Exhibit 99.1

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2013 Earnings

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2013--Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (NASDAQ: OZRK) today announced that net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was $20.4 million, a 6.8% increase from $19.1 million for the second quarter of 2012. Diluted earnings per common share for the second quarter of 2013 were $0.57, a 3.6% increase from $0.55 for the second quarter of 2012.

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, net income totaled $40.4 million, an 8.9% increase from net income of $37.1 million for the first six months of 2012. Diluted earnings per common share for the first six months of 2013 were $1.13, a 6.6% increase from $1.06 for the first six months of 2012.

The Company’s annualized returns on average assets and average common stockholders’ equity for the second quarter of 2013 were 2.08% and 15.50%, respectively, compared to 2.04% and 17.07%, respectively, for the second quarter of 2012. Annualized returns on average assets and average common stockholders’ equity for the first six months of 2013 were 2.07% and 15.63%, respectively, compared to 1.97% and 16.91%, respectively, for the first six months of 2012.

Loans and leases, excluding loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements (“covered loans”) and purchased loans not covered by loss share (“purchased non-covered loans”) were $2.44 billion at June 30, 2013, a 23.5% increase from $1.98 billion at June 30, 2012. Including covered loans and purchased non-covered loans, total loans and leases were $2.96 billion at June 30, 2013, a 9.7% increase from $2.69 billion at June 30, 2012.

In commenting on these results, George Gleason, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Our capabilities to generate loan and lease growth were evident in our second quarter results. Our balance of loans and leases outstanding, excluding covered loans and purchased non-covered loans, increased $286 million in the quarter just ended. Our unfunded balance of closed loans increased $146 million during the second quarter, growing from $789 million at March 31, 2013 to $935 million at June 30, 2013. These are noteworthy results given current economic and competitive conditions.”

Deposits were $2.98 billion at June 30, 2013, a 6.3% increase compared to $2.81 billion at June 30, 2012.

Total assets were $4.04 billion at June 30, 2013, a 7.4% increase compared to $3.76 billion at June 30, 2012.

Common stockholders’ equity was $531 million at June 30, 2013, a 15.6% increase from $460 million at June 30, 2012. Book value per common share was $14.99 at June 30, 2013, a 12.8% increase from $13.29 at June 30, 2012. Changes in common stockholders’ equity and book value per common share reflect earnings, dividends paid, stock option and stock grant transactions, and changes in the Company’s mark-to-market adjustment for unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale. As a result of increases in market interest rates on many debt securities during the second quarter of 2013, at June 30, 2013 the Company’s unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, net of applicable taxes, were a negative $0.9 million compared to a positive $9.0 million at March 31, 2013. At June 30, 2012, unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale, net of applicable taxes, were a positive $11.5 million.

The Company’s ratio of common stockholders’ equity to total assets was 13.13% at June 30, 2013, an increase compared to 12.21% at June 30, 2012, but a decrease compared to 13.25% at March 31, 2013. Its ratio of tangible common stockholders’ equity to tangible total assets was 12.90% at June 30, 2013, an increase compared to 11.95% at June 30, 2012, but a decrease compared to 13.00% at March 31, 2013. The decrease in both ratios from March 31, 2013 to June 30, 2013 was primarily due to the fact that the change in unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale reduced the Company’s growth in common stockholders’ equity and tangible common stockholders’ equity during the quarter just ended.

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income for the second quarter of 2013 increased 2.8% to $43.5 million compared to $42.3 million for the second quarter of 2012, but decreased 1.5% compared to $44.1 million for the first quarter of 2013. Net interest margin, on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis, decreased 28 basis points to 5.56% in the second quarter of 2013 compared to 5.84% in the second quarter of 2012, and decreased 27 basis points compared to 5.83% in the first quarter of 2013. Average earning assets increased to $3.29 billion for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $3.06 billion for the second quarter of 2012 and $3.21 billion for the first quarter of 2013.

Net interest income for the first six months of 2013 was $87.6 million, a 1.7% increase from $86.1 million for the first six months of 2012. The Company’s net interest margin (“FTE”) for the first six months of 2013 was 5.68%, a 23 basis point decrease from 5.91% for the first six months of 2012. Average earning assets increased to $3.26 billion for the first six months of 2013 compared to $3.08 billion for the first six months of 2012.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income for the second quarter of 2013 increased 20.9% to $19.0 million compared to $15.7 million for the second quarter of 2012. Non-interest income for the first six months of 2013 increased 19.7% to $35.3 million from $29.5 million for the first six months of 2012.

Service charges on deposit accounts increased 3.4% to a record $5.07 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $4.91 million in the second quarter of 2012. Service charges on deposit accounts were $9.80 million in the first six months of 2013, a 2.0% increase from $9.60 million in the first six months of 2012.

Mortgage lending income increased 23.7% to $1.64 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $1.33 million in the second quarter of 2012, but decreased 5.6% from $1.74 million in the first quarter of 2013. Mortgage lending income was $3.38 million in the first six months of 2013, a 39.3% increase from $2.43 million in the first six months of 2012.

Trust income for the second quarter of 2013 decreased 2.6% to $0.87 million compared to $0.89 million for the second quarter of 2012, and decreased 2.0% from $0.88 million in the first quarter of 2013. Trust income was $1.75 million in the first six months of 2013, a 5.2% increase from $1.66 million in the first six months of 2012.

Income from accretion of the Company’s FDIC loss share receivable, net of amortization of the Company’s FDIC clawback payable, was $2.48 million in the second quarter of 2013, an increase of 21.9% compared to $2.04 million in the second quarter of 2012. For the first six months of 2013, income from accretion of the Company’s FDIC loss share receivable, net of amortization of the Company’s FDIC clawback payable, was $4.87 million, an increase of 12.3% compared to $4.34 million in the first six months of 2012.

Other income from loss share and purchased non-covered loans was $3.69 million in the second quarter of 2013, an increase of 15.4% compared to $3.20 million in the second quarter of 2012. For the first six months of 2013, other income from loss share and purchased non-covered loans was $5.84 million, an increase of 12.8% compared to $5.18 million in the first six months of 2012.

Net gains on sales of other assets were $3.11 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $1.40 million in the second quarter of 2012. Net gains on sales of other assets were $5.08 million in the first six months of 2013 compared to $2.95 million in the first six months of 2012.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2013 increased 9.6% to $29.9 million compared to $27.3 million for the second quarter of 2012, and increased 2.3% from $29.2 million in the first quarter of 2013. The Company’s efficiency ratio for the second quarter of 2013 was 46.3% compared to 45.4% for the second quarter of 2012 and 46.8% for the first quarter of 2013.

Non-interest expense for the first six months of 2013 was $59.1 million, a 5.8% increase from $55.9 million for the first six months of 2012. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 46.5% for both the first six months of 2013 and the first six months of 2012.

ASSET QUALITY, CHARGE-OFFS AND ALLOWANCE

Loans, repossessions and foreclosed assets covered by FDIC loss share agreements, along with the related FDIC loss share receivable, are presented in the Company’s financial reports with a carrying value equal to the net present value of expected future proceeds. At June 30, 2013, the carrying value of covered loans was $481 million, foreclosed assets covered by loss share was $46 million and the FDIC loss share receivable was $113 million. At June 30, 2012, the carrying value of covered loans was $712 million, foreclosed assets covered by loss share was $65 million and the FDIC loss share receivable was $209 million.

Purchased non-covered loans include a small volume of non-covered loans acquired in FDIC-assisted acquisitions and loans acquired in the December 31, 2012 acquisition of Genala Banc, Inc. Purchased non-covered loans that contain evidence of credit deterioration on the date of purchase are initially recorded at fair value and are presented in the Company’s financial reports with a carrying value equal to the net present value of expected future proceeds. Other purchased non-covered loans are initially recorded at fair value on the date of purchase and are presented in the Company’s financial reports at their initial fair value, adjusted for subsequent advances, pay downs, amortization or accretion of any premium or discount on purchase, charge-offs and any other adjustment to carrying value. The carrying value of purchased non-covered loans was $31.0 million at June 30, 2013 compared to $3.0 million at June 30, 2012.

Excluding covered loans and purchased non-covered loans, nonperforming loans and leases as a percent of total loans and leases increased to 0.65% at June 30, 2013 compared to 0.49% at June 30, 2012 and 0.40% at March 31, 2013.

Excluding covered loans, purchased non-covered loans and foreclosed assets covered by loss share, nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets increased to 0.66% at June 30, 2013 compared to 0.63% at June 30, 2012 and 0.50% at March 31, 2013.

Excluding covered loans and purchased non-covered loans, the Company’s ratio of loans and leases past due 30 days or more, including past due non-accrual loans and leases, to total loans and leases was 0.74% at June 30, 2013, unchanged from 0.74% at June 30, 2012, but an increase from 0.56% at March 31, 2013.

The Company’s net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2013 decreased to $1.7 million compared to $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2012 and $3.0 million for the first quarter of 2013. The Company’s net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2013 included $0.6 million for non-covered loans and leases and $1.1 million for covered loans. The Company’s net charge-offs for the second quarter of 2012 included $0.8 million for non-covered loans and leases and $2.0 million for covered loans. The Company’s net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2013 included $1.0 million for non-covered loans and leases and $2.0 million for covered loans. Net charge-offs for covered loans are reported net of applicable FDIC loss share receivable amounts.

The Company’s annualized net charge-off ratio for its non-covered loans and leases improved to 0.12% for the second quarter of 2013 compared to 0.18% for the second quarter of 2012 and 0.19% for the first quarter of 2013. The Company’s annualized net charge-off ratio for all loans and leases, including covered loans, was 0.25% for the second quarter of 2013 compared to 0.43% for the second quarter of 2012 and 0.45% for the first quarter of 2013.

The Company’s net charge-offs for the first six months of 2013 decreased to $4.8 million compared to $6.4 million for the first six months of 2012. The Company’s net charge-offs for the first six months of 2013 included $1.7 million for non-covered loans and leases and $3.1 million for covered loans. The Company’s net charge-offs for the first six months of 2012 included $3.0 million for non-covered loans and leases and $3.4 million for covered loans.

The Company’s annualized net charge-off ratio for its non-covered loans and leases improved to 0.15% for the first six months of 2013 compared to 0.31% for the first six months of 2012. The Company’s annualized net charge-off ratio for all loans and leases, including covered loans, improved to 0.35% for the first six months of 2013 compared to 0.49% for the first six months of 2012.

For the second quarter of 2013, the Company’s provision for loan and lease losses was $2.7 million, which included $1.6 million for non-covered loans and leases and $1.1 million for covered loans. For the second quarter of 2012, the Company’s provision for loan and lease losses was $3.1 million, which included $1.1 million for non-covered loans and leases and $2.0 million for covered loans. For the first six months of 2013, the Company’s provision for loan and lease losses was $5.4 million, which included $2.3 million for non-covered loans and leases and $3.1 million for covered loans. For the first six months of 2012, the Company’s provision for loan and lease losses was $6.1 million, which included $2.7 million for non-covered loans and leases and $3.4 million for covered loans.

The Company’s allowance for loan and lease losses was $39.4 million, or 1.61% of total loans and leases, excluding covered loans and purchased non-covered loans, at June 30, 2013, compared to $38.9 million, or 1.96% of total loans and leases, excluding covered loans and purchased non-covered loans, at June 30, 2012 and $38.4 million, or 1.78% of total loans and leases, excluding covered loans and purchased non-covered loans, at March 31, 2013. The Company had no allowance for covered loans or purchased non-covered loans at June 30, 2013, June 30, 2012 or March 31, 2013.

PROPOSED TRANSACTION

On January 24, 2013, the Company entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger (the “Agreement”) with The First National Bank of Shelby (“First National Bank”), in Shelby, North Carolina, pursuant to which the Company expects to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of First National Bank and certain real property which is being simultaneously purchased from parties related to First National Bank and on which certain First National Bank offices are located.

Under the terms of the Agreement, each outstanding share of common stock of First National Bank will be converted, at the election of each First National Bank shareholder, into the right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share, or the right to receive cash, all subject to certain conditions and potential adjustments, provided that at least 51% of the merger consideration paid to First National Bank shareholders will consist of shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of Company shares to be issued will be determined based on First National Bank shareholder elections and the Company’s 10-day average closing stock price as of the fifth business day prior to the closing date, provided that, for purpose of determining the price of the Company’s common stock, such stock shall be valued at not less than $27.00 per share and not more than $44.20 per share. Upon the closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2013, First National Bank will merge into the Company’s bank subsidiary. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval of the shareholders of First National Bank.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

This Release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed transaction with First National Bank, the Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes a proxy statement of First National Bank, and that also constitutes a prospectus of the Company. The Company has also filed other documents with the SEC, and may file additional documents with the SEC, with respect to the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Such documents may be found on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Investors and security holders may also obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Company at the Company’s website at http://www.bankozarks.com, under “Investor Relations”, or by contacting Susan Blair, by telephone at (501) 978-2217.

CONFERENCE CALL

Management will conduct a conference call to review announcements made in this press release at 10:00 a.m. CDT (11:00 a.m. EDT) on Friday, July 12, 2013. The call will be available live or in recorded version on the Company’s website www.bankozarks.com under “Investor Relations” or interested parties calling from locations within the United States and Canada may call 1-888-401-4669 up to ten minutes prior to the beginning of the call and ask for the Bank of the Ozarks conference call. A recorded playback of the entire call will be available on the Company’s website or by telephone by calling 1-888-203-1112 in the United States and Canada or 719-457-0820 internationally. The passcode for this telephone playback is 2060195. The telephone playback will be available for one week following the call, and the website recording of the call will be available for 12 months.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release and other communications by the Company contain forward looking statements regarding the Company’s plans, expectations, thoughts, beliefs, estimates, goals and outlook for the future. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such forward looking statements due to, among other things, potential delays or other problems implementing the Company’s growth and expansion strategy including delays in identifying satisfactory sites, hiring or retaining qualified personnel, obtaining regulatory or other approvals, obtaining permits and designing, constructing and opening new offices; the ability to enter into additional FDIC-assisted or traditional acquisitions; problems with integrating or managing acquisitions; opportunities to profitably deploy capital; the ability to achieve growth in loans, leases and deposits, including growth from unfunded closed loans; the ability to generate future revenue growth or to control future growth in non-interest expense; interest rate fluctuations, including changes in the yield curve between short-term and long-term interest rates; competitive factors and pricing pressures, including their effect on the Company’s net interest margin; general economic, unemployment, credit market and real estate market conditions, including their effect on the creditworthiness of borrowers and lessees, collateral values, the value of investment securities and asset recovery values, including the value of the FDIC loss share receivable and related assets covered by FDIC loss share agreements; changes in legal and regulatory requirements; recently enacted and potential legislation and regulatory actions, including legislation and regulatory actions intended to stabilize economic conditions and credit markets, strengthen the capital of financial institutions, increase regulation of the financial services industry and protect homeowners or consumers; changes in U.S. government monetary and fiscal policy; possible further downgrade of U.S. Treasury securities; adoption of new accounting standards or changes in existing standards; and adverse results in current or future litigation as well as other factors identified in this press release or in Management’s Discussion and Analysis under the caption “Forward Looking Information” contained in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report to Stockholders and the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “OZRK”. The Company owns a state-chartered subsidiary bank that conducts banking operations through 118 offices, including 66 Arkansas offices, 28 Georgia offices, 13 Texas offices, four Florida offices, three Alabama offices, two North Carolina offices and one office each in South Carolina and New York. The Company may be contacted at (501) 978-2265 or P. O. Box 8811, Little Rock, Arkansas 72231-8811. The Company’s website is: www.bankozarks.com.

CONTACT:
Bank of the Ozarks, Inc.
Susan Blair, 501-978-2217