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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[X] Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (Fee Required)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 or
-----------------

[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (No Fee Required)

For the transition period from __________ to ___________

Commission file number 0-10826
-----------
BancorpSouth, Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Mississippi 64-0659571
-------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

One Mississippi Plaza
Tupelo, Mississippi 38801
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (601) 680-2000
--------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Name of Each Exchange on
Title of Each Class Which Registered
- ---------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Common stock, $2.50 par value New York Stock Exchange
Common stock purchase rights New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

COMMON STOCK, $2.50 PAR VALUE
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Title of Class)

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 periods that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

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
amendments to this Form 10-K. [ ]

(Cover Page Continues on Next Page)



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(Continued from Cover Page)

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant as of January 31, 1999, was approximately $869,667,000 based
on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on January
29, 1999.

On March 18, 1999, the registrant had outstanding 55,942,375 shares of
Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement used in connection with
Registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 27, 1999, are
incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.




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BANCORPSOUTH, INC.
FORM 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998
CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1. Business
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
Form 8-K



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PART I

Item 1. - Business

General

The BancorpSouth, Inc. (the "Company") is a bank holding company with
financial services operations in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. Its
principal subsidiary is BancorpSouth Bank ("the Bank"). The Company's principal
office is located at One Mississippi Plaza, Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 and its
telephone number is (601) 680-2000.

Description of Business

The Bank has its principal office in Tupelo, Lee County, Mississippi,
and conducts a commercial banking and trust business through 157 offices in 82
municipalities or communities in 49 counties throughout Mississippi, western
Tennessee and parts of Alabama. The Bank has grown through the acquisition of
other banks, the purchase of assets from federal regulators and through the
opening of new branches and offices. In addition, the Bank operates consumer
finance, credit life insurance and insurance agency subsidiaries. At December
31, 1998, the Bank had total assets of approximately $5.20 billion and total
deposits of approximately $4.44 billion.

The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial
services and products to individuals and small-to-medium size businesses.
Various types of checking accounts, both interest bearing and non-interest
bearing, are available. Savings accounts and certificates of deposit with a
range of maturities and interest rates are available to meet the needs of
customers. Other services include safe deposit and night depository facilities.
Limited 24-hour banking with automated teller machines is provided in most of
its principal markets. The Bank is an issuing bank for MasterCard and overdraft
protection is available to approved MasterCard holders maintaining checking
accounts with the Bank.

The Company offers a variety of services through the Bank's trust
department, including personal trust and estate services, certain employee
benefit accounts and plans, including individual retirement accounts, and
limited corporate trust functions.

At December 31, 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries employed 2,338
persons. The Company and its subsidiaries are not a party to any collective
bargaining agreements, and the Company believes employee relations are good.

Competition

Vigorous competition exists in all major areas where the Company is
engaged in business. The Bank competes for available loans and depository
accounts not only with state and national commercial banks in its service areas
but also with 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 whole 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 a competitive price and maturity and to offer
personal and other services of sufficient quality at competitive prices. The
Company and its subsidiaries believe they can compete effectively in all these
areas.

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.



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The Company is a bank holding company and is registered as such with
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "FRB") and is subject
to regulation and supervision by the FRB. The Company is required to file with
the FRB annual reports and such other information as they may require. The FRB
may also conduct examinations of the Company.

The Company is a legal entity which 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 on any extensions of credit to the Company or, with
certain exceptions, other affiliates. Dividends to shareholders are paid from
dividends paid to the Company by the Bank, which are subject to approval by the
applicable regulatory authorities.

The Bank is incorporated under the banking laws of the State of
Mississippi and is subject to the applicable provisions of Mississippi banking
laws rather than the National Bank Act. The Bank is subject to the supervision
of the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance and to regular
examinations by that department. The 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. The Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System.

The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989
("FIRREA") permits among other things the acquisition by bank holding companies
of savings associations, 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 bank holding company such as the Company if it
were to acquire another federally insured financial institution), arising as a
result of their status as a shareholder 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 statute
provides for increased funding for the FDIC's deposit insurance fund and
expanded 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 bank holding
companies. The 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 Bank's
deposits are in the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF), certain other of the Bank's
deposits which were acquired from thrifts over the years remain in the Savings
Association Insurance Fund (SAIF).

The Company is required to comply with the risk-based capital
guidelines established by the FRB, and to other tests relating to capital
adequacy which the FRB adopts from time to time. See Note 18 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994
("IBBEA") permits adequately capitalized and managed bank 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 have been in existence for a certain minimum time period,
which may not exceed five years. A bank holding company may not, following an
interstate acquisition, control more than 10% of the nation's total amount of
bank deposits or 30% of bank deposits in the relevant state (unless the state
enacts legislation to raise the 30% limit). States retain the ability to adopt
legislation to effectively 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; except that, mergers
may



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not be approved with respect to banks located in states 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.

Lending Activities

The Company's lending activities include both commercial and consumer
loans. Loan originations are derived from a number of sources including real
estate broker referrals, mortgage loan companies, direct solicitation by the
Company's loan officers, present savers and borrowers, builders, attorneys,
walk-in customers and, in some instances, other lenders. The Company has
established disciplined and systematic procedures for approving and monitoring
loans that vary depending on the size and nature of the loan.

Commercial Lending

The Company 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. At times, the Company 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 Company 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. Generally, the Company requires personal guaranties of its
commercial loans to offset the risks associated with such loans.

The Company has very little exposure as an agricultural lender. Crop
production loans are either fully supported by the collateral and financial
strength of the borrower or else a 90% loan guaranty is obtained through the
Farmers Home Administration on such loans.

Residential Consumer Lending

A portion of the Company's lending activities consists of the
origination of fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage loans secured by
owner-occupied property located in the Company'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
Company's traditional banking facilities or from affordable storefront locations
in commercial buildings. In addition, the Company offers construction loans,
second mortgages, home improvement loans and home equity lines of credit. The
Company's banking subsidiary has received an "outstanding" Community
Reinvestment Act ("CRA") rating from the Federal Deposit Insurance Company after
its most recent examination.

The Company 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 solvent and competent
contractors on both a pre-sold and a "speculation" basis. Such loans are also
made to qualified individual borrowers and are generally supported by a take-out
commitment from a permanent lender. The Company 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 have 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 Company will sell its mortgage loans of 15 or more
years in term in the secondary market, which allows the Company to hedge against
the interest rate risks related to such lending operations. This





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brokerage arrangement allows the Company to accommodate its clients' demands
while eliminating the interest rate risk for the 15 to 30 year period generally
associated with such loans. After the sale of a loan, the Company's only
involvement is to act as a servicing agent.

The Company in most cases requires title, fire, extended casualty
insurance and, where required by applicable regulations, flood insurance to be
obtained by the borrower. The Company 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 Company customarily include a "due on sale" clause giving the
Company 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 Company enforces due on sales
clauses. Borrowers are typically permitted to refinance or repay loans at their
option without penalty.

Non-Residential Consumer Lending

Non-residential consumer loans made by the Company include loans for
automobiles, recreation vehicles, boats, personal (secured and unsecured) and
deposit account secured loans. In addition, the Company provides federally
insured or guaranteed student loans to students at major universities and
community colleges in the Company's market areas. The Company also conducts
various indirect lending activities through established retail companies in its
market areas. Non-residential consumer loans are attractive to the Company
because they typically have a shorter term and carry higher interest rates than
that charged on other types of loans. Non-residential consumer loans, however,
do pose additional risks of collectability when compared to traditional types of
loans granted by commercial banks such as residential mortgage loans.

The Company also issues credit cards solicited on the basis of
applications received through referrals from the Company's bank branch networks.
The Company 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 rations, similar to
the credit policies applicable to other personal consumer loans. Historically,
the Company believes that its credit card losses have been well-below industry
norms.

Consumer loans are granted based on employment and financial
information solicited from prospective borrowers as well as credit records
collected from various reporting agencies. Stability of the borrower,
willingness to pay and credit history are the primary factors to be considered.
The availability of collateral is also a factor considered in making such a
loan. The Company seeks collateral that can be assigned and has good
marketability with a clearly adequate margin of value. The geographic area of
the borrower is another consideration with preference given to borrowers in the
Company's market area.

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. While there is no assurance that the Company will not suffer
losses on its loans, management believes that the Company has in place adequate
underwriting and loan administration policies and personnel to manage the
associated risks prudently.

In an effort to maintain the quality of the loan portfolio, management
seeks to minimize higher risk types of lending. Undesirable 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 Company's market area, 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
Company's risk of loss. Commercial loans entail certain additional risks since
they usually involve large loan balances to single borrowers or a related group
of borrowers, resulting in a more concentrated loan portfolio. Further, since
their payment is usually dependent upon the successful operation of the
commercial enterprise, they also are subject to adverse conditions in the
economy.



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The Board of Directors of the Company concentrates its efforts and
resources, and that of its management and lending officials, on loan review and
underwriting policies. Loan status and monitoring is handled through the
Company'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 substandard loans. The results of
loan reviews are reported to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Combined, these components are integral elements of the Company's loan program,
which has resulted in its loan portfolio performance to date. 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.

Selected Statistical Information

Set forth below is certain selected statistical information relating to
the Company's business.

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity; Interest Rates
and Interest Differentials

Net interest revenue, the difference between interest revenue and
interest expense, is the most significant component of the Company's earnings.
For internal analytical purposes, management adjusts Net Interest Revenue to a
"taxable equivalent" basis using an effective tax rate of 35% on tax exempt
items (primarily interest on municipal securities).

Another significant statistic in the analysis of net interest revenue
is the effective interest differential, also called the net yield on earning
assets. The net yield on earning assets is net interest divided by total
interest-earning assets. Recognizing the importance of interest differential to
total earnings, management places great emphasis on managing interest rate
spreads. Although interest differential is affected by national, regional and
local economic conditions, including the level of credit demand and interest
rates, there are significant opportunities to influence interest differential
through appropriate loan and investment policies which are designed to maximize
interest differential while maintaining sufficient liquidity and availability of
"incremental funds" for purposes of meeting existing commitments and for
investment in lending and other investment opportunities that may arise.

The following table sets forth the average balances of assets and
liabilities and the average rates earned and paid for the three years ended
December 31, 1998. The table shows the various components of earning assets and
the sources used to fund these assets which are included in the effective
interest differential.



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1998 1997 1996
--------------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------------
(Taxable equivalent basis) Average Yield/ Average Yield/ Average Yield/
Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate
------- -------- ---- ------- -------- ---- ------- -------- ----

ASSETS
Interest bearing deposits in
other banks $ 7,919 $ 394 4.98% $ 8,570 $ 426 4.97% $ 12,967 $ 689 5.31%
Held-to-maturity securities:
U.S. treasury and agencies 528,222 32,234 6.10% 444,605 28,981 6.51% 383,723 25,258 6.58%
State and political
subdivisions(1) 191,641 12,842 6.70% 162,976 11,806 7.24% 124,567 10,228 8.21%
Other securities -- -- -- 15 -- -- 84 -- --
Available-for-sale securities(2) 529,480 32,561 6.15% 411,612 26,269 6.38% 331,758 20,017 6.03%
Federal funds sold 70,122 3,691 5.26% 94,970 5,074 5.34% 70,715 4,071 5.76%
Loans (net of unearned
discount)(3)(5) 3,312,635 303,417 9.16% 2,896,305 269,814 9.32% 2,691,996 250,652 9.31%
Mortgages held for sale 52,634 3,470 6.59% 29,409 2,102 7.15% 27,729 1,956 7.05%
---------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------
Total interest earning
assets and revenue 4,692,653 388,609 8.28% 4,048,462 344,422 8.51% 3,643,539 312,871 8.59%
Other assets 361,919 318,091 302,252
Less: allowance for credit losses (46,681) (41,989) (39,583)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total $5,007,891 $4,324,564 $3,906,208
========== ========== ==========

LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand-interest bearing $ 966,884 $ 29,883 3.09% $ 883,654 $ 30,332 3.43% $ 797,366 $ 25,957 3.29%
Savings 702,566 29,515 4.20% 564,257 21,426 3.80% 433,581 15,600 3.60%
Time 2,059,637 114,318 5.55% 1,863,105 103,629 5.56% 1,716,887 93,026 5.42%
Federal funds purchased and
securities under
repurchase agreements 62,728 2,853 4.55% 46,382 2,270 4.89% 52,168 2,330 4.47%
Other short-term borrowings(4) 2,794 192 6.87% 4,942 308 6.23% 4,013 360 8.97%
Long-term debt 179,928 10,651 5.92% 55,339 3,305 5.97% 80,619 5,647 7.00%
---------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------
Total interest bearing
liabilities and expense 3,974,537 187,412 4.72% 3,417,679 161,270 4.72% 3,084,634 142,920 4.63%
Demand deposits--non-interest
bearing 534,432 466,346 436,308
Other liabilities 67,055 59,926 53,575
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities 4,576,024 3,943,951 3,574,517
Shareholders' equity 431,867 380,613 331,691
---------- ---------- ----------
Total $5,007,891 $4,324,564 $3,906,208
========== ========== ==========

Net interest revenue $201,197 $183,152 $169,951
======== ======== ========
Net yield on interest earning
assets 4.29% 4.52% 4.66%
==== ==== ====




1. Includes taxable equivalent adjustments of $3,226,000, $2,922,000 and
$2,755,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, using an effective
tax rate of 35%.
2. Includes taxable equivalent adjustment of $828,000, $1,027,000 and $283,000
in 1998, 1997 and 1996 using an effective tax rate of 35%.
3. Includes taxable equivalent adjustment of $1,036,000, $772,000 and $751,000
in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, using an effective tax rate of 35%.
4. Interest expense includes interest paid on liabilities not included in
averages.
5. Non-accrual loans are immaterial for each of the years presented.



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Analysis of Changes in Effective Interest Differential

Net interest revenue may also be analyzed by segregating the rate and volume
components of interest revenue and interest expense. The table which follows
presents an analysis of rate and volume change in net interest from 1997 to 1998
and 1996 to 1997. Changes, which are not solely due to volume or rate, are
allocated to volume.






1998 OVER 1997 - INCREASE (DECREASE) 1997 OVER 1996 - INCREASE (DECREASE)
------------------------------------ ------------------------------------
(Taxable equivalent basis) Volume Rate Total Volume Rate Total
------ ---- ----- ------ ---- -----
(In thousands)

INTEREST REVENUE
Due from banks - interest bearing $ (32) $ 0 $ (32) $ (219) $ (44) $ (263)
Held-to-maturity securities:
U.S. government agencies 5,103 (1,800) 3,303 3,962 (289) 3,673
State and political subdivisions 1,921 (885) 1,036 2,782 (1,204) 1,578
Other securities -- -- -- -- -- --
Available-for-sale securities 7,248 (956) 6,292 5,096 1,156 6,252
Federal funds sold (1,308) (75) (1,383) 1,296 (293) 1,003
Loans (net of unearned discount) 38,133 (4,530) 33,603 19,033 129 19,162
Mortgages held for sale 1,531 (163) 1,368 120 26 146
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total 52,597 (8,410) 44,187 32,069 (518) 31,551
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------

INTEREST EXPENSE
Demand deposits - interest bearing 2,572 (3,021) (449) 2,962 1,413 4,375
Savings deposits 5,810 2,279 8,089 4,962 864 5,826
Time deposits 10,908 (219) 10,689 8,133 2,470 10,603
Federal funds purchased and
securities under
repurchase agreements 743 (160) 583 (283) 223 (60)
Other short-term borrowings (148) 32 (116) 58 (110) (52)
Long-term debt 7,375 (29) 7,346 (1,510) (832) (2,342)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Total 27,262 (1,120) 26,142 14,322 4,028 18,350
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Increase (Decrease) in Effective
Interest Differential $25,335 $(7,290) $18,045 $17,747 $(4,546) $ 13,201
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ========








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Investment Portfolio

Held-to-Maturity Securities

The following table shows the amortized cost of held-to-maturity
securities at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:



December 31
------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)


U.S. Treasury securities $103,012 $109,012 $ 91,340
U.S. Government agency
securities 333,866 288,711 314,635
Taxable obligations of states
and political subdivisions 2,295 1,295 1,375
Taxable exemption obligations
of states and political
subdivisions 208,673 171,298 150,471
Other securities -- 15 15
-------- -------- --------

TOTAL $647,846 $570,331 $557,836
======== ======== ========



The following table shows the maturities and weighted average yields as
of the end of the latest period for each investment category presented above:




December 31, 1998
---------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.
U.S. GOVERNMENT STATES & WEIGHTED
TREASURY AGENCY POLITICAL OTHER AVERAGE
SECURITIES SECURITIES SUBDIVISIONS SECURITIES YIELD
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- -----
(In thousands)

PERIOD TO MATURITY:
Maturing within one year $ 57,144 $ 60,262 $ 13,812 $ -- 6.35%
Maturing after one year but
within five years 43,881 155,328 103,781 -- 6.29%
Maturing after five years but
within ten years 1,987 104,309 80,652 -- 6.57%
Maturing after ten years -- 13,967 12,723 -- 7.28%
-------- -------- -------- ------

TOTAL $103,012 $333,866 $210,968 $ --
======== ======== ======== ======



The yield on tax-exempt obligations of states and political
subdivisions has been adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using a 35% tax
rate.




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Available-for-Sale Securities

The following table shows the book value of available-for-sale
securities at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:



December 31
-----------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)


U.S. Treasury securities $106,226 $109,944 $ 57,663
U.S. Government agency securities 305,960 330,017 192,503
Taxable obligations of states
and political subdivisions 5,739 3,940 1,893
Tax exempt obligations of states
and political subdivisions 38,696 19,155 16,663
Other securities 93,146 48,351 46,603
-------- -------- --------

TOTAL $549,767 $511,407 $315,325
======== ======== ========




The following table shows the maturities and weighted average yields as
of the end of the latest period for each investment category presented above:



December 31, 1998
---------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.
U.S. GOVERNMENT STATES & WEIGHTED
TREASURY AGENCY POLITICAL OTHER AVERAGE
SECURITIES SECURITIES SUBDIVISIONS SECURITIES YIELD
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- -----
(In thousands)

PERIOD TO MATURITY:
Maturing within one year $ 42,841 $ 45,809 $ 3,337 $55,450 5.17%
Maturing after one year
but within five years 58,154 166,060 8,399 11,691 6.27%
Maturing after five years
but within ten years 5,231 71,286 17,095 23,028 6.22%
Maturing after ten years -- 22,805 15,604 2,977 6.94%
-------- -------- ------- -------

TOTAL $106,226 $305,960 $44,435 $93,146
======== ======== ======= =======




The yield on tax-exempt obligations of states and political
subdivisions has been adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using a 35% tax
rate.





12
13


Loan Portfolio

The Company's loans are widely diversified by borrower and industry.
The following table shows the composition of loans by collateral type of the
Company at December 31 for each of the years indicated.



DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(In thousands)

Commercial & agricultural(1) $ 365,716 $ 341,080 $ 299,522 $ 280,120 $ 252,725
Consumer & installment 905,413 870,823 792,559 747,520 686,902
Real estate mortgage(2) 2,054,143 1,758,636 1,584,967 1,472,172 1,280,921
Lease financing 210,559 172,821 149,582 122,290 82,577
Other 25,575 25,161 19,619 22,387 15,572
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

Total gross loans $3,561,406 $3,168,521 $2,846,249 $2,644,489 $2,318,697
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========




(1) Including $15,878,000, $15,867,000, $17,514,000, $21,089,000 and
$18,462,000 in 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, of loans
classified as agricultural.

(2) Including $48,871,000, $40,310,000, $43,512,000, $41,835,000 and
$35,772,000 in 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, of loans
secured by or relating to agricultural land.

Maturity Distribution of Loans

The maturity distribution of the Company's loan portfolio is one factor
in management's evaluation of the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio.
The following table shows the maturity distribution of gross loans of the
Company as of December 31, 1998.




ONE YEAR ONE TO AFTER
OR LESS FIVE YEARS FIVE YEARS
------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands)

Commercial and agricultural $ 189,265 $ 139,690 $ 36,761
Consumer & installment 211,248 676,079 18,086
Real estate mortgages 720,842 1,006,269 327,032
Lease financing 66,299 140,321 3,939
Other 16,904 7,075 1,596
---------- ---------- --------
Total gross loans $1,204,558 $1,969,434 $387,414
========== ========== ========




13
14


Sensitivity of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

The interest sensitivity of the Company's loans is important in the
management of effective interest differential. The Company attempts to manage
the relationship between the 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 sensitivity
of the Company's gross loans as of December 31, 1998.




December 31, 1998
-----------------
FIXED VARIABLE
RATE RATE
---- ----
(In thousands)


Loan Portfolio
Due after one year $2,044,561 $312,287
========== ========



Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans

Non-performing loans consist of both non-accrual loans and loans which
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 was $6,152,000, $5,047,000, $6,227,000, $3,556,000 and
$4,709,000 at December 31, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
aggregate principal balance of restructured loans was $713,000, $1,097,000,
$493,000, $281,000 and $1,751,000 at December 31, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively. The total amount of interest earned on non-performing loans
was approximately $153,000, $58,000, $42,000, $70,000 and $214,000 in 1998,
1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The gross interest income that would
have been recorded under the original terms of those loans amounted to $366,000,
$257,000, $353,000, $105,000 and $353,000 in 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Accruing loans which were contractually past due 90 days or more
for years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, amounted to
$9,654,000, $8,148,000, $5,501,000, $5,366,000 and $3,800,000, respectively.

Loans considered impaired, under SFAS No. 114, as amended by SFAS No.
118, are loans 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. The Company's recorded investment in
loans considered impaired at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $8,166,000 and
$7,181,000, respectively, with a valuation reserve of $3,151,000 and $2,862,000,
respectively. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 1998 and
1997 was $9,187,000 and $7,536,000, respectively.

The Company's policy provides that loans, other than installment loans,
are generally placed in non-accrual status if, in management's opinion, payment
in full of principal or interest is not expected, or when payment of principal
or interest is more than 90 days past due, unless the loan is both well-secured
and in the process of collection.

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, but which do not currently meet the
criteria for disclosure as problem loans. Historically, some of these loans are
ultimately restructured or placed in non-accrual status. At December 31, 1998,
no loans were known to be potential problem loans.

At December 31, 1998, the Company did not have any concentration of
loans in excess of 10% of total loans outstanding. Loan concentrations are
considered to exist when there are amounts loaned to a multiple number of
borrowers engaged in similar activities, which would cause them to be similarly
impacted by economic or other conditions. However, the Company does conduct
business in a geographically concentrated area. The ability of the Company's
borrowers to repay loans is to some extent dependent upon the economic
conditions prevailing in the market area.



14


15


Summary of Loan Loss Experience

In the normal course of business, the Company assumes risks in
extending credit. The Company manages these risks through its lending policies,
loan review procedures and the diversification of its loan portfolio. Although
it is not possible to predict loan losses with any certainty, management
constantly reviews the characteristics of the loan portfolio to determine its
overall risk profile and quality.

Constant attention to the quality of the loan portfolio is achieved by
a formal loan review process. The Board of Directors of the Company has
appointed a Loan Loss Reserve Valuation Committee (the Committee) which is
responsible for ensuring that the allowance for loan and leases losses (ALLL)
provides coverage of both known and inherent losses. The Committee considers
estimates of loss for individually-analyzed credits as well as factors such as
historical experience, changes in economic and business conditions and
concentrations of risk in determining the level of ALLL. The Committee meets at
least quarterly to determine the amount of additions to the ALLL. The Committee
is composed of senior management from the Company's Loan Administration, Lending
and Finance Departments. In each period, the Committee bases the ALLL on its
loan classification system as well as an analysis of general economic and
business trends in the Company's geographic region and nationally.

A key input for determining the amount of the ALLL is the Company's
loan classification system. The Company has a disciplined approach for assigning
credit ratings and classifications to individual credits. Each credit is
assigned a grade by the loan officer at origination that serves as a basis for
the credit analysis of the entire portfolio. Periodically, loan officers review
the status of each credit and update its grading. An independent Loan Review
Department (Loan Review) reviews the gradings assigned by the loan officer. Loan
Review is responsible for reviewing the credit rating and classification of
individual credits. They also assess trends in the overall portfolio, adherence
to internal credit policies and Loan Administration procedures and other factors
that may affect the overall adequacy of the ALLL. Throughout this on-going
process, management and the Committee are advised of the condition of individual
loans and of the quality profile of the entire loan portfolio for consideration
in establishing the ALLL.

Any loan or portion thereof which is classified as "loss" by regulatory
examiners or which is determined by management to be uncollectible because of
such factors 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.

The provision for credit losses charged to operating expense is an
amount which, in the judgment of management, is necessary to maintain the
allowance for credit losses at a level that is adequate to meet the probable
losses inherent in the Company's current portfolio of loans. Management's
judgment is based on a variety of factors which include the Company's experience
related to loan balances, charge-offs and recoveries, scrutiny of individual
loans and risk factors, results of regulatory agency reviews of loans and
present economic assumptions of 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 additions to the allowance based on their
judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Management does not believe the allowance for credit losses can be
fragmented by category of loans with any precision that would be useful to
investors but is doing so in this report only in an attempt to comply with
disclosure requirements of regulatory agencies. The breakdown of the allowance
by loan category is based in part on evaluations of specific loans' past history
and on economic conditions within specific industries or geographical areas.
Accordingly, since all of these conditions are subject to change, the allocation
is not necessarily indicative of the breakdown of any future losses.




15

16


The following table presents (a) the breakdown of the allowance for
credit losses by loan category and (b) the percentage of each category in the
loan portfolio to total loans at December 31 for each of the years presented:



1998 1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ---- ----
ALLOWANCE % OF LOANS ALLOWANCE % OF LOANS ALLOWANCE % OF LOANS ALLOWANCE % OF LOANS
FOR TO TOTAL FOR TO TOTAL FOR TO TOTAL FOR TO TOTAL
CREDIT LOSS LOANS CREDIT LOSS LOANS CREDIT LOSS LOANS CREDIT LOSS LOANS
----------- ----- ----------- ----- ----------- ----- ----------- -----

Commercial & agricultural $ 3,865 10.27% $ 3,172 10.76% $ 3,796 10.52% $ 3,395 10.59%

Consumer & installment 18,926 25.42% 16,304 27.49% 12,963 12.85% 10,942 28.27%

Real estate mortgage 23,875 57.68% 20,782 55.51% 21,538 55.69% 21,762 55.67%

Lease financing 2,802 5.91% 2,592 5.45% 2,070 5.25% 1,433 4.62%

Other 150 0.72% 138 0.79% -- 0.69% -- 0.85%
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
TOTAL $49,618 100.00% $42,988 100.00% $40,367 100.00% $37,532 100.00%
======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ======



1998
----
ALLOWANCE % OF LOANS
FOR TO TOTAL
CREDIT LOSS LOANS
----------- -----


Commercial & agricultural $ 3,238 10.90%

Consumer & installment 11,403 29.62%

Real estate mortgage 17,836 55.25%

Lease financing 1,290 3.56%

Other -- 0.67%
------- ------
TOTAL $33,767 100.00%
======= ======



16

17


The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Company's loans (net of unearned discount) and the allowance for credit losses
for the five years ended December 31, 1998.




1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(Dollars in thousands)

LOANS
Average loans for the
period $3,312,635 $2,896,305 $2,691,996 $ 2,394,571 $2,090,998
========== ========== ========== =========== ==========
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT
LOSSES
Balance beginning of
period $ 42,988 $ 40,367 $ 37,532 $ 33,767 $ 30,281
Loans charged off:
Commercial & agricultural (1,462) (1,307) (1,769) (1,445) (1,894)
Consumer & installment (8,657) (7,503) (6,443) (4,448) (3,481)
Real estate mortgage (1,738) (1,129) (817) (725) (1,224)
Lease financing (75) (48) (30) (1) (72)
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total loans charged off (11,932) (9,987) (9,059) (6,619) (6,671)
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------

Recoveries:
Commercial & agricultural 422 607 771 470 1,649
Consumer & installment 1,790 1,382 1,339 1,253 1,446
Real estate mortgage 164 359 254 377 422
Lease financing 20 57 5 18 91
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total recoveries 2,396 2,405 2,369 2,118 3,608
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net charge-offs (9,536) (7,582) (6,690) (4,501) (3,063)
Provision charged to
operating expense 15,014 9,607 9,525 6,418 6,432
Acquisitions 1,152 596 -- 1,848 117
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Balance, end of period $ 49,618 $ 42,988 $ 40,367 $ 37,532 $ 33,767
========== =========== ========== =========== ==========
RATIOS
Net charge-offs to
average loans 0.29% 0.26% 0.25% 0.19% 0.15%
========== =========== ========== =========== ==========



17

18


Deposits

Deposits represent the principal source of funds for the Company. 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 funds 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 effective interest differential.

The following table shows the classification of deposits on an average
basis for the three years ended December 31, 1998.



YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Average Average Average Average Average
Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate
------ ---- ------ ---- ------ ----
(Dollars in thousands)

Non-interest bearing
demand deposits $ 534,432 -- $ 466,346 -- $ 436,308 --

Interest bearing
demand deposits 966,884 3.09% 883,654 3.43% 797,366 3.26%

Savings 702,566 4.20% 564,257 3.80% 433,581 3.60%

Time 2,059,637 5.55% 1,863,105 5.56% 1,716,887 5.42%
---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL DEPOSITS $4,263,519 $3,777,362 $3,384,142
========== ========== ==========



Time deposits of $100,000 and over including certificates of deposits
of $100,000 and over at December 31, 1998, had maturities as follows:




DECEMBER 31, 1998
-----------------
(In thousands)


Three months or less $214,515
Over three months through six months 145,987
Over six months through twelve months 124,559
Over twelve months 155,178
--------
TOTAL $640,239
========





18

19


Return on Equity and Assets

Return on average equity, average assets and the dividend payout ratio
are based on net income for the three years ended December 31, 1998, as
presented below:

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
[S] [C] [C] [C]
Return on average equity 12.61% 13.19% 14.27%
Return on average assets 1.09 1.16 1.21
Dividend payout ratio 44.55 40.31 35.71

The Company's average equity as a percent of average assets was 8.62%,
8.80% and 8.49% for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Short-Term Borrowings

Time Deposits and Short-Term Debt

Certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more
amounting to approximately $640,239,000 and $531,243,000 were outstanding at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Total interest expense relating to
certificate and other time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled approximately
$36,579,000, $28,282,000, and $21,663,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively.

For time deposits with a remaining maturity of more than one year at
December 31, 1998, the aggregate amount of maturities for each of the following
five years is presented in the following table:




MATURING IN AMOUNT
----------- ------
(In thousands)

2000 $424,473
2001 95,433
2002 76,056
2003 31,431
2004 210
Thereafter 2,808
--------
Total $630,411
========








19

20


Presented below is information relating to short-term debt for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997:



END OF PERIOD DAILY AVERAGE MAXIMUM
--------------------- ------------------ OUTSTANDING
INTEREST INTEREST AT ANY
BALANCE RATE BALANCE RATE MONTH END
---------------------- ----------------- -----------
(Dollars in thousands)

1998:
Federal funds purchased $ 3,051 4.6% $ 6,172 5.2% $ 12,600
Securities sold under repurchase agreements 61,503 3.7% 56,556 4.5% 70,678
-------- ------- --------
Total $ 64,554 $62,728 $ 83,278
======== ======= ========

1997:
Federal funds purchased $152,449 6.9% $ 3,616 6.2% $152,449
Securities sold under repurchase agreements 36,922 5.1% 42,766 4.8% 48,274
-------- ------- --------
Total $189,371 $46,382 $200,723
======== ======= ========




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. At December 31, 1998, the Bank had
established informal federal funds borrowing lines of credit aggregating
$153,000,000.

Item 2. - Properties

The physical properties of the Company are held in its subsidiaries as
follows:

a. BancorpSouth Bank - The main office is located at One Mississippi
Plaza 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 85% of the
rentable space with the remainder leased to various unaffiliated
tenants.

The Bank owns 128 of its 147 branch banking facilities. The
remaining 19 branch banking facilities are occupied under leases
varying in length from one to nine years. The Bank also owns
several buildings in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area (which
provide space for certain of its Southern Region activities
including warehouse requirements, mortgage lending, trust
services, lease servicing and central operations), an operations
center near the Tupelo, Mississippi Municipal Airport, an office
building in downtown Jackson, Mississippi (which has
approximately 86,000 square feet of space, of which the Bank uses
approximately two-thirds for banking activities while leasing or
holding for lease the remaining 28,000 square feet) and an office
building in downtown Gulfport, Mississippi (which has
approximately 85,000 square feet of space, of which the Bank uses
approximately 7,500 square feet for banking activities while
leasing or holding for lease the remaining portion of the
building).

The Bank considers all its buildings and leased premises to be in
good condition. The Bank also owns several parcels of property
acquired under foreclosure. Ownership of and rentals on other
real property by the Bank are not material.

b. Personal Finance Company - This wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Bank occupies 37 leased offices, with the unexpired terms varying
in length from one to five years. The average size of


20

21

these leased offices is approximately 1,000 square feet with
average annual rent of approximately $9,000. All these premises
are considered to be in good condition.

Item 3. - Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits
arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after
consultation with outside legal counsel, the outcome of these actions should not
have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company and its
subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

Item 4. - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of 1998.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

For information regarding executive officers of the Company, see "Item
10 - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant" in this Report.

PART II

Item 5. - Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters

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 periods indicated,
the range of sale prices of the Company's common stock as reported on the New
York Stock Exchange from May 15, 1997 and as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market
prior to May 15, 1997. The prices have been restated to reflect a two-for-one
stock split of the Company's common stock effected in the form of a 100% stock
dividend paid May 15, 1998.




1998: High Low
---- ----

4th quarter $21.5625 $17.7500
3rd quarter 22.4375 16.8125
2nd quarter 23.0625 20.3125
1st quarter 24.0000 20.6250
1997:

4th quarter $24.1875 $17.5938
3rd quarter 18.0000 14.5000
2nd quarter 14.7500 13.2500
1st quarter 15.0000 13.2500



Holders of Record

As of February 28, 1999, there were 8,519 shareholders of record of the
Company's common stock.

Dividends

The Company declared quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.45 per share
during 1998, $0.395 during 1997 and $0.35 during 1996. Future dividends, if any,
will vary depending on the Company's profitability and anticipated capital
requirements. See "Item 1 - Business - Regulation and Supervision".



21

22
ITEM 6. -- SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)



YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------

Earnings Summary:
Interest revenue $ 383,519 $ 339,701 $ 308,965 $ 282,422 $ 231,191
Interest expense 187,412 161,270 142,920 130,474 96,123
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net interest revenue 196,107 178,431 166,045 151,948 135,068
Provision for credit losses 15,014 9,607 9,525 6,418 6,432
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net interest revenue, after provision
for credit losses 181,093 168,824 156,520 145,530 128,636
Other revenue 53,018 47,903 45,422 35,264 29,264
Other expense 152,084 143,618 130,211 123,663 109,914
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes 82,027 73,109 71,731 57,131 47,986
Income tax expense 27,550 22,907 24,396 17,494 14,176
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 54,477 $ 50,202 $ 47,335 $ 39,637 $ 33,810
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Per Share Data:
Net income: Basic $ 1.02 $ 0.99 $ 0.98 $ 0.83 $ 0.72
Diluted 1.01 0.98 0.98 0.82 0.72
Cash dividends 0.45 0.395 0.35 0.31 0.2775
Book value 8.48 7.79 7.21 6.62 5.96
Balance Sheet - Averages:
Total assets $5,007,891 $4,324,564 $3,906,208 $3,574,545 $3,258,782
Held-to-maturity securities 719,863 607,596 508,374 554,896 481,569
Available-for-sale securities 529,480 411,612 331,758 278,654 335,361
Loans, net of unearned discount 3,312,635 2,896,305 2,691,996 2,394,571 2,090,998
Total deposits 4,263,519 3,777,362 3,384,142 3,112,036 2,848,710
Total shareholders' equity 431,867 380,613 331,691 296,570 266,743
Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets 1.09% 1.16% 1.21% 1.11% 1.04%
Return on average shareholders' equity 12.61% 13.19% 14.27% 13.37% 12.68%




22
23
ITEM 7. -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

BancorpSouth, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company with
commercial banking operations in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama.
BancorpSouth Bank (the Bank), the Company's banking subsidiary is headquartered
in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Bank operated prior to December 1998, under the
trade names Bank of Mississippi in Mississippi, Volunteer Bank in Tennessee and
BancorpSouth in Alabama. In December, 1998 the Bank's name was changed to
BancorpSouth Bank in all areas of operations. The Bank and its consumer finance,
credit life insurance and insurance agency subsidiaries provide commercial
banking, leasing, mortgage origination and servicing, life insurance and trust
services to corporate customers, local governments, individuals and other
financial institutions through an extensive network of branches and offices
located throughout Mississippi, west Tennessee and certain Alabama markets.

The following discussion provides certain information concerning the
consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company. For a
complete understanding of the following discussion, reference is made to the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto presented elsewhere in this
Annual Report.

THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SUMMARY

The table below summarizes the Company's net income and returns on
average assets and average shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996:



1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(In thousands, except per share amounts)


Net income $54,477 $50,202 $47,335

Net income per share: Basic $ 1.02 $ 0.99 $ 0.98
Diluted $ 1.01 $ 0.98 $ 0.98
Return on average assets 1.09% 1.16% 1.21%
Return on average shareholders' equity 12.61% 13.19% 14.27%


NET INTEREST REVENUE

Net interest revenue, principally interest earned on assets less interest
costs on liabilities, provides the Company with its principal source of income.
Since net interest revenue is affected by changes in the levels of interest
rates and the amount and composition of interest earning assets and interest
bearing liabilities, one of management's primary tasks is to balance these
interest sensitive components of assets and liabilities for the purpose of
maximizing net interest revenue while at the same time minimizing interest rate
risk to the Company.


23
24

The following table presents the average components of interest earning
assets and interest bearing liabilities for each year and their change,
expressed as a percentage, from each of the prior years:



1998 1997 1996
------------------------ ------------------------- --------------------------
AVERAGE % AVERAGE % AVERAGE %
BALANCE CHANGE BALANCE CHANGE BALANCE CHANGE
---------- ------ ---------- ------ ---------- -------
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Deposits with other banks $7,919 -7.6% $8,570 -33.9% $12,967 -36.6%
Held-to-maturity securities 719,863 +18.5 607,596 +19.5 508,374 -8.4
Available-for-sale securities 529,480 +28.6 411,612 +24.1 331,758 +19.1
Federal funds sold 70,122 -26.2 94,970 +34.3 70,715 +36.7
Loans and leases, net of unearned 3,312,635 +14.4 2,896,305 +7.6 2,691,996 +12.4
Mortgages held for sale 52,634 +79.0 29,409 +6.1 27,729 +33.3
---------- ---------- ----------
Total interest earning assets $4,692,653 +15.9% $4,048,462 +11.1% $3,643,539 +9.7%
========== ========== ==========
Interest bearing liabilities:
Deposits $3,729,087 +12.6% $3,311,016 +12.3% $2,947,834 +9.1%
Federal funds purchased and
securities sold under
repurchase agreements 62,728 +35.2 46,382 -11.1 52,168 +7.3
Long-term debt 179,928 +225.1 55,339 -31.4 80,619 +17.8
Other 2,794 -43.5 4,942 +23.1 4,013 -14.7
---------- ---------- ----------
Total interest bearing liabilities $3,974,537 +16.3% $3,417,679 +10.8% $3,084,634 +9.3%
========== ========== ==========

Non-interest bearing deposits $534,432 +14.6% $466,346 +6.9% $436,308 +6.3%
========== ========== ==========


In 1998 the growth of loans and leases increased as compared to 1997. In
1996 loans and leases grew at a faster rate than interest bearing deposits;
however, the Company's other funding sources, non-interest bearing deposits,
federal funds purchased and Federal Home Loan Bank advances, were adequate to
fund its asset growth during such periods. The bank's leasing operation provides
lease financing for equipment for commercial accounts as well as municipal
governments in its primary market area.

The changes in the components of interest earning assets, interest
bearing liabilities, and non-interest bearing deposits resulted in the following
tax equivalent net interest revenue expressed as a percentage of average earning
assets for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:



1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----

Net interest margin 4.29% 4.52% 4.66%


The Company experienced a decrease in net interest margin in 1998 and
1997 as a result of increased deposit costs and a decline in asset yields in
1998 and a reduced growth rate in loans and leases in 1997. Increased loans and
lease growth rates in 1996 resulted in a more favorable net interest margin
experience. The Company utilizes short-term, intermediate-term and long-term
borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank for the purpose of funding asset
growth. In years prior to 1998, the Company sought to lengthen the maturity of
deposits by actively seeking four and five-year certificates of deposit with
interest rates slightly above the relative market for such funds, thereby
reducing the net interest margin in 1997 and 1996. In 1998, competitive
pressures, which show no signs of abating, lengthened loan maturities and,
coupled with declining loan yields, further reduced net interest margin.

In 1998, from February to August, the Company was the depository for $175
million of State of Mississippi funds as a result of a successful competitive
bid for the funds. These funds were invested in short term instruments which
provided a nominal interest spread which further contributed to the narrowing of
net interest margins for the year. The Company does not expect a reoccurrence of
this one-time transaction.


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INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

The interest sensitivity gap is the difference between the maturity or
repricing scheduling 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 sets forth the
Company's interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 1998:



INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
DECEMBER 31, 1998
MATURING OR REPRICING
-----------------------------------------------------------
91 DAYS OVER 1
0 TO 90 TO YEAR TO OVER
DAYS 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 5 YEARS
----------- ----------- ---------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Interest earning assets:
Interest bearing deposits due from banks $ 6,632 $ -- $ -- $ --
Federal funds sold 115,040 -- -- --
Held-to-maturity securities 79,601 157,160 313,276 97,809
Available-for-sale securities 126,665 110,793 205,191 107,118
Loans & leases, net of unearned 946,584 473,024 1,807,786 241,307
Mortgages held for sale 63,354 -- -- --
----------- ----------- ---------- --------
Total interest earning assets 1,337,876 740,977 2,326,253 446,234
----------- ----------- ---------- --------
Interest bearing liabilities:
Interest bearing demand deposits & savings 889,456 294,269 661,412 --
Time deposits 519,844 845,383 614,012 3,018
Federal funds purchased & securities
sold under repurchase agreements 64,554 -- -- --
Long-term debt 804 2,420 42,159 132,935
Other 694 9 145 255
----------- ----------- ---------- --------
Total interest bearing liabilities 1,475,352 1,142,081 1,317,728 136,208
----------- ----------- ---------- --------
Interest sensitivity gap $ (137,476) $ (401,104) $1,008,525 $310,026
=========== =========== ========== ========
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap $ (137,476) $ (538,580) $ 469,945 $779,971
=========== =========== ========== ========


In the event interest rates decline after 1998, it is likely that the
Company will experience a slightly positive effect on net interest income in the
following one year period, as the cost of funds will decrease at a more rapid
rate than interest income on interest bearing assets. Conversely, in periods of
increasing interest rates, based on the current interest sensitivity gap, the
Company will experience decreased net interest income.

PROVISIONS FOR CREDIT LOSSES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The provision for credit losses is the annual cost of providing an
allowance or reserve for estimated probable future losses on loans. The amount
for each year is dependent upon many factors including loan growth, net
charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies,
management's assessment of loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral and
general economic factors. The process of determining the adequacy of the
provision requires that management make material estimates and assumptions that
are particularly susceptible to significant change.

When determining the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses,
management considers changes in the size and character of the loan portfolio,
changes in non-performing and past due loans, historical loan loss experience,
the existing risk of individual loans, concentrations of loans to specific
borrowers or industries and existing and prospective economic conditions. The
allowance for credit losses for commercial loans is based principally upon the
Company's loan classification system. The Company has a disciplined approach for
assigning credit ratings and classifications to individual credits. Each credit
is assigned a grade by the loan officer that serves as a basis for the credit
analysis of the entire portfolio. The grade assigned considers the borrower's
creditworthiness, collateral values, cash flows and other


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26

factors. An independent loan review department 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. The loan review
department is supplemented by regulatory agencies that provide and additional
level of review. The allowance for credit losses for the consumer loan portfolio
is based upon delinquencies and historic loss rates. The overall allowance
includes a component representing the results of other analysis intended to
insure that the allowance is adequate to cover other probable losses inherent in
the portfolio. This component considers our analyses of changes in credit risk
resulting from the differing underwriting criteria in acquired loan portfolios,
industry concentrations, changes in the mix of loans originated, overall credit
criteria and other economic indicators.

The provision for credit losses, the allowance for credit losses as a
percentage of loans and leases outstanding at the end of each year and net
charge-offs are shown in the following table:



1998 1997 1996
---------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Provision for credit losses $ 15,014 $ 9,607 $ 9,525
Allowance for credit losses as
a percent of loans and leases
outstanding at year end 1.43% 1.40% 1.46%
Net charge offs $ 9,536 $ 7,582 $ 6,690
Net charge offs as a percent
of average loans 0.29% 0.26% 0.25%


The provision for credit losses for 1998 increased 56.3% as compared to
the provision for 1997, principally as a result of the faster rate of growth in
the loan portfolio, an increase in losses and differences in underwriting
standards at acquired institutions. The 1997 provision for credit losses
increased from 1996's level by 0.9% as a result of the slower growth in loans
and an increase in loan losses. The 1996 provision for credit losses increased
48.4% from 1995's level as a result of the growth in the loan portfolio and
increases in loan losses. In all years presented, increases in consumer based
loans were the principal contributors to the higher levels of net charge-offs.

OTHER REVENUE

The components of other revenue for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996 and the percentage change from the prior year are shown in the
following table:



1998 1997 1996
---------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------
AMOUNT % CHANGE AMOUNT % CHANGE AMOUNT % CHANGE
------ -------- ------ -------- ------ --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Mortgage lending $10,808 +36.6% $7,912 -9.0% $8,694 +133.5%
Service charges 23,291 +5.7 22,030 +5.9 20,808 +15.2
Life insurance premiums 3,655 -3.1 3,772 -13.0 4,337 +29.7
Trust income 3,682 +13.7 3,239 +7.1 3,023 +14.8
Securities gains, net 867 -32.4 1,283 +462.7 228 +133.6
Other revenue 10,715 +10.8 9,667 +16.0 8,332 +1.8
------- ------- -------

Total other revenue $53,018 +10.7% $47,903 +5.5% $45,422 +28.8%
======= ======= =======


Mortgage lending revenue, which consists principally of revenue generated
by originating loans and by servicing loans for others, increased in 1998. The
increase in mortgage loan originations was spurred by lower interest rates in
1998. Mortgage lending revenue decreased in 1997 principally as a result of a
decline in revenue related to mortgage servicing. The revenue produced by
mortgage lending activities increased in 1996 primarily as a result of declining
interest rates and growth in servicing income. Mortgage servicing resulted in a
loss of $1,276,000 in 1998, with income of $2,198,000 in 1997, compared to
income of $3,097,000 in 1996. The decrease is attributable to increased
amortization of capitalized mortgage servicing rights along with changes in the
valuation allowance for impairment. Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are
evaluated for impairment based on the excess of the carrying amount of the
mortgage servicing rights over their fair value. Revenue from mortgage
origination and secondary marketing was $11,885,000 in 1998 as compared to
$5,398,000 in 1997 and $5,363,000 in 1996. The following table presents the
principal amount of mortgage loans serviced at December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
and the percentage change from the previous year:

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27



1998 1997 1996
------------------- --------------------- -------------------
AMOUNT % CHANGE AMOUNT % CHANGE AMOUNT % CHANGE
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

Mortgage loans serviced $1,701.7 +28.5% $1,324.0 +13.5% $1,166.8 +33.2%


Service charges on deposit accounts increased in 1998, 1997 and 1996
because of higher volumes of items processed as a result of greater economic
activity and growth in the number of demand deposit accounts. Trust income
increased 13.7% in 1998, 7.1% in 1997 and 14.8% in 1996, as a result of
increases in the number of trust accounts and the value of assets under care
(either managed or in custody). Other revenue increased 10.8%, 16.0% and 1.8% in
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in 1998 was primarily
attributable to commissions and fees derived from the sale of annuities and
other life insurance products. This service was added to the Company's financial
offerings in late 1997 but only began to contribute revenue in 1998. These
commissions and fees were approximately $1 million in 1998. The increase in
other revenue in 1997 was attributable to increases in gains on the sale of
equipment and facilities and fees relating to greater usage of the Bank's debit
card. The increase in 1996 was principally as a result of increases in fees for
non-deposit related services.

OTHER EXPENSE

The components of other expense for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996 and the percentage change from the prior year are shown in the
following table:



1998 1997 1996
------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
AMOUNT % CHANGE AMOUNT % CHANGE AMOUNT % CHANGE
--------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Salaries and employee benefits $70,937 -3.6% $73,620 +13.2% $65,056 +5.8%
Occupancy, net 10,417 +8.6 9,594 +2.3 9,380 +4.8
Equipment 15,023 +12.2 13,390 +22.2 10,953 +9.5
Telecommunications 4,602 +16.7 3,943 +3.9 3,796 +21.7
Other 51,105 +18.7 43,071 +5.0 41,026 +2.3
-------- -------- --------
Total other expense $152,084 +5.9% $143,618 +10.3% $130,211 +5.3%
======== ======== ========


While regular salaries and employee benefits increased in each of the
three years presented due to the hiring of employees to staff the banking
locations added during those years, stock appreciation rights (SARs) expense,
which is included in employee benefits, fluctuated significantly during the
three year period. The Company's stock option plans contain a provision for SARs
which requires the recognition of expense for stock price appreciation or a
reduction of expense in the event of a decline in the stock price. In 1998, the
Company's common stock declined by approximately 24% from year end 1997. As a
result of this decline in value, a reduction in expense of $2.7 million was
recorded. In 1997, the Company's common stock price increased approximately 75%,
which resulted in SARs expense of $6.1 million, as compared to expense of $1.9
million in 1996. At December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 587,000
SARs outstanding. Each dollar increase in the Company's stock price will result
in $587,000 in SAR expense while each dollar decrease in the Company's stock
price will result in an $587,000 reduction in SAR expense. Occupancy and
equipment expenses have increased principally as a result of additional branch
offices and upgrades to the Company's internal operating systems.

Equipment, telecommunications and all other expenses recorded
double-digit percentage increases in 1998. These expenses increased in all
periods as a result of expanded telecommunications, increased computer
programming expense, systems enhancements, and credit card interchange fees, all
of which related to providing higher levels of convenient consumer oriented
banking services. Additionally, approximately $500,000 of unamortized expense
relating to the issuance of the Company's 9% Subordinated Capital Debentures was
charged against 1996 earnings as a result of the early extinguishment of the
debt issue in December 1996.

In 1998, as a direct result of the mergers with Alabama Bancorp., Inc. on
October 30, 1998, Merchants Capital Corporation on December 4, 1998 and The
First Corporation on December 31, 1998, the Company recorded mergerrelated costs
of approximately $5 million $(4.1 million after tax) as other operating expense.
Of the merger-related costs, $4.6 million $(3.7 million after tax) was recorded
as other operating expense in the fourth quarter of 1998. The charge to
operating expense consisted of termination and change of control payments $(2.4
million), costs to eliminate duplicate headquarters facilities $(0.5 million),
professional fees $(2.0 million) and miscellaneous $(0.1 million). Substantially
all of the termination and change of control payments were made during the
fourth quarter of 1998 at consummation of the


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28

mergers. The Company had formulated, documented and approved plans of
termination with respect to termination payments that had not been paid at
December 31, 1998, and expects to make those payments by the second quarter of
1999. Included in the cost is a loss in the fourth quarter of 1998 for
abandonment of a duplicate headquarters facility in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The
loss amount was determined based upon third party appraisals of the property.
Professional fees consist of investment banking, legal and accounting fees
substantially all of which were paid during 1998.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

LOANS

The Company's loan portfolio represents the largest single component of
its earning asset base. The following table indicates the average loans, year
end balances of the loan portfolio and the percentage increases for the years
presented:



1998 1997 1996
----------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
AMOUNT % CHANGE AMOUNT % CHANGE AMOUNT % CHANGE
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

Loans, net of unearned - average $3,312.6 +14.4% $2,896.3 +7.6% $2,692.0 +12.4%

Loans, net of unearned - year end 3,468.7 +12.9 3,073.0 +11.4 2,759.2 +7.5


Despite significant levels of increase in the Company's loan portfolio,
quality is stressed in its lending policy as opposed to growth. The Company's
non-performing assets which are carried either in the loan account or other
assets on the consolidated balance sheets, were as follows at the end of each
year presented:



1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)

Foreclosed properties $6,766 $2,711 $ 2,119
Non-accrual loans 6,152 5,047 6,227
Loans 90 days or more past due 9,654 8,148 5,501
Restructured loans 713 1,097 539
------- ------- -------
Total non-performing assets $23,285 $17,003 $14,386
======= ======= =======

Total non-performing assets as a percent of net loans 0.67% 0.55% 0.52%
======= ======= =======


The Company has not, as a matter of policy, participated in any highly
leveraged transactions nor made any loans or investments relating to corporate
transactions such as leveraged buyouts or leveraged recapitalizations. At
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company did not have any concentration of
loans in excess of 10% of loans outstanding. 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. However, the Company does conduct business in a geographically
concentrated area, which was expanded into Alabama in 1998. The ability of the
Company's borrowers to repay loans also is dependent upon the economic
conditions prevailing in the market area.

Included in non-performing assets above were loans the Company considered
impaired totaling $8,166,000, $7,181,000, and $7,808,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.



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29

SECURITIES AND OTHER EARNING ASSETS

The securities portfolio is used to make various term investments,
provide a source of liquidity and to serve as collateral to secure certain types
of deposits. A portion of the Company's securities portfolio continues to be
tax-exempt. Investments in tax-exempt securities totaled $247.4 million at
December 31, 1998, compared to $190.5 million at the end of 1997. The Company
invests only in investment grade securities, with the exception of obligations
of Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama counties and municipalities, and avoids
other high yield non-rated securities and investments.

At December 31, 1998, the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled
$549.8 million. These securities, which are subject to possible sale, are
recorded at fair value. At December 31, 1998, the Company held no securities
whose decline in fair value was considered other than temporary.

Net unrealized gains on investment securities as of December 31, 1998
totaled $25.4 million. Net unrealized gains on held-to-maturity securities
comprised $11.4 million of that total, while net unrealized gains on
available-for-sale securities were $14.0 million. Net unrealized gains on
investment securities as of December 31, 1997, amounted to $15.8 million. Of
that total, $7.5 million was attributable to held-to-maturity securities and
$8.3 million to available-for-sale securities. These unrealized gains were a
direct result of relatively stable to lower intermediate term interest rates
during 1998 and 1997. Because the average maturity of securities owned is
relatively short, market value fluctuations due to interest rate changes are
softened and the impact of foregone earnings is reduced.

DEPOSITS

The following table presents the Company's average deposit mix and
percentage change for the years indicated:



1998 1997 1996
------------------------ ---------------------------- ---------------------
AVERAGE % AVERAGE % AVERAGE %
BALANCE CHANGE BALANCE CHANGE BALANCE CHANGE
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)


Interest bearing deposits $3,729.1 +12.6% $3,311.0 +12.3% $2,947.8 +9.1%

Non-interest bearing deposits 534.4 +14.6 466.3 +6.9 436.3 +6.3


The Company's deposit mix continued to experience change in 1998. By year
end 1998, other time deposits showed an increase of 6.2% from the end of 1997,
while interest bearing demand deposits increased by 10.0% and other short-term
savings accounts increased 26.8%. Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased
5.3% from year end 1997 to year end 1998. Management is of the opinion that the
low interest rates paid on deposit accounts in 1997 and 1996 caused depositors
to reduce the period over which they were willing to commit their funds and
shifted their deposits from longer term, fixed rate instruments to daily savings
and demand accounts, or even to seek alternative non-bank investments. That
trend continued into 1998 and the Company has countered with a strategy of
paying slightly above market rates for intermediate term deposits. Deposits are
the Company's primary source of funds to support its earning assets. The
Company's primary market areas provide the sources of substantially all deposits
for all periods presented.

LIQUIDITY

The Company's goal is to provide adequate funds to meet changes in loan
demand or any potential increase in the normal level of deposit withdrawals.
This goal is accomplished primarily by maintaining sufficient short-term liquid
assets coupled with consistent growth in core deposits in order to fund earning
assets and to maintain the availability of unused capacity to acquire funds in
national and local capital markets. Management believes that the Company's
traditional sources of maturing loans, investment securities, mortgages held for
sale, purchased federal funds and base of core deposits are adequate to meet the
Company's liquidity needs for normal operations. The Company maintains a
relationship with the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides an additional
source of liquidity to fund term loans with borrowings of matched or longer
maturities. The matching of these assets and liabilities has had the effect of
reducing the Company's net interest margin.

On October 23, 1996, the Company announced that it would call for
redemption all of its outstanding 9% Subordinated Capital Debentures due in
1999. On December 30, 1996 the Company extinguished the debt by irrevocably
depositing with the trustee $24,508,000 in cash plus accrued and unpaid interest
from November 1, 1996 to redeem the debentures, which were redeemed on January
15, 1997.


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30

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company is required to comply with the risk-based capital
guidelines established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
(FRB). These guidelines apply a variety of weighting factors which vary
according to the level of risk associated with the assets. Capital is measured
in two "Tiers": Tier I consists of paid-up share capital, including common stock
and disclosed reserves (retained earnings and related surplus in the case of
common stock), 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 Company's Tier I capital
and total capital, as a percentage of total risk-adjusted assets, was 11.74% and
12.99%, respectively at December 31, 1998, compared to 12.13% and 13.38%,
respectively at December 31, 1997. Both ratios exceed the required minimum
levels for these ratios of 4% and 8%, respectively. In addition, the Company's
leverage capital ratio (Tier I capital divided by total assets, less goodwill)
was 8.49% at December 31, 1998 and 8.52% at December 31, 1997, compared to the
required minimum leverage capital ratio of 3%.

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
classify as "well capitalized", the Tier I risk-based capital, total risk-based
capital and leverage capital ratios must be at least 6%, 10% and 5%,
respectively. The Company's bank subsidiary met the criteria for the "well
capitalized" category at December 31, 1998.

The Company has determined to pursue acquisition transactions of
depository institutions and businesses closely related to banking which further
the Company's business strategies. The Company anticipates that the
consideration for substantially all of these transactions, if completed, will be
shares of the Company's common stock; however, transactions involving cash
consideration or other forms of consideration will not be excluded.

The Company has announced that it may repurchase annually up to $3
million of its outstanding common stock for the purpose of providing liquidity
to a Company employee benefit plan. During 1998, approximately $600,000 of
common stock was repurchased from the employee benefit plan.

YEAR 2000

The Company is addressing the issues associated with the programming
code in existing computer systems as the millennium (Year 2000) approaches. The
"Year 2000" problem is pervasive and complex as virtually every computer
operation will be affected in some way by the rollover of the two digit year
value to 00. The issue is whether computer systems will properly recognize date
sensitive information when the year changes to 2000. Systems that do not
properly recognize such information could generate erroneous data or cause a
system to fail.

The Company is utilizing both internal and external resources to
identify, correct or reprogram, and test its systems for the Year 2000
compliance. During 1997, the Company developed a plan to deal with the Year 2000
problem and established a Year 2000 committee that consists of representatives
from the major functional areas of the Company. The committee has conducted a
comprehensive review of the Company's computer systems to identify the systems
that could be affected by the Year 2000 issue. The project includes reviews of
internal and external factors. The Company's internal efforts address
information technology systems and functions with embedded computer chips.
Functions with embedded computer chips include such things as vaults, security
systems, elevators and heating and cooling systems have been reviewed and
remediation should be completed by June 30, 1999. External efforts deal with
critical business partners including customers, vendors, suppliers and utility
providers. The Company is actively communicating with third party providers of
software and hardware for certification of their compliance with Year 2000
issues. We are conducting our efforts in accordance with Federal Financial
Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) guidelines. Reports are given to senior
management and to the Board of Directors. The Company met the FFIEC guidelines
for financial institutions by substantially completing testing of its in-house
mission critical systems by December 31, 1998 and will meet the March 31, 1999
guideline for testing third party service bureau systems. We will continue
testing throughout 1999.

The Company completed a major systems upgrade in 1998 of our core
mainframe systems and application subsystems that brought Year 2000 compliance
to these in-house mission critical applications. This systems upgrade will add
approximately $850,000 in additional annual software maintenance. It is
projected that the Company has or will incur a total of approximately $700,000
in additional external costs related to Year 2000 issues. Such cost is primarily
related to third party programming resources that are used for all mainframe
based application modifications. The Company does not separately track the
internal cost incurred related to Year 2000 compliance efforts. Such costs are
principally the related payroll costs for our information systems group. The
Company



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31

believes that with the modifications of existing systems and the conversion to
new systems as discussed above, the remaining Year 2000 compliance issues will
be resolved on a timely basis and any related costs will not have a material
impact on the Company's operations, cash flows or financial condition in future
periods.

The risks associated with the Company's Year 2000 compliance include
those related to critical business partners, such as customers, vendors,
suppliers and utility providers, and their ability to effectively address their
own Year 2000 issues. These risks include a failure of voice and data
communication systems, failure of utility providers such as water, gas and
electricity, excessive cash withdrawals at year-end 1999, out of service ATMs,
delayed cash couriers and inaccessibility of external data sources. Risks
associated with the Company's internal operations include inability to access
and process data and information, failure of time locks and security systems,
inability to meet customers demands for cash and the inability to process
electronic transactions for the Company and its customers.

The Company continues to refine and test its contingency plans and
evaluate the most reasonable likely worst case scenario. Contingency plans will
include items such as having an alternative source of power for our corporate
operations center in the event that commercial power sources experience outages,
providing paper based reports to our network of branches to allow customer
service in the event of telephone or data line outages, and the use of remote
item processing sites in dispersed geographical areas to allow for continued
processing of customer transactions.

BUSINESS RISKS

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
Securities Act of 1934, 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," "estimate," "expect," "foresee," "may,"
"will," "would," future or conditional verb tenses, and variations or negatives
of such terms. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation,
those relating to the Company's future growth, revenue, profitability and
customer service, Year 2000 compliance, net interest revenue, loan loss
experience, liquidity, capital resources, market risk, earnings, acquisition
strategy and competition.

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, changes in the Company's operating or expansion
strategy, availability of and costs associated with obtaining adequate and
timely sources of liquidity, changes in consumer preferences and the risk
factors that are described in greater detail in this section below. Other
relevant risk factors may be detailed from time to time in the Company's press
releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Governmental Organizations Extensively Regulate the Company and the Bank.

The Company is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956, and the Bank is a Mississippi state banking corporation.
Accordingly, both are subject to extensive governmental regulation, legislation
and control. These laws limit the manner in which the Company and the Bank
operate, including the amount of loans they can originate, interest they can
charge on loans and fees they can charge for certain services. The Company
cannot predict whether, or the extent to which, the government and governmental
organizations may change any of these laws or controls. The Company also cannot
predict how any of these changes would adversely affect the Company's business
and prospects.

Other Bank Holding Companies and Banks Compete with the Company.

The banking business is extremely competitive in the Company's service
areas in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. The Company competes, and will
compete, with well established financial institutions, several of which have
significantly greater resources and lending limits. Some of these competitors
provide certain services that the Company does not provide.

Rising Interest Rates May Result in Higher Interest Rates Being Paid on Interest
Bearing Deposits Than Are Charged on Outstanding Loans.

If interest rates rise, the Company may pay interest on its customers'
interest-bearing deposits and other liabilities of the Company at higher rates
than the interest rates paid to the Company by its customers on outstanding
loans that were made when interest rates were at a lower level. This situation
would result in a negative interest rate spread with respect to those loans and
cause an adverse effect on the Company's earnings. This adverse effect would


31
32

increase if interest rates continued to rise while the Company had outstanding
loans payable at fixed interest rates that could not be adjusted to a higher
interest rate.

The Company's Growth Strategy Includes Risks That Could Have an Adverse Effect
on Financial Performance.

A material element of the Company's growth strategy is the acquisition
of additional banks and bank holding companies in order to achieve greater
economies of scale. The Company cannot assure you that the current level of
growth opportunities will continue to exist, that it will be able to acquire
banks and bank holding companies that satisfy the Company's criteria or that any
such acquisition will be on terms favorable to the Company. Further, the
Company's growth strategy will require that it continue to hire qualified
personnel, while concurrently expanding its managerial and operational
infrastructure. The Company cannot assure you that it will be able to hire and
retain qualified personnel or that it will be able to successfully expand its
infrastructure to accommodate future acquisitions or growth. As a result of
these factors, the Company may not realize the expected economic benefits
associated with its acquisitions. This could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial performance.

The Company's Stock Price May Fluctuate.

The stock market has, from time to time, experienced extreme price and
volume fluctuations, which often have been unrelated to the operating
performance of particular companies. Any announcement with respect to the
banking industry, market conditions or any variance in the Company's revenue or
earnings from levels generally expected by securities analysts for a given
period could have an immediate and significant effect of the trading price of
the Company's common stock.

Dilutive Effect of the Company Issuing Additional Shares of Its Common Stock to
Acquire Other Banks and Bank Holding Companies.

In connection with the Company's growth strategy, the Company has
issued, and may issue in the future, shares of its common stock to acquire
additional banks and bank holding companies. 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 the Company's common stock and
impair the Company's ability to raise additional capital through the sale of
equity securities. The Company usually must pay an acquisition premium for the
acquisition of banks and bank holding companies. Paying this acquisition
premium, in addition to the dilutive effect of issuing additional shares, may
also adversely affect the prevailing market price of the Company's common stock.

Monetary Policies and Economic Factors May Limit the Bank's Ability to Attract
Deposits or Make Loans.

The monetary policies of federal regulatory authorities, particularly
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and economic conditions in
the Company's service area and the United States generally, affect the Bank's
ability to attract deposits and extend loans. The Company cannot predict either
the nature and timing of any changes in these monetary policies and economic
conditions, or their impact on the Company's financial performance. The banking
business is subject to various material business risks, which may become more
acute in periods of economic slowdown or recession. During such periods,
foreclosures generally increase, and such conditions also could lead to a
potential decline in deposits and demand for loans.

Year 2000 Could Result in Computer System Malfunctions.

Many software applications and operational programs were not designed
to recognize calendar dates beginning in the Year 2000. The failure of these
applications or systems to recognize properly the dates beginning in the Year
2000 could result in miscalculations or system failures. The Company's business
depends in part upon its ability to store, retrieve, process and manage
significant databases. While the Company does not expect its computer systems to
malfunction upon the occurrence of the Year 2000 and believes that it has
allowed adequate time for testing, unforeseen problems may arise with its
computer systems that could cause a material adverse effect on its business. The
Company can only speculate as to the potential problems, delays or loss of
business, or lack thereof, that may result from the occurrence of the Year 2000.

The Company has developed contingency plans to handle computer system
malfunctions due to the occurrence of the Year 2000 and will continue to refine
and test its contingency plans. However, the Company cannot assure you that
these contingency plans will prevent a computer system malfunction due to the
occurrence of the Year 2000 from having a material adverse effect on its
business.

The Year 2000 issue may affect the systems of various entities with
which the Company interacts, including depositors, vendors and those to which it
has extended loans. The Company has corresponded with its primary


32
33


vendors and customers regarding their compliance with Year 2000 issues. However,
the Company cannot assure you that the systems of these or other companies on
which its systems rely will be Year 2000 compliant. Also, the Company cannot
assure you that a failure by any of these companies to be Year 2000 compliant
will not have a material adverse effect on its business.

Diversification in Financial Services Provided by Subsidiaries of the Bank May
Adversely Effect the Company's Financial Performance.

As part of its business strategy, the Company has in the past
diversified, and may in the future diversify, its lines of business into areas
that are not traditionally associated with the banking business. The Company now
offers insurance and investment services through wholly-owned subsidiaries of
the Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As a result, the Company and
the Bank must now manage the development of new business lines in which it has
not previously participated. Each new business line requires the investment of
additional capital and the significant involvement of senior management of the
Company and the Bank to develop and integrate the insurance and investment
services subsidiaries with the Company's traditional banking operations. The
Company can offer no assurances that it will be able to develop and integrate
these new services without adversely effecting the Company's financial
performance.

Legal Limits on the Ability to Declare and Pay Dividends.

The Company derives its income solely from dividends received from
owning the Bank's common stock. Federal and state law limits the Bank's ability
to declare and pay dividends. In addition, the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System may impose restrictions on the Company's ability to declare and
pay dividends on its common stock.

Anti-Takeover Provisions May Prevent A Change of Control.

The Company's governing documents and certain agreements to which the
Company is a party contain several provisions which make a change-in-control of
the Company difficult to accomplish, and may discourage a potential acquirer.
These include a shareholder rights plan or "poison pill," a classified or
"staggered" Board, 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 the Company's securities.

Limited Geographic Area Increases Risk From Economic Downturn.

The Company conducts business in the limited geographic area of
Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. An economic downturn in the economies of
these states or the southern portion of the United States could adversely affect
the Company's financial performance, particularly its ability to attract
deposits and extend loans.

In evaluating an investment in shares of the Company's common stock,
the factors set forth in this section should be carefully considered, along with
other matters discussed in reports and other filings that the Company has made
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It should not be assumed that the
Company has listed or described the only risks that could affect its future
performance or the market price of the Company's common stock.

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 its assets and
owes on its liabilities are established contractually for a period of time.
Since market interest rates change over time, the 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



33
34
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.

The following table provides information about the Company's financial
instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates as of December 31,
1998. The expected maturity categories take into account repricing opportunities
as well as contractual maturities. For core deposits without contractual
maturities (interest-bearing checking, savings and money market accounts), the
table presents cash flows based on management's judgement 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 which is commensurate with the maturity. The fair value of
securities is based on market prices or dealer quotes.


PRINCIPAL AMOUNT MATURING/REPRICING IN:
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 THEREAFTER
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----------
RATE-SENSITIVE ASSETS: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Fixed interest rate loans $1,482,454 $408,138 $484,605 $396,669 $517,767 $241,307
Average interest rate 8.71% 10.55% 9.04% 9.44% 8.89% 9.33%
Variable interest rate loans $ 1,115 -- -- -- -- --
Average interest rate 8.74% -- -- -- -- --
Fixed interest rate securities $ 474,219 $233,218 $181,458 $ 56,251 $ 47,540 $204,927
Average interest rate 6.01% 6.21% 6.38% 6.81% 6.31% 6.50%
Other interest bearing assets $ 6,632 -- -- -- -- --
Average interest rate 4.59% -- -- -- -- --

Mortgage servicing rights (1) -- -- -- -- -- --

Rate-sensitive liabilities:
Savings & interest bearing checking $1,183,725 $146,936 $146,928 $183,776 $183,772 --
Average interest rate 3.75% 2.60% 2.60% 1.75% 1.75% --
Fixed interest rate time deposits $1,365,228 $411,124 $ 95,424 $ 76,033 $ 31,431 $ 3,017
Average interest rate 5.16% 5.80% 6.03% 6.27% 5.65% 9.35%
Fixed interest rate borrowings $ 3,256 $ 22,282 $ 1,987 $ 16,532 $ 1,503 $133,190
Average interest rate 5.98% 6.07% 6.20% 5.96% 6.28% 5.94%
Variable interest rate borrowings $ 65,225 -- -- -- -- --
Average interest rate 4.37% -- -- -- -- --

Rate-sensitive off balance sheet items:
Commitments to extend credit for single
family mortgage loans $ 41,944 -- -- -- -- --
Average interest rate 6.67% -- -- -- --
Forward contracts $ 14,545 -- -- -- -- --
Average interest rate 6.15% -- -- -- -- --


FAIR
VALUE
TOTAL 1998
----- ----


RATE-SENSITIVE ASSETS:
Fixed interest rate loans $3,530,940 $3,875,610
Average interest rate 9.12%
Variable interest rate loans $ 1,115 $ 1,115
Average interest rate 8.74%
Fixed interest rate securities $1,197,613 $1,209,055
Average interest rate 6.24%
Other interest bearing assets $ 6,632 $ 6,632
Average interest rate 4.59%

Mortgage servicing rights (1) $ 22,666 $ 22,666

Rate-sensitive liabilities:
Savings & interest bearing checking $1,845,137 $1,885,141
Average interest rate 3.17%
Fixed interest rate time deposits $1,982,257 $2,003,442
Average interest rate 5.39%
Fixed interest rate borrowings $ 178,750 $ 181,375
Average interest rate 5.96%
Variable interest rate borrowings $ 65,225 $ 65,225
Average interest rate 4.37%

Rate-sensitive off balance sheet items:
Commitments to extend credit for single
family mortgage loans $ 41,944 $ 41,854
Average interest rate 6.67%
Forward contracts $ 14,545 $ 14,505
Average interest rate 6.15%


(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.

In addition, please see the discussion in this Report under the section
of Item 1 - Business captioned "Investment Portfolio" and the sections of Item 7
- - Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations that are captioned "Interest Rate Sensitivity" and "Securities and
Other Earning Assets".
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35
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
BANKCORPSOUTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
(In thousands)

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks (Note 21) $ 175,354 $ 307,845
Interest bearing deposits with other banks 6,632 6,621
Held-to-maturity securities (Note 4) (fair value
of $659,288 and $577,868) 647,846 570,331
Available-for-sale securities (Note 5) (amortized cost
of $535,729 and $503,153) 549,767 511,407
Federal funds sold 115,040 14,132
Loans (Notes 6, 7 and 17) 3,561,406 3,168,521
Less: Unearned discount 92,705 95,473
Allowance for credit losses 49,618 42,988
----------- -----------
Net loans 3,419,083 3,030,060
Mortgages held for sale 63,354 39,788
Premises and equipment, net (Note 8) 120,446 111,013
Accrued interest receivable 44,572 40,501
Other assets (Notes 11 and 18) 61,647 54,987
----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,203,741 $ 4,686,685
=========== ===========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand:
Non-interest bearing $ 614,529 $ 531,271
Interest bearing 1,043,780 949,301
Savings 801,357 632,126
Other time (Note 9) 1,982,257 1,866,741
----------- -----------
Total deposits 4,441,923 3,979,439
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
repurchase agreements (Note 9) 64,554 189,371
Accrued interest payable 19,902 17,785
Other liabilities (Notes 11 and 12) 42,687 46,860
Long-term debt (Note 10) 178,318 56,539
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 4,747,384 4,289,994
----------- -----------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (NOTES 2 AND 15)
Common stock, $2.50 par value
Authorized - 500,000,000 shares; Issued - 53,951,475 and
25,597,229 shares at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively 134,879 63,993
Capital surplus 104,620 112,219
Accumulated other comprehensive income 8,669 5,097
Retained earnings 209,544 217,701
Treasury stock at cost (118,773 and 125,350 shares
at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively) (1,355) (2,319)
----------- -----------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 456,357 396,691
----------- -----------
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Note 21) -- --
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 5,203,741 $ 4,686,685
=========== ===========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



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36


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
BANCORPSOUTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES




YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

INTEREST REVENUE
Loans receivable $ 302,381 $ 269,042 $ 249,901
Deposits with other banks 394 426 689
Federal funds sold 3,691 5,074 4,071
Held-to-maturity securities:
U.S. Treasury 6,653 7,159 4,268
U.S. Government agencies and corporations 25,581 21,772 20,990
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 9,616 8,884 7,356
Available-for-sale securities 31,733 25,242 19,734
Mortgages held for sale 3,470 2,102 1,956
--------- --------- ---------
Total interest revenue 383,519 339,701 308,965
--------- --------- ---------
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits 173,716 155,387 134,583
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
under repurchase agreements 2,853 2,270 2,330
Other 10,843 3,613 6,007
--------- --------- ---------
Total interest expense 187,412 161,270 142,920
--------- --------- ---------
Net interest revenue 196,107 178,431 166,045
Provision for credit losses (Note 7) 15,014 9,607 9,525
--------- --------- ---------
Net interest revenue, after provision for credit losses 181,093 168,824 156,520
--------- --------- ---------
OTHER REVENUE
Mortgage lending 10,808 7,912 8,694
Service charges 23,291 22,030 20,808
Life insurance premiums 3,655 3,772 4,337
Trust income 3,682 3,239 3,023
Securities gains, net 867 1,283 228
Other 10,715 9,667 8,332
--------- --------- ---------
Total other revenue 53,018 47,903 45,422
--------- --------- ---------
OTHER EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits (Notes 12 and 14) 70,937 73,620 65,056
Occupancy net of rental income 10,417 9,594 9,380
Equipment 15,023 13,390 10,953
Telecommunications 4,602 3,943 3,796
Other 51,105 43,071 41,026
--------- --------- ---------
Total other expense 152,084 143,618 130,211
--------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes 82,027 73,109 71,731
Income tax expense (Note 11) 27,550 22,907 24,396
--------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME 54,477 50,202 47,335
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 16) 3,572 2,578 (469)
--------- --------- ---------
Comprehensive income $ 58,049 $ 52,780 $ 46,866
========= ========= =========

NET INCOME PER SHARE (NOTE 15): BASIC $ 1.02 $ 0.99 $ 0.98
========= ========= =========
DILUTED $ 1.01 $ 0.98 $ 0.98
========= ========= =========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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37


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
BANCORPSOUTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996




ACCUMULATED
COMMON STOCK OTHER
---------------------- CAPITAL COMPREHENSIVE RETAINED TREASURY
SHARES AMOUNT SURPLUS INCOME EARNINGS STOCK TOTAL
---------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 24,069,252 $ 60,445 $ 98,865 $ 2,988 $ 157,321 $(1,034) $ 318,585
Shares issued 125,193 305 1,205 -- (1,146) 52 416
Recognition of stock compensation -- -- -- -- 83 -- 83
Purchase of treasury stock (45,950) -- -- -- -- (1,242) (1,242)
Comprehensive income -- -- -- (469) 47,335 -- 46,866
Cash dividends declared:
BancorpSouth, $0.35 per share -- -- -- -- (14,719) -- (14,719)
Pooled acquisitions -- -- -- -- (1,652) -- (1,652)
---------- --------- --------- ------- --------- ------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 24,148,495 60,750 100,070 2,519 187,222 (2,224) 348,337
Shares issued:
Business combination(Note 3) 1,231,710 3,079 12,635 -- 962 -- 16,676
Other shares issued 142,881 164 (486) -- (1,237) 1,352 (207)
Recognition of stock compensation -- -- -- -- 83 -- 83
Purchase of treasury stock (51,207) -- -- -- -- (1,447) (1,447)
Comprehensive income -- -- -- 2,578 50,202 -- 52,780
Cash dividends declared:
BancorpSouth, $0.395 per share -- -- -- -- (17,566) -- (17,566)
Pooled acquisitions -- -- -- -- (1,965) -- (1,965)
---------- --------- --------- ------- --------- ------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 25,471,879 63,993 112,219 5,097 217,701 (2,319) 396,691
Shares issued:
Business combination(Note 3) 1,106,532 2,766 -- -- 11,637 -- 14,403
Purchase of minority interest(Note 3) 491,573 1,229 7,781 -- -- -- 9,010
Stock split(Note 2) 26,654,852 66,773 (16,400) -- (50,373) -- --
Other shares issued 137,866 118 1,020 -- (1,576) 1,566 1,128
Recognition of stock compensation -- -- -- -- 278 -- 278
Purchase of treasury stock (30,000) -- -- -- -- (602) (602)
Comprehensive income -- -- -- 3,572 54,477 -- 58,049
Cash dividends declared:
BancorpSouth, $0.45 per share -- -- -- -- (21,266) -- (21,266)
Pooled acquisitions -- -- -- -- (1,334) -- (1,334)
---------- --------- --------- ------- --------- ------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998 53,832,702 $ 134,879 $ 104,620 $ 8,669 $ 209,544 $(1,355) $ 456,357
========== ========= ========= ======= ========= ======= =========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
BANCORPSOUTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 54,477 $ 50,202 $ 47,335
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Provision for credit losses 15,014 9,607 9,525
Depreciation and amortization 13,890 12,222 10,664
Deferred taxes 3,887 (1,029) 1,005
Amortization of intangibles 865 760 1,355
Amortization of debt securities premium
and discount, net (8,435) (254) (209)
Security gains, net (867) (1,283) (228)
Net deferred loan origination expense (3,366) (3,318) (3,138)
Increase in interest receivable (4,071) (3,753) (2,688)
Increase in interest payable 2,117 1,834 631
Proceeds from mortgages sold 772,583 328,847 258,062
Origination of mortgages for sale (796,476) (342,448) (258,815)
Other, net 823 (517) (3,812)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 50,441 50,870 59,687
--------- --------- ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from calls and maturities of held-
to-maturity securities 577,117 245,607 106,957
Proceeds from calls and maturities of available-
for-sale securities 248,546 261,106 227,921
Proceeds from sales of held-to-maturity securities -- -- 756
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities 42,057 31,498 75,080
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities (646,087) (209,110) (196,696)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (321,643) (479,046) (267,974)
Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments (100,908) 102,768 (47,010)
Net increase in loans (400,671) (288,246) (197,161)
Purchases of premises and equipment (20,488) (23,331) (22,744)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment 1,439 2,893 1,095
Other, net 5,310 (13,404) (4,808)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (615,328) (369,265) (324,584)
--------- --------- ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in deposits 462,484 314,845 298,925
Net (decrease) increase in short-term debt and other
liabilities (125,776) 144,679 8,633
Advances on long-term debt 125,000 9,000 10,565
Repayment of long-term debt (8,221) (8,481) (28,353)
Issuance of common stock 472 383 217
Purchase of treasury stock (602) (1,447) (1,242)
Payment of cash dividends (20,950) (18,705) (15,549)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 432,407 440,274 273,196
--------- --------- ---------
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (132,480) 121,879 8,299
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 314,466 192,587 184,288
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 181,986 $ 314,466 $ 192,587
========= ========= =========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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39



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BANCORPSOUTH, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
DECEMBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements of BancorpSouth, Inc. (the
Company) have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles and prevailing practices within the banking industry. 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 sheet and revenues and expenses for the period
reported. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. The
Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in the business of banking and
activities closely related to banking. The Company and its subsidiaries are
subject to the regulations of certain federal and state 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 subsidiary, BancorpSouth Bank (BSB). All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation. Certain 1997 and 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform
with the 1998 presentation.

CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
Cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks including
interest bearing deposits with other banks. The Company paid interest of
$185,294,000, $159,436,000 and $142,289,000 and income taxes of $25,699,000,
$26,092,000 and $22,587,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively.

SECURITIES
Securities are classified as either held-to-maturity, trading or
available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity securities are debt securities that the
Company has the ability and management has the positive 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. The Company had no trading securities at
December 31, 1998 and 1997. 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. Changes in the
valuation of securities which are considered other than temporary are recorded
as losses in the period recognized.

LOANS
Loans are recorded at the face amount of the notes reduced by
collections of principal. Loans include net unamortized deferred origination
costs. Unearned discount on discount-basis consumer loans is recognized as
income using a method which approximates the interest method. Interest is
recorded monthly as earned on all other loans. Where doubt exists as to the
collectibility of the loans, interest income is recorded as payment is
received.

PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The provision for credit losses charged to expense is an amount which,
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 which include the Company's experience related to loan
balances, charge-offs and recoveries, scrutiny of individual loans and risk
factors, results of regulatory agency reviews of loans, and present and future
economic conditions of 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 additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information
available to them at the time of their examination.


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40



MORTGAGES HELD FOR SALE
Mortgages held for sale are recorded at lower of aggregate cost or
market as determined by outstanding commitments from investors or current
investor yield requirements.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated
depreciation and amortization. Provisions for depreciation and amortization,
computed using straight-line and accelerated 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
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 selling cost. 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 sale are included in other revenue.

PENSION EXPENSE
The Company maintains a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan
that covers all employees who qualify as to age and length of service. Net
periodic pension expense is actuarially determined.

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
The Company elected to continue to account for stock based
compensation to employees using the intrinsic value based method of accounting
prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees", as allowed by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation". See Note
14 for disclosure of pro forma net income and pro forma net income per share as
required under SFAS No. 123.

RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS
SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," was adopted for 1998.
The statement requires additional reporting of items that affect comprehensive
income but not net income. Comprehensive income is defined as the change in
equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other
events and circumstances from nonowner sources. It includes all changes in
equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and
distributions to owners. See Note 16 for additional disclosure required by this
statement.

SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information," was adopted for 1998. The statement requires financial disclosure
and descriptive information about reportable operating segments. See Note 20
for disclosure required by this statement.

SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities," established accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments and hedging activities and requires recognition of all derivatives
as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. This statement will be
adopted for the year 2000 and is not expected to have a material effect on the
Company's financial condition or results of operations.

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 on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date. The Company, with the exception of BSB's credit life insurance
subsidiary, files a consolidated federal income tax return.

OTHER
Trust income is recorded on the cash basis as received, which does not
differ materially from the accrual basis.




40
41

(2) STOCK SPLIT
On May 15, 1998, the Company's two-for-one stock split effected in the
form of a 100% stock dividend resulted in the issuance of 26,654,852 new shares
of common stock. Information relating to earnings per share, dividends per
share and other share data has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this
stock split.


(3) ACQUISITIONS
On March 28, 1997, Iuka Guaranty Bank, a $117 million bank
headquartered in Iuka, Mississippi, was merged with and into BancorpSouth Bank.
Pursuant to the merger, each share of common stock of Iuka Guaranty Bank was
converted into 1,642.297334 shares of the Company's common stock, or a total of
2,463,420 shares of common stock. This transaction was accounted for as a
pooling of interests and Iuka Guaranty Bank's results of operations are
included in the Company's financial statements for 1997. The financial
statements for periods prior to 1997 were not restated because the impact of
the Iuka Guaranty Bank acquisition was not material.

On October 30, 1998, Alabama Bancorp., Inc., a $280 million bank
holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, was merged with and into
the Company. Pursuant to the merger, Alabama Bancorp's subsidiary banks,
Highland Bank and First Community Bank of the South, were merged into
BancorpSouth Bank. Each share of common stock of Alabama Bancorp was converted
into 173.30087 shares of the Company's common stock, or a total of 3,604,394
shares of common stock. In addition, a total of 491,573 shares of the Company's
common stock were issued to the minority shareholders of Highland Bank and
First Community Bank of the South. This transaction was accounted for as a
pooling of interests, except for the acquisition of the minority interest,
which was accounted for as a purchase. The purchase of the minority interest
resulted in the recognition of an intangible asset of $6.9 million that is
being amortized over a period of 15 years. The Company's financial statements
for all periods presented include the consolidated accounts of Alabama Bancorp.

On December 4, 1998, Merchants Capital Corporation, a $220 million
bank holding company headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, was merged with
and into the Company. Pursuant to the merger, Merchants Capital Corporation's
subsidiary bank, Merchants Bank, was merged into BancorpSouth Bank. Each share
of stock of Merchants Capital Corporation was converted into 3.768 shares of
the Company's common stock, or a total of 2,798,022 shares of common stock.
This transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests and the Company's
financial statements for all periods presented include the consolidated
accounts of Merchants Capital Corporation.

On December 31, 1998, The First Corporation, a $150 million bank
holding company headquartered in Opelika, Alabama, was merged with and into the
Company. Pursuant to the merger, The First Corporation's subsidiary bank, The
First National Bank of Opelika, was merged into BancorpSouth Bank. Each share
of stock of The First Corporation was converted into 9.5758 shares of the
Company's common stock, or a total of 2,265,444 shares of common stock. This
transaction was accounted for as a pooling of interests and the Company's
financial statements for 1998 include the consolidated accounts of The First
Corporation. The financial statements for periods prior to 1998 were not
restated because the impact of The First Corporation acquisition represented a
change of less than 3% to the Company's financial results.



41
42

(4) HELD-TO-MATURITY SECURITIES
A comparison of amortized cost and estimated fair values of
held-to-maturity securities as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 follows:





1998
---------------------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury $ 103,012 $ 2,013 $ 10 $ 105,015
U.S. Government agencies and corporations 333,866 3,210 762 336,314
Tax exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions 208,673 7,707 802 215,578
Other 2,295 86 -- 2,381
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Total $ 647,846 $ 13,016 $ 1,574 $ 659,288
========= ======== ======= =========

1997
---------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
(In thousands)
U.S. Treasury $ 109,012 $ 1,533 $ 2 $ 110,543
U.S. Government agencies and corporations 288,711 2,314 870 290,155
Tax exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions 171,298 5,434 883 175,849
Other 1,310 26 15 1,321
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Total $ 570,331 $ 9,307 $ 1,770 $ 577,868
========= ======== ======= =========



Gross gains of $371,000 and gross losses of $64,000 were recognized in
1998, gross gains of $640,000 and gross losses of $30,000 were recognized in
1997 and gross gains of $267,000 and gross losses of $90,000 were recognized in
1996 on held-to-maturity securities. Except for 1996, these gains and losses
were the result of held-to-maturity securities being called prior to maturity.
Included in the 1996 amounts is a gross gain of $1,000 and a gross loss of
$67,000 related to the sale of held-to-maturity securities with amortized cost
of $822,000. The decision to sell these securities was based on the
deteriorating credit quality of the issuer.

Held-to-maturity securities with a carrying value of approximately
$379,000,000 at December 31, 1998 were pledged to secure public and trust funds
on deposit and for other purposes.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of held-to-maturity
securities at December 31, 1998 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.




1998
-------------------------
ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED FAIR
COST VALUE
--------- ---------
(In thousands)

Due in one year or less $ 131,218 $ 132,151
Due after one year through five years 302,990 307,384
Due after five years through ten years 186,948 191,295
Due after ten years 26,690 28,458
--------- ---------
Total $ 647,846 $ 659,288
========= =========




42
43


(5) AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES
A comparison of amortized cost and estimated fair values of
available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 follows:





1998
---------------------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury $ 103,576 $ 2,652 $ 2 $ 106,226
U.S. Government agencies and corporations 302,615 3,540 195 305,960
Tax exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions 36,815 1,909 28 38,696
Preferred stock 55,000 -- -- 55,000
Other 37,723 6,238 76 43,885
--------- -------- ------ ---------
Total $ 535,729 $ 14,339 $ 301 $ 549,767
========= ======== ====== =========

1998
---------------------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
(In thousands)
U.S. Treasury $ 108,468 $ 1,488 $ 12 $ 109,944
U.S. Government agencies and corporations 328,754 1,600 337 330,017
Tax exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions 18,842 348 35 19,155
Preferred stock 21,000 -- -- 21,000
Other 26,089 5,273 71 31,291
--------- -------- ------ ---------
Total $ 503,153 $ 8,709 $ 455 $ 511,407
========= ======== ====== =========



Gross gains of $624,000 and gross losses of $64,000 were recognized in
1998, gross gains of $718,000 and gross losses of $45,000 were recognized in
1997 and gross gains of $581,000 and gross losses of $530,000 were recognized
in 1996 on available-for-sale securities.

Available-for-sale securities with a carrying value of approximately
$306,000,000 at December 31, 1998 were pledged to secure public and trust funds
on deposit and for other purposes.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale
securities at December 31, 1998 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 10 years unless
they have a repricing feature. Securities that reprice periodically are
considered as maturing on the first repricing date subsequent to December 31,
1998.




1998
-------------------------
ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED FAIR
COST VALUE
--------- ---------
(In thousands)

Due in one year or less $ 147,028 $ 147,437
Due after one year through five years 239,283 244,304
Due after five years through ten years 109,573 116,640
Due after ten years 39,845 41,386
--------- ---------
Total $ 535,729 $ 549,767
========= =========



43
44


(6) LOANS
A summary of loans classified by collateral type at December 31, 1998
and 1997 follows:




1998 1997
------------ ------------
(In thousands)

Commercial and agricultural $ 365,716 $ 341,080
Consumer and installment 905,413 870,823
Real estate mortgage 2,054,143 1,758,636
Lease financing 210,559 172,821
Other 25,575 25,161
------------ ------------
Total $ 3,561,406 $ 3,168,521
============ ============





Non-performing loans consist of both non-accrual loans and loans which
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 was $6,152,000 and $5,047,000 at December 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively. Restructured loans totaled $713,000 and $1,097,000 at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The total amount of interest earned on non-performing loans was
approximately $153,000, $58,000 and $42,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The gross interest income which would have been recorded under
the original terms of those loans amounted to $366,000, $257,000 and $353,000
in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Loans considered impaired, under SFAS No.114, as amended by SFAS No.
118, are loans 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. The Company's recorded investment in
loans considered impaired at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $8,166,000 and
$7,181,000, respectively, with a valuation reserve of $3,151,000 and
$2,862,000, respectively. The average recorded investment in impaired loans
during 1998 and 1997 was $9,187,000 and $7,536,000, respectively.

(7) ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The following summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit
losses for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:




1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year $ 42,988 $ 40,367 $ 37,532
Provision charged to expense 15,014 9,607 9,525
Recoveries 2,396 2,405 2,369
Loans charged off (11,932) (9,987) (9,059)
Acquisitions 1,152 596 --
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of year $ 49,618 $ 42,988 $ 40,367
======== ======== ========




44
45


(8) PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
A summary by asset classification at December 31, 1998 and 1997
follows:




ESTIMATED
USEFUL LIFE
YEARS 1998 1997
----------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)

Cost:
Land $ 16,270 $ 15,094
Buildings and improvements 20-50 85,076 79,194
Leasehold improvements 10-20 1,764 1,869
Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3-12 81,318 75,182
Construction in progress 13,403 9,513
--------- ---------
197,831 180,852
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 77,385 69,839
--------- ---------
Premises and equipment, net $ 120,446 $ 111,013
========= =========




(9) TIME DEPOSITS AND SHORT-TERM DEBT
Certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more
amounting to approximately $640,239,000 and $531,243,000 were outstanding at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Total interest expense relating to
certificate and other time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled approximately
$36,579,000, $28,282,000, and $21,663,000 for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

For time deposits with a remaining maturity of more than one year at
December 31, 1998, the aggregate amount of maturities for each of the following
five years is presented in the following table:





MATURING IN AMOUNT
----------- ---------
(In thousands)

2000 $ 424,473
2001 95,433
2002 76,056
2003 31,431
2004 210
Thereafter 2,808
---------
Total $ 630,411
=========




45
46


Presented below is information relating to short-term debt for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997:







END OF PERIOD DAILY AVERAGE MAXIMUM
------------------ ------------------ OUTSTANDING
INTEREST INTEREST AT ANY
BALANCE RATE BALANCE RATE MONTH END
------------------- ------------------ -----------
(Dollars in thousands)

1998:
Federal funds purchased $ 3,051 4.6% $ 6,172 5.2% $ 12,600
Securities sold under repurchase agreements 61,503 3.7% 56,556 4.5% 70,678
--------- -------- ---------
Total $ 64,554 $ 62,728 $ 83,278
========= ======== =========

1997:
Federal funds purchased $ 152,449 6.9% $ 3,616 6.2% $ 152,449
Securities sold under repurchase agreements 36,922 5.1% 42,766 4.8% 48,274
--------- -------- ---------
Total $ 189,371 $ 46,382 $ 200,723
========= ======== =========




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. At December 31, 1998, the Company's
subsidiary bank had established informal federal funds borrowing lines of
credit aggregating $153,000,000.

(10) LONG-TERM DEBT
SUBORDINATED CAPITAL DEBENTURES
On November 22, 1989, the Company issued $25,000,000 of 9%
subordinated capital debentures due November 1, 1999. On December 30, 1996, the
Company extinguished the $24,508,000 of outstanding 9% debentures by
transferring the funds to an irrevocable trust for the repayment of principal
and interest on the debentures. The $489,000 loss on early extinguishment of
this debt is included in other expense for 1996. Included in interest expense
for 1996 is $2,291,000 related to the debentures.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES
BSB has entered into a blanket floating lien security agreement with
the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Dallas. Under the terms of this agreement,
BSB is required to maintain sufficient collateral to secure borrowings in an
aggregate amount of the lesser of 75% of the book value (unpaid principal
balance) of the borrower's first mortgage collateral or 35% of the borrower's
assets.

BSB has also entered into a blanket floating lien security agreement
with the FHLB of Cincinnati. Under the terms of this agreement, BSB is required
to maintain unencumbered, quality first mortgage loans in an amount equal to
150% of outstanding advances as collateral for those advances.

BSB has advances from the FHLB of Atlanta which are secured by
securities pledged at 97% of market value.


46
47



At December 31, 1998, the following FHLB fixed term advances were
repayable in monthly as follows:





FINAL DUE DATE INTEREST RATE AMOUNT
-------------- ------------- ---------
(In thousands)

2000 5.28% - 6.55% $ 19,000
2001 5.21% - 7.03% 3,662
2002 5.66% - 5.75% 15,000
2003 -- --
Thereafter 5.66% - 8.95% 140,656
---------
Total $ 178,318
=========




(11) INCOME TAXES
Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996 were allocated as follows:




1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(In thousands)

Income from continuing operations $ 27,550 $ 22,907 $ 24,396
Shareholders' equity for other comprehensive income 2,212 1,594 (251)
Shareholders' equity for stock option plans (678) (400) --
-------- -------- --------
Total $ 29,084 $ 24,101 $ 24,145
======== ======== ========



The components of income tax expense (credit) attributable to
continuing operations are as follows for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996:





1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(In thousands)

Current:
Federal $ 20,570 $ 20,808 $ 20,333
State 3,093 3,128 3,058
Deferred:
Federal 3,379 (875) 813
State 508 (154) 192
-------- -------- --------
Total $ 27,550 $ 22,907 $ 24,396
======== ======== ========




47
48


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:





1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(In thousands)

Tax expense at statutory rate $ 28,709 $ 25,588 $ 25,106
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:
State income taxes net of federal tax benefit 2,340 1,933 2,112
Tax exempt interest revenue (3,787) (3,090) (2,838)
Non-deductible merger expenses 1,077 -- --
Dividend received deduction (124) (118) (183)
Other, net (665) (1,406) 199
-------- -------- --------
Total $ 27,550 $ 22,907 $ 24,396
======== ======== ========




The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December
31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows:






1998 1997
-------- --------
(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:
Loans receivable, principally due to allowance
for credit losses $ 20,157 $ 17,273
Deferred liabilities principally due to
compensation arrangements and vacation accruals 5,234 6,349
Net operating loss carryforwards 769 263
-------- --------
Total gross deferred tax assets 26,160 23,885
Less: valuation allowance -- --
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets $ 26,160 $ 23,885
======== ========

Deferred tax liabilities:
Bank premises and equipment, principally due
to differences in depreciation and lease transactions $ 12,660 $ 10,613
Deferred assets, principally due to expense recognition 1,767 1,244
Investments, principally due to interest income recognition 2,028 1,968
Capitalization of mortgage servicing rights 6,749 3,209
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 5,369 3,157
Other, net -- 7
-------- --------
Total gross deferred liabilities 28,573 20,198
-------- --------

Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets $ (2,413) $ 3,687
======== ========




Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for
future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are
deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will
realize the benefits of these deductible differences existing at December 31,
1998.

At December 31, 1998 the Company had net operating loss carryforwards
related to business combinations for federal income tax purposes of
approximately $2,010,000 that were available to offset future federal taxable
income, subject to various limitations, through 2009.



48
49


(12) PENSION AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS
The Company maintains a noncontributory and trusteed defined benefit
pension plan covering substantially all full-time employees who have at least
one year of service and have attained the age of 21. Benefits are based on
years of service and the employee's compensation. The Company's funding policy
is to contribute to the pension plan the amount required to fund benefits
expected to be earned for the current year and to amortize amounts related to
prior years using the projected unit credit cost method. The difference between
the pension cost included in current income and the funded amount is included
in other assets or other liabilities, as appropriate. Actuarial assumptions are
evaluated periodically.

The BancorpSouth, Inc. Restoration Plan (Restoration Plan) provides
for the payment of retirement benefits to certain participants in the
BancorpSouth, Inc. Retirement Plan (Basic Plan). The Restoration Plan covers
any employee whose benefit under the Basic Plan is limited by the provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and any employee who elects to participate in
the BancorpSouth, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, thereby reducing their
benefit under the Basic Plan.

A summary of the defined benefit retirement plans at and for the years
ended December 31 follows:




Years ended December 31
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
(In thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:
- -----------------------------
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 19,469 $ 19,889 $ 17,786
Service cost 1,402 1,295 1,145
Interest cost 1,343 1,332 1,318
Actuarial (gain) loss 444 (1,489) 2,359
Benefits paid (3,000) (1,558) (2,719)
-------- -------- --------
Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 19,658 $ 19,469 $ 19,889
======== ======== ========
Change in plan assets:
- ----------------------
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 26,124 $ 20,982 $ 19,234
Actual return on assets 5,223 4,663 3,532
Employer contributions 29 2,037 935
Benefits paid (3,000) (1,558) (2,719)
-------- -------- --------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 28,376 $ 26,124 $ 20,982
======== ======== ========
Funded status:
- --------------
Benefit obligation ($ 19,658) ($ 19,469) ($19,889)
Fair value of plan assets 28,376 26,124 20,982
Unrecognized transition amount (6) (7) (9)
Unrecognized prior service cost (941) (1,018) (1,095)
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss (8,245) (5,570) (1,127)
-------- -------- --------
Net amount recognized ($ 474) $ 60 ($ 1,138)
======== ======== ========
Components of net periodic pension cost:
- ----------------------------------------
Service cost $ 1,402 $ 1,295 $ 1,145
Interest cost 1,343 1,332 1,318
Expected return on assets (1,950) (1,641) (1,429)
Amortization of unrecognized transition amount (2) (2) (2)
Recognized prior service cost (78) (78) (78)
Recognized net (gain) loss (152) (66) (24)
-------- -------- --------
Net periodic pension cost $ 563 $ 840 $ 930
======== ======== ========





Plan assets consist primarily of listed bonds and commingled funds.
The assumptions used for measuring net periodic pension cost for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are presented in the following table.


49
50




1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----

Discount rate 6.75% 6.50% 7.50%
Rate of compensation increase 4.00 4.00 5.00
Expected return on plan assets 7.50 7.50 7.50





The Company has a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for
certain key employees. Benefits commence when the employee retires and are
payable over a period of 10 years. The amount accrued under the plan was
$128,000 in 1998, $148,000 in 1997 and $124,000 in 1996.

The Company has a deferred compensation plan (commonly referred to as
a 401(k) Plan), whereby employees may contribute a portion of their
compensation, as defined, subject to the limitations as established by the
Internal Revenue Code. Employee contributions (up to 5% of defined
compensation) are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Company. Under the terms of
the plan, contributions matched by the Company are used to purchase Company
common stock at prevailing market prices. Plan expense for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $2,222,000, $2,085,000 and $1,555,000,
respectively.

(13) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
SFAS 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments",
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
The carrying amounts for short-term securities approximate fair value
because of their short-term maturity (90 days or less) and present no
unexpected credit risk. The fair value of most longer-term securities is
estimated based on market prices or dealer quotes. See Note 4, Held-to-Maturity
Securities, and Note 5, Available-for-Sale Securities for fair values.

LOANS
Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar
financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial,
consumer and installment and real estate mortgage. The fair value of performing
loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated
maturity using rates currently available that reflect the credit and interest
rate risk inherent in the loan. Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows
and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market
information and specific borrower information.

The following table presents information for loans at December 31,
1998 and 1997:




1998 1997
--------------------------- ---------------------------
BOOK FAIR BOOK FAIR
VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)

Commercial and agricultural $ 365,716 $ 409,110 $ 341,080 $ 328,824
Consumer and installment 905,413 995,133 870,823 871,560
Real estate mortgage 2,054,143 2,296,490 1,758,636 1,702,119
All other 25,575 30,036 25,161 21,981
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total $ 3,350,847 $ 3,730,769 $ 2,995,700 $ 2,924,484
=========== =========== =========== ===========



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 are believed to be reasonable.
However, because there is no market for many of these financial instruments,
management has no basis to determine whether the fair value presented above
would be indicative of the value negotiated in an actual sale. New loan rates
were used as the discount rate on new loans of the same type, credit quality
and maturity.



50
51
DEPOSIT LIABILITIES

Under SFAS 107, the fair value of deposits with no stated maturity,
such as non-interest bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW accounts and money
market checking accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based
on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is
estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar maturities.
The following table presents information for certificates of deposit at
December 31, 1998 and 1997:






1998 1997
--------------------------- ---------------------------
BOOK FAIR BOOK FAIR
VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)

Maturing or repricing in six months or less $ 930,704 $ 933,467 $ 842,126 $ 845,765
Maturing or repricing between six months and one year 434,523 437,739 465,965 468,529
Maturing or repricing between one and three years 135,681 139,638 134,210 135,988
Maturing or repricing beyond three years 481,349 492,598 424,440 433,172
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total $ 1,982,257 $ 2,003,442 $ 1,866,741 $ 1,883,454
=========== =========== =========== ===========



LONG-TERM DEBT
The fair value of the Company's FHLB advances is based on the
discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated
using the rates currently available for advances of similar maturities. The
following table presents information on the FHLB advances at December 31, 1998
and 1997:






1998 1997
----------------------- ---------------------
BOOK FAIR BOOK FAIR
FINAL DUE DATE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
- -------------- --------- --------- -------- --------
(In thousands)

1998 $ -- $ -- $ 5,000 $ 4,989
2000 19,000 19,052 19,000 18,903
2001 3,662 3,676 5,149 5,112
2002 15,000 15,056 10,000 9,886
Thereafter 140,656 143,160 17,390 17,271
--------- --------- -------- --------
Total $ 178,318 $ 180,944 $ 56,539 $ 56,161
========= ========= ======== ========




(14) STOCK INCENTIVE AND STOCK OPTION PLANS
During 1987, the Company issued 69,000 shares of common stock to a key
employee. The shares vested over a 10-year period subject to the Company
meeting certain performance goals and the compensation associated with this
award was recognized over the vesting period that ended during 1997.

In 1995, the Company issued 60,000 shares of common stock to a key
employee. The shares vest over a 10-year period subject to the Company meeting
certain performance goals. The unearned shares are held in escrow and totaled
42,000 at December 31, 1998. The compensation associated with this award is
being recognized over the 10-year period.

In 1998, the Company issued 70,000 shares of common stock to a key
employee. The shares vest over a 10-year period subject to the Company meeting
certain performance goals. The unearned shares are held in escrow and totaled
63,000 at December 31, 1998. The compensation associated with this award is
being recognized over the 10-year period.

In 1998, the Company issued 8,000 shares to the directors of the
Company. The shares vest over a 3-year period and the unearned shares are held
in escrow and totaled 8,000 at December 31, 1998. The compensation associated
with this award is being recognized over the 3-year period.

Key employees and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries have
been granted stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs) under the
Company's 1990, 1994 and 1995 stock incentive plans. The stock incentive plans
were amended in 1998 to eliminate SARs and to allow a limited number of
restricted stock awards. All options and SARs granted pursuant to these plans
have been at market value on the date of the grant and are exercisable over
periods of one to ten years. At December 31, 1998, the Company had outstanding
571,510 SARs exercisable in conjunction with certain of the options
outstanding. The Company recorded a reduction in compensation expense of
$2,709,000 in 1998



51
52


and recorded additional compensation expense of $6,113,000 and $1,907,000 in
1997 and 1996, respectively, related to the SARs because of the changes in
market value of its common stock. In 1995 and 1998, pursuant to certain
acquisitions, incentive and non-qualified stock options were granted to
employees and directors of the companies being acquired in exchange for stock
options that were outstanding at the time those mergers were consummated. The
number of shares and option prices of shares authorized under the various stock
option plans have been adjusted for the two-for-one stock split effected in the
form of a dividend discussed in Note 2.

In 1998, the Company adopted a stock plan through which 50% of the
compensation payable to each director is paid in the form of stock effective
January 1, 1999. Directors may elect under the plan to receive up to 100% of
their compensation in the form of stock.

A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans as of
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, and changes during the years ended on those
dates is presented below:







1998 1997 1996
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED- WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
OPTIONS SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
- ------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------

Outstanding at beginning
of year 1,663,335 $ 10.73 1,608,618 $ 8.53 1,477,196 $ 7.29
Granted 341,526 15.90 276,557 20.36 301,982 13.07
Exercised (260,028) 6.02 (221,840) 6.78 (170,560) 5.84
Expired or cancelled (31,152) 8.11 -- -- -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Outstanding at end of year 1,713,681 12.53 1,663,335 10.73 1,608,618 8.53
========= ========= =========
Exercisable at end of year 1,207,257 1,085,807 1,072,394
========= ========= =========




The following table summarizes information about stock options at
December 31, 1998:






OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
RANGE OF NUMBER WEIGHTED-AVG WEIGHTED-AVG NUMBER WEIGHTED-AVG
EXERCISE PRICES OUTSTANDING REMAINING LIFE EXERCISE PRICE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE PRICE
- ----------------------------- ----------- -------------- -------------- ----------- --------------

$0.72 to $1.70 63,652 2.2 years $ 1.16 54,751 $ 1.16
$2.47 to $3.58 9,484 4.5 3.11 9,485 3.11
$4.10 to $6.49 192,826 3.1 5.68 192,826 5.68
$7.45 to $9.38 439,850 5.1 8.67 415,850 8.68
$11.06 to $13.63 541,250 7.6 12.32 459,480 12.15
$19.88 to $22.50 466,619 9.5 20.97 74,865 22.00
----------- -----------
$0.72 to $22.50 1,713,681 6.8 12.53 1,207,257 9.96
=========== ===========




52
53




As allowed by SFAS No. 123, the Company elected to continue to measure
compensation cost relative to its stock based compensation plans using APB No.
25. Pro forma net income and pro forma net income per share calculated under
the provisions of SFAS No. 123 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996 are presented in the following table.




1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------

Net income As Reported $ 54,477 $ 50,202 $ 47,335
Pro forma 53,798 49,651 47,056

Basic earnings per share As Reported $ 1.02 $ 0.99 $ 0.98
Pro forma 1.01 0.98 0.98

Diluted earnings per share As Reported $ 1.01 $ 0.98 $ 0.98
Pro forma 1.00 0.97 0.97





(15) EARNINGS PER SHARE AND DIVIDEND DATA
The Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share", effective for
financial statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997. All prior
period EPS data has been restated to conform with the provisions of this
Statement.

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, 1998,
1997 and 1996:






1998 1997 1996
--------------------------------- --------------------------------- --------------------------------
INCOME SHARES PER SHARE INCOME SHARES PER SHARE INCOME SHARES PER SHARE
(NUMERATOR)(DENOMINATOR) AMOUNT (NUMERATOR)(DENOMINATOR) AMOUNT (NUMERATOR)(DENOMINATOR) AMOUNT
--------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

BASIC EPS:
Income available to
common shareholders $54,477 53,285 $1.02 $50,202 50,769 $0.99 $47,335 48,218 $0.98
===== ===== =====

Effect of dilutive stock
options -- 586 -- 422 -- 329
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------

DILUTED EPS:
Income available to
common shareholders
plus assumed exercise $54,477 53,871 $1.01 $50,202 51,191 $0.98 $47,335 48,547 $0.98
======= ====== ===== ======= ====== ===== ======= ====== =====




Dividends to shareholders are paid from dividends paid to the Company
by its subsidiary bank which are subject to approval by the applicable state
regulatory authority. At December 31, 1998, the Company's subsidiary bank could
have paid dividends to the Company of $138,000,000 under current regulatory
guidelines.


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54



(16) 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, 1998, 1997 and 1996:






1998 1997 1996
---------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
BEFORE TAX NET BEFORE TAX NET BEFORE TAX NET
TAX (EXPENSE) OF TAX TAX (EXPENSE) OF TAX TAX (EXPENSE) OF TAX
AMOUNT BENEFIT AMOUNT AMOUNT BENEFIT AMOUNT AMOUNT BENEFIT AMOUNT
-------- -------- ------ ------ -------- ------ ------ ------- ------
(In thousands)

Unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized gains arising during
holding period $6,344 $ (2,427) $3,917 $4,845 $(1,851) $2,994 $(669) $231 $(438)
Less: Reclassification adjustment
for gains realized in net income (560) 215 (345) (673) 257 (416) (51) 20 (31)
-------- -------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ----- ---- -----
Other Comprehensive Income $5,784 $ (2,212) $3,572 $4,172 $(1,594) $2,578 $(720) $251 $(469)
======== ======== ====== ====== ======= ====== ===== ==== =====



(17) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company 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 normal risk of collectibility or present any
other unfavorable features.

An analysis of such outstanding loans is as follows:



AMOUNT
--------
(In thousands)

Loans outstanding at December 31, 1997 $ 18,792
New loans 9,419
Repayments (6,290)
Changes in directors and executive officers (869)
--------
Loans outstanding at December 31, 1998 $ 21,052
========




(18) CAPITALIZED MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
Originated mortgage servicing rights (OMSRs), as well as purchased
mortgage servicing rights (PMSRs), are capitalized as assets by allocating the
total cost incurred between the loan and the servicing rights based on their
relative fair values. To determine the fair value of the servicing rights
created, the Company uses a valuation model that calculates the present value
of future cash flows. The significant assumptions utilized by the valuation
model are prepayment assumptions based upon dealer consensus and discount rates
based upon market indices at the date of determination. PMSRs and OMSRs are
being amortized in proportion to and over the period of the estimated net
servicing income. Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for
impairment based on the excess of the carrying amount of the mortgage servicing
rights over their fair value. A quarterly value impairment analysis is
performed using a discounted methodology that is disaggregated by predominant
risk characteristics. The Company has determined those risk characteristics to
include: note rate and term and loan type based on 1) loan guarantee (i.e.
conventional or government) and 2) interest characteristic (i.e. fixed-rate or
adjustable-rate). In measuring impairment, the carrying amount must be
stratified based on one or more predominant risk characteristics of the
underlying loans. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for
each individual stratum.

The following is a summary of capitalized mortgage servicing rights,
net of accumulated amortization, and a valuation allowance for impairment:


54
55




1998 1997
-------- --------
(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year $ 14,071 $ 9,276
Mortgage servicing rights capitalized 16,376 7,222
Amortization expense (3,104) (1,803)
-------- --------
Balance at end of year 27,343 14,695
Valuation allowance (4,670) (624)
-------- --------
Fair value at end of year $ 22,673 $ 14,071
======== ========




(19) 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 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
the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) 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 1) of a least 4% of risk-weighted assets, total capital of
at least 8% of risk-weighted assets and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 3%
of adjusted average assets. The regulations also define well capitalized levels
of Tier 1, total capital and Tier 1 leverage as 6%, 10% and 5%, respectively.
The Company had Tier 1, total capital and leverage above the well capitalized
levels at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, as set forth in the
following table:






1998 1997
------------------ ------------------
AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO
--------- ----- --------- -----
(Dollars in thousands)

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 476,690 12.99% $ 421,896 13.38%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) 430,770 11.74 382,451 12.13
Tier 1 Leverage Capital (to Average Assets) 430,770 8.49 382,451 8.52



55
56


(20) SEGMENTS
The Company's principal activity is community banking which includes
providing a full range of deposit products, commercial loans and consumer
loans. General corporate and other includes leasing, mortgage lending, trust
services, credit card activities, insurance services and other activities not
allocated to community banking.

Results of operations and selected financial information by operating
segment for the three years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are
presented below:




GENERAL
COMMUNITY CORPORATE
BANKING AND OTHER TOTAL
-------- --------- -----------
(In thousands)

1998
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net interest revenue $ 150,639 $ 45,468 $ 196,107
Provision for credit losses 12,906 2,108 15,014
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision
for credit losses 137,733 43,360 181,093
Other revenue 33,056 19,962 53,018
Other expense 123,398 28,686 152,084
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 47,391 34,636 82,027
Income taxes 15,917 11,633 27,550
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 31,474 23,003 54,477
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Identifiable Assets 4,691,959 511,782 5,203,741
Depreciation & amortization 12,697 1,193 13,890

1997
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net interest revenue $ 138,273 $ 40,158 $ 178,431
Provision for credit losses 6,086 3,521 9,607
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision
for credit losses 132,187 36,637 168,824
Other revenue 31,631 16,272 47,903
Other expense 118,140 25,478 143,618
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 45,678 27,431 73,109
Income taxes 14,312 8,595 22,907
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 31,366 18,836 50,202
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Identifiable Assets 4,255,940 430,745 4,686,685
Depreciation & amortization 11,107 1,115 12,222

1996
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net interest revenue $ 129,407 $ 36,638 $ 166,045
Provision for credit losses 6,856 2,669 9,525
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 122,551 33,969 156,520
Other revenue 27,992 17,430 45,422
Other expense 106,247 23,964 130,211
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income before income taxes 44,296 27,435 71,731
Income taxes 15,065 9,331 24,396
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 29,231 18,104 47,335
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Identifiable Assets 3,662,515 407,894 4,070,409
Depreciation & amortization 9,618 1,046 10,664




(21) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES



56
57


LEASES
Rent expense was approximately $2,933,000 for 1998, $2,815,000 for
1997 and $1,932,000 for 1996. 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, 1998:






AMOUNT
-------
(In thousands)

1999 $ 2,675
2000 2,381
2001 2,060
2002 775
2003 212
Thereafter 176
-------
Total future minimum lease payments $ 8,279
=======




MORTGAGE LOANS SERVICED FOR OTHERS
The Company services mortgage loans for others which are not included
in the accompanying financial statements. Included in the $1.7 billion of loans
serviced for investors at December 31, 1998, is approximately $10 million of
primary recourse servicing where 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.

FORWARD CONTRACTS
Forward contracts are agreements to purchase or sell securities at a
future specific date at a specific price or yield. Risks arise from the
possibility that counterparties may be unable to meet the term of their
contracts and from movements in securities values and interest rates. At
December 31, 1998, the Company had obligations under forward contracts
consisting of commitments to sell mortgage loans originated or purchased by the
Company into the secondary market at a future date. These obligations are
entered into by the Company in order to establish the interest rate at which it
can offer mortgage loans to its customers. Changes in the values of mortgage
loans held for sale by the Company for delivery into the secondary market are
recorded at the lower of cost or market. As of December 31, 1998, the
contractual or notional amount of these forward contracts was approximately
$63,000,000. The Company's exposure under these commitments to sell mortgage
loans in the future is not material.

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, 1998, these included
approximately $32,211,000 for letters of credit, and approximately $717,328,000
for interim mortgage financing, construction credit, credit card and revolving
line of credit arrangements. No significant credit losses are expected from
these commitments and arrangements.

LITIGATION
Various legal claims have arisen in the normal course of business,
including claims against entities to which the Company is successor as a result
of business combinations. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution
of these claims will have no material effect on the Company's consolidated
financial position.

RESTRICTED CASH BALANCE
Aggregate reserves (in the form of deposits with the Federal Reserve
Bank) of $15,432,000 were maintained to satisfy Federal regulatory requirements
at December 31, 1998.


57
58


(22) CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION OF BANCORPSOUTH, INC.
(PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

The following condensed unaudited financial information reflects the
accounts and transactions of BancorpSouth, Inc. (parent company only) for the
dates indicated:






CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 31
-------------------------
1998 1997
--------- ---------
(In thousands)

Assets
Cash on deposit with subsidiary bank $ 5,823 $ 11,565
Securities 413 859
Investment in subsidiaries 450,375 397,120
Other assets 12,596 6,815
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 469,207 $ 416,359
========= =========

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Total liabilities $ 12,850 $ 19,668
Shareholders' equity 456,357 396,691
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 469,207 $ 416,359
========= =========

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------------------
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
Dividends from subsidiaries $ 25,550 $ 21,174 $ 44,143
Management fees from subsidiaries 1,739 530 628
Other operating income 941 1,583 1,416
--------- --------- --------
Total income 28,230 23,287 46,187

Operating expenses 4,621 7,485 6,440
--------- --------- --------
Income before equity in undistributed earnings
of subsidiaries 23,609 15,802 39,747
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries 30,868 34,400 7,588
--------- --------- --------
Net income $ 54,477 $ 50,202 $ 47,335
========= ========= ========

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------------------
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
Operating Activities:
Net income $ 54,477 $ 50,202 $ 47,335
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating activities (36,868) (28,876) (3,281)
--------- --------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 17,609 21,326 44,054
Net cash used in financing activities (23,351) (19,939) (41,332)
--------- --------- --------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (5,742) 1,387 2,722
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 11,565 10,178 7,456
--------- --------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 5,823 $ 11,565 $ 10,178
========= ========= ========



58
59


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
BancorpSouth, Inc.:

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of BancorpSouth, Inc.,
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated
statements of income and comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1998.
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 generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.


/s/ KPMG LLP
Memphis, Tennessee
January 20, 1999


59
60
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)



QUARTER ENDED
----------------------------------------
MAR 31 JUN 30 SEP 30 DEC 31
------- ------- ------- -------

1998
Interest revenue $93,189 $96,819 $97,236 $96,275
Net interest revenue 47,868 49,176 49,506 49,557
Provision for credit losses 3,123 3,262 5,059 3,570
Income before income taxes 21,788 22,827 20,838 16,574
Net income 14,532 15,161 13,545 11,239
Earnings per share: Basic 0.27 0.29 0.25 0.21
Diluted 0.27 0.28 0.25 0.21
Dividends per share 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.12
1997
Interest revenue $80,870 $84,276 $86,320 $88,235
Net interest revenue 42,906 44,694 44,790 46,041
Provision for credit losses 1,626 2,318 2,626 3,037
Income before income taxes 18,899 19,958 18,616 15,636
Net income 12,686 13,445 12,751 11,320
Earnings per share: Basic 0.25 0.27 0.25 0.22
Diluted 0.25 0.26 0.25 0.22
Dividends per share 0.095 0.095 0.095 0.110
1996
Interest revenue $74,652 $76,008 $77,949 $80,356
Net interest revenue 40,026 40,918 41,999 43,102
Provision for credit losses 1,606 3,242 2,634 2,043
Income before income taxes 15,908 19,227 17,245 19,351
Net income 10,637 12,372 11,543 12,783
Earnings per share: Basic 0.22 0.26 0.24 0.26
Diluted 0.22 0.26 0.24 0.26
Dividends per share 0.085 0.085 0.085 0.095



Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure

There have been no disagreements with the Company's independent
accountants and auditors on any matter of accounting principles or practices or
financial statement disclosure.


60
61


PART III

Item 10. - Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information concerning the directors and nominees of the Company
appears under the caption "Election of Directors" in the Company's definitive
Proxy Statement for its 1999 annual meeting, and is incorporated herein by
reference.

Executive Officers of Registrant

Information follows concerning the executive officers of the Company
who are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.





Name Offices Held Age
---- ------------ ---

Aubrey B. Patterson Chairman of the Board of 56
Directors and Chief
Executive Officer
of the Company and BancorpSouth
Bank; Director of
the Company

L. Nash Allen, Jr. Treasurer, and Chief 54
Financial Officer of
the Company; Executive
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Cashier, BancorpSouth Bank

Harry R. Baxter Executive Vice President of the 54
Company and Vice Chairman of
BancorpSouth Bank

Gary R. Harder Executive Vice President of the 54
Company and BancorpSouth Bank

Michael W. Weeks Executive Vice President of the 50
Company and Vice Chairman of
BancorpSouth Bank

Michael L. Sappington Executive Vice President of the 49
Company and Vice Chairman of
BancorpSouth Bank

Gregg Cowsert Executive Vice President of the 51
Company and Vice Chairman and
Chief Lending Officer of
BancorpSouth Bank







61

62




Cathy M. Robertson Executive Vice President of the 44
Company and BancorpSouth Bank


None of the executive officers of the Company are related by blood,
marriage or adoption. 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 served as President of the Bank from 1983 until April
1990 when he was named Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and the Company. He
has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and
the Company since April 1993.

Mr. Allen has served as Senior Vice President and Executive Vice
President of the Bank during the past five years. He has served as Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer of the Company during this same period.

Mr. Baxter joined the Bank in July 1986 as Senior Vice President and
Director of Marketing. He was named Executive Vice President and Director of
Marketing in August 1989 and named Vice Chairman in August 1996. He is also
Executive Vice President of the Company.

Mr. Harder served as First Vice President, Senior Vice President-Loan
Review and Executive Vice President of BancorpSouth Bank during the last five
years. He is also Executive Vice President of the Company.

Mr. Weeks served as Vice-Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Volunteer Bank from January 24, 1995 to March 16, 1995 when he was
named Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Volunteer Bank. He
continued in that role until June 1997 when Volunteer Bank was merged into
BancorpSouth Bank and he was named Vice Chairman of BancorpSouth Bank. He has
served as Executive Vice President of the Company since January 17, 1995. Prior
to his employment by the Company, Mr. Weeks served as a partner in the
accounting firm of KPMG LLP.

Mr. Sappington has served as Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman
of the Bank during the last five years. He is also Executive Vice President of
the Company.

Mr. Cowsert joined the Bank in 1990 as Senior Vice President. He has
since served as Executive Vice President and was named Vice Chairman in August
1996. He also is Executive Vice President of the Company.

Ms. Robertson has served as First Vice President, Senior Vice President
and Executive Vice President of the Bank during the past five years. She is also
Executive Vice President of the Company.

Item 11. - Executive Compensation

Information concerning the remuneration of executive officers of the
Company appears under the caption "Executive Compensation" in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1999 annual meeting, and is incorporated
herein by reference. Information concerning the remuneration of directors of the
Company appears under the caption "Compensation of Directors" in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1999 annual meeting, and is incorporated
herein by reference.

Item 12. - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Information concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial
owners and directors and executive officers of the Company appears under the
caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and


62

63

Management" in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 1999 annual
meeting, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. - Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Information concerning 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 its 1999
annual meeting, and is incorporated herein by reference.








63
64


PART IV

Item 14. - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)1. Consolidated Financial Statements: See Item 8.

(a)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.

(a)3. Exhibits:

(3) (a) Articles of incorporation, as amended. (1)
(b) Bylaws.

(4) Specimen Common Stock Certificate. (2)
(10) (a) 1998 Directors Stock Plan. (8)
(b) Form of deferred compensation agreement between Bancorp of
Mississippi, Inc. and certain key executives. (4)(8)
(c) 1994 Stock Incentive Plan. (2)(8)
(d) 1995 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors. (2)(7)
(e) Stock Bonus Agreement between BancorpSouth, Inc. and Michael
W. Weeks, dated January 17, 1995 and Escrow Agreement between
Bank of Mississippi and Michael W. Weeks dated January 17,
1995. (6)(8)
(f) Stock Bonus Agreement between BancorpSouth, Inc. and Aubrey B.
Patterson, Jr., dated January 20, 1998 and Escrow Agreement
between BancorpSouth Bank and Aubrey B. Patterson, Jr., date
March 20, 1998 (7)(8)
(g) Information regarding Bancorp of Mississippi, Inc., amended
and restated Salary Deferral-Profit Sharing Employee Stock
Ownership Plan. (5)(8)
(11) Statement re computation of per share earnings
(21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
(23) Consent of Independent Accountants.
(27) Financial Data Schedule.
(28) Information regarding Bancorp of Mississippi, Inc., amended and
restated Salary Deferral-Profit Sharing Employee Stock Ownership
Plan. (5)(8)
(1) Filed as exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Company's registration statement
on Form S-4 filed on January 6, 1995 (Registration No. 33-88274) and
incorporated by reference thereto.
(2) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-Q for the three months
ended March 31, 1998 (file number 0-10826), and incorporated by
reference thereto.
(3) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1987 (file number 0-10826), and incorporated by reference
thereto.
(4) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1988 (file number 0-10826), and incorporated by reference
thereto.
(5) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1990 (file number 0-10826), and incorporated by reference
thereto.
(6) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1995 (file number 0-1-826), and incorporated by reference
thereto.
(7) Filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997 (file number 0-10826), and incorporated by reference
thereto.
(8) Compensatory plans or arrangements.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended December
31, 1998.




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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 24, 1999 /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 Chairman of the Board, Chief
- ---------------------------- Executive Officer (Principal
Aubrey B. Patterson Executive Officer) and
Director March 24, 1999


/s/ L. Nash Allen, Jr. Treasurer and Chief Financial
- ---------------------------- Officer (Principal Financial
L. Nash Allen, Jr. and Accounting Officer) March 24, 1999


/s/ S. H. Davis Director March 24, 1999
- ----------------------------
S. H. Davis

/s/ Hassell H. Franklin Director March 24, 1999
- ----------------------------
Hassell H. Franklin

/s/ Fletcher H. Goode Director March 24, 1999
- ----------------------------
Fletcher H. Goode, M.D.


/s/ W. G. Holliman, Jr. Director March 24, 1999
- ----------------------------
W. G. Holliman, Jr.

Director
- ----------------------------
A. Douglas Jumper


/s/ Turner O. Lashlee Director March 24, 1999
- ----------------------------
Turner O. Lashlee


/s/ Alan W. Perry Director March 24, 1999
- ----------------------------
Alan W. Perry





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/s/ Travis E. Staub Director March 24, 1999
- ----------------------------
Travis E. Staub

Director
- ----------------------------
Andrew R. Townes, DDS


/s/ Lowery A. Woodall Director March 24, 1999
- -----------------------------
Lowery A. Woodall





66