Kroll Bond Rating Agency on March 21 changed its outlook on Home BancShares Inc.'s long-term ratings to "positive" from "stable."

The change was attributed to the Conway, Ark.-based company's improved levels of loan concentration, nonperforming assets and core deposits.

Kroll also affirmed Home's senior unsecured debt rating of BBB, subordinated debt rating of BBB- and short-term debt rating of K3. Subsidiary Centennial Bank's deposit and senior unsecured debt ratings of BBB+, subordinated debt rating of BBB and short-term deposit and debt ratings of K2 were affirmed as well. The ratings reflect a solid earnings history and better-than-average efficiency, but are constrained by Home's acquisitiveness and "an element of key-person risk."