BancorpSouth, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings
PRNewswire-FirstCall
TUPELO, Miss.

BancorpSouth, Inc. today announced that an unusually strong mortgage refinancing market, increased value of its mortgage servicing asset, increased gains from the sale of investment securities and an increase in its net interest margin all contributed to an increase in net income for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2001, compared to the fourth quarter of 2000. Net income for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2001, was $31.3 million or $0.39 and $0.38 per share (basic and diluted, respectively), compared to $12.3 million or $0.15 per share (basic and diluted) for the same period of 2000, an increase of 153.3% in diluted earnings per share.

The magnitude of the increase in net income and earnings per share during the fourth quarter of 2001 over the fourth quarter of 2000 was impacted by the $10.6 million reduction in net income ($0.13 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2000 related to restructuring and other merger-related charges incurred as a result of the merger with First United Bancshares in 2000. Excluding these charges from fourth quarter 2000 results, diluted earnings per share increased 35.7% in the fourth quarter of 2001 compared to the fourth quarter of 2000. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2001, was $98.5 million, or $1.19 per share (basic and diluted), compared to net income of $74.4 million, or $0.88 per share (basic and diluted) for 2000. Excluding merger-related items, net income in 2000 was $96.9 million or $1.14 per diluted share. Compared to these adjusted results for 2000, net income per diluted share increased 4.4% in 2001.

Aubrey Patterson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BancorpSouth commented, "After 11 rate reductions in the Federal Reserve's key interest rates over the course of 2001, totaling 475 basis points, retail banking institutions are feeling considerable pressure on interest margins. In this environment, we are pleased to report that our net interest margin increased to 4.11% in the recent quarter, from 4.00% for the third quarter of 2001. Our interest rate spread also increased to 3.53% for the fourth quarter of 2001, compared to 3.35% for the third quarter of 2001. We expect to continue to see the benefit from declining deposit costs on our net interest margin and interest rate spread. However, while many of our loans repriced immediately as key interest rates dropped during 2001, many of our deposits reprice over a longer term. Thus it will take time to realize the benefit of repricing these deposits on our net interest margin and interest rate spread.

"Our mortgage business had a remarkable quarter, both in new mortgage loans originated and in the refinancing of mortgages by existing customers who took advantage of the decline in interest rates for mortgage loans. In addition to contributing current income, the high level of new mortgage loan originations contributes to future earnings by building our mortgage servicing portfolio. This business does, however, add volatility to our earnings because of non-cash charges or credits associated with revaluing our mortgage servicing asset as interest rates change. In the fourth quarter of 2001, revenue from mortgage activities reflected the combined impact of increased mortgage loan originations and the increased value of our mortgage servicing asset. We believe that this business adds value for our shareholders in the long term, despite the short-term earnings volatility it creates.

"A major goal for the BancorpSouth in 2001 was to complete the conversion of the former First United Bancshares offices to BancorpSouth systems in a process that would be seamless from our customers point of view and to accomplish it without loss of market share," continued Patterson, "and we were successful. We have completed the product realignment and data processing conversion, which will enhance the efficiency of the combined operation. We have introduced the full BancorpSouth product line at the former First United offices, broadening the products and services offered at those locations, and we will be implementing the BancorpSouth sales management system in those offices throughout the first quarter of 2002 as we focus on increasing sales."

In November 2001, BancorpSouth announced a merger agreement with Pinnacle Bancshares, which operates two full-service banking locations in the Little Rock, Arkansas market. The transaction is expected to close in February 2002. "This merger will be a significant addition to our Arkansas operation," Patterson added, "and we look forward to expanding the BancorpSouth product line to these offices."

"Looking forward, we do not expect to see the percentage gain in net income in future quarters that we recorded in the most recent quarter, but we do expect to realize an increase in net interest rate spread as we are able to reprice our deposits. Our market share has increased as we have moved aggressively to expand our market share in growth markets and increase our dominance where we already have a significant market share. We attribute our success to the quality of our service, as well as superior sales effort and sales management. BancorpSouth provides the service level of traditional relationship banking, neglected by many larger banks, while offering a sophisticated array of products that smaller banks cannot provide," concluded Patterson.

Net Interest Revenue

Interest revenue was $157.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2001, down 12.0% from $178.4 million in the corresponding period of 2000, and down 4.9% from $165.0 million in the third quarter of 2001. Interest expense for the 2001 fourth quarter was $69.3 million, a 27.5% decrease from interest expense of $95.6 million in the same period of 2000, and a decline of 13.9% from interest expense of $80.5 million in the third quarter of 2001.

Net interest margin in the fourth quarter of 2001 was 4.11%, compared to 4.03% for the fourth quarter of 2000 and 4.00% in the third quarter of 2001. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 3.73% in the fourth quarter of 2001, compared to 5.30% in the same quarter of 2000 and 4.35% in the third quarter of 2001. The average taxable equivalent yield on earning assets was 7.26% in the fourth quarter of 2001 versus 8.52% in the same period of 2000 and 7.70% in the third quarter of 2001.

"Through careful pricing of assets and liabilities, we were able to improve both our interest rate margin and spread compared to the third quarter of 2001 despite the unprecedented decline in short-term rates in 2001," commented Patterson. "Because a large volume of our deposits reprice in twelve months or less, we expect to see continued improvement in the interest rate spread."

Deposit and Loan Activity

As of December 31, 2001, total assets were $9.4 billion, up 3.9% since December 31, 2000, and relatively unchanged from the level at September 30, 2001. Total deposits at December 31, 2001, were $7.9 billion, up 5.0% from December 31, 2000, and increased marginally from September 30, 2001. Net loans as of December 31, 2001, were $6.1 billion, essentially the same as the levels at December 31, 2000, and September 30, 2001.

Deposit growth in the fourth quarter was restricted through less aggressive pricing as loan demand slowed. BancorpSouth is a deposit-funded bank, operating in markets that continue to provide funding for loans as needed, and the growth of deposits is managed to correspond with demand for loans. Slower loan growth reflects general weakness in the economy of many of the markets served by BancorpSouth. In addition, part of the slowdown in loan growth is due to management's strategic decision to reduce BancorpSouth's exposure to indirect automobile sales financing by allowing its portfolio of such loans to decline. This portfolio has decreased $113.9 million since December 31, 2000, and $27.4 million since September 30, 2001, reaching $146.4 million as of December 31, 2001. Excluding the impact of this portfolio reduction, total loans would have increased 2.6% on an annualized basis between September 30, 2001 and December 31, 2001.

Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses in the fourth quarter of 2001 was $6.5 million, versus $5.5 million in the same quarter of 2000, and $6.9 million in the third quarter of 2001. Annualized net charge-offs for the fourth quarter of 2001 were 0.40% of average loans, versus 0.19% in the fourth quarter of 2000 and 0.34% in the third quarter of 2001.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2001, the provision for credit losses was $22.3 million, down from $26.2 million in the same period of 2000. Net charge-offs were 0.35% of average loans in 2001, compared to 0.34% of average loans in 2000.

Non-performing assets totaled $59.6 million (0.98% of net loans) as of December 31, 2001, compared to $50.1 million (0.82% of net loans) as of December 31, 2000, and $62.2 million (1.03% of net loans) at September 30, 2001. The allowance for credit losses amounted to 1.37% of net loans at December 31, 2001, compared to 1.34% of net loans at December 31, 2000.

"We continue to adhere to our traditional high standards for credit quality, which we apply both at the time of origination and throughout the life of the loan," Patterson commented. "In addition, BancorpSouth is buffered somewhat from the impact of an economic downturn by the diversity of markets and businesses we serve, operating in six states and serving a variety of industries including manufacturing, distribution and tourism. While we see a little softening in some markets, our credit quality remains extremely strong overall."

Non-interest Revenue

Non-interest revenue totaled $42.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2001, up 317.4% from $10.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2000 and up 56.9% from $26.7 million in the third quarter of 2001. For 2001, non-interest revenue totaled $128.6 million, an increase of 50.3% over 2000. Excluding net securities gains (losses), non-interest income increased 49.2% in the fourth quarter of 2001 compared to the same period in 2000, and increased 16.6% for the year 2001 compared to 2000.

"Non-interest revenue in the fourth quarter of 2001 reflects the strength of our mortgage business," Patterson stated. "With mortgage rates low, we saw a high level of new mortgage loan originations as well as significant increases in refinancing of existing mortgage loans. At the same time, as mortgage rates began to increase during the fourth quarter of 2001, part of the charge for impairment of our mortgage servicing asset recognized in previous periods was reversed. In the fourth quarter of 2001, we had continued the strategy used in the third quarter of 2001 of making a short- term investment in intermediate-term securities to offset the anticipated impairment charge. Because of the timing of these events, we recognized a gain of $3.6 million on the sale of the short-term investment in the fourth quarter of 2001, and benefited from the reversal during the fourth quarter of 2001 of $4.5 million in previously recorded impairment charges to our mortgage servicing asset as mortgage rates increased, profiting on both sides."

Insurance commissions were $5.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2001, an increase of 8.6% over the same period in 2000 and an increase of 2.3% from the third quarter of 2001. For 2001, insurance commissions totaled $20.4 million, a gain of 27.4% over the 2000 level. The gain is largely attributable to a significant increase in the sale of annuities, which was driven by an aggressive sales campaign, as well as the inclusion of the results of the Pittman, Seay and Turner Insurance Agency for the full year of 2001. BancorpSouth acquired this agency in October 2000 in a transaction accounted for as a purchase.

Non-interest Expense

Non-interest expenses for the fourth quarter of 2001 were $76.0 million, compared to $69.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2000 and $73.3 million in the third quarter of 2001. The modest increase in expense for the fourth quarter of 2001 over the third quarter of 2001 reflects management's continued effort to reduce non-interest expense. This effort will be intensified now that the integration of First United Bancshares has been completed.

Capital Management

During the fourth quarter of 2001, BancorpSouth repurchased a total of 235,300 shares of its outstanding common stock under a repurchase program announced on March 5, 2001. The repurchase program authorizes BancorpSouth to acquire up to 4.2 million shares or approximately 5% of the shares outstanding at the time of the announcement. As of December 31, 2001, a total of 2,965,115 shares had been repurchased under the repurchase program.

Conference Call

BancorpSouth will conduct a conference call with analysts at 1:30 p.m. (Central Time) on January 18, 2002. Investors may listen via the internet by accessing our website at http://www.bancorpsouth.com/. A replay of the conference call will be available at BancorpSouth's website following the call.

BancorpSouth, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi with $9.4 billion in assets. BancorpSouth operates approximately 250 commercial banking, insurance, trust, broker/dealer and consumer finance locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may not be based on historical facts and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by their reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate," believe," "estimate," "expect," "may," "might," "will," "would" or "intend." These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those relating to interest rates, net income, loan volume, credit quality, interest rate margin, interest rate spread, market share, the transaction with Pinnacle Bancshares, expansion and prospects of products and services, deposits, credit losses, non-interest expense, liquidity, prospects for 2001 and 2002, mortgage servicing and BancorpSouth's future growth and profitability.

We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release in that actual results could differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, due to a variety of factors. Those factors include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions and government fiscal and monetary policies, fluctuations in prevailing interest rates, ability to reduce interest rates paid on deposits as interest rates decline, laws and regulations affecting financial institutions, the ability of BancorpSouth to compete with other financial services companies, the ability of BancorpSouth to effectively integrate acquisitions, the ability of BancorpSouth to operate and integrate new technology, the ability of BancorpSouth to manage its growth and effectively serve an expanding customer and market base, the ability of BancorpSouth to provide competitive services and products, changes in BancorpSouth's operating or expansion strategy, geographic concentration of BancorpSouth's assets, availability of and costs associated with obtaining adequate and timely sources of liquidity, the ability of BancorpSouth to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, the ability of BancorpSouth to effectively market its services and products, changes in consumer preferences, other factors generally understood to affect the financial results of financial services companies, and other factors described from time to time in BancorpSouth's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statements were made.

  Selected Financial Data
                               Three Months Ended      Twelve Months Ended
                                  December 31,            December 31,
                                2001        2000        2001        2000
  (Dollars in thousands,
   except per share amounts)
  Earnings Summary:
  Net interest revenue          $87,782     $82,799    $334,742    $327,152
  Provision for credit
   losses                         6,542       5,497      22,259      26,166
  Noninterest revenue            41,959      10,052     128,633      85,578
  Noninterest expense            75,950      69,665     295,313     274,227
  Income before income taxes     47,249      17,689     145,803     112,337
  Income tax provision           15,935       5,414      47,340      37,941
  Net income                     31,314      12,275      98,463      74,396
  Earning per share:  Basic       $0.39       $0.15       $1.19       $0.88
                      Diluted     $0.38       $0.15       $1.19       $0.88


  Balance sheet data at December 31:
  Total assets                                       $9,395,429  $9,044,034
  Total earning assets                                8,693,932   8,394,276
  Loans and lease receivables, net of
   unearned discount                                  6,073,200   6,095,315
  Allowance for credit losses                            83,150      81,730
  Total deposits                                      7,856,840   7,480,920
  Common shareholders' equity                           805,403     789,576
  Book value per share                                     9.92        9.39


  Average balance sheet data:
  Total assets               $9,348,448  $9,062,617  $9,261,912  $8,756,474
  Total earning assets        8,742,695   8,472,086   8,651,908   8,186,637
  Loans and lease receivables,
   net of unearned discount   6,044,338   6,042,673   6,010,840   5,791,569
  Total deposits              7,766,672   7,444,430   7,693,734   7,272,999
  Common shareholders'
   equity                       807,661     773,323     796,706     761,884

  Non-performing assets at December 31:
  Non-accrual loans                                     $10,825     $15,572
  Loans 90+ days past due                                33,012      25,732
  Restructured loans                                         40         879
  Other real estate owned                                15,755       7,893

  Net charge-offs as a
   percentage of average loans
   (annualized)                   0.40%       0.19%       0.35%       0.34%

  Performance ratios
   (annualized)
  Return on average assets        1.33%       0.54%       1.06%       0.85%
  Return on common equity        15.38%       6.35%      12.36%       9.76%

  Net interest margin             4.11%       4.03%       4.00%       4.14%

  Average shares outstanding
   - diluted                 81,605,806  84,264,285  82,979,286  84,811,079


             BancorpSouth, Inc.
             Consolidated Balance Sheets
             (dollars in thousands)
             (Unaudited)               December 31, 2001   December 31, 2000
             Assets
             Cash & due from banks              $341,513          $314,888
             Interest bearing deposits
              with other banks                    18,030            11,687
             Held-to-maturity securities       1,110,463         1,189,129
             Federal funds sold and securities
              purchased under agreement
              to resell                          343,511           212,925

             Loans & leases                    6,073,200         6,095,315
                  Allowance for credit losses    (83,150)          (81,730)
               Net loans & leases              5,990,050         6,013,585

             Available-for-sale securities     1,083,191           857,400
             Mortgages held for sale              65,537            27,820
             Bank premises & equipment           211,576           197,898
             Accrued interest receivable          85,359            89,605
             Other real estate owned              16,140             7,892
             Other assets                        130,059           121,205
                  Total assets                $9,395,429        $9,044,034
             Liabilities
             Demand deposits:
               Non-interest bearing           $1,108,499        $1,009,808
               Interest bearing                2,158,698         1,682,278
               Total demand deposits           3,267,197         2,692,086
             Savings & time deposits:
               Savings                           910,682           924,591
               Certificates of deposit         3,678,961         3,864,243
               Total savings & time deposits   4,589,644         4,788,835
               Total deposits                  7,856,840         7,480,920
             Federal funds purchased and
              securities sold under
              agreement to repurchase            473,912           503,427
             Accrued interest payable             31,124            40,611
             Long-term debt                      140,939           152,049
             Other liabilities                    87,211            77,451
                 Total liabilities             8,590,026         8,254,458
             Shareholders' Equity
             Common stock                        214,484           214,484
             Capital surplus                      70,329            70,841
             Unrealized gain (loss) on
              securities                          24,243            15,202
             Retained earnings                   566,639           515,599
               Less:  Cost of treasury stock     (70,292)          (26,550)
                 Total shareholders' equity      805,403           789,576
                 Total liabilities &
                   shareholders' equity       $9,395,429        $9,044,034


            BancorpSouth, Inc.
            Consolidated Statements of Income
            (amounts in thousands, except per share data)
            (Unaudited)                       Year To Date
                                                 Dec-01            Dec-00
            Interest Revenue:
            Loans, including fees               $518,206          $529,192
            Held-to-maturity securities:          67,084            64,756
            Available-for-sale securities         59,346            72,582
            Short term investments                21,199             7,505
               Total interest revenue            665,835           674,035
            Interest Expense:
            Deposits                             300,838           310,365
            Short term borrowings                 10,909            24,754
            Long term borrowings                   8,640             9,775
            Other interest expense                10,706             1,989
               Total interest expense            331,093           346,883
                Net interest revenue             334,742           327,152
            Provision for credit losses           22,259            26,166
                Net interest revenue,
                 after credit loss provision     312,483           300,986
            Other Revenue:
            Mortgage lending                      17,186            10,874
            Service charges                       42,759            40,472
            Life insurance premiums                4,528             4,300
            Trust income                           6,929             6,700
            Securities gains, net                 10,671           (15,632)
            Insurance commissions                 20,422            16,034
            Other                                 26,138            22,830
                Total other revenue              128,633            85,578
            Other Expense:
            Salaries and employee benefits       155,680           133,855
            Occupancy                             20,529            18,343
            Equipment                             26,799            24,137
            Telecommunications                     8,693             7,234
            Other                                 83,612            90,658
                Total other expense              295,313           274,227
                Income before income taxes       145,803           112,337
            Income tax expense                    47,340            37,941
                Net Income                       $98,463           $74,396
            Net Income Per Share:
               Basic                               $1.19             $0.88
               Diluted                             $1.19             $0.88


         BancorpSouth, Inc.
         Consolidated Statements of Income
         (amounts in thousands, except per share data)
         (Unaudited)               Quarter Ended
                           Dec-01    Sep-01    Jun-01    Mar-01    Dec-00
         Interest Revenue:
         Loans, including
          fees             $121,626  $128,049  $131,794  $136,737  $140,892
         Held-to-maturity
           securities:       16,706    17,697    16,630    16,051    18,141
         Available-for-sale
           securities        14,771    14,749    14,240    15,586    16,177
         Short term
          investments         3,933     4,487     7,013     5,767     3,185
            Total interest
             revenue        157,036   164,982   169,677   174,140   178,395
         Interest Expense:
         Deposits            63,060    73,071    80,763    83,944    84,709
         Short term
          borrowings          1,571     2,700     3,082     3,557     7,007
         Long term
          borrowings          2,100     2,105     2,171     2,265     2,378
         Other interest
          expense             2,523     2,671     2,737     2,776     1,502
            Total interest
             expense         69,254    80,545    88,754    92,541    95,596
             Net interest
              revenue        87,782    84,436    80,924    81,599    82,799
         Provision for
          credit losses       6,542     6,852     4,769     4,096     5,497
             Net interest
              revenue, after
              credit loss
              provision      81,240    77,584    76,155    77,503    77,300
         Other Revenue:
         Mortgage lending    12,913    (1,462)    7,068    (1,333)    1,900
         Service charges     11,041    10,469    10,906    10,342    10,927
         Life insurance
          premiums            1,155     1,151     1,127     1,094     1,116
         Trust income         1,613     2,022     1,610     1,684     1,625
         Securities gains,
          net                 3,770     3,943        74     2,884   (15,549)
         Insurance
          commissions         5,262     5,146     5,405     4,608     4,845
         Other                6,205     5,464     5,800     8,670     5,188
             Total other
              revenue        41,959    26,734    31,991    27,949    10,052
         Other Expense:
         Salaries and
          employee
           benefits          41,451    37,084    38,425    38,721    33,845
         Occupancy            5,132     5,263     5,005     5,129     4,838
         Equipment            6,382     6,442     6,943     7,032     6,960
         Telecommunications   2,143     2,244     2,123     2,182     2,041
         Other               20,842    22,253    20,751    19,767    21,981
             Total other
              expense        75,950    73,285    73,246    72,832    69,665
             Income before
              income taxes   47,249    31,033    34,899    32,620    17,689
         Income tax expense  15,935     9,450    11,654    10,300     5,414
             Net Income     $31,314   $21,583   $23,246   $22,319   $12,275
         Net Income Per
          Share:
            Basic             $0.39     $0.26     $0.28     $0.27     $0.15
           Diluted            $0.38     $0.26     $0.28     $0.27     $0.15


     BancorpSouth, Inc.
     Average Balances, Interest Income and Expense,
       and Average Yields and Rates
     (dollars in thousands)            Quarter Ended
     Unaudited                       December 31, 2001
                                          Average                 Yield/
     (Taxable equivalent basis)           Balance      Interest    Rate
     ASSETS
     Loans net of Unearned Income         $6,114,950    $121,938    7.91%
     Held-to-maturity securities:
       Taxable                               925,219      14,155    6.07%
       Non Taxable                           204,945       3,925    7.60%
     Available-for-sale securities
       Taxable                               889,326      12,617    5.63%
       Non Taxable                           192,026       3,314    6.85%
     Short term investments                  416,228       3,933    3.75%
       Total interest earning
         assets and revenue                8,742,694     159,882    7.26%
     Other assets                            689,115
     Less:  allowance for credit losses      (83,361)
         Total                            $9,348,448

     LIABILITIES AND
     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Deposits:
       Demand - interest bearing          $2,045,838     $10,089    1.96%
       Savings                               881,196       5,838    2.63%
       Time                                3,806,071      47,133    4.91%
     Short-term borrowings                   497,747       4,094    3.26%
     Long-term debt                          141,036       2,100    5.91%
       Total interest bearing
         liabilities and expense           7,371,888      69,254    3.73%
     Demand deposits -
       non-interest bearing                1,033,567
     Other liabilities                       135,332
       Total liabilities                   8,540,787
     Shareholders' equity                    807,661
       Total                              $9,348,448
     Net interest revenue                                $90,628
     Net interest margin                                            4.11%
     Net interest rate spread                                       3.53%
     Interest bearing liabilities to
        interest earning assets                                     84.3%

     Net interest tax equivalent
      adjustment                                          $2,846


     BancorpSouth, Inc.
     Average Balances, Interest Income and Expense,
       and Average Yields and Rates
     (dollars in thousands)            Quarter Ended
     Unaudited                       September 30, 2001
                                          Average                 Yield/
     (Taxable equivalent basis)           Balance      Interest    Rate
     ASSETS
     Loans net of Unearned Income         $6,054,016    $128,367    8.41%
     Held-to-maturity securities:
       Taxable                             1,005,116      15,086    5.95%
       Non Taxable                           207,277       4,017    7.69%
     Available-for-sale securities
       Taxable                               831,339      12,559    5.99%
       Non Taxable                           190,362       3,368    7.02%
     Short term investments                  365,195       4,487    4.87%
       Total interest earning
         assets and revenue                8,653,305     167,884    7.70%
     Other assets                            686,603
     Less:  allowance for credit losses      (81,651)
         Total                            $9,258,257

     LIABILITIES AND
     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Deposits:
       Demand - interest bearing          $1,921,604     $12,952    2.67%
       Savings                               872,486       6,303    2.87%
       Time                                3,899,185      53,816    5.48%
     Short-term borrowings                   511,342       5,370    4.17%
     Long-term debt                          141,323       2,105    5.91%
       Total interest bearing
         liabilities and expense           7,345,940      80,546    4.35%
     Demand deposits -
       non-interest bearing                1,006,233
     Other liabilities                       116,684
       Total liabilities                   8,468,857
     Shareholders' equity                    789,400
       Total                              $9,258,257
     Net interest revenue                                $87,338
     Net interest margin                                            4.00%
     Net interest rate spread                                       3.35%
     Interest bearing liabilities to
        interest earning assets                                     84.9%

     Net interest tax equivalent
      adjustment                                          $2,901


     BancorpSouth, Inc.
     Average Balances, Interest Income and Expense,
       and Average Yields and Rates
     (dollars in thousands)            Quarter Ended
     Unaudited                         June 30, 2001
                                          Average                  Yield/
     (Taxable equivalent basis)           Balance      Interest     Rate
     ASSETS
     Loans net of Unearned Income         $6,024,236    $132,119     8.80%
     Held-to-maturity securities:
       Taxable                               908,896      13,964     6.16%
       Non Taxable                           214,305       4,103     7.68%
     Available-for-sale securities
       Taxable                               767,913      12,056     6.30%
       Non Taxable                           182,598       3,360     7.38%
     Short term investments                  572,207       7,013     4.92%
       Total interest earning
         assets and revenue                8,670,155     172,615     7.99%
     Other assets                            689,128
     Less:  allowance for credit losses      (80,425)
         Total                            $9,278,858

     LIABILITIES AND
     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Deposits:
       Demand - interest bearing          $1,830,983     $13,345     2.92%
       Savings                               889,841       9,013     4.06%
       Time                                3,971,149      58,405     5.90%
     Short-term borrowings                   512,104       5,819     4.56%
     Long-term debt                          146,321       2,171     5.95%
       Total interest bearing
         liabilities and expense           7,350,398      88,753     4.84%
     Demand deposits -
       non-interest bearing                1,002,588
     Other liabilities                       126,115
       Total liabilities                   8,479,101
     Shareholders' equity                    799,757
       Total                              $9,278,858
     Net interest revenue                                $83,862
     Net interest margin                                             3.88%
     Net interest rate spread                                        3.14%
     Interest bearing liabilities to
        interest earning assets                                     84.78%

     Net interest tax equivalent
      adjustment                                          $2,938



     BancorpSouth, Inc.
     Average Balances, Interest Income and Expense,
       and Average Yields and Rates
     (dollars in thousands)            Quarter Ended
     Unaudited                         March 31, 2001
                                          Average                  Yield/
     (Taxable equivalent basis)           Balance      Interest     Rate
     ASSETS
     Loans net of Unearned Income         $6,063,946    $137,055     9.17%
     Held-to-maturity securities:
       Taxable                               842,693      13,212     6.36%
       Non Taxable                           232,636       4,366     7.61%
     Available-for-sale securities
       Taxable                               838,410      13,616     6.59%
       Non Taxable                           155,988       3,031     7.88%
     Short term investments                  405,553       5,767     5.77%
       Total interest earning
         assets and revenue                8,539,226     177,047     8.41%
     Other assets                            701,784
     Less:  allowance for credit losses      (80,953)
         Total                            $9,160,057

     LIABILITIES AND
     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Deposits:
       Demand - interest bearing          $1,770,537     $14,340     3.28%
       Savings                               896,888      10,685     4.83%
       Time                                3,975,219      58,918     6.01%
     Short-term borrowings                   490,736       6,333     5.23%
     Long-term debt                          151,870       2,265     6.05%
       Total interest bearing
         liabilities and expense           7,285,250      92,541     5.15%
     Demand deposits -
       non-interest bearing                  969,793
     Other liabilities                       115,122
       Total liabilities                   8,370,165
     Shareholders' equity                    789,892
       Total                              $9,160,057
     Net interest revenue                                $84,506
     Net interest margin                                             4.01%
     Net interest rate spread                                        3.26%
     Interest bearing liabilities to
        interest earning assets                                     85.32%

     Net interest tax equivalent
      adjustment                                          $2,907



     BancorpSouth, Inc.
     Average Balances, Interest Income and Expense,
       and Average Yields and Rates
     (dollars in thousands)            Quarter Ended
     Unaudited                       December 31, 2000
                                          Average                  Yield/
     (Taxable equivalent basis)           Balance      Interest     Rate
     ASSETS
     Loans net of Unearned Income         $6,073,609    $141,295     9.25%
     Held-to-maturity securities:
       Taxable                               889,349      14,114     6.31%
       Non Taxable                           327,673       6,195     7.52%
     Available-for-sale securities
       Taxable                               913,866      15,271     6.65%
       Non Taxable                            69,280       1,394     8.00%
     Short term investments                  198,310       3,185     6.39%
       Total interest earning
         assets and revenue                8,472,087     181,454     8.52%
     Other assets                            670,163
     Less:  allowance for credit losses      (79,633)
         Total                            $9,062,617

     LIABILITIES AND
     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Deposits:
       Demand - interest bearing          $1,668,090     $13,960     3.33%
       Savings                               904,717      11,888     5.23%
       Time                                3,883,979      58,861     6.03%
     Short-term borrowings                   567,066       8,509     5.97%
     Long-term debt                          157,786       2,378     6.00%
       Total interest bearing
         liabilities and expense           7,181,638      95,596     5.30%
     Demand deposits -
       non-interest bearing                  987,644
     Other liabilities                       120,012
       Total liabilities                   8,289,294
     Shareholders' equity                    773,323
       Total                              $9,062,617
     Net interest revenue                                $85,858
     Net interest margin                                             4.03%
     Net interest rate spread                                        3.23%
     Interest bearing liabilities to
        interest earning assets                                     84.77%

     Net interest tax equivalent
      adjustment                                          $3,060



     BancorpSouth, Inc.
     Average Balances, Interest Income and Expense,
       and Average Yields and Rates
     (dollars in thousands)             Year to Date
     Unaudited                       December 31, 2001
                                          Average                  Yield/
     (Taxable equivalent basis)           Balance      Interest     Rate
     ASSETS
     Loans net of Unearned Income         $6,064,399    $519,479     8.57%
     Held-to-maturity securities:
       Taxable                               920,939      56,417     6.13%
       Non Taxable                           214,694      16,411     7.64%
     Available-for-sale securities
       Taxable                               831,885      50,848     6.11%
       Non Taxable                           180,370      13,073     7.25%
     Short term investments                  439,621      21,200     4.82%
       Total interest earning
         assets and revenue                8,651,908     677,428     7.83%
     Other assets                            691,608
     Less:  allowance for credit losses      (81,604)
         Total                            $9,261,912

     LIABILITIES AND
     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Deposits:
       Demand - interest bearing          $1,893,075     $50,726     2.68%
       Savings                               885,025      31,839     3.60%
       Time                                3,912,405     218,272     5.58%
     Short-term borrowings                   503,024      21,616     4.30%
     Long-term debt                          145,097       8,641     5.96%
       Total interest bearing
         liabilities and expense           7,338,626     331,094     4.51%
     Demand deposits -
       non-interest bearing                1,003,229
     Other liabilities                       123,351
       Total liabilities                   8,465,206
     Shareholders' equity                    796,706
       Total                              $9,261,912
     Net interest revenue                               $346,334
     Net interest margin                                             4.00%
     Net interest rate spread                                        3.32%
     Interest bearing liabilities to
        interest earning assets                                     84.82%

     Net interest tax equivalent
      adjustment                                         $11,592



     BancorpSouth, Inc.
     Average Balances, Interest Income and Expense,
       and Average Yields and Rates
     (dollars in thousands)             Year to Date
     Unaudited                       December 31, 2000
                                          Average                  Yield/
     (Taxable equivalent basis)           Balance      Interest     Rate
     ASSETS
     Loans net of Unearned Income         $5,831,030    $530,730     9.10%
     Held-to-maturity securities:
       Taxable                               796,125      49,086     6.17%
       Non Taxable                           325,027      24,108     7.42%
     Available-for-sale securities
       Taxable                             1,040,026      68,581     6.59%
       Non Taxable                            73,829       6,154     8.34%
     Short term investments                  120,601       7,505     6.22%
       Total interest earning
         assets and revenue                8,186,637     686,164     8.38%
     Other assets                            646,879
     Less:  allowance for credit losses      (77,042)
         Total                            $8,756,474

     LIABILITIES AND
     SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Deposits:
       Demand - interest bearing          $1,672,466     $54,226     3.24%
       Savings                               874,707      38,947     4.45%
       Time                                3,758,002     217,191     5.78%
     Short-term borrowings                   454,089      26,742     5.89%
     Long-term debt                          164,681       9,776     5.94%
       Total interest bearing
         liabilities and expense           6,923,945     346,882     5.01%
     Demand deposits -
       non-interest bearing                  967,823
     Other liabilities                       102,821
       Total liabilities                   7,994,589
     Shareholders' equity                    761,884
       Total                              $8,756,474
     Net interest revenue                               $339,282
     Net interest margin                                             4.14%
     Net interest rate spread                                        3.37%
     Interest bearing liabilities to
        interest earning assets                                     84.58%

     Net interest tax equivalent
      adjustment                                         $12,131

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SOURCE: BancorpSouth, Inc.

Contact: L. Nash Allen, Jr., +1-662-680-2330, or Gary C. Bonds,
+1-662-680-2332, both of BancorpSouth, Inc.