CULLEN/FROST REPORTS FIRST QUARTER RESULTS
- Net income available to common shareholders was $134.0 million for the first quarter of 2024.
- Excluding the impact of a special FDIC assessment, net income would have been $140.1 million.
- Earnings per share (EPS) decreased to $2.06 from $2.70 in the first quarter of 2023.
- Net interest income decreased by 3.4% compared to the same quarter in 2023.
- Average loans increased by 10.4% to $19.1 billion for the first quarter of 2024.
- Non-interest income rose by 5.8%, with trust and investment management fees increasing by 8.1%.
- Non-interest expenses increased by 14.4%, mainly due to higher salaries and wages.
- The company declared a second-quarter dividend of $0.92 per common share.
- Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 13.41%, 13.89%, and 15.35% respectively.
- The company continues its organic growth strategy, investing in new locations and expanding its business.
- Net income saw a decrease compared to the first quarter of 2023.
- Earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 20.4% compared to the first quarter of 2023.
- Net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis decreased by 3.4% compared to the same quarter in 2023.
- Non-interest expenses increased by 14.4% compared to the first quarter of 2023.
- Credit loss expense increased to $13.7 million for the first quarter of 2024.
- Non-accrual loans increased to $71.5 million at the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Insights
Examining the earnings report for Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., a few key financial metrics stand out, notably the 20.4% decrease in net income and earnings per share when compared to the previous year. The FDIC special assessment had a notable impact, affecting both net income and EPS, which is important for investors to consider when evaluating the bank's profitability.
The reported decrease in net interest income reflects compression in their revenue stream from loans and other interest-earning assets, a possible concern in the current interest rate environment. The growth in average loans indicates that the bank is expanding its lending operations, potentially a positive sign for future income. However, the decline in deposits warrants attention as it could affect the bank's liquidity and interest margins going forward.
Investors should also note the increase in non-interest income, driven by fees from trust and investment management and service charges, which could help to diversify the bank's revenue sources. However, this is juxtaposed with an increase in non-interest expenses, particularly salaries and wages, which may affect the bank's operational efficiency ratios.
The credit loss expense and net charge-offs provide insights into the bank's credit risk management. A comparison of the credit loss expense from the last quarter and the year-over-year quarter indicates some volatility, but it's within a manageable range. However, the increase in non-accrual loans could be a red flag for potential future credit losses.
Capital ratios remain strong, exceeding regulatory well-capitalized thresholds, which implies a robust capacity to absorb potential loan losses. The bank's Common Equity Tier 1 and other risk-based capital ratios signal a sound capital position. For investors, these ratios not only provide assurance about the bank's compliance with regulatory requirements but also its financial resilience.
From a market positioning perspective, the bank's efforts to implement organic growth strategies and expand into new markets like Austin indicate a strategic initiative to grow their customer base and enhance revenue. The bank's focus on both commercial and consumer relationships can diversify its revenue streams and potentially improve its market share in Texas' competitive banking sector.
The bank's investment in technology, as reflected by the increase in related expenses, suggests a commitment to improving its digital infrastructure. This is critical, as the banking industry sees a shift towards digitalization and banks need to stay technologically competitive to retain and attract customers.
Board declares second quarter dividend on common and preferred stock
For the first quarter of 2024, net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis was
"The solid earnings for the first quarter show the results of our organic growth strategy and the hard work of our bankers," said Cullen/Frost Chairman and CEO Phil Green. "The steady increase in loans and consistent growth in both commercial and consumer relationships reflect Frost's enduring strength and stability. We continue to make investments to fuel the sustained growth of our business into the future, including opening the second new location in our
Noted financial data for the first quarter of 2024 follows:
- The Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios at the end of the first quarter of 2024 were 13.41 percent, 13.89 percent and 15.35 percent, respectively, and continue to be in excess of well-capitalized levels and exceed Basel III minimum requirements.
- Net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis was
for the first quarter of 2024, a decrease of 3.4 percent, compared to the prior year period. Net interest margin was 3.48 percent for the first quarter compared to 3.41 percent for the fourth quarter of 2023 and compared to 3.47 percent for the first quarter of 2023.$411.4 million
- Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 totaled
, an increase of$111.4 million , or 5.8 percent, from the$6.1 million reported for the first quarter of 2023. Trust and investment management fees increased$105.3 million or 8.1 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The increase in trust and investment management fees during the first quarter was primarily related to an increase in investment management fees (up$2.9 million ), driven by an increase in the value of customer assets under management. Service charges on deposit accounts increased$2.7 million or 13.3 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The increase in the first quarter was primarily related to increases in commercial service charges (up$2.9 million ) and commercial and consumer overdraft charges (up$1.4 million ), among other things. Other non-interest income increased$1.3 million , or 8.5 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily related to increases in public finance underwriting fees (up$991,000 .6 million) and income from customer derivative and foreign exchange transactions (up$2 ), among other things, partly offset by a decrease in sundry and other miscellaneous income (down$737,000 .9 million).$1
- Non-interest expense was
for the first quarter of 2024, up$326.2 million , or 14.4 percent, compared to the$41.1 million reported for the first quarter a year earlier. Excluding the additional FDIC special assessment that we accrued during the first quarter, total non-interest expense would have increased by$285.1 million , or 11.7 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2023. Salaries and wages expense increased$33.4 million , or 13.5 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The increase in salaries and wages was primarily related to increases in salaries due to annual merit and market increases and an increase in the number of employees. The increase in the number of employees was partly related to our investment in organic expansion in the$17.7 million Houston ,Dallas andAustin markets. Employee benefits expense increased by , or 6.0 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The increase in employee benefits expense was related to an increase in medical/dental benefits expense (up$2.0 million ) and an increase in payroll taxes (up$1.5 million ), among other things, partly offset by a decrease in 401(k) plan expense (down$1.4 million ). Other non-interest expense increased$753,000 , or 17.3 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The increase in other non-interest expense during the first quarter of 2024 included increases in advertising/promotions expense (up$9.0 million .0 million); professional services expense (up$4 .2 million), which was primarily related to information technology services; and fraud losses (up$1 ), among other things. Technology, furniture, and equipment expense increased$710,000 , or 7.7 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily related to increases in cloud services expense.$2.5 million
- For the first quarter of 2024, the company reported a credit loss expense of
, and reported net charge-offs of$13.7 million . This compares to a credit loss expense of$7.3 million and net charge-offs of$16.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 and a credit loss expense of$10.9 million and net charge-offs of$9.1 million for the first quarter of 2023. The allowance for credit losses on loans as a percentage of total loans was 1.29 percent at March 31, 2024, compared to 1.31 percent at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and 1.32 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2023. Non-accrual loans were$8.8 million at the end of the first quarter of 2024, compared to$71.5 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023 and$60.9 million at the end of the first quarter of 2023.$38.4 million
The Cullen/Frost board declared a second-quarter cash dividend of
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. will host a conference call on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1 p.m. Central Time (CT) to discuss the results for the quarter. The media and other interested parties are invited to access the call in a "listen only" mode at 1-877-709-8150 or via webcast on our investor relations website linked below. Playback of the conference call will be available after 5 p.m. CT on the day of the call until midnight Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 1-877-660-6853 with Conference ID # of 13745726. A replay of the call will also be available by webcast at the URL listed below after 5 p.m. CT on the day of the call.
Cullen/Frost investor relations website: https://investor.frostbank.com/
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR) is a financial holding company, headquartered in
Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results
Certain statements contained in this Earnings Release that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"), notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified as such. In addition, certain statements may be contained in our future filings with the SEC, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by us or with our approval that are not statements of historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of Cullen/Frost or its management or Board of Directors, including those relating to products, services or operations; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "targeted", "continue", "remain", "will", "should", "may" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
- The effects of and changes in trade and monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board.
- Inflation, interest rate, securities market, and monetary fluctuations.
- Local, regional, national, and international economic conditions and the impact they may have on us and our customers and our assessment of that impact.
- Changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers.
- Changes in the mix of loan geographies, sectors and types or the level of non-performing assets and charge-offs.
- Changes in estimates of future credit loss reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements.
- Changes in our liquidity position.
- Impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets.
- The timely development and acceptance of new products and services and perceived overall value of these products and services by users.
- Changes in consumer spending, borrowing, and saving habits.
- Greater than expected costs or difficulties related to the integration of new products and lines of business.
- Technological changes.
- The cost and effects of cyber incidents or other failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our systems or those of our customers or third-party providers.
- Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses.
- Changes in the reliability of our vendors, internal control systems or information systems.
- Our ability to increase market share and control expenses.
- Our ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
- Changes in our organization, compensation, and benefit plans.
- The soundness of other financial institutions.
- Volatility and disruption in national and international financial and commodity markets.
- Changes in the competitive environment in our markets and among banking organizations and other financial service providers.
- Government intervention in the
U.S. financial system. - Political or economic instability.
- Acts of God or of war or terrorism.
- The potential impact of climate change.
- The impact of pandemics, epidemics, or any other health-related crisis.
- The costs and effects of legal and regulatory developments, the resolution of legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries, the results of regulatory examinations or reviews and the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals.
- The effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities, and insurance) and their application with which we and our subsidiaries must comply.
- The effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters.
- Our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items.
In addition, financial markets and global supply chains may continue to be adversely affected by the current or anticipated impact of global wars/military conflicts, terrorism, or other geopolitical events.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | |||||||||
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||
2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
1st Qtr | 4th Qtr | 3rd Qtr | 2nd Qtr | 1st Qtr | |||||
CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS | |||||||||
Net interest income | |||||||||
Net interest income (1) | 411,367 | 409,904 | 407,353 | 408,594 | 425,844 | ||||
Credit loss expense | 13,650 | 15,981 | 11,185 | 9,901 | 9,104 | ||||
Non-interest income: | |||||||||
Trust and investment management fees | 39,085 | 40,163 | 37,616 | 39,392 | 36,144 | ||||
Service charges on deposit accounts | 24,795 | 24,535 | 23,603 | 23,487 | 21,879 | ||||
Insurance commissions and fees | 18,296 | 12,743 | 13,636 | 12,940 | 18,952 | ||||
Interchange and card transaction fees | 4,474 | 4,608 | 4,672 | 5,250 | 4,889 | ||||
Other charges, commissions, and fees | 12,060 | 12,104 | 13,128 | 12,090 | 11,704 | ||||
Net gain (loss) on securities transactions | — | — | 12 | 33 | 21 | ||||
Other | 12,667 | 19,598 | 13,331 | 10,336 | 11,676 | ||||
Total non-interest income | 111,377 | 113,751 | 105,998 | 103,528 | 105,265 | ||||
Non-interest expense: | |||||||||
Salaries and wages | 148,000 | 146,616 | 137,562 | 133,195 | 130,345 | ||||
Employee benefits | 35,970 | 28,065 | 26,527 | 26,792 | 33,922 | ||||
Net occupancy | 31,778 | 30,752 | 31,581 | 31,714 | 30,349 | ||||
Technology, furniture, and equipment | 34,995 | 34,484 | 35,278 | 33,043 | 32,481 | ||||
Deposit insurance | 14,724 | 58,109 | 6,033 | 6,202 | 6,245 | ||||
Other | 60,750 | 67,196 | 56,275 | 54,096 | 51,800 | ||||
Total non-interest expense | 326,217 | 365,222 | 293,256 | 285,042 | 285,142 | ||||
Income before income taxes | 161,561 | 120,700 | 186,983 | 193,851 | 210,839 | ||||
Income taxes | 25,871 | 18,149 | 31,332 | 31,733 | 33,186 | ||||
Net income | 135,690 | 102,551 | 155,651 | 162,118 | 177,653 | ||||
Preferred stock dividends | 1,669 | 1,669 | 1,668 | 1,669 | 1,669 | ||||
Net income available to common shareholders | |||||||||
PER COMMON SHARE DATA | |||||||||
Earnings per common share - basic | $ 2.06 | $ 1.55 | $ 2.38 | $ 2.47 | $ 2.71 | ||||
Earnings per common share - diluted | 2.06 | 1.55 | 2.38 | 2.47 | 2.70 | ||||
Cash dividends per common share | 0.92 | 0.92 | 0.92 | 0.87 | 0.87 | ||||
Book value per common share at end of quarter | 54.36 | 55.64 | 44.59 | 50.55 | 51.59 | ||||
OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES | |||||||||
Period-end common shares | 64,251 | 64,185 | 64,017 | 64,120 | 64,396 | ||||
Weighted-average common shares - basic | 64,216 | 64,139 | 64,067 | 64,241 | 64,374 | ||||
Dilutive effect of stock compensation | 156 | 176 | 172 | 187 | 258 | ||||
Weighted-average common shares - diluted | 64,372 | 64,315 | 64,239 | 64,428 | 64,632 | ||||
SELECTED ANNUALIZED RATIOS | |||||||||
Return on average assets | 1.09 % | 0.82 % | 1.25 % | 1.30 % | 1.39 % | ||||
Return on average common equity | 15.22 | 13.51 | 18.93 | 19.36 | 22.59 | ||||
Net interest income to average earning assets | 3.48 | 3.41 | 3.44 | 3.45 | 3.47 | ||||
(1) Taxable-equivalent basis assuming a |
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | |||||||||
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||
2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
1st Qtr | 4th Qtr | 3rd Qtr | 2nd Qtr | 1st Qtr | |||||
BALANCE SHEET SUMMARY | |||||||||
($ in millions) | |||||||||
Average Balance: | |||||||||
Loans | $ 19,112 | $ 18,609 | $ 17,965 | $ 17,664 | $ 17,319 | ||||
Earning assets | 45,883 | 45,579 | 45,366 | 45,929 | 47,904 | ||||
Total assets | 49,324 | 49,087 | 48,804 | 49,317 | 51,307 | ||||
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits | 13,976 | 14,697 | 14,823 | 15,231 | 16,636 | ||||
Interest-bearing deposits | 26,748 | 26,487 | 26,005 | 25,776 | 26,121 | ||||
Total deposits | 40,724 | 41,184 | 40,828 | 41,007 | 42,757 | ||||
Shareholders' equity | 3,687 | 3,108 | 3,372 | 3,470 | 3,305 | ||||
Period-End Balance: | |||||||||
Loans | $ 19,388 | $ 18,824 | $ 18,399 | $ 17,746 | $ 17,486 | ||||
Earning assets | 46,164 | 47,124 | 45,218 | 45,146 | 47,870 | ||||
Total assets | 49,505 | 50,845 | 48,747 | 48,597 | 51,246 | ||||
Total deposits | 40,806 | 41,921 | 40,992 | 40,701 | 42,184 | ||||
Shareholders' equity | 3,638 | 3,716 | 3,000 | 3,387 | 3,468 | ||||
Adjusted shareholders' equity (1) | 4,914 | 4,836 | 4,779 | 4,692 | 4,610 | ||||
ASSET QUALITY | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | |||||||||
Allowance for credit losses on loans: | |||||||||
As a percentage of period-end loans | 1.29 % | 1.31 % | 1.32 % | 1.32 % | 1.32 % | ||||
Net charge-offs: | $ 7,349 | $ 10,884 | $ 4,992 | $ 9,828 | $ 8,782 | ||||
Annualized as a percentage of average loans | 0.15 % | 0.23 % | 0.11 % | 0.22 % | 0.21 % | ||||
Non-accrual loans: | $ 71,515 | $ 60,907 | $ 67,175 | $ 67,781 | $ 38,410 | ||||
As a percentage of total loans | 0.37 % | 0.32 % | 0.37 % | 0.38 % | 0.22 % | ||||
As a percentage of total assets | 0.14 | 0.12 | 0.14 | 0.14 | 0.07 | ||||
CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL RATIOS | |||||||||
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio | 13.41 % | 13.25 % | 13.32 % | 13.42 % | 13.24 % | ||||
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio | 13.89 | 13.73 | 13.81 | 13.92 | 13.74 | ||||
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio | 15.35 | 15.18 | 15.28 | 15.39 | 15.22 | ||||
Leverage Ratio | 8.44 | 8.35 | 8.17 | 8.11 | 7.69 | ||||
Equity to Assets Ratio (period-end) | 7.35 | 7.31 | 6.15 | 6.97 | 6.77 | ||||
Equity to Assets Ratio (average) | 7.47 | 6.33 | 6.91 | 7.04 | 6.44 | ||||
(1) Shareholders' equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). | |||||||||
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | |||||||||
TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT YIELD/COST AND AVERAGE BALANCES (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||
2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
1st Qtr | 4th Qtr | 3rd Qtr | 2nd Qtr | 1st Qtr | |||||
TAXABLE-EQUIVALENT YIELD/COST(1) | |||||||||
Earning Assets: | |||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits | 5.40 % | 5.39 % | 5.33 % | 5.05 % | 4.57 % | ||||
Federal funds sold | 5.76 | 5.73 | 5.65 | 5.35 | 4.72 | ||||
Resell agreements | 5.60 | 5.60 | 5.53 | 5.26 | 4.77 | ||||
Securities(2) | 3.32 | 3.24 | 3.24 | 3.24 | 3.24 | ||||
Loans, net of unearned discounts | 7.00 | 6.92 | 6.83 | 6.64 | 6.36 | ||||
Total earning assets | 5.13 | 5.00 | 4.92 | 4.77 | 4.57 | ||||
Interest-Bearing Liabilities: | |||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits: | |||||||||
Savings and interest checking | 0.42 % | 0.40 % | 0.38 % | 0.41 % | 0.36 % | ||||
Money market deposit accounts | 2.82 | 2.83 | 2.78 | 2.68 | 2.47 | ||||
Time accounts | 4.73 | 4.59 | 4.34 | 3.77 | 2.40 | ||||
Total interest-bearing deposits | 2.34 | 2.27 | 2.12 | 1.87 | 1.52 | ||||
Total deposits | 1.54 | 1.46 | 1.35 | 1.18 | 0.93 | ||||
Federal funds purchased | 5.38 | 5.40 | 5.32 | 4.97 | 4.55 | ||||
Repurchase agreements | 3.76 | 3.75 | 3.67 | 3.52 | 3.20 | ||||
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures | 7.34 | 7.45 | 7.34 | 6.84 | 6.46 | ||||
Subordinated notes payable and other notes | 4.69 | 4.69 | 4.69 | 4.69 | 4.69 | ||||
Total interest-bearing liabilities | 2.54 | 2.48 | 2.33 | 2.11 | 1.79 | ||||
Net interest spread | 2.59 | 2.52 | 2.59 | 2.66 | 2.78 | ||||
Net interest income to total average earning assets | 3.48 | 3.41 | 3.44 | 3.45 | 3.47 | ||||
AVERAGE BALANCES | |||||||||
($ in millions) | |||||||||
Earning Assets: | |||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits | $ 7,356 | $ 7,047 | $ 6,747 | $ 6,880 | $ 8,687 | ||||
Federal funds sold | 5 | 3 | 13 | 22 | 64 | ||||
Resell agreements | 85 | 86 | 85 | 85 | 90 | ||||
Securities - carrying value(2) | 19,324 | 19,834 | 20,557 | 21,278 | 21,744 | ||||
Securities - amortized cost(2) | 20,813 | 21,969 | 22,250 | 22,737 | 23,287 | ||||
Loans, net of unearned discount | 19,112 | 18,609 | 17,965 | 17,664 | 17,319 | ||||
Total earning assets | 45,883 | 45,579 | 45,366 | 45,929 | 47,904 | ||||
Interest-Bearing Liabilities: | |||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits: | |||||||||
Savings and interest checking | $ 9,918 | $ 9,986 | |||||||
Money market deposit accounts | 11,058 | 11,219 | 11,144 | 11,431 | 12,404 | ||||
Time accounts | 5,773 | 5,282 | 4,659 | 3,483 | 2,055 | ||||
Total interest-bearing deposits | 26,748 | 26,487 | 26,005 | 25,776 | 26,121 | ||||
Total deposits | 40,724 | 41,184 | 40,828 | 41,007 | 42,757 | ||||
Federal funds purchased | 33 | 18 | 21 | 33 | 51 | ||||
Repurchase agreements | 3,787 | 3,761 | 3,536 | 3,719 | 4,211 | ||||
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures | 123 | 123 | 123 | 123 | 123 | ||||
Subordinated notes payable and other notes | 100 | 99 | 99 | 99 | 99 | ||||
Total interest-bearing liabilities | 30,791 | 30,488 | 29,785 | 29,750 | 30,606 | ||||
(1) Taxable-equivalent basis assuming a | |||||||||
(2) Average securities include unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale while yields are based on average amortized cost. |
A.B. Mendez
Investor Relations
210.220.5234
or
Bill Day
Media Relations
210.220.5427
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SOURCE Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
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