CONWAY, Ark., Sept. 30, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Home BancShares, Inc. (Nasdaq: HOMB ), parent company of Centennial Bank, announced that they were one of 35 banks and thrifts that comprise the Sandler O'Neill Sm-All Stars – Class of 2014. There were 443 publicly traded banks and thrifts with a market cap of less than $2.5 billion 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 loan growth and deposit growth ratios of 64.9% and 56.1%, respectively, were the highest and second highest, respectively, among the Sm-All Stars. The Company's EPS growth and return on average equity also exceeded the Sm-All Stars median benchmarks.
"In seven years' time, Home BancShares has been included in this distinct list of small-cap banks and thrifts on four separate occasions," said Randy Sims, CEO. "Receiving this honor demonstrates our continued commitment to the growth of the Company through our partners', associates' and boards of directors' dedication to outstanding performance."
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 Arkansas, Florida and South Alabama. 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, the ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions 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 is included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian S. Davis Chief Accounting Officer & Investor Relations Officer Home BancShares, Inc. (501) 328-4770
