CONWAY, Ark., Sept. 27, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Home BancShares, Inc. (Nasdaq:HOMB) announced that they were one of 32 banks and thrifts that comprise the Sandler O'Neill Sm-All Stars – Class of 2010. Five hundred three publicly traded banks and thrifts with a market cap of less than $2 billion were evaluated to determine the small-cap depository institutions that are excelling among their peer group. The intention of the Sm-All Stars is to identify the top performing small-cap banks and thrifts in the nation. Sandler O'Neill's evaluation focused primarily on growth, profitability, credit quality, and capital strength.
Home BancShares was the only bank from Arkansas to receive this honor. The Company's Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 20.0% was 590 basis points higher than the Sm-All Stars median of 14.1%. The Company's loan, deposit and EPS growth also exceeded the Sm-All Stars median benchmarks.
"Home BancShares is proud to be included again among the top companies in small-cap banks and thrifts," said Randy Sims, CEO. "Receiving this distinct honor for the second time in three years is a testament to the commitment and outstanding performance of our partners, associates and boards of directors."
Home BancShares, Inc. is a bank holding company, headquartered in Conway, Arkansas. Our wholly-owned subsidiary Centennial Bank provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking plus related financial services to businesses, real estate developers, investors, individuals and municipalities. Centennial Bank has locations in central Arkansas, north central Arkansas, southern Arkansas, the Florida Keys, southwestern Florida, central Florida, and the Florida Panhandle. The Company's common stock is traded through the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "HOMB."
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's plans, expectations, goals and outlook for the future. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements of this type speak only as of the date of this news release. By nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risk and uncertainties. Various factors, including, but not limited to, economic conditions, credit quality, interest rates, loan demand and changes in the assumptions used in making the forward-looking statements, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Additional information on factors that might affect Home BancShares, Inc.'s financial results are included in its Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in March 2010.
CONTACT: Home BancShares, Inc. Brian S. Davis, Chief Accounting Officer & Investor Relations Officer (501) 328-4770