 PINE BLUFF, Ark., April 20, 2021 GLOBE NEWSWIRE -- Simmons First National Corporation NASDAQ: SFNC the Company or Simmons today announced net income of 67.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, compared to 77.2 million for the same period in 2020, a decrease of 9.8 million, or 12.7, due in significant part to the difference in the gains on sale of securities recognized during the periods. Diluted earnings per share were 0.62, a decrease of 0.06, or 8.8, compared to the same period in the prior year. Included in first quarter 2021 results were 634,000 in net after-tax merger-related and net branch right-sizing costs as well as a 4.0 million after-tax gain primarily associated with the sale of branches in Illinois. 