,019    $  9,860
   Items not requiring (providing) cash
     Depreciation and amortization                                   319         331         280
     Accretion                                                      --           (87)       (346)
     Deferred income taxes                                           (15)       (280)         73
     Equity in undistributed income of bank subsidiaries          (6,922)     (6,677)     (6,280)
     Gain on sale of premises and equipment                            8           9
   Changes in
     Accounts receivable                                            (111)         26         539
     Other liabilities                                               710        (716)     (1,456)
                                                                --------    --------    --------
         Net cash provided by operating activities                 4,290       2,616       2,679
                                                                --------    --------    --------

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
   Purchase of premises and equipment                             (2,274)       (398)       (182)
   Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment                     --           275         168
   Acquisition of DBI and DSBB                                      --        (3,664)       --
   Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity  securities       19,867      24,000      24,806
   Purchase of held-to-maturity  securities                      (11,302)    (30,082)       --
   Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale  securities     79,158       1,896        --
   Purchase of available-for-sale  securities                    (79,179)    (12,197)       --
                                                                --------    --------    --------
         Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities       6,270     (20,170)     24,792
                                                                --------    --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
   Principal reduction on long-term debt                          (3,690)     (7,387)        (34)
   Dividends paid                                                 (2,724)     (2,234)     (1,728)
   Issuance (repurchase) of common stock                            (676)         20
                                                                --------    --------    --------
         Net cash used in financing activities                    (7,090)     (9,601)     (1,762)
                                                                --------    --------    --------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
   CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                3,470     (27,155)     25,709

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
   BEGINNING OF YEAR                                                 898      28,053       2,344
                                                                --------    --------    --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR                          $  4,368    $    898    $ 28,053
                                                                ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

ITEM 9.           CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
                  AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

   No items are reportable here under.

                                    PART III

ITEM 10.          DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

   Incorporated  herein  by  reference  from  the  Company's   definitive  proxy
   statement for the Annual Meeting of  Stockholders  to be held April 22, 1997,
   was filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on March 21, 1997.

ITEM 11.          EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

   Incorporated  herein  by  reference  from  the  Company's   definitive  proxy
   statement for the Annual Meeting of  Stockholders  to be held April 22, 1997,
   was filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on March 21, 1997.

ITEM 12.          SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

   Incorporated  herein  by  reference  from  the  Company's   definitive  proxy
   statement for the Annual Meeting of  Stockholders  to be held April 22, 1997,
   was filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on March 21, 1997.

ITEM 13.          CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

   Incorporated  herein  by  reference  from  the  Company's   definitive  proxy
   statement for the Annual Meeting of  Stockholders  to be held April 22, 1997,
   was filed pursuant to Regulation 14A on March 21, 1997.

ITEM 14.     EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORK 8-K

   (a) 1 and 2.  Financial Statements and any Financial Statement Schedules

   The financial  statements  and financial  statement  schedules  listed in the
   accompanying  index  to  consolidated   financial  statements  and  financial
   statement schedules are filed as part of this annual report.

     3. Exhibits

   The exhibits listed in the  accompanying  index to exhibits are filed as part
of this annual report.

   (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

   Form 8-K dated  October 30, 1996,  pertaining  to a change in quarterly  cash
   dividends  paid was filed during the quarter  ended  December 31, 1996.  Form
   8-K,  dated March 26, 1997,  pertaining to the definitive  agreement  entered
   into by the Company and First Commercial Corporation relative to the purchase
   by the Company of First Bank of Arkansas at Searcy and First Bank of Arkansas
   at Russellville was filed during the first quarter of 1997.

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) 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.

                                         /s/ John L. Rush         March 26, 1997
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        John L. Rush, Secretary

Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,  this
report  has  been  signed  below  by the  following  persons  on  behalf  of the
registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 26, 1997.

    Signature                              Title
    ---------                              -----

/s/ J. Thomas May
- ----------------------------------  President, Chairman, Chief Executive
J. Thomas May                       Officer and Director


/s/ Barry L. Crow
- ----------------------------------  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Barry L. Crow                       Officer (Principal Financial and 
                                    Accounting Officer)

/s/ W. E. Ayres
- ----------------------------------  Director
W. E. Ayres


/s/ Ben V. Floriani
- ----------------------------------  Director
Ben V. Floriani



- ----------------------------------  Director
C. Ramon Greenwood


/s/ Lara F. Hutt, III
- ----------------------------------  Director
Lara F. Hutt, III



- ----------------------------------  Director
David R. Perdue



- ----------------------------------  Director
Harry L. Ryburn

/s/ Donald W. Stone
- ----------------------------------  Director
Donald W. Stone


/s/ Henry F. Trotter
- ----------------------------------  Director
Henry F. Trotter, Jr.



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 9
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          41,989
<INT-BEARING-DEPOSITS>                           8,312
<FED-FUNDS-SOLD>                                18,890
<TRADING-ASSETS>                                   182
<INVESTMENTS-HELD-FOR-SALE>                    109,515
<INVESTMENTS-CARRYING>                         128,147
<INVESTMENTS-MARKET>                           129,295
<LOANS>                                        510,813
<ALLOWANCE>                                      8,366
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 881,332
<DEPOSITS>                                     736,367
<SHORT-TERM>                                     1,484
<LIABILITIES-OTHER>                             10,510
<LONG-TERM>                                      1,067
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        28,527
<OTHER-SE>                                      74,298
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES-AND-EQUITY>                 881,332
<INTEREST-LOAN>                                 44,333
<INTEREST-INVEST>                               13,664
<INTEREST-OTHER>                                 3,370
<INTEREST-TOTAL>                                61,367
<INTEREST-DEPOSIT>                              25,769
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              27,562
<INTEREST-INCOME-NET>                           33,805
<LOAN-LOSSES>                                    2,341
<SECURITIES-GAINS>                                 270
<EXPENSE-OTHER>                                 41,956
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 14,624
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY>                           0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                 10,301
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    10,301
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.81
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.81
<YIELD-ACTUAL>                                    4.65
<LOANS-NON>                                      2,652
<LOANS-PAST>                                     2,311
<LOANS-TROUBLED>                                     0
<LOANS-PROBLEM>                                      0
<ALLOWANCE-OPEN>                                 8,418
<CHARGE-OFFS>                                    2,884
<RECOVERIES>                                       491
<ALLOWANCE-CLOSE>                                8,366
<ALLOWANCE-DOMESTIC>                                 0
<ALLOWANCE-FOREIGN>                                  0
<ALLOWANCE-UNALLOCATED>                              0
        

</TABLE>


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