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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
     
(Mark One)  
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 1-12991
BANCORPSOUTH, INC.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Mississippi   64-0659571
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
One Mississippi Plaza
201 South Spring Street
Tupelo, Mississippi
  38804
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (662) 680-2000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on
Which Registered
     
Common stock, $2.50 par value
Common stock purchase rights
Guarantee of 8.15% Preferred Securities
of BancorpSouth Capital Trust I
  New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common stock, $2.50 par value
Common stock purchase rights
Guarantee of 8.15% Preferred Securities of BancorpSouth Capital Trust I
 
(Title of Class)
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
     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 þ No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
     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 information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
             
Large Accelerated Filer þ   Accelerated Filer o   Non-Accelerated Filer o   Smaller Reporting Company o
        (Do Not Ckeck if a smaller reporting company)    
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
     The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2009 was approximately $1,623,000,000, based on the last reported sale price per share of the registrant’s common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2009.
     As of March 10, 2010, the registrant had outstanding 83,459,120 shares of common stock, par value $2.50 per share.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
     Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement used in connection with the registrant’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held April 28, 2010, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

 
 

 


 

BANCORPSOUTH, INC.
FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
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 EX-11
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 EX-31.1
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 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

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PART I
ITEM 1.   BUSINESS.
GENERAL
     BancorpSouth, Inc. (the “Company”) is a financial holding company incorporated in 1982. Through its principal bank subsidiary, BancorpSouth Bank (the “Bank”), the Company conducts commercial banking and financial services operations in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Missouri and Illinois. At December 31, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries had total assets of approximately $13.2 billion and total deposits of approximately $10.7 billion. The Company’s principal office is located at One Mississippi Plaza, 201 South Spring Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804 and its telephone number is (662) 680-2000.
     The Company’s Internet website address is www.bancorpsouthonline.com. The Company makes available its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports free of charge on its website on the Investor Relations webpage under the caption “SEC Filings” as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company’s Internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”).
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
     The Bank has its principal office in Tupelo, Lee County, Mississippi, and conducts a general commercial banking, trust and insurance business through 310 offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Missouri and Illinois. The Bank has grown through the acquisition of other banks and insurance agencies and through the opening of new branches and offices.
     The Bank and its subsidiaries provide a range of financial services to individuals and small-to-medium size businesses. The Bank operates investment services, credit insurance and insurance agency subsidiaries which engage in investment brokerage services and sales of other insurance products. The Bank’s trust department offers a variety of services including personal trust and estate services, certain employee benefit accounts and plans, including individual retirement accounts, and limited corporate trust functions. All of the Company’s assets are located in the United States and all of its revenues generated from external customers originate within the United States.
     The Company has registered the trademarks “BancorpSouth,” both typed form and design, and “Bank of Mississippi,” both typed form and design, with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark “BancorpSouth” will expire in 2011, and “Bank of Mississippi” will expire in 2020, unless the Company extends these trademarks for additional ten year periods. Registrations of trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office generally may be renewed and continue indefinitely, provided that the Company continues to use these trademarks and files appropriate maintenance and renewal documentation with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at times required by the federal trademark laws and regulations.
COMPETITION
     Vigorous competition exists in all major areas where the Bank is engaged in business. The Bank competes for available loans and depository accounts with state and national commercial banks as well as savings and loan associations, insurance companies, credit unions, money market mutual funds, automobile finance companies and financial services companies. None of these competitors is dominant in the entire area served by the Bank.
     The principal areas of competition in the banking industry center on a financial institution’s ability and willingness to provide credit on a timely and competitively priced basis, to offer a sufficient range of deposit and investment opportunities at competitive prices and maturities, and to offer personal and other services of sufficient quality and at competitive prices. The Company and its subsidiaries believe they can compete effectively in all these areas.

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REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
     The following is a brief summary of the regulatory environment in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate and is not designed to be a complete discussion of all statutes and regulations affecting such operations, including those statutes and regulations specifically mentioned herein. Changes in these applicable laws, and their application by regulatory and law enforcement agencies, cannot necessarily be predicted, but could have a material effect on the business and results of the Company and its subsidiaries.
     The Company is a financial holding company regulated as such under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “Bank Holding Company Act”) and is subject to regulation and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). The Company is required to file annual reports with the Federal Reserve and such other information as the Federal Reserve may require. The Federal Reserve may also conduct examinations of the Company. According to Federal Reserve policy, a financial holding company must act as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks and commit resources to support each such subsidiary. This support may be required at times when a financial holding company may not be able to provide such support.
     The Bank is incorporated under the laws of the State of Mississippi and is subject to the applicable provisions of Mississippi banking laws and the laws of various states in which it operates, as well as federal law. The Bank is subject to the supervision of the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance and to regular examinations by that department. Deposits in the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and, therefore, the Bank is subject to the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and to examination by the FDIC. FDIC regulations require that management report annually on its responsibility for preparing its institution’s financial statements, and establishing and maintaining an internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting and compliance with designated laws and regulations concerning safety and soundness. The Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve.
     The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”) permits, among other things, the acquisition of savings associations by financial holding companies, irrespective of their financial condition, and increased the deposit insurance premiums for banks and savings associations. FIRREA also provides that commonly controlled, federally insured financial institutions must reimburse the FDIC for losses incurred by the FDIC in connection with the default of another commonly controlled financial institution or in connection with the provision of FDIC assistance to such a commonly controlled financial institution in danger of default. Reimbursement liability under FIRREA is superior to any obligations to shareholders of such federally insured institutions (including a financial holding company such as the Company if it were to acquire another federally insured financial institution) arising as a result of their status as shareholders of a reimbursing financial institution.
     The Company and the Bank are subject to the provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”). This Act provides for increased funding for the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund and expands the regulatory powers of federal banking agencies to permit prompt corrective actions to resolve problems of insured depository institutions through the regulation of banks and their affiliates, including financial holding companies. Its provisions are designed to minimize the potential loss to depositors and to FDIC insurance funds if financial institutions default on their obligations to depositors or become in danger of default. Among other things, FDICIA provides a framework for a system of supervisory actions based primarily on the capital levels of financial institutions. FDICIA also provides for a risk-based deposit insurance premium structure. The FDIC charges an annual assessment for the insurance of deposits based on the risk a particular institution poses to its deposit insurance fund. While most of the Company’s deposits were in the Bank Insurance Fund, certain other of the Company’s deposits which were acquired from thrifts over the years remained in the Savings Association Insurance Fund.
     Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund were merged into a new combined fund, called the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”), effective March 31, 2006. Substantially all of the deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the DIF of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system that imposes insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that takes into account a bank’s capital level and supervisory rating. As of January 1, 2007, the previous nine risk categories utilized in the risk matrix were condensed into four risk categories which continue to be distinguished by capital levels and supervisory ratings. In an effort to restore capitalization levels and to ensure the DIF will adequately cover projected losses from future bank failures, the FDIC in October 2008 proposed a rule to alter the way in which it differentiates for risk in the risk-based assessment system and to revise deposit insurance assessment rates, including base assessment rates. The FDIC also proposed and adopted three adjustments that could be made to an institution’s initial base assessment

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rate, including (i) a potential decrease of up to two basis points for long-term unsecured debt, including senior and subordinated debt, (ii) a potential increase for secured liabilities in excess of 15% of domestic deposits and (iii) for certain institutions, a potential increase for brokered deposits in excess of 10% of domestic deposits. In addition, the FDIC proposed raising the current rates uniformly by seven basis points for the assessment for the first quarter of 2009. The proposal for first quarter 2009 assessment rates was adopted as a final rule in December 2008. As a result of increased bank failures and a decrease in the DIF, on December 30, 2009, the FDIC required all insured financial institutions to prepay three years worth of insurance premiums with the prepayment including a 5% annual growth rate in the projected assessment base and a three basis point increase in the annual assessment rate for 2011 and 2012. The FDIC may require additional special assessment payments if the DIF balance continues to decline.
     The Company is required to comply with the risk-based capital guidelines established by the Federal Reserve and with other tests relating to capital adequacy that the Federal Reserve adopts from time to time. See Note 20 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report for a discussion of the Company’s capital amounts and ratios.
     The Company is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. There are various legal limitations on the extent to which the Bank may extend credit, pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to the Company or its affiliates. In particular, the Bank is subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law, including without limitation, sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, on any extensions of credit to the Company or, with certain exceptions, other affiliates.
     The primary source of funds for dividends paid to the Company’s shareholders is dividends paid to the Company by the Bank. Various federal and state laws limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company without regulatory approval. Under Mississippi law, the Bank must obtain approval of the Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance prior to paying any dividend on the Bank’s common stock. Under FDICIA, the Bank may not pay any dividends if, after paying the dividend, it would be undercapitalized under applicable capital requirements. The FDIC also has the authority to prohibit the Bank from engaging in business practices that the FDIC considers to be unsafe or unsound, which, depending on the financial condition of the Bank, could include the payment of dividends.
     In addition, the Federal Reserve has the authority to prohibit the payment of dividends by a financial holding company if its actions constitute unsafe or unsound practices. In 1985, the Federal Reserve issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by financial holding companies, which outlined the Federal Reserve’s view that a financial holding company that is experiencing earnings weaknesses or other financial pressures should not pay cash dividends that exceed its net income, that are inconsistent with its capital position or that could only be funded in ways that weaken its financial health, such as by borrowing or selling assets. The Federal Reserve indicated that, in some instances, it may be appropriate for a financial holding company to eliminate its dividends.
     In addition, in the current financial and economic environment, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated that bank and financial holding companies should carefully review their dividend policy and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.
     The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (“IBBEA”) permits adequately capitalized and managed financial holding companies to acquire control of banks in states other than their home states, subject to federal regulatory approval, without regard to whether such a transaction is prohibited by the laws of any state. IBBEA permits states to continue to require that an acquired bank must have been in existence for a certain minimum time period that may not exceed five years. IBBEA prohibits a financial holding company, following an interstate acquisition, from controlling more than 10% of the nation’s total amount of bank deposits or 30% of bank deposits in the relevant state. States retain the ability to adopt legislation to effectively raise or lower the 30% limit. Federal banking regulators may approve merger transactions involving banks located in different states, without regard to laws of any state prohibiting such transactions; provided, however, that mergers may not be approved with respect to banks located in a state that, prior to June 1, 1997, enacted legislation prohibiting mergers by banks located in such state with out-of-state institutions. Federal banking regulators may permit an out-of-state bank to open new branches in another state if such state has enacted legislation permitting interstate branching. Affiliated institutions are authorized to accept deposits for existing accounts, renew time deposits and close and service loans for affiliated institutions without being deemed an impermissible branch of the affiliate.
     The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”) and its implementing regulations provide an incentive for regulated financial institutions to meet the credit needs of their local community or communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of such financial institutions. The regulations provide that the appropriate regulatory authority will assess reports under CRA in connection with applications for establishment of domestic branches, acquisitions of banks or mergers involving financial holding

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companies. An unsatisfactory rating under CRA may serve as a basis to deny an application to acquire or establish a new bank, to establish a new branch or to expand banking services. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had a “satisfactory” rating under CRA.
     Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the “GLBA”), banks may associate with a company engaged principally in securities activities. The GLBA also permits a bank holding company to elect to become a “financial holding company,” allowing it to exercise expanded financial powers. Financial holding company powers relate to financial activities that are determined by the Federal Reserve to be financial in nature, incidental to an activity that is financial in nature or complementary to a financial activity (provided that the complementary activity does not pose a safety and soundness risk). The GLBA expressly characterizes certain activities as financial in nature, including lending activities, underwriting and selling insurance, providing financial or investment advice, securities underwriting, dealing and making markets in securities and merchant banking. In order to qualify as a financial holding company, a bank holding company’s depository subsidiaries must be both well-capitalized and well-managed and must have at least a satisfactory rating under CRA. The Company elected to become a financial holding company during 2004.
     In addition, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, as extended and revised by the PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (the “USA Patriot Act”), requires each financial institution (i) to establish an anti-money laundering program; (ii) to establish due diligence policies, procedures and controls with respect to its private banking accounts and correspondent banking accounts involving foreign individuals and certain foreign financial institutions; and (iii) to avoid establishing, maintaining, administering or managing correspondent accounts in the United States for, or on behalf of, foreign financial institutions that do not have a physical presence in any country. The USA Patriot Act also requires that financial institutions must follow certain minimum standards to verify the identity of customers, both foreign and domestic, when a customer opens an account. In addition, the USA Patriot Act contains a provision encouraging cooperation among financial institutions, regulatory authorities and law enforcement authorities with respect to individuals, entities and organizations engaged in, or reasonably suspected of engaging in, terrorist acts or money laundering activities.
     The activities of the Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to regulation under various federal laws and regulations thereunder, including the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (Bank Secrecy Act), among others, as well as various state laws.
     The GLBA and other federal and state laws, as well as the various guidelines adopted by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, provide for minimum standards of privacy to protect the confidentiality of the non-public personal information of customers and to regulate the use of such information by financial institutions. The Company and its subsidiaries have adopted a customer information security program to comply with these regulatory requirements.
     The Bank’s insurance subsidiaries are regulated by the insurance regulatory authorities and applicable laws and regulations of the states in which they operate.
     The Bank’s investment services subsidiary is regulated as a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer by federal and/or state securities regulations and self-regulatory authorities.
     The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) represents a comprehensive revision of laws affecting corporate governance, accounting obligations and corporate reporting. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is applicable to all companies with equity or debt securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In particular, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act established: (i) requirements for audit committees, including independence, expertise and responsibilities; (ii) responsibilities regarding financial statements for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the reporting company; (iii) standards for auditors and regulation of audits; (iv) disclosure and reporting obligations for the reporting company and its directors and executive officers; and (v) civil and criminal penalties for violation of the securities laws.
     In response to unprecedented market turmoil, Congress enacted the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (“EESA”) on October 3, 2008. EESA authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury (the “Secretary”) to purchase up to $700 billion in troubled assets from financial institutions under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”). Troubled assets include residential or commercial mortgages and related instruments originated prior to March 14, 2008 and any other financial instrument the purchase of which the Secretary determines, after consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, is necessary to promote financial stability. The Secretary was authorized to purchase up to $250 billion in troubled assets immediately and up to $350 billion upon certification by the President that such authority is needed. EESA also increased the maximum deposit insurance

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amount up to $250,000 until December 31, 2013. Pursuant to his authority under EESA, the Secretary created the TARP Capital Purchase Program under which the Treasury Department is investing up to $250 billion in senior preferred stock of U.S. banks and savings associations or their holding companies. In the fourth quarter of 2008 after careful consideration of the Company’s asset quality, financial and operating results, liquidity sources and capital levels, the Company elected not to participate in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.
     On March 23, 2009, Treasury, in conjunction with the FDIC and the Federal Reserve, announced the Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”). PPIP consists of two aspects, a Legacy Loans Program and a Legacy Securities Program. Both programs involve a partnership between the federal government and private entities to purchase non-performing or illiquid assets from the balance sheets of financial institutions. To date, the Company has not participated in either of these programs.
     In addition, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory proposals that could have an impact on the operation of financial holding companies and their bank and non-bank subsidiaries. Management is not able to predict whether or in what form these proposals may be adopted in the future and, if adopted, what their effect will be on the Company and its subsidiaries.
LENDING ACTIVITIES
     The Bank’s lending activities include both commercial and consumer loans. Loan originations are derived from a number of sources including direct solicitation by the Bank’s loan officers, existing depositors and borrowers, builders, attorneys, walk-in customers and, in some instances, other lenders, real estate broker referrals and mortgage loan companies. The Bank has established systematic procedures for approving and monitoring loans that vary depending on the size and nature of the loan, and applies these procedures in a disciplined manner.
Commercial Lending
     The Bank offers a variety of commercial loan services including term loans, lines of credit, equipment and receivable financing and agricultural loans. A broad range of short-to-medium term commercial loans, both secured and unsecured, are made available to businesses for working capital (including inventory and receivables), business expansion (including acquisition and development of real estate and improvements), and the purchase of equipment and machinery. The Bank also makes construction loans to real estate developers for the acquisition, development and construction of residential subdivisions.
     Commercial loans are granted based on the borrower’s ability to generate cash flow to support its debt obligations and other cash related expenses. A borrower’s ability to repay commercial loans is substantially dependent on the success of the business itself and on the quality of its management. As a general practice, the Bank takes as collateral a security interest in any available real estate, equipment, inventory, receivables or other personal property, although such loans may also be made infrequently on an unsecured basis. In many instances, the Bank requires personal guarantees of its commercial loans to provide additional credit support.
     The Bank has had very little exposure as an agricultural lender. Crop production loans have been either fully supported by the collateral and financial strength of the borrower, or a 90% loan guaranty has been obtained through the Farm Service Agency on such loans.
Residential Consumer Lending
     A portion of the Bank’s lending activities consists of the origination of fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage loans secured by owner-occupied property located in the Bank’s primary market areas. Home mortgage lending is unique in that a broad geographic territory may be serviced by originators working from strategically placed offices either within the Bank’s traditional banking facilities or from affordable storefront locations in commercial buildings. In addition, the Bank offers construction loans, second mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit.
     The Bank finances the construction of individual, owner-occupied houses on the basis of written underwriting and construction loan management guidelines. First mortgage construction loans are made to qualified individual borrowers and are generally supported by a take-out commitment from a permanent lender. The Bank makes residential construction loans to individuals who intend to erect owner-occupied housing on a purchased parcel of real estate. The construction phase of these loans has certain risks, including the viability of the contractor, the contractor’s ability to complete the project and changes in interest rates.
     In most cases, the Bank sells its mortgage loans with terms of 15 years or more in the secondary market and either retains or releases the right to service those loans. The sale of mortgage loans to the secondary market

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allows the Bank to manage the interest rate risks related to such lending operations. Generally, after the sale of a loan with servicing retained, the Bank’s only involvement is to act as a servicing agent. In certain cases, the Bank may be required to repurchase mortgage loans upon which customers have defaulted that were previously sold in the secondary market if these loans did not meet the underwriting standards of the entity that purchased the loans. These loans would be held by the Bank in its mortgage loan portfolio.
     In most cases, the Bank requires fire, extended casualty insurance and, where appropriate, wind and hail insurance and, where required by applicable regulations, flood insurance to be obtained by the borrower. The Bank maintains its own errors and omissions insurance policy to protect against loss in the event of failure of a mortgagor to pay premiums on fire and other hazard insurance policies. Mortgage loans originated by the Bank customarily include a “due on sale” clause giving the Bank the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event, among other matters, that the borrower sells or otherwise disposes of the real property subject to a mortgage. In general, the Bank enforces “due on sale” clauses. Borrowers are typically permitted to refinance or repay residential mortgage loans at their option without penalty.
Non-Residential Consumer Lending
     Non-residential consumer loans made by the Bank include loans for automobiles, recreation vehicles, boats, personal (secured and unsecured) and deposit account secured loans. Non-residential consumer loans are attractive to the Bank because they typically have a shorter term and carry higher interest rates than those charged on other types of loans.
     The Bank also issues credit cards solicited on the basis of applications received through referrals from the Bank’s branches and other marketing efforts. The Bank generally has a small portfolio of credit card receivables outstanding. Credit card lines are underwritten using conservative credit criteria, including past credit history and debt-to-income ratios, similar to the credit policies applicable to other personal consumer loans.
     The Bank grants consumer loans based on employment and financial information solicited from prospective borrowers as well as credit records collected from various reporting agencies. Financial stability of the borrower and credit history are the primary factors the Bank considers in granting such loans. The availability of collateral is also a factor considered in making such loans. The Bank seeks collateral that can be assigned and has good marketability with an adequate margin of value. The geographic area of the borrower is another consideration, with preference given to borrowers in the Bank’s primary market areas.
OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES
     The Bank’s insurance service subsidiary serves as an agent in the sale of title insurance, commercial lines of insurance and a full line of property and casualty, life, health and employee benefits products and services and operates in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Missouri and Illinois.
     The Bank’s investment services subsidiary provides brokerage, investment advisory and asset management services and operates in certain communities in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Florida and Missouri.
     See Note 21 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report for financial information about each segment of the Company, as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
ASSET QUALITY
     Management seeks to maintain a high quality of assets through conservative underwriting and sound lending practices. Management intends to follow this policy even though it may result in foregoing the funding of higher yielding loans. Management believes that the Bank has adequate underwriting and loan administration policies in place and personnel to manage the associated risks prudently.
     In an effort to maintain the quality of the loan portfolio, management seeks to limit higher risk loans. These loans include loans to provide initial equity and working capital to new businesses with no other capital strength, loans secured by unregistered stock, loans for speculative transactions in stock, land or commodity markets, loans to borrowers or the taking of collateral outside the Bank’s primary market areas, loans dependent on secondary liens as primary collateral and non-recourse loans. To the extent risks are identified, additional precautions are taken in order to reduce the Bank’s risk of loss. Commercial loans entail certain additional risks because they usually involve large loan balances to single borrowers or a related group of borrowers, resulting in a

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more concentrated loan portfolio. Further, because payment of these loans is usually dependent upon the successful operation of the commercial enterprise, the risk of loss with respect to these loans may increase in the event of adverse conditions in the economy.
     The Board of Directors of the Bank focuses much of its efforts and resources, and that of the Bank’s management and lending officials, on loan underwriting and credit quality monitoring policies and practices. Loan status and monitoring is handled through the Bank’s loan administration department. Weak financial performance is identified and monitored using past due reporting, the internal loan rating system, loan review reports, the various loan committee functions and periodic asset quality rating committee meetings. Senior loan officers have established a review process with the objective of quickly identifying, evaluating and initiating necessary corrective action for problem loans. The results of loan reviews are reported to the Audit Committee of both the Company’s and the Bank’s Board of Directors. This process is an integral element of the Bank’s loan program. Nonetheless, management maintains a cautious outlook in anticipating the potential effects of uncertain economic conditions (both locally and nationally) and the possibility of more stringent regulatory standards.
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
     The Company completed no material acquisitions during 2009.
EMPLOYEES
     At December 31, 2009, the Company and its subsidiaries had approximately 4,450 full-time equivalent employees. The Company and its subsidiaries are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements and employee relations are considered to be good.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
     Information follows concerning the executive officers of the Company who are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act:
             
Name   Offices Held   Age  
Aubrey B. Patterson
  Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank; Director of the Company     67  
 
           
James V. Kelley
  President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Bank; Director of the Company     60  
 
           
William L. Prater
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Cashier of the Bank     49  
 
           
Larry Bateman
  Executive Vice President of the Company and Vice Chairman of the Bank     60  
 
           
Gary R. Harder
  Executive Vice President of the Company and Executive Vice President, Audit and Loan Review of the Bank     65  

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Name   Offices Held   Age  
W. James Threadgill, Jr.
  Executive Vice President of the Company and Vice Chairman of the Bank     55  
 
           
Gordon Lewis
  Executive Vice President of the Company and Vice Chairman of the Bank     60  
 
           
Gregg Cowsert
  Executive Vice President of the Company and Vice Chairman and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank     62  
 
           
Cathy S. Freeman
  Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the Company and the Bank     44  
 
           
Gray C. Bonds
  Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company and Executive Vice President and Controller of the Bank     62  
     None of the executive officers of the Company are related by blood, marriage or adoption to each other or to any of the Company’s directors or nominees up for election at the 2010 annual meeting of shareholders. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the executive officers and any other person pursuant to which the individual named above was or is to be selected as an officer. The executive officers of the Company are elected by the Board of Directors at its first meeting following the annual meeting of shareholders, and they hold office until the next annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
     Mr. Patterson has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and the Company for at least the past five years.
     Mr. Kelley has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank and the Company for at least the past five years.
     Mr. Prater joined the Company on September 1, 2008 and served as Executive Vice President until June 30, 2009 when he was named Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Cashier of the Bank. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Prater most recently served as Executive Vice President of Finance at Regions Bank and held the office of Senior Vice President of Finance at AmSouth Bank from 2004 to 2006.
     Mr. Bateman has served as Executive Vice President of the Company for at least the past five years. He has served as Vice Chairman of the Bank during this same period.
     Mr. Harder has served as Executive Vice President, Audit and Loan Review of the Bank for at least the past five years. He has also served as Executive Vice President of the Company during this same period. Mr. Harder retired from the Bank and the Company effective December 31, 2009. Ms. Carol Waddle replaced Mr. Harder and was named Senior Vice President of the Company and Senior Vice President, Audit and Loan Review of the Bank on January 27, 2010.
     Mr. Threadgill has served as Executive Vice President of the Company and Vice Chairman of the Bank for at least the past five years.
     Mr. Lewis had served as Louisiana/Texas Region President of BancorpSouth Bank for at least three years prior to December 2007 when he was named Executive Vice President of the Company and Vice Chairman of the Bank.
     Mr. Cowsert has served as Executive Vice President of the Company and Vice Chairman and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank for at least the past five years.
     Mrs. Freeman has served as First Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the Company and the Bank or Senior Vice President and Corporate Secretary of the Company and the Bank for at least the three years prior to January 2008 when she was named Executive Vice President of the Company and the Bank.
     Mr. Bonds has served as Senior Vice President of the Company and Senior Vice President and Controller of the Bank for at least the four years prior to September 2008, when he was named Executive Vice President and

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Controller of the Bank, and the four years prior to December 2008, when he was named Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company.
ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS.
     Certain statements contained in this Annual Report 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 Exchange Act, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “predict,” “foresee,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “intend,” future or conditional verb tenses, and variations or negatives of such terms. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those relating to the expiration of the Company’s trademarks, the Company’s ability to compete effectively, the effect of changes in laws, governmental regulations and legislative proposals affecting financial institutions, examinations of the Company by the Federal Reserve, the Company’s operating results, interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, commercial loans, mortgage loans, economic conditions in the Company’s market area and the impact of the economic downturn on the Company’s financial condition, internal control over financial reporting, the Company’s remediation efforts with respect to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, maturities and fair values of held-to-maturity securities, valuation of mortgage servicing rights, diversification of revenue stream, the Company’s policy regarding underwriting and lending practices, other real estate owned, asset quality, net interest revenue, net interest margin, interest rate sensitivity, credit quality and credit losses, capital resources, uses of capital, sources of liquidity and liquidity strategies, sources of maturing loans and investment securities, sales of loans held for sale, cash from operating activities, deposits, non-performing assets (“NPAs”), the ability to declare and pay dividends, future acquisitions, market risk, significant accounting policies, the impact of recent accounting pronouncements, estimated amortization expense of amortizable identifiable intangible assets, market conditions, stock repurchase program, allowance for credit losses, vesting of restricted stock, valuation of stock options, fair value of loans and leases, values of investment securities, contributions to pension plans, goodwill, related party transactions, loan concentrations, impaired loans, non-performing loans, non-accrual loans and leases, allowance for loan losses, economic value of equity, the ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets, other-than-temporary impairment of securities, financial condition of the Company’s borrowers, off-balance sheet commitments and arrangements, future lease payments, pension and other post-retirement benefit amounts, charge-offs, legal and regulatory limitations and compliance, junior subordinated debt securities and the effect of certain legal claims and pending lawsuits.
     We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this Report in that actual results could differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
    Local, regional and national economic conditions and the impact they may have on the Company and its customers and the Company’s assessment of that impact;
 
    Volatility and disruption in national and international financial markets;
 
    Government intervention in the U.S. financial system;
 
    The ability of the Company to increase noninterest revenue and expand noninterest revenue business;
 
    Changes in general business or economic conditions or government fiscal and monetary policies;
 
    Fluctuations in prevailing interest rates and the effectiveness of the Company’s interest rate hedging strategies;
 
    The ability of the Company to maintain credit quality;
 
    The ability of the Company to provide and market competitive products and services;
 
    Changes in the Company’s operating or expansion strategy;
 
    Geographic concentration of the Company’s assets and susceptibility to economic downturns in that area;
 
    The availability of and costs associated with maintaining and/or obtaining adequate and timely sources of liquidity;
 
    Laws and regulations affecting financial institutions in general;
 
    The ability of the Company to operate and integrate new technology;
 
    The ability of the Company to manage its growth and effectively serve an expanding customer and market base;

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    The ability of the Company to attract, train and retain qualified personnel;
 
    Changes in consumer preferences;
 
    The ability of the Company to repurchase its common stock on favorable terms;
 
    The ability of the Company to collect amounts due under loan agreements and to attract deposits;
 
    Legislation and court decisions related to the amount of damages recoverable in legal proceedings;
 
    Possible adverse rulings, judgments, settlements and other outcomes of pending litigation; and
 
    Other factors generally understood to affect the financial results of financial services companies.
     The Company undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this Report.
     In addition to the factors listed above that could influence our forward-looking statements, management believes that the risk factors set forth below should be considered in evaluating the Company’s business. Other relevant risk factors are outlined below and may be supplemented from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Our business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.
     Since mid-2007 the financial services industry and the securities markets generally were materially and adversely affected by significant declines in the values of nearly all asset classes and by a serious lack of liquidity. This was initially triggered by declines in home prices and the values of sub-prime mortgages, but spread to all mortgage and real estate asset classes, to leveraged bank loans and to nearly all asset classes, including equities. The global markets have been characterized by substantially increased volatility and short-selling and an overall loss of investor confidence, initially in financial institutions, but more recently in companies in a number of other industries and in the broader markets.
     Market conditions have also led to the failure or merger of a number of prominent financial institutions. Financial institution failures or near-failures have resulted in further losses as a consequence of defaults on securities issued by them and defaults under contracts entered into with such entities as counterparties. Furthermore, declining asset values, defaults on mortgages and consumer loans, and the lack of market and investor confidence, as well as other factors, have all combined to increase credit default swap spreads, to cause rating agencies to lower credit ratings, and to otherwise increase the cost and decrease the availability of liquidity, despite very significant declines in Federal Reserve borrowing rates and other government actions. Some banks and other lenders have suffered significant losses and have become reluctant to lend, even on a secured basis, due to the increased risk of default and the impact of declining asset values on the value of collateral. The foregoing has significantly weakened the strength and liquidity of some financial institutions worldwide. In 2008, the United States government, the Federal Reserve and other regulators took numerous steps to increase liquidity and to restore investor confidence, including Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Program, but asset values have continued to decline and access to liquidity continues to be very limited.
     Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the markets where we operate and in the United States as a whole. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors, economic growth, efficient capital markets, low inflation, high business and investor confidence, and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence, limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital, increases in inflation or interest rates, natural disasters or a combination of these or other factors.
     Overall, the 2009 business environment was adverse for many households and businesses in the United States. The business environment in the markets in which we operate has been less adverse than in the broader United States but continues to deteriorate. It is possible that the business environment in the United States will continue to deteriorate for the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that these conditions will improve in the near term. Such conditions could adversely affect the credit quality of our loans, our results of operations and our financial condition.

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We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.
     Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral we hold cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure owed to us. Any such losses could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Current levels of market volatility are unprecedented.
     The capital and credit markets have been experiencing volatility and disruption for more than a year. In recent months, the volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience an adverse effect, which may be material, on our ability to access capital and on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed.
     We are required by federal regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. In addition, we may elect to raise additional capital to support our business or to finance any acquisitions or we may otherwise elect or be required to raise additional capital. In that regard, a number of financial institutions have recently raised considerable amounts of capital in response to a deterioration in their results of operations and financial condition arising from the turmoil in the mortgage loan market, deteriorating economic conditions, declines in real estate values and other factors.
     Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, many of which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance of our ability to raise additional capital if needed or to be able to do so on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition.
     Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities or the terms of which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets in which our loans are concentrated. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry in light of the recent turmoil faced by banking organizations and the continued deterioration in credit markets.
We make and hold in our portfolio a significant number of real estate construction, acquisition and development loans, which are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the completed project and which pose more credit risk than other types of loans typically made by financial institutions.
     At December 31, 2009, we had a balance of $1.5 billion in real estate construction, acquisition and development loans, representing 15.0% of our total loan portfolio. These real estate construction, acquisition and development loans have certain risks that are not present in other types of loans. The primary credit risks associated with real estate construction, acquisition and development loans are underwriting, project risks and market risks. Project risks include cost overruns, borrower credit risk, project completion risk, general contractor credit risk and environmental and other hazard risks. Market risks are risks associated with the sale of the completed residential and commercial units. They include affordability risk, which means the risk that borrowers cannot obtain affordable financing, product design risk, and risks posed by competing projects. Real estate construction, acquisition and development loans also involve additional risks because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion, and costs may exceed realizable values in declining real estate markets.

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Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs and the realizable market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. As a result, real estate construction, acquisition and development loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If our appraisal of the value of the completed project proves to be overstated or market values or rental rates decline, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to or at completion due to a default, there can be no assurance that we will be able to recover all of the unpaid balance and accrued interest on the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete the project and may have to hold the property for an unspecified period of time while we attempt to dispose of it. The adverse effects of the foregoing matters upon our real estate construction, acquisition and development portfolio could necessitate a further increase in non-performing loans related to this portfolio and these non-performing loans may result in a material level of charge-offs, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our allowance for credit losses may not be adequate to cover actual credit losses.
     We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of our loan and lease portfolio and provide an allowance for potential losses based on a number of factors. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Continuing deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for credit losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for credit losses and may require an increase in the provision for credit losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. Any increases in the allowance for credit losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Provisions for Credit Losses and Allowance for Credit Losses” included herein for more information regarding our process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses.
Our operations are subject to extensive governmental regulation and supervision.
     The Company is a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act and the Bank is a Mississippi state banking corporation. Both are subject to extensive governmental regulation, supervision, legislation and control. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not security holders. These laws and regulations limit the manner in which we operate, including the amount of loans we can originate, interest we can charge on loans and fees we can charge for certain services. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. It is likely that there will be significant changes to the banking and financial institutions regulatory regimes in the near future in light of the recent performance of and government intervention in the financial services sector. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. We cannot predict the extent to which the government and governmental organizations may change any of these laws or controls. We also cannot predict how such changes would adversely affect our business and prospects.
Changes in interest rates could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
     Our earnings and financial condition are dependent to a large degree upon net interest income, which is the difference or spread between interest earned on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. When market rates of interest change, the interest we receive on our assets and the interest we pay on our liabilities may fluctuate. This can cause decreases in our spread and can adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

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     Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors including:
    The rate of inflation;
 
    Economic conditions;
 
    Federal monetary policies; and
 
    Stability of domestic and foreign markets.
     The Bank originates residential mortgage loans for sale and for our portfolio. The origination of residential mortgage loans is highly dependent on the local real estate market and the level of interest rates. Increasing interest rates tend to reduce the origination of loans for sale and fee income, which we report as gain on sale of loans. Decreasing interest rates generally result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities, as borrowers refinance their debt in order to reduce their borrowing cost. This typically leads to reinvestment at lower rates than the loans or securities were paying. Changes in market interest rates could also reduce the value of our financial assets. Our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely effected if we are unsuccessful in managing the effects of changes in interest rates.
Monetary policies and economic factors may limit our ability to attract deposits or make loans.
     The monetary policies of federal regulatory authorities, particularly the Federal Reserve, and economic conditions in our service area and the United States generally, affect our ability to attract deposits and extend loans. We cannot predict either the nature and timing of any changes in these monetary policies and economic conditions, including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies, or their impact on our financial performance. The banking business is subject to various material business risks, which have become more acute during the current environment of economic slowdown and recession. In the current economic environment, foreclosures have increased and such conditions could also lead to a potential decline in deposits and demand for loans.
Hurricanes or other adverse weather events could negatively affect local economies where we maintain branch offices or cause disruption or damage to our branch office locations, which could have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
     We have operations in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and Florida, which include areas susceptible to hurricanes or tropical storms. Such weather conditions can disrupt our operations, result in damage to our branch office locations or negatively affect the local economies in which we operate. We cannot predict whether or to what extent damage caused by future hurricanes or storms will affect our operations or the economies in our market areas, but such weather conditions could result in a decline in loan originations and an increase in the risk of delinquencies, foreclosures or loan losses. Our business or results of operations may be adversely affected by these and other negative effects of devastating hurricanes or storms.
We face risks in connection with completed or potential acquisitions.
     Historically, we have grown through the acquisition of other financial institutions as well as the development of de novo offices. If appropriate opportunities present themselves, we intend to pursue additional acquisitions in the future that we believe are strategic, including possible FDIC-assisted transactions. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify, negotiate or finance potential acquisitions successfully or integrate such acquisitions with our current business.
     Upon completion of an acquisition, we are faced with the challenges of integrating the operations, services, products, personnel and systems of acquired companies into our business, which may divert management’s attention from ongoing business operations. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in effectively integrating any acquisition into the operations of our business. Moreover, there can be no assurance that the anticipated benefits of any acquisition will be realized.
     The success of our acquisitions is dependent on the continued employment of key employees. If acquired businesses do not meet projected revenue targets, or if certain key employees were to leave, we could conclude that the value of the businesses has decreased and that the related goodwill has been impaired. If we were to conclude that goodwill has been impaired, it would result in an impairment of goodwill charge to us, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

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Issuing additional shares of our common stock to acquire other banks, bank holding companies, financial holding companies and insurance agencies may result in dilution for existing shareholders and may adversely affect the market price of our stock.
     In connection with our growth strategy, we have issued, and may issue in the future, shares of our common stock to acquire additional banks, bank holding companies, financial holding companies and insurance agencies. Resales of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market and the potential of such sales could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities. We usually must pay an acquisition premium above the fair market value of acquired assets for the acquisition of banks, bank holding companies, financial holding companies and insurance agencies. Paying this acquisition premium, in addition to the dilutive effect of issuing additional shares, may also adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock.
Our ability to declare and pay dividends is limited by law.
     We derive our income solely from dividends received from owning the Bank’s common stock. Federal and state law limit the Bank’s ability to declare and pay dividends. In addition, the Federal Reserve may impose restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends on our common stock.
Our growth strategy includes risks that could have an adverse effect on financial performance.
     A significant element of our growth strategy is the acquisition of additional banks (which might include the acquisition of bank assets in FDIC-assisted transactions), bank holding companies, financial holding companies and insurance agencies in order to achieve greater economies of scale. We cannot assure you that appropriate growth opportunities will continue to exist, that we will be able to acquire banks, insurance agencies, bank holding companies and financial holding companies that satisfy our criteria or that any such acquisitions will be on terms favorable to us. Further, our growth strategy requires that we continue to hire qualified personnel, while concurrently expanding our managerial and operational infrastructure. We cannot assure you that we will be able to hire and retain qualified personnel or that we will be able to successfully expand our infrastructure to accommodate future acquisitions or growth. As a result of these factors, we may not realize the expected economic benefits associated with our acquisitions. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.
Diversification in types of financial services may adversely affect our financial performance.
     As part of our business strategy, we may further diversify our lines of business into areas that are not traditionally associated with the banking business. As a result, we would need to manage the development of new business lines in which we have not previously participated. Each new business line would require the investment of additional capital and the significant involvement of our senior management to develop and integrate the service subsidiaries with our traditional banking operations. We can offer no assurances that we will be able to develop and integrate new services without adversely affecting our financial performance.
We compete with other financial holding companies, bank holding companies, banks, insurance and financial services companies.
     The banking, insurance and financial services businesses are extremely competitive in our service areas in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Missouri and Illinois. We compete, and will continue to compete, with well-established banks, credit unions, insurance agencies and other financial institutions, some of which have significantly greater resources and lending limits. Some of our competitors provide certain services that we do not provide.
Information systems may experience an interruption or breach in security.
     We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of these information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of these information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Anti-takeover provisions may discourage a change of our control.
     Our governing documents and certain agreements to which we are a party contain provisions which make a change-in-control difficult to accomplish, and may discourage a potential acquirer. These include a shareholder rights plan, or “poison pill,” a classified or “staggered” Board of Directors, change-in-control agreements with members of management and supermajority voting requirements. These anti-takeover provisions may have an adverse effect on the market for our common stock.
Securities that we issue, including our common stock, are not FDIC insured.
     Securities that we issue, including our common stock, are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of any bank and are not insured by the FDIC, the Bank Insurance Funds, any other governmental agency or instrumentality or any private insurer and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of your investment.
We reported a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, and if we are unable to improve our internal controls, our financial results may not be accurately reported.
     Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting designed to ensure proper accounting for allowance for credit losses, as described in “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.” This material weakness, or difficulties encountered in implementing new or improved controls or remediation, could prevent us from accurately reporting our financial results, result in material misstatements in our financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Failure to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 could negatively affect our business, the price of our common stock and market confidence in our reported financial information.
We could be required to write down goodwill and other intangible assets.
     When we acquire a business, a portion of the purchase price of the acquisition is allocated to goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. The amount of the purchase price that is allocated to goodwill and other intangible assets is determined by the excess of the purchase price over the net identifiable assets acquired. At December 31, 2009, our goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets were $270.1 million. Under current accounting standards, if we determine goodwill or intangible assets are impaired, we are required to write down the carrying value of these assets. We conduct a review at least annually to determine whether goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets are impaired. We completed such an impairment analysis in 2009 and concluded that no impairment charge was necessary for the year ended December 31, 2009. We cannot provide assurance, however, that we will not be required to take an impairment charge in the future. Any impairment charge would have an adverse effect on our shareholders’ equity and financial results and could cause a decline in our stock price.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
     None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
     The physical properties of the Company are held by its subsidiaries as follows:
  a.   The Bank — The main office is located at One Mississippi Plaza, 201 South Spring Street in the central business district of Tupelo, Mississippi in a seven-floor, modern, glass, concrete and steel office building owned by the Bank. The Bank occupies approximately 75% of the space, with the remainder leased to various unaffiliated tenants.
 
      The Bank owns 251 of its 282 branch banking facilities. The remaining 31 branch banking facilities are occupied under leases with unexpired terms ranging from one to 14 years. The Bank also owns other buildings that provide space for computer operations, lease servicing, mortgage lending, warehouse needs and other general purposes.

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      The Bank considers all its buildings and leased premises to be in good condition. The Bank also owns parcels of property acquired under foreclosure.
 
  b.   BancorpSouth Insurance Services, Inc. — This wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank owns six of the 25 offices it occupies. It leases 19 offices that have unexpired terms varying in duration from one to eight years.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
     The Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in lines of business that are heavily regulated and involve a large volume of financial transactions with numerous customers through offices in nine states. Although the Company and its subsidiaries have developed policies and procedures to minimize the impact of legal noncompliance and other disputes, litigation presents an ongoing risk.
     The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits arising out of the normal course of business, including claims against entities to which the Company is a successor as a result of business combinations. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Litigation is, however, inherently uncertain, and the Company cannot make assurances that it will prevail in any of these actions, nor can it estimate with reasonable certainty the amount of damages that it might incur.
     The Company reported litigation expense of $2.3 million in 2007 as a result of legal and other accruals established relative to the Company’s guarantee of Visa Inc.’s projected obligations for certain litigation matters. These reserves were recorded as other liabilities and pertain to Visa Inc.’s settlement with American Express, as well as other pending Visa Inc. litigation and were based on information available from Visa Inc. and other member banks. The Bank, as a member of Visa Inc., is obligated to share in certain liabilities associated with Visa Inc.’s settled and pending litigation. During the first quarter of 2008, $1.1 million of this reserve was reversed and recorded as a reduction of litigation expense as a result of Visa Inc.’s initial public offering and its deposit of a portion of the net proceeds thereof into an escrow account from which settlement of, or judgments relating to, the covered litigation may be paid.
     During the second quarter of 2008, $1.1 million of the reserve related to previously recorded litigation contingencies was reversed as a result of a favorable court ruling. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company reported $2.6 million in litigation contingencies primarily related to the unexpected, adverse resolution of a legal matter.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
     The common stock of the Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BXS.” The following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated, the range of sale prices of the Company’s common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange:
                     
        High     Low  
2009
  Fourth   $ 25.19     $ 21.71  
 
  Third     24.96       19.41  
 
  Second     25.30       19.46  
 
  First     23.87       15.60  
2008
  Fourth   $ 29.25     $ 16.93  
 
  Third     31.90       15.15  
 
  Second     25.30       17.48  
 
  First     25.50       19.01  

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HOLDERS OF RECORD
     As of March 10, 2010, there were 8,947 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock.
DIVIDENDS
     The Company declared cash dividends each quarter in an aggregate annual amount of $0.88 per share during 2009 and $0.87 per share during 2008. Future dividends, if any, will vary depending on the Company’s profitability, anticipated capital requirements and applicable federal and state regulations. See “Item 1. Business — Regulation and Supervision” and Note 16 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report for more information on restrictions and limitations on the Company’s ability to pay dividends.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
     The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2009.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
     See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Selected Financial Information” for the Selected Financial Data.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
OVERVIEW
     The Company is a regional financial holding company with approximately $13.2 billion in assets headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Company’s wholly-owned banking subsidiary has commercial banking operations in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Missouri. The Bank and its consumer finance, credit insurance, insurance agency and brokerage subsidiaries provide commercial banking, leasing, mortgage origination and servicing, insurance, brokerage and trust services to corporate customers, local governments, individuals and other financial institutions through an extensive network of branches and offices. The Bank’s insurance agency subsidiary also operates an office in Illinois.
     Management’s discussion and analysis provides a narrative discussion of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations for the previous three years. For a complete understanding of the following discussion, you should refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes presented elsewhere in this Report. This discussion and analysis is based on reported financial information, and certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform with the current financial statement presentation. The information that follows is provided to enhance comparability of financial information between years and to provide a better understanding of the Company’s operations.
     As a financial holding company, the financial condition and operating results of the Company are heavily influenced by economic trends nationally and in the specific markets in which the Company’s subsidiaries provide financial services. Generally, during 2008 and 2009, the pressures of the national and regional economic cycle created a difficult operating environment for the financial services industry. The Company was not immune to such pressures and understands that the continuing economic downturn has had a negative impact on the Company and its customers in all of the markets that it serves. The impact was reflected in a decline in credit quality and the increases in the Company’s measures of non-performing loans and leases (“NPLs”) and net charge-offs, compared to 2008 and 2007. While these measures have increased, management believes that it is well positioned with respect to overall credit quality and the strength of its allowance for credit losses to meet the challenges of the current economic cycle. Management believes, however, that continued weakness in the economic environment could adversely affect the strength of the credit quality of the Company’s assets overall. Therefore, management will continue to focus on early identification and decisive resolution of any credit issues.

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     Most of the revenue of the Company is derived from the operation of its principal operating subsidiary, the Bank. The financial condition and operating results of the Bank are affected by the level and volatility of interest rates on loans, investment securities, deposits and other borrowed funds, and the impact of economic downturns on loan demand, collateral value and creditworthiness of existing borrowers. The financial services industry is highly competitive and heavily regulated. The Company’s success depends on its ability to compete aggressively within its markets while maintaining sufficient asset quality and cost controls to generate net income.
     The information that follows is provided to enhance comparability of financial information between periods and to provide a better understanding of the Company’s operations.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                         
    Year Ended December 31  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
            (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Earnings Summary:
                                       
Interest revenue
  $ 615,414     $ 705,413     $ 801,242     $ 681,891     $ 559,936  
Interest expense
    170,515       264,577       378,343       296,092       204,379  
                       
Net interest revenue
    444,899       440,836       422,899       385,799       355,557  
Provision for credit losses
    117,324       56,176       22,696       8,577       24,467  
 
                             
Net interest revenue, after provision for credit losses
    327,575       384,660       400,203       377,222       331,090  
Noninterest revenue
    275,276       245,607       232,151       207,017       199,854  
Noninterest expense
    490,017       455,913       428,410       394,077       363,144  
 
                             
Income before income taxes
    112,834       174,354       203,944       190,162       167,800  
Income tax expense
    30,105       53,943       66,001       64,968       52,601  
 
                               
Net income
  $ 82,729     $ 120,411     $ 137,943     $ 125,194     $ 115,199  
 
                             
 
                                       
Balance Sheet — Year-End Balances:
                                       
Total assets
  $ 13,167,867     $ 13,480,218     $ 13,189,841     $ 12,040,521     $ 11,768,674  
Total securities
    1,993,594       2,316,380       2,627,110       2,765,419       2,766,411  
Loans, net of unearned income
    9,775,136       9,691,277       9,179,684       7,871,471       7,365,555  
Total deposits
    10,677,702       9,711,872       10,064,099       9,710,578       9,607,258  
Long-term debt
    112,771       286,312       88,977       135,707       137,228  
Total shareholders’ equity
    1,276,296       1,240,260       1,196,626       1,026,585       977,166  
 
                                       
Balance Sheet — Average Balances:
                                       
Total assets
    13,203,659       13,200,801       12,857,135       11,798,007       10,968,874  
Total securities
    2,179,479       2,417,390       2,781,232       2,943,556       2,786,231  
Loans, net of unearned income
    9,734,580       9,429,963       8,784,940       7,579,935       7,026,009  
Total deposits
    10,155,730       9,803,999       10,200,098       9,554,441       9,110,411  
Long-term debt
    290,582       278,845       139,537       136,411       137,902  
Total shareholders’ equity
    1,255,605       1,224,280       1,121,000       999,989       934,563  
 
                                       
Common Share Date:
                                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.99     $ 1.46     $ 1.69     $ 1.58     $ 1.47  
Diluted earnings per share
    0.99       1.45       1.69       1.57       1.47  
Cash dividends per share
    0.88       0.87       0.83       0.79       0.76  
Book value per share
    15.29       14.92       14.54       12.98       12.33  
Dividend payout ratio
    88.89       60.00       49.11       50.32       51.70  
 
                                       
Financial Ratios:
                                       
Return on average assets
    0.63 %     0.91 %     1.07 %     1.06 %     1.05 %
Return on average shareholders’ equity
    6.59 %     9.84 %     12.31 %     12.52 %     12.33 %
Total shareholders’ equity to total assets
    9.69 %     9.20 %     9.07 %     8.53 %     8.30 %
Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets
    7.63 %     7.15 %     7.09 %     7.25 %     6.99 %
Net interest margin-fully taxable equivalent
    3.77 %     3.75 %     3.68 %     3.70 %     3.64 %
 
                                       
Credit Quality Ratios:
                                       
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases
    0.76 %     0.40 %     0.14 %     0.15 %     0.23 %
Provision for credit losses to average loans and leases
    1.21 %     0.60 %     0.26 %     0.11 %     0.35 %
Allowance for credit losses to net loans and leases
    1.80 %     1.37 %     1.25 %     1.26 %     1.38 %
Allowance for credit losses to NPLs
    94.41 %     207.45 %     394.76 %     421.36 %     352.44 %
Allowance for credit losses to NPAs
    71.64 %     120.36 %     215.47 %     291.38 %     226.84 %
NPLs to net loans and leases
    1.91 %     0.66 %     0.32 %     0.30 %     0.39 %
NPAs to net loans and leases
    2.51 %     1.14 %     0.58 %     0.43 %     0.61 %
 
                                       
Capital Adquacy:
                                       
Tier I capital
    11.17 %     10.79 %     10.63 %     12.34 %     12.85 %
Total capital
    12.42 %     12.04 %     11.81 %     13.55 %     14.11 %
Tier I leverage capital
    8.95 %     8.65 %     8.13 %     8.73 %     8.65 %

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     In addition to financial ratios defined by U.S. GAAP, the Company utilizes tangible shareholders’ equity and tangible asset measures when evaluating the performance of the Company. Tangible shareholders’ equity is defined by the Company as total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. Tangible assets are defined by the Company as total assets less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. The Company believes the ratio of tangible equity to tangible assets to be an important measure of financial strength of the Company. The following table reconciles tangible assets and tangible shareholders’ equity as presented above to U.S. GAAP financial measure as reflected in the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements:
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
                    (In thousands)                  
Tangible Assets:
                                       
Total assets
  $ 13,167,867     $ 13,480,218     $ 13,189,841     $ 12,040,521     $ 11,768,674  
Less: Goodwill
    270,097       268,966       254,889       143,718       138,754  
Identifiable intangible assets
    23,533       28,164       26,549       22,442       26,788  
 
                             
Total tangible assets
  $ 12,874,237     $ 13,183,088     $ 12,908,403     $ 11,874,361     $ 11,603,132  
 
                             
 
                                       
Tangible Shareholders’ Equity
                                       
Total shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,276,296     $ 1,240,260     $ 1,196,626       1,026,585       977,166  
Less: Goodwill
    270,097       268,966       254,889       143,718       138,754  
Identifiable intangible assets
    23,533       28,164       26,549       22,442       26,788  
 
                             
Total tangible shareholders’ equity
  $ 982,666     $ 943,130     $ 915,188     $ 860,425     $ 811,624  
 
                             
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
     The primary source of revenue for the Company is the amount of net interest revenue earned by the Bank. Net interest revenue is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and interest paid on deposits and other obligations. Net interest revenue for 2009 was $444.9 million, compared to $440.8 million for 2008 and $422.9 million for 2007. Net interest revenue is affected by the general level of interest rates, changes in interest rates and changes in the amount and composition of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The Company’s long-term objective is to manage those assets and liabilities to maximize net interest revenue, while balancing interest rate, credit, liquidity and capital risks. While the Company experienced a 3% growth in average loans during 2009, the declining interest rate environment resulted in decreased interest revenue in 2009 compared to 2008. However, the Company’s net interest revenue was positively impacted by the smaller decrease in average rates earned on interest earning assets than the decrease in average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities. The Company continued with its asset/liability strategies in 2009, which included funding loan growth with maturing, lower yielding investment securities and increased lower rate demand deposits.
     Contributing to the decrease in net income was the increase in the provision for credit losses as the provision for credit losses was $117.3 million in 2009 compared to $56.2 million in 2008 and $22.7 million in 2007. Net charge-offs also increased to $78.2 million, or 0.76% of average loans and leases in 2009, compared to $38.2 million, or 0.40% of average loans and leases in 2008. The increase in the provision for credit losses in 2009 was primarily reflective of the cumulative pressure that the extended economic downturn in the Bank’s markets has had on established customers that were performing well prior to and earlier in the slowing economic environment.
     The Company has taken steps in the past that have diversified its revenue stream by increasing the amount of revenue received from mortgage lending operations, insurance agency activities, brokerage and securities activities and other activities that generate fee income. Management believes this diversification is important to reduce the impact of fluctuations in net interest revenue on the overall operating results of the Company. Noninterest revenue for 2009 was $275.3 million, compared to $245.6 million for 2008 and $232.2 million in 2007. One of the primary contributors to noninterest revenue in 2009 was the increase in mortgage lending revenue. Mortgage lending revenue increased to $32.2 million in 2009 compared to $2.1 million in 2008. The increase in mortgage lending revenue was primarily a result of the increase in mortgage originations, the majority of which

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were refinancings in the first half of 2009 resulting from historically low mortgage interest rates. Also contributing to the increase in mortgage lending revenue was the $2.4 million increase in the value of the Bank’s mortgage servicing rights in 2009 compared to a $10.5 million decline in the value in 2008. Noninterest revenue was negatively impacted by the 6.6% decrease in insurance commissions in 2009 compared to 2008, resulting from the soft market cycle experienced in the insurance industry. Contributing to the increase in noninterest revenue during 2009 compared to 2008, the Company recorded interest on tax refunds of $2.8 million, a gain of $3.7 million from the sale of student loans, a gain of $1.8 million on the sale of the Company’s remaining shares of MasterCard, Inc. common stock, an insurance recovery of $1.3 million related to a casualty loss and gains on claims related to bank-owned life insurance of $1.4 million.
     Noninterest expense for 2009 was $490.0 million, an increase of 7.5% from $455.9 million for 2008, which was an increase of 6.4% from $428.4 million for 2007. The increases in noninterest expense included the incremental costs related to banking locations and facilities added in 2009, coupled with the significant increase in deposit insurance assessments in 2009 compared to 2008. Despite being assessed at the FDIC’s lowest rate, deposit insurance assessments increased $16.8 million during 2009 which included a $6.1 million special FDIC assessment during the second quarter of 2009 as part of the FDIC’s restoration plan for the Deposit Insurance Fund. Income tax expense decreased in 2009 and 2008 primarily as a result of the decrease in pretax income in both years. The major components of net income are discussed in more detail in the various sections that follow.
     The Company’s capital and liquidity remained strong during 2009 as its total shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio increased to 9.69% from 9.20% in 2008. Also, demand deposits increased 10.7% contributing to an overall deposit increase of 9.94% in 2009 compared to 2008. This increase in deposits allowed the Company to reduce its reliance on short-term borrowings, which decreased 60.8% to $743.4 million at December 31, 2009 compared to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2008.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
     The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions (see Note 1 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report). The Company believes that its determination of the allowance for credit losses, the assessment for other-than-temporary impairment of securities, the valuation of mortgage servicing rights and the estimation of pension and other post retirement benefit amounts involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity than the Company’s other significant accounting policies. Further, these estimates can be materially impacted by changes in market conditions or the actual or perceived financial condition of the Company’s borrowers, subjecting the Company to significant volatility of earnings.
Allowance for Credit Losses
     The allowance for credit losses is established through the provision for credit losses, which is a charge against earnings. Provisions for credit losses are made to reserve for estimated probable losses on loans and leases. The allowance for credit losses is a significant estimate and is regularly evaluated by the Company for adequacy by taking into consideration factors such as changes in the nature and volume of the loan and lease portfolio; trends in actual and forecasted portfolio credit quality, including delinquency, charge-off and bankruptcy rates; and current economic conditions that may affect a borrower’s ability to pay. In determining an adequate allowance for credit losses, management makes numerous assumptions, estimates and assessments. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different provisions for credit losses. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Provisions for Credit Losses and Allowance for Credit Losses” included herein for more information. At December 31, 2009, the allowance for credit losses was $176.0 million, representing 1.80% of total loans and leases at year-end.
Other Real Estate Owned
     Other real estate owned, consisting of assets that have been acquired through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs. Fair value is based on independent appraisals and other relevant factors. Other real estate owned is revalued on an annual basis or more often if market conditions necessitate. Valuation adjustments required at foreclosure are charged to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent valuation adjustments on the periodic revaluation of the property are charged to net income as noninterest expense. There is a valuation allowance recorded based on recent property disposition experience. Significant judgments and complex estimates are required in estimating the fair value of other real estate owned,

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and the period of time within which such estimates can be considered current is significantly shortened during periods of market volatility, as experienced during 2009. As a result, the net proceeds realized from sales transactions could differ significantly from appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates used to determine the fair value of other real estate owned.
Assessment for Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Securities
     Securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. The term “other-than-temporary” is not intended to indicate a permanent decline in value. Rather, it means that the prospects for near term recovery of value are not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support fair values equal to, or greater than, the carrying value of the investment. Management reviews criteria such as the magnitude and duration of the decline, as well as the reasons for the decline, to predict whether the loss in value is other-than-temporary. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the impairment related to the credit loss and (b) the amount of the impairment related to all other factors. The value of the security is reduced by the other-than-temporary impairment with the amount of the impairment related to credit loss recognized as a charge to earnings and the amount of the impairment related to all other factors recognized in other comprehensive income.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
     The Company recognizes as assets the rights to service mortgage loans for others, known as mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”). The Company records MSRs at fair value on a recurring basis with subsequent remeasurement of MSRs based on change in fair value in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 860, Transfers and Servicing (“FASB ASC 860”). An estimate of the fair value of the Company’s MSRs is determined utilizing assumptions about factors such as mortgage interest rates, discount rates, mortgage loan prepayment speeds, market trends and industry demand. Because the valuation is determined by using discounted cash flow models, the primary risk inherent in valuing the MSRs is the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the estimated life of the servicing revenue stream. The use of different estimates or assumptions could also produce different fair values. The Company does not hedge the change in fair value of MSRs and, therefore, the Company is susceptible to significant fluctuations in the fair value of its MSRs in changing interest rate environments. At December 31, 2009, the Company’s mortgage servicing asset was valued at $35.6 million.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
     Accounting for pension and other postretirement benefit amounts is another area where the accounting guidance requires management to make various assumptions in order to appropriately value any related asset or liability. Estimates that the Company makes to determine pension-related assets and liabilities include actuarial assumptions, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase for participants and discount rate. Estimates that the Company makes to determine asset and liability amounts for other postretirement benefits include actuarial assumptions and a discount rate. Changes in these estimates could impact earnings. For example, lower expected long-term rates of return on plan assets could negatively impact earnings, as would lower estimated discount rates or higher rates of compensation increase. In estimating the projected benefit obligation, actuaries must make assumptions about such factors as mortality rate, turnover rate, retirement rate, disability rate and the rate of compensation increases. The Company accounts for the over-funded or under-funded status of its defined benefit and postretirement plans as an asset or liability in its consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income as required by FASB ASC 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (“FASB ASC 715”). In accordance with FASB ASC 715, the Company calculates the expected return on plan assets each year based on the balance in the pension asset portfolio at the beginning of the year and the expected long-term rate of return on that portfolio. In determining the reasonableness of the expected rate of return, the Company considers a variety of factors including the actual return earned on plan assets, historical rates of return on the various asset classes of which the plan portfolio is comprised and current/prospective capital market conditions and economic forecasts. The Company used an expected rate of return of 8% on plan assets for 2009. The discount rate is the rate used to determine the present value of the Company’s future benefit obligations for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company determines the discount rate to be used to discount plan liabilities at the measurement date with the assistance of our actuary using the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. The Company developed a level equivalent yield using the expected cash flows from the BancorpSouth, Inc. Retirement Plan (the “Basic Plan”), the BancorpSouth, Inc.

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Restoration Plan (the “Restoration Plan”) and the BancorpSouth, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”) and the December 31, 2009 Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. The Citigroup Pension Discount Curve is published on the Society of Actuaries website along with a background paper on this interest rate curve. Based on this analysis, the Company established its discount rate assumptions for determination of the projected benefit obligation at 6.00% for the Basic Plan, 5.85% for the Restoration Plan and 5.35% for the Supplemental Plan based on a December 31, 2009 measurement date.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Interest Revenue
     Net interest revenue is the difference between interest revenue earned on assets, such as loans, leases and securities, and interest expense paid on liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, and continues to provide the Company with its principal source of revenue. Net interest revenue is affected by the general level of interest rates, changes in interest rates and changes in the amount and composition of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The Company’s long-term objective is to manage interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities to maximize net interest revenue, while balancing interest rate, credit and liquidity risk. Net interest margin is determined by dividing fully taxable equivalent net interest revenue by average earning assets. For purposes of the following discussion, revenue from tax-exempt loans and investment securities has been adjusted to a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis, using an effective tax rate of 35%. The following tables present average interest earning assets, average interest bearing liabilities, net interest revenue-FTE, net interest margin-FTE and net interest rate spread for the three years ended December 31, 2009:

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    2009     2008     2007  
(Taxable equivalent basis)   Average             Yield/     Average             Yield/     Average             Yield/  
    Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate  
    (Dollars in thousands, yields on taxabale equivalent basis)  
ASSETS
                                                                       
Loans and leases (net of unearned income) (1)(2)
  $ 9,734,580     $ 520,315       5.35 %   $ 9,429,964     $ 593,258       6.29 %   $ 8,784,940     $ 672,193       7.65 %
Loans held for sale
    115,181       3,965       3.44 %     156,857       7,667       4.89 %     95,313       5,962       6.26 %
Held-to-maturity securities:
                                                                       
Taxable (3)
    1,015,440       47,397       4.67 %     1,282,512       59,119       4.61 %     1,530,247       68,142       4.45 %
Non-taxable (4)
    194,370       13,619       7.01 %     184,243       12,480       6.77 %     189,234       12,701       6.71 %
Available-for-sale securities:
                                                                       
Taxable
    898,073       35,026       3.90 %     859,932       35,813       4.16 %     977,459       41,212       4.22 %
Non-taxable (5)
    71,596       5,223       7.30 %     90,703       6,470       7.13 %     84,292       6,194       7.35 %
Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreement to resell and short-term investments
    49,197       205       0.42 %     32,930       972       2.95 %     87,948       4,831       5.49 %
             
Total interest earning assets and revenue
    12,078,437       625,750       5.18 %     12,037,141       715,779       5.95 %     11,749,433       811,235       6.90 %
Other assets
    1,275,150                       1,291,675                       1,217,135                  
Less: allowance for credit losses
    (149,928 )                     (128,015 )                     (109,433 )                
 
                                                                 
 
                                                                       
Total
  $ 13,203,659                     $ 13,200,801                     $ 12,857,135                  
 
                                                                 
 
                                                                       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                                                       
Deposits:
                                                                       
 
                                                                       
Demand — interest bearing
  $ 4,051,362     $ 40,047       0.99 %   $ 3,552,690     $ 60,333       1.70 %   $ 3,191,433     $ 83,833       2.63 %
Savings
    712,740       3,700       0.52 %     712,330       5,280       0.74 %     718,080       9,301       1.30 %
Other time
    3,633,453       101,308       2.79 %     3,874,192       148,591       3.84 %     4,636,436       215,723       4.65 %
Federal funds purchased,securities sold under agreement to repurchase, short-term FHLB borrowings and other short term borrowings
    1,175,708       2,378       0.20 %     1,565,381       26,858       1.72 %     1,057,057       48,098       4.55 %
Junior subordinated debt securities
    160,312       11,630       7.25 %     160,312       12,469       7.78 %     159,939       13,067       8.17 %
Long-term FHLB borrowings
    290,582       11,452       3.93 %     278,845       11,046       3.95 %     144,006       8,321       5.77 %
             
Total interest bearing liabilities and expense
    10,024,157       170,515       1.70 %     10,143,750       264,577       2.61 %     9,906,951       378,343       3.81 %
Demand deposits - noninterest bearing
    1,758,175                       1,664,787                       1,654,149                  
Other liabilities
    165,722                       167,984                       175,035                  
 
                                                                 
Total liabilities
    11,948,054                       11,976,521                       11,736,135                  
Shareholders’ equity
    1,255,605                       1,224,280                       1,121,000                  
 
                                                                 
Total
  $ 13,203,659                     $ 13,200,801                     $ 12,857,135                  
 
                                                                 
Net interest revenue-FTE
          $ 455,235                     $ 451,202                     $ 432,892          
 
                                                                 
Net interest margin-FTE
                    3.77 %                     3.75 %                     3.68 %
Net interest rate spread
                    3.48 %                     3.34 %                     3.09 %
Interest bearing liabilities to interest earning assets
                    82.99 %                     84.27 %                     84.32 %
 
(1)   Includes taxable equivalent adjustment to interest of approximately $3,302,000, $3,293,000 and $3,380,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, using an effective tax rate of 35%.
 
(2)   Non-accrual loans are included in Loans (net of unearned income).
 
(3)   Includes taxable equivalent adjustments to interest of approximately $440,000 in 2009 and 2008 using an effective tax rate of 35%.
 
(4)   Includes taxable equivalent adjustments to interest of approximately $4,767,000, $4,368,000 and $4,445,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, using an effective tax rate of 35%.
 
(5)   Includes taxable equivalent adjustment to interest of approximately $1,827,000, $2,265,000 and $2,168,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, using an effective tax rate of 35%.

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     Net interest revenue-FTE increased 0.9% to $455.2 million in 2009 from $451.2 million in 2008, which represented an increase of 4.2% from $432.9 million in 2007. The slight increase in net interest revenue-FTE for 2009 compared to 2008 was a result of rates paid on interest bearing liabilities declining at a faster rate than rates earned on interest earning assets. The decline in rates paid on interest bearing liabilities was a result of the increase in low cost demand deposits coupled with the decline in other time deposits and short-term borrowing rates. The declining loan yields experienced by the Company was a result of reduced interest rates with this decline being somewhat offset by the impact of the interest rate floors evident on a portion of the Company’s variable rate loans. The effect of the interest rate floors on the Company’s variable rate loans is more fully discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Interest Rate Sensitivity.” The increase in net interest revenue-FTE for 2008 compared to 2007 was related to the combination of growth in loans and the Company’s focus on funding the growth with maturing investment securities and lower-cost liabilities.
     Interest revenue-FTE decreased 12.6% to $625.8 million in 2009 from $715.8 million in 2008, which represented a decrease of 11.8% from $811.2 million in 2007. The decrease in interest revenue-FTE in 2009 and 2008 was primarily a result of the declining loan yields as interest rates were at historically low levels resulting in an overall decrease in the yield on average interest earning assets of 76 basis points during 2009 and 95 basis points during 2008. Average interest earning assets increased $41.8 million, or 0.4%, to $12.1 billion in 2009 and increased $287.7 million, or 2.5%, to $12.0 billion in 2008 from $11.7 billion in 2007. The increase in average interest earning assets during 2009 was primarily a result of average loans and leases increasing $305.2 million to $9.7 billion, partially offset by the decrease in average loans held for sale during 2009 as the Company sold its remaining portfolio of student loans. The increase in average earning assets during 2008 was primarily a result of average loans and leases increasing $645.0 million to $9.4 billion coupled with the increase in average loans held for sale of $61.5 million, partially offset by an overall decrease in average investment securities of $363.8 million as the Company invested funds from maturing securities in 2008 into higher rate loans or new higher rate short- and intermediate-term investments.
     Interest expense decreased 35.6% to $170.5 million in 2009 from $264.6 million in 2008, which represented a decrease of 30.1% from $378.3 million in 2007. The decrease in interest expense during 2009 was a result of the increase in lower cost interest bearing demand deposits combined with the decrease in other time deposits and short-term borrowing rates resulting in an overall decrease in the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities of 91 basis points. The decrease in interest expense during 2008 was also a result of the increase in lower cost interest bearing demand deposits and short-term borrowings coupled with a decrease in higher rate other time deposits resulting in an overall decrease in the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities of 120 basis points. Average interest bearing liabilities decreased $119.6 million, or 1.2%, to $10.0 billion in 2009 and increased $236.8 million, or 2.4%, to $10.1 billion in 2008 from $9.9 billion in 2007. The decrease in interest bearing liabilities in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily a result of the decrease in short-term borrowings, partially offset by the increase in lower cost interest bearing demand deposits. The increase in interest bearing liabilities in 2008 compared to 2007 was a result of the increase in lower cost demand deposits coupled with the increase in short-term borrowings.
     Net interest margin-FTE for 2009 was 3.77%, an increase of two basis points from 3.75% for 2008 which represented an increase of seven basis points from 3.68% for 2007. Net interest margin-FTE remained relatively stable for 2007, 2008 and 2009 as the Company was able to mitigate the effect of lower loan yields by increasing lower cost demand deposits and decreasing higher rate time deposits. The Company was also able to maintain stability in the loan portfolio by replacing loan runoff by modest new loan production. The slight increase in net interest margin-FTE for 2008 was primarily a result of the Company investing funds from maturing securities in higher rate loans or new higher rate short- and intermediate-term investments while funding the loan growth with lower rate short-term and long-term Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings rather than with higher rate time deposits. Net interest rate spread for 2009 was 3.48%, an increase of 14 basis points from 3.34% for 2008, which represented an increase of 25 basis points from 3.09% for 2007. The increase in net interest rate spread for 2009 and 2008 was primarily a result of the Company’s ability to reduce the impact of declining loan yields by increasing lower rate demand deposits and decreasing higher rate time deposits resulting in a smaller decrease in the average rate earned on interest earning assets than the decrease in the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.
     Net interest revenue-FTE may also be analyzed by segregating the rate and volume components of interest revenue and interest expense. The table below presents an analysis of rate and volume change in net interest

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revenue from 2008 to 2009 and from 2007 to 2008. Changes that are not solely a result of volume or rate have been allocated to volume.
                                                 
    2009 over 2008 - Increase (Decrease)     2008 over 2007 - Increase (Decrease)  
(Taxable equivalent basis)   Volume     Rate     Total     Volume     Rate     Total  
    (In thousands)  
INTEREST REVENUE
                                               
Loans (net of unearned income)
  $ 16,282     $ (89,225 )   $ (72,943 )   $ 40,580     $ (119,515 )   $ (78,935 )
Loans held for sale
    (1,435 )     (2,267 )     (3,702 )     3,008       (1,303 )     1,705  
Held-to-maturity securities:
                                               
Taxable
    (12,466 )     744       (11,722 )     (11,420 )     2,397       (9,023 )
Non-taxable
    710       429       1,139       (338 )     117       (221 )
Available-for-sale securities:
                                               
Taxable
    1,488       (2,275 )     (787 )     (4,895 )     (504 )     (5,399 )
Non-taxable
    (1,394 )     147       (1,247 )     457       (181 )     276  
Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreement to resell and short-term investments
    68       (835 )     (767 )     (1,624 )     (2,235 )     (3,859 )
 
                                   
Total
    3,253       (93,282 )     (90,029 )     25,768       (121,224 )     (95,456 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
INTEREST EXPENSE
                                               
Demand — interest bearing
    4,929       (25,215 )     (20,286 )     6,135       (29,635 )     (23,500 )
Savings
    2       (1,582 )     (1,580 )     (43 )     (3,978 )     (4,021 )
Other time
    (6,712 )     (40,571 )     (47,283 )     (29,235 )     (37,897 )     (67,132 )
Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, short-term FHLB borrowings and other short term borrowings
    (788 )     (23,692 )     (24,480 )     8,722       (29,962 )     (21,240 )
Junior subordinated debt securities
          (839 )     (839 )     29       (627 )     (598 )
Long-term FHLB borrowings
    463       (57 )     406       5,341       (2,616 )     2,725  
 
                                   
Total
    (2,106 )     (91,956 )     (94,062 )     (9,051 )     (104,715 )     (113,766 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Total increase (decrease)
  $ 5,359     $ (1,326 )   $ 4,033     $ 34,819     $ (16,509 )   $ 18,310  
 
                                   
Interest Rate Sensitivity
     The interest rate sensitivity gap is the difference between the maturity or repricing opportunities of interest sensitive assets and interest sensitive liabilities for a given period of time. A prime objective of asset/liability management is to maximize net interest margin while maintaining a reasonable mix of interest sensitive assets and liabilities. The following table presents the Company’s interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 2009:

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    Interest Rate Sensitivity - Maturing or Repricing  
            91 Days     Over One        
    0 to 90     to     Year to     Over  
    Days     One Year     Five Years     Five Years  
    (In thousands)  
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
                               
Interest bearing deposits with banks
  $ 15,704     $     $     $  
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell
    75,000                    
Held-to-maturity securities
    115,279       290,510       407,278       219,755  
Available-for-sale securities
    35,088       61,561       404,097       460,026  
Loans, net of unearned income
    4,993,945       1,645,555       2,895,467       240,169  
Loans held for sale
    54,941       367       2,202       22,833  
 
                       
Total interest earning assets
    5,289,957       1,997,993       3,709,044       942,783  
 
                       
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
                               
Interest bearing demand deposits and savings
    5,048,838                    
Other time deposits
    762,635       1,697,424       1,265,717       1,425  
Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, short-term FHLB borrowings and other short-term borrowings
    680,503       4,874       57,993        
Long-term FHLB borrowings and junior
                               
subordinated debt securities
                54,271       218,812  
Other
                      91  
 
                       
Total interest bearing liabilities
    6,491,976       1,702,298       1,377,981       220,328  
 
                       
Interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ (1,202,019 )   $ 295,695     $ 2,331,063     $ 722,455  
 
                       
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap
  $ (1,202,019 )   $ (906,324 )   $ 1,424,739     $ 2,147,194  
 
                       
     In the event interest rates decline after 2009, based on this interest rate sensitivity gap, it is likely that the Company would experience slightly increased net interest revenue in the following one-year period, as the cost of funds would decrease at a more rapid rate than interest revenue on interest earning assets. Conversely, in the event interest rates increase after 2009, based on this interest rate sensitivity gap, the Company would likely experience decreased net interest revenue in the following one-year period. It should be noted that the balances shown in the table above are at December 31, 2009 and may not be reflective of positions at other times during the year or in subsequent periods. Allocations to specific interest rate sensitivity periods are based on the earlier of maturity or repricing dates. The Company’s asset/liability strategy of partially funding loan growth with short-term borrowings from the FHLB and federal funds purchased contributed to the increased liability sensitivity in the 0 to 90 day category. The Company was able to manage this liability sensitivity during the later part of 2009, however, by reducing low rate, short term borrowings and extending the average maturity of time deposits.
     As of December 31, 2009, the Bank had approximately $2.5 billion in variable rate loans whose interest rate was determined by a floor, or minimum rate. This portion of the loan portfolio has an average interest rate earned of 4.42%, an average maturity of 26 months and a fully-indexed interest rate of 3.62%. The fully-indexed interest rate is the interest rate that these loans would be earning without the effect of interest rate floors. While the Bank benefits from interest rate floors in the current interest rate environment, loans currently earning their floored interest rate may not experience an immediate impact on the interest rate earned should key indices rise. Examples of key indices include the Wall Street Journal prime rate, the Bank’s prime rate and the London Interbank Offering Rate. The impact on the Bank’s average interest rate earned will be related to the timing and magnitude of a rise in key indices.

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Interest Rate Risk Management
     Interest rate risk refers to the potential changes in net interest income and Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”) resulting from adverse movements in interest rates. EVE is defined as the net present value of the balance sheet’s cash flow. EVE is calculated by discounting projected principal and interest cash flows under the current interest rate environment. The present value of asset cash flows less the present value of liability cash flows derives the net present value of the Company’s balance sheet. The Company’s Asset / Liability Committee utilizes financial simulation models to measure interest rate exposure. These models are designed to simulate the cash flow and accrual characteristics of the Company’s balance sheet. In addition, the models incorporate assumptions about the direction and volatility of interest rates, the slope of the yield curve, and the changing composition of the Company’s balance sheet arising from both strategic plans and customer behavior. Finally, management makes assumptions regarding loan and deposit growth, pricing, and prepayment speeds.
     The sensitivity analysis included below delineates the percentage change in net interest income and EVE derived from instantaneous parallel rate shifts of plus and minus 200 basis points. The impact of a minus 200 basis point rate shock as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was not considered meaningful because of the historically low interest rate environment. Variances were calculated from the base case scenario, which reflected current market rates. Management of the Company assumed all non-maturity deposits have an average life of one day for calculating EVE, which management believes is the most conservative approach.
                 
    Net Interest Income  
    % Variance from Base Case Scenario  
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
Rate Shock
               
+200 basis points
    -4.1 %     -8.5 %
-200 basis points
    N/A       N/A  
                 
    Economic Value of Equity  
    % Variance from Base Case Scenario  
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
Rate Shock
               
+200 basis points
    -9.5 %     -11.0 %
-200 basis points
    N/A       N/A  
     In addition to instantaneous rate shocks, the Company monitors interest rate exposure through simulations of gradual interest rate changes over a 12-month time horizon. The results of these analyses are included in the following table.
                 
    Net Interest Income  
    % Variance from Base Case Scenario  
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
Rate Ramp
               
+200 basis points
    -4.1 %     -6.5 %
-200 basis points
    N/A       N/A  
Provisions for Credit Losses and Allowance for Credit Losses
     In the normal course of business, the Bank assumes risks in extending credit. The Bank manages these risks through conservative underwriting in accordance with its lending policies, loan review procedures and the diversification of its loan portfolio. Although it is not possible to predict credit losses with certainty, management regularly reviews the characteristics of the loan portfolio to determine its overall risk profile and quality.
     Attention is paid to the quality of the loan portfolio through a formal loan review process. The Board of Directors of the Bank has appointed a loan loss reserve valuation committee (the “Loan Loss Committee”) that is responsible for ensuring that the allowance for credit losses provides coverage of both known and inherent losses. The Loan Loss Committee meets at least quarterly to determine the amount of adjustments to the allowance for credit losses. The Loan Loss Committee is composed of senior management from the Bank’s loan administration and finance departments.
     The provision for credit losses is the periodic cost of providing an allowance or reserve for estimated probable losses on loans and leases. The Loan Loss Committee bases its estimates of losses on three primary components: (1) estimates of inherent losses which may exist in various segments of performing loans and leases; (2) specifically identified losses in individually analyzed credits; and (3) qualitative factors which may impact the performance of the portfolio. Inherent losses are estimated based upon the probability of default of individual

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borrowers and the amount of losses expected in the event of any such default. Factors such as financial condition, recent credit performance, delinquency, liquidity, cash flows, collateral type and value are used to assess credit risk. Expected loss estimates are influenced by the historical losses experienced by the Bank for loans and leases of comparable creditworthiness and structure. Specific loss assessments are performed for loans and leases of significant size and delinquency based upon the collateral protection and expected future cash flows to determine the amount of impairment under FASB ASC 310, Receivables (“FASB ASC 310”). In addition, qualitative factors such as changes in economic and business conditions, concentrations of risk, loan and lease growth, acquisitions and changes in portfolio risk due to regulatory or internal changes are considered in determining the adequacy of the level of the allowance for credit losses.
     As a result of the deteriorating housing market and the negative impact that the weakened economy has had on builders and developers, additional focus was placed on the real estate construction, acquisition and development portfolio when estimating the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses because of the credit risks associated with this portfolio. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company provided an additional reserve of $3.5 million for modeling imprecision due to this deterioration.
     An independent loan review department of the Bank is responsible for reviewing the credit rating and classification of individual credits and assessing trends in the portfolio, adherence to internal credit policies and procedures and other factors that may affect the overall adequacy of the allowance.
     Any loan or portion thereof which is classified as “loss” by regulatory examiners or which is determined by management to be uncollectible, because of factors such as the borrower’s failure to pay interest or principal, the borrower’s financial condition, economic conditions in the borrower’s industry or the inadequacy of underlying collateral, is charged off.
An analysis of the allowance for credit losses for the five years ended December 31, 2009 is provided in the following table:

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    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 132,793     $ 115,197     $ 98,834     $ 101,500     $ 91,673  
Loans and leases charged off:
                                       
Commercial and agricultural
    (9,534 )     (7,124 )     (2,656 )     (2,008 )     (2,595 )
Real estate
                                       
Consumer mortgages
    (13,917 )     (8,161 )     (4,801 )     (3,370 )     (6,145 )
Home equity
    (5,372 )     (1,307 )     (537 )     (361 )     (93 )
Agricultural
    (848 )     (381 )     (45 )     (217 )     (195 )
Commercial and industrial-owner occupied
    (4,033 )     (1,970 )     (1,126 )     (3,099 )     (2,656 )
Construction, acquisition and development
    (32,638 )     (15,332 )     (818 )            
Commercial
    (3,584 )     (814 )     (465 )     (1,743 )     (1,098 )
Credit cards
    (4,770 )     (3,636 )     (2,979 )     (2,189 )     (3,098 )
All other
    (3,517 )     (3,342 )     (3,414 )     (3,116 )     (4,553 )
 
                             
Total loans and leases charged off
    (78,213 )     (42,067 )     (16,841 )     (16,103 )     (20,433 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Recoveries:
                                       
Commercial and agricultural
    761       1,134       997       1,801       1,084  
Real estate
                                       
Consumer mortgages
    824       532       836       496       951  
Home equity
    109       30       117       3       33  
Agricultural
    2             29              
Commercial and industrial-owner occupied
    297       75       261       89       41  
Construction, acquisition and development
    128       263       27       4       59  
Commercial
    189       23       126       66       5  
Credit cards
    617       319       282       347       328  
All other
    1,212       1,537       1,680       2,054       2,056  
 
                             
Total recoveries
    4,139       3,913       4,355       4,860       4,557  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net charge-offs
    (74,074 )     (38,154 )     (12,486 )     (11,243 )     (15,876 )
 
                                       
Provision charged to operating expense
    117,324       56,176       22,696       8,577       24,467  
Other, net
          (426 )     6,153             1,236  
 
                             
Balance, end of period
  $ 176,043     $ 132,793     $ 115,197     $ 98,834     $ 101,500  
 
                             
 
                                       
Loans and leases, net of unearned — average
  $ 9,734,580     $ 9,429,963     $ 8,784,940     $ 7,579,935     $ 7,026,009  
 
                             
 
                                       
Loans and leases, net of unearned — period end
  $ 9,775,136     $ 9,691,277     $ 9,179,684     $ 7,871,471     $ 7,365,555  
 
                             
RATIOS
                                       
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases
    0.76 %     0.40 %     0.14 %     0.15 %     0.23 %
Provision for credit losses to average loans and leases, net of unearned
    1.21 %     0.60 %     0.26 %     0.11 %     0.35 %
Allowance for credit losses to loans and leases, net of unearned
    1.80 %     1.37 %     1.25 %     1.26 %     1.38 %
          The increases in the provision for credit losses in 2009 compared to 2008 and in 2008 compared to 2007 were primarily a result of the increased credit risk experienced by the Company resulting from the prevailing economic downturn, an increase in net charge-offs and some downward migration of loans within the Bank’s loan and lease credit ratings and classifications attributable to the prevailing economic environment. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases increased in 2009 when compared to 2008 primarily as a result of the Company experiencing increased losses within the construction, acquisition and development and the consumer mortgage portfolios. The construction, acquisition and development and the consumer mortgage portfolios experienced increased losses as a result of declining collateral values related to real estate securing these loans, as

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well as the negative impact that the weakened economy and housing market has had on builders and developers. Because the Company’s mortgage lending decisions are based on conservative lending policies, the Company continues to have only nominal exposure to the credit issues affecting the sub-prime residential mortgage market.
          The breakdown of the allowance by loan and lease category is based, in part, on evaluations of specific loan and lease histories and on economic conditions within specific industries or geographical areas. Accordingly, because all of these conditions are subject to change, the allocation is not necessarily indicative of the breakdown of any future allowance for losses. The following table presents (i) the breakdown of the allowance for credit losses by loan and lease category and (ii) the percentage of each category in the loan and lease portfolio to total loans and leases at the dates indicated:
                                                 
    2009     2008     2007  
            % of Loans             % of Loans             % of Loans  
    Allowance     in Each     Allowance     in Each     Allowance     in Each  
    for     Category     for     Category     for     Category  
    Credit     to Total     Credit     to Total     Credit     to Total  
    Loss     Loans     Loss     Loans     Loss     Loans  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Commercial & agricultural
  $ 21,154       15.11 %   $ 19,150       14.72 %   $ 17,764       15.04 %
Real estate
                                               
Consumer mortgages
    37,048       20.53       31,158       21.52       28,632       22.96  
Home equity
    7,218       5.60       5,689       5.25       4,401       4.46  
Agricultural
    4,192       2.67       3,167       2.40       2,368       1.88  
Commercial and industrial-owner occupied
    22,989       14.76       17,982       15.04       18,194       15.75  
Construction, acquisition and development
    46,193       14.86       29,771       17.35       19,903       18.11  
Commercial
    26,694       18.39       17,899       16.11       14,564       12.92  
Credit cards
    3,481       1.10       1,572       0.96       3,111       1.13  
All other
    7,074       6.98       6,405       6.65       6,260       7.75  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 176,043       100.00 %   $ 132,793       100.00 %   $ 115,197       100.00 %
 
                                   
                                 
    2006     2005  
            % of Loans             % of Loans  
    Allowance     in Each     Allowance     in Each  
    for     Category     for     Category  
    Credit     to Total     Credit     to Total  
    Loss     Loans     Loss     Loans  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Commercial & agricultural
  $ 14,257       14.35 %   $ 15,185       14.96 %
Real estate
                               
Consumer mortgages
    30,399       29.79       32,725       30.08  
Home equity
    3,562       4.19       3,163       3.95  
Agricultural
    2,778       2.69       2,782       2.77  
Commercial and industrial-owner occupied
    17,463       16.97       15,801       17.07  
Construction, acquisition and development
    9,372       11.05       7,815       9.59  
Commercial
    13,704       13.68       13,285       14.19  
Credit cards
    2,917       1.24       3,799       1.16  
All other
    4,382       6.04       6,945       6.23  
 
                       
Total
  $ 98,834       100.00 %   $ 101,500       100.00 %
 
                       

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Noninterest Revenue
          The components of noninterest revenue for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the percentage change between such years are shown in the following table:
                                         
    2009     2008     2007  
    Amount     % Change     Amount     % Change     Amount  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Mortgage lending
  $ 32,225       1,401.6 %   $ 2,146       (65.5 )%   $ 6,214  
Credit card, debit card and merchant fees
    34,244       1.5       33,743       13.1       29,836  
Service charges
    72,864       (5.5 )     77,091       2.3       75,339  
Trust income
    9,698       3.9       9,330       (8.1 )     10,154  
Securities (losses) gains, net
    (55 )     99.1       (5,849 )   NM     121  
Insurance commissions
    80,937       (6.6 )     86,661       21.7       71,182  
Annuity fees
    3,721       (41.5 )     6,363       37.5       4,626  
Brokerage commissions and fees
    4,803       (11.6 )     5,434       (26.3 )     7,369  
Bank-owned life insurance
    8,614       17.4       7,338       3.4       7,097  
Other
    28,225       20.9       23,350       15.5       20,212  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total noninterest revenue
  $ 275,276       12.1 %   $ 245,607       5.8 %   $ 232,150  
 
                             
 
NM = not meaningful
          The Company’s revenue from mortgage lending typically fluctuates as mortgage interest rates change and is primarily attributable to two activities — origination and sale of new mortgage loans and servicing mortgage loans. The Company’s normal practice is to originate mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market and to either retain or release the associated MSRs with the loan sold. The Company records MSRs at fair value on a recurring basis with subsequent remeasurement of MSRs based on change in fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 860. For more information about the Company’s treatment of MSRs, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Mortgage Servicing Rights” of this Report.
          Origination revenue, a component of mortgage lending revenue, is comprised of gains or losses from the sale of the mortgage loans originated, origination fees, underwriting fees and other fees associated with the origination of loans. Origination volume of $1.5 billion, $963.0 million and $876.1 million produced origination revenue of $25.7 million, $8.1 million and $5.4 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Significantly increased volume and better pricing and delivery execution during 2009 when compared to 2008 and 2007 contributed to higher mortgage lending revenue during 2009.
          Revenue from the servicing process, another component of mortgage lending revenue, includes fees from the actual servicing of loans. Revenue from the servicing of loans was $10.8 million, $9.7 million and $9.1 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Mortgage lending revenue is also impacted by principal payments, prepayments and payoffs on loans in the servicing portfolio. Principal payments, prepayments and payoffs were $6.7 million, $5.2 million and $5.0 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007. The increase of these amounts in 2009 compared to 2008 and 2007 resulted from the large number of refinancings that occurred during the first half of 2009 because of the low interest rate environment. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s MSRs are generally a result of changes in mortgage interest rates from the previous reporting date. An increase in mortgage interest rates typically results in an increase in the fair value of the MSRs,while a decrease in mortgage interest rates typically results in a decrease in the fair value of MSRs. The Company does not hedge the change in fair value of its MSRs and is susceptible to significant fluctuations in their value in changing interest rate environments. Reflecting this sensitivity to interest rates, the fair value of MSRs increased $2.4 million for 2009 and decreased $10.5 million and $3.3 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively.
          The following table presents the Company’s mortgage lending operations for 2009, 2008 and 2007:

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    2009     2008     2007  
    Amount     % Change     Amount     % Change     Amount  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Production revenue:
                                       
Origination
  $ 25,746       216.0 %   $ 8,148       50.1 %   $ 5,428  
Servicing
    10,783       10.8       9,734       6.9       9,104  
Payoffs/Paydowns
    (6,706 )     (28.0 )     (5,239 )     (5.3 )     (4,976 )
 
                             
Total
    29,823       135.9       12,643       32.3       9,556  
Market value adjustment
    2,402     NM     (10,497 )     (214.1 )     (3,342 )
 
                             
Mortgage lending revenue
  $ 32,225       1,401.6     $ 2,146       (65.5 )   $ 6,214  
 
                                 
                                         
    (Dollars in millions)  
Origination volume
  $ 1,542       60.1     $ 963       9.0     $ 876  
 
                                 
 
                                       
Mortgage loans serviced at year-end
  $ 3,413       11.2     $ 3,068       7.1     $ 2,864  
 
                                 
 
NM  not meaningful
          Credit card, debit card and merchant fees remained relatively stable in 2009 when compared to 2008 but increased in 2008 when compared to 2007 as a result of an increase in the numerical and monetary volume of items processed. Service charges on deposit accounts, which includes insufficient fund fees, decreased in 2009 when compared to 2008 as a result of a lower volume of items processed but remained relatively consistent in 2008 when compared to 2007. Trust income remained relatively consistent in 2009 when compared to 2008 and decreased in 2008 when compared to 2007 primarily because of decreases in the value of assets under care (either managed or custody).
          Net security losses of approximately $55,000 and $5.8 million were recorded in 2009 and 2008, while net securities gains of approximately $121,000 were recorded in 2007. These amounts reflected the sales and calls of securities from the available-for-sale portfolio and held-to-maturity portfolio. Any sales of held-to-maturity securities occurred within three months of maturity and were so near maturity that management believed changes in interest rates would not have a significant impact on fair value. The net security losses included a $250,000 and an $8.6 million other-than-temporary impairment charge related to credit loss in 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to the Company’s investment in pooled trust preferred securities. The fair value of these securities was negatively impacted by prevailing market conditions.
          The decrease in insurance commissions in 2009 when compared to 2008 was primarily attributable to lower insurance premiums resulting in reduced commissions paid by the underwriters. The increase in insurance commissions in 2008 when compared to 2007 was primarily a result of the increase in policies written in 2008, higher policy premiums and the acquisitions of one insurance agency during the third quarter of 2007 and two additional insurance agencies during the first quarter of 2008.
          Annuity fees decreased in 2009 and 2008 as a result of the prevailing interest rate environment. Brokerage commissions and fees decreased in 2009 and 2008 as a result of the lower volume of transactions and the reduction in market values coupled with a customer shift from equity into fixed income investments which have a lower commission scale. Bank-owned life insurance increased in 2009 as a result of the Company recording life insurance proceeds of $1.4 million net of cash surrender value. Bank-owned life insurance remained relatively consistent for 2008 compared to 2007.
          Other miscellaneous noninterest revenue for 2009 included interest on tax refunds of $2.8 million, a gain of $3.7 million from the sale of the Company’s remaining student loans as the Company is no longer originating and selling student loans, a gain of $1.8 million on the sale of the Company’s remaining shares of MasterCard, Inc. common stock, and an insurance recovery of $1.3 million related to a casualty loss. Other miscellaneous noninterest revenue for 2008 included a gain of $2.8 million related to the sale of shares of Visa Inc. common stock in connection with its initial public offering, a gain of approximately $704,000 from the sale of student loans and a gain of $2.6 million related to the sale of shares of MasterCard Incorporated common stock. The Company owned 103,193 shares of Visa Inc. class B common stock at December 31, 2009.

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Noninterest Expense
          The components of noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the percentage change between years are shown in the following table:
                                         
    2009     2008     2007  
    Amount     % Change     Amount     % Change     Amount  
            (Dollars in thousands)          
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 278,734       2.6 %   $ 271,556       6.3 %   $ 255,342  
Occupancy, net
    42,108       5.7       39,846       13.5       35,098  
Equipment
    23,508       (6.8 )     25,211       4.1       24,214  
Deposit insurance assessments
    19,672       589.8       2,852       124.6       1,270  
Advertising
    6,377       (16.5 )     7,640       2.0       7,488  
Foreclosed property expense
    13,599       175.5       4,936       323.3       1,166  
Telecommunications
    8,854       2.1       8,672       11.3       7,793  
Public relations
    5,900       (9.0 )     6,483       (3.9 )     6,748  
Data Processing
    6,175       13.0       5,467       6.1       5,153  
Computer software
    7,260       2.5       7,082       (0.3 )     7,106  
Amortization of intangibles
    4,957       (16.4 )     5,927       16.8       5,074  
Legal fees
    5,932       15.3       5,147       4.1       4,946  
Postage and shipping
    4,939       (6.7 )     5,293       6.1       4,991  
Other
    62,002       3.7       59,801       (3.6 )     62,020  
               
Total noninterest expense
  $ 490,017       7.5 %   $ 455,913       6.4 %   $ 428,409  
               
          Salaries and employee benefits expense increased slightly in 2009 as a result of increases in the cost of employee heath care benefits and pension expenses, as well as costs associated with the hiring of employees to staff the new banking locations added during 2009. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased in 2008 as a result of an increase in incentive payments (especially commission-based), salary increases, increases in the cost of employee health care benefits and costs associated with the hiring of employees to staff the new banking and insurance locations added during 2008. Pension plan costs, a component of salaries and employee benefits expense, increased in 2009 to $8.1 million after decreasing to $3.9 million in 2008 from $6.8 million in 2007. Occupancy expense increased in 2009, 2008 and 2007, principally as a result of additional branch offices, bank buildings, insurance agencies and facilities opened during those years.
          Equipment expense decreased in 2009 when compared to 2008 as a result of a decrease in depreciation expense coupled with the Company’s continued focus on controlling such expenses. Equipment expense increased in 2008 compared to 2007 because of increased depreciation related to equipment purchased in 2008. The increase in deposit insurance assessments in 2009 when compared to 2008 was primarily a result of the significant increase in the Company’s FDIC insurance assessments in 2009, despite being assessed at the FDIC’s lowest rate because of the Company’s status as “well capitalized” under federal regulations. The Company was assessed a special FDIC assessment of $6.1 million during the second quarter of 2009. This special FDIC assessment, along with increased regular premiums for 2009 and credits used to partially offset 2008 premiums, contributed to the increase in deposit insurance assessments to $19.7 million in 2009 from $2.9 million in 2008.
          Foreclosed property expense increased in 2009 and 2008 as the Company experienced larger losses on the sale and writedown of other real estate owned as a result of the decline in property values attributable to the prevailing economic environment. While the Company experienced some minor fluctuations in various components of other noninterest expense including advertising, legal fees, data processing and amortization of intangibles, total other noninterest expense remained relatively consistent when comparing 2009, 2008 and 2007. Included in noninterest expense in 2009 was $2.4 million in litigation contingencies primarily related to the unexpected, adverse resolution of a legal matter. Included in noninterest expense in 2008 was a $1.1 million reversal of a portion of the $2.3 million litigation expense reported in 2007 related to the Company’s guarantee of Visa Inc.’s projected obligations for certain litigation matters during the first quarter of 2008, as well as the $1.1 million reversal of a portion of a previously recorded litigation contingency as a result of a favorable court ruling during the second quarter of 2008.

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Income Taxes
          Income tax expense was $30.1 million in 2009, $53.9 million in 2008 and $66.0 million in 2007. The decrease in the income tax expense in 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily a result of a decrease in the level of pretax income, which decreased 35.3% in 2009 compared to 2008. Similarly, the decrease in the income tax expense in 2008 compared to 2007 was primarily a result of a decrease in the level of pretax income, which decreased 14.5% in 2008 compared to 2007. The effective tax rate for 2009 was 26.7% compared to 30.9% for 2008 and 32.4% for 2007. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2008 to 2009 was primarily a result of the 35.3% decrease in pretax income while the tax preference items, such as tax-exempt interest income, remained relatively consistent in both years. The decrease in the effective tax rate from 2007 to 2008 was also primarily a result of the 14.5% decrease in pretax income from 2007 to 2008, while tax preference items, such as tax-exempt interest income, remained relatively consistent in both years.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
          The percentage of earning assets to total assets measures the effectiveness of management’s efforts to invest available funds into the most efficient and profitable uses. Earning assets at December 31, 2009 were $11.9 billion, or 90.7% of total assets, compared with $12.2 billion, or 90.6% of total assets at December 31, 2008.
Loans and Leases
          The Bank’s loan and lease portfolio represents the largest single component of the Company’s earning asset base, comprising 80.6% of average earning assets during 2009. The Bank’s lending activities include both commercial and consumer loans and leases. Loan and lease originations are derived from a number of sources, including direct solicitation by the Bank’s loan officers, existing depositors and borrowers, builders, attorneys, walk-in customers and, in some instances, other lenders, real estate broker referrals and mortgage loan companies. The Bank has established systematic procedures for approving and monitoring loans and leases that vary depending on the size and nature of the loan or lease and applies these procedures in a disciplined manner. The Company’s loans and leases are widely diversified by borrower and industry. At December 31, 2009, 44.0% of the Company’s loans and leases were located within the Mississippi market with the remainder of the Company’s loans and leases spread over a large geographic footprint as the Bank has operations in seven other states. The following table indicates the average loans and leases, year-end balances of the loan and lease portfolio and the percentage increases for the years presented:
                                         
    2009   2008   2007
    Amount   % Change   Amount   % Change   Amount
    (Dollars in millions)
Loans and leases, net of unearned — average
  $ 9,735       3.2 %   $ 9,430       7.3 %   $ 8,785  
Loans and leases, net of unearned — year-end
    9,775       0.9       9,691       5.6       9,180  
          Average loans and leases increased 3.2% in 2009 compared to 2008 and 7.3% in 2008 compared to 2007. Loans and leases outstanding at December 31, 2009 increased 0.9% compared to December 31, 2008 and increased 5.6% at December 31, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007. The increase in year-end and average loans and leases in 2009 and 2008 was primarily a result of the continued moderate loan demand realized in the markets served by the Company as the Company was able to replace natural loan runoff with moderate new loan production.
          The following table shows the composition of the Company’s gross loans and leases by collateral type at December 31 for the years indicated:

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    December 31  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
                    (In thousands)                  
Commercial and industrial
  $ 1,484,011     $ 1,433,690     $ 1,387,548     $ 1,136,495     $ 1,107,309  
Real estate
                                       
Consumer mortgages
    2,017,067       2,096,568       2,118,641       2,358,861       2,226,177  
Home equity
    550,085       511,480       411,346       332,033       292,047  
Agricultural
    262,069       234,024       173,575       213,085       204,996  
Commercial and industrial —owner occupied
    1,449,554       1,465,027       1,453,158       1,343,412       1,263,236  
Construction, acquisition and development
    1,459,503       1,689,719       1,671,359       875,218       710,015  
Commercial
    1,806,766       1,568,956       1,192,353       1,082,882       1,050,198  
Credit cards
    108,086       93,650       104,037       98,249       85,529  
All other
    685,845       647,753       715,478       477,288       461,705  
 
                             
Total gross loans and leases
  $ 9,822,986     $ 9,740,867     $ 9,227,495     $ 7,917,523     $ 7,401,212  
 
                             
          Commercial and Industrial - Commercial and industrial loans are loans and leases to finance business operations, equipment and owner-occupied facilities primarily for small and medium-sized enterprises. These include both lines of credit for terms of one year or less and term loans which are amortized over the useful life of the assets financed. Personal guarantees are generally required for these loans. Also included in this category are loans to finance agricultural production and business credit card lines. Commercial and industrial loans outstanding increased modestly during 2009.
          Real Estate — Consumer Mortgages — Consumer mortgages are first- or second-lien loans to consumers secured by a primary residence or second home. These loans are generally amortized over terms up to 15 or 20 years with maturities of 3 to 5 years. The loans are secured by properties located within the local market area of the community bank which originates and services the loan. These loans are underwritten in accordance with the Bank’s general loan policies and procedures which require, among other things, proper documentation of each borrower’s financial condition, satisfactory credit history and property value. Consumer mortgages outstanding declined during 2009 as the housing sector slowed and lower long-term mortgage rates were available. In addition to loans originated through the Bank’s branches, the Bank originates and services consumer mortgages sold in the secondary market which are underwritten and closed pursuant to investor and agency guidelines. The Bank’s exposure to sub-prime mortgages is minimal.
          Real Estate — Home Equity — Home equity loans include revolving credit lines which are secured by a first or second lien on a borrower’s residence. Each loan is underwritten individually by lenders who specialize in home equity lending and must conform to Bank lending policies and procedures for consumer loans as to borrower’s financial condition, ability to repay, satisfactory credit history and the condition and value of collateral. Properties securing home equity loans are located in the local market areas of the community bank originating and servicing the loan. Home equity loans outstanding increased in 2009 due to both increased usage of existing lines and new originations. The Bank has not purchased home equity loans from brokers or other lending institutions.
          Real Estate — Agricultural — Agricultural loans include loans to purchase agricultural land and production lines secured by farm land. Agricultural loans outstanding increased modestly over 2009.
          Real Estate — Commercial and Industrial-Owner Occupied — Commercial and industrial-owner occupied loans include loans secured by business facilities to finance business operations, equipment and owner-occupied facilities primarily for small and medium-sized enterprises. These include both lines of credit for terms of one year or less and term loans which are amortized over the useful life of the assets financed. Personal guarantees are generally required for these loans. Commercial and industrial-owner occupied loans outstanding decreased modestly during 2009.
          Real Estate — Construction, Acquisition and Development — Construction, acquisition and development loans include both loans and credit lines for the purpose of purchasing, carrying and developing land into commercial or residential subdivisions. Also included are loans and lines for construction of residential, multi-family and commercial buildings. These loans are often structured with interest reserves to fund interest costs during the construction and development period. Additionally, certain loans are structured with interest only terms. The Bank engages in construction and development lending only in local markets served by its branches. The

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weakened economy and housing market has negatively impacted builders and developers in particular. Sales of finished houses slowed during 2009 which resulted in lower demand for residential lots and development land. While origination of new construction and development projects was significantly curtailed during 2009, existing loans outstanding reduced at a slower rate than in previous years. The slower pace of repayments is directly related to slowing sales of homes and lots developed for residential construction. This segment of the portfolio was down by 13.6% in 2009.
          Real Estate — Commercial — Commercial loans include loans to finance income-producing commercial and multi-family properties. Lending in this category is generally limited to properties located in the Bank’s trade area with only limited exposure to properties located elsewhere but owned by in-market borrowers. Loans in this category include loans for neighborhood retail centers, medical and professional offices, single retail stores, warehouses and apartments leased generally to local businesses and residents. The underwriting of these loans takes into consideration the occupancy and rental rates as well as the financial health of the borrower. The Bank’s exposure to national retail tenants is minimal. The Bank has not purchased commercial real estate loans from brokers or third-party originators.
          Credit Cards — Credit cards include consumer MasterCard accounts, Visa accounts and private label accounts for local merchants. The Bank offers credit cards primarily to its deposit and loan customers. Credit card balances increased during 2009 primarily because of increased utilization by existing accounts.
          All Other — All other loans include consumer installment loans and loans and leases to state, county and municipal governments and non-profit agencies. Consumer installment loans include term loans of up to five years secured by automobiles, boats and recreational vehicles. The Bank offers lease financing for vehicles and heavy equipment to state, county and municipal governments and medical equipment to healthcare providers across the southern states.
          The maturity distribution of the Bank’s loan portfolio is one factor in management’s evaluation by collateral type of the risk characteristics of the loan and lease portfolio. The following table shows the maturity distribution of the Bank’s loans and leases net of unearned income as of December 31, 2009:
                         
    One Year     One to     After  
    or Less     Five Years     Five Years  
    (In thousands)  
Commercial and industrial
  $ 667,712     $ 679,052     $ 119,805  
Real estate
                       
Consumer mortgages
    918,777       933,578       164,712  
Home equity
    250,565       254,601       44,919  
Agricultural
    119,373       121,296       21,400  
Commercial and industrial-owner occupied
    660,274       670,911       118,369  
Construction, acquisition and development
    661,606       678,236       119,661  
Commercial
    822,984       836,243       147,539  
Credit cards
    49,233       50,026       8,827  
All other
    298,553       303,362       53,522  
 
                 
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income
  $ 4,449,077     $ 4,527,305     $ 798,754  
 
                 
          The interest rate sensitivity of the Bank’s loan and lease portfolio is important in the management of net interest margin. The Bank attempts to manage the relationship between the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities to produce an effective interest differential that is not significantly impacted by the level of interest rates. The following table shows the interest rate sensitivity of the Bank’s loans and leases net of unearned income due after one year as of December 31, 2009:
                 
    Fixed     Variable  
    Rate     Rate  
    (In thousands)  
Loan and lease portfolio Due after one year
  $ 3,053,286     $ 2,272,773  
 
           

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          NPLs consist of non-accrual loans and leases, loans and leases 90 days or more past due, still accruing, and accruing loans and leases that have been restructured (primarily in the form of reduced interest rates and modified payment terms) because of the borrower’s weakened financial condition. The Bank’s policy provides that loans and leases are generally placed in non-accrual status if, in management’s opinion, payment in full of principal or interest is not expected or payment of principal or interest is more than 90 days past due, unless the loan or lease is both well-secured and in the process of collection. The Bank’s NPAs consist of NPLs and other real estate owned, which consists of foreclosed properties. The Bank’s NPAs, which are carried either in the loan account or other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, depending on foreclosure status, were as follows at the end of each year presented:
                                         
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Non-accrual loans and leases
  $ 144,013     $ 28,168     $ 9,789     $ 6,603     $ 8,816  
Loans 90 days or more past due, still accruing
    36,301       33,373       18,671       15,282       17,744  
Restructured loans and leases, but accruing
    6,161       2,472       721       1,571       2,239  
 
                             
Total NPLs
    186,475       64,013       29,181       23,456       28,799  
 
                             
 
                                       
Other real estate owned
    59,265       46,317       24,281       10,463       15,947  
 
                             
Total NPAs
  $ 245,740     $ 110,330     $ 53,462     $ 33,919     $ 44,746  
 
                             
 
                                       
NPLs to net loans and leases
    1.91 %     0.66 %     0.32 %     0.30 %     0.39 %
NPAs to net loans and leases
    2.51 %     1.14 %     0.58 %     0.43 %     0.61 %
          NPAs increased significantly in 2009 compared to 2008 and in 2008 compared to 2007. The increase in foreclosed properties is reflective of the general slow-down in the residential real estate sector in certain of the Bank’s markets. The Bank recorded losses from the loans that were secured by these foreclosed properties in the allowance for credit losses at the time of foreclosure. The increase in non-accrual and past due loans also reflects the effects of the recent economic environment on the Bank’s loan portfolio as a significant portion of the rise in the Bank’s NPLs was attributable to problems developing for established customers with real estate related loans, primarily in the Bank’s more urban markets in the fourth quarter of 2009. These problems resulted primarily from declines in appraised real estate values, decreased liquidity of certain borrowers and certain other borrower specific factors. More specifically, consumer mortgages and construction, acquisition and development loans collateralized by real estate represented 73.7% of the increase in non-accrual loans and leases in 2009 compared to 2008. Of our construction, acquisition and development loans, which totaled $1.5 billion at the end of 2009, $638.5 million represented loans made by our community banks in Alabama and Tennessee, including the greater Memphis, Tennessee area, a portion of which is in Northwest Mississippi. These areas have experienced a higher incidence of non-performing loans, primarily as a result of a severe downturn in the housing market. Of the Company’s total non-performing loans of $186.5 million, $105.8 million were loans made within these markets. These markets continue to be affected by high inventories of unsold homes, unsold lots and undeveloped land intended for use as housing developments.
          The ultimate impact of the economic downturn on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations will continue to depend on its severity and duration. Continued weakness in the economy could adversely affect the Bank’s volume of NPLs. The Bank will continue to remain focused on early identification and effective resolution of potential credit problems. For reporting purposes, if a restructured loan is 90 days or more past due or has been placed in non-accrual status, the restructured loan is included in the loans 90 days or more past due category or the non-accrual loan category of NPAs. At December 31, 2009, $72.6 million restructured loans were included in the loans 90 days or more past due or non-accrual loan category.
          The total amount of interest earned on NPLs was approximately $4.1 million, $495,000, $385,000, $114,000 and $194,000 in 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The gross interest income that would have been recorded under the original terms of those loans and leases if they had not been non-performing amounted to approximately $8.4 million, $1.8 million, $964,000, $475,000 and $600,000 in 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
          Loans considered impaired under FASB ASC 310 are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans the Bank considered impaired, which were included in NPLs, totaled $128.5 million,

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$25.5 million, $9.5 million, $9.1 million and $13.5 million at December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, with a valuation allowance of $22.7 million, $9.1 million, $4.4 million, $4.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively. The Bank has not, as a matter of policy, made or participated in any loans or investments relating to leveraged buyouts or leveraged recapitalizations. At December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company did not have any concentration of loans or leases in excess of 10% of total loans and leases outstanding which were not otherwise disclosed as a category of loans or leases. Loan concentrations are considered to exist when there are amounts loaned to multiple borrowers engaged in similar activities which would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. The Bank conducts business in a geographically concentrated area and has a significant amount of loans secured by real estate to borrowers in varying activities and businesses but does not consider these factor alone in identifying loan concentrations. The ability of the Bank’s borrowers to repay loans is somewhat dependent upon the economic conditions prevailing in the Bank’s market areas.
          In the normal course of business, management becomes aware of possible credit problems in which borrowers exhibit potential for the inability to comply with the contractual terms of their loans and leases, but which do not yet meet the criteria for disclosure as non-performing loans and leases. Historically, some of these loans and leases are ultimately restructured or placed in non-accrual status. At December 31, 2009, the Bank had approximately $20.4 million of potential problem loans or leases that were not included in the non-accrual loans and leases or in the loans 90 days or more past due categories, but for which management had concerns as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the contractual terms of their loans and leases.
          Collateral for some of the Bank’s loans and leases is subject to fair value evaluations that fluctuate with market conditions and other external factors. In addition, while the Bank has certain underwriting obligations related to such evaluations, the evaluations of some real property and other collateral are dependent upon third-party independent appraisers employed either by the Bank’s customers or as independent contractors of the Bank. During the current economic cycle, some subsequent fair value appraisals have reported lower values than were originally reported. These declining collateral values could impact future losses and recoveries.
          The following table provides additional details related to the make-up of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio, net of unearned income, and the distribution of NPLs at December 31, 2009:
                                                 
            90+ Days             Restructured             NPLs as a  
            Past Due still     Non-accruing     Loans, but             % of  
Loans and leases, net of unearned income   Outstanding     Accruing     Loans     accruing     NPLs     Outstanding  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Commercial and industrial
  $ 1,466,569     $ 1,797     $ 4,852     $ 94     $ 6,743       0.5 %
Real estate
                                               
Consumer mortgages
    2,017,067       9,905       20,731       477       31,113       1.5  
Home equity
    550,085       810       1,642             2,452       0.4  
Agricultural
    262,069       1,015       1,136             2,151       0.8  
Commercial and industrial-owner occupied
    1,449,554       4,511       7,039             11,550       0.8  
Construction, acquisition and development
    1,459,503       13,482       82,170       1,606       97,258       6.7  
Commercial
    1,806,766       2,558       23,209       587       26,354       1.5  
Credit cards
    108,086       355       1,044       3,347       4,746       4.4  
All other
    655,437       1,868       2,190       50       4,108       0.6  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 9,775,136     $ 36,301     $ 144,013     $ 6,161     $ 186,475       1.9 %
 
                                   
          The following table provides selected characteristics of the Company’s real estate construction, acquisition and development loans at December 31, 2009:

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            90+ Days             Restructured             NPL as a  
Real Estate Construction,           Past Due still     Non-accruing     Loans, but             % of  
Acquisition and Development   Outstanding     Accruing     Loans     accruing     NPLs     Outstanding  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Multi-family construction
  $ 8,111     $     $     $     $       %
Condominiums
    16,898             9,247             9,247       54.7  
One-to-four family construction
    255,026       1,535       1,514             3,049       1.2  
Recreation and all other loans
    50,122       496                   496       1.0  
Commercial construction
    240,917             6,684       1,606       8,290       3.4  
Commercial acquisition and development
    282,766       4,500       2,527             7,027       2.5  
Residential acquisition and development
    605,663       6,951       62,198             69,149       11.4  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 1,459,503     $ 13,482     $ 82,170     $ 1,606     $ 97,258       6.7 %
 
                                   
Securities and Other Earning Assets
          The Company uses its securities portfolio to make various term investments, to provide a source of liquidity and to serve as collateral to secure certain types of deposits and borrowings. The following tables show the carrying value of the Company’s held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities by investment category at December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007:
                         
    December 31  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Held-to-maturity Securities:
                       
U. S. Government agency securities
  $ 798,660     $ 1,079,431     $ 1,375,656  
Taxable obligations of states and political subdivisions
    20,045       70,337       49,238  
Tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions
    214,117       183,753       194,021  
Other securities
                7,001  
 
                 
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,032,822     $ 1,333,521     $ 1,625,916  
 
                 
                         
    December 31  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Available-for-sale Securities:
                       
U. S. Government agency securities
  $ 512,088     $ 516,281     $ 542,023  
Government agency issued residential mortgage-backed securities
    292,418       319,175       282,074  
Government agency issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
    18,837       18,553       32,427  
Taxable obligations of states and political subdivisions
    38,188       7,772       7,732  
Tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions
    72,650       74,767       78,149  
Collateralized debt obligations
    2,125       2,375       10,582  
Other securities
    24,466       43,936       48,207  
 
                 
 
                       
Total
  $ 960,772     $ 982,859     $ 1,001,194  
 
                 

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          A portion of the Company’s securities portfolio continues to be tax-exempt. Investments in tax-exempt securities totaled $286.8 million at December 31, 2009, compared to $258.5 million at the end of 2008 and $272.2 million at the end of 2007. The Company invests only in investment grade securities, with the exception of obligations of certain counties and municipalities within the Company’s market area, and avoids other high yield non-rated securities and investments.
          At December 31, 2009, the Company’s available-for-sale securities totaled $960.8 million. These securities, which are subject to possible sale, are recorded at fair value. At December 31, 2009, the Company held no securities whose decline in fair value was considered other than temporary, except for pooled trust preferred securities that incurred an other-than-temporary charge related to credit loss of approximately $250,000 recorded during 2009, resulting in a remaining book value of $2.1 million.
          The following tables show the maturities and weighted average yields at December 31, 2009 for the carrying value of the held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities:
                                         
    Securities Maturing  
            After One     After Five              
    Within     But Within     But Within     After        
    One Year     Five Years     Ten Year     Ten Years     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Held-to-maturity Securities:
                                       
U. S. Government agency securities
  $ 381,641     $ 380,846     $ 36,173     $     $ 798,660  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    10,192       28,658       72,865       122,447       234,162  
 
                             
Total
  $ 391,833     $ 409,504     $ 109,038     $ 122,447     $ 1,032,822  
 
                             
Weighted average yield
    4.38 %     5.31 %     5.61 %     6.56 %        
                                         
    Securities Maturing  
            After One     After Five              
    Within     But Within     But Within     After        
    One Year     Five Years     Ten Year     Ten Years     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Available-for-sale Securities:
                                       
U. S. Government agency securities
  $ 76,604     $ 347,325     $ 88,159     $     $ 512,088  
Government agency issued residential mortgage-backed securities
    86,819       91,165       19,618       94,816       292,418  
Government agency issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
                2,235       16,602       18,837  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    5,509       13,233       20,813       71,283       110,838  
Collateralized debt obligations
    1,554       571                   2,125  
Other
          20       19       24,427       24,466  
 
                             
Total
  $ 170,486     $ 452,314     $ 130,844     $ 207,128     $ 960,772  
 
                             
Weighted average yield
    4.69 %     4.40 %     4.28 %     5.20 %        
          The yield on tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions has been adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using a 35% tax rate.
          Net unrealized gains on investment securities as of December 31, 2009 totaled $75.4 million. Net unrealized gains on held-to-maturity securities comprised $45.3 million of that total, while net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities were $30.1 million. Net unrealized gains on investment securities as of December 31, 2008 totaled $77.3 million. Of that total, $58.7 million was attributable to held-to-maturity securities and $18.6 million was attributable to available-for-sale securities.

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          The following table shows the held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities portfolios by credit rating as obtained from Moody’s rating service as of December 31, 2009:
                                 
    Amortized Cost     Estimated Fair Value  
    Amount     %     Amount     %  
Available-for-sale Securities:   (Dollars in thousands)  
Aaa
  $ 818,485       87.9 %   $ 846,993       88.16 %
Aa1 to Aa3
    40,950       4.4 %     40,961       4.26 %
A1 to A3
    6,001       0.6 %     6,126       0.64 %
Baa1
    1,209       0.1 %     1,213       0.13 %
Caa1
    66       0.0 %     131       0.01 %
C
    2,125       0.2 %     2,125       0.22 %
Not rated (1)
    61,840       6.6 %     63,223       6.58 %
 
                       
Total
  $ 930,676       100.0 %   $ 960,772       100.00 %
 
                       
Held-to-maturity Securities:
                               
Aaa
  $ 802,525       77.70 %   $ 842,316       78.13 %
Aa1 to Aa3
    58,233       5.64 %     60,164       5.58 %
A1 to A3
    42,256       4.09 %     43,095       4.00 %
Baa1 to Baa3
    11,662       1.13 %     12,029       1.12 %
B2
    492       0.05 %     550       0.05 %
Not rated (1)
    117,654       11.39 %     119,921       11.12 %
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,032,822       100.00 %   $ 1,078,075       100.00 %
 
                       
 
(1)   Not rated securities primarily consist of Mississippi and Arkansas municipal bonds.
Deposits
          Deposits originating within the communities served by the Bank continue to be the Bank’s primary source of funding its earning assets. The Company has been able to effectively compete for deposits in its primary market areas, while continuing to manage the exposure to rising interest rates. The distribution and market share of deposits by type of deposit and by type of depositor are important considerations in the Company’s assessment of the stability of its fund sources and its access to additional funds. Furthermore, management shifts the mix and maturity of the deposits depending on economic conditions and loan and investment policies in an attempt, within set policies, to minimize cost and maximize net interest margin.
          The following table presents the Bank’s noninterest bearing, interest bearing, savings and other time deposits for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the percentage change between years:
                                         
    2009     2008     2007  
    Amount     % Change     Amount     % Change     Amount  
    (Dollars in millions)  
Noninterest bearing deposits
  $ 1,902       9.6 %   $ 1,735       3.9 %   $ 1,670  
Interest bearing deposits
    4,324       10.8       3,904       19.2       3,276  
Savings
    725       6.9       678       (3.0 )     699  
Other time
    3,727       9.8       3,394       (23.2 )     4,419  
 
                             
Total deposits
  $ 10,678       10.0     $ 9,711       (3.5 )   $ 10,064  
 
                             
          The 10.0% increase in deposits was evident across all deposit categories in 2009 compared to 2008.
          The following table presents the classification of the Bank’s deposits on an average basis for the three years ended December 31, 2009:

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    Year Ended December 31  
    2009     2008     2007  
    Average     Average     Average     Average     Average     Average  
    Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Noninterest bearing demand deposits
  $ 1,758,175           $ 1,664,787           $ 1,654,149        
Interest bearing demand deposits
    4,051,362       0.99 %     3,552,690       1.70 %     3,191,433       2.63 %
Savings deposits
    712,740       0.52 %     712,330       0.74 %     718,080       1.30 %
Other time deposits
    3,633,453       2.79 %     3,874,192       3.84 %     4,636,436       4.65 %
 
                                   
Total deposits
  $ 10,155,730             $ 9,803,999             $ 10,200,098          
 
                                   
          The Bank’s other time deposits of $100,000 and greater, including certificates of deposits of $100,000 and greater, at December 31, 2009 had maturities as follows:
         
Maturing in   Amount  
    (In thousands)  
Three months or less
  $ 333,057  
Over three months through six months
    286,691  
Over six months through 12 months
    541,352  
Over 12 months
    597,374  
 
     
Total
  $ 1,758,474  
 
     
          The average maturity of time deposits at December 31, 2009 was approximately 14 months compared to approximate 10.5 months at December 31, 2008.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
          One of the Company’s goals is to provide adequate funds to meet increases in loan demand or any potential increase in the normal level of deposit withdrawals. This goal is accomplished primarily by generating cash from the Bank’s operating activities and maintaining sufficient short-term liquid assets. These sources, coupled with a stable deposit base and a strong reputation in the capital markets, allow the Company to fund earning assets and maintain the availability of funds. Management believes that the Bank’s traditional sources of maturing loans and investment securities, sales of loans held for sale, cash from operating activities and a strong base of core deposits are adequate to meet the Company’s liquidity needs for normal operations over both the short-term and the long-term.
          To provide additional liquidity, the Company utilizes short-term financing through the purchase of federal funds and securities sold under agreement to repurchase. Further, the Company maintains a borrowing relationship with the FHLB which provides access to short-term and long-term borrowings and also has access to the Federal Reserve discount window and other bank lines. During 2007, the Company chose to fund its loan growth with short-term FHLB advances rather than with higher rate time deposits. The Company continued to fund its loan growth with short-term FHLB advances as well as with lower rate long-term FHLB advances in 2008. During 2009, the Company increased lower rate demand and other time deposits by $919.0 million which allowed the Company to shift its focus from funding loan growth with short-term FHLB advances resulting in a decrease in those short-term FHLB advances of $488.0 million. The Company had short-term advances from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve totaling $203.5 million and $691.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company had federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase of $539.9 million at December 31, 2009, a decrease of 55.2% from $1.2 billion at December 31, 2008. The Company had long-term advances totaling $112.8 million at December 31, 2009, a decrease of 60.6% from $286.3 million at December 31, 2008. The Company has pledged eligible mortgage loans to secure the FHLB borrowings and had $3.0 billion in additional borrowing capacity under the existing FHLB borrowing agreement at December 31, 2009.
          The Company also had non-binding federal funds borrowing arrangements with other banks aggregating $1.4 billion at December 31, 2009. Secured borrowing arrangements utilizing the Company’s securities portfolio also provide substantial additional liquidity to the Company. Such arrangements typically provide for borrowings of 95% to 98% of the unencumbered fair value of the Company’s federal government and government agencies securities portfolio. The ability of the Company to obtain funding from these or other sources could be negatively

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affected should the Company experience a substantial deterioration in its financial condition or its debt rating, or should the availability of short-term funding become restricted as a result of the disruption in the financial markets. Management does not anticipate any short- or long-term changes to its liquidity strategies and believes that the Company has ample sources to meet the liquidity challenges caused by the current economic conditions. The Company utilizes, among other tools, maturity gap tables, interest rate shock scenarios and an active asset and liability management committee to analyze, manage and plan asset growth and to assist in managing the Company’s net interest margin and overall level of liquidity.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
          In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into various off-balance sheet commitments and other arrangements to extend credit that are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets of the Company. The business purpose of these off-balance sheet commitments is the routine extension of credit. As of December 31, 2009, commitments to extend credit included $197.1 million for letters of credit and $2.3 billion for interim mortgage financing, construction credit, credit card and other revolving line of credit arrangements. While most of the commitments to extend credit were made at variable rates, included in these commitments were forward commitments to fund individual fixed-rate mortgage loans of $58.1 million at December 31, 2009, with a carrying value and fair value reflecting a gain of approximately $304,000, which has been recognized in the Company’s results of operations. Fixed-rate lending commitments expose the Company to risks associated with increases in interest rates. As a method to manage these risks, the Company also enters into forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans. At December 31, 2009, the Company had $135.6 million in such commitments to sell, with a carrying value and fair value reflecting a gain of approximately $806,000, which had been recognized in the Company’s results of operations. The Company also faces the risk of deteriorating credit quality of borrowers to whom a commitment to extend credit has been made; however, no significant credit losses are expected from these commitments and arrangements.
Regulatory Requirements for Capital
          The Company is required to comply with the risk-based capital guidelines established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. These guidelines apply a variety of weighting factors that vary according to the level of risk associated with the assets. Capital is measured in two “Tiers”: Tier I consists of common shareholders’ equity and qualifying non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill and certain other intangible assets; and Tier II consists of general allowance for losses on loans and leases, “hybrid” debt capital instruments and all or a portion of other subordinated capital debt, depending upon remaining term to maturity. Total capital is the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital. The required minimum ratio levels to be considered adequately capitalized for the Company’s Tier I capital, total capital, as a percentage of total risk-adjusted assets, and Tier I leverage capital (Tier I capital divided by total assets, less goodwill) are 4%, 8% and 4%, respectively. The Company exceeded the required minimum levels for these ratios at December 31, 2009 and 2008.
                                 
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
BancorpSouth, Inc.
                               
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
  $ 1,143,019       11.17 %   $ 1,123,028       10.79 %
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    1,271,634       12.42       1,253,174       12.04  
Tier I leverage capital (to average assets)
    1,143,019       8.95       1,123,028       8.65  
          The FDIC’s capital-based supervisory system for insured financial institutions categorizes the capital position for banks into five categories, ranging from “well capitalized” to “critically undercapitalized.” For a bank to be classified as “well capitalized,” the Tier I capital, total capital and leverage capital ratios must be at least 6%, 10% and 5%, respectively. The Bank met the criteria for the “well capitalized” category at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

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    December 31, 2009   December 31, 2008
    Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
    (Dollars in thousands)  
BancorpSouth Bank
                               
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
  $ 1,119,612       10.95 %   $ 1,076,473       10.35 %
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    1,248,227       12.21       1,206,619       11.61  
Tier I leverage capital (to average assets)
    1,119,612       8.79       1,076,473       8.30  
          There are various legal and regulatory limits on the extent to which the Bank may pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to the Company. In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies have the authority to prevent a bank or bank holding company from paying a dividend or engaging in any other activity that, in the opinion of the agency, would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. The Company does not expect these limitations to have a material adverse effect on its ability to meet its cash obligations.
Uses of Capital
          The Company may pursue acquisitions of depository institutions and businesses closely related to banking which further the Company’s business strategies, including FDIC-assisted transactions. The Company anticipates that consideration for any transactions other than FDIC-assisted transactions would include shares of the Company’s common stock, cash or a combination thereof. For example, the merger with City Bancorp, the holding company of The Signature Bank, was completed on March 1, 2007 and the consideration in that transaction was a combination of shares of the Company’s common stock and cash (see Note 2 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report).
          On March 21, 2007, the Company announced a new stock repurchase program whereby the Company may acquire up to three million shares of its common stock in the open market at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions during the period from May 1, 2007 to April 30, 2009. The original expiration date for this stock repurchase program has been extended until April 30, 2011. The extent and timing of any repurchases will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations. Repurchased shares will be held as authorized but unissued shares. These authorized but unissued shares will be available for use in connection with the Company’s stock option plans, other compensation programs, other transactions or for other corporate purposes as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. At December 31, 2009, 460,700 shares had been repurchased under this program but the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during 2009. The Company will continue to evaluate additional share repurchases under this repurchase program and will evaluate whether to adopt a new stock repurchase program before the current program expires. The Company conducts its stock repurchase program by using funds received in the ordinary course of business. The Company has not experienced, and does not expect to experience, a material adverse effect on its capital resources or liquidity in connection with its stock repurchase program.
          In 2002, the Company issued $128.9 million in 8.15% Junior Subordinated Debt Securities to BancorpSouth Capital Trust I (the “Trust”), a business trust. The Trust used the proceeds from the issuance of five million shares of 8.15% trust preferred securities, $25 face value per share, to acquire the 8.15% Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. Both the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities mature on January 28, 2032, and are callable at the option of the Company upon obtaining approval of the Federal Reserve. The $125.0 million in trust preferred securities issued by the Trust qualifies as Tier I capital under Federal Reserve guidelines. The Company may prepay the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities, and in turn the trust preferred securities, at a prepayment price of 100% of the principal amount of these securities within 90 days of a determination by the Federal Reserve that trust preferred securities will no longer qualify as Tier I capital.
          The Company assumed $6.2 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the related $6.0 million in trust preferred securities pursuant to the merger on December 31, 2004 with Business Holding Corporation and assumed $3.1 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the related $3.0 million in trust preferred securities pursuant to the merger on December 31, 2004 with Premier Bancorp, Inc. The Company also assumed $6.7 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the related $6.5 million in trust preferred securities pursuant to the merger on December 1, 2005 with American State Bank Corporation and $18.5 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the related $18.0 million in trust preferred securities pursuant to the merger on March 1, 2007 with City Bancorp. The Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the related trust preferred securities assumed from Premier Bancorp, Inc. were redeemed on November 7, 2007 (see Note 11 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial

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Statements included elsewhere in this Report). After the redemption, the Company’s remaining aggregate $30.5 million in assumed trust preferred securities qualifies as Tier I capital under Federal Reserve Board guidelines.
Contractual Obligations
          The Company has contractual obligations to make future payments on debt and lease agreements. See Notes 9, 10, 11 and 24 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report for further disclosures regarding contractual obligations. The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2009:
                                         
    Payment Due by Period  
            Less than                     More than  
    Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 Years  
    (In thousands)  
Contractual obligations:
                                       
Deposit maturities
  $ 10,677,702     $ 9,410,560     $ 905,168     $ 360,549     $ 1,425  
Junior subordinated debt
    160,312                         160,312  
Long-term FHLB borrowings
    112,771             4,271       50,000       58,500  
Short-term FHLB and other borrowings
    203,637       203,538       36       36       27  
Operating lease obligations
    24,811       5,844       9,037       4,618       5,312  
Purchase obligations
    14,209       9,060       3,606       1,443       100  
 
                             
Total contractual obligations
  $ 11,193,442     $ 9,629,002     $ 922,118     $ 416,646     $ 225,676  
 
                             
          The Company’s operating lease obligations represent short and long-term operating lease and rental payments for facilities, certain software and data processing and other equipment. Purchase obligations represent obligations to purchase goods and services that are legally binding and enforceable on the Company and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. The purchase obligation amounts presented above primarily relate to certain contractual payments for services provided related to information technology.
Certain Litigation Contingencies
          The Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in lines of business that are heavily regulated and involve a large volume of financial transactions with numerous customers through offices in nine states. Although the Company and its subsidiaries have developed policies and procedures to minimize the impact of legal noncompliance and other disputes, litigation presents an ongoing risk.
          The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits arising out of the normal course of business, including claims against entities to which the Company is a successor as a result of business combinations. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Litigation is, however, inherently uncertain, and the Company cannot make assurances that it will prevail in any of these actions, nor can it estimate with reasonable certainty the amount of damages that it might incur.
          The Company reported litigation expense of $2.3 million in 2007 as a result of legal and other accruals established relative to the Company’s guarantee of Visa Inc.’s projected obligations for certain litigation matters. These reserves were recorded as other liabilities and pertain to Visa Inc.’s settlement with American Express, as well as other pending Visa Inc. litigation and were based on information available from Visa Inc. and other member banks. The Bank, as a member of Visa Inc., is obligated to share in certain liabilities associated with Visa Inc.’s settled and pending litigation. During the first quarter of 2008, $1.1 million of this reserve was reversed and recorded as a reduction of litigation expense as a result of Visa Inc.’s initial public offering and its deposit of a portion of the net proceeds thereof into an escrow account from which settlement of, or judgments relating to, the covered litigation may be paid.
          During the second quarter of 2008, $1.1 million of the reserve related to previously recorded litigation contingencies was reversed as a result of a favorable court ruling. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company reported $2.6 million in litigation contingencies primarily related to the unexpected, adverse resolution of a legal matter.

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Recent Pronouncements
          Effective September 30, 2009, the Company adopted the new FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”). The Codification became the primary source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Committee (the “SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification does not change or alter existing U.S. GAAP and the adoption of the Codification has had no impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. The Company plans to leave out specific references to the codification in an effort to simplify the financial statements.
          On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements. This new accounting standard requires employers to recognize a liability for future benefits provided through endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements that extend into postretirement periods in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Entities recognized the effects of applying this new accounting standard through either (a) a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings or to other components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the year of adoption or (b) a change in accounting principle through retrospective application to all prior periods. The adoption of this new accounting standard resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings by $3.6 million at January 1, 2008.
          On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding fair value options for financial assets and financial liabilities. This new accounting standard permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company did not elect the fair value option in regards to items not previously recorded at fair value. Therefore, the adoption of this new accounting standard has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
          On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding written loan commitments recorded at fair value through earnings. This new accounting standard rescinds prior prohibitions on inclusion of expected net future cash flows related to loan servicing activities in the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment. The new accounting standard applies to any loan commitment for which fair value accounting is elected. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding written loan commitments recorded at fair value through earnings has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
          On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding fair value measurements. This new accounting standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding fair value measurements has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
          On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding business combinations. This new accounting standard expands the definition of transactions and events that qualify as business combinations; requires that the acquired assets and liabilities, including contingencies and loans, be recorded at fair value determined on the acquisition date; changes the recognition timing for restructuring costs; and requires the expensing of acquisition costs as incurred. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding business combinations has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
          On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements. This new accounting standard requires that acquired assets and liabilities be measured at full fair value without consideration to ownership percentage. Any non-controlling interests in an acquiree should be presented as a separate component of equity rather than on a mezzanine level. Additionally, this new accounting standard provides that net income or loss should be reported in the consolidated income statement at its consolidated amount, with disclosure on the face of the consolidated income statement of the amount of consolidated net income which is attributable to the parent and non-controlling interest, respectively. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements has had no impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. The Company does not have any non-controlling interests as it wholly owns all of its subsidiaries.
          On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This new accounting standard changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring entities to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under an existing standard regarding derivative instruments and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and

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cash flows. This new accounting standard regarding disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities has impacted disclosures only and has not had an impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. All required disclosures are contained in the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.
          In April 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding the determination of fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not orderly. This new accounting standard provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities in an environment where the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and re-emphasizes that the objective of a fair value measurement remains an exit price. The adoption of this new accounting standard did not have an impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
          In April 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairment which amends existing guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairment on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. The new accounting standard did not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. There was no initial effect of adoption of this new accounting standard regarding recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairment on the financial position or results of operations of the Company because all previously taken impairment was deemed to be credit related.
          Effective June 30, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding subsequent events. This new accounting standard establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The Company has evaluated any subsequent events through the date of this filing. The Company does not believe there are any material subsequent events which would require further disclosure. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding subsequent events has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
          In December 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard related to the disclosures of plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan which provides guidance on additional disclosures about plan assets. The adoption of this new accounting standard has impacted disclosures only and has not had an impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
          In June 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard regarding accounting for transfers of financial assets. This new accounting standard eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures in order to enhance information reported to users of financial statements by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and an entity’s continuing involvement in and exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. This new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company believes that the adoption of this new accounting standard regarding accounting for transfers of financial assets will have no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
          In June 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard regarding consolidation of variable interest entities. This new accounting standard amends existing accounting literature regarding consolidation of variable interest entities to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements. This new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company believes that the adoption of this new accounting standard regarding consolidation of variable interest entities will have no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
          Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from changes in interest rates and market prices. This risk of loss can be reflected in either reduced potential net interest revenue in future periods or diminished market values of financial assets.
          The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk that is inherent in its lending, investment and deposit taking activities. Financial institutions derive their income primarily from the excess of interest collected over interest paid. The rates of interest the Company earns on certain of its assets and owes on certain of its liabilities are established contractually for a period of time. Because market interest rates change over time, the

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Company is exposed to lower profit margins (or losses) if it cannot adapt to interest rate changes. Several techniques might be used by a financial institution to minimize interest rate risk. One approach used by the Company is to periodically analyze its assets and liabilities and make future financing and investing decisions based on payment streams, interest rates, contractual maturities, repricing opportunities and estimated sensitivity to actual or potential changes in market interest rates. Such activities fall under the broad definition of asset/liability management. The Company’s primary asset/liability management technique is the measurement of its asset/liability gap, that is, the difference between the amounts of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities that will be refinanced (repriced) during a given period. If the asset amount to be repriced exceeds the corresponding liability amount for a certain day, month, year or longer period, the Company is in an asset-sensitive gap position. In this situation, net interest revenue would increase if market interest rates rose or decrease if market interest rates fell. If, alternatively, more liabilities than assets will reprice, the Company is in a liability-sensitive position. Accordingly, net interest revenue would decline when rates rose and increase when rates fell. These examples assume that interest-rate changes for assets and liabilities are of the same magnitude, whereas actual interest-rate changes generally differ in magnitude for assets and liabilities.
          Management seeks to manage interest rate risk through the utilization of various tools that include matching repricing periods for new assets and liabilities and managing the composition and size of the investment portfolio so as to reduce the risk in the deposit and loan portfolios, while at the same time maximizing the yield generated from the portfolio.
          MSRs are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s MSRs are generally a result of changes in mortgage interest rates from the previous reporting date. An increase in mortgage interest rates typically results in an increase in the fair value of the MSRs while a decrease in mortgage interest rates typically results in a decrease in the fair value of MSRs. The Company does not hedge the change in fair value of its MSRs and is susceptible to significant fluctuations in their value in changing interest rate environments.
          The Company enters into interest rate swaps (derivative financial instruments) to meet the financing, interest rate and equity risk management needs of its customers. Upon entering into these instruments to meet customer needs, the Company enters into offsetting positions to minimize interest rate and equity risk to the Company. These instruments are reported at fair value and the value of these positions, which are offsetting, are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
          The table below provides information about the Company’s financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2009. The expected maturity categories take into account repricing opportunities as well as contractual maturities. For core deposits without contractual maturities (e.g., interest bearing checking, savings and money market accounts), the table presents cash flows based on management’s judgment concerning their most likely runoff or repricing behaviors. The fair value of loans, deposits and other borrowings are based on the discounted value of expected cash flows using a discount rate that is commensurate with the maturity. The fair value of securities is based on market prices or dealer quotes.

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                                                            Fair value
    Principal Amount Maturing/Repricing in:           December 31,
    2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   Thereafter   Total   2009
                            (Dollars in thousands)                        
Rate-sensitive assets:
                                                               
Fixed interest rate loans and leases
  $ 2,182,777     $ 840,276     $ 962,145     $ 873,196     $ 92,570     $ 285,100     $ 5,236,064     $ 5,374,127  
Average interest rate
    5.94 %     6.35 %     6.58 %     6.04 %     5.82 %     6.53 %     6.17 %        
Variable interest rate loans and leases
  $ 4,512,031     $ 107,384                             $ 4,619,415     $ 4,627,171  
Average interest rate
    4.14 %     5.99 %                             4.18 %        
Fixed interest rate securities
  $ 539,454     $ 340,952     $ 191,745     $ 153,453     $ 111,978     $ 656,012     $ 1,993,594     $ 2,038,848  
Average interest rate
    3.38 %     4.92 %     4.43 %     4.52 %     4.94 %     4.95 %     4.44 %        
Other interest bearing assets
  $ 90,704                                   $ 90,704     $ 90,704  
Average interest rate
    0.49 %                                   0.49 %        
 
                                                               
Mortgage servicing rights (1)
                                      $ 35,560     $ 35,560  
 
                                                               
Rate-sensitive liabilities:
                                                               
Savings and interest bearing checking
  $ 5,048,838                                   $ 5,048,838     $ 5,048,838  
Average interest rate
    0.78 %                                   0.78 %        
Fixed interest rate time deposits
  $ 2,460,059     $ 615,376     $ 289,792     $ 113,771     $ 246,778     $ 1,425     $ 3,727,201     $ 3,757,602  
Average interest rate
    2.00 %     2.91 %     3.35 %     3.53 %     3.74 %     6.21 %     2.42 %        
Fixed interest rate borrowings
  $     $ 2,771     $ 1,500     $ 50,000     $     $ 218,903     $ 273,174     $ 290,622  
Average interest rate
          5.74 %     4.71 %     5.95 %           7.20 %     6.94 %        
Variable interest rate borrowings
  $ 685,377     $ 57,993                             $ 743,370     $ 743,188  
Average interest rate
    1.08 %     0.29 %                             1.02 %        
 
                                                               
Rate-sensitive off balance sheet items:
                                                               
Commitments to extend credit for single family mortgage loans
  $ 58,145                                   $ 58,145     $ 58,145  
Average interest rate
    4.89 %                                   4.89 %        
Forward contracts to sell individual fixed rate mortgage loans
  $ 135,581                                   $ 135,581     $ 135,581  
Average interest rate
    4.56 %                                   4.56 %        
Interest rate swap position to receive
  $ 483,415                                   $ 483,415     $ 24,258  
Average interest rate
    2.60 %                                   2.60 %        
Interest rate swap position to pay
  $ 483,415                                   $ 483,415     $ (24,258 )
Average interest rate
    6.14 %                                   6.14 %        
 
(1)   Mortgage servicing rights represent a non-financial asset that is rate-sensitive in that its value is dependent upon the underlying mortgage loans being serviced that are rate-sensitive.
          For additional information about the Company’s market risk and its strategies for minimizing this risk, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Results of Operations — Interest Rate Sensitivity” and “— Interest Rate Risk Management” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Condition — Securities and Other Earning Assets.”

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
Summary of Quarterly Results
                                 
    Quarter Ended
    March 31   June 30   Sept. 30   Dec. 31
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)
2009    
Interest revenue
  $ 155,618     $ 154,313     $ 153,487     $ 151,996  
Net interest revenue
    109,876       110,940       111,736       112,347  
Provision for credit losses
    14,945       17,594       22,514       62,271  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    42,771       49,818       29,025       (8,780 )
Income tax expense (credit)
    13,294       15,951       7,494       (6,634 )
Net income (loss)
    29,477       33,867       21,531       (2,146 )
Earnings (loss) per share: Basic
    0.35       0.41       0.26       (0.03 )
Diluted
    0.35       0.41       0.26       (0.03 )
Dividends per share
    0.22       0.22       0.22       0.22  
2008
                               
Interest revenue
  $ 190,459     $ 175,762     $ 172,624     $ 166,568  
Net interest revenue
    110,070       109,843       109,602       111,321  
Provision for credit losses
    10,811       11,237       16,306       17,822  
Income before income taxes
    52,020       59,808       40,670       21,856  
Income tax expense
    16,875       19,683       12,325       5,060  
Net income
    35,145       40,125       28,345       16,796  
Earnings per share: Basic
    0.43       0.49       0.34       0.20  
Diluted
    0.43       0.49       0.34       0.20  
Dividends per share
    0.21       0.22       0.22       0.22  

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
     The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
     (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
     (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
     (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
     Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
     Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.
     As a result of management’s evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, management identified a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting related to the determination of the allowance for credit losses. The material weakness resulted from the aggregation of the following deficiencies:
    Ineffective controls to timely recognize the impact of changes in credit quality on the grading of loans in the determination of the allowance for credit losses.
 
    Personnel involved in loan modifications had insufficient knowledge to appropriately identify modifications to be communicated to accounting personnel for accounting and disclosure consideration.
 
    Ineffective controls to ensure updated appraisals for loans are obtained.
     This material weakness resulted in a material error in the allowance for credit losses that was corrected prior to the issuance of the Company’s financial statements. Additionally, as a result of the material weakness, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2009.
     The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued a report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. That report appears on pages 55-56 of this Report.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
BancorpSouth, Inc.:
     We have audited BancorpSouth, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). BancorpSouth, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
     We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
     A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
     Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

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     A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A material weakness related to the determination of the allowance for credit losses has been identified and included in management’s assessment. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of BancorpSouth, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2009. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2009 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 15, 2010, which expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
     In our opinion, because of the effect of the aforementioned material weakness on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, BancorpSouth, Inc. has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Memphis, Tennessee
March 15, 2010

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Report Of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
BancorpSouth, Inc.:
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BancorpSouth, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
     We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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 BancorpSouth, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
     We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), BancorpSouth, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 15, 2010 expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Memphis, Tennessee
March 15, 2010

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Consolidated Balance Sheets
BancorpSouth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 
    December 31  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Assets
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 222,741     $ 291,055  
Interest bearing deposits with other banks
    15,704       13,542  
Held-to-maturity securities (fair value of $1,078,075 and $1,392,205, respectively)
    1,032,822       1,333,521  
Available-for-sale securities (amortized cost of $930,676 and $964,210, respectively)
    960,772       982,859  
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell
    75,000        
Loans and leases
    9,822,986       9,740,867  
Less: Unearned income
    47,850       49,590  
Allowance for credit losses
    176,043       132,793  
 
           
Net loans and leases
    9,599,093       9,558,484  
Loans held for sale
    80,343       189,242  
Premises and equipment, net
    343,877       351,204  
Accrued interest receivable
    68,651       79,183  
Goodwill
    270,097       268,966  
Bank owned life insurance
    187,770       182,272  
Other assets
    310,997       229,890  
 
           
 
               
Total Assets
  $ 13,167,867     $ 13,480,218  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Deposits:
               
Demand:
               
Noninterest bearing
  $ 1,901,663     $ 1,735,130  
Interest bearing
    4,323,646       3,904,307  
Savings
    725,192       678,326  
Other time
    3,727,201       3,394,109  
 
           
Total deposits
    10,677,702       9,711,872  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase
    539,870       1,205,366  
Short-term Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings and other short-term borrowings
    203,500       691,510  
Accrued interest payable
    19,588       20,755  
Junior subordinated debt securities
    160,312       160,312  
Long-term Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
    112,771       286,312  
Other liabilities
    177,828       163,831  
 
           
Total Liabilities
    11,891,571       12,239,958  
 
           
Shareholders’ Equity
               
Common stock, $2.50 par value Authorized — 500,000,000 shares; Issued — 83,450,296 and 83,105,100 shares, respectively
    208,626       207,763  
Capital surplus
    222,547       215,255  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (8,409 )     (26,896 )
Retained earnings
    853,532       844,138  
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    1,276,296       1,240,260  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies
               
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 13,167,867     $ 13,480,218  
 
           
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Statements of Income
BancorpSouth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                         
        Year Ended December 31      
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
Interest Revenue
                       
Loans and leases
  $ 517,013     $ 589,965     $ 668,813  
Deposits with other banks
    131       684       1,144  
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell
    74       288       3,687  
Held-to-maturity securities:
                       
Taxable
    46,957       58,679       68,142  
Tax-exempt
    8,852       8,112       8,256  
Available-for-sale securities:
                       
Taxable
    35,026       35,813       41,212  
Tax-exempt
    3,396       4,205       4,026  
Loans held for sale
    3,965       7,667       5,962  
 
                 
Total interest revenue
    615,414       705,413       801,242  
 
                 
Interest Expense Deposits:
                       
Interest bearing demand
    40,047       60,333       83,833  
Savings
    3,700       5,280       9,301  
Other time
    101,308       148,591       215,723  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase
    1,629       14,999       34,517  
FHLB borrowings
    11,597       22,458       21,871  
Junior subordinated debt
    11,630       12,469       13,067  
Other
    604       447       31  
 
                 
Total interest expense
    170,515       264,577       378,343  
 
                 
Net interest revenue
    444,899       440,836       422,899  
Provision for credit losses
    117,324       56,176       22,696  
 
                 
Net interest revenue, after provision for credit losses
    327,575       384,660       400,203  
 
                 
Noninterest Revenue
                       
Mortgage lending
    32,225       2,146       6,214  
Credit card, debit card and merchant fees
    34,244       33,743       29,836  
Service charges
    72,864       77,091       75,339  
Trust income
    9,698       9,330       10,154  
Securities (losses) gains, net
    (55 )     (5,849 )     121  
Insurance commissions
    80,937       86,661       71,182  
Other
    45,363       42,485       39,304  
 
                 
Total noninterest revenue
    275,276       245,607       232,150  
 
                 
Noninterest Expense
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    278,734       271,556       255,342  
Occupancy, net of rental income
    42,108       39,846       35,098  
Equipment
    23,508       25,211       24,214  
Deposit insurance assessments
    19,672       2,852       1,270  
Other
    125,995       116,448       112,485  
 
                 
Total noninterest expense
    490,017       455,913       428,409  
 
                 
Income before income taxes
    112,834       174,354       203,944  
Income tax expense
    30,105       53,943       66,001  
 
                 
Net Income
  $ 82,729     $ 120,411     $ 137,943  
 
                 
 
                       
Net Income Per Share: Basic
  $ 0.99     $ 1.46     $ 1.69  
 
                 
Diluted
  $ 0.99     $ 1.45     $ 1.69  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
BancorpSouth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
                                                 
                            Accumulated              
                            Other              
    Common Stock     Capital     Comprehensive     Retained        
    Shares     Amount     Surplus     Income (Loss)     Earnings     Total  
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Balance, December 31, 2006
    79,109,573     $ 197,774     $ 113,721     $ (24,742 )   $ 739,832     $ 1,026,585  
Net income
                            137,943       137,943  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of $7,863
                      12,698             12,698  
Change in pension funding status, net of tax effect of $2,992
                      4,830             4,830  
 
Comprehensive income
                                            155,471  
Business combinations
    3,313,848       8,284       77,897                   86,181  
Exercise of stock options
    572,739       1,432       8,991                   10,423  
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options
                1,556                   1,556  
Recognition of stock compensation
                1,742                   1,742  
Purchase of stock
    (696,863 )     (1,742 )     (5,287 )           (10,042 )     (17,071 )
Cash dividends declared, $0.83 per share
                            (68,261 )     (68,261 )
 
Balance, December 31, 2007
    82,299,297       205,748       198,620       (7,214 )     799,472       1,196,626  
Net income
                            120,411       120,411  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of $3,928
                      6,361             6,361  
Change in pension funding status, net of tax effect of ($16,132)
                      (26,043 )           (26,043 )
 
Comprehensive income
                                            100,729  
Business combinations
    13,717       34       260                   294  
Exercise of stock options
    802,978       2,007       13,646                   15,653  
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options
                2,269                   2,269  
Recognition of stock compensation
    4,108       11       460                   471  
Purchase of stock
    (15,000 )     (37 )                 (289 )     (326 )
Adjustment to reflect the change in accounting for split dollar life insurance (EITF 06-4)
                                    (3,573 )     (3,573 )
Cash dividends declared, $0.87 per share
                            (71,883 )     (71,883 )
 
Balance, December 31, 2008
    83,105,100       207,763       215,255       (26,896 )     844,138       1,240,260  
Net income
                                    82,729       82,729  
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of $4,389
                            7,057               7,057  
Change in pension funding status, net of tax effect of $7,080
                            11,430               11,430  
 
Comprehensive income
                                            101,216  
Exercise of stock options
    341,089       853       5,467                       6,320  
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options
                    500                       500  
Recognition of stock compensation
    4,107       10       1,325                       1,335  
Cash dividends declared, $0.88 per share
                                    (73,335 )     (73,335 )
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
    83,450,296     $ 208,626     $ 222,547     $ (8,409 )   $ 853,532     $ 1,276,296  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
BancorpSouth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                         
  Year Ended December 31  
    2009     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Operating Activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 82,729     $ 120,411     $ 137,943  
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Provision for credit losses
    117,324       56,176       22,696  
Depreciation and amortization
    30,797       29,752       27,950  
Deferred taxes
    (9,358 )     (1,735 )     15,552  
Amortization of intangibles
    4,957       5,927       5,074  
Amortization of debt securities premium and discount, net
    5,561       1,150       5,447  
Share-based compensation expense
    1,335       471       1,742  
Security losses (gains), net
    55       5,849       (121 )
Net deferred loan origination expense
    (9,813 )     (8,839 )     (8,040 )
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    (500 )     (2,269 )     (1,556 )
Decrease (increase) in interest receivable
    10,532       16,844       (2,843 )
Decrease in interest payable
    (1,167 )     (16,991 )     (915 )
Realized gain on student loans sold
    (3,690 )     (704 )     (2,315 )
Proceeds from student loans sold
    159,543       33,852       86,972  
Origination of student loans held for sale
    (33,407 )     (90,088 )     (102,798 )
Realized gain on mortgages sold
    (25,089 )     (11,227 )     (10,553 )
Proceeds from mortgages sold
    1,565,435       969,245       842,781  
Origination of mortgages held for sale
    (1,542,029 )     (962,968 )     (837,651 )
Increase in bank-owned life insurance
    (5,499 )     (7,170 )     (7,097 )
(Increase) decrease in prepaid pension asset
    (51,322 )     28,981       (41,951 )
(Increase) decrease in prepaid deposit insurance assessments
    (49,625 )     1,444       (14 )
Other, net
    33,256       (44,472 )     (16,660 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    280,025       123,639       113,643  
 
                 
Investing Activities:
                       
Proceeds from calls and maturities of held-to-maturity securities
    399,302       612,809       272,162  
Proceeds from calls and maturities of available-for-sale securities
    133,688       274,444       499,454  
Proceeds from sales of held-to-maturity securities
          30,145        
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
          827,310        
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities
    (99,282 )     (350,973 )     (175,682 )
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
    (105,027 )     (1,078,531 )     (424,880 )
Net decrease in short-term investments
                148,766  
Net increase in loans and leases
    (160,968 )     (567,296 )     (554,190 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (25,296 )     (64,881 )     (39,632 )
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
    3,399       2,857       2,441  
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (1,130 )     (10,607 )     (62,115 )
Other, net
    (65 )     (900 )     (1,362 )
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    144,621       (325,623 )     (335,038 )
 
                 
Financing Activities:
                       
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
    965,830       (352,227 )     (248,894 )
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt and other liabilities
    (1,420,072 )     377,614       453,538  
Redemption of junior subordinated debt securities
                (3,093 )
Advances of long-term debt
    30,000       200,000        
Repayment of long-term debt
    (41 )     (155 )     (13,144 )
Issuance of common stock
    6,320       15,653       10,423  
Repurchase of common stock
          (326 )     (17,071 )
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    500       2,269       1,556  
Payment of cash dividends
    (73,335 )     (71,883 )     (77,735 )
 
                 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (490,798 )     170,945       105,580  
 
                 
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (66,152 )     (31,039 )     (115,815 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
    304,597       335,636       451,451  
 
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
  $ 238,445     $ 304,597     $ 335,636  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
BancorpSouth, Inc. and Subsidiaries
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     The consolidated financial statements of BancorpSouth, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheets and revenues and expenses for the periods reported. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. The Company’s subsidiaries are engaged in the business of banking, insurance, brokerage and other activities closely related to banking. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to the regulations of certain federal and state regulatory agencies and undergo periodic examinations by those regulatory agencies. The following is a summary of the more significant accounting and reporting policies.
Principles of Consolidation
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, BancorpSouth Bank and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Bank”) and Risk Advantage, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash Flow Statements
     Cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks, including interest bearing deposits with other banks. The Company paid interest of $171.7 million, $281.6 million and $376.9 million and income taxes of $8.7 million, $44.7 million and $74.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Fair value of assets acquired during 2008 as a result of business combinations totaled $26.2 million, while liabilities assumed totaled $10.9 million. Fair value of assets acquired during 2007 as a result of business combinations totaled $959.2 million, while liabilities assumed totaled $789.2 million.
Securities
     Securities are classified as either held-to-maturity, trading or available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity securities are debt securities for which the Company has the ability and management has the intent to hold to maturity. They are reported at amortized cost. Trading securities are debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. They are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Available-for-sale securities are debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities. They are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported, net of tax, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Gains and losses on securities are determined on the identified certificate basis. Amortization of premium and accretion of discount are computed using the interest method.
     Securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. The term “other-than-temporary” is not intended to indicate a permanent decline in value. Rather, it means that the prospects for near term recovery of value are not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support fair values equal to, or greater than, the carrying value of the investment. Management reviews criteria such as the magnitude and duration of the decline, as well as the reasons for the decline, to predict whether the loss in value is other-than-temporary. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the impairment related to the credit loss and (b) the amount of the impairment related to all other factors. The value of the security is reduced by the other-than-temporary impairment with the amount of the impairment related to credit loss recognized as a charge to earnings and the amount of the impairment related to all other factors recognized in other comprehensive income.
Securities Purchased and Sold Under Agreements to Resell or Repurchase
     Securities purchased under agreements to resell are generally accounted for as short-term investments and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are generally accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at the amounts at which the securities were acquired or sold plus accrued interest. The securities pledged as collateral are generally U.S. government and federal agency securities.

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Loans and Leases
     Loans and leases are recorded at the face amount of the notes reduced by collections of principal. Loans and leases include net unamortized deferred origination costs and fees. Net deferred origination costs and fees are recognized as a component of income using the effective interest method. In the event of a loan pay-off, the remaining net deferred origination costs and fees are automatically recognized into income and/or expense. Where doubt exists as to the collectibility of the loans and leases, interest income is recorded as payment is received. Interest is recorded monthly as earned on all other loans.
     The Bank’s policy provides that loans and leases are generally placed in non-accrual status if, in management’s opinion, payment in full of principal or interest is not expected or payment of principal or interest is more than 90 days past due, unless the loan or lease is both well-secured and in the process of collection. Once placed in non-accrual status, all accrued but uncollected interest related to the current fiscal year is reversed against the appropriate interest and fee income on loans and leases account with any accrued but uncollected interest related to prior fiscal years reversed against the allowance for loan and lease losses account.
     In the normal course of business, management grants concessions to borrowers, which would not otherwise be considered where the borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. The primary restructuring methods offered to our clients are reductions in interest rates and extensions in terms. Loans which are determined to be troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) are placed in nonaccrual status. TDR loans may be returned to accrual status if there has been at least a six month sustained period of repayment performance by the borrower.
     In the normal course of business, management becomes aware of possible credit problems in which borrowers exhibit potential for the inability to comply with the contractual terms of their loans and leases, but which do not currently meet the criteria for disclosure as NPLs. Historically, some of these loans and leases are ultimately restructured or placed in non-accrual status.
     Any loan or portion thereof which is determined by management to be uncollectible because of factors such as the borrower’s failure to pay interest or principal, the borrower’s financial condition, economic conditions in the borrower’s industry or the inadequacy of underlying collateral, is charged off.
Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses
     The provision for credit losses charged to expense is an amount that, in the judgment of management, is necessary to maintain the allowance for credit losses at a level that is adequate based on estimated probable losses on the Company’s current portfolio of loans. Management’s judgment is based on a variety of factors that include the Company’s experience related to loan and lease balances, charge-offs and recoveries, scrutiny of individual loans and leases risk factors, results of regulatory agency reviews of loans and leases, and present economic conditions in the Company’s market area. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term are a necessary part of this process. Future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for credit losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
Loans Held for Sale
     Mortgages originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Estimated fair value is determined on the basis of existing commitments or the current market value of similar loans. Loan sales are recognized when the transaction closes, the proceeds are collected, ownership is transferred and, through the sales agreement, continuing involvement consists of the right to service the loan for a fee for the life of the loan, if applicable. Gains on the sale of loans held for sale are recorded as part of other noninterest revenue on the statement of income.
     Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) optional repurchase programs allow financial institutions to buy back individual delinquent mortgage loans that meet certain criteria from the securitized loan pool for which the institution provides servicing. At the servicer’s option and without GNMA’s prior authorization, the servicer may repurchase such a delinquent loan for an amount equal to 100 percent of the remaining principal balance of the loan. Under FASB ASC 860 this buy-back option is considered a conditional option until the delinquency criteria are met, at which time the option becomes unconditional. When the Company is deemed to have regained effective control over these loans under the unconditional buy-back option, the loans can no longer be reported as sold and must be brought back onto the balance sheet as loans held for sale, regardless of whether the Company intends to exercise the buy-back option. These loans are reported as held for sale in accordance with

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generally accepted accounting principles with the offsetting liability being reported as other liabilities. At December 31, 2009, the amount of loans subject to buy back was $18.3 million.
Premises and Equipment
     Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Provisions for depreciation and amortization, computed using straight-line methods, are charged to expense over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Other Real Estate Owned
     Real estate acquired in settlement of loans is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs. Fair value is based on independent appraisals and other relevant factors. At the time of acquisition, any excess of cost over fair value is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Gains and losses realized on sales are included in other noninterest expense. Other real estate owned is included in the other assets category of the consolidated balance sheet and totaled $59.3 million and $46.3 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
     Goodwill represents costs in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in connection with purchase business combinations. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. Goodwill and other intangible assets are reviewed annually within the fourth quarter for possible impairment, or sooner if a goodwill impairment indicator is identified. If impaired, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. No impairment charges have been recognized through December 31, 2009.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
     The Company recognizes as assets the rights to service mortgage loans for others, known as MSRs. The Company records MSRs at fair value on a recurring basis with subsequent remeasurement of MSRs based on change in fair value in accordance with FASB ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing. An estimate of the fair value of the Company’s MSRs is determined utilizing assumptions about factors such as mortgage interest rates, discount rates, mortgage loan prepayment speeds, market trends and industry demand. Because the valuation is determined by using discounted cash flow models, the primary risk inherent in valuing the MSRs is the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the estimated life of the servicing revenue stream. The use of different estimates or assumptions could also produce different fair values. The Company does not hedge the change in fair value of MSRs and, therefore, the Company is susceptible to significant fluctuations in the fair value of its MSRs in changing interest rate environments. MSRs are included in the other assets category of the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of MSRs are recorded as part of mortgage lending noninterest revenue on the consolidated statement of income.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits Accounting
     The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension plans using an actuarial model as required by FASB ASC 715. This model uses an approach that allocates pension costs over the service period of employees in the plan. The Company also accounts for its other postretirement benefits using the requirements of FASB ASC 715. FASB ASC 715 requires the Company to recognize net periodic postretirement benefit costs as employees render the services necessary to earn their postretirement benefits. The principle underlying the accounting as required by FASB ASC 715 is that employees render service ratably over the service period and, therefore, the income statement effects of the Company’s defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans should follow the same pattern. The Company accounts for the over-funded or under-funded status of its defined benefit and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability in its consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income, as required by FASB ASC 715.

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     The discount rate is the rate used to determine the present value of the Company’s future benefit obligations for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company determines the discount rate to be used to discount plan liabilities at the measurement date with the assistance of our actuary using the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. The Company developed a level equivalent yield using the expected cash flows from the BancorpSouth, Inc. Retirement Plan (the “Basic Plan”), the BancorpSouth, Inc. Restoration Plan (the “Restoration Plan”) and the BancorpSouth, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “Supplemental Plan”) and the December 31, 2009 Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. The Citigroup Pension Discount Curve is published on the Society of Actuaries website along with a background paper on this interest rate curve. Based on this analysis, the Company established its discount rate assumptions for determination of the projected benefit obligation at 6.00% for the Basic Plan, 5.85% for the Restoration Plan, and 5.35% for the Supplemental Plan based on a December 31, 2009 measurement date.
Stock-Based Compensation
     At December 31, 2009, the Company had three stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 15, Stock Incentive and Stock Option Plans. The Company adopted FASB ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC 718”) on January 1, 2006. As a result, the Company recognized compensation costs for unvested awards granted before the adoption of FASB ASC 718 of approximately $2,000 and $7,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company recognized compensation costs for unvested awards of approximately $1.7 million, $1.1 million and $786,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. See Note 15, Stock Incentive and Stock Option Plans, for further disclosures regarding stock-based compensation.
Derivative Instruments
     The derivative instruments held by the Company include commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers and forward commitments to sell individual, fixed-rate mortgage loans. The Company’s objective in obtaining the forward commitments is to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with the commitments to fund the fixed-rate mortgage loans. Both the commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans and the forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans are reported at fair value, with adjustments being recorded in current period earnings, and are not accounted for as hedges.
     The Company also enters into derivative financial instruments to meet the financing, interest rate and equity risk management needs of its customers. Upon entering into these instruments to meet customer needs, the Company enters into offsetting positions to minimize interest rate and equity risk to the Company. These derivative financial instruments are reported at fair value with any resulting gain or loss recorded in current period earnings. These instruments and their offsetting positions are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2009, the notional amount of customer related derivative financial instruments was $483.4 million with an average maturity of 83 months, an average interest receive rate of 2.6% and an average interest pay rate of 6.1%.
Income Taxes
     Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Insurance Commissions
     Commission income is recorded as of the effective date of insurance coverage or the billing date, whichever is later. Contingent commissions and commissions on premiums billed and collected directly by insurance companies are recorded as revenue when received, which is our first notification of amounts earned. The income effects of subsequent premium and fee adjustments are recorded when the adjustments become known.
Recent Pronouncements
          Effective September 30, 2009, the Company adopted the new FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”). The Codification became the primary source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in

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conformity with U.S. GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Committee (the “SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification does not change or alter existing U.S. GAAP and the adoption of the Codification has had no impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. The Company plans to leave out specific references to the codification in an effort to simplify the financial statements.
     On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements. This new accounting standard requires employers to recognize a liability for future benefits provided through endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements that extend into postretirement periods in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Entities recognized the effects of applying this new accounting standard through either (a) a change in accounting principle through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings or to other components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the year of adoption or (b) a change in accounting principle through retrospective application to all prior periods. The adoption of this new accounting standard resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings by $3.6 million at January 1, 2008.
     On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding fair value options for financial assets and financial liabilities. This new accounting standard permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company did not elect the fair value option in regards to items not previously recorded at fair value. Therefore, the adoption of this new accounting standard has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
     On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding written loan commitments recorded at fair value through earnings. This new accounting standard rescinds prior prohibitions on inclusion of expected net future cash flows related to loan servicing activities in the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment. The new accounting standard applies to any loan commitment for which fair value accounting is elected. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding written loan commitments recorded at fair value through earnings has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
     On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding fair value measurements. This new accounting standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with U.S. GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding fair value measurements has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
     On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding business combinations. This new accounting standard expands the definition of transactions and events that qualify as business combinations; requires that the acquired assets and liabilities, including contingencies and loans, be recorded at fair value determined on the acquisition date; changes the recognition timing for restructuring costs; and requires the expensing of acquisition costs as incurred. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding business combinations has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
     On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements. This new accounting standard requires that acquired assets and liabilities be measured at full fair value without consideration to ownership percentage. Any non-controlling interests in an acquiree should be presented as a separate component of equity rather than on a mezzanine level. Additionally, this new accounting standard provides that net income or loss should be reported in the consolidated income statement at its consolidated amount, with disclosure on the face of the consolidated income statement of the amount of consolidated net income which is attributable to the parent and non-controlling interest, respectively. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements has had no impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. The Company does not have any non-controlling interests as it wholly owns all of its subsidiaries.
     On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. This new accounting standard changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring entities to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under an existing standard regarding derivative instruments and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. This new accounting standard regarding disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities has impacted disclosures only and has not had an impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. All required disclosures are contained herein.

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     In April 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding the determination of fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and identifying transactions that are not orderly. This new accounting standard provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities in an environment where the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and re-emphasizes that the objective of a fair value measurement remains an exit price. The adoption of this new accounting standard did not have an impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
     In April 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairment which amends existing guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairment on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. The new accounting standard did not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. There was no initial effect of adoption of this new accounting standard regarding recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairment on the financial position or results of operations of the Company because all previously taken impairment was deemed to be credit related.
     Effective June 30, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard regarding subsequent events. This new accounting standard establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. The Company has evaluated any subsequent events through the date of this filing. The Company does not believe there are any material subsequent events which would require further disclosure. The adoption of this new accounting standard regarding subsequent events has had no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
     In December 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard related to the disclosures of plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan which provides guidance on additional disclosures about plan assets. The adoption of this new accounting standard has impacted disclosures only and has not had an impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
     In June 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard regarding accounting for transfers of financial assets. This new accounting standard eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures in order to enhance information reported to users of financial statements by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and an entity’s continuing involvement in and exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. This new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company believes that the adoption of this new accounting standard regarding accounting for transfers of financial assets will have no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
     In June 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard regarding consolidation of variable interest entities. This new accounting standard amends existing accounting literature regarding consolidation of variable interest entities to improve financial reporting by enterprises involved with variable interest entities and to provide more relevant and reliable information to users of financial statements. This new accounting standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The Company believes that the adoption of this new accounting standard regarding consolidation of variable interest entities will have no material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
(2) BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
     On March 1, 2007, City Bancorp, a bank holding company with approximately $850 million in assets headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, merged with and into the Company. As a result of the merger, City Bancorp’s subsidiary, The Signature Bank, became a subsidiary of the Company. Effective July 1, 2007, The Signature Bank merged with and into BancorpSouth Bank. Consideration paid to complete this transaction consisted of 3,327,564 shares of the Company’s common stock in addition to cash paid to City Bancorp’s shareholders in the aggregate amount of approximately $83.8 million. The consideration has been adjusted to reflect the additional amount paid as a result of the settlement of a contingency during the first quarter of 2008. In addition, all outstanding City Bancorp stock options were converted into stock options to purchase 272,834 shares of the Company’s common stock. This transaction was accounted for as a purchase. This acquisition was not material to the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

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     During the first quarter of 2008, the Company had two insignificant insurance agency acquisitions. An insurance agency, headquartered in Nacogdoches, Texas, and an insurance broker in Springfield, Missouri were acquired on January 1, 2008.
(3) HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES
     A comparison of amortized cost and estimated fair values of held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 follows:
                                 
    2009  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
    (In thousands)  
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 798,660     $ 39,685     $     $ 838,345  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    234,162       6,238       670       239,730  
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,032,822     $ 45,923     $ 670     $ 1,078,075  
 
                       
                                 
    2008  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
    (In thousands)  
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 1,079,431     $ 59,252     $     $ 1,138,683  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    254,090       3,426       3,994       253,522  
 
                       
Total
  $ 1,333,521     $ 62,678     $ 3,994     $ 1,392,205  
 
                       
     Gross gains of approximately $113,000 and gross losses of approximately $2,000 were recognized in 2009, gross gains of approximately $284,000 and gross losses of approximately $5,000 were recognized in 2008 and gross gains of approximately $105,000 and gross losses of approximately $6,000 were recognized in 2007 on held-to-maturity securities. These gains and losses were generally the result of held-to-maturity securities being called prior to maturity. Included in the amounts for 2008, however, is a gross gain of approximately $142,000 related to the sale of held-to-maturity securities with an amortized cost of $30.0 million. These securities were sold because the maturity date was within 90 days of the sale date. The sale of these securities occurred so near maturity that management believed changes in interest rates would not have a significant impact on fair value, therefore, not altering management’s intent regarding the held-to-maturity portfolio.
     Held-to-maturity securities with a carrying value of $834.9 million at December 31, 2009 were pledged to secure public and trust funds on deposit and for other purposes. Included in held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2009 were securities with a carrying value of $126.4 million issued by political subdivision within the State of Mississippi and securities with a carrying value of $70.8 million issued by political subdivision within the State of Arkansas.
     The amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2009 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

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    2009  
            Estimated  
    Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value  
    (In thousands)  
Maturing in one year or less
  $ 391,833     $ 400,350  
Maturing after one year through five years
    409,504       438,965  
Maturing after five years through ten years
    109,038       113,614  
Maturing after ten years
    122,447       125,146  
 
           
Total
  $ 1,032,822     $ 1,078,075  
 
           
     A summary of temporarily impaired held-to-maturity investments with continuous unrealized loss positions at December 31, 2009 follows:
                                                 
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (In thousands)  
U.S. Government agencies
  $     $     $     $     $     $  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    20,322       332       9,327       338       29,649       670  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 20,322     $ 332     $ 9,327     $ 338     $ 29,649     $ 670  
 
                                   
     Based upon review of the credit quality of these securities, and considering that the issuers were in compliance with the terms of the securities, the Company had no intent to sell these securities, and it was more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell the securities prior to recovery of costs, the impairments related to these securities were determined to be temporary. No other-than-temporary impairment was recorded during 2009 on held-to-maturity securities.
(4) AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
     A comparison of amortized cost and estimated fair values of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 follows:
                                 
    2009
          Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
    (In thousands)  
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 493,970     $ 18,325     $ 207     $ 512,088  
Government agency issued residential mortgage-backed securities
    282,634       9,906       122       292,418  
Government agency issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
    18,229       693       85       18,837  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    109,751       1,589       502       110,838  
Collateralized debt obligations
    2,125                   2,125  
Other
    23,967       500       1       24,466  
 
                       
Total
  $ 930,676     $ 31,013     $ 917     $ 960,772  
 
                       

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    2008  
            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
    (In thousands)  
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 496,665     $ 19,616     $     $ 516,281  
Government agency issued residential mortgage-backed securities
    319,996       1,933       2,754       319,175  
Government agency issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
    18,534       296       277       18,553  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    83,102       714       1,277       82,539  
Collateralized debt obligations
    2,375                   2,375  
Other
    43,538       407       9       43,936  
 
                       
Total
  $ 964,210     $ 22,966     $ 4,317     $ 982,859  
 
                       
     Gross gains of approximately $84,000 and gross losses of approximately $250,000 were recognized in 2009, gross gains of $2.5 million and gross losses of $8.6 million were recognized in 2008 and gross gains of approximately $22,000 were recognized in 2007 on available-for-sale securities. The gross losses of approximately $250,000 in 2009 and $8.6 million in 2008 were the result of the other-than-temporary impairment charge related to credit losses on the Company’s investment in pooled trust preferred securities. The fair value of these securities was negatively impacted by current market conditions. Subsequent to the $250,000 and $8.6 million other-than-temporary charge, the securities had a remaining book value of $2.1 million.
     Available-for-sale securities with a carrying value of $806.2 million at December 31, 2009 were pledged to secure public and trust funds on deposit and for other purposes. Included in available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2009, were securities with a carrying value of $53.3 million issued by political subdivision within the State of Mississippi and securities with a carrying value of $47.3 million issued by political subdivision within the State of Arkansas.
     The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2009 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Equity securities are considered as maturing after ten years.
                 
    2009  
            Estimated  
    Amortized     Fair  
    Cost     Value  
    (In thousands)  
Maturing in one year or less
  $ 167,210     $ 170,486  
Maturing after one year through five years
    431,088       452,314  
Maturing after five years through ten years
    129,388       130,844  
Maturing after ten years
    202,990       207,128  
 
           
Total
  $ 930,676     $ 960,772  
 
           
     A summary of temporarily impaired available-for-sale investments with continuous unrealized loss positions at December 31, 2009 follows:

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    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer     Total  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (In thousands)  
U.S. Government agencies
  $ 48,881     $ 207     $     $     $ 48,881     $ 207  
Government agency issued residential mortgage-backed securities
    6,320       122                   6,320       122  
Government agency issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
    1,384       19       2,598       66       3,982       85  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    36,704       297       2,459       205       39,163       502  
Other
                5       1       5       1  
 
                                   
Total
  $ 93,289     $ 645     $ 5,062     $ 272     $ 98,351     $ 917  
 
                                   
Based upon review of the credit quality of these securities, and considering that the issuers were in compliance with the terms of the securities, the Company had no intent to sell these securities and it was more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell the securities prior to recovery of costs, the impairments related to these securities were determined to be temporary. During 2009, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $250,000 related to credit losses on the Company’s investment in pooled trust preferred securities.
(5) LOANS AND LEASES
     A summary of loans and leases classified by type at December 31, 2009 and 2008 follows:
                 
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Commercial and agricultural
  $ 1,484,011     $ 1,433,690  
Real estate
               
Consumer mortgage
    2,017,067       2,096,568  
Home equity
    550,085       511,480  
Agricultural
    262,069       234,024  
Commercial and industrial-owner occupied
    1,449,554       1,465,027  
Construction, acquisition and development
    1,459,503       1,689,719  
Commercial
    1,806,766       1,568,956  
Credit Cards
    108,086       93,650  
All other
    685,845       647,753  
 
           
Total
  $ 9,822,986     $ 9,740,867  
 
           
     The Company does not have any loan concentrations other than those reflected in the preceding table, which exceed 10% of total loans. At December 31, 2009, the Company’s geographic loan distribution was concentrated primarily in its Mississippi market.
     A substantial portion of construction, acquisition and development loans are secured by real estate in markets in which the Company is located. These loans are often structured with interest reserves to fund interest costs during the construction and development period. Additionally, certain loans are structured with interest only terms. A portion of the consumer mortgage and commercial real estate portfolios originated through the permanent financing of construction, acquisition and development loans. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of these loans and the recovery of a substantial portion of the carrying amount of other real estate owned, are susceptible to changes in market conditions in these areas.
     NPLs consist of non-accrual loans and leases, loans and leases 90 days or more past due, still accruing, and loans and leases that have been restructured (primarily in the form of reduced interest rates) because of the borrower’s weakened financial condition. The aggregate principal balance of non-accrual loans and leases was $144.0 million and $28.2 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Loans and leases 90 days or more past due, still accruing, totaled $36.3 million and $33.4 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Restructured loans and leases, excluding those included in the non-accrual or past due category, totaled $6.2 million

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and $2.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2009, the Company’s geographic NPL distribution was concentrated primarily in its Alabama and Tennessee markets, including the greater Memphis, Tennessee area, a portion of which is in Northwest Mississippi.
     The total amount of interest earned on NPLs was approximately $4.1 million, $495,000 and $385,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The gross interest income which would have been recorded under the original terms of those loans and leases amounted to approximately $8.4 million, $1.8 million and $964,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     Loans considered impaired under FASB ASC 310 are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement and include TDRs. The Company’s recorded investment in loans considered impaired at December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $128.5 million and $25.5 million, respectively, with recorded valuation allowances of $22.7 million and $9.1 million, respectively. Impaired loans that were characterized as TDRs totaled $72.6 million and $16.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 2009 and 2008 was $64.6 million and $22.9 million, respectively.
     At December 31, 2009, other real estate owned which had been acquired, usually through foreclosure, from borrowers totaled $59.3 million compared to $46.3 million at December 31, 2008. Substantially all of these amounts relate to one-to-four family residential properties and development projects that were either completed or were in various states of construction. The Company incurred total foreclosed property expenses of $13.6 million, $4.9 million and $1.2 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Realized net losses on dispositions and holding losses on valuations of these properties, a component of total foreclosed property expenses, were $10.8 million, $3.2 million and approximately $351,000 in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(6) ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
     The following summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 132,793     $ 115,197     $ 98,834  
Provision charged to expense
    117,324       56,176       22,696  
Recoveries
    4,139       3,913       4,355  
Loans and leases charged off
    (78,213 )     (42,067 )     (16,841 )
Other, net
          (426 )     6,153  
 
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 176,043     $ 132,793     $ 115,197  
 
                 
(7) PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
     A summary by asset classification at December 31, 2009 and 2008 follows:
                         
    Estimated              
    Useful Life              
    (Years)     2009     2008  
            (In thousands)  
Land
    N/A     $ 74,593     $ 73,529  
Buildings and improvements
    10-40       300,003       285,691  
Leasehold improvements
    10-39       10,001       11,156  
Equipment, furniture and fixtures
    3-12       259,572       258,509  
Construction in progress
    N/A       7,617       11,536  
 
                   
Subtotal
            651,786       640,421  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
            307,909       289,217  
 
                   
Premises and equipment, net
          $ 343,877     $ 351,204  
 
                   

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(8) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
     The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                         
    2009  
    Community     Insurance        
    Banking     Agencies     Total  
    (In thousands)  
Balance as of January 1, 2009
  $ 217,618     $ 51,348     $ 268,966  
Goodwill recorded during the year
          1,131       1,131  
     
Balance as of December 31, 2009
  $ 217,618     $ 52,479     $ 270,097  
     
                         
    2008  
    Community     Insurance        
    Banking     Agencies     Total  
    (In thousands)  
Balance as of January 1, 2008
  $ 214,780     $ 40,109     $ 254,889  
Goodwill recorded during the year
    673       11,239       11,912  
Purchase accounting adjustments
    2,165             2,165  
     
Balance as of December 31, 2008
  $ 217,618     $ 51,348     $ 268,966  
     
     The Insurance Agency goodwill recorded during the year is related to an earn out payment associated with an insignificant insurance agency acquired during the first quarter of 2008. The Community Banking goodwill acquired during 2008 is related to the acquisition of City Bancorp and the additional purchase price paid as a result of the settlement of a contingency during the first quarter of 2008. Also, an adjustment was made in the first quarter of 2008 to the allocation of the purchase price in conjunction with the acquisition of City Bancorp that related to a loan acquired which was subsequently determined to be unsubstantiated.
     The Company’s annual goodwill impairment evaluation for 2009 and 2008 indicated no impairment of goodwill for its reporting units. The Company will continue to test reporting unit goodwill for potential impairment on an annual basis in the Company’s fourth quarter, or sooner if a goodwill impairment indicator is identified.
     The following table presents information regarding the components of the Company’s identifiable intangible assets included in the other assets category on the consolidated balance sheet for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

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    Year ended     Year ended  
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    Gross Carrying     Accumulated     Gross Carrying     Accumulated  
    Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
    (In thousands)  
Amortized intangible assets:
                               
Core deposit intangibles
  $ 27,801     $ 18,408     $ 27,801     $ 16,607  
Customer relationship intangibles
    32,511       19,060       32,186       16,064  
Non-solicitation intangibles
    600       600       600       440  
 
                       
Total
  $ 60,912     $ 38,068     $ 60,587     $ 33,111  
 
                       
 
                               
Unamortized intangible assets:
                               
Trade names
  $ 688     $     $ 688     $  
                 
    Year ended  
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Aggregate amortization expense for:
               
Core deposit intangibles
  $ 1,801     $ 2,159  
Customer relationship intangibles
    2,996       3,528  
Non-solicitation intangibles
    160       240  
 
           
Total
  $ 4,957     $ 5,927  
 
           
     The following table presents information regarding estimated amortization expense of the Company’s amortizable identifiable intangible assets for the year ending December 31, 2010, and the succeeding four years:
                         
    Core     Customer        
    Deposit     Relationship        
    Intangibles     Intangibles     Total  
    (In thousands)          
Estimated amortization expense:
                       
For the year ending December 31, 2010
  $ 1,308     $ 2,601     $ 3,909  
For the year ending December 31, 2011
    1,016       2,223       3,239  
For the year ending December 31, 2012
    946       1,905       2,851  
For the year ending December 31, 2013
    582       1,632       2,214  
For the year ending December 31, 2014
    526       1,398       1,924  
(9) TIME DEPOSITS AND SHORT-TERM DEBT
     Certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more amounting to $1.8 billion and $1.5 billion were outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Total interest expense relating to certificate and other time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled $55.5 million, $66.4 million and $106.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     For time deposits with a remaining maturity of more than one year at December 31, 2009, the aggregate amount of maturities for the following five years is presented in the following table:

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Maturing in   Amount  
    (In thousands)  
2011
  $ 615,376  
2012
    289,792  
2013
    113,771  
2014
    246,778  
2015
    1,110  
Thereafter
    315  
 
     
Total
  $ 1,267,142  
 
     
     Presented below is information relating to short-term debt for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                                         
    2009  
                                    Maximum  
    End of Period     Daily Average     Outstanding  
            Interest             Interest     at any  
    Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Month End  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Federal funds purchased
  $       %   $ 163,860       0.20 %   $ 558,000  
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
    539,870       0.21       695,381       0.19       816,374  
Federal Reserve discount window borrowings
                240,268       0.24       450,000  
Short-term FHLB advances
    203,500       3.13       75,684       0.19       203,500  
 
                                 
Total
  $ 743,370             $ 1,175,193             $ 2,027,874  
 
                                 
                                         
    2008  
                                    Maximum  
    End of Period     Daily Average     Outstanding  
            Interest             Interest     at any  
    Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Month End  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Federal funds purchased
  $ 350,000       0.13 %   $ 183,823       1.13 %   $ 755,000  
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
    855,366       0.19       896,660       1.44       1,074,963  
Federal Reserve discount window borrowings
    250,000       0.28       19,310       1.05       250,000  
Short-term FHLB advances
    441,510       0.07       465,027       2.45       975,000  
 
                                 
Total
  $ 1,896,876             $ 1,564,820             $ 3,054,963  
 
                                 
                                         
    2007  
                                    Maximum  
    End of Period     Daily Average     Outstanding  
            Interest             Interest     at any  
    Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Month End  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Federal funds purchased
  $ 200       2.81 %   $ 39,558       5.31 %   $ 185,281  
Flexible repurchase agreements purchased
                4,149       4.16       8,581  
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
    809,698       3.42       737,861       4.37       912,691  
Short-term FHLB advances
    706,586       2.88       279,125       4.93       706,586  
 
                                 
Total
  $ 1,516,484             $ 1,060,693             $ 1,813,139  
 
                                 
     Federal funds purchased generally mature the day following the date of purchase while securities sold under repurchase agreements generally mature within 30 days from the date of sale. Federal Reserve discount window borrowings generally mature within 90 days following the date of purchase and short-term FHLB

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borrowings generally mature within 30 days following the date of purchase. At December 31, 2009, the Bank had established non-binding federal funds borrowing lines of credit with other banks aggregating $1.4 billion.
(10) LONG-TERM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK BORROWINGS
     The Bank has entered into a blanket floating lien security agreement with the FHLB of Dallas. Under the terms of this agreement, the Bank is required to maintain sufficient collateral to secure borrowings in an aggregate amount of the lesser of 75% of the book value (i.e., unpaid principal balance) of the Bank’s eligible mortgage loans pledged as collateral or 35% of the Bank’s assets. At December 31, 2009, there were no call features on long-term FHLB borrowings.
     At December 31, 2009, the following FHLB fixed term advances were repayable as follows:
                 
Final due date   Interest rate     Amount  
            (In thousands)  
2011
    5.28%-6.93 %   $ 2,771  
2012
    4.71 %     1,500  
2013
    5.95 %     50,000  
2014
    N/A        
Thereafter
    4.08%-5.99 %     58,500  
 
             
Total
          $ 112,771  
 
             
 
(11)   JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
     In 2002, the Company issued $128.9 million in 8.15% Junior Subordinated Debt Securities to BancorpSouth Capital Trust I (the “Trust”), a business trust. The Trust used the proceeds from the issuance of five million shares of 8.15% trust preferred securities, $25 face value per share, to acquire the 8.15% Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. Both the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities mature on January 28, 2032, and are callable at the option of the Company.
     Pursuant to the merger with Business Holding Corporation on December 31, 2004, the Company assumed the liability for $6.2 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities issued to Business Holding Company Trust I, a statutory trust. Business Holding Company Trust I used the proceeds from the issuance of 6,000 shares of trust preferred securities to acquire the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. Both the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities mature on April 7, 2034, and are callable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on any January 7, April 7, July 7 or October 7 on or after April 7, 2009. The Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities pay a per annum rate of interest, reset quarterly, equal to the three month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.80% from January 30, 2004 to April 7, 2009 and thereafter at LIBOR plus 2.85%.
     Pursuant to the merger with Premier Bancorp, Inc. on December 31, 2004, the Company assumed the liability for $3.1 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities issued to Premier Bancorp Capital Trust I, a statutory trust. Premier Bancorp Capital Trust I used the proceeds from the issuance of 3,000 shares of trust preferred securities to acquire the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. Both the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities were scheduled to mature on November 7, 2032. The Company redeemed the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the related trust preferred securities at par on November 7, 2007.
     Pursuant to the merger with American State Bank Corporation on December 1, 2005, the Company assumed the liability for $6.7 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities issued to American State Capital Trust I, a statutory trust. American State Capital Trust I used the proceeds from the issuance of 6,500 shares of trust preferred securities to acquire the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. Both the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities mature on April 7, 2034, and are callable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on July 7, October 7, January 7 or April 7 on or after April 7, 2009. The Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities pay a per annum rate of interest, reset quarterly, equal to the three month LIBOR plus 2.80%.
Pursuant to the merger with City Bancorp on March 1, 2007, the Company assumed the liability for $8.2 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities issued to Signature Bancshares Preferred Trust I, a statutory trust. Signature Bancshares Preferred Trust I used the proceeds from the issuance of 8,000 shares of trust preferred securities to acquire the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. Both the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the

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trust preferred securities mature on October 8, 2033, and are callable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on any January 8, April 8, July 8 or October 8 on or after October 8, 2008. The Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities pay a per annum rate of interest, reset quarterly, equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 3.00%.
     Pursuant to the merger with City Bancorp on March 1, 2007, the Company also assumed the liability for $10.3 million in Junior Subordinated Debt Securities issued to City Bancorp Preferred Trust I, a statutory trust. City Bancorp Preferred Trust I used the proceeds from the issuance of 10,000 shares of trust preferred securities to acquire the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities. Both the Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities mature on March 15, 2035, and are callable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on any March 15, June 15, September 15, or December 15 on or after March 15, 2010. The Junior Subordinated Debt Securities and the trust preferred securities pay a per annum rate of interest, reset quarterly, equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 2.2%.
(12) INCOME TAXES
     Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were allocated as follows:
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Income tax expense
  $ 30,105     $ 53,943     $ 66,001  
Shareholders’ equity for other comprehensive income
    11,469       (12,204 )     10,855  
Shareholders’ equity for stock option plans
    (500 )     (2,269 )     (1,556 )
 
                 
Total
  $ 41,074     $ 39,470     $ 75,300  
 
                 
     The components of income tax expense attributable to operations were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Current:
                       
Federal
  $ 35,936     $ 50,320     $ 45,732  
State
    3,527       5,358       4,717  
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    (8,302 )     (1,508 )     13,519  
State
    (1,056 )     (227 )     2,033  
 
                 
Total
  $ 30,105     $ 53,943     $ 66,001  
 
                 
     Income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes due to the following:
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Tax expense at statutory rates
  $ 39,492     $ 61,024     $ 71,381  
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
                       
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
    1,606       3,335       4,387  
Tax-exempt interest revenue
    (6,105 )     (5,978 )     (5,786 )
Tax-exempt earnings on life insurance
    (2,970 )     (2,515 )     (2,427 )
Deductible dividends paid on 401(k) plan
    (1,875 )     (1,911 )     (1,873 )
Other, net
    (43 )     (12 )     319  
 
                 
Total
  $ 30,105     $ 53,943     $ 66,001  
 
                 
     The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

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    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Deferred tax assets:
               
Loans, principally due to allowance for credit losses
  $ 83,769     $ 64,745  
Accrued liabilities, principally due to compensation arrangements and vacation accruals
    17,986       12,613  
Net operating loss carryforwards
          70  
Unrealized pension expense
    16,718       23,798  
 
           
Total gross deferred tax assets
    118,473       101,226  
Less: valuation allowance
           
 
           
Deferred tax assets
  $ 118,473     $ 101,226  
 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Premises and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation and lease transactions
  $ 57,655     $ 56,652  
Other assets, principally due to expense recognition
    50,313       41,995  
Investments, principally due to interest income recognition
    8,298       7,997  
Mortgage servicing rights
    24,359       19,012  
Unrealized net losses on available-for-sale securities
    11,515       7,126  
 
           
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
    152,140       132,782  
 
           
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (33,667 )   $ (31,556 )
 
           
     Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences existing at December 31, 2009.
     The following table presents the activity in unrecognized tax benefits for 2009 and 2008:
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands)  
Unrecognized tax benefit, January 1
  $ 355     $ 355     $ 355  
Gross increases — tax positions in prior period
                 
Gross decreases — tax positions in prior period
                 
Gross increases — tax positions in current period
                 
Settlements
                 
Lapse of statute of limitations
                 
 
                 
Unrecognized tax benefit, December 31
  $ 355     $ 355     $ 355  
 
                 
     Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009, were approximately $355,000 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.
     The Company recognizes accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as a component of other noninterest expense. The Company accrued interest related to the uncertain tax benefits noted above of approximately $28,000 during 2009, interest of approximately $28,000 in 2008, interest of approximately $106,000 and penalties of approximately $88,000 in 2007, and in total, as of December 31, 2009, has recognized a liability for interest of approximately $162,000 and penalties of approximately $88,000.
     The Company does not expect that unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months.
     The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states and local jurisdictions. The tax years that remain open for examination for the Company’s major jurisdictions of the United States — Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Missouri — are 2006, 2007 and 2008. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to United States federal, state or local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2006.
(13) PENSION, OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS
     The Basic Plan is a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan managed by a trustee covering substantially all full-time employees who have at least one year of service, have attained the age of 21 and were

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hired prior to January 1, 2006. Benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute to the Basic Plan the amount that meets the minimum funding requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, plus such additional amounts as the Company determines to be appropriate. The difference between the plan assets and projected benefit obligation is included in other assets or other liabilities, as appropriate. Actuarial assumptions are evaluated periodically.
     The Restoration Plan provides for the payment of retirement benefits to certain participants in the Basic Plan. The Restoration Plan is a non-qualified plan that covers any employee whose benefit under the Basic Plan is limited by the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and any employee who elects to participate in the BancorpSouth, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, which reduces the employee’s benefit under the Basic Plan. The Supplemental Plan is a non-qualified defined benefit supplemental retirement plan for certain key employees. Benefits commence when the employee retires and are payable over a period of ten years.
     The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and other benefit plans.
     A summary of the three defined benefit retirement plans at and for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 follows:
                         
        Pension Benefits      
    2009     2008     2007  
        (In thousands)      
Change in benefit obligation:
                       
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 120,050     $ 109,473     $ 107,226  
Service cost
    7,127       7,146       7,835  
Interest cost
    7,019       6,693       6,129  
Amendments
    330              
Actuarial loss (gain)
    4,882       859       (7,475 )
Benefits paid
    (4,516 )     (4,121 )     (4,242 )
 
                 
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 134,892     $ 120,050     $ 109,473  
 
                 
Change in plan assets:
                       
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 116,136     $ 135,425     $ 92,043  
Actual return(loss) on assets
    29,740       (31,386 )     7,495  
Employer contributions
    38,857       16,218       40,128  
Benefits paid
    (4,516 )     (4,121 )     (4,242 )
 
                 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 180,217     $ 116,136     $ 135,424  
 
                 
Funded status:
                       
Projected benefit obligation
  $ (134,892 )   $ (120,050 )   $ (109,473 )
Fair value of plan assets
    180,217       116,136       135,424  
Unrecognized transition amount
                 
Unrecognized prior service cost
                 
Unrecognized actuarial loss
                 
 
                 
Net amount recognized
  $ 45,325     $ (3,914 )   $ 25,951  
 
                 
     Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consisted of:
                         
    Pension Benefits  
    2009     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Prepaid benefit cost
  $ 105,900     $ 73,375     $ 58,999  
Accrued benefit liability
    (16,868 )     (15,073 )     (13,006 )
Intangible asset
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income adjustment
    (43,707 )     (62,216 )     (20,042 )
 
                 
Net amount recognized
  $ 45,325     $ (3,914 )   $ 25,951  
 
                 
     Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of:

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    Year ended December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)          
Net transition obligation
  $ 92     $ 110  
Net prior service cost
    1,963       1,975  
Net actuarial loss
    41,652       60,131  
 
           
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 43,707     $ 62,216  
 
           
     The net transition obligation, net prior service cost and net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are approximately $18,000, $341,000 and $2,176,000, respectively.
     The components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
                         
            Pension Benefits        
    2009     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 7,127     $ 7,146     $ 7,835  
Interest cost
    7,019       6,693       6,129  
Expected return on assets
    (10,698 )     (10,715 )     (9,122 )
Amortization of unrecognized transition amount
    18       18       18  
Recognized prior service cost
    342       267       256  
Recognized net loss
    4,320       499       1,700  
 
                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 8,128     $ 3,908     $ 6,816  
 
                 
     The weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
                                                 
    Basic Plan     Restoration Plan     Supplemental Plan  
    2009     2008     2009     2008     2009     2008  
Discount rate
    6.00 %     6.25 %     5.85 %     6.50 %     5.35 %     6.50 %
Rate of compensation increase*
    2.00 %     3.60 %     2.00 %     3.60 %     2.00 %     3.60 %
 
*   2.50% rate of compensation increase used for 2010; 3.00% rate of compensation increase used for 2011 and beyond.
     The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
                         
        Basic Plan    
    2009     2008     2007  
Discount rate
    6.25 %     6.33 %     5.75 %
Rate of compensation increase
    3.60 %     3.60 %     4.00 %
Expected rate of return on plan assets
    8.00 %     8.00 %     8.00 %
                         
    Restoration Plan  
    2009     2008     2007  
Discount rate
    6.50 %     6.33 %     5.75 %
Rate of compensation increase
    3.60 %     3.60 %     4.00 %
Expected rate of return on plan assets
    N/A       N/A       N/A  

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    Supplemental Plan  
    2009     2008     2007  
Discount rate
    6.50 %     6.33 %     5.75 %
Rate of compensation increase
    3.60 %     3.60 %     4.00 %
Expected rate of return on plan assets
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
     The following table presents information related to the Restoration Plan and Supplemental Plan that had accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                 
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Projected benefit obligation
  $ 20,680     $ 18,597  
Accumulated benefit obligation
    19,175       16,610  
Fair value of assets
           
     The following table presents information related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plans:
                 
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 118,558     $ 103,399  
     In selecting the expected long-term rate of return on assets used for the Basic Plan, the Company considered the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits of the plan. This included considering the trust asset allocation and the expected returns likely to be earned over the life of the plan. This basis is consistent with the prior year. The discount rate is the rate used to determine the present value of the Company’s future benefit obligations for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans. In selecting the discount rate used to discount plan liabilities, a level equivalent yield was developed using the expected cash flows and the December 31, 2009 and 2008 Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. The Citigroup Pension Discount Curve is published on the Society of Actuaries website along with a background paper on this interest rate curve. In 2007, the Company developed a level equivalent yield using the plans’ expected cash flows and the December 31, 2007 Citigroup Pension Liability Curve.
     The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2009 and 2008, by asset category, were as follows:
                         
    Plan assets at December 31        
    2009     2008     Target for
2010
 
Asset category:
                       
 
                       
Equity securities
    58.00 %     63.78 %     40-60 %
Debt securities
    39.70 %     31.34 %     40-60 %
Other
    2.30 %     4.88 %     0 %
 
                   
Total
    100.00 %     100.00 %        
 
                   
     Equity securities held in the Basic Plan included shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair value of $1.9 million (1.08% of total plan assets) and $1.9 million (1.65% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company does not expect to contribute to the Basic Plan in 2010.
     The following table presents information regarding expected future benefit payments, which reflect expected service, as appropriate:

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    Pension  
    Benefits  
    (In thousands)  
Expected future benefit payments:
       
2010
  $ 7,058  
2011
    6,280  
2012
    10,096  
2013
    8,572  
2014
    9,215  
2015-2019
    52,542  
     The following table presents the fair value of each major category of plan assets at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                 
    Pension Benefits  
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Investments, at fair value:
               
U.S. agency debt obligations
  $ 42,199     $ 16,400  
Mutual funds
    130,737       91,164  
Common stock of BancorpSouth, Inc.
    1,930       1,922  
Money market funds
    3,535       5,009  
Brokered certificates of deposit
    1,095       981  
 
           
Total investments, at fair value
    179,496       115,476  
Accrued interest and dividends
    282       315  
Cash
    439       345  
 
           
Fair value of plan assets
  $ 180,217     $ 116,136  
 
           
     Fair values are determined based on valuation techniques categorized as follows: Level 1 means the use of quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2 means the use of quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or are directly or indirectly observable; Level 3 means the use of unobservable inputs. Quoted market prices, when available, are used to value investments. Pension plan investments include funds which invest in various types of investment securities and in various companies within various markets. Investment securities are exposed to several risks, such as interest rate, market and credit risks. Because of the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amounts reported.
     The following table sets forth by level, within the FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure (“FASB ASC 820”) fair value hierarchy, the plan investments at fair value as of December 31, 2009:
                                 
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
            (In thousands)          
U.S. agency debt obligations
  $     $ 42,199     $     $ 42,199  
Mutual funds
    130,737                   130,737  
Common stock of BancorpSouth, Inc.
    1,930                   1,930  
Money market funds
            3,535               3,535  
Brokered certificates of deposit
          1,095               1,095  
 
                       
Total
  $ 132,667     $ 46,829     $     $ 179,496  
 
                       
     The following investments represented 5% or more of the total plan asset value as of December 31, 2009:
         
    2009  
    (In thousands)  
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Institutional Fund
  $ 15,681  
Franklin Mutual Discovery Z Fund
    13,336  
T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund
    23,871  
T. Rowe Price Mid-Cap Growth Fund
    14,702  
Royce Pennsylvania Mutual Investment Fund
    10,290  

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     The Company has a defined contribution plan (commonly referred to as a “401(k) Plan”). Pursuant to the 401(k) Plan, employees may contribute a portion of their compensation, as set forth in the 401(k) Plan, subject to the limitations as established by the Code. Employee contributions (up to 5% of defined compensation) are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Company. Employer contributions for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $8.6 million, $7.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively. Also, the 401(k) Plan provides that the Company shall make a profit sharing contribution on behalf of each eligible employee in an amount equal to two percent of each such employee’s eligible compensation. Eligible employees are those hired after December 31, 2005 who work at least 1,000 hours during the plan year and have attained the age of 21. Employer profit sharing contributions for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were approximately $1.1 million, $1.3 million and $465,000, respectively.
(14) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
     FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“FASB ASC 825”), requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions are set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments.
Securities
     Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. See Note 3, Held-to-Maturity Securities, Note 4, Available-for-Sale Securities, and Note 22, Fair Value Disclosures, for fair values.
Loans and Leases
     Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans and leases with similar financial characteristics. The fair value of loans and leases is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using market rates currently available that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan or lease, which results in fair values that may differ from the exit price of the loan or lease. Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market information and specific borrower information.
     Average maturity represents the expected average cash flow period, which in some instances is different than the stated maturity. Management has made estimates of fair value discount rates that it believes are reasonable. However, because there is no market for many of these financial instruments, management has no assurance that the fair value presented would be indicative of the value negotiated in an actual sale. New loan and lease rates were used as the discount rate on existing loans and leases of similar type, credit quality and maturity.
Loans Held for Sale
     Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value and are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments. Estimated fair value is determined on the basis of existing commitments or the prevailing market value of similar loans.
Deposit Liabilities
     Under FASB ASC 825, the fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest bearing demand deposits, interest bearing demand deposits and savings, is equal to the amount payable on demand as of the reporting date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the prevailing rates offered for deposits of similar maturities.
Debt
     The carrying amounts for federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements approximate fair value because of their short-term maturity. The fair value of the Company’s fixed-term FHLB advance securities is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the prevailing rates available for advances of similar maturities. The fair value of the Company’s junior subordinated debt is based on market prices or dealer quotes.

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Derivative Instruments
     The Company has commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans and forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans. The fair value of these derivative instruments is based on observable market prices. The Company also enters into interest rate swaps to meet the financing, interest rate and equity risk management needs of its customers. The fair value of these instruments is either an observable market price or a discounted cash flow valuation using the terms of swap agreements but substituting original interest rates with prevailing interest rates.
Lending Commitments
     The Company’s lending commitments are negotiated at prevailing market rates and are relatively short-term in nature. As a matter of policy, the Company generally makes commitments for fixed-rate loans for relatively short periods of time. Therefore, the estimated value of the Company’s lending commitments approximates the carrying amount and is immaterial to the financial statements. See Note 24, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, for additional information regarding lending commitments.
     The following table presents carrying and fair value information at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                                 
    2009     2008  
    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
    Value     Value     Value     Value  
    (In thousands)  
Assets:
                               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 222,741     $ 222,741     $ 291,055     $ 291,055  
Interest bearing deposits with other banks
    15,704       15,704       13,542       13,542  
Held-to-maturity securities
    1,032,822       1,078,075       1,333,521       1,392,205  
Available-for-sale and trading securities
    960,772       960,772       982,859       982,859  
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreement to resell
    75,000       75,000              
Net loans and leases
    9,599,093       9,744,673       9,558,484       9,634,721  
Loans held for sale
    80,343       80,429       189,242       197,310  
 
                               
Liabilities:
                               
Noninterest bearing deposits
    1,901,663       1,901,663       1,735,130       1,735,130  
Savings and interest bearing deposits
    5,048,838       5,048,838       4,582,633       4,582,633  
Other time deposits
    3,727,201       3,757,602       3,394,109       3,426,475  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other short-term borrowings
    743,370       743,188       1,896,876       1,893,630  
Long-term debt and other borrowings
    273,174       290,622       446,745       460,449  
 
                               
Derivative instruments:
                               
Forward commitments to sell fixed rate mortgage loans
    806       806       (1,944 )     (1,944 )
Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans
    304       304       1,261       1,261  
Interest rate swap position to receive
    23,992       23,992       42,132       42,132  
Interest rate swap position to pay
    (24,258 )     (24,258 )     (42,558 )     (42,558 )
(15) STOCK INCENTIVE AND STOCK OPTION PLANS
     Key employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries have been granted stock options under the Company’s 1994, 1995 and 1998 stock incentive plans (the “Plans”). The 1994 and 1995 stock incentive plans were amended in 1998 to allow a limited number of restricted stock awards. All options granted pursuant to these plans have an exercise price equal to the market value on the date of the grant and are exercisable over periods of one to ten years. Upon the exercise of stock options, new shares are issued by the Company.

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     In 1998, the Company adopted a stock plan through which a minimum of 50% of the compensation payable to each director is paid in the form of the Company’s common stock. This plan is registered under the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan and the shares are purchased through the Company’s dividend reinvestment plan which purchases shares in the open market.
     On December 14, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved accelerating the vesting of “out-of-the-money” unvested outstanding stock options held by employees. The options were considered “out-of-the-money” if the exercise price of the option was greater than $23.02, the closing price of shares of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 14, 2005. The accelerated vesting was effective on December 14, 2005. Vesting of these options was accelerated to eliminate the need to recognize the remaining fair value compensation expense associated with those options upon adoption of Statement 123R. The compensation cost avoided by the accelerated vesting was approximately $291,000 and $623,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively.
     FASB ASC 718 requires that compensation expense be measured using estimates of fair value of all stock-based awards. Compensation expense arising from stock options that has been charged against income for the Plans was approximately $1.7 million, $1.2 million and $793,000 for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, there was $4.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a three-year period.
     In November 2009, the Company granted stock options to purchase 409,113 shares of the Company’s common stock to its employees under the 1994 stock incentive plan, as amended. These stock options have a contractual life of seven years and vest over a three-year service period. A summary of the stock option activity under the Plans as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and changes during the years then ended is presented below:
                                 
    2009  
                    Weighted-        
                    Average        
            Weighted-     Remaining     Aggregate  
            Average     Contractual     Intrinsic  
            Exercise     Term     Value  
    Shares     Price     (years)     (In thousands)  
Options
                               
Outstanding at January 1, 2009
    2,600,483     $ 21.87                  
Granted
    409,113       22.39                  
Exercised
    (276,886 )     18.14                  
Cancelled or forfeited
    (19,000 )     23.74                  
Expired
    (12,017 )     18.96                  
 
                           
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    2,701,693     $ 22.33       4.8     $ 3,896  
 
                       
 
                               
Exercisable at December 31, 2009
    1,963,119     $ 22.06       4.3     $ 3,410  
 
                       

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    2008  
                    Weighted-        
                    Average        
            Weighted-     Remaining     Aggregate  
            Average     Contractual     Intrinsic  
            Exercise     Term     Value  
    Shares     Price     (years)     (In thousands)  
Options
                               
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    3,102,641     $ 20.99                  
Granted
    355,250       24.27                  
Exercised
    (802,978 )     19.49                  
Expired or cancelled
    (54,430 )     22.21                  
 
                           
 
                               
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    2,600,483     $ 21.87       5.2     $ 4,850  
 
                       
 
                               
Exercisable at December 31, 2008
    1,965,297     $ 21.20       4.8     $ 4,773  
 
                       
     A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options as of December 31, 2009 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:
                         
            Weighted-     Weighted-  
            Average     Average  
            Exercise     Grant Date  
    Shares     Price     Fair Value  
Nonvested Options
                       
Outstanding at January 1, 2009
    635,186     $ 23.68     $ 5.71  
Granted
    409,113       22.39       6.70  
Vested
    (295,324 )     23.98       5.57  
Forfeited or cancelled
    (10,401 )     23.53       5.29  
 
                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    738,574     $ 23.06     $ 6.32  
 
                 
     The Company uses historical data to estimate stock option exercise and employee departure behavior used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model; groups of participants (executive, non-executives and directors) are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected term of stock options granted is derived from analysis of all historical data on stock option activity and represents the period of time that stock options granted are expected to be outstanding; the range given below results from certain groups of participants exhibiting different post-vesting behaviors. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual term of the stock option is based on the U. S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected volatility is estimated based on the Company’s historical experience. The following table provides the range of assumptions used for stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
Expected volatility
    43.6%     33.6%     24.7% — 27.6%
Weighted-average volatility
    43.6%     33.6%     25.0%
Expected dividends
    3.75%     3.00%     3.00%
Expected term (in years)
    5.1 — 5.7       5.1 — 5.7       5.1 — 7.0  
Risk-free rate
    2.33%     2.80%     4.0% — 4.6%

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     The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $6.70, $6.24 and $5.05, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $1.6 million, $6.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively.
     The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2009:
                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options exercisable  
Range of   Number     Weighted-Avg     Weighted-Avg     Number     Weighted-Avg  
Exercise Prices   Outstanding     Remaining Life (years)     Exercise Price     Exercisable     Exercise Price  
$7.35 to $10.51
    5,067       3.2     $ 9.80       5,067     $ 9.80  
$11.39 to $14.98
    121,970       1.0       13.56       121,970       13.56  
$15.06 to $19.94
    268,410       2.3       17.15       268,410       17.14  
$20.23 to $25.31
    2,306,246       5.3       23.42       1,567,672       23.60  
                               
$7.35 to $25.31
    2,701,693       4.8     $ 22.33       1,963,119     $ 22.06  
                               
     The 1994 stock incentive plan was amended in 2006 to allow for the issuance of performance shares. Performance shares entitle the recipient to receive shares of the Company’s common stock upon the achievement of performance goals that are specified in the award over a specified performance period. The recipient of performance shares is not treated as a shareholder of the Company and is not entitled to vote or receive dividends until the performance conditions stated in the award are satisfied and the shares of stock are actually issued to the recipient. In January of 2007, the Company granted 78,000 performance shares to employees for the two-year performance period from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008. In January 2008, the Company granted 85,395 performance shares to employees for the two-year performance period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. In January 2009, the Company granted 101,225 performance shares to employees for the two-year performance period from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. All of these performance shares vest over a three-year period and are valued at the fair value of the Company’s stock at the grant date based upon the estimated number of shares expected to vest. Compensation expense of approximately $758,000 was recognized in 2007 related to performance shares. This amount was reversed in 2008 and no additional expense was recorded in 2009 as the Company failed to meet the performance threshold for the 2007-2008 performance period. No expense was recorded in 2008 and 2009 for the 2008, grant as the Company failed to meet the performance threshold for the 2008-2009 performance period. Compensation expense of approximately $461,000 was recognized in 2009 related to the 2009 grant of performance shares.
     In May of 2008, the Company awarded a total of 5,000 restricted stock units covering 5,000 shares of Company stock to its directors. The shares of stock covered by this award were issued to the directors in May of 2009. In May of 2009, the Company awarded an additional 5,000 restricted stock units covering 5,000 shares of Company stock to its directors. The shares of stock covered by this award will be issued to the directors upon the date of the 2010 annual shareholders meeting. Compensation expense of approximately $117,000 and $84,000 was recognized in 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to the restricted stock units issued to the Company’s directors.
(16) EARNINGS PER SHARE AND DIVIDEND DATA
     The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the shares resulting from the assumed exercise of all outstanding stock options using the treasury stock method. The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

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    2009  
    Income     Shares     Per Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
Basic EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders
  $ 82,729       83,295     $ 0.99  
 
                     
Effect of dilutive stock options
          135          
 
                   
 
                       
Diluted EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders plus assumed exercise
  $ 82,729       83,430     $ 0.99  
 
                 
                         
    2008  
    Income     Shares     Per Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
Basic EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders
  $ 120,411       82,589     $ 1.46  
 
                     
Effect of dilutive stock options
          204          
 
                   
 
                       
Diluted EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders plus assumed exercise
  $ 120,411       82,793     $ 1.45  
 
                 
                         
    2007  
    Income     Shares     Per Share  
    (Numerator)     (Denominator)     Amount  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
Basic EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders
  $ 137,943       81,506     $ 1.69  
 
                     
Effect of dilutive stock options
          339          
 
                   
 
                       
Diluted EPS:
                       
Income available to common shareholders plus assumed exercise
  $ 137,943       81,845     $ 1.69  
 
                 
     Dividends to shareholders are paid from dividends paid to the Company by the Bank which are subject to approval by the applicable state regulatory authority. At December 31, 2009, the Bank could have paid dividends of $619 million to the Company under current regulatory guidelines.
(17) OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
     The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income and the related tax effects allocated to each component for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

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    2009  
    Before     Tax     Net  
    Tax     (Expense)     of Tax  
    Amount     Benefit     Amount  
    (In thousands)  
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during holding period
  $ 11,391     $ (4,368 )   $ 7,023  
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) realized in net income
    55       (21 )     34  
Change in pension funding status
    18,510       (7,080 )     11,430  
 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 29,956     $ (11,469 )   $ 18,487  
 
                 
                         
    2008  
    Before     Tax     Net  
    Tax     (Expense)     of Tax  
    Amount     Benefit     Amount  
    (In thousands)  
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during holding period
  $ 4,440     $ (1,691 )   $ 2,749  
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) realized in net income
    5,849       (2,237 )     3,612  
Change in pension funding status
    (42,175 )     16,132       (26,043 )
 
                 
Other comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (31,886 )   $ 12,204     $ (19,682 )
 
                 
                         
    2007  
    Before     Tax     Net  
    Tax     (Expense)     of Tax  
    Amount     Benefit     Amount  
    (In thousands)  
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
                       
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during holding period
  $ 20,583     $ (7,871 )   $ 12,712  
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses realized in net income
    (22 )     8       (14 )
Minimum pension liability
    7,822       (2,992 )     4,830  
 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 28,383     $ (10,855 )   $ 17,528  
 
                 
(18) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
     The Bank has made, and expects in the future to continue to make in the ordinary course of business, loans to directors and executive officers of the Company and their affiliates. In management’s opinion, these transactions with directors and executive officers were made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present any other unfavorable features. An analysis of such outstanding loans is as follows:

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    Amount  
    (In thousands)  
Loans outstanding at December 31, 2008
  $ 72,999  
New loans
    19,457  
Repayments
    (46,540 )
Changes in directors and executive officers
    1  
 
     
Loans outstanding at December 31, 2009
  $ 45,917  
 
     
(19) MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
     Mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”), which are recognized as a separate asset on the date the corresponding mortgage loan is sold, are recorded at fair value as determined at each accounting period end. An estimate of the fair value of the Company’s MSRs is determined utilizing assumptions about factors such as mortgage interest rates, discount rates, mortgage loan prepayment speeds, market trends and industry demand. Data and assumptions used in the fair value calculation related to MSRs for the three months ended December 31, 2009 were as follows:
         
(Dollars in thousands)        
Unpaid principal balance
  $ 3,413,202  
Weighted-average prepayment speed (CPR)
    15.9  
Discount rate (annual percentage)
    10.3  
Weighted-average coupon interest rate (percentage)
    5.6  
Weighted-average remaining maturity (months)
    321.0  
Weighted-average servicing fee (basis points)
    28.8  
Because the valuation is determined by using discounted cash flow models, the primary risk inherent in valuing the MSRs is the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the estimated life of the servicing revenue stream. The use of different estimates or assumptions could also produce different fair values. The Company does not hedge the change in fair value of MSRs and, therefore, the Company is susceptible to significant fluctuations in the fair value of its MSRs in changing interest rate environments.
     The Company has one class of mortgage servicing asset comprised of closed end loans for one-to-four family residences, secured by first liens. The following table presents the activity in this class for the period indicated:
                 
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
Fair value at beginning of year
  $ 24,972     $ 32,482  
Additions:
               
Origination of servicing assets
    14,904       8,242  
Changes in fair value:
               
Due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model
    (4,304 )     (15,735 )
Other changes in fair value
    (12 )     (17 )
 
           
Fair value at end of year
  $ 35,560     $ 24,972  
 
           
     All of the changes to the fair value of the MSRs are recorded as part of mortgage lending noninterest revenue on the income statement. As part of mortgage lending noninterest revenue, the Company recorded contractual servicing fees of $9.5 million, $8.5 million and $8.1 million and late and other ancillary fees of $1.2 million, $1.2 million and $1.0 million in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

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(20) REGULATORY MATTERS
     The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state 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 adverse 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 classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Quantitative measures established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum capital amounts and ratios (risk-based capital ratios). All banking companies are required to have core capital (“Tier I”) of at least 4% of risk-weighted assets, total capital of at least 8% of risk-weighted assets and a minimum Tier I leverage ratio of 4% of adjusted average assets. The regulations also define well capitalized levels of Tier I, total capital and Tier I leverage as 6%, 10% and 5%, respectively. The Company and the Bank had Tier I, total capital and Tier I leverage above the well capitalized levels at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as set forth in the following table:
                                 
    2009     2008  
    Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                               
BancorpSouth, Inc.
  $ 1,143,019       11.17 %   $ 1,123,028       10.79 %
BancorpSouth Bank
    1,119,612       10.95       1,076,473       10.35  
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                               
BancorpSouth, Inc.
    1,271,634       12.42       1,253,174       12.04  
BancorpSouth Bank
    1,248,227       12.21       1,206,619       11.61  
Tier I leverage capital (to average assets)
                               
BancorpSouth, Inc.
    1,143,019       8.95       1,123,028       8.65  
BancorpSouth Bank
    1,119,612       8.79       1,076,473       8.30  
(21) SEGMENTS
     The Company is a financial holding company with subsidiaries engaged in the business of banking and activities closely related to banking. The Company determines reportable segments based upon the services offered, the significance of those services to the Company’s financial condition and operating results and management’s regular review of the operating results of those services. The Company’s primary segment is Community Banking, which includes providing a full range of deposit products, commercial loans and consumer loans. During 2008, the Company created an additional operating segment, Insurance Agencies, based upon the services offered, the significance of those services to the Company’s financial condition and operating results and management’s regular review of the operating results of the insurance agencies. The Company’s insurance agencies serve as agents in the sale of title insurance, commercial lines of insurance and full lines of property and casualty, life, health and employee benefits products and services. The General Corporate and Other operating segment includes leasing, mortgage lending, trust services, credit card activities, investment services and other activities not allocated to the Community Banking or Insurance Agencies operating segments. The increase in the performance of the General Corporate and Other operating segment in 2009 compared to 2008 and 2007 was primarily related to mortgage lending.
     Results of operations and selected financial information by operating segment for the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are presented below:

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    Community             General Corporate        
    Banking     Insurance Agencies     and Other     Total  
    (In thousands)  
2009
                               
Results of Operations
                               
Net interest revenue
  $ 413,125     $ 625     $ 31,149     $ 444,899  
Provision for credit losses
    111,409             5,915       117,324  
 
                       
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
    301,716       625       25,234       327,575  
Noninterest revenue
    130,544       80,714       64,018       275,276  
Noninterest expense
    327,020       68,857       94,140       490,017  
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    105,240       12,482       (4,888 )     112,834  
Income taxes
    28,079       4,918       (2,892 )     30,105  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 77,161     $ 7,564     $ (1,996 )   $ 82,729  
 
                       
Selected Financial Information
                               
Total assets
  $ 10,879,768     $ 159,585     $ 2,128,514     $ 13,167,867  
Depreciation and amortization
    28,831       4,651       2,272       35,754  
                                 
                    General Corporate        
    Community Banking     Insurance Agencies     and Other     Total  
    (In thousands)  
2008
                               
Results of Operations
                               
Net interest revenue
  $ 403,316     $ 1,259     $ 36,261     $ 440,836  
Provision for credit losses
    52,061             4,115       56,176  
 
                       
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
    351,255       1,259       32,146       384,660  
Noninterest revenue
    128,910       86,431       30,266       245,607  
Noninterest expense
    295,466       70,684       89,763       455,913  
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    184,699       17,006       (27,351 )     174,354  
Income taxes
    57,144       6,729       (9,930 )     53,943  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 127,555     $ 10,277     $ (17,421 )   $ 120,411  
 
                       
Selected Financial Information
                               
Total assets
  $ 11,139,348     $ 153,456     $ 2,187,414     $ 13,480,218  
Depreciation and amortization
    28,396       4,891       2,392       35,679  

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                    General Corporate        
    Community Banking     Insurance Agencies     and Other     Total  
    (In thousands)  
2007
                               
Results of Operations
                               
Net interest revenue
  $ 385,822     $ 2,423     $ 34,654     $ 422,899  
Provision for credit losses
    20,665             2,031       22,696  
 
                       
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
    365,157       2,423       32,623       400,203  
Noninterest revenue
    126,214       70,592       35,344       232,150  
Noninterest expense
    283,843       55,326       89,240       428,409  
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    207,528       17,689       (21,273 )     203,944  
Income taxes
    67,161       6,973       (8,133 )     66,001  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 140,367     $ 10,716     $ (13,140 )   $ 137,943  
 
                       
Selected Financial Information
                               
Total assets
  $ 11,075,662     $ 124,085     $ 1,990,094     $ 13,189,841  
Depreciation and amortization
    27,425       3,090       2,510       33,025  
(22) FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
     “Fair value” is defined by FASB ASC 820 as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into the following three levels, based on the reliability of inputs:
      Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.
 
      Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
 
      Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
     The Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 820 on January 1, 2008. The adoption of these pronouncements did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Determination of Fair Value
     The Company uses the valuation methodologies listed below to measure different financial instruments at fair value. An indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each instrument is generally classified is included. Where appropriate, the description includes details of the valuation models, the key inputs to those models as well as any significant assumptions.
Available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. The Company’s available-for-sale securities that are traded on an

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active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, are classified as Level 1. Available-for-sale securities valued using matrix pricing are classified as Level 2. Available-for-sale securities valued using matrix pricing that has been adjusted to compensate for the present value of expected cash flows, market liquidity, credit quality and volatility are classified as Level 3.
Mortgage servicing rights. The Company records MSRs at fair value on a recurring basis with subsequent remeasurement of MSRs based on change in fair value. An estimate of the fair value of the Company’s MSRs is determined by utilizing assumptions about factors such as mortgage interest rates, discount rates, mortgage loan prepayment speeds, market trends and industry demand. All of the Company’s MSRs are classified as Level 3.
Derivative instruments. The Company’s derivative instruments consist of commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers, forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans and interest rate swaps. Fair value of these derivative instruments is measured on a recurring basis using either observable market price or a discounted cash flow model using observable market inputs. The Company’s interest rate swaps are classified as Level 2. The Company’s commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers and forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans are classified as Level 3.
Loans held for sale. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value and are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments. Estimated fair value is determined on the basis of existing commitments or the current market value of similar loans. All of the Company’s loans held for sale are classified as Level 2.
Impaired loans. Loans considered impaired under FASB ASC 310 are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments to reflect (1) partial write-downs that are based on the observable market price or current appraised value of the collateral, or (2) the full charge-off of the loan carrying value. All of the Company’s impaired loans are classified as Level 3.
Other real estate owned. Other real estate owned (“OREO”) is carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs and is subjected to nonrecurring fair value adjustments. Estimated fair value is determined on the basis of independent appraisals and other relevant factors. All of the Company’s OREO is classified as Level 3.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
     The following table presents the balances of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                                 
    December 31, 2009  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In thousands)  
Assets:
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
U.S. Government agencies
  $     $ 512,088     $     $ 512,088  
Government agency issued residential mortgage-back securities
            292,418               292,418  
Government agency issued commercial mortgage-back securities
            18,837               18,837  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
            110,838               110,838  
Collateralized debt obligations
                    2,125       2,125  
Other
    452       24,014               24,466  
Mortgage servicing rights
                35,560       35,560  
Derivative instruments
          23,992       1,373       25,365  
 
                       
Total
  $ 452     $ 982,187     $ 39,058     $ 1,021,697  
 
                       
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative instruments
  $     $ 24,258     $ 263     $ 24,521  
 
                       

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    December 31, 2009  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In thousands)  
Assets:
                               
Available-for-sale securities:
                               
U.S. Government agencies
  $     $ 516,281     $     $ 516,281  
Government agency issued residential mortgage-back securities
            319,175               319,175  
Government agency issued commercial mortgage-back securities
            18,553               18,553  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
            82,539               82,539  
Collateralized debt obligations
                    2,375       2,375  
Other
    351       43,585               43,936  
Mortgage servicing rights
                24,972       24,972  
Derivative instruments
          42,132       1,268       43,400  
 
                       
Total
  $ 351     $ 1,022,265     $ 28,615     $ 1,051,231  
 
                       
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative instruments
  $     $ 42,558     $ 1,951     $ 44,509  
 
                       
     The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                         
    Mortgage             Available-  
    Servicing     Derivative     for-sale  
    Rights     Instruments     Securities  
    (In thousands)  
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 24,972     $ (683 )   $ 2,375  
Total net gains (losses) for the year included in:
                       
Net income
    10,588       1,793       (250 )
Other comprehensive income
                 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
                 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
                 
 
                 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 35,560     $ 1,110     $ 2,125  
 
                 
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in net income for the year relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2009
  $ (4,304 )   $ 1,793     $ (250 )
 
                 
                         
    Mortgage             Available-  
    Servicing     Derivative     for-sale  
    Rights     Instruments     Securities  
    (In thousands)  
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 32,482     $ (147 )   $  
Total net gains (losses) for the year included in:
                       
Net income
    (7,510 )     (536 )     (8,625 )
Other comprehensive income
                3,366  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net
                 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
                7,634  
 
                 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 24,972     $ (683 )   $ 2,375  
 
                 
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in net income for the year relating to assets and liabilities held at December 31, 2008
  $ (15,735 )   $ (536 )   $ (8,625 )
 
                 

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Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
     The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2009 and 2008:
                                         
    December 31, 2009  
                                    Total  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     Gains (Losses)  
    (In thousands)  
Assets:
                                       
Loans held for sale
  $     $ 80,343     $     $ 80,343     $  
Impaired loans
                128,537       128,537       (22,747 )
Other real estate owned
                59,265       59,265       (3,631 )
                                         
    December 31, 2008  
                                    Total  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     Gains (Losses)  
    (In thousands)  
Assets:
                                   
Loans held for sale
  $     $ 189,242     $     $ 189,242     $  
Impaired loans
                12,756       12,756       (4,743 )
Other real estate owned
                46,317       46,317       (2,101 )
(23) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
     The derivative instruments held by the Company include commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans to customers and forward commitments to sell individual, fixed-rate mortgage loans. The Company’s objective in obtaining the forward commitments is to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with the commitments to fund the fixed-rate mortgage loans. Both the commitments to fund fixed-rate mortgage loans and the forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans are reported at fair value, with adjustments being recorded in current period earnings, and are not accounted for as hedges. At December 31, 2009, the notional amount of forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans was $135.6 million, with a carrying value and fair value reflecting a gain of approximately $806,000. At December 31, 2008, the notional amount of forward commitments to sell individual fixed-rate mortgage loans was $139.7 million, with a carrying value and fair value reflecting a loss of $1.9 million. At December 31, 2009, the notional amount of commitments to fund individual fixed-rate mortgage loans was $58.1 million, with a carrying value and fair value reflecting a gain of approximately $304,000. At December 31, 2008, the notional amount of commitments to fund individual fixed-rate mortgage loans was $84.3 million, with a carrying value and fair value reflecting a gain of approximately $1.3 million.
     The Company also enters into derivative financial instruments in the form of interest rate swaps to meet the financing, interest rate and equity risk management needs of its customers. Upon entering into these interest rate swaps to meet customer needs, the Company enters into offsetting positions to minimize interest rate and equity risk to the Company. These derivative financial instruments are reported at fair value with any resulting gain or loss recorded in current period earnings. These instruments and their offsetting positions are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2009, the notional amount of customer related derivative financial instruments was $483.4 million, with an average maturity of 83 months, an average interest receive rate of 2.6% and an average interest pay rate of 6.1%. As of December 31, 2008, the notional amount of customer related derivative financial instruments was $654.2 million, with an average maturity of 86 months, an average interest receive rate of 3.8% and an average interest pay rate of 6.3%
(24) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Leases
     Rent expense was $7.1 million for 2009, $7.6 million for 2008 and $6.1 million for 2007. Future minimum lease payments for all non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at December 31, 2008:

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(In thousands)   Amount  
2010
  $ 5,844  
2011
    4,814  
2012
    4,223  
2013
    3,078  
2014
    1,540  
Thereafter
    5,312  
 
     
Total future minimum lease payments
  $ 24,811  
 
     
Mortgage Loans Serviced for Others
     The Company services mortgage loans for others that are not included as assets in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements. Included in the $3.5 billion of loans serviced for investors at December 31, 2009 was $1.1 million of primary recourse servicing pursuant to which the Company is responsible for any losses incurred in the event of nonperformance by the mortgagor. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of such nonperformance is the unpaid principal balance at the time of default. This exposure is limited by the underlying collateral, which consists of single family residences and either federal or private mortgage insurance.
Lending Commitments
     In the normal course of business, there are outstanding various commitments and other arrangements for credit which are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2009, these included $197.1 million for letters of credit and $2.3 billion for interim mortgage financing, construction credit, credit card and revolving line of credit arrangements. The Company did not realize significant credit losses from these commitments and arrangements during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
Litigation
     The Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in lines of business that are heavily regulated and involve a large volume of financial transactions with numerous customers through offices in nine states. Although the Company and its subsidiaries have developed policies and procedures to minimize the impact of legal noncompliance and other disputes, litigation presents an ongoing risk.
     The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits arising out of the normal course of business, including claims against entities to which the Company is a successor as a result of business combinations. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of such matters should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Litigation is, however, inherently uncertain, and the Company cannot make assurances that it will prevail in any of these actions, nor can it estimate with reasonable certainty the amount of damages that it might incur.
     The Company reported litigation expense of $2.3 million in 2007 as a result of legal and other accruals established relative to the Company’s guarantee of Visa Inc.’s projected obligations for certain litigation matters. These reserves were recorded as other liabilities and pertain to Visa Inc.’s settlement with American Express, as well as other pending Visa Inc. litigation and were based on information available from Visa Inc. and other member banks. The Bank, as a member of Visa Inc., is obligated to share in certain liabilities associated with Visa Inc.’s settled and pending litigation. During the first quarter of 2008, $1.1 million of this reserve was reversed and recorded as a reduction of litigation expense as a result of Visa Inc.’s initial public offering and its deposit of a portion of the net proceeds thereof into an escrow account from which settlement of, or judgments relating to, the covered litigation may be paid.
     During the second quarter of 2008, $1.1 million of the reserve related to previously recorded litigation contingencies was reversed as a result of a favorable court ruling. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company reported $2.6 million in litigation contingencies primarily related to the unexpected, adverse resolution of a legal matter.
Restricted Cash Balance
     Aggregate reserves (in the form of deposits with the Federal Reserve Bank) of $8.0 million were maintained to satisfy federal regulatory requirements at December 31, 2009.

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(25) CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY INFORMATION
     The following condensed financial information reflects the accounts and transactions of the Company (excluding its subsidiaries) at the dates indicated:
                 
  December 31  
    2009     2008  
Condensed Balance Sheets   (In thousands)  
Assets:
               
Cash on deposit with subsidiary bank
  $ 10,538     $ 33,955  
Investment in subsidiaries
    1,413,277       1,354,094  
Other assets
    14,474       14,452  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 1,438,289     $ 1,402,501  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
               
Total liabilities
  $ 161,993     $ 162,241  
Shareholders’ equity
    1,276,296       1,240,260  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,438,289     $ 1,402,501  
 
           
                         
    Year Ended December 31  
    2009     2008     2007  
Condensed Statements of Income           (In thousands)          
Dividends from subsidiaries
  $ 54,000     $ 80,000     $ 175,000  
Other operating income
    1,513       215       192  
 
                 
Total income
    55,513       80,215       175,192  
 
                       
Operating expenses
    16,303       16,821       17,872  
 
                 
Income before tax benefit and equity in undistributed earnings
    39,210       63,394       157,320  
Income tax benefit
    5,657       6,351       6,762  
 
                 
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
    44,867       69,745       164,082  
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
    37,862       50,666       (26,139 )
 
                 
Net income
  $ 82,729     $ 120,411     $ 137,943  
 
                 
                         
    Year Ended December 31  
    2009     2008     2007  
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows           (In thousands)          
Operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 82,729     $ 120,411     $ 137,943  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
    (39,131 )     (40,389 )     28,833  
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    43,598       80,022       166,776  
Investing activities:
                       
Net cash paid for acquisitions
          (10,607 )     (83,027 )
 
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
          (10,607 )     (83,027 )
Financing activities:
                       
Redemption of junior subordinated debt
                (3,093 )
Cash dividends
    (73,335 )     (71,883 )     (77,735 )
Common stock transactions, net
    6,320       15,327       (6,649 )
 
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (67,015 )     (56,556 )     (87,477 )
 
                 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (23,417 )     12,859       (3,728 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    33,955       21,096       24,824  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 10,538     $ 33,955     $ 21,096  
 
                 

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(26) OTHER NONINTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE
     The following table details other noninterest income for the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Annuity fees
  $ 3,721     $ 6,363     $ 4,626  
Brokerage commissions and fees
    4,803       5,434       7,369  
Bank owned life insurance
    8,614       7,338       7,097  
Other miscellaneous income
    28,225       23,350       20,212  
Total other noninterest income
  $ 45,363     $ 42,485     $ 39,304  
 
                 
     The following table details other noninterest expense for the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
            (In thousands)          
Advertising
  $ 6,377     $ 7,640     $ 7,488  
Foreclosed property expense
    13,599       4,936       1,166  
Telecommunications
    8,854       8,672       7,793  
Public relations
    5,900       6,483       6,748  
Data processing
    6,175       5,467       5,153  
Computer software
    7,260       7,082       7,106  
Amortization of intangibles
    4,957       5,927       5,074  
Legal fees
    5,932       5,147       4,946  
Postage and shipping
    4,939       5,293       4,991  
Other miscellaneous expense
    62,002       59,801       62,020  
 
                 
Total other noninterest expense
  $ 125,995     $ 116,448     $ 112,485  
 
                 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
     There have been no changes in the Company’s independent accountants and auditors for the two most recent fiscal years.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
CONCLUSION REGARDING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
     The Company, with the participation of its management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Report.
     Based upon that evaluation and as of the end of the period covered by this Report, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as a result of the material weakness described above under the caption entitled “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in Item 8 of this Report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports that the Company files or submits to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. In light of this material weakness, in preparing the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report, the Company performed a thorough review of credit quality, focusing especially on the real estate acquisition and development

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portfolio, and other post-closing procedures designed to ensure that the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report have been prepared in accordance with U.S.
GAAP. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have certified that, based on their knowledge, the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report fairly present in all material respects the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in this Report.
     Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Company has included a report of management’s assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of its internal controls as part of this Report.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
     Management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting related to the determination of the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2009. Other than the identification of the material weakness mentioned above, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
REMEDIATION PLAN FOR MATERIAL WEAKNESS IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
     Subsequent to December 31, 2009, and immediately following management’s identification of the above-referenced material weakness, management began taking steps to remediate the material weakness. These ongoing efforts include the following:
    The creation of a real estate risk management group to oversee full compliance with laws, regulations and U.S. GAAP related to lending activities;
 
    Testing of significant loans, with a focus on higher risk loans, for impairment on a quarterly basis;
 
    Reporting by management to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis regarding significant problem loans and potentially problematic portfolios; and
 
    The commitment of additional resources to the Bank’s appraisal group, as necessary, for compliance with appraisal policies and procedures.
Management anticipates that these remedial actions will strengthen the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and will, over time, address the material weakness that was identified as of December 31, 2009. Because some of these remedial actions will take place on a quarterly basis, their successful implementation may need to be evaluated over several quarters before management is able to conclude that the material weakness has been remediated. The Company cannot provide any assurance that these remediation efforts will be successful or that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting will be effective as a result of these efforts.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
     Information concerning the directors and nominees of the Company appears under the caption “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
     Certain information regarding executive officers is included under the section captioned “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item 1, elsewhere in the Report. Other information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
     Information regarding audit committee financial experts serving on the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors appears under the caption “Corporate Governance — Committees of the Board of Directors” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
     Information regarding the Audit Committee and the identification of its members appears under the caption “Corporate Governance — Committees of the Board of Directors” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference. In establishing the Audit Committee’s compliance with Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, each member of the Company’s Audit Committee is relying upon the exemption provided by Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv)(B) of the Exchange Act because each member of the Audit Committee is also a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors.
MATERIAL CHANGES TO PROCEDURES BY WHICH SECURITY HOLDERS MAY RECOMMEND NOMINEES
     The Company has not made any material changes to the procedures by which its shareholders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors since the date of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2009 annual meeting of shareholders.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
     Information regarding the Section 16(a) beneficial ownership compliance of each of the Company’s directors and executive officers or each person who owns more than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock appears under the caption “General Information — Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.
CERTAIN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS
     The Company has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to its directors, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, other officers, other financial reporting persons and employees. The Company has also adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines for its Board of Directors. These documents, as well as the charters of the Audit Committee, Executive Compensation and Stock Incentive Committee and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors, are available on the Company’s website at www.bancorpsouth.com on the Investors Relations webpage under the caption “Corporate Information,” or shareholders may request a free copy of these documents from:

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BancorpSouth, Inc.
Corporate Secretary
One Mississippi Plaza
201 South Spring Street
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804
(662) 680-2000
     The Company intends to disclose any amendments to its code of business conduct and ethics and any waiver from a provision of the code, as required by the SEC, on the Company’s website within four business days following such amendment or waiver.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
     This information appears under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation and Stock Incentive Committee Report” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
     Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and directors, nominees and executive officers of the Company appears under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.
     The following table provides information as of December 31, 2009 with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance:
                         
    Number of shares             Number of shares remaining  
    to be issued upon     Weighted-average     available for future  
    exercise of outstanding     exercise price of outstanding     issuance under equity  
    options and rights     options and rights     compensation plans (1)  
Plan Category:
                       
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders (2)
    2,693,084     $ 22.36       1,403,922  
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders (3)
    8,609       13.76       438,459  
 
                 
Total
    2,701,693     $ 22.33       1,842,381  
 
(1)   Excludes shares to issued upon exercise of outstanding options and rights.
 
(2)   The plans that have been approved by our shareholders include the BancorpSouth, Inc. Director Stock Plan, the Executive Performance Incentive Plan, the 1990 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan and the 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
 
(3)   The plans that have not been approved by our shareholders include the 1998 Stock Option Plan and the plan assumed with the merger of Business Holding Corporation, which was effective December 31, 2004.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
     Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions with management and others appears under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for
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its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding director independence appears under the caption “Corporate Governance — Director Independence” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
          Information regarding accountant fees and services appears under the caption “Proposal 2: Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) Index to Consolidated Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits:
             
1.   Consolidated Financial Statements: See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
 
           
2.   Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules: All schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.
 
           
3.   Exhibits:
 
           
    (2)   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 31, 2006, between BancorpSouth, Inc. and City Bancorp, Inc. (1)
 
           
 
  (3)   (a)   Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended. (2)
 
           
 
      (b)   Bylaws, as amended and restated. (3)
 
           
 
      (c)   Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Bylaws. (4)
 
           
 
      (d)   Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Bylaws (5)
 
           
 
      (e)   Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Bylaws (5)
 
           
 
  (4)   (a)   Specimen Common Stock Certificate. (6)
 
           
 
      (b)   Rights Agreement, dated as of April 24, 1991, including as Exhibit A the forms of Rights Certificate and of Election to Purchase and as Exhibit B the summary of Rights to Purchase Common Shares. (7)
 
           
 
      (c)   First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2001. (8)
 
           
 
      (d)   Amended and Restated Certificate of Trust of BancorpSouth Capital Trust I. (9)
 
           
 
      (e)   Second Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of BancorpSouth Capital Trust I, dated as of January 28, 2002, between BancorpSouth, Inc., The Bank of New York, The Bank of New York (Delaware) and the Administrative Trustees named therein. (10)
 
           
 
      (f)   Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of January 28, 2002, between BancorpSouth, Inc. and The Bank of New York. (10)
 
           
 
      (g)   Guarantee Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2002, between BancorpSouth, Inc. and The Bank of New York. (10)
 
           
 
      (h)   Junior Subordinated Debt Security Specimen. (10)
 
           
 
      (i)   Trust Preferred Security Certificate for BancorpSouth Capital Trust I. (10)
 
           
 
      (j)   Certain instruments defining the rights of certain holders of long-term debt securities of the Registrant are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish copies of these instruments to the SEC upon request.
 
           
 
  (10)   (a)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated. (11)(28)
 
           
 
      (b)   1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. (12)(28)
 
           
 
      (c)   Form of Performance Share Award Agreement. (13)(28)
 
           
 
      (d)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Director Stock Plan, as amended and restated. (14)(28)
 
           
 
      (e)   1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. (12)(28)

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      (f)   BancorpSouth, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (15)(28)
 
           
 
      (g)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Restoration Plan, as amended and restated. (11)(28)
 
           
 
      (h)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated. (11)(28)
 
           
 
      (i)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Home Office Incentive Plan. (16)(28)
 
           
 
      (j)   Description of Dividend Reinvestment Plan. (17)(28)
 
           
 
      (k)   BancorpSouth, Inc., Amended and Restated Salary Deferral-Profit Sharing Employee Stock Ownership Plan. (18)(28)
 
           
 
      (l)   Form of BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement. (19)(28)
 
           
 
      (m)   Form of Amendment to BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement. (11)(28)
 
           
 
      (n)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Aubrey B. Patterson. (20)(28)
 
           
 
      (o)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for James V. Kelley. (21)(28)
 
           
 
      (p)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Gregg Cowsert. (20)(28)
 
           
 
      (q)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Michael Sappington. (20)(28)
 
           
 
      (r)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Larry Bateman. (22)(28)
 
           
 
      (s)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for William L. Prater. (23)(28)
 
           
 
      (t)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Gordon Lewis. (24)(28)
 
           
 
      (u)   BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement with Aubrey B. Patterson. (25)(28)
 
           
 
      (v)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Executive Performance Incentive Plan. (26)(28)
 
           
 
      (w)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Deferred Directors' Fee Unfunded Plan. (11)(28)
 
           
 
      (x)   Premier Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan. (27)(28)
 
           
 
      (y)   Premier Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Outside Director Stock Option Plan. (27)(28)
 
           
 
      (z)   Form of Stock Option Agreement for converted Business Holding Corporation Options (Vesting). (27)
 
           
 
      (aa)   Form of Stock Option Agreement for converted Business Holding Corporation Options (Non-Vesting). (27)(28)
 
           
    (11)   Statement re computation of per share earnings.*
 
           
    (21)   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*
 
           
    (23)   Consent of Independent Accountants.*
 
           
    (31.1)   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of BancorpSouth, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
           
    (31.2)   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of BancorpSouth, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
           
    (32.1)   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of BancorpSouth, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
           
    (32.2)   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of BancorpSouth, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
(1)   Filed as exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2006 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(2)   Filed as exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2009 (file number 001-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(3)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(4)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(5)   Filed as exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 26, 2007 (File number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(6)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (file number 0-10826) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(7)   Filed as exhibit 1 to the Company’s registration statement on Form 8-A filed on April 24, 1991 (file number 0-10826) and incorporated by reference thereto.

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(8)   Filed as exhibit 2 to the Company’s amended registration statement on Form 8-A/A filed on March 28, 2001 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(9)   Filed as exhibit 4.12 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed on November 2, 2001 (Registration No. 33-72712) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(10)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2002 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(11)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (file number 0-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(12)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2005 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(13)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2007 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(14)   Filed as an appendix to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 26, 2004 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(15)   Filed as exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 on Form S-3 to Form S-4 filed February 23, 1999 (Registration No. 333-280181) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(16)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(17)   Filed in the Company’s filing pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) filed on January 5, 2004 (Registration No. 033-03009) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(18)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed on April 19, 2006 (Registration No. 333-133390) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(19)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(20)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 1999 (file number 001-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(21)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-4 filed June 14, 2000 (Registration No. 333-39326) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(22)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(23)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 25, 2009 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(24)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(25)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2009 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(26)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2003 (file number 001-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(27)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed December 30, 2004 (Registration No. 333-121785) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(28)   Compensatory plans or arrangements.
 
*   Filed herewith.

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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.
         
  BANCORPSOUTH, INC.
 
 
DATE: March 15, 2010  By:   /s/ Aubrey B. Patterson    
    Aubrey B. Patterson   
    Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
/s/ Aubrey B. Patterson
 
Aubrey B. Patterson
  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director   March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ William L. Prater
 
William L. Prater
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ Gary C. Bonds
 
Gary C. Bonds
  Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer   March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ James E. Campbell III
 
James E. Campbell III
  Director    March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ Hassell H. Franklin
 
Hassell H. Franklin
  Director    March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ W. G. Holliman, Jr.
 
W. G. Holliman, Jr.
  Director    March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ James V. Kelley
 
James V. Kelley
  President, Chief Operating Officer and Director   March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ Larry G. Kirk
 
Larry G. Kirk
  Director    March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ Turner O. Lashlee
 
Turner O. Lashlee
  Director    March 15, 2010

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/s/ Guy W. Mitchell
 
Guy W. Mitchell, III
  Director    March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ R. Madison Murphy
 
R. Madison Murphy
  Director    March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ Robert C. Nolan
 
Robert C. Nolan
  Director    March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ W. Cal Partee, Jr.
 
W. Cal Partee, Jr.
  Director    March 15, 2010
 
       
/s/ Alan W. Perry
 
Alan W. Perry
  Director    March 15, 2010

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
         
Exhibit No.   Description
(2)
      Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 31, 2006, between BancorpSouth, Inc. and City Bancorp, Inc. (1)
 
       
(3)
  (a)   Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended. (2)
 
       
 
  (b)   Bylaws, as amended and restated. (3)
 
       
 
  (c)   Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Bylaws. (4)
 
       
 
  (d)   Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Bylaws (5)
 
       
 
  (e)   Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Bylaws (5)
 
       
(4)
  (a)   Specimen Common Stock Certificate. (6)
 
       
 
  (b)   Rights Agreement, dated as of April 24, 1991, including as Exhibit A the forms of Rights Certificate and of Election to Purchase and as Exhibit B the summary of Rights to Purchase Common Shares. (7)
 
       
 
  (c)   First Amendment to Rights Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2001. (8)
 
       
 
  (d)   Amended and Restated Certificate of Trust of BancorpSouth Capital Trust I. (9)
 
       
 
  (e)   Second Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of BancorpSouth Capital Trust I, dated as of January 28, 2002, between BancorpSouth, Inc., The Bank of New York, The Bank of New York (Delaware) and the Administrative Trustees named therein. (10)
 
       
 
  (f)   Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of January 28, 2002, between BancorpSouth, Inc. and The Bank of New York. (10)
 
       
 
  (g)   Guarantee Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2002, between BancorpSouth, Inc. and The Bank of New York. (10)
 
       
 
  (h)   Junior Subordinated Debt Security Specimen. (10)
 
       
 
  (i)   Trust Preferred Security Certificate for BancorpSouth Capital Trust I. (10)
 
       
 
  (j)   Certain instruments defining the rights of certain holders of long-term debt securities of the Registrant are omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish copies of these instruments to the SEC upon request.
 
       
(10)
  (a)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated. (11)(28)
 
       
 
  (b)   1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. (12)(28)
 
       
 
  (c)   Form of Performance Share Award Agreement. (13)(28)
 
       
 
  (d)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Director Stock Plan, as amended and restated. (14)(28)
 
       
 
  (e)   1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors. (12)(28)
 
       
 
  (f)   BancorpSouth, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (15)(28)
 
       
 
  (g)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Restoration Plan, as amended and restated. (11)(28)
 
       
 
  (h)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated. (11)(28)
 
       
 
  (i)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Home Office Incentive Plan. (16)(28)
 
       
 
  (j)   Description of Dividend Reinvestment Plan. (17)(28)
 
       
 
  (k)   BancorpSouth, Inc., Amended and Restated Salary Deferral-Profit Sharing Employee Stock Ownership Plan. (18)(28)
 
       
 
  (l)   Form of BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement. (19)(28)
 
       
 
  (m)   Form of Amendment to BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement. (11)(28)
 
       
 
  (n)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Aubrey B. Patterson. (20)(28)
 
       
 
  (o)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for James V. Kelley. (21)(28)
 
       
 
  (p)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Gregg Cowsert. (20)(28)
 
       
 
  (q)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Michael Sappington. (20)(28)
 
       
 
  (r)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Larry Bateman. (22)(28)
 
       
 
  (s)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for William L. Prater. (23)(28)
 
       
 
  (t)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Change in Control Agreement for Gordon Lewis. (24)(28)
 
       
 
  (u)   BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Agreement with Aubrey B. Patterson. (25)(28)
 
       
 
  (v)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Executive Performance Incentive Plan. (26)(28)
 
       
 
  (w)   BancorpSouth, Inc. Deferred Directors’ Fee Unfunded Plan. (11)(28)

 


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Exhibit No.   Description
 
  (x)   Premier Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan. (27)(28)
 
       
 
  (y)   Premier Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Outside Director Stock Option Plan. (27)(28)
 
       
 
  (z)   Form of Stock Option Agreement for converted Business Holding Corporation Options (Vesting). (27)(28)
 
       
 
  (aa)   Form of Stock Option Agreement for converted Business Holding Corporation Options (Non-Vesting). (27)(28)
 
       
(11)
      Statement re computation of per share earnings.*
 
       
(21)
      Subsidiaries of the Registrant.*
 
       
(23)
      Consent of Independent Accountants.*
 
       
(31.1)
      Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of BancorpSouth, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
       
(31.2)
      Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of BancorpSouth, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
       
(32.1)
      Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of BancorpSouth, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
       
(32.2)
      Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of BancorpSouth, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 
(1)   Filed as exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 31, 2006 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(2)   Filed as exhibit 3(a) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2009 (file number 001-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(3)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(4)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(5)   Filed as exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 26, 2007 (File number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(6)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (file number 0-10826) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(7)   Filed as exhibit 1 to the Company’s registration statement on Form 8-A filed on April 24, 1991 (file number 0-10826) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(8)   Filed as exhibit 2 to the Company’s amended registration statement on Form 8-A/A filed on March 28, 2001 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(9)   Filed as exhibit 4.12 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 filed on November 2, 2001 (Registration No. 33-72712) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(10)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2002 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(11)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (file number 0-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(12)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2005 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(13)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2007 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(14)   Filed as an appendix to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 26, 2004 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(15)   Filed as exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 on Form S-3 to Form S-4 filed February 23, 1999 (Registration No. 333-280181) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(16)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(17)   Filed in the Company’s filing pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) filed on January 5, 2004 (Registration No. 033-03009) and incorporated by reference thereto.

 


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(18)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed on April 19, 2006 (Registration No. 333-133390) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(19)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(20)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 1999 (file number 001-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(21)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-4 filed June 14, 2000 (Registration No. 333-39326) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(22)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(23)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 25, 2009 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(24)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(25)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2009 (file number 1-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(26)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2003 (file number 001-12991) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(27)   Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed December 30, 2004 (Registration No. 333-121785) and incorporated by reference thereto.
 
(28)   Compensatory plans or arrangements.
 
*   Filed herewith.