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Cullen/Frost Reports 4th Quarter And 2016 Annual Results

January 25, 2017 9:00 AM

SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR) today reported fourth quarter results and annual earnings for 2016. Cullen/Frost reported net income available to common shareholders for the fourth quarter of 2016 of $81.7 million, or $1.28 per diluted common share, compared to fourth quarter 2015 earnings of $56.2 million, or $0.90 per diluted common share. For the fourth quarter of 2016, returns on average assets and common equity were 1.09 percent and 11.03 percent respectively, compared to 0.78 percent and 8.07 percent for the same period in 2015.

The company also reported 2016 annual net income available to common shareholders of $296.2 million, an increase of 9.2 percent compared to 2015 earnings of $271.3 million. On a per-share basis, 2016 earnings were $4.70 per diluted common share, compared to $4.28 per diluted common share reported in 2015. For the year 2016, returns on average assets and common equity were 1.03 percent and 10.16 percent respectively, compared to 0.97 percent and 9.86 percent reported in 2015.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, average deposits rose by 3.9 percent to $25.4 billion, up $951 million from the $24.5 billion reported in the fourth quarter of 2015. Average loans increased 3.1 percent to $11.7 billion compared to $11.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2015.

"The fourth quarter represented a strong finish to the year and it generated some great momentum going into 2017," said Phil Green, Cullen/Frost chairman and CEO. "Our loan growth was particularly good toward the end of the year. I'm extremely proud of the entire Frost team and how they executed our plans in a tough environment."

During the year, Frost received further validation of its outstanding service culture and performance by well-regarded third parties. For the seventh consecutive year, Frost received the highest ranking in customer satisfaction in Texas in the J.D. Power and Associates 2016 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study. Frost Bank also received 29 Greenwich Excellence Awards for providing superior service, advice and performance to small-business and middle-market banking clients, marking the 11th consecutive year Frost has been recognized by Greenwich Associates.

For 2016, average total loans were $11.6 billion, an increase of $288 million, or 2.6 percent, from the $11.3 billion reported the previous year. Average total deposits for 2016 rose to $24.5 billion, up 2.0 percent, or $471 million, over the $24.0 billion reported in 2015. Net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis increased to $940.0 million, up 5.8 percent, over the $888.0 million reported a year earlier, reflecting the impact of the increasing volume of earning assets. Non-interest income for the year rose 6.4 percent to $349.7 million over the $328.7 million reported for 2015.

Noted financial data for the fourth quarter:

  • The Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios for the Corporation at the end of the fourth quarter of 2016 were 12.52 percent, 13.33 percent, and 14.93 percent, respectively, and continue to be in excess of well-capitalized levels. Current capital ratios exceed Basel III fully phased-in requirements.
  • Net interest income on a taxable-equivalent basis for the fourth quarter totaled $245.0 million, an increase of 8.6 percent compared to the $225.6 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2015. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in the average volume of earning assets. The net interest margin was 3.55 percent for the fourth quarter, compared to 3.43 percent for the fourth quarter of 2015 and 3.53 percent for the third quarter of 2016. A shift in the mix of earning assets to higher yielding assets, primarily in tax-exempt securities, and the Federal Reserve's two 25-basis-point rate increases, one in December 2015 and one in December 2016, positively affected the net interest margin compared to a year ago.
  • Non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2016 was $93.4 million, up $10.3 million from the $83.2 million reported a year earlier. Other income was up $10.0 million and was primarily impacted by a $10.3 million net gain realized from the sale of the corporation's downtown headquarters and adjacent properties in San Antonio. Insurance commissions and fees decreased $1.1 million due mainly to decreases in the employee benefits commissions. Other charges, commissions and fees were up $817,000 mainly related to lending related fees and capital market fees for financial advisory services.
  • Non-interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2016 was $193.9 million, up $20.5 million or 11.8 percent from the $173.4 million reported for the fourth quarter of 2015. Salaries and wages increased $3.6 million or 4.6 percent, impacted mainly by normal annual merit and market increases. Employee benefits increased $784,000 or 4.9 percent, primarily related to higher medical expenses and profit sharing plan expense. Net occupancy expense increased $1.2 million, mainly from higher depreciation expense and property taxes related to Frost's new operations and support center along with new financial center locations. Furniture and equipment was up $830,000 due mainly to technology initiatives combined with new financial centers. Deposit insurance was up $1.3 million mainly due to an increase in the assessment rate, in part due to a new surcharge that became applicable in 2016, and an increase in assets. Other expense was up $12.9 million, resulting primarily from $5.9 million in write downs of certain assets that Frost intends to dispose of in 2017. Additionally, a $4.4 million contribution to our charitable foundation affected the increase.
  • For the fourth quarter of 2016, the provision for loan losses was $8.9 million, compared to net charge-offs of $5.7 million. For the fourth quarter of 2015, the provision for loan losses was $34.0 million, compared to net charge-offs of $8.5 million. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.28 percent at December 31, 2016, compared to 1.29 percent last quarter and 1.18 percent at year-end 2015. Non-performing assets were $102.6 million at year end, compared to $100.9 million the previous quarter, and $85.7 million at year-end 2015.

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. will host a conference call on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at 10 a.m. Central Time (CT) to discuss the results for the quarter and the year. The media and other interested parties are invited to access the call in a "listen only" mode at 800-944-6430. Digital playback of the conference call will be available after 12 p.m. CT until midnight Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 855-859-2056, with the Conference ID# of 52776685. The call will also be available by audio webcast on the company's website, frostbank.com, and available for playback after 2 p.m. CT. After entering the website www.frostbank.com, scroll down to the bottom of the home page. Under Company Information, click on Investor Relations.

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR) is a financial holding company, headquartered in San Antonio, with $30.2 billion in assets at December 31, 2016. One of the 50 largest U.S. banks, Frost provides a wide range of banking, investments and insurance services to businesses and individuals across Texas in the Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio regions. Founded in 1868, Frost has helped clients with their financial needs during three centuries. Additional information is available at frostbank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results

Certain statements contained in this Earnings Release that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"), notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified as such. In addition, certain statements may be contained in our future filings with the SEC, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by us or with our approval that are not statements of historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of Cullen/Frost or its management or Board of Directors, including those relating to products or services; (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:

  • Local, regional, national and international economic conditions and the impact they may have on us and our customers and our assessment of that impact.
  • Volatility and disruption in national and international financial and commodity markets.
  • Government intervention in the U.S. financial system.
  • 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 reserve requirements based upon the periodic review thereof under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements.
  • 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.
  • The effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance) with which we and our subsidiaries must comply.
  • The soundness of other financial institutions.
  • Political instability.
  • Impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets.
  • Acts of God or of war or terrorism.
  • 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, borrowings and savings habits.
  • Changes in the financial performance and/or condition of our borrowers.
  • Technological changes.
  • Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses.
  • The ability to increase market share and control expenses.
  • Our ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
  • Changes in the competitive environment in our markets and among banking organizations and other financial service providers.
  • 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.
  • Changes in the reliability of our vendors, internal control systems or information systems.
  • Changes in our liquidity position.
  • Changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans.
  • 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.
  • Greater than expected costs or difficulties related to the integration of new products and lines of business.
  • Our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items.

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.

Greg ParkerInvestor Relations210.220.5632orBill DayMedia Relations210.220.5427

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2016

2015

4th Qtr

3rd Qtr

2nd Qtr(2)

1st Qtr(2)

4th Qtr

CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS

Net interest income

$

201,603

$

194,507

$

190,502

$

189,724

$

186,139

Net interest income (1)

244,961

235,665

230,158

229,173

225,649

Provision for loan losses

8,939

5,045

9,189

28,500

34,000

Non-interest income:

Trust and investment management fees

26,434

26,451

26,021

25,334

26,289

Service charges on deposit accounts

20,434

20,540

19,865

20,364

20,686

Insurance commissions and fees

11,342

11,029

9,360

15,423

12,398

Interchange and debit card transaction fees

5,531

5,435

5,381

5,022

5,075

Other charges, commissions and fees

9,798

10,703

10,069

9,053

8,981

Net gain (loss) on securities transactions

109

(37)

14,903

(107)

Other

19,786

7,993

7,321

6,044

9,833

Total non-interest income

93,434

82,114

78,017

96,143

83,155

Non-interest expense:

Salaries and wages

81,851

79,411

78,106

79,297

78,247

Employee benefits

16,754

17,844

17,712

20,305

15,970

Net occupancy

17,996

18,202

18,242

17,187

16,800

Furniture and equipment

17,734

17,979

17,978

17,517

16,904

Deposit insurance

5,016

4,558

4,197

3,657

3,667

Intangible amortization

560

586

619

664

766

Other

53,940

41,925

42,591

40,532

41,045

Total non-interest expense

193,851

180,505

179,445

179,159

173,399

Income before income taxes

92,247

91,071

79,885

78,208

61,895

Income taxes

8,528

10,852

8,378

9,392

3,657

Net income

83,719

80,219

71,507

68,816

58,238

Preferred stock dividends

2,016

2,016

2,015

2,016

2,016

Net income available to common shareholders

$

81,703

$

78,203

$

69,492

$

66,800

$

56,222

PER COMMON SHARE DATA

Earnings per common share - basic

$

1.29

$

1.24

$

1.12

$

1.07

$

0.90

Earnings per common share - diluted

1.28

1.24

1.11

1.07

0.90

Cash dividends per common share

0.54

0.54

0.54

0.53

0.53

Book value per common share at end of quarter

45.03

47.98

48.22

45.94

44.30

OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES

Period-end common shares

63,474

62,891

62,049

61,984

61,982

Weighted-average common shares - basic

63,157

62,450

61,960

61,929

62,202

Dilutive effect of stock compensation

881

691

497

70

648

Weighted-average common shares - diluted

64,038

63,141

62,457

61,999

62,850

SELECTED ANNUALIZED RATIOS

Return on average assets

1.09

%

1.07

%

0.99

%

0.96

%

0.78

%

Return on average common equity

11.03

10.31

9.70

9.55

8.07

Net interest income to average earning assets (1)

3.55

3.53

3.57

3.58

3.43

(1)

Taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 35% tax rate

(2)

Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation in connection with the early adoption of a new accounting standard which requires all income tax effects related to settlements of share-based payment awards be reported in earnings as an increase or decrease to income tax expense.

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)

2016

2015(1)

4th Qtr

3rd Qtr

2nd Qtr

1st Qtr

4th Qtr

BALANCE SHEET SUMMARY

($ in millions)

Average Balance:

Loans

$

11,726

$

11,457

$

11,537

$

11,498

$

11,371

Earning assets

27,677

27,051

26,183

25,943

26,409

Total assets

29,835

29,132

28,240

28,081

28,555

Non-interest-bearing demand deposits

10,454

10,002

9,617

10,059

10,539

Interest-bearing deposits

14,952

14,650

14,405

13,897

13,916

Total deposits

25,406

24,652

24,022

23,956

24,455

Shareholders' equity

3,091

3,161

3,025

2,958

2,907

Period-End Balance:

Loans

$

11,975

$

11,581

$

11,584

$

11,542

$

11,487

Earning assets

28,025

27,466

26,789

26,298

26,431

Goodwill and intangible assets

662

662

662

663

663

Total assets

30,196

29,603

28,976

28,400

28,566

Total deposits

25,812

25,108

24,287

24,157

24,344

Shareholders' equity

3,003

3,162

3,137

2,992

2,890

Adjusted shareholders' equity (2)

3,027

2,946

2,855

2,813

2,776

ASSET QUALITY

($ in thousands)

Allowance for loan losses:

$

153,045

$

149,773

$

149,714

$

161,880

$

135,859

As a percentage of period-end loans

1.28

%

1.29

%

1.29

%

1.40

%

1.18

%

Net charge-offs:

$

5,667

$

4,986

$

21,355

$

2,479

$

8,514

Annualized as a percentage of average loans

0.19

%

0.17

%

0.74

%

0.09

%

0.30

%

Non-performing assets:

Non-accrual loans

$

100,151

$

96,833

$

85,130

$

177,455

$

83,467

Restructured loans

1,946

1,946

Foreclosed assets

2,440

2,158

2,375

2,572

2,255

Total

$

102,591

$

100,937

$

89,451

$

180,027

$

85,722

As a percentage of:

Total loans and foreclosed assets

0.86

%

0.87

%

0.77

%

1.56

%

0.75

%

Total assets

0.34

0.34

0.31

0.63

0.30

CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL RATIOS

Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

12.52

%

12.40

%

11.90

%

11.82

%

11.37

%

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

13.33

13.24

12.73

12.66

12.38

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

14.93

14.86

14.36

14.39

13.85

Leverage Ratio

8.14

8.18

8.13

7.96

7.79

Equity to Assets Ratio (period-end)

9.94

10.68

10.82

10.54

10.12

Equity to Assets Ratio (average)

10.36

10.85

10.71

10.53

10.18

(1)

Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation in connection with the adoption of a new accounting standard that requires unamortized debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability.

(2)

Shareholders' equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS

Net interest income

$

776,336

$

736,632

$

686,934

$

620,555

$

604,861

Net interest income (1)

939,958

888,035

807,937

710,850

668,176

Provision for loan losses

51,673

51,845

16,314

20,582

10,080

Non-interest income:

Trust and investment management fees

104,240

105,512

106,237

91,375

83,317

Service charges on deposit accounts

81,203

81,350

81,946

81,432

83,392

Insurance commissions and fees

47,154

48,926

45,115

43,140

39,948

Interchange and debit card transaction fees

21,369

19,666

18,372

16,979

16,933

Other charges, commissions and fees

39,623

37,551

36,180

34,185

30,180

Net gain (loss) on securities transactions

14,975

69

38

1,176

4,314

Other

41,144

35,656

32,256

34,531

30,703

Total non-interest income

349,708

328,730

320,144

302,818

288,787

Non-interest expense:

Salaries and wages

318,665

310,504

292,349

273,692

258,752

Employee benefits

72,615

69,746

60,151

62,407

57,635

Net occupancy

71,627

65,690

55,745

50,468

48,975

Furniture and equipment

71,208

64,373

62,087

58,443

55,279

Deposit insurance

17,428

14,519

13,232

11,682

11,087

Intangible amortization

2,429

3,325

3,520

3,141

3,896

Other

178,988

165,561

167,656

152,077

139,469

Total non-interest expense

732,960

693,718

654,740

611,910

575,093

Income before income taxes

341,411

319,799

336,024

290,881

308,475

Income taxes

37,150

40,471

58,047

53,015

70,523

Net income

304,261

279,328

277,977

237,866

237,952

Preferred stock dividends

8,063

8,063

8,063

6,719

Net income available to common shareholders

$

296,198

$

271,265

$

269,914

$

231,147

$

237,952

PER COMMON SHARE DATA

Earnings per common share - basic

$

4.73

$

4.31

$

4.32

$

3.82

$

3.87

Earnings per common share - diluted

4.70

4.28

4.29

3.80

3.86

Cash dividends per common share

2.15

2.10

2.03

1.98

1.90

Book value per common share at end of quarter

45.03

44.30

42.87

39.13

39.32

OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES

Period-end common shares

63,474

61,982

63,149

60,566

61,479

Weighted-average common shares - basic

62,376

62,758

62,072

60,350

61,298

Dilutive effect of stock compensation

593

715

902

766

345

Weighted-average common shares - diluted

62,969

63,473

62,974

61,116

61,643

SELECTED ANNUALIZED RATIOS

Return on average assets

1.03

%

0.97

%

1.05

%

1.02

%

1.14

%

Return on average common equity

10.16

9.86

10.51

9.93

10.03

Net interest income to average earning assets (1)

3.56

3.45

3.41

3.41

3.59

(1) Taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 35% tax rate

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL SUMMARY (UNAUDITED)

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015(1)

2014(1)

2013(1)

2012(1)

BALANCE SHEET SUMMARY ($ in millions)

Average Balance:

Loans

$

11,555

$

11,267

$

10,299

$

9,230

$

8,457

Earning assets

26,717

25,955

23,877

20,991

19,016

Total assets

28,832

28,061

25,766

22,750

20,825

Non-interest-bearing demand deposits

10,034

10,180

9,125

7,658

7,022

Interest-bearing deposits

14,478

13,861

12,928

11,610

10,270

Total deposits

24,512

24,041

22,053

19,268

17,292

Shareholders' equity

3,059

2,895

2,712

2,455

2,373

Period-End Balance:

Loans

$

11,975

$

11,487

$

10,988

$

9,516

$

9,224

Earning assets

28,025

26,431

26,052

22,238

21,148

Goodwill and intangible assets

662

663

667

543

544

Total assets

30,196

28,566

28,276

24,311

23,122

Total deposits

25,812

24,344

24,136

20,689

19,497

Shareholders' equity

3,003

2,890

2,851

2,514

2,417

Adjusted shareholders' equity (2)

3,027

2,776

2,710

2,374

2,179

ASSET QUALITY ($ in thousands)

Allowance for loan losses:

$

153,045

$

135,859

$

99,542

$

92,438

$

104,453

As a percentage of period-end loans

1.28

%

1.18

%

0.91

%

0.97

%

1.13

%

Net charge-offs:

$

34,487

$

15,528

$

9,210

$

32,597

$

15,774

Annualized as a percentage of average loans

0.30

%

0.14

%

0.09

%

0.35

%

0.19

%

Non-performing assets:

Non-accrual loans

$

100,151

$

83,467

$

59,925

$

56,720

$

89,744

Restructured loans

1,137

Foreclosed assets

2,440

2,255

5,251

11,916

15,502

Total

$

102,591

$

85,722

$

65,176

$

69,773

$

105,246

As a percentage of:

Total loans and foreclosed assets

0.86

%

0.75

%

0.59

%

0.73

%

1.14

%

Total assets

0.34

0.30

0.23

0.29

0.46

CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL RATIOS (3)

Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

12.52

%

11.37

%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio

13.33

12.38

13.68

%

14.39

%

13.68

%

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

14.93

13.85

14.55

15.52

15.11

Leverage Ratio

8.14

7.79

8.16

8.49

8.28

Equity to Assets Ratio (period-end)

9.94

10.12

10.08

10.34

10.46

Equity to Assets Ratio (average)

10.61

10.32

10.53

10.79

11.39

(1)

Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation in connection with the adoption of a new accounting standard that requires unamortized debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability.

(2)

Shareholders' equity excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

(3)

Beginning in 2015, capital ratios are calculated in accordance with the Basel III Capital Rules. Capital ratios for prior periods were calculated in accordance with previous capital rules.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cullenfrost-reports-4th-quarter-and-2016-annual-results-300396428.html

SOURCE Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

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