United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2024
Or
For the transition period from ________________ to ________________
Commission file number: 001-13221
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) | |||||||||||||
| (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) | |||||||||||
| N/A | |||||||||||||||||
| (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report | |||||||||||||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ||||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of April 18, 2024, there were 64,254,270 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
March 31, 2024
Table of Contents
| Page | ||||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
| Item 4. | ||||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 1A. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
| Item 4. | ||||||||
| Item 5. | ||||||||
| Item 6. | ||||||||
2
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | |||||||||||
| Resell agreements | |||||||||||
| Total cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
Securities held to maturity, net of allowance for credit losses of $ | |||||||||||
| Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value | |||||||||||
| Trading account securities | |||||||||||
| Loans, net of unearned discounts | |||||||||||
| Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net loans | |||||||||||
| Premises and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable and other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Deposits: | |||||||||||
| Non-interest-bearing demand deposits | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | |||||||||||
| Total deposits | |||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased | |||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | |||||||||||
| Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, net of unamortized issuance costs | |||||||||||
| Subordinated notes, net of unamortized issuance costs | |||||||||||
| Accrued interest payable and other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $ | |||||||||||
Common stock, par value $ | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ( | ( | |||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost; | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Interest income: | |||||||||||
| Loans, including fees | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Securities: | |||||||||||
| Taxable | |||||||||||
| Tax-exempt | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | |||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | |||||||||||
| Resell agreements | |||||||||||
| Total interest income | |||||||||||
| Interest expense: | |||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased | |||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | |||||||||||
| Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures | |||||||||||
| Subordinated notes | |||||||||||
| Total interest expense | |||||||||||
| Net interest income | |||||||||||
| Credit loss expense | |||||||||||
| Net interest income after credit loss expense | |||||||||||
| Non-interest income: | |||||||||||
| Trust and investment management fees | |||||||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | |||||||||||
| Insurance commissions and fees | |||||||||||
| Interchange and card transaction fees | |||||||||||
| Other charges, commissions, and fees | |||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on securities transactions | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total non-interest income | |||||||||||
| Non-interest expense: | |||||||||||
| Salaries and wages | |||||||||||
| Employee benefits | |||||||||||
| Net occupancy | |||||||||||
| Technology, furniture, and equipment | |||||||||||
| Deposit insurance | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total non-interest expense | |||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | |||||||||||
| Income taxes | |||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | |||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Earnings per common share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Dollars in thousands)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: | |||||||||||
Securities available for sale and transferred securities: | |||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period | ( | ||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gain on securities transferred to held to maturity | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income | ( | ||||||||||
| Total securities available for sale and transferred securities | ( | ||||||||||
| Defined-benefit post-retirement benefit plans: | |||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for net amortization of actuarial gain/loss included in net income as a component of net periodic cost (benefit) | |||||||||||
| Total defined-benefit post-retirement benefit plans | |||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax | ( | ||||||||||
Deferred tax expense (benefit) | ( | ||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ( | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | Treasury Stock | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option exercises/stock unit conversions ( | — | — | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense recognized in earnings | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock ( | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends – Series B preferred stock (approximately $ | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends – common stock ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock option exercises/stock unit conversions ( | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense recognized in earnings | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock ( | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends – Series B preferred stock (approximately $ | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends – common stock ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at end of period | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Operating Activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Credit loss expense | |||||||||||
| Deferred tax expense (benefit) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accretion of loan discounts | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Securities premium amortization (discount accretion), net | |||||||||||
| Net (gain) loss on securities transactions | ( | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Net (gain) loss on sale/write-down of assets/foreclosed assets | ( | ||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | |||||||||||
| Net tax benefit from stock-based compensation | |||||||||||
| Earnings on life insurance policies | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net change in: | |||||||||||
| Trading account securities | ( | ||||||||||
| Lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable and other assets | |||||||||||
| Accrued interest payable and other liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash from operating activities | |||||||||||
| Investing Activities: | |||||||||||
| Securities held to maturity: | |||||||||||
| Purchases | ( | ||||||||||
| Maturities, calls and principal repayments | |||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | |||||||||||
| Purchases | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Sales | |||||||||||
| Maturities, calls and principal repayments | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of loans | |||||||||||
| Net change in loans | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Benefits received on life insurance policies | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment | |||||||||||
| Purchases of premises and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of repossessed properties | |||||||||||
| Net cash from investing activities | ( | ||||||||||
| Financing Activities: | |||||||||||
| Net change in deposits | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net change in short-term borrowings | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from stock option exercises | |||||||||||
| Purchase of treasury stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash dividends paid on preferred stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash dividends paid on common stock | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash from financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Table amounts in thousands, except for share and per share amounts)
Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations. Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (“Cullen/Frost”) is a financial holding company and a bank holding company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas that provides, through its subsidiaries, a broad array of products and services throughout numerous Texas markets. The terms “Cullen/Frost,” “the Corporation,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., and its subsidiaries, when appropriate. In addition to general commercial and consumer banking, other products and services offered include trust and investment management, insurance, brokerage, mutual funds, leasing, treasury management, capital markets advisory and item processing.
Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include the accounts of Cullen/Frost and all other entities in which Cullen/Frost has a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounting and financial reporting policies we follow conform, in all material respects, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and to general practices within the financial services industry.
The consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. All such adjustments were of a normal and recurring nature. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended December 31, 2023, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 6, 2024 (the “2023 Form 10-K”). Operating results for the interim periods disclosed herein are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year or any future period.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for loan losses and the fair values of financial instruments and the status of contingencies are particularly subject to change.
Cash Flow Reporting. Additional cash flow information was as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | |||||||||||
| Significant non-cash transactions: | |||||||||||
| Unsettled securities transactions | |||||||||||
| Right-of-use lease assets obtained in exchange for lessee operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
8
Note 2 - Securities
Securities - Held to Maturity. A summary of the amortized cost, fair value and allowance for credit losses related to securities held to maturity as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is presented below.
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Allowance for Credit Losses | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All mortgage-backed securities included in the above table were issued by U.S. government agencies and corporations. The carrying value of held-to-maturity securities pledged to secure public funds, trust deposits, repurchase agreements and for other purposes, as required or permitted by law was $820.1 million and $1.0 billion at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity securities totaled $20.3 million and $40.9 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively and is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
From time to time, we have reclassified certain securities from available for sale to held to maturity. The net unamortized, unrealized gain remaining on transferred securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying balance sheet totaled $992 thousand ($784 thousand, net of tax) at March 31, 2024 and $1.2 million ($909 thousand, net of tax) at December 31, 2023. This amount will be amortized out of accumulated other comprehensive income over the remaining life of the underlying securities as an adjustment of the yield on those securities.
The following table summarizes Moody's and/or Standard & Poor's bond ratings for our portfolio of held-to-maturity securities issued by States and political subdivisions and other securities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| States and Political Subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not Guaranteed or Pre-Refunded | Guaranteed by the Texas PSF | Guaranteed by Third Party | Pre-Refunded | Total | Other Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aaa/AAA | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aa/AA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not rated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aaa/AAA | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aa/AA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Not rated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9
The following table details activity in the allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Credit loss expense (benefit) | |||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | |||||||||
Securities - Available for Sale. A summary of the amortized cost, fair value and allowance for credit losses related to securities available for sale as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is presented below.
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Allowance for Credit Losses | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
All mortgage-backed securities included in the above table were issued by U.S. government agencies and corporations. At March 31, 2024, all of the securities in our available for sale municipal bond portfolio were issued by the State of Texas or political subdivisions or agencies within the State of Texas, of which approximately 72.4 % are either guaranteed by the Texas Permanent School Fund (“PSF”) or have been pre-refunded. Securities with limited marketability, such as stock in the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank, are carried at cost and are reported as other available for sale securities in the table above. The carrying value of available-for-sale securities pledged to secure public funds, trust deposits, repurchase agreements and for other purposes, as required or permitted by law was $5.9 billion and $6.1 billion at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities totaled $78.5 million and $114.9 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The table below summarizes, as of March 31, 2024, securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded, aggregated by type of security and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position.
| Less than 12 Months | More than 12 Months | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2024, no allowance for credit losses has been recognized on available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position as management does not believe any of the securities are impaired due to reasons of credit quality. This is based upon our analysis of the underlying risk characteristics, including credit ratings, and other qualitative factors related to our available for sale securities and in consideration of our historical credit loss experience and internal forecasts. The issuers of these securities continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. Furthermore, management does not have the intent to sell any of the securities classified as available for sale in the table above and believes that it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. The
10
unrealized losses are due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline.
Contractual Maturities. The following table summarizes the maturity distribution schedule of securities held to maturity and securities available for sale as of March 31, 2024. Mortgage-backed securities are included in maturity categories based on their stated maturity date. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Other securities classified as available for sale include stock in the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank, which have no maturity date. These securities have been included in the total column only.
| Within 1 Year | 1 - 5 Years | 5 - 10 Years | After 10 Years | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Held To Maturity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available For Sale | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U. S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U. S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales of Securities. Sales of available for sale securities were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Gross realized gains | |||||||||||
| Gross realized losses | ( | ||||||||||
| Tax (expense) benefit of securities gains/losses | ( | ||||||||||
Premiums and Discounts. Premium amortization and discount accretion included in interest income on securities was as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Premium amortization | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Discount accretion | |||||||||||
| Net (premium amortization) discount accretion | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
11
Trading Account Securities. Trading account securities, at estimated fair value, were as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | |||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
Net gains and losses on trading account securities were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net gain on sales transactions | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Net mark-to-market gains (losses) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on trading account securities | $ | $ | |||||||||
Note 3 - Loans
Loans were as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Energy: | |||||||||||
| Production | |||||||||||
| Service | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total energy | |||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||
| Commercial mortgages | |||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||
| Land | |||||||||||
| Total commercial real estate | |||||||||||
| Consumer real estate: | |||||||||||
| Home equity lines of credit | |||||||||||
| Home equity loans | |||||||||||
| Home improvement loans | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total consumer real estate | |||||||||||
| Total real estate | |||||||||||
| Consumer and other | |||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | $ | |||||||||
Concentrations of Credit. Most of our lending activity occurs within the State of Texas, including the four largest metropolitan areas of Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, as well as other markets. The majority of our loan portfolio consists of commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans. As of March 31, 2024, there were no concentrations of loans related to any single industry in excess of 10 % of total loans. At that date, the largest industry concentrations were related to the automobile dealerships industry, which totaled 5.8 % of total loans and the energy industry, which totaled 4.8 % of total loans. Unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit issued to customers in the automobile dealership industry totaled $490.9 million and $20.3 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2024, while unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit issued to customers in the energy industry totaled $1.1 billion and $91.7 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2024.
Foreign Loans. We have U.S. dollar denominated loans and commitments to borrowers in Mexico. The outstanding balance of these loans and the unfunded amounts available under these commitments were not
12
Related Party Loans. In the ordinary course of business, we have granted loans to certain directors, executive officers, and their affiliates (collectively referred to as “related parties”). Such loans totaled $425.9 million at March 31, 2024 and $416.1 million at December 31, 2023.
Accrued Interest Receivable. Accrued interest receivable on loans totaled $94.0 million and $90.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Non-Accrual and Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions.
Non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, were as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Non-Accrual | Non-Accrual with No Credit Loss Allowance | Total Non-Accrual | Non-Accrual with No Credit Loss Allowance | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land, and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2024 by class and year of origination.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Prior | Revolving Loans | Revolving Loans Converted to Term | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land, and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the table above, energy and commercial and industrial loans reported as 2024 originations as of March 31, 2024 were first originated in years prior to 2024 but were renewed in the current year. Had non-accrual loans performed in accordance with their original contract terms, we would have recognized additional interest income, net of tax, of approximately $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and approximately $600 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
13
An age analysis of past due loans (including both accruing and non-accruing loans), segregated by class of loans, as of March 31, 2024 was as follows:
| Loans 30-89 Days Past Due | Loans 90 or More Days Past Due | Total Past Due Loans | Current Loans | Total Loans | Accruing Loans 90 or More Days Past Due | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land, and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty. From time to time, we may modify certain loans to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty. In some cases, these modifications may result in new loans. Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty may be in the form of a principal forgiveness, an interest rate reduction, an other-than-insignificant payment delay, or a term extension or a combination thereof, among other things. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we modified one commercial and industrial loan to a borrower who was experiencing financial difficulty. The loan had an outstanding balance of $28.9 million at March 31, 2024 and the modification included a payment delay and a term extension. There were no commitments to lend additional funds to this borrower. The financial effects of this loan modification were not significant and the modification did not significantly impact our determination of the allowance for credit losses on loans during the three months ended March 31, 2024. There were no modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Information as of or for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 related to loans modified (by type of modification) in the preceding twelve months, respectively, whereby the borrower was experiencing financial difficulty at the time of modification is set forth in the following table.
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Combination: Payment Delay and Term Extension | Combination: Payment Delay and Term Extension | ||||||||||
| Past due in excess of 90 days or on non-accrual status at period-end: | |||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||
| Buildings, land, and other | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||
Credit Quality Indicators. As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of our loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to (i) the weighted-average risk grade of commercial loans, (ii) the level of classified commercial loans, (iii) the delinquency status of consumer loans, (iv) non-performing loans (see details above) and (v) the general economic conditions in the State of Texas.
We utilize a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of our commercial loans. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 14. A description of the general characteristics of the 14 risk grades is set forth in our 2023 Form 10-K. We monitor portfolio credit quality by the weighted-average risk grade of each class of commercial loan. Individual relationship managers, under the oversight of credit administration, review updated financial information for all pass grade loans to reassess the risk grade on at least an annual basis. When a loan has a risk grade of 9, it is still considered a pass grade loan; however, it is considered to be on management’s “watch list,” where a significant risk-modifying action is anticipated in the near term. When a loan has a risk grade of 10 or higher, a special assets officer monitors the loan on an on-going basis.
14
The following table presents weighted-average risk grades for all commercial loans, by class and year of origination/renewal, as of March 31, 2024.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Prior | Revolving Loans | Revolving Loans Converted to Term | Total | W/A Risk Grade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grades 1-8 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W/A risk grade | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grades 1-8 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W/A risk grade | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land, other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grades 1-8 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W/A risk grade | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grades 1-8 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W/A risk grade | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial real estate | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W/A risk grade | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the table above, certain loans are reported as 2024 originations and have risk grades of 11 or higher. These loans were, for the most part, first originated in various years prior to 2024 but were renewed in the current year.
15
The following tables present weighted average risk grades for all commercial loans by class as of December 31, 2023. Refer to our 2023 Form 10-K for details of these loans by year of origination/renewal.
| Commercial and Industrial | Energy | Commercial Real Estate - Buildings, Land and Other | Commercial Real Estate - Construction | Total Commercial Real Estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W/A Risk Grade | Loans | W/A Risk Grade | Loans | W/A Risk Grade | Loans | W/A Risk Grade | Loans | W/A Risk Grade | Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grades 1-8 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Risk grade 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Information about the payment status of consumer loans, segregated by portfolio segment and year of origination, as of March 31, 2024 was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Prior | Revolving Loans | Revolving Loans Converted to Term | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Past due 30-89 days | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Past due 90 or more days | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total past due | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Past due 30-89 days | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Past due 90 or more days | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total past due | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revolving loans that converted to term during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Energy | |||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||
| Buildings, land and other | |||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | |||||||||||
| Consumer and other | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
In assessing the general economic conditions in the State of Texas, management monitors and tracks the Texas Leading Index (“TLI”), which is produced by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The TLI, the components of which are more fully described in our 2023 Form 10-K, totaled 128.2 at March 31, 2024 and 127.1 at December 31, 2023. A higher TLI value implies more favorable economic conditions.
16
Allowance For Credit Losses - Loans. The allowance for credit losses on loans is a contra-asset valuation account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected. The amount of the allowance represents management's best estimate of current expected credit losses on loans considering available information, from internal and external sources, relevant to assessing collectibility over the loans' contractual terms, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. Credit loss expense related to loans reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period including any necessary increases or decreases in the allowance related to changes in credit loss expectations associated with specific loans or pools of loans. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for any credit that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate appropriateness of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. Our allowance methodology is more fully described in our 2023 Form 10-K.
During the first quarter of 2024, we updated our non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loan models as well as our consumer and other loan models. Our prior non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loan models were legacy models developed for stress-testing purposes by a third-party using external market data. The updated non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loan models are now based on internal historical loan data and risk grade information and the modeling processes are now consistent with those used with our other commercial loan models. Our prior consumer and other loan models relied upon certain components that did not use loan level attributes and were less sensitive to macroeconomic variables. The updated consumer and other loan models are now based on internal historical loan data and utilize more loan-level attributes and the modeling processes are now consistent with those used with our consumer real estate loan models. The overall approximate impact of the model updates during the first quarter was a $7.2 million increase ($6.2 million related to non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans and $923 thousand related to consumer and other loans) in modeled expected credit losses on loans; however, the impact of this increase was largely offset by reductions in qualitative adjustments as some of the risks to which those qualitative adjustments related are now considered and incorporated in the updated models.
The following table presents details of the allowance for credit losses on loans segregated by loan portfolio segment as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
| March 31, 2024 | Commercial and Industrial | Energy | Commercial Real Estate | Consumer Real Estate | Consumer and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Modeled expected credit losses | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q-Factor and other qualitative adjustments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specific allocations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Modeled expected credit losses | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q-Factor and other qualitative adjustments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Specific allocations | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table details activity in the allowance for credit losses on loans by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
| Commercial and Industrial | Energy | Commercial Real Estate | Consumer Real Estate | Consumer and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit loss expense (benefit) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charge-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17
| Commercial and Industrial | Energy | Commercial Real Estate | Consumer Real Estate | Consumer and Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit loss expense (benefit) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Charge-offs | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recoveries | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents year-to-date gross charge-offs by year of origination as of March 31, 2024.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Prior | Revolving Loans | Revolving Loans Converted to Term | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the table above, $2.0 million of the consumer and other loan charge-offs reported as 2024 originations and $5.5 million of the total reported as 2023 originations were related to deposit overdrafts.
The following table presents loans that were evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis and the related specific allocations, by loan portfolio segment, as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan Balance | Specific Allocations | Loan Balance | Specific Allocations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Note 4 - Deposits
Deposits were as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Non-interest-bearing demand deposits | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | |||||||||||
| Savings and interest checking | |||||||||||
| Money market accounts | |||||||||||
| Time accounts | |||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | |||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | $ | |||||||||
18
The table below presents additional information about our deposits. Public funds in excess of deposit insurance limits are included in the totals for deposits not covered by insurance; however, such deposits are generally fully collateralized by securities.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Deposits from foreign sources (primarily Mexico) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Non-interest-bearing public funds deposits | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing public funds deposits | |||||||||||
| Total deposits not covered by deposit insurance | |||||||||||
| Time deposits not covered by deposit insurance | |||||||||||
Note 5 - Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk. In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions, which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are not included in our consolidated balance sheets. We enter into these transactions to meet the financing needs of our customers. As more fully discussed in our 2023 Form 10-K, these transactions include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. We minimize our exposure to loss under these commitments by subjecting them to credit approval and monitoring procedures.
Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk were as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Commitments to extend credit | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Standby letters of credit | |||||||||||
| Deferred standby letter of credit fees | |||||||||||
Allowance For Credit Losses - Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures is a liability account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, representing expected credit losses over the contractual period for which we are exposed to credit risk resulting from a contractual obligation to extend credit. No allowance is recognized if we have the unconditional right to cancel the obligation. Off-balance-sheet credit exposures primarily consist of amounts available under outstanding lines of credit and letters of credit detailed in the table above. The amount of the allowance represents management's best estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over the contractual life of the commitment. Our allowance methodology is more fully described in our 2023 Form 10-K. This methodology was also impacted by the model updates during the first quarter of 2024 as described in Note 3 - Loans. The overall approximate impact of the model updates was a $1.8 million increase in modeled expected credit losses for off-balance-sheet credit exposures ($1.6 million related to consumer and other loan commitments and $211 thousand related to non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loan commitments).
The following table details activity in the allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Credit loss expense (benefit) | ( | ||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | |||||||||
19
Lease Commitments. We lease certain office facilities and office equipment under operating leases. The components of total lease expense were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Amortization of lease right-of-use assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Short-term lease expense | |||||||||||
| Non-lease components (including taxes, insurance, common maintenance, etc.) | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
Right-of-use lease assets totaled $278.4 million at March 31, 2024 and $280.5 million at December 31, 2023 and are reported as a component of premises and equipment on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The related lease liabilities totaled $315.0 million at March 31, 2024 and $316.4 million at December 31, 2023 and are reported as a component of accrued interest payable and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Lease payments under operating leases that were applied to our operating lease liability totaled $8.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and $8.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. There has been no significant change in our expected future minimum lease payments since December 31, 2023. See the 2023 Form 10-K for information regarding these commitments.
Note 6 - Capital and Regulatory Matters
Banks and bank holding companies are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.
Cullen/Frost’s and Frost Bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 capital (“CET1”) includes common stock and related paid-in capital, net of treasury stock, and retained earnings. In connection with the adoption of the Basel III Capital Rules, we elected to opt-out of the requirement to include most components of accumulated other comprehensive income in CET1. We also elected to exclude the effects of credit loss accounting under CECL from CET1 for a five-year transitional period, as further discussed in our 2023 Form 10-K. This CECL transitional adjustment totaled $15.4 million and $30.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. CET1 is reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities. Frost Bank's CET1 is also reduced by its equity investment in its financial subsidiary, Frost Insurance Agency (“FIA”).
Tier 1 capital includes CET1 and additional Tier 1 capital. For Cullen/Frost, additional Tier 1 capital included $145.5 4.450 no 20.0 40.0 million at March 31, 2024 and $60.0 million at December 31, 2023 and trust preferred securities totaling $120.0
20
The following table presents actual and required capital ratios as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 for Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank under the Basel III Capital Rules. Capital levels required to be considered well-capitalized are based upon prompt corrective action regulations, as amended to reflect the changes under the Basel III Capital Rules. See the 2023 Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the Basel III Capital Rules.
| Actual | Minimum Capital Required Plus Capital Conservation Buffer | Required to be Considered Well- Capitalized (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital Amount | Ratio | Capital Amount | Ratio | Capital Amount | Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk-Weighted Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullen/Frost | $ | % | $ | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frost Bank | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullen/Frost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frost Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullen/Frost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frost Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leverage Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullen/Frost | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frost Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk-Weighted Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullen/Frost | $ | % | $ | % | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frost Bank | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullen/Frost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frost Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullen/Frost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frost Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leverage Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullen/Frost | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frost Bank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(1)“Well-capitalized” minimum Common Equity Tier 1 to Risk-Weighted Assets and Leverage Ratio are not formally defined under applicable banking regulations for bank holding companies.
As of March 31, 2024, capital levels at Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank exceed all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules. Based on the ratios presented above, capital levels as of March 31, 2024 at Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank exceed the minimum levels necessary to be considered “well-capitalized.”
Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank are subject to the regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve Board and, for Frost Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Regulatory authorities can initiate certain mandatory actions if Cullen/Frost or Frost Bank fail to meet the minimum capital requirements, which could have a direct material effect on our financial statements. Management believes, as of March 31, 2024, that Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
Preferred Stock. Outstanding preferred stock includes 150,000 shares, or $150.0 million in aggregate liquidation preference, of our 4.450 0.01 and liquidation preference $1,000 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”). Each share of Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding is represented by 40 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th ownership interest in a share of the Series B Preferred Stock (equivalent to a liquidation preference of $25 per share). The Series B Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital for the purposes of the regulatory capital calculations. The net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Series B Preferred Stock, after deducting $4.5 million of issuance costs including the underwriting discount and professional service fees, among other things, were approximately $145.5 million. Refer to our 2023 Form 10-K for additional details related to our Series B Preferred Stock.
21
Stock Repurchase Plans. From time to time, our board of directors has authorized stock repurchase plans. The purpose of such plans and the manner in which shares are repurchased is discussed in more detail in our 2023 Form 10-K. Most recently, on January 24, 2024, our board of directors authorized a $150.0 million stock repurchase program (the “2024 Repurchase Plan”), allowing us to repurchase shares of our common stock over a -year period expiring on January 24, 2025. The 2024 Repurchase Plan was publicly announced in a current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 25, 2024. No
Dividend Restrictions. In the ordinary course of business, Cullen/Frost is dependent upon dividends from Frost Bank to provide funds for the payment of dividends to shareholders and to provide for other cash requirements, including to repurchase its common stock. Banking regulations may limit the amount of dividends that may be paid. Approval by regulatory authorities is required if the effect of dividends declared would cause the regulatory capital of Frost Bank to fall below specified minimum levels. Approval is also required if dividends declared exceed the net profits for that year combined with the retained net profits for the preceding two years. Under the foregoing dividend restrictions and while maintaining its “well-capitalized” status, at March 31, 2024, Frost Bank could pay aggregate dividends of up to $1.0 billion to Cullen/Frost without prior regulatory approval.
Under the terms of the junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures that Cullen/Frost has issued to Cullen/Frost Capital Trust II, Cullen/Frost has the right at any time during the term of the debentures to defer the payment of interest at any time or from time to time for an extension period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly periods with respect to each extension period. In the event that we have elected to defer interest on the debentures, we may not, with certain exceptions, declare or pay any dividends or distributions on our capital stock or purchase or acquire any of our capital stock.
Under the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock, in the event that we do not declare and pay dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock for the most recent dividend period, we may not, with certain exceptions, declare or pay dividends on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, shares of our common stock or any of our securities that rank junior to the Series B Preferred Stock.
Note 7 - Derivative Financial Instruments
The fair value of derivative positions outstanding is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets and accrued interest payable and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and in the net change in each of these financial statement line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
Interest Rate Derivatives. We utilize various interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, among other things, to mitigate exposure to interest rate risk and to facilitate the needs of our customers. Our objectives for utilizing these derivative instruments are described in our 2023 Form 10-K.
The notional amounts and estimated fair values of interest rate derivative contracts are presented in the following table. The fair values of interest rate derivative contracts are estimated utilizing internal valuation methods with observable market data inputs, or as determined by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) for centrally cleared derivative contracts. CME rules legally characterize variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives as settlements of the derivatives' exposure rather than collateral. As a result, the variation margin payment and the related derivative instruments are considered a single unit of account for accounting and financial reporting purposes. Variation margin, as determined by the CME, is settled daily. As a result, derivative contracts that clear through the CME have an estimated fair value of zero
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notional Amount | Estimated Fair Value | Notional Amount | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-hedging interest rate derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial institution counterparties: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan/lease interest rate swaps – assets | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan/lease interest rate swaps – liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan/lease interest rate caps – assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer counterparties: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan/lease interest rate swaps – assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan/lease interest rate swaps – liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan/lease interest rate caps – liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
22
The weighted-average rates paid and received for interest rate swaps outstanding at March 31, 2024 were as follows:
| Weighted-Average | |||||||||||
| Interest Rate Paid | Interest Rate Received | ||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps: | |||||||||||
| Non-hedging interest rate swaps – financial institution counterparties | % | % | |||||||||
| Non-hedging interest rate swaps – customer counterparties | |||||||||||
The weighted-average strike rate for outstanding interest rate caps was 3.56 % at March 31, 2024.
Commodity Derivatives. We enter into commodity swaps and option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments primarily to accommodate the business needs of our customers. Upon the origination of a commodity swap or option contract with a customer, we simultaneously enter into an offsetting contract with a third-party financial institution to mitigate the exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices.
The notional amounts and estimated fair values of non-hedging commodity swap and option derivative positions outstanding are presented in the following table. We obtain dealer quotations and use internal valuation methods with observable market data inputs to value our commodity derivative positions.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notional Units | Notional Amount | Estimated Fair Value | Notional Amount | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial institution counterparties: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oil – assets | Barrels | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oil – liabilities | Barrels | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural gas – assets | MMBTUs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural gas – liabilities | MMBTUs | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer counterparties: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oil – assets | Barrels | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oil – liabilities | Barrels | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural gas – assets | MMBTUs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural gas – liabilities | MMBTUs | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Derivatives. We enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments primarily to accommodate the business needs of our customers. Upon the origination of a foreign currency denominated transaction with a customer, we simultaneously enter into an offsetting contract with a third-party financial institution to negate the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We also utilize foreign currency forward contracts and options that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on foreign currency holdings and certain short-term, non-U.S. dollar denominated loans. The notional amounts and fair values of open foreign currency forward and option contracts are presented in the following table.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notional Currency | Notional Amount | Estimated Fair Value | Notional Amount | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial institution counterparties: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forward and option contracts – assets | CAD | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forward and option contracts – liabilities | EUR | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forward and option contracts – liabilities | CAD | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer counterparties: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forward and option contracts – assets | EUR | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forward and option contracts – assets | CAD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forward and option contracts – liabilities | CAD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
23
Gains, Losses, and Derivative Cash Flows. For fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of both the derivative hedging instrument and the hedged item are included in other non-interest income or other non-interest expense. The extent that such changes in fair value do not offset represents hedge ineffectiveness. Net cash flows from interest rate swaps on commercial loans/leases designated as hedging instruments in effective hedges of fair value are included in interest income on loans. For non-hedging derivative instruments, gains and losses due to changes in fair value and all cash flows are included in other non-interest income and other non-interest expense.
Amounts included in the consolidated statements of income related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of fair value were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Commercial loan/lease interest rate swaps: | |||||||||||
| Amount of gain (loss) included in interest income on loans | $ | $ | |||||||||
As stated above, we enter into non-hedge related derivative positions primarily to accommodate the business needs of our customers. Upon the origination of a derivative contract with a customer, we simultaneously enter into an offsetting derivative contract with a third-party financial institution. We recognize immediate income based upon the difference in the bid/ask spread of the underlying transactions with our customers and the third party. Because we act only as an intermediary for our customer, subsequent changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts for the most part offset each other and do not significantly impact our results of operations.
Amounts included in the consolidated statements of income related to non-hedge related derivative instruments are presented in the table below.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Non-hedging interest rate derivatives: | |||||||||||
| Other non-interest income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Other non-interest expense | ( | ||||||||||
| Non-hedging commodity derivatives: | |||||||||||
| Other non-interest income | |||||||||||
| Non-hedging foreign currency derivatives: | |||||||||||
| Other non-interest income | |||||||||||
24
Note 8 - Balance Sheet Offsetting and Repurchase Agreements
Balance Sheet Offsetting. Certain financial instruments, including resell and repurchase agreements and derivatives, may be eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. Our derivative transactions with upstream financial institution counterparties are generally executed under International Swaps and Derivative Association (“ISDA”) master agreements which include “right of set-off” provisions. In such cases there is generally a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts and there may be an intention to settle such amounts on a net basis. Nonetheless, we do not generally offset such financial instruments for financial reporting purposes.
Information about financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2024 is presented in the following tables.
| Gross Amount Recognized | Gross Amount Offset | Net Amount Recognized | |||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets: | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate contracts | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | |||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | |||||||||||||||||
| Resell agreements | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate contracts | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | |||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Gross Amounts Not Offset | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Amount Recognized | Financial Instruments | Collateral | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty H | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty F | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty B | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty E | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other counterparties | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Resell agreements | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty H | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty F | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty B | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty E | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other counterparties | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
25
Information about financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 is presented in the following tables.
| Gross Amount Recognized | Gross Amount Offset | Net Amount Recognized | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets: | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate contracts | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency contracts | |||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | |||||||||||||||||
| Resell agreements | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate contracts | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Commodity contracts | |||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency contracts | |||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | |||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | |||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Gross Amounts Not Offset | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Amount Recognized | Financial Instruments | Collateral | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty H | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty F | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty B | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty E | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other counterparties | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Resell agreements | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty H | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty F | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty B | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counterparty E | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other counterparties | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total derivatives | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
26
Repurchase Agreements. We utilize securities sold under agreements to repurchase to facilitate the needs of our customers and to facilitate secured short-term funding needs. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are stated at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. We monitor collateral levels on a continuous basis. We may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. Securities pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements are maintained with our safekeeping agents.
The remaining contractual maturity of repurchase agreements in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is presented in the following tables.
| Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overnight and Continuous | Up to 30 Days | 30-90 Days | Greater than 90 Days | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total borrowings | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreements | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosures above | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total borrowings | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross amount of recognized liabilities for repurchase agreements | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts related to agreements not included in offsetting disclosures above | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 9 - Stock-Based Compensation
A combined summary of activity in our active stock plans is presented in the table below. Performance stock units outstanding are presented assuming attainment of the maximum payout rate as set forth by the performance criteria. As of March 31, 2024, there were 226,288 shares remaining available for grant for future stock-based compensation awards.
| Deferred Stock Units Outstanding | Non-Vested Restricted Stock Units Outstanding | Performance Stock Units Outstanding | Stock Options Outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Units | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant | Number of Units | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant | Number of Units | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant | Number of Shares | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised/vested | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited/expired | — | — | ( | ( | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in connection with stock compensation awards are issued from available treasury shares. If no treasury shares are available, new shares are issued from available authorized shares. Shares issued in connection with stock compensation awards along with other related information were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| New shares issued from available authorized shares | |||||||||||
| Shares issued from available treasury stock | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from stock option exercises | $ | $ | |||||||||
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Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards. For most stock option awards, the service period generally matches the vesting period. For stock options granted to certain executive officers and for non-vested stock units granted to all participants, the service period does not extend past the date the participant reaches 65 years of age. Deferred stock units granted to non-employee directors generally have immediate vesting and the related expense is fully recognized on the date of grant. For performance stock units, the service period generally matches the three-year performance period specified by the award, however, the service period does not extend past the date the participant reaches 65 years of age. Expense recognized each period is dependent upon our estimate of the number of shares that will ultimately be issued.
Stock-based compensation expense or benefit and the related income tax benefit is presented in the following table. The service period for performance stock units granted each year begins on January 1 of the following year.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Non-vested stock units | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Performance stock units | |||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Income tax benefit | $ | $ | |||||||||
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense at March 31, 2024 is presented in the table below. Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to performance stock units is presented assuming attainment of the maximum payout rate as set forth by the performance criteria.
| Non-vested stock units | $ | ||||
| Performance stock units | |||||
| Total | $ | ||||
Note 10 - Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings per common share is computed using the two-class method as more fully described in our 2023 Form 10-K. The following table presents a reconciliation of net income available to common shareholders, net earnings allocated to common stock and the number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Less: Preferred stock dividends | |||||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | |||||||||||
| Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities | |||||||||||
| Net earnings allocated to common stock | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Distributed earnings allocated to common stock | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Undistributed earnings allocated to common stock | |||||||||||
| Net earnings allocated to common stock | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share | |||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of stock compensation | |||||||||||
| Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share | |||||||||||
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Note 11 - Defined Benefit Plans
The components of the combined net periodic expense (benefit) for our defined benefit pension plans are presented in the table below.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | |||||||||||
| Net amortization and deferral | |||||||||||
| Net periodic expense (benefit) | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
Our non-qualified defined benefit pension plan is not funded. No contributions to the qualified defined benefit pension plan were made during the three months ended March 31, 2024. We do no t expect to make any contributions to the qualified defined benefit plan during the remainder of 2024.
Note 12 - Income Taxes
Income tax expense was as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Current income tax expense | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Income tax expense, as reported | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Effective tax rate | % | % | |||||||||
We had a net deferred tax asset totaling $374.5 million at March 31, 2024 and $328.3 million at December 31, 2023. No valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was recorded at March 31, 2024 as management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized against deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income.
The effective income tax rates differed from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rates of 21 no
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2020.
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Note 13 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The before and after-tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are presented in the following table. Reclassification adjustments related to securities available for sale are included in net gain (loss) on securities transactions in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Reclassification adjustments related to defined-benefit post-retirement benefit plans are included in the computation of net periodic pension expense (see Note 11 – Defined Benefit Plans).
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Before Tax Amount | Tax Expense, (Benefit) | Net of Tax Amount | Before Tax Amount | Tax Expense, (Benefit) | Net of Tax Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale and transferred securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gain on securities transferred to held to maturity | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total securities available for sale and transferred securities | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defined-benefit post-retirement benefit plans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for net amortization of actuarial gain/loss included in net income as a component of net periodic cost (benefit) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total defined-benefit post-retirement benefit plans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, was as follows:
| Securities Available For Sale | Defined Benefit Plans | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2024 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
Reclassification of amounts included in net income | |||||||||||||||||
| Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2023 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of amounts included in net income | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||
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Note 14 – Operating Segments
We are managed under a matrix organizational structure whereby our two Summarized operating results by operating segment were as follows:
| Banking | Frost Wealth Advisors | Non-Banks | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income (expense) | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Credit loss expense (benefit) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest income | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from (expenses to) external customers | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income (expense) | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest income | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) available to common shareholders | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues from (expenses to) external customers | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
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Note 15 – Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. In estimating fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. Such valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques include the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. See our 2023 Form 10-K for additional information regarding the fair value hierarchy and a description of our valuation techniques.
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The tables below summarize financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy of ASC Topic 820 utilized to measure fair value.
| Level 1 Inputs | Level 2 Inputs | Level 3 Inputs | Total Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Trading account securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps, caps, and floors | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity swaps and options | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency forward contracts | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps, caps, and floors | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity swaps and options | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Trading account securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| States and political subdivisions | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps, caps, and floors | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity swaps and options | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency forward contracts | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps, caps, and floors | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Commodity swaps and options | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency forward contracts | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances. Financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the reported periods include certain collateral dependent loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.
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The following table presents collateral dependent loans that were remeasured and reported at fair value through a specific allocation of the allowance for credit losses on loans based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral during the reported periods.
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying value before allocations | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Specific (allocations) reversals of prior allocations | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Non-Financial Assets and Non-Financial Liabilities. We do not no
Financial Instruments Reported at Amortized Cost. The estimated fair values of financial instruments that are reported at amortized cost in our consolidated balance sheets, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value, were as follows:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 2 inputs: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Securities held to maturity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest receivable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 3 inputs: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level 2 inputs: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest payable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Under ASC Topic 825, entities may choose to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value at specified election dates. The fair value measurement option (i) may be applied instrument by instrument, with certain exceptions, (ii) is generally irrevocable and (iii) is applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value measurement option has been elected must be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. During the reported periods, we had no
33
Note 16 - Accounting Standards Updates
Information about certain recently issued accounting standards updates is presented below. Also refer to Note 20 - Accounting Standards Updates in our 2023 Form 10-K for additional information related to previously issued accounting standards updates.
ASU 2023-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements.” ASU 2023-01 requires entities to amortize leasehold improvements associated with common control leases over the useful life to the common control group. ASU 2023-01 also provides certain practical expedients applicable to private companies and not-for-profit organizations. ASU 2023-01 became effective for us on January 1, 2024 and did not have a significant effect on our financial statements.
ASU No. 2023-02, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method.” ASU 2023-02 is intended to improve the accounting and disclosures for investments in tax credit structures. ASU 2023-02 allows entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. Previously, this method was only available for qualifying tax equity investments in low-income housing tax credit structures. ASU 2023-02 became effective for us on January 1, 2024 and did not have a significant effect on our financial statements.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Financial Review
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the other information included in the 2023 Form 10-K. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2024 or any future period.
Dollar amounts in tables are stated in thousands, except for per share amounts.
Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results
Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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.
35
•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.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Accounting Estimates
We follow accounting and reporting policies that conform, in all material respects, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and to general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. While we base estimates on historical experience, current information and other factors deemed to be relevant, actual results could differ from those estimates.
We consider accounting estimates to be critical to reported financial results if (i) the accounting estimate requires management to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain and (ii) different estimates that management reasonably could have used for the accounting estimate in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, could have a material impact on our financial statements.
Accounting policies related to the allowance for credit losses on financial instruments including loans and off-balance-sheet credit exposures are considered to be critical as these policies involve considerable subjective judgment and estimation by management. In the case of loans, the allowance for credit losses is a contra-asset valuation account, calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326 (“ASC 326”) Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected. In the case of off-balance-sheet credit exposures, the allowance for credit losses is a liability account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, reported as a component of accrued interest payable and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The amount of each allowance account represents management's best estimate of current expected credit losses on these financial instruments considering available information, from internal and external sources, relevant to assessing exposure to credit loss over the contractual term of the instrument. Relevant available information includes historical credit loss experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. While historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses, adjustments to historical loss information may be made for differences in current portfolio-specific risk characteristics, environmental conditions, or other relevant factors. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of our allowance accounts is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our portfolios, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward classification of assets. Refer to the 2023 Form 10-K for additional information regarding critical accounting policies.
Overview
A discussion of our results of operations is presented below. Certain reclassifications have been made to make prior periods comparable. Taxable-equivalent adjustments are the result of increasing income from tax-free loans and investments by an amount equal to the taxes that would be paid if the income were fully taxable based on a 21% federal tax rate, thus making tax-exempt yields comparable to taxable asset yields.
36
Results of Operations
Net income available to common shareholders totaled $134.0 million, or $2.06 per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $176.0 million, or $2.70 per diluted common share for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Selected data for the comparable periods was as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Taxable-equivalent net interest income | $ | 411,367 | $ | 425,844 | |||||||
| Taxable-equivalent adjustment | 21,316 | 26,024 | |||||||||
| Net interest income | 390,051 | 399,820 | |||||||||
| Credit loss expense | 13,650 | 9,104 | |||||||||
| Net interest income after credit loss expense | 376,401 | 390,716 | |||||||||
| Non-interest income | 111,377 | 105,265 | |||||||||
| Non-interest expense | 326,217 | 285,142 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 161,561 | 210,839 | |||||||||
| Income taxes | 25,871 | 33,186 | |||||||||
| Net income | 135,690 | 177,653 | |||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | 1,669 | 1,669 | |||||||||
| Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 134,021 | $ | 175,984 | |||||||
| Earnings per common share – basic | $ | 2.06 | $ | 2.71 | |||||||
| Earnings per common share – diluted | 2.06 | 2.70 | |||||||||
| Dividends per common share | 0.92 | 0.87 | |||||||||
| Return on average assets | 1.09 | % | 1.39 | % | |||||||
| Return on average common equity | 15.22 | 22.59 | |||||||||
| Average shareholders’ equity to average assets | 7.47 | 6.44 | |||||||||
Net income available to common shareholders decreased $42.0 million, or 23.8%, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily the result of a $41.1 million increase in non-interest expense, which included $7.7 million related to a special Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) deposit insurance assessment discussed below; a $9.8 million decrease in net interest income and a $4.5 million increase in credit loss expense partly offset by a $7.3 million decrease in income tax expense and a $6.1 million increase in non-interest income.
Details of the changes in the various components of net income are further discussed below.
37
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the difference between interest income on earning assets, such as loans and securities, and interest expense on liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, which are used to fund those assets. Net interest income is our largest source of revenue, representing 77.8% of total revenue during the first three months of 2024. Net interest margin is the ratio of taxable-equivalent net interest income to average earning assets for the period. The level of interest rates and the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities impact net interest income and net interest margin.
The Federal Reserve influences the general market rates of interest, including the deposit and loan rates offered by many financial institutions. As of March 31, 2024, approximately 41.7% of our loans had a fixed interest rate, while the remaining loans had floating interest rates that were primarily tied to a benchmark developed by the American Financial Exchange, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) (approximately 27.9%); the prime interest rate (approximately 21.7%); or the American Interbank Offered Rate (“AMERIBOR”) (approximately 8.6%). Certain other loans are tied to other indices, however, such loans do not make up a significant portion of our loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024.
Select average market rates for the periods indicated are presented in the table below.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Federal funds target rate upper bound | 5.50 | % | 4.69 | % | |||||||
| Effective federal funds rate | 5.33 | 4.51 | |||||||||
| Interest on reserve balances at the Federal Reserve | 5.40 | 4.59 | |||||||||
| Prime | 8.50 | 7.69 | |||||||||
AMERIBOR Term-30(1) | 5.36 | 4.58 | |||||||||
AMERIBOR Term-90(1) | 5.42 | 4.88 | |||||||||
1-Month Term SOFR(2) | 5.33 | 4.61 | |||||||||
3-Month Term SOFR(2) | 5.32 | 4.78 | |||||||||
1-Month LIBOR(3) | N/A | 4.61 | |||||||||
3-Month LIBOR(3) | N/A | 4.91 | |||||||||
____________________
(1)AMERIBOR Term-30 and AMERIBOR Term-90 are published by the American Financial Exchange.
(2)1-Month Term SOFR and 3-Month Term SOFR market data are the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc., or its licensors as applicable. All rights reserved, or otherwise licensed by Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.
(3)1-Month and 3-Month LIBOR ceased to be published effective June 30, 2023.
As of March 31, 2024, the target range for the federal funds rate was 5.25% to 5.50%. In March 2024, the Federal Reserve released projections whereby the midpoint of the projected appropriate target range for the federal funds rate would fall to 4.6% by the end of 2024 and subsequently decrease to 3.9% by the end of 2025. While there can be no such assurance that any increases or decreases in the federal funds rate will occur, these projections imply up to a 75 basis point decrease in the federal funds rate during the remainder of 2024, followed by a 75 basis point decrease in 2025.
We are primarily funded by core deposits, with non-interest-bearing demand deposits historically being a significant source of funds. This lower-cost funding base is expected to have a positive impact on our net interest income and net interest margin in a rising interest rate environment. Nonetheless, our access to and pricing of deposits may be negatively impacted by, among other factors, periods of higher interest rates which could promote increased competition for deposits, including from new financial technology competitors, or provide customers with alternative investment options. During this most recent, higher interest rate cycle, we have seen a decrease in our non-interest-bearing deposits. See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk elsewhere in this report for information about our sensitivity to interest rates. Further analysis of the components of our net interest margin is presented below.
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The following tables present an analysis of net interest income and net interest spread for the periods indicated, including average outstanding balances for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the interest earned or paid on such amounts, and the average rate earned or paid on such assets or liabilities, respectively. The tables also set forth the net interest margin on average total interest-earning assets for the same periods. For these computations: (i) average balances are presented on a daily average basis, (ii) information is shown on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% tax rate, (iii) average loans include loans on non-accrual status, and (iv) average securities include unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, while yields are based on average amortized cost.
| Quarter To Date | Quarter To Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Balance | Interest Income/ Expense | Yield/ Cost | Average Balance | Interest Income/ Expense | Yield/ Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | $ | 7,356,126 | $ | 100,361 | 5.40 | % | $ | 8,687,003 | $ | 99,245 | 4.57 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | 5,489 | 80 | 5.76 | 64,294 | 758 | 4.72 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Resell agreements | 84,659 | 1,198 | 5.60 | 89,573 | 1,068 | 4.77 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxable | 12,512,351 | 98,062 | 2.83 | 13,342,207 | 97,775 | 2.67 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tax-exempt | 6,812,128 | 74,347 | 4.27 | 8,401,401 | 90,692 | 4.23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total securities | 19,324,479 | 172,409 | 3.32 | 21,743,608 | 188,467 | 3.24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans, net of unearned discounts | 19,112,271 | 332,768 | 7.00 | 17,319,061 | 271,681 | 6.36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Earning Assets and Average Rate Earned | 45,883,024 | 606,816 | 5.13 | 47,903,539 | 561,219 | 4.57 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and due from banks | 601,677 | 676,441 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and securities | (248,519) | (227,503) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premises and equipment, net | 1,203,432 | 1,117,644 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest and other assets | 1,884,403 | 1,836,957 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 49,324,017 | $ | 51,307,078 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-interest-bearing demand deposits | 13,976,251 | 16,636,298 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings and interest checking | 9,917,530 | 10,278 | 0.42 | 11,661,657 | 10,338 | 0.36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market deposit accounts | 11,057,597 | 77,452 | 2.82 | 12,404,532 | 75,470 | 2.47 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time accounts | 5,773,056 | 67,904 | 4.73 | 2,054,972 | 12,181 | 2.40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 26,748,183 | 155,634 | 2.34 | 26,121,161 | 97,989 | 1.52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total deposits | 40,724,434 | 1.54 | 42,757,459 | 0.93 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased | 32,658 | 444 | 5.38 | 51,263 | 583 | 4.55 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 3,787,164 | 35,948 | 3.76 | 4,210,767 | 33,651 | 3.20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures | 123,136 | 2,259 | 7.34 | 123,078 | 1,988 | 6.46 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated notes | 99,515 | 1,164 | 4.69 | 99,359 | 1,164 | 4.69 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Interest-Bearing Funds and Average Rate Paid | 30,790,656 | 195,449 | 2.54 | 30,605,628 | 135,375 | 1.79 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued interest and other liabilities | 870,508 | 760,304 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | 45,637,415 | 48,002,230 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ Equity | 3,686,602 | 3,304,848 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 49,324,017 | $ | 51,307,078 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | 411,367 | $ | 425,844 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest spread | 2.59 | % | 2.78 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income to total average earning assets | 3.48 | % | 3.47 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The following table presents the changes in taxable-equivalent net interest income and identifies the changes due to differences in the average volume of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the changes due to changes in the average interest rate on those assets and liabilities. The changes in net interest income due to changes in both average volume and average interest rate have been allocated to the average volume change or the average interest rate change in proportion to the absolute amounts of the change in each. The comparison between the quarters includes an additional change factor that shows the effect of the difference in the number of days in each period for assets and liabilities that accrue interest based upon the actual number of days in the period, as further discussed below.
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 vs. March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate | Volume | Number of days | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | $ | 16,531 | $ | (16,518) | $ | 1,103 | $ | 1,116 | |||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | 138 | (817) | 1 | (678) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Resell agreements | 178 | (61) | 13 | 130 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxable | 5,838 | (5,814) | 263 | 287 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tax-exempt | 848 | (17,193) | — | (16,345) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loans, net of unearned discounts | 28,306 | 29,124 | 3,657 | 61,087 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total earning assets | 51,839 | (11,279) | 5,037 | 45,597 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Savings and interest checking | 1,568 | (1,741) | 113 | (60) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Money market deposit accounts | 10,070 | (8,939) | 851 | 1,982 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Time accounts | 19,198 | 35,779 | 746 | 55,723 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased | 94 | (238) | 5 | (139) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase agreements | 5,515 | (3,613) | 395 | 2,297 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures | 270 | 1 | — | 271 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Subordinated notes | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 36,715 | 21,249 | 2,110 | 60,074 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net change | $ | 15,124 | $ | (32,528) | $ | 2,927 | $ | (14,477) | |||||||||||||||
Taxable-equivalent net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $14.5 million, or 3.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. Taxable-equivalent net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 included 91 days compared to 90 for the same period in 2023 as a result of the leap year. The additional day added approximately $2.9 million to taxable-equivalent net interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2024. Excluding the impact of the additional day results in an effective decrease in taxable-equivalent net interest income of approximately $17.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in taxable-equivalent net interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to increases in the average costs of interest-bearing deposit accounts and repurchase agreements combined with an increase in the average volume of higher-yielding time deposit accounts and decreases in the average volumes of tax-exempt securities, interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve), and taxable securities, among other things. The impact of these items was partly offset by increases in the average volume of and yield on loans and increases in the average yields on interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve), taxable securities and, to a lesser extent, tax-exempt securities, among other things. As a result of the aforementioned fluctuations, the taxable-equivalent net interest margin increased 1 basis points from 3.47% during the three months ended March 31, 2023 to 3.48% during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
The average volume of interest-earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $2.0 billion compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease in the average volume of interest-earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to a $1.6 billion decrease in average tax-exempt securities, a $1.3 billion decrease in average interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve) and an $829.9 million decrease in average taxable securities partly offset by a $1.8 billion increase in average loans. The average taxable-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets increased 56 basis points from 4.57% during the three months ended March 31, 2023 to 5.13% during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The average taxable-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets during the comparable periods was impacted by changes in market interest rates (as noted in the table above) and changes in the volume and relative mix of interest-earning assets.
The average taxable-equivalent yield on loans increased 64 basis points from 6.36% during the three months ended March 31, 2023 to 7.00% during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The average taxable-equivalent yield on loans during
40
the three months ended March 31, 2024 was positively impacted by increases in market interest rates (as noted in the table above). The average volume of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $1.8 billion, or 10.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. Loans made up approximately 41.7% of average interest-earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 36.1% during the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily related to the investment of available funds (primarily from amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve and securities) into loans.
The average taxable-equivalent yield on securities was 3.32% during the three months ended March 31, 2024, increasing 8 basis points from 3.24% during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The average yield on taxable securities was 2.83% during the three months ended March 31, 2024, increasing 16 basis points from 2.67% during the same period in 2023. The average taxable-equivalent yield on tax-exempt securities was 4.27% during the three months ended March 31, 2024, increasing 4 basis points from 4.23% during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Tax-exempt securities made up approximately 35.3% of total average securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 38.6% during the same periods in 2023. The average volume of total securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $2.4 billion, or 11.1%, compared to the same period in 2023. Securities made up approximately 42.1% of average interest-earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to 45.4% during the same period in 2023. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to the utilization of these funds to support loan growth and provide liquidity to offset the decrease in non-interest-bearing deposits.
Average interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $1.3 billion, or 15.3%, compared to the same period in 2023. Interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve) made up approximately 16.0% of average interest-earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to 18.1% during the same period in 2023. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was partly related to the reinvestment of amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve into loans. Balances held at the Federal Reserve were also impacted by a decrease in customer deposits (primarily non-interest-bearing). The average yield on interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve) was 5.40% during the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to 4.57% during the same respective period in 2023. The average yield on interest-bearing deposits during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was impacted by higher interest rates paid on reserves held at the Federal Reserve, compared to the same period in 2023.
The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 2.54% during the three months ended March 31, 2024, increasing 75 basis points from 1.79% during the same period in 2023. Average deposits decreased $2.0 billion, or 4.8%, during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 and included a $2.7 billion decrease in average non-interest-bearing deposits partly offset by a $627.0 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits. The ratio of average interest-bearing deposits to total average deposits was 65.7% during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to 61.1% during the same period in 2023. The average cost of deposits is primarily impacted by changes in market interest rates as well as changes in the volume and relative mix of interest-bearing deposits. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits and total deposits was 2.34% and 1.54%, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to 1.52% and 0.93%, respectively, during the same period in 2023. The average cost of deposits during the comparable periods were impacted by increases in the interest rates we pay on our interest-bearing deposit products as a result of an increase in market interest rates.
Our net interest spread, which represents the difference between the average rate earned on earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 2.59% during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to 2.78% during the same period in 2023. The net interest spread, as well as the net interest margin, will be impacted by future changes in short-term and long-term interest rate levels, as well as the impact from the competitive environment, including from new financial technology competitors, and the availability of alternative investment options. A discussion of the effects of changing interest rates on net interest income is set forth in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included elsewhere in this report.
Our hedging policies permit the use of various derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, swaptions, caps and floors, to manage exposure to changes in interest rates. Details of our derivatives and hedging activities are set forth in Note 7 - Derivative Financial Instruments in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. Information regarding the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on our derivative financial instruments is set forth in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included elsewhere in this report.
41
Credit Loss Expense
Credit loss expense is determined by management as the amount to be added to the allowance for credit loss accounts for various types of financial instruments including loans, securities and off-balance-sheet credit exposures after net charge-offs have been deducted to bring the allowances to a level which, in management’s best estimate, is necessary to absorb expected credit losses over the lives of the respective financial instruments. The components of credit loss expense were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Credit loss expense (benefit) related to: | |||||||||||
| Loans | $ | 11,650 | $ | 12,675 | |||||||
| Off-balance-sheet credit exposures | 2,000 | (3,675) | |||||||||
| Securities held to maturity | — | 104 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 13,650 | $ | 9,104 | |||||||
See the section captioned “Allowance for Credit Losses” elsewhere in this discussion for further analysis of credit loss expense related to loans and off-balance-sheet credit exposures.
Non-Interest Income
Total non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $6.1 million, or 5.8%, compared to the same period in 2023. Changes in the various components of non-interest income are discussed in more detail below.
Trust and Investment Management Fees. Trust and investment management fees increased $2.9 million, or 8.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. Investment management fees are the most significant component of trust and investment management fees, making up approximately 82.3% and 81.4% of total trust and investment management fees for the first three months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in trust and investment management fees during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to an increase in investment management fees (up $2.7 million). Investment management fees are generally based on the market value of assets within an account and are thus impacted by volatility in the equity and bond markets. The increase in investment management fees during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to an increase in the average value of assets maintained in accounts. The increase in the average value of assets was partly related to higher equity valuations during 2024 relative to 2023.
At March 31, 2024, trust assets, including both managed assets and custody assets, were primarily composed of equity securities (42.5% of assets), fixed income securities (33.1% of assets), alternative investments (9.7% of assets) and cash equivalents (8.8% of assets). The estimated fair value of these assets was $48.8 billion (including managed assets of $24.6 billion and custody assets of $24.2 billion) at March 31, 2024, compared to $47.2 billion (including managed assets of $23.8 billion and custody assets of $23.5 billion) at December 31, 2023 and $43.9 billion (including managed assets of $21.9 billion and custody assets of $22.0 billion) at March 31, 2023.
Service Charges on Deposit Accounts. Service charges on deposit accounts for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $2.9 million, or 13.3%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to increases in commercial service charges (up $1.4 million); overdraft charges on consumer and commercial accounts (up $924 thousand and $359 thousand, respectively), and consumer service charges (up $219 thousand). The increase in commercial service charges during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to an increase in billable services partly offset by the effect of a higher average earnings credit rate applied to deposits maintained by treasury management customers which resulted in customers paying for less of their services through fees rather than with earnings credits applied to their deposit balances. Overdraft charges totaled $11.9 million ($8.8 million consumer and $3.0 million commercial) during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $10.6 million ($7.9 million consumer and $2.7 million commercial) during the same period in 2023. The increase in overdraft charges during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was impacted by increases in the volumes of fee assessed overdrafts relative to 2023, in part due to growth in the number of accounts.
In January 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) proposed to update and narrow certain regulatory exceptions for overdraft credit provided by financial institutions with assets in excess of $10 billion. Unless eligible for these narrowed exceptions, extensions of overdraft credit must adhere to certain regulatory requirements that generally apply to consumer credit products, unless the overdraft fee is a small amount, below a to-be-determined benchmark or that only recovers applicable costs and losses. The extent to which any such proposed changes will impact our future overdraft fee revenues is currently uncertain.
42
Insurance Commissions and Fees. Insurance commissions and fees for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $656 thousand, or 3.5%, compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily the result of decreases in both commission income (down $436 thousand) and contingent income (down $219 thousand). The decrease in commission income during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to a decrease in life insurance commissions, and to a lesser extent, a decrease in benefit plan commissions, partly offset by an increase in commercial lines property and casualty commissions and, to a lesser extent, an increase in personal lines property and casualty commissions. The decrease in life insurance commissions during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to a decrease in business volume, mostly due to a significant transaction in 2023. The decrease in benefit plan commissions during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was related to premium and exposure rate decreases within the existing customer base as well as a decrease in business volumes. The increases in commercial and personal lines property and casualty commissions during the three months ended March 31, 2024 were related to increases in the underlying exposure bases and increases in rates, and, in the case of commercial lines, increased business volumes.
Contingent income totaled $3.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $3.8 million during the same period in 2023. Contingent income primarily consists of amounts received from various property and casualty insurance carriers related to portfolio growth and the loss performance of insurance policies previously placed. These performance related contingent payments are seasonal in nature and are mostly received during the first quarter of each year. This performance related contingent income totaled $2.9 million and $3.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in performance related contingent income was primarily related to a deterioration of the loss performance of commercial lines insurance policies previously placed and lower growth within the commercial lines portfolio, partly due to a tightening of underwriting standards. The decrease in contingent income related to our commercial lines portfolio was partly offset by an increase in contingent commissions related to our personal lines portfolio due to improved loss performance. Contingent income also includes amounts received from various benefit plan insurance companies related to the volume of business generated and/or the subsequent retention of such business. This benefit plan related contingent income totaled $733 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $665 thousand during the same period in 2023.
Interchange and Card Transaction Fees. Interchange fees, or “swipe” fees, are charges that merchants pay to us and other card-issuing banks for processing electronic payment transactions. Interchange and card transaction fees consist of income from debit and credit card usage, point of sale income from PIN-based card transactions and ATM service fees. Interchange and card transaction fees are reported net of related network costs.
Net interchange and card transaction fees for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $415 thousand, or 8.5%, compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to an increase in network costs. A comparison of gross and net interchange and card transaction fees for the reported periods is presented in the table below.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Income from card transactions | $ | 9,378 | $ | 8,802 | |||||||
| ATM service fees | 832 | 844 | |||||||||
| Gross interchange and card transaction fees | 10,210 | 9,646 | |||||||||
| Network costs | 5,736 | 4,757 | |||||||||
| Net interchange and card transaction fees | $ | 4,474 | $ | 4,889 | |||||||
Federal Reserve rules applicable to financial institutions that have assets of $10 billion or more provide that the maximum permissible interchange fee for an electronic debit transaction is the sum of 21 cents per transaction and 5 basis points multiplied by the value of the transaction. An upward adjustment of no more than 1 cent to an issuer's debit card interchange fee is allowed if the card issuer develops and implements policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve certain fraud-prevention standards. The Federal Reserve also has rules governing routing and exclusivity that require issuers to offer two unaffiliated networks for routing transactions on each debit or prepaid product. In October 2023, the Federal Reserve issued a proposal under which the maximum permissible interchange fee for an electronic debit transaction would be the sum of 14.4 cents per transaction and 4 basis points multiplied by the value of the transaction. Furthermore, the fraud-prevention adjustment would increase from a maximum of 1 cent to 1.3 cents. The proposal would adopt an approach for future adjustments to the interchange fee cap, which would occur every other year based on issuer cost data gathered by the Federal Reserve from large debit card issuers. Had the proposed maximum interchange fees been in effect during the reported periods, interchange and debit card transaction fees would have been approximately 30% lower. In January 2024, the Federal Reserve extended the comment period for this proposal until May 12, 2024. The extent to which any such proposed changes in permissible interchange fees will impact our future revenues is currently uncertain.
43
Other Charges, Commissions, and Fees. Other charges, commissions, and fees for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $356 thousand, or 3.0%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily related to increases in income from the placement of money market accounts (up $460 thousand), merchant services rebates/bonuses (up $273 thousand), and letter of credit fees (up $243 thousand), among other things, partly offset by decreases in commitment fees on unused lines of credit (down $393 thousand) and other service charges (down $254 thousand), among other things.
Net Gain/Loss on Securities Transactions. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we sold certain available-for-sale securities with amortized costs totaling $1.2 billion and realized a net gain of $21 thousand. Prevailing market conditions provided us an opportunity to sell certain lower-yielding securities to enhance our liquidity position and provide us the flexibility to be more opportunistic with the subsequent reinvestment of these funds. There were no sales of securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Other Non-Interest Income. Other non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $991 thousand, or 8.5%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was partly related to increases in public finance underwriting fees (up $2.6 million) and income from customer derivative and foreign exchange transactions (up $737 thousand), among other things, partly offset by a decrease in sundry and other miscellaneous income (down $1.9 million), among other things. The increases in public finance underwriting fees and income from customer derivative and securities trading transactions were primarily related to increases in transaction volumes. The decrease in sundry income was related to certain non-recurring items recognized in 2023 including $1.2 million related to a distribution received from a Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) fund investment and $575 thousand related to a partnership interest, among other things.
Non-Interest Expense
Total non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $41.1 million, or 14.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. Changes in the various components of non-interest expense are discussed below.
Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $17.7 million, or 13.5%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in salaries and wages was primarily related to increases in salaries due to annual merit and market increases and increases in the number of employees. The increase in the number of employees was partly related to our investment in organic expansion in various markets. Salaries and wages during the three months ended March 31, 2024 were also impacted, to a lesser extent, by increases in incentive compensation and commissions. We are experiencing a competitive labor market which has resulted in and could continue to result in an increase in our staffing costs.
Employee Benefits. Employee benefits expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $2.0 million, or 6.0%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily related to medical/dental benefits expense (up $1.5 million) and payroll taxes (up $1.4 million), among other things, partly offset by a decrease in 401(k) plan expense (down $753 thousand) and an increase in the net periodic benefit related to our defined benefit retirement plan (up $207 thousand), among other things.
Our defined benefit retirement and restoration plans were frozen in 2001 which has helped to reduce the volatility in retirement plan expense. We nonetheless still have funding obligations related to these plans and could recognize expense related to these plans in future years, which would be dependent on the return earned on plan assets, the level of interest rates and employee turnover. See Note 11 - Defined Benefit Plans for additional information related to our net periodic pension benefit/cost.
Net Occupancy. Net occupancy expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $1.4 million, or 4.7%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to increases in depreciation on buildings and leasehold improvements (together up $1.1 million), repairs/maintenance/service contracts expense (up $605 thousand), and lease expense (up $270 thousand), among other things, partly offset by decreases in utilities expense (down $347 thousand) and property taxes (down $341 thousand), among other things. The increases in the aforementioned components of net occupancy expense were impacted, in part, by our expansion efforts.
Technology, Furniture, and Equipment. Technology, furniture, and equipment expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $2.5 million, or 7.7%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to increases in cloud services expense (up $2.2 million), service contracts expense (up $690 thousand) and software maintenance (up $497 thousand), among other things. The increase from these items was partly offset by a decrease in depreciation on furniture and equipment (down $957 thousand), among other things.
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Deposit Insurance. Deposit insurance expense totaled $14.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to an additional accrual related to the special deposit insurance assessment discussed below.
As more fully discussed in our 2023 Form 10-K, during the fourth quarter of 2023, we accrued $51.5 million ($40.7 million after tax) related to a special deposit insurance assessment to recover losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund ("DIF") incurred as a result of recent bank failures and the FDIC's use of the systemic risk exception to cover certain deposits that were otherwise uninsured. This amount was based on our estimate of the full amount of the assessment at that time. In February 2024, the FDIC notified insured depository institutions that their loss estimate related to the aforementioned bank failures has increased. As a result, we accrued an additional $7.7 million ($6.1 million after tax), related to an expected update of the special assessment which we expect to receive during the second quarter of 2024. This updated assessment is being made under the FDIC's final rule whereby the estimated loss pursuant to the systemic risk determination will be periodically adjusted. The FDIC has also retained the ability to cease collection early, extend the special assessment collection period and impose a final shortfall special assessment. The extent to which any such additional future assessments will impact our future deposit insurance expense is currently uncertain.
Other Non-Interest Expense. Other non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $9.0 million, or 17.3%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024 included increases in advertising/promotions expense (up $4.0 million); professional services expense (up $1.2 million), which was primarily related to information technology services; fraud losses (up $710 thousand); and travel, meals, and entertainment expense (up $443 thousand); among other things.
Results of Segment Operations
We are managed under a matrix organizational structure whereby our two primary operating segments, Banking and Frost Wealth Advisors, overlap a regional reporting structure. A third operating segment, Non-Banks, is for the most part the parent holding company, as well as certain other insignificant non-bank subsidiaries of the parent that, for the most part, have little or no activity. A description of each segment, the methodologies used to measure segment financial performance and summarized operating results by segment are described in Note 14 - Operating Segments in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. Segment operating results are discussed in more detail below.
Banking
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $41.6 million, or 23.9%, compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily the result of a $37.0 million increase in non-interest expense, a $9.5 million decrease in net interest income and a $4.5 million increase in credit loss expense partly offset by a $6.7 million decrease in income tax expense and a $2.7 million increase in non-interest income.
Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $9.5 million, or 2.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to increases in the average costs of interest-bearing deposit accounts and repurchase agreements combined with an increase in the average volume of higher-yielding time deposit accounts and decreases in the average volumes of tax-exempt securities, interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve), and taxable securities, among other things. The impact of these items was partly offset by increases in the average volume of and yield on loans and increases in the average yields on interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve), taxable securities and, to a lesser extent, tax-exempt securities, among other things. Net interest income for the first three months of 2024 was also positively impacted by an additional day as a result of leap year. See the analysis of net interest income included in the section captioned “Net Interest Income” included elsewhere in this discussion.
Credit loss expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 totaled $13.7 million compared to $9.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. See the sections captioned “Credit Loss Expense” and “Allowance for Credit Losses” elsewhere in this discussion for further analysis of credit loss expense related to loans and off-balance-sheet commitments.
Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $2.7 million, or 4.3%, compared to the same period in 2023. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to increases in service charges on deposit accounts and other non-interest income partly offset by decreases in insurance commissions and fees; interchange and card transaction fees; and other charges, commissions, and fees. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was primarily related to increases in commercial service charges and overdraft charges on consumer and commercial accounts. The increase in other non-interest income was partly related to increases in public finance underwriting fees and income from customer derivative and foreign exchange transactions, among other things, partly offset by a decrease in sundry and other miscellaneous income, among other things. The decrease in insurance commissions and fees was primarily related to
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decreases in life insurance and benefit plan commissions and a decrease performance related contingent income. These items were partly offset by increases in both commercial and personal lines property and casualty commissions and benefit plan related contingent income. The decrease in interchange and card transaction fees was primarily due to an increase in network costs. The increase in the other charges, commissions, and fees was primarily related to increases in merchant services rebates/bonuses and letter of credit fees, among other things, partly offset by decreases in commitment fees on unused lines of credit and other service charges, among other things. See the analysis of these categories of non-interest income included in the section captioned “Non-Interest Income” included elsewhere in this discussion.
Non-interest expense for three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $37.0 million, or 14.8%, compared to the same period in 2023. While all categories of non-interest expense increased, the largest increases were in salaries and wages; deposit insurance expense; and other non-interest expense. The increase in salaries and wages was primarily related to increases in salaries due to annual merit and market increases and increases in the number of employees. The increase in the number of employees was partly related to our investment in organic expansion in various markets. Salaries and wages were also impacted, to a lesser extent, by an increase in incentive compensation. The increase in deposit insurance expense was primarily related to an additional accrual for a special deposit insurance assessment. The increase in other non-interest expense included increases in advertising/promotions expense; professional services expense, which was primarily related to information technology services; fraud losses; and travel, meals, and entertainment expense; among other things. See the analysis of these categories of non-interest expense included in the section captioned “Non-Interest Expense” included elsewhere in this discussion.
Frost Wealth Advisors
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 decreased $491 thousand, or 6.4%, compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily the result of a $4.0 million increase in non-interest expense partly offset by a $3.4 million increase in non-interest income, among other things.
Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $3.4 million, or 8.1% compared to the same period in 2023. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in trust and investment management fees, and to a much lesser extent, an increase in other charges, commissions, and fees. The increase in trust and investment management fees was primarily related to an increase in investment management fees primarily related to an increase in the average value of assets maintained in accounts. The increase in the average value of assets was partly related to higher equity valuations during 2024 relative to 2023. The increase in other charges, commissions, and fees during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily related to increases in income from the placement of money market accounts, among other things, partly offset by decreases in income from the sale of mutual funds, among other things. See the analysis of trust and investment management fees, other non-interest income and other charges, commissions, and fees included in the section captioned “Non-Interest Income” included elsewhere in this discussion.
Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased $4.0 million, or 11.9% compared to the same period in 2023. The increase was primarily related to increases in salaries and wages; employee benefits expense and other non-interest expense. The increase in salaries and wages was primarily due to an increase in salaries, due to annual merit and market increases, as well as increases in commission expense, among other things. The increase in employee benefits was primarily related to increases in payroll taxes, medical benefits expense and 401(k) plan expense, among other things. The increase in other non-interest expense was primarily related to increases in sundry and other miscellaneous expenses; research and platform fees; and outside computer services, among other things, partly offset by a decrease in the corporate overhead expense allocation, among other things.
Non-Banks
The Non-Banks operating segment had a net loss of $3.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to net loss of $3.7 million during the same period in 2023. The decrease in net loss during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily due to an increase in the income tax benefit due to an increase in the effective tax rate.
Income Taxes
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we recognized income tax expense of $25.9 million, for an effective tax rate of 16.0%, compared to $33.2 million, for an effective tax rate of 15.7%, for the same period in 2023. The effective income tax rates differed from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 21% during 2024 and 2023 primarily due to the effect of tax-exempt income from securities, loans and life insurance policies and the income tax effects associated with stock-based compensation, among other things, and their relative proportion to total pre-tax net income. The decrease in income tax expense during 2024 was primarily due to a decrease in projected pre-tax net income while the increase in the effective tax rate during 2024 was primarily related to a decrease in projected tax-exempt income from securities, among other things.
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Average Balance Sheet
Average assets totaled $49.3 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2024 representing a decrease of $2.0 billion, or 3.9%, compared to average assets for the same period in 2023. Earning assets decreased $2.0 billion, or 4.2%, during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease in earning assets was primarily related to a $1.6 billion decrease in tax-exempt securities, a $1.3 billion decrease in average interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve) and an $829.9 million decrease in average taxable securities partly offset by a $1.8 billion increase in average loans. Average deposits decreased $2.0 billion, or 4.8%, during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The decrease included a $2.7 billion decrease in non-interest-bearing deposits partly offset by a $627.0 million increase in interest-bearing deposits. Average non-interest-bearing deposits made up 34.3% and 38.9% of average total deposits during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Loans
Details of our loan portfolio are presented in Note 3 - Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. Loans increased $564.0 million, or 3.0%, from $18.8 billion at December 31, 2023 to $19.4 billion at March 31, 2024. The majority of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and industrial loans, energy loans, and real estate loans. Real estate loans include both commercial and consumer balances. Selected details related to our loan portfolio segments are presented below. Refer to our 2023 Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of our loan origination and risk management processes.
Commercial and Industrial. Commercial and industrial loans increased $141.0 million, or 2.4%, from $6.0 billion at December 31, 2023 to $6.1 billion at March 31, 2024. Our commercial and industrial loans are a diverse group of loans to small, medium and large businesses. The purpose of these loans varies from supporting seasonal working capital needs to term financing of equipment. While some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis, most are secured by the assets being financed with collateral margins that are consistent with our loan policy guidelines. The commercial and industrial loan portfolio also includes commercial leases and purchased shared national credits ("SNC"s).
Energy. Energy loans include loans to entities and individuals that are engaged in various energy-related activities including (i) the development and production of oil or natural gas, (ii) providing oil and gas field servicing, (iii) providing energy-related transportation services, (iv) providing equipment to support oil and gas drilling, (v) refining petrochemicals, or (vi) trading oil, gas and related commodities. Energy loans increased $1.1 million, or 0.1%, from $936.7 million at December 31, 2023 to $937.9 million at March 31, 2024. Energy loans are one of our largest industry concentrations totaling 4.8% of total loans at March 31, 2024, down from 5.0% of total loans at December 31, 2023. The average loan size, the significance of the portfolio and the specialized nature of the energy industry requires a highly prescriptive underwriting policy. Exceptions to this policy are rarely granted. Due to the large borrowing requirements of this customer base, the energy loan portfolio includes participations and SNCs.
Purchased Shared National Credits. SNCs are participations purchased from upstream financial organizations and tend to be larger in size than our originated portfolio. Our purchased SNC portfolio totaled $762.8 million at March 31, 2024, decreasing $36.7 million, or 4.6%, from $799.5 million at December 31, 2023. At March 31, 2024, 34.1% of outstanding purchased SNCs were related to the construction industry while 15.4% were related to the energy industry, and 14.2% were related to the real estate management industry. The remaining purchased SNCs were diversified throughout various other industries, with no other single industry exceeding 10% of the total purchased SNC portfolio. Additionally, almost all of the outstanding balance of purchased SNCs was included in the energy and commercial and industrial portfolio, with the remainder included in the real estate categories. SNC participations are originated in the normal course of business to meet the needs of our customers. As a matter of policy, we generally only participate in SNCs for companies headquartered in or which have significant operations within our market areas. In addition, we must have direct access to the company’s management, an existing banking relationship or the expectation of broadening the relationship with other banking products and services within the following 12 to 24 months. SNCs are reviewed at least quarterly for credit quality and business development successes.
Commercial Real Estate. Commercial real estate loans increased $338.0 million, or 3.8%, from $9.0 billion at December 31, 2023 to $9.3 billion at March 31, 2024. Commercial real estate loans represented 78.5% of total real estate loans at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The majority of our commercial real estate loan portfolio consists of commercial real estate mortgages, which includes both permanent and intermediate term loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Consequently, these loans must undergo the analysis and underwriting process of a commercial and industrial loan, as well as that of a real estate loan. At March 31, 2024, approximately 49.0% of the outstanding principal balance of our commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties.
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Consumer Real Estate and Other Consumer Loans. The consumer real estate loan portfolio increased $97.9 million, or 4.0%, from $2.5 billion at December 31, 2023 to $2.6 billion at March 31, 2024. Combined, home equity loans and lines of credit made up 60.3% and 60.5% of the consumer real estate loan total at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. We offer home equity loans up to 80% of the estimated value of the personal residence of the borrower, less the value of existing mortgages and home improvement loans. Prior to 2023, we did not generally originate 1-4 family mortgage loans; however, from time to time, we did invest in such loans to meet the needs of our customers or for other regulatory compliance purposes. We began offering 1-4 family mortgage loans to our employees during the first quarter of 2023 and subsequently gradually expanded our production of 1-4 family mortgage loans for customers thereafter. Our 1-4 family mortgage loan production is intended to be for portfolio investment purposes. Nonetheless, 1-4 family mortgage loans are not a significant component of our consumer real estate portfolio. Consumer and other loans decreased $14.1 million, or 3.0%, from December 31, 2023. The consumer and other loan portfolio primarily consists of automobile loans, overdrafts, unsecured revolving credit products, personal loans secured by cash and cash equivalents and other similar types of credit facilities.
Accruing Past Due Loans. Accruing past due loans are presented in the following tables. Also see Note 3 - Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
| Accruing Loans 30-89 Days Past Due | Accruing Loans 90 or More Days Past Due | Total Accruing Past Due Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Loans | Amount | Percent of Loans in Category | Amount | Percent of Loans in Category | Amount | Percent of Loans in Category | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 6,108,136 | $ | 30,758 | 0.50 | % | $ | 7,319 | 0.12 | % | $ | 38,077 | 0.62 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | 937,880 | 2,349 | 0.25 | 19,351 | 2.06 | 21,700 | 2.31 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land, and other | 7,548,222 | 39,559 | 0.52 | 8,223 | 0.11 | 47,782 | 0.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 1,772,416 | 891 | 0.05 | — | — | 891 | 0.05 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 2,558,670 | 13,868 | 0.54 | 2,954 | 0.12 | 16,822 | 0.66 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 462,882 | 5,889 | 1.27 | 253 | 0.05 | 6,142 | 1.32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 19,388,206 | $ | 93,314 | 0.48 | $ | 38,100 | 0.20 | $ | 131,414 | 0.68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 5,967,182 | $ | 25,518 | 0.43 | % | $ | 7,457 | 0.12 | % | $ | 32,975 | 0.55 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | 936,737 | 6,387 | 0.68 | 1,146 | 0.12 | 7,533 | 0.80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land, and other | 7,301,920 | 19,564 | 0.27 | 92 | — | 19,656 | 0.27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 1,680,724 | 4,878 | 0.29 | 3,498 | 0.21 | 8,376 | 0.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 2,460,726 | 12,504 | 0.51 | 2,589 | 0.11 | 15,093 | 0.62 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 476,962 | 6,495 | 1.36 | 251 | 0.05 | 6,746 | 1.41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 18,824,251 | $ | 75,346 | 0.40 | $ | 15,033 | 0.08 | $ | 90,379 | 0.48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accruing past due loans at March 31, 2024 increased $41.0 million compared to December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily related to increases in past due commercial real estate - buildings, land, and other loans (up $28.1 million), past due energy loans (up $14.2 million), and past due commercial and industrial loans (up $5.1 million) partly offset by a decrease in past due commercial real estate - construction loans (down $7.5 million).
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Non-Accrual Loans. Non-accrual loans are presented in the table below. Also see in Note 3 - Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-Accrual Loans | Non-Accrual Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Loans | Amount | Percent of Loans in Category | Total Loans | Amount | Percent of Loans in Category | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 6,108,136 | $ | 25,446 | 0.42 | % | $ | 5,967,182 | $ | 19,545 | 0.33 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | 937,880 | 10,293 | 1.10 | 936,737 | 11,500 | 1.23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings, land, and other | 7,548,222 | 30,012 | 0.40 | 7,301,920 | 22,420 | 0.31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 1,772,416 | — | — | 1,680,724 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 2,558,670 | 5,764 | 0.23 | 2,460,726 | 7,442 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 462,882 | — | — | 476,962 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 19,388,206 | $ | 71,515 | 0.37 | $ | 18,824,251 | $ | 60,907 | 0.32 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans | $ | 250,297 | $ | 245,996 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of allowance for credit losses on loans to non-accrual loans | 349.99 | % | 403.89 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-accrual loans at March 31, 2024 increased $10.6 million from December 31, 2023 primarily due to increases in non-accrual commercial real estate - buildings, land, and other loans and non-accrual commercial and industrial loans.
Generally, loans are placed on non-accrual status if principal or interest payments become 90 days past due and/or management deems the collectibility of the principal and/or interest to be in question, as well as when required by regulatory requirements. Once interest accruals are discontinued, accrued but uncollected interest is charged to current year operations. Subsequent receipts on non-accrual loans are recorded as a reduction of principal, and interest income is recorded only after principal recovery is reasonably assured. Classification of a loan as non-accrual does not preclude the ultimate collection of loan principal or interest. Non-accrual commercial and industrial loans included one credit relationship in excess of $5.0 million totaling $13.6 million at March 31, 2024 and $13.8 million at December 31, 2023. Non-accrual energy loans included one credit relationship in excess of $5.0 million totaling $5.3 million at March 31, 2024 and $5.9 million at December 31, 2023. Non-accrual real estate loans primarily consist of land development, 1-4 family residential construction credit relationships and loans secured by office buildings and religious facilities. Non-accrual commercial real estate loan included one credit relationship in excess of $5.0 million totaling $17.2 million at March 31, 2024 and $17.4 million at December 31, 2023. Another credit relationship had an aggregate balance of $6.0 million at March 31, 2024 of which $5.0 million was included with non-accrual commercial real estate loans and $953 thousand was included with non-accrual commercial and industrial loans.
Allowance for Credit Losses
In the case of loans and securities, allowances for credit losses are contra-asset valuation accounts, calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326 (“ASC 326”) Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, that are deducted from the amortized cost basis of these assets to present the net amount expected to be collected. In the case of off-balance-sheet credit exposures, the allowance for credit losses is a liability account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, reported as a component of accrued interest payable and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The amount of each allowance account represents management's best estimate of current expected credit losses (“CECL”) on these financial instruments considering available information, from internal and external sources, relevant to assessing exposure to credit loss over the contractual term of the instrument. Relevant available information includes historical credit loss experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. While historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses, adjustments to historical loss information may be made for differences in current portfolio-specific risk characteristics, environmental conditions, or other relevant factors. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of our allowance accounts is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our portfolios, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward classification of assets. See our 2023 Form 10-K for additional information regarding our accounting policies related to credit losses. Also see Note 3 - Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements for information related to model updates during the first quarter of 2024.
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Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans. The table below provides, as of the dates indicated, an allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio segment; however, allocation of a portion of the allowance to one segment does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other segments.
| Amount of Allowance Allocated | Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans | Total Loans | Ratio of Allowance Allocated to Loans in Each Category | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 75,596 | 31.5 | % | $ | 6,108,136 | 1.24 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Energy | 14,218 | 4.8 | 937,880 | 1.52 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 138,224 | 48.1 | 9,320,638 | 1.48 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 13,857 | 13.2 | 2,558,670 | 0.54 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 8,402 | 2.4 | 462,882 | 1.82 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 250,297 | 100.0 | % | $ | 19,388,206 | 1.29 | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 74,006 | 31.7 | % | $ | 5,967,182 | 1.24 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Energy | 17,814 | 5.0 | 936,737 | 1.90 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 130,598 | 47.6 | 8,982,644 | 1.45 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 13,538 | 13.1 | 2,460,726 | 0.55 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 10,040 | 2.6 | 476,962 | 2.10 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 245,996 | 100.0 | % | $ | 18,824,251 | 1.31 | ||||||||||||||||
The allowance allocated to commercial and industrial loans totaled $75.6 million, or 1.24% of total commercial and industrial loans, at March 31, 2024 increasing $1.6 million, or 2.1%, compared to $74.0 million, or 1.24% of total commercial and industrial loans, at December 31, 2023. Modeled expected credit losses increased $1.9 million while qualitative factor (“Q-Factor”) and other qualitative adjustments related to commercial and industrial loans decreased $3.0 million. Specific allocations for commercial and industrial loans that were evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis increased $2.7 million from $2.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $5.1 million at March 31, 2024. The increase in specific allocations for commercial and industrial loans was primarily related to new specific allocations for new individually assessed loans.
The allowance allocated to energy loans totaled $14.2 million, or 1.52% of total energy loans, at March 31, 2024 decreasing $3.6 million, or 20.2%, compared to $17.8 million, or 1.90% of total energy loans, at December 31, 2023. Modeled expected credit losses related to energy loans decreased $2.4 million while Q-Factor and other qualitative adjustments related to energy loans decreased $1.2 million. Specific allocations for energy loans that were evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis totaled $2.7 million at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
The allowance allocated to commercial real estate loans totaled $138.2 million, or 1.48% of total commercial real estate loans, at March 31, 2024 increasing $7.6 million, or 5.8%, compared to $130.6 million, or 1.45% of total commercial real estate loans, at December 31, 2023. Modeled expected credit losses related to commercial real estate loans increased $4.8 million while Q-Factor and other qualitative adjustments related to commercial real estate loans increased $1.2 million. Specific allocations for commercial real estate loans that were evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis increased from $2.7 million at December 31, 2023 to $4.3 million at March 31, 2024. The increase in specific allocations for commercial real estate loans was primarily related to an increased specific allocation for a loan that was previously individually assessed.
The allowance allocated to consumer real estate loans totaled $13.9 million, or 0.54% of total consumer real estate loans, at March 31, 2024 increasing $319 thousand, or 2.4%, compared to $13.5 million, or 0.55% of total consumer real estate loans, at December 31, 2023 primarily due to a $341 thousand increase in modeled expected credit losses.
The allowance allocated to consumer loans totaled $8.4 million, or 1.82% of total consumer loans, at March 31, 2024 decreasing $1.6 million, or 16.3%, compared to $10.0 million, or 2.10% of total consumer loans, at December 31, 2023. Modeled expected credit losses related to consumer loans increased $324 thousand while Q-Factor and other qualitative adjustments decreased $2.0 million, which was primarily due to a decrease in the consumer overlay, which is further discussed below.
As more fully described in our 2023 Form 10-K, we measure expected credit losses over the life of each loan utilizing a combination of models which measure probability of default and loss given default, among other things. The measurement of expected credit losses is impacted by loan/borrower attributes and certain macroeconomic variables. Models are adjusted to reflect the current impact of certain macroeconomic variables as well as their expected changes over a reasonable and supportable forecast period.
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In estimating expected credit losses as of March 31, 2024, we utilized the Moody’s Analytics March 2024 Consensus Scenario (the “March 2024 Consensus Scenario”) to forecast the macroeconomic variables used in our models. The March 2024 Consensus Scenario was based on the review of a variety of surveys of baseline forecasts of the U.S. economy. The March 2024 Consensus Scenario projections included, among other things, (i) U.S. Nominal Gross Domestic Product annualized quarterly growth rate of 2.97% during the remainder of 2024 followed by average annualized quarterly growth rates of 3.88% in 2025 and 3.83% through the end of the forecast period in the first quarter of 2026; (ii) average U.S. unemployment rate of 4.09% during the remainder of 2024 followed by average annualized quarterly rates of 4.15% in 2025 and 3.98% through the end of the forecast period in the first quarter of 2026; (iii) average Texas unemployment rate of 4.03% during the remainder of 2024 followed by average annualized quarterly rates of 3.96% in 2025 and 3.81% through the end of the forecast period in the first quarter of 2026; (iv) projected average 10 year Treasury rate of 4.16% during the remainder of 2024, decreasing to 3.96% during 2025 and 3.85% through the end of the forecast period in the first quarter of 2026 and (v) average oil price of $78.85 per barrel during the remainder of 2024 and remaining relatively flat at $78.22 per barrel in 2025 and $77.58 per barrel through the end of the forecast period in the first quarter of 2026.
In estimating expected credit losses as of December 31, 2023, we utilized the Moody’s Analytics December 2023 Consensus Scenario (the “December 2023 Consensus Scenario”) to forecast the macroeconomic variables used in our models. The December 2023 Consensus Scenario was based on the review of a variety of surveys of baseline forecasts of the U.S. economy. The December 2023 Consensus Scenario projections included, among other things, (i) U.S. Nominal Gross Domestic Product average annualized quarterly growth rate of 2.86% during 2024 and 4.24% during 2025; (ii) average annualized U.S. unemployment rate of 4.33% during 2024 and 4.18% in 2025; (iii) average annualized Texas unemployment rate of 4.30% during 2024 and 4.00% during 2025; (iv) projected average 10 year Treasury rate of 4.24% during 2024 and 4.04% during 2025; and (v) average oil price of $83.02 per barrel during 2024 and $78.13 per barrel during 2025.
The overall loan portfolio as of March 31, 2024 increased $564.0 million, or 3.0%, compared to December 31, 2023. This increase included a $338.0 million, or 3.8%, increase in commercial real estate loans; a $141.0 million, or 2.4%, increase in commercial and industrial loans; a $97.9 million, or 4.0%, increase in consumer real estate loans; and a $1.1 million, or 0.1%, increase in energy loans; partly offset by a $14.1 million, or 3.0%, decrease in consumer and other loans.
The weighted average risk grade for commercial and industrial loans increased to 6.67 at March 31, 2024 from 6.60 at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily related to an $81.0 million increase in higher-risk grade classified loans. Classified loans consist of loans having a risk grade of 11, 12 or 13. The impact of the increase in the volume of classified commercial and industrial loans was partly offset by a decrease in the weighted-average risk grade of pass grade commercial and industrial loans, which decreased to 6.28 at March 31, 2024 from 6.32 at December 31, 2023. The weighted-average risk grade for energy loans decreased to 6.00 at March 31, 2024 from 6.05 at December 31, 2023. Pass-grade energy loans increased $5.3 million while the weighted-average risk grade of such loans decreased from 5.73 at December 31, 2023 to 5.69 at March 31, 2024. The decrease in the weighted-average risk grade on energy loans was also partly the result of a $2.9 million decrease in classified energy loans. The weighted average risk grade for commercial real estate loans increased to 7.32 at March 31, 2024 from 7.24 at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily related to increases in commercial real estate loans graded as “watch” and “special mention” (together up $213.8 million) and an increase in classified commercial real estate loans (up $55.2 million). Additionally, pass grade commercial real estate loans increased $69.0 million while the weighted-average risk grade of such loans increased from 7.07 at December 31, 2023 to 7.09 at March 31, 2024.
As noted above, our credit loss models utilized the economic forecasts in the Moody's March 2024 Consensus Scenario for our estimated expected credit losses as of March 31, 2024 and the Moody’s December 2023 Consensus Scenario for our estimate of expected credit losses as of December 31, 2023. We qualitatively adjusted the model results based on these scenarios for various risk factors that are not considered within our modeling processes but are nonetheless relevant in assessing the expected credit losses within our loan pools. These qualitative factor, or Q-Factor, adjustments are discussed below.
Q-Factor adjustments are based upon management's judgment and current assessment as to the impact of risks related to changes in lending policies and procedures; economic and business conditions; loan portfolio attributes and credit concentrations; and external factors, among other things, that are not already captured within the modeling inputs, assumptions and other processes. Management assesses the potential impact of such items within a range of severely negative impact to positive impact and adjusts the modeled expected credit loss by an aggregate adjustment percentage based upon the assessment. As a result of this assessment as of March 31, 2024, modeled expected credit losses were adjusted upwards by a weighted-average Q-Factor adjustment of approximately 4.7%, resulting in a $4.5 million total adjustment, compared to 4.4% at December 31, 2023, which resulted in a $3.9 million total adjustment.
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We have also provided additional qualitative adjustments, or management overlays, as of March 31, 2024 as management believes there are still significant risks impacting certain categories of our loan portfolio. Q-Factor and other qualitative adjustments as of March 31, 2024 are detailed in the table below.
| Q-Factor Adjustment | Model Overlays | Office Building Overlays | Down-Side Scenario Overlay | Credit Concentration Overlays | Consumer Overlay | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 2,113 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 10,439 | $ | 5,090 | $ | — | $ | 17,642 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | 219 | — | — | — | 5,828 | — | 6,047 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Owner occupied | 566 | 23,771 | — | — | 225 | — | 24,562 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-owner occupied | 321 | 32,044 | 14,950 | — | 2,239 | — | 49,554 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 683 | 32,140 | 5,906 | — | 908 | — | 39,637 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 444 | — | — | — | — | — | 444 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 109 | — | — | — | — | 2,000 | 2,109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 4,455 | $ | 87,955 | $ | 20,856 | $ | 10,439 | $ | 14,290 | $ | 2,000 | $ | 139,995 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Model overlays are qualitative adjustments to address the effects of risks not captured within our commercial real estate credit loss models. These adjustments are determined based upon minimum reserve ratios for our commercial real estate loans. In the case of our commercial real estate - owner occupied loan portfolio, we determined a minimum reserve ratio is appropriate to address the effect of the model's over-sensitivity to positive changes in certain economic variables. After analysis and benchmarking against peer bank data, we believe the modeled results may be overly optimistic and not appropriately capturing downside risk. As such, we determined that the appropriate forecasted loss rate for our owner-occupied commercial real estate loan portfolio should be more closely aligned with that of our commercial and industrial loan portfolio. In the case of our commercial real estate - non-owner occupied and commercial real estate - construction loan portfolios, we determined minimum reserve ratios are appropriate as we believe the modeled results are not appropriately capturing the downside risk associated with our borrowers' ability to access the capital markets for the sale or refinancing of investor real estate and assets currently under construction. We believe access to capital may be impaired for a significant amount of time. Accordingly, this would require secondary sources of liquidity and capital to support completed projects that may take considerably longer to stabilize than originally underwritten. Furthermore, higher interest rates have presented a new emerging risk as most non-owner occupied and construction loans are originated with floating interest rates.
Office building overlays are qualitative adjustments to address longer-term concerns over the utilization of commercial office space which could impact the long-term performance of some types of office properties within our commercial real estate loan portfolio. These adjustments are determined based upon minimum reserve ratios for loans within our commercial real estate - non-owner occupied and commercial real estate - construction loan portfolios that have risk grades of 8 or worse.
The down-side scenario overlay is a qualitative adjustment for our commercial and industrial loan portfolio to address the significant risk of economic recession as a result of inflation; rising interest rates; labor shortages; disruption in financial markets and global supply chains; further oil price volatility; and the current or anticipated impact of global wars/military conflicts, terrorism, or other geopolitical events. Factors such as these are outside of our control but nonetheless affect customer income levels and could alter anticipated customer behavior, including borrowing, repayment, investment, and deposit practices. To determine this qualitative adjustment, we use an alternative, more pessimistic economic scenario to forecast the macroeconomic variables used in our models. As of March 31, 2024, we used the Moody’s Analytics September S3 Alternative Scenario Downside - 90th Percentile. In modeling expected credit losses using this scenario, we also assume each non-classified loan within our modeled loan pools is downgraded by one risk grade level. The qualitative adjustment is based upon the amount by which the alternative scenario modeling results exceed those of the primary scenario used in estimating credit loss expense, adjusted based upon management's assessment of the probability that this more pessimistic economic scenario will occur.
Credit concentration overlays are qualitative adjustments based upon statistical analysis to address relationship exposure concentrations within our loan portfolio. Variations in loan portfolio concentrations over time cause expected credit losses within our existing portfolio to differ from historical loss experience. Given that the allowance for credit losses on loans reflects expected credit losses within our loan portfolio and the fact that these expected credit losses are uncertain as to nature, timing and amount, management believes that segments with higher concentration risk are more likely to experience a high loss event. Due to the fact that a significant portion of our loan portfolio is concentrated in large credit relationships and because of large, concentrated credit losses in recent years, management made the qualitative adjustments detailed in the table above to address the risk associated with such a relationship deteriorating to a loss event.
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The consumer overlay is a qualitative adjustment for our consumer and other loan portfolio to address the risk associated with the level of unsecured loans within this portfolio and other risk factors. Unsecured consumer loans have an elevated risk of loss in times of economic stress as these loans lack a secondary source of repayment in the form of hard collateral. This adjustment was determined by analyzing our consumer loan charge-off trends as well as those of the general banking industry. Management deemed it appropriate to consider an additional overlay to the modeled forecasted losses for the unsecured consumer portfolio.
As of December 31, 2023, we provided qualitative adjustments, as detailed in the table below. Further information regarding these qualitative adjustments is provided in our 2023 Form 10-K.
| Q-Factor Adjustment | Model Overlays | Office Building Overlays | Down-Side Scenario Overlay | Credit Concentration Overlays | Consumer Overlay | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 2,038 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 12,416 | $ | 6,158 | $ | — | $ | 20,612 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy | 313 | — | — | — | 6,963 | — | 7,276 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Owner occupied | 546 | 23,922 | — | — | 556 | — | 25,024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-owner occupied | 116 | 37,156 | 11,711 | — | 412 | — | 49,395 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 412 | 31,749 | 5,479 | — | 446 | — | 38,086 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 433 | — | — | — | — | — | 433 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 71 | — | — | — | — | 4,000 | 4,071 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,929 | $ | 92,827 | $ | 17,190 | $ | 12,416 | $ | 14,535 | $ | 4,000 | $ | 144,897 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional information related to credit loss expense and net (charge-offs) recoveries is presented in the tables below. Also see Note 3 - Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
| Credit Loss Expense (Benefit) | Net (Charge-Offs) Recoveries | Average Loans | Ratio of Annualized Net (Charge-Offs) Recoveries to Average Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | 1,992 | $ | (402) | $ | 6,007,791 | (0.03) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Energy | (3,776) | 180 | 951,545 | 0.08 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 7,610 | 16 | 9,175,278 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 1,806 | (1,487) | 2,505,559 | (0.24) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 4,018 | (5,656) | 472,098 | (4.82) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 11,650 | $ | (7,349) | $ | 19,112,271 | (0.15) | ||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial and industrial | $ | (20,684) | $ | (5,088) | $ | 5,682,792 | (0.36) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Energy | 966 | 163 | 1,018,367 | 0.06 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 25,361 | 31 | 8,223,698 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer real estate | 1,283 | 421 | 1,911,249 | 0.09 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer and other | 5,749 | (4,309) | 482,955 | (3.62) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 12,675 | $ | (8,782) | $ | 17,319,061 | (0.21) | ||||||||||||||||
We recorded a net credit loss expense related to loans totaling $11.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 while we recorded a net credit loss expense totaling $12.7 million during the same period in 2023. Net credit loss expense/benefit for each portfolio segment reflects the amount needed to adjust the allowance for credit losses allocated to that segment to the level of expected credit losses determined under our allowance methodology after net charge-offs have been recognized.
The net credit loss expense related to loans during the first three months of 2024 primarily reflects an increase in expected credit losses associated with commercial real estate loans, primarily related to an increase in modeled expected credit losses. The net credit loss expense related to loans during the first three months of 2024 also reflects charge-off trends related to commercial and industrial loans as well as consumer real estate and consumer and other loans (primarily related to overdrafts) and the additional expected credit losses associated with our commercial and industrial loan portfolio, which was partly related to increased specific valuation allowances on individually assessed loans. The impact of these items was partly offset by a decrease in expected credit losses associated with energy loans; primarily related to decreases in modeled expected losses and the overlay for credit concentrations; a decrease in the down-side scenario overlay related on commercial and industrial loans,
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primarily due to a decrease in the expected probability of the downside scenario occurring; and a decrease in the consumer overlay, primarily associated with the model updates discussed in Note 3 - Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
The ratio of the allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was 1.29% at March 31, 2024 compared to 1.31% at December 31, 2023. Management believes the recorded amount of the allowance for credit losses on loans is appropriate based upon management’s best estimate of current expected credit losses within the existing portfolio of loans. Should any of the factors considered by management in making this estimate change, our estimate of current expected credit losses could also change, which could affect the level of future credit loss expense related to loans.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures totaled $53.8 million and $51.8 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The level of the allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures depends upon the volume of outstanding commitments, underlying risk grades, the expected utilization of available funds and forecasted economic conditions impacting our loan portfolio. We recognized a net credit loss expense related to off-balance-sheet credit exposures totaling $2.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to a net credit loss expense of $3.7 million during the same period in 2023. Our policies and methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures are further described in our 2023 Form 10-K. This methodology was also impacted by the model updates during the first quarter of 2024 described in Note 3 - Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements elsewhere in this report. The overall approximate impact of model updates during the first quarter was a $1.8 million increase in modeled expected credit losses for off-balance-sheet credit exposures.
Capital and Liquidity
Capital. Shareholders’ equity totaled $3.6 billion and $3.7 billion at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Sources of capital during the three months ended March 31, 2024 included net income of $135.7 million, $3.7 million related to stock-based compensation and $2.9 million in proceeds from stock option exercises. Uses of capital during the three months ended March 31, 2024 included an other comprehensive loss, net of tax, of $157.1 million; $61.5 million of dividends paid on preferred and common stock; and $2.1 million of treasury stock purchases.
The accumulated other comprehensive income/loss component of shareholders’ equity totaled a net, after-tax, unrealized loss of $1.3 billion at March 31, 2024 compared to a net, after-tax, unrealized loss of $1.1 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in the net, after-tax, unrealized loss was primarily due to a $157.4 million net, after-tax, decrease in the fair value of securities available for sale.
Under the Basel III Capital Rules, we have elected to opt-out of the requirement to include most components of accumulated other comprehensive income in regulatory capital. Accordingly, amounts reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/loss do not increase or reduce regulatory capital and are not included in the calculation of our regulatory capital ratios. In connection with the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, we also elected to exclude, for a transitional period, the effects of credit loss accounting under CECL in the calculation of our regulatory capital and regulatory capital ratios. Regulatory agencies for banks and bank holding companies utilize capital guidelines designed to measure capital and take into consideration the risk inherent in both on-balance-sheet and off-balance-sheet items. See Note 6 - Capital and Regulatory Matters in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
We paid a quarterly dividend of $0.92 per common share during the first quarter of 2024 and a quarterly dividend of $0.87 per common share during the first quarter of 2023. These dividend amounts equate to a common stock dividend payout ratio of 44.6% and 32.2% during the first three months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our ability to declare or pay dividends on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, shares of our capital stock may be impacted by certain restrictions described in Note 6 - Capital and Regulatory Matters in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
Stock Repurchase Plans. From time to time, our board of directors has authorized stock repurchase plans. In general, stock repurchase plans allow us to proactively manage our capital position and provide management the ability to repurchase shares of our common stock opportunistically in instances where management believes the market price undervalues our company. Such plans also provide us with the ability to repurchase shares of common stock that can be used to satisfy obligations related to stock compensation awards in order to mitigate the dilutive effect of such awards. For additional details, see Note 6 - Capital and Regulatory Matters in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements and Part II, Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds, each included elsewhere in this report.
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Liquidity. As more fully discussed in our 2023 Form 10-K, our liquidity position is continuously monitored, and adjustments are made to the balance between sources and uses of funds as deemed appropriate. Liquidity risk management is an important element in our asset/liability management process. We regularly model liquidity stress scenarios to assess potential liquidity outflows or funding problems resulting from economic disruptions, volatility in the financial markets, unexpected credit events or other significant occurrences deemed problematic by management. These scenarios are incorporated into our contingency funding plan, which provides the basis for the identification of our liquidity needs. Our principal source of funding has been our customer deposits, supplemented by our short-term and long-term borrowings as well as maturities of securities and loan amortization. As of March 31, 2024, we had approximately $7.9 billion held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve. We also have the ability to borrow funds as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). As of March 31, 2024, based upon available, pledgeable collateral, our total borrowing capacity with the FHLB was approximately $5.8 billion. Furthermore, at March 31, 2024, we had approximately $9.1 billion in securities that were available to pledge and could be used to support additional borrowings, as needed, through repurchase agreements or the Federal Reserve discount window.
Since Cullen/Frost is a holding company and does not conduct operations, its primary sources of liquidity are dividends upstreamed from Frost Bank and borrowings from outside sources. Banking regulations may limit the amount of dividends that may be paid by Frost Bank. See Note 6 - Capital and Regulatory Matters in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report regarding such dividends. At March 31, 2024, Cullen/Frost had liquid assets, primarily consisting of cash on deposit at Frost Bank, totaling $329.5 million.
Accounting Standards Updates
See Note 16 - Accounting Standards Updates in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for details of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on our financial statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The disclosures set forth in this item are qualified by the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results” included in Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this report.
Refer to the discussion of market risks included in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the 2023 Form 10-K. There has been no significant change in the types of market risks we face since December 31, 2023.
We utilize an earnings simulation model as the primary quantitative tool in measuring the amount of interest rate risk associated with changing market rates. The model quantifies the effects of various interest rate scenarios on projected net interest income and net income over the next 12 months. The model measures the impact on net interest income relative to a flat-rate case scenario of hypothetical fluctuations in interest rates over the next 12 months. These simulations incorporate assumptions regarding balance sheet growth and mix, pricing and the repricing and maturity characteristics of the existing and projected balance sheet. The impact of interest rate derivatives, such as interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, is also included in the model. Other interest rate-related risks such as prepayment, basis and option risk are also considered.
For modeling purposes, as of March 31, 2024, the model simulations projected that 100 and 200 basis point ratable increases in interest rates would result in positive variances in net interest income of 1.4% and 2.9%, respectively, relative to the flat-rate case over the next 12 months, while 100 and 200 basis point ratable decreases in interest rates would result in negative variances in net interest income of 0.9% and 2.6%, respectively, relative to the flat-rate case over the next 12 months. For modeling purposes, as of December 31, 2023, the model simulations projected that 100 and 200 basis point ratable increases in interest rates would result in positive variances in net interest income of 1.7% and 3.5%, respectively, relative to the flat-rate case over the next 12 months, while 100 and 200 basis point ratable decreases in interest rates would result in a negative variances in net interest income of 1.3% and 3.0%, respectively, relative to the flat-rate case over the next 12 months.
We do not currently pay interest on a significant portion of our commercial demand deposits. Any interest rate that would ultimately be paid on these commercial demand deposits would likely depend upon a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Our March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 model simulations did not assume any payment of interest on commercial demand deposits (those not already receiving an earnings credit). Management believes, based on our experience during the last interest rate cycle, that it is less likely we will pay interest on these deposits as rates increase.
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The model simulations as of March 31, 2024 indicate that our projected balance sheet is less asset sensitive in comparison to our balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. The decreased asset sensitivity was partly due to a decrease in the projected relative proportion of interest-bearing deposits (primarily amounts held in an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve) and federal funds sold to projected average interest-earning assets. Interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold are more immediately impacted by changes in interest rates in comparison to our other categories of earning assets. The decreased asset sensitivity was also partly due to a decrease in the projected relative proportion of average non-interest bearing customer deposits to projected average total customer deposits and other borrowings.
As of March 31, 2024, the effects of a 200 basis point increase and a 200 basis point decrease in interest rates on our derivative holdings would not result in a significant variance in our net interest income.
The effects of hypothetical fluctuations in interest rates on our securities classified as “trading” under ASC Topic 320, “Investments—Debt and Equity Securities,” are not significant, and, as such, separate quantitative disclosure is not presented.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was conducted by management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are subject to various claims and legal actions that have arisen in the course of conducting business. Management does not expect the ultimate disposition of these matters to have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There has been no material change in the risk factors disclosed under Item 1A. of our 2023 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table provides information with respect to purchases we made or were made on our behalf or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2024. Dollar amounts in thousands.
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan | Maximum Number of Shares (or Approximate Dollar Value) That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan at the End of the Period (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2024 to January 31, 2024 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 150,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| February 1, 2024 to February 28, 2024 | — | — | — | 150,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| March 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024 | 18,193 | (1) | 113.97 | — | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 18,193 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Repurchases made in connection with the vesting of certain share awards.
(2)On January 25, 2024, Cullen/Frost announced that our board of directors authorized a $150.0 million stock repurchase program, allowing us to repurchase shares of our common stock over a one-year period expiring on January 24, 2025.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 and Non-Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements. None
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Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
| Exhibit Number | Description | ||||
| 10.1 | |||||
| 10.2 | |||||
| 31.1 | |||||
| 31.2 | |||||
32.1(1) | |||||
32.2(1) | |||||
101.INS(2) | Inline XBRL Instance Document | ||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | ||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | ||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | ||||
| 101.LAB | InlineXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | ||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | ||||
104(3) | Cover Page Interactive Data File | ||||
(1)This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(2)The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
(3)Formatted as Inline XBRL and contained within the Inline XBRL Instance Document in Exhibit 101.
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
| Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||
| (Registrant) | |||||||||||||||||
| Date: | April 25, 2024 | By: | /s/ Jerry Salinas | ||||||||||||||
| Jerry Salinas | |||||||||||||||||
| Group Executive Vice President | |||||||||||||||||
| and Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||||||||
| (Duly Authorized Officer, Principal Financial | |||||||||||||||||
| Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |||||||||||||||||
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