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CULLEN/FROST BANKERS, INC. - Quarter Report: 2014 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
ý Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2014
Or
¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from                    to
Commission file number: 001-13221
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Texas
74-1751768
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
100 W. Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas
78205
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
(210) 220-4011
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of April 17, 2014, there were 60,911,318 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.


Table of Contents

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
March 31, 2014
Table of Contents
 
Page
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 
 
 

2

Table of Contents

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,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
692,272

 
$
885,121

Interest-bearing deposits
4,480,586

 
3,646,756

Federal funds sold and resell agreements
5,273

 
24,248

Total cash and cash equivalents
5,178,131

 
4,556,125

Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost
3,082,082

 
3,139,748

Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value
5,482,465

 
5,895,436

Trading account securities
15,524

 
16,398

Loans, net of unearned discounts
9,750,645

 
9,515,700

Less: Allowance for loan losses
(95,156
)
 
(92,438
)
Net loans
9,655,489

 
9,423,262

Premises and equipment, net
320,701

 
313,331

Goodwill
536,649

 
536,649

Other intangible assets, net
5,656

 
6,345

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
141,790

 
141,108

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
266,598

 
284,537

Total assets
$
24,685,085

 
$
24,312,939

 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
$
8,617,316

 
$
8,311,149

Interest-bearing deposits
12,448,317

 
12,377,637

Total deposits
21,065,633

 
20,688,786

Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
515,235

 
668,253

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
123,712

 
123,712

Other long-term borrowings
100,000

 
100,000

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
314,586

 
218,027

Total liabilities
22,119,166

 
21,798,778

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 6,000,000 Series A shares ($25 liquidation preference) issued at March 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013
144,486

 
144,486

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 210,000,000 shares authorized; 61,632,464 shares issued at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
617

 
617

Additional paid-in capital
727,677

 
724,197

Retained earnings
1,599,337

 
1,575,282

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
142,748

 
140,434

Treasury stock, at cost; 736,196 shares at March 31, 2014 and 1,066,021 shares at December 31, 2013
(48,946
)
 
(70,855
)
Total shareholders’ equity
2,565,919

 
2,514,161

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
24,685,085

 
$
24,312,939

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


3

Table of Contents

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Interest income:
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
104,315

 
$
102,056

Securities:
 
 
 
Taxable
21,403

 
27,377

Tax-exempt
35,564

 
27,954

Interest-bearing deposits
2,404

 
1,353

Federal funds sold and resell agreements
20

 
22

Total interest income
163,706

 
158,762

Interest expense:
 
 
 
Deposits
2,561

 
4,008

Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
27

 
30

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
561

 
1,673

Other long-term borrowings
222

 
238

Total interest expense
3,371

 
5,949

Net interest income
160,335

 
152,813

Provision for loan losses
6,600

 
6,000

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
153,735

 
146,813

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
Trust and investment management fees
25,411

 
21,885

Service charges on deposit accounts
19,974

 
20,044

Insurance commissions and fees
13,126

 
13,070

Interchange and debit card transaction fees
4,243

 
4,011

Other charges, commissions and fees
8,207

 
7,755

Net gain (loss) on securities transactions

 
5

Other
6,529

 
11,010

Total non-interest income
77,490

 
77,780

Non-interest expense:
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
70,217

 
66,465

Employee benefits
17,388

 
17,991

Net occupancy
12,953

 
11,979

Furniture and equipment
14,953

 
14,185

Deposit insurance
3,117

 
2,889

Intangible amortization
689

 
820

Other
38,624

 
41,485

Total non-interest expense
157,941

 
155,814

Income before income taxes
73,284

 
68,779

Income taxes
12,096

 
13,591

Net income
61,188

 
55,188

Preferred stock dividends
2,016

 

Net income available to common shareholders
$
59,172

 
$
55,188

 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.97

 
$
0.91

Diluted
0.96

 
0.91

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

Table of Contents

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
61,188

 
$
55,188

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
 
 
 
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period
21,431

 
(21,344
)
Change in net unrealized gain on securities transferred to held to maturity
(9,198
)
 
(8,459
)
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income

 
(5
)
Total securities available for sale and transferred securities
12,233

 
(29,808
)
Defined-benefit post-retirement benefit plans:
 
 
 
Change in the net actuarial gain/loss
672

 
1,640

Derivatives:
 
 
 
Change in the accumulated gain/loss on effective cash flow hedge derivatives

 

Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income:
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps on variable-rate loans
(9,345
)
 
(9,345
)
Interest rate swap on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

 
1,085

Total derivatives
(9,345
)
 
(8,260
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
3,560

 
(36,428
)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income
1,246

 
(12,750
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
2,314

 
(23,678
)
Comprehensive income
$
63,502

 
$
31,510

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

Table of Contents

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Total shareholders’ equity at beginning of period
$
2,514,161

 
$
2,417,482

Net income
61,188

 
55,188

Other comprehensive income (loss)
2,314

 
(23,678
)
Stock option exercises (329,825 shares in 2014 and 395,425 shares in 2013)
17,279

 
20,446

Stock compensation expense recognized in earnings
2,136

 
2,342

Tax benefits (deficiencies) related to stock compensation
1,344

 
(209
)
Issuance of preferred stock (6,000,000 shares in 2013)

 
144,539

Purchase of treasury stock (1,905,077 shares in 2013)

 
(115,200
)
Accelerated share repurchase forward contract

 
(28,800
)
Cash dividends – preferred stock (approximately $0.34 per share in 2014)
(2,016
)
 

Cash dividends – common stock ($0.50 per share in 2014 and $0.48 per share in 2013)
(30,487
)
 
(28,779
)
Total shareholders’ equity at end of period
$
2,565,919

 
$
2,443,331

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


6

Table of Contents

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
61,188

 
$
55,188

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
6,600

 
6,000

Deferred tax expense (benefit)
(1,933
)
 
(2,118
)
Accretion of loan discounts
(3,503
)
 
(2,900
)
Securities premium amortization (discount accretion), net
13,810

 
8,710

Net (gain) loss on securities transactions

 
(5
)
Depreciation and amortization
9,702

 
9,464

Net (gain) loss on sale/write-down of assets/foreclosed assets
147

 
3,342

Stock-based compensation
2,136

 
2,342

Net tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based compensation
9

 
(331
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(1,335
)
 
(122
)
Earnings on life insurance policies
(682
)
 
(893
)
Net change in:
 
 
 
Trading account securities
909

 
7,410

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
14,633

 
9,460

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
(29,098
)
 
(140,719
)
Net cash from operating activities
72,583

 
(45,172
)
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity:
 
 
 
Purchases

 
(133,832
)
Maturities, calls and principal repayments
42,113

 
8,133

Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
Purchases
(617,914
)
 
(4,498,091
)
Sales

 
4,498,102

Maturities, calls and principal repayments
1,163,981

 
321,322

Net change in loans
(237,216
)
 
47,259

Net cash paid in acquisitions

 

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment
15

 
12,550

Purchases of premises and equipment
(13,215
)
 
(6,834
)
Proceeds from sales of repossessed properties
1,719

 
2,142

Net cash from investing activities
339,483

 
250,751

 
 
 
 
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Net change in deposits
376,847

 
(453,462
)
Net change in short-term borrowings
(153,018
)
 
(50,959
)
Principal payments on long-term borrowings

 
(5
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
17,279

 
20,446

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
1,335

 
122

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

 
144,539

Purchase of treasury stock

 
(115,200
)
Accelerated share repurchase forward contract

 
(28,800
)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
(2,016
)
 

Cash dividends paid on common stock
(30,487
)
 
(28,779
)
Net cash from financing activities
209,940

 
(512,098
)
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
622,006

 
(306,519
)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
4,556,125

 
3,524,979

Cash and equivalents at end of period
$
5,178,131

 
$
3,218,460


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

Table of Contents

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. In addition to general commercial and consumer banking, other products and services offered include trust and investment management, investment banking, insurance, brokerage, leasing, asset-based lending, treasury management 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 (collectively referred to as the “Corporation”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounting and financial reporting policies the Corporation follows 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 the Corporation’s 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 the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended December 31, 2013, included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 6, 2014 (the “2013 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, the fair value of stock-based compensation awards, 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,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash paid for interest
$
3,495

 
$
6,056

Cash paid for income tax

 

Significant non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
Loans foreclosed and transferred to other real estate owned and foreclosed assets
1,994

 
274

Loans to facilitate the sale of other real estate owned
102

 

Deferred gain on sale of building and parking garage

 
1,318


8

Table of Contents

Note 2 - Securities
A summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities, excluding trading securities, is presented below.
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Held to Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
248,693

 
$
18,475

 
$

 
$
267,168

 
$
248,592

 
$
20,139

 
$

 
$
268,731

Residential mortgage-backed securities
9,512

 
92

 
58

 
9,546

 
9,674

 
89

 
143

 
9,620

States and political subdivisions
2,822,877

 
11,989

 
67,121

 
2,767,745

 
2,880,482

 
7,691

 
137,861

 
2,750,312

Other
1,000

 

 

 
1,000

 
1,000

 

 

 
1,000

Total
$
3,082,082

 
$
30,556

 
$
67,179

 
$
3,045,459

 
$
3,139,748

 
$
27,919

 
$
138,004

 
$
3,029,663

Available for Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
1,825,033

 
$
15,178

 
$
1,453

 
$
1,838,758

 
$
2,522,159

 
$
18,395

 
$

 
$
2,540,554

U.S. Government agencies/corporations

 

 

 

 
54,024

 

 
44

 
53,980

Residential mortgage-backed securities
1,610,400

 
68,553

 
1,036

 
1,677,917

 
1,710,664

 
66,791

 
1,439

 
1,776,016

States and political subdivisions
1,893,310

 
38,680

 
2,190

 
1,929,800

 
1,476,316

 
20,090

 
7,492

 
1,488,914

Other
35,990

 

 

 
35,990

 
35,972

 

 

 
35,972

Total
$
5,364,733

 
$
122,411

 
$
4,679

 
$
5,482,465

 
$
5,799,135

 
$
105,276

 
$
8,975

 
$
5,895,436

All mortgage-backed securities included in the above table were issued by U.S. government agencies and corporations. At March 31, 2014, approximately 96.7% of the securities in the Corporation’s municipal bond portfolio were issued by political subdivisions or agencies within the State of Texas, of which approximately 68.8% are either guaranteed by the Texas Permanent School Fund, which has a “triple A” insurer financial strength rating, or secured by U.S. Treasury securities via defeasance of the debt by the issuers. 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 above table. The carrying value of securities pledged to secure public funds, trust deposits, repurchase agreements and for other purposes, as required or permitted by law was $2.6 billion at March 31, 2014 and $3.0 billion and December 31, 2013.
During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Corporation reclassified certain securities from available for sale to held to maturity. The securities had an aggregate fair value of $2.3 billion with an aggregate net unrealized gain of $165.7 million ($107.7 million, net of tax) on the date of the transfer. The net unamortized, unrealized gain on the transferred securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying balance sheet as of March 31, 2014 totaled $120.2 million ($78.1 million, net of tax). 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.

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Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2014, securities, with unrealized losses segregated by length of impairment, were as follows:
 
Less than 12 Months
 
More than 12 Months
 
Total
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Held to Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities
$
6,967

 
$
58

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,967

 
$
58

States and political subdivisions
909,160

 
20,135

 
1,338,645

 
46,986

 
2,247,805

 
67,121

Total
$
916,127

 
$
20,193

 
$
1,338,645

 
$
46,986

 
$
2,254,772

 
$
67,179

Available for Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
300,984

 
$
1,453

 
$

 
$

 
$
300,984

 
$
1,453

Residential mortgage-backed securities
14,598

 
804

 
2,745

 
232

 
17,343

 
1,036

States and political subdivisions
332,824

 
2,190

 

 

 
332,824

 
2,190

Total
$
648,406

 
$
4,447

 
$
2,745

 
$
232

 
$
651,151

 
$
4,679

Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (iii) the intent and ability of the Corporation to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in cost.
Management has the ability and intent to hold the securities classified as held to maturity in the table above until they mature, at which time the Corporation will receive full value for the securities. Furthermore, as of March 31, 2014, 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 the Corporation will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. Any unrealized losses are largely 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 bonds approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. Management does not believe any of the securities are impaired due to reasons of credit quality. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2014, management believes the impairments detailed in the table above are temporary and no impairment loss has been realized in the Corporation’s consolidated income statement.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities, excluding trading securities, at March 31, 2014 are presented below by contractual maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. Residential mortgage-backed securities and equity securities are shown separately since they are not due at a single maturity date.
 
Held to Maturity
 
Available for Sale
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
136,041

 
$
140,005

 
$
798,320

 
$
806,678

Due after one year through five years
451,340

 
478,859

 
880,127

 
889,983

Due after five years through ten years
167,188

 
163,840

 
1,298,721

 
1,305,841

Due after ten years
2,318,001

 
2,253,209

 
741,175

 
766,056

Residential mortgage-backed securities
9,512

 
9,546

 
1,610,400

 
1,677,917

Equity securities

 

 
35,990

 
35,990

Total
$
3,082,082

 
$
3,045,459

 
$
5,364,733

 
$
5,482,465

Sales of securities available for sale were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Proceeds from sales
$

 
$
4,498,102

Gross realized gains

 
5

Gross realized losses

 

Tax (expense) benefit of securities gains/losses

 
(2
)

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Table of Contents

Trading account securities, at estimated fair value, were as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
U.S. Treasury
$
15,489

 
$
15,389

States and political subdivisions
35

 
1,009

Total
$
15,524

 
$
16,398

Net gains and losses on trading account securities were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Net gain on sales transactions
$
240

 
$
294

Net mark-to-market gains (losses)
(3
)
 
(3
)
Net gain on trading account securities
$
237

 
$
291

Note 3 - Loans
Loans were as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
Percentage
of Total
 
December 31,
2013
 
Percentage
of Total
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
4,686,817

 
48.1
 %
 
$
4,460,543

 
46.9
 %
Leases
307,269

 
3.1

 
319,577

 
3.4

Asset-based
112,640

 
1.2

 
126,956

 
1.3

Total commercial and industrial
5,106,726

 
52.4

 
4,907,076

 
51.6

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgages
2,800,091

 
28.7

 
2,800,760

 
29.4

Construction
445,491

 
4.6

 
426,639

 
4.5

Land
250,557

 
2.6

 
239,937

 
2.5

Total commercial real estate
3,496,139

 
35.9

 
3,467,336

 
36.4

Consumer real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity loans
334,802

 
3.4

 
329,853

 
3.5

Home equity lines of credit
199,734

 
2.0

 
195,132

 
2.1

1-4 family residential mortgages
29,749

 
0.3

 
32,447

 
0.3

Construction
15,509

 
0.2

 
13,123

 
0.1

Other
239,203

 
2.5

 
237,649

 
2.5

Total consumer real estate
818,997

 
8.4

 
808,204

 
8.5

Total real estate
4,315,136

 
44.3

 
4,275,540

 
44.9

Consumer and other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer installment
346,798

 
3.5

 
350,827

 
3.7

Other
5,522

 
0.1

 
7,289

 
0.1

Total consumer and other
352,320

 
3.6

 
358,116

 
3.8

Unearned discounts
(23,537
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(25,032
)
 
(0.3
)
Total loans
$
9,750,645

 
100.0
 %
 
$
9,515,700

 
100.0
 %
Loan Origination/Risk Management. The Corporation has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.
Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and prudently expand its business. Underwriting standards are designed to promote relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Once it is determined that the borrower’s management possesses sound ethics and solid business acumen, the Corporation’s management examines current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay their obligations as agreed. Commercial and industrial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily

11

Table of Contents

on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.
Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans, in addition to those of real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Corporation’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. This diversity helps reduce the Corporation’s exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography and risk grade criteria. As a general rule, the Corporation avoids financing single-purpose projects unless other underwriting factors are present to help mitigate risk. The Corporation also utilizes third-party experts to provide insight and guidance about economic conditions and trends affecting market areas it serves. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans. At March 31, 2014, approximately 58% of the outstanding principal balance of the Corporation’s commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties.
With respect to loans to developers and builders that are secured by non-owner occupied properties that the Corporation may originate from time to time, the Corporation generally requires the borrower to have had an existing relationship with the Corporation and have a proven record of success. Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the completed project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Corporation until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.
The Corporation originates consumer loans utilizing a computer-based credit scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed, jointly by line and staff personnel. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Additionally, trend and outlook reports are reviewed by management on a regular basis. Underwriting standards for home equity loans are heavily influenced by statutory requirements, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value percentage of 80%, collection remedies, the number of such loans a borrower can have at one time and documentation requirements.
The Corporation maintains an independent loan review department that reviews and validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of these reviews are presented to management. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Corporation’s policies and procedures.
Concentrations of Credit. Most of the Corporation’s 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 the Corporation’s loan portfolio consists of commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans. Other than energy loans, as of March 31, 2014 there were no concentrations of loans related to any single industry in excess of 10% of total loans.
Foreign Loans. The Corporation has 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 significant at March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

12

Table of Contents

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. In determining whether or not a borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations for each class of loans, the Corporation considers the borrower’s debt service capacity through the analysis of current financial information, if available, and/or current information with regards to the Corporation’s collateral position. Regulatory provisions would typically require the placement of a loan on non-accrual status if (i) principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection or (ii) full payment of principal and interest is not expected. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income on non-accrual loans is recognized only to the extent that cash payments are received in excess of principal due. A loan may be returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured, which is typically evidenced by a sustained period (at least six months) of repayment performance by the borrower.
Non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, were as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
Energy
$
526

 
$
590

Other commercial
22,458

 
26,143

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
Buildings, land and other
23,319

 
27,035

Construction
312

 

Consumer real estate
2,178

 
2,207

Consumer and other
710

 
745

Total
$
49,503

 
$
56,720

As of March 31, 2014, non-accrual loans reported in the table above included $793 thousand related to loans that were restructured as “troubled debt restructurings” during three months ended March 31, 2014. Had non-accrual loans performed in accordance with their original contract terms, the Corporation would have recognized additional interest income, net of tax, of approximately $358 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to $608 thousand for the same period in 2013.
An age analysis of past due loans (including both accruing and non-accruing loans), segregated by class of loans, as of March 31, 2014 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
$
1

 
$
526

 
$
527

 
$
1,151,792

 
$
1,152,319

 
$

Other commercial
10,078

 
12,602

 
22,680

 
3,931,727

 
3,954,407

 
4,419

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buildings, land and other
9,814

 
15,287

 
25,101

 
3,025,547

 
3,050,648

 
1,622

Construction
411

 

 
411

 
445,080

 
445,491

 

Consumer real estate
5,876

 
2,332

 
8,208

 
810,789

 
818,997

 
2,105

Consumer and other
2,539

 
1,053

 
3,592

 
348,728

 
352,320

 
893

Unearned discounts

 

 

 
(23,537
)
 
(23,537
)
 

Total
$
28,719

 
$
31,800

 
$
60,519

 
$
9,690,126

 
$
9,750,645

 
$
9,039


13

Table of Contents

Impaired Loans. Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of a similar nature and on an individual loan basis for other loans. If a loan is impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectibility of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible.
Regulatory guidelines require the Corporation to reevaluate the fair value of collateral supporting impaired collateral dependent loans on at least an annual basis. While the Corporation’s policy is to comply with the regulatory guidelines, the Corporation’s general practice is to reevaluate the fair value of collateral supporting impaired collateral dependent loans on a quarterly basis. Thus, appraisals are never considered to be outdated, and the Corporation does not need to make any adjustments to the appraised values. The fair value of collateral supporting impaired collateral dependent loans is evaluated by the Corporation’s internal appraisal services using a methodology that is consistent with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. The fair value of collateral supporting impaired collateral dependent construction loans is based on an “as is” valuation.
Impaired loans are set forth in the following table. No interest income was recognized on impaired loans subsequent to their classification as impaired.
 
Unpaid Contractual
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded Investment
With
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
$
545

 
$
526

 
$

 
$
526

 
$

Other commercial
28,100

 
15,663

 
3,728

 
19,391

 
2,731

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buildings, land and other
25,842

 
20,015

 
1,013

 
21,028

 
776

Construction
481

 
312

 

 
312

 

Consumer real estate
894

 
718

 

 
718

 

Consumer and other
310

 
264

 

 
264

 

Total
$
56,172

 
$
37,498

 
$
4,741

 
$
42,239

 
$
3,507

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
$
545

 
$
531

 
$

 
$
531

 
$

Other commercial
31,429

 
15,337

 
7,004

 
22,341

 
4,140

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buildings, land and other
27,792

 
15,697

 
8,870

 
24,567

 
2,786

Construction

 

 

 

 

Consumer real estate
907

 
745

 

 
745

 

Consumer and other
334

 
278

 

 
278

 

Total
$
61,007

 
$
32,588

 
$
15,874

 
$
48,462

 
$
6,926

The average recorded investment in impaired loans was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
Energy
$
529

 
$
535

Other commercial
20,866

 
42,452

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
Buildings, land and other
22,798

 
36,338

Construction
156

 
1,078

Consumer real estate
732

 
849

Consumer and other
271

 
392

Total
$
45,352

 
$
81,644


14

Table of Contents

Troubled Debt Restructurings. The restructuring of a loan is considered a “troubled debt restructuring” if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor has granted a concession. Concessions may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, principal forgiveness, restructuring amortization schedules, reductions in collateral and other actions intended to minimize potential losses.
Troubled debt restructurings during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 are set forth in the following table.
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2014
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2013
 
Balance at
Restructure
 
Balance at
Period-End
 
Balance at
Restructure
 
Balance at
Period-End
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Other commercial
819

 
793

 
275

 
275

Commercial real estate:

 

 

 

Buildings, land and other

 

 
1,680

 
1,613

 
$
819

 
$
793

 
$
1,955

 
$
1,888

The modifications during the reported periods primarily related to extending amortization periods, converting the loans to interest only for a limited period of time, consolidating notes and/or reducing collateral or interest rates. The modifications did not significantly impact the Corporation’s determination of the allowance for loan losses. As of March 31, 2014, $5.2 million of loans restructured during 2013 were in excess of 90 days past due. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Corporation charged-off $427 thousand of commercial and industrial loans that were restructured during 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Corporation also foreclosed upon certain commercial real estate loans that were restructured during 2013. The Corporation recognized $500 thousand of other real estate owned and no charge-offs in connection with these foreclosures. The aforementioned charge-offs, foreclosures and past due loans did not significantly impact the Corporation’s determination of the allowance for loan losses.
Credit Quality Indicators. As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Corporation’s 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 (see details above), (iv) net charge-offs, (v) non-performing loans (see details above) and (vi) the general economic conditions in the State of Texas.
The Corporation utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its commercial loans. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 14. A description of the general characteristics of the 14 risk grades is as follows:
Grades 1, 2 and 3 – These grades include loans to very high credit quality borrowers of investment or near investment grade. These borrowers are generally publicly traded (grades 1 and 2), have significant capital strength, moderate leverage, stable earnings and growth, and readily available financing alternatives. Smaller entities, regardless of strength, would generally not fit in these grades.
Grades 4 and 5 – These grades include loans to borrowers of solid credit quality with moderate risk. Borrowers in these grades are differentiated from higher grades on the basis of size (capital and/or revenue), leverage, asset quality and the stability of the industry or market area.
Grades 6, 7 and 8 – These grades include “pass grade” loans to borrowers of acceptable credit quality and risk. Such borrowers are differentiated from Grades 4 and 5 in terms of size, secondary sources of repayment or they are of lesser stature in other key credit metrics in that they may be over-leveraged, under capitalized, inconsistent in performance or in an industry or an economic area that is known to have a higher level of risk, volatility, or susceptibility to weaknesses in the economy.
Grade 9 – This grade includes loans on management’s “watch list” and is intended to be utilized on a temporary basis for pass grade borrowers where a significant risk-modifying action is anticipated in the near term.
Grade 10 – This grade is for “Other Assets Especially Mentioned” in accordance with regulatory guidelines. This grade is intended to be temporary and includes loans to borrowers whose credit quality has clearly deteriorated and are at risk of further decline unless active measures are taken to correct the situation.
Grade 11 – This grade includes “Substandard” loans, in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has not been stopped. By definition under regulatory guidelines, a “Substandard” loan has defined weaknesses which make payment default or principal exposure likely, but not yet certain. Such loans are apt to be dependent upon collateral liquidation, a secondary source of repayment or an event outside of the normal course of business.

15

Table of Contents

Grade 12 – This grade includes “Substandard” loans, in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has been stopped. This grade includes loans where interest is more than 120 days past due and not fully secured and loans where a specific valuation allowance may be necessary, but generally does not exceed 30% of the principal balance.
Grade 13 – This grade includes “Doubtful” loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Such loans are placed on non-accrual status and may be dependent upon collateral having a value that is difficult to determine or upon some near-term event which lacks certainty. Additionally, these loans generally have a specific valuation allowance in excess of 30% of the principal balance.
Grade 14 – This grade includes “Loss” loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Such loans are to be charged-off or charged-down when payment is acknowledged to be uncertain or when the timing or value of payments cannot be determined. “Loss” is not intended to imply that the loan or some portion of it will never be paid, nor does it in any way imply that there has been a forgiveness of debt.

16

Table of Contents

In monitoring credit quality trends in the context of assessing the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, the Corporation monitors portfolio credit quality by the weighted-average risk grade of each class of commercial loan. Individual relationship managers review updated financial information for all pass grade loans to recalculate the risk grade on at least an annual basis. When a loan has a calculated 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 calculated risk grade of 10 or higher, a special assets officer monitors the loan on an on-going basis. The following table presents weighted average risk grades for all commercial loans by class.
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Weighted
Average
Risk Grade
 
Loans
 
Weighted
Average
Risk Grade
 
Loans
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Energy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk grades 1-8
5.36

 
$
1,129,839

 
5.37

 
$
1,106,348

Risk grade 9
9.00

 
21,733

 
9.00

 
7,726

Risk grade 10
10.00

 
221

 
10.00

 
245

Risk grade 11
11.00

 

 
11.00

 
500

Risk grade 12
12.00

 
526

 
12.00

 
590

Risk grade 13
13.00

 

 
13.00

 

Total energy
5.43

 
$
1,152,319

 
5.40

 
$
1,115,409

Other commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk grades 1-8
5.98

 
$
3,671,876

 
5.95

 
$
3,507,963

Risk grade 9
9.00

 
76,294

 
9.00

 
74,766

Risk grade 10
10.00

 
87,148

 
10.00

 
89,878

Risk grade 11
11.00

 
96,581

 
11.00

 
92,917

Risk grade 12
12.00

 
19,253

 
12.00

 
21,389

Risk grade 13
13.00

 
3,255

 
13.00

 
4,754

Total other commercial
6.28

 
$
3,954,407

 
6.27

 
$
3,791,667

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buildings, land and other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk grades 1-8
6.59

 
$
2,840,771

 
6.59

 
$
2,844,665

Risk grade 9
9.00

 
88,408

 
9.00

 
65,770

Risk grade 10
10.00

 
47,465

 
10.00

 
49,881

Risk grade 11
11.00

 
50,454

 
11.00

 
53,208

Risk grade 12
12.00

 
22,774

 
12.00

 
24,387

Risk grade 13
13.00

 
776

 
13.00

 
2,786

Total commercial real estate
6.83

 
$
3,050,648

 
6.83

 
$
3,040,697

Construction
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk grades 1-8
7.05

 
$
441,923

 
7.05

 
$
418,999

Risk grade 9
9.00

 
1,682

 
9.00

 
1,301

Risk grade 10
10.00

 
1,353

 
10.00

 
5,931

Risk grade 11
11.00

 
221

 
11.00

 
408

Risk grade 12
12.00

 
312

 
12.00

 

Risk grade 13
13.00

 

 
13.00

 

Total construction
7.07

 
$
445,491

 
7.10

 
$
426,639

The Corporation has established maximum loan to value standards to be applied during the origination process of commercial and consumer real estate loans. The Corporation does not subsequently monitor loan-to-value ratios (either individually or on a weighted-average basis) for loans that are subsequently considered to be of a pass grade (grades 9 or better) and/or current with respect to principal and interest payments. As stated above, when an individual commercial real estate loan has a calculated risk grade of 10 or higher, a special assets officer analyzes the loan to determine whether the loan is impaired. At that time, the Corporation reassesses the loan to value position in the loan. If the loan is determined to be collateral dependent, specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses are made for the amount of any collateral deficiency. If a collateral deficiency is ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, the amount is charged-off. These loans and related assessments of collateral position are monitored on an individual, case-by-case basis. The Corporation does not monitor loan-to-value ratios on a weighted-average basis for commercial real estate loans having a calculated risk grade of 10 or higher. Nonetheless, there were three commercial real estate loans having

17

Table of Contents

a calculated risk grade of 10 or higher in excess of $5 million as of March 31, 2014, which totaled $24.9 million and had a weighted-average loan-to-value ratio of approximately 75.5%. When an individual consumer real estate loan becomes past due by more than 10 days, the assigned relationship manager will begin collection efforts. The Corporation only reassesses the loan to value position in a consumer real estate loan if, during the course of the collections process, it is determined that the loan has become collateral dependent, and any collateral deficiency is recognized as a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses. Accordingly, the Corporation does not monitor loan-to-value ratios on a weighted-average basis for collateral dependent consumer real estate loans.
Generally, a commercial loan, or a portion thereof, is charged-off immediately when it is determined, through the analysis of any available current financial information with regards to the borrower, that the borrower is incapable of servicing unsecured debt, there is little or no prospect for near term improvement and no realistic strengthening action of significance is pending or, in the case of secured debt, when it is determined, through analysis of current information with regards to the Corporation’s collateral position, that amounts due from the borrower are in excess of the calculated current fair value of the collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, generally, commercial loans that become past due 180 cumulative days are classified as a loss and charged-off. Generally, a consumer loan, or a portion thereof, is charged-off in accordance with regulatory guidelines which provide that such loans be charged-off when the Corporation becomes aware of the loss, such as from a triggering event that may include new information about a borrower’s intent/ability to repay the loan, bankruptcy, fraud or death, among other things, but in no case should the charge-off exceed specified delinquency time frames. Such delinquency time frames state that closed-end retail loans (loans with pre-defined maturity dates, such as real estate mortgages, home equity loans and consumer installment loans) that become past due 120 cumulative days and open-end retail loans (loans that roll-over at the end of each term, such as home equity lines of credit) that become past due 180 cumulative days should be classified as a loss and charged-off.
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries, segregated by class of loans, were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
Energy
$
(13
)
 
$

Other commercial
(1,683
)
 
(16,527
)
Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
Buildings, land and other
(1,618
)
 
215

Construction
40

 
114

Consumer real estate
23

 
(276
)
Consumer and other
(631
)
 
(390
)
Total
$
(3,882
)
 
$
(16,864
)
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 is a single summary statistic that is designed to signal the likelihood of the Texas economy’s transition from expansion to recession and vice versa. Management believes this index provides a reliable indication of the direction of overall credit quality. The TLI is a composite of the following eight leading indicators: (i) Texas Value of the Dollar, (ii) U.S. Leading Index, (iii) real oil prices (iv) well permits, (v) initial claims for unemployment insurance, (vi) Texas Stock Index, (vii) Help-Wanted Index and (viii) average weekly hours worked in manufacturing. The TLI totaled 130.3 at February 28, 2014 (most recent date available) and 129.2 at December 31, 2013. A higher TLI value implies more favorable economic conditions.

18

Table of Contents

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Corporation’s allowance for loan loss methodology follows the accounting guidance set forth in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and the Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, which was jointly issued by U.S. bank regulatory agencies. In that regard, the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions. The Corporation’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to non-accrual loans, past due loans, potential problem loans, criticized loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors. The provision for loan losses also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period. In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance for loan losses related to newly identified criticized loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools.
The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss and recovery experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. 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 determination of the appropriate level of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Corporation’s control, including, among other things, the performance of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications. The Corporation monitors whether or not the allowance for loan loss allocation model, as a whole, calculates an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses that moves in direct correlation to the general macroeconomic and loan portfolio conditions the Corporation experiences over time.
The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 310 based on probable losses on specific loans; (ii) historical valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) general valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on general economic conditions and other risk factors both internal and external to the Corporation.
The allowances established for probable losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of problem loans. Loans are classified based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the obligor’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. This analysis is performed at the relationship manager level for all commercial loans. When a loan has a calculated grade of 10 or higher, a special assets officer analyzes the loan to determine whether the loan is impaired and, if impaired, the need to specifically allocate a portion of the allowance for loan losses to the loan. Specific valuation allowances are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk grade of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower’s industry, among other things.
Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical gross loss experience of specific types of loans and the internal risk grade of such loans at the time they were charged-off. The Corporation calculates historical gross loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical gross loss ratios are periodically updated based on actual charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical gross loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool. The Corporation’s pools of similar loans include similarly risk-graded groups of commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer real estate loans and consumer and other loans.
The components of the general valuation allowance include (i) the additional reserves allocated as a result of applying an environmental risk adjustment factor to the base historical loss allocation, (ii) the additional reserves allocated for loans to borrowers in distressed industries and (iii) the additional reserves allocated for groups of similar loans with risk characteristics that exceed certain concentration limits established by management.
The environmental adjustment factor is based upon a more qualitative analysis of risk and is calculated through a survey of senior officers who are involved in credit making decisions at a corporate-wide and/or regional level. On a quarterly basis, survey participants rate the degree of various risks utilizing a numeric scale that translates to varying grades of high, moderate or low levels of risk. The results are then input into a risk-weighting matrix to determine an appropriate environmental risk adjustment

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factor. The various risks that may be considered in the determination of the environmental adjustment factor include, among other things, (i) the experience, ability and effectiveness of the bank’s lending management and staff; (ii) the effectiveness of the Corporation’s loan policies, procedures and internal controls; (iii) changes in asset quality; (iv) the impact of legislative and governmental influences affecting industry sectors; (v) the effectiveness of the internal loan review function; (vi) the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing; and (vii) the impact of rising interest rates on portfolio risk. In periods where the surveyed risks are perceived to be higher, the risk-weighting matrix will generally result in a higher environmental adjustment factor, which, in turn will result in higher levels of general valuation allowance allocations. The opposite holds true in periods where the surveyed risks are perceived to be lower.
General valuation allowances also include amounts allocated for loans to borrowers in distressed industries. To determine the amount of the allocation for each loan portfolio segment, management calculates the weighted-average risk grade for all loans to borrowers in distressed industries by loan portfolio segment. A multiple is then applied to the amount by which the weighted-average risk grade for loans to borrowers in distressed industries exceeds the weighted-average risk grade for all pass-grade loans within the loan portfolio segment to derive an allocation factor for loans to borrowers in distressed industries. The amount of the allocation for each loan portfolio segment is the product of this allocation factor and the outstanding balance of pass-grade loans within the identified distressed industries that have a risk grade of 6 or higher. Management identifies potential distressed industries by analyzing industry trends related to delinquencies, classifications and charge-offs. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, certain segments of contractors were considered to be a distressed industry based on elevated levels of delinquencies, classifications and charge-offs relative to other industries within the Corporation’s loan portfolio. Furthermore, the Corporation determined, through a review of borrower financial information that, as a whole, contractors have experienced, among other things, decreased revenues, reduced backlog of work, compressed margins and little, if any, net income.
General valuation allowances also include allocations for groups of loans with similar risk characteristics that exceed certain concentration limits established by management and/or the Corporation’s board of directors. Concentration risk limits have been established, among other things, for certain industry concentrations, large balance and highly leveraged credit relationships that exceed specified risk grades, and loans originated with policy, credit and/or collateral exceptions that exceed specified risk grades. Additionally, general valuation allowances are provided for loans that did not undergo a separate, independent concurrence review during the underwriting process (generally those loans under $1.0 million at origination). The Corporation’s allowance methodology for general valuation allowances also includes a reduction factor for recoveries of prior charge-offs to compensate for the fact that historical loss allocations are based upon gross charge-offs rather than net. The adjustment for recoveries is based on the lower of annualized, year-to-date gross recoveries or the total gross recoveries for the preceding four quarters, adjusted, when necessary, for expected future trends in recoveries.

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The following table presents details of the allowance for loan losses, segregated by loan portfolio segment.
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Consumer
Real Estate
 
Consumer
and Other
 
Unallocated
 
Total
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Historical valuation allowances
$
36,638

 
$
13,121

 
$
1,966

 
$
9,364

 
$

 
$
61,089

Specific valuation allowances
2,731

 
776

 

 

 

 
3,507

General valuation allowances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental risk adjustment
7,189

 
3,223

 
465

 
2,420

 

 
13,297

Distressed industries
2,354

 
96

 

 

 

 
2,450

Excessive industry concentrations
1,894

 
327

 

 

 

 
2,221

Large relationship concentrations
1,662

 
1,135

 

 

 

 
2,797

Highly-leveraged credit relationships
5,170

 
957

 

 

 

 
6,127

Policy exceptions

 

 

 

 
2,547

 
2,547

Credit and collateral exceptions

 

 

 

 
1,954

 
1,954

Loans not reviewed by concurrence
2,008

 
2,176

 
2,280

 
1,056

 

 
7,520

Adjustment for recoveries
(2,592
)
 
(791
)
 
(178
)
 
(7,149
)
 

 
(10,710
)
General macroeconomic risk

 

 

 

 
2,357

 
2,357

Total
$
57,054

 
$
21,020

 
$
4,533

 
$
5,691

 
$
6,858

 
$
95,156

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Historical valuation allowances
$
29,357

 
$
13,042

 
$
2,644

 
$
8,695

 
$

 
$
53,738

Specific valuation allowances
4,140

 
2,786

 

 

 

 
6,926

General valuation allowances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental risk adjustment
5,497

 
3,314

 
664

 
2,331

 

 
11,806

Distressed industries
7,812

 
384

 

 

 

 
8,196

Excessive industry concentrations
1,499

 
367

 

 

 

 
1,866

Large relationship concentrations
1,529

 
1,081

 

 

 

 
2,610

Highly-leveraged credit relationships
4,535

 
619

 

 

 

 
5,154

Policy exceptions

 

 

 

 
2,492

 
2,492

Credit and collateral exceptions

 

 

 

 
1,398

 
1,398

Loans not reviewed by concurrence
2,009

 
2,201

 
2,250

 
1,064

 

 
7,524

Adjustment for recoveries
(3,588
)
 
(1,204
)
 
(328
)
 
(7,080
)
 

 
(12,200
)
General macroeconomic risk

 

 

 

 
2,928

 
2,928

Total
$
52,790

 
$
22,590

 
$
5,230

 
$
5,010

 
$
6,818

 
$
92,438

The Corporation monitors whether or not the allowance for loan loss allocation model, as a whole, calculates an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses that moves in direct correlation to the general macroeconomic and loan portfolio conditions the Corporation experiences over time. In assessing the general macroeconomic trends/conditions, the Corporation analyzes trends in the components of the TLI, as well as any available information related to regional, national and international economic conditions and events and the impact such conditions and events may have on the Corporation and its customers. With regard to assessing loan portfolio conditions, the Corporation analyzes trends in weighted-average portfolio risk-grades, classified and non-performing loans and charge-off activity. In periods where general macroeconomic and loan portfolio conditions are in a deteriorating trend or remain at deteriorated levels, based on historical trends, the Corporation would expect to see the allowance for loan loss allocation model, as a whole, calculate higher levels of required allowances than in periods where general macroeconomic and loan portfolio conditions are in an improving trend or remain at an elevated level, based on historical trends.

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Table of Contents

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. 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
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Consumer
Real Estate
 
Consumer
and Other
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Three months ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
52,790

 
$
22,590

 
$
5,230

 
$
5,010

 
$
6,818

 
$
92,438

Provision for loan losses
5,960

 
8

 
(720
)
 
1,312

 
40

 
6,600

Charge-offs
(2,367
)
 
(1,791
)
 
(21
)
 
(2,487
)
 

 
(6,666
)
Recoveries
671

 
213

 
44

 
1,856

 

 
2,784

Net charge-offs
(1,696
)
 
(1,578
)
 
23

 
(631
)
 

 
(3,882
)
Ending balance
$
57,054

 
$
21,020

 
$
4,533

 
$
5,691

 
$
6,858

 
$
95,156

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
54,164

 
$
29,346

 
$
5,252

 
$
3,507

 
$
12,184

 
$
104,453

Provision for loan losses
13,448

 
(4,866
)
 
172

 
607

 
(3,361
)
 
6,000

Charge-offs
(17,152
)
 
(266
)
 
(336
)
 
(2,177
)
 

 
(19,931
)
Recoveries
625

 
595

 
60

 
1,787

 

 
3,067

Net charge-offs
(16,527
)
 
329

 
(276
)
 
(390
)
 

 
(16,864
)
Ending balance
$
51,085

 
$
24,809

 
$
5,148

 
$
3,724

 
$
8,823

 
$
93,589

The following table details the amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated to each portfolio segment as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, detailed on the basis of the impairment methodology used by the Corporation.
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Consumer
Real Estate
 
Consumer
and Other
 
Unallocated
 
Total
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
19,838

 
$
1,820

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
21,658

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
37,216

 
19,200

 
4,533

 
5,691

 
6,858

 
73,498

Balance at March 31, 2014
$
57,054

 
$
21,020

 
$
4,533

 
$
5,691

 
$
6,858

 
$
95,156

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
16,682

 
$
3,914

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
20,596

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
36,108

 
18,676

 
5,230

 
5,010

 
6,818

 
71,842

Balance at December 31, 2013
$
52,790

 
$
22,590

 
$
5,230

 
$
5,010

 
$
6,818

 
$
92,438

March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
13,464

 
$
4,576

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
18,040

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
37,621

 
20,233

 
5,148

 
3,724

 
8,823

 
75,549

Balance at March 31, 2013
$
51,085

 
$
24,809

 
$
5,148

 
$
3,724

 
$
8,823

 
$
93,589


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The Corporation’s recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013 related to each balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and detailed on the basis of the impairment methodology used by the Corporation was as follows:
 
Commercial
and
Industrial
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Consumer
Real Estate
 
Consumer
and Other
 
Unearned
Discounts
 
Total
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
206,984

 
$
123,355

 
$
718

 
$
264

 
$

 
$
331,321

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
4,899,742

 
3,372,784

 
818,279

 
352,056

 
(23,537
)
 
9,419,324

Ending balance
$
5,106,726

 
$
3,496,139

 
$
818,997

 
$
352,320

 
$
(23,537
)
 
$
9,750,645

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
210,273

 
$
136,601

 
$
745

 
$
278

 
$

 
$
347,897

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
4,696,803

 
3,330,735

 
807,459

 
357,838

 
(25,032
)
 
9,167,803

Ending balance
$
4,907,076

 
$
3,467,336

 
$
808,204

 
$
358,116

 
$
(25,032
)
 
$
9,515,700

March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
$
148,858

 
$
158,651

 
$
834

 
$
384

 
$

 
$
308,727

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
4,559,807

 
3,232,858

 
770,822

 
310,964

 
(20,827
)
 
8,853,624

Ending balance
$
4,708,665

 
$
3,391,509

 
$
771,656

 
$
311,348

 
$
(20,827
)
 
$
9,162,351

Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets are presented in the table below.
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Goodwill
$
536,649

 
$
536,649

Other intangible assets:
 
 
 
Core deposits
$
2,564

 
$
3,005

Customer relationship
2,643

 
2,828

Non-compete agreements
449

 
512

 
$
5,656

 
$
6,345

The estimated aggregate future amortization expense for intangible assets remaining as of March 31, 2014 is as follows:
Remainder of 2014
$
1,846

2015
1,732

2016
989

2017
365

2018
261

Thereafter
463

 
$
5,656


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Note 5 - Deposits
Deposits were as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
Percentage
of Total
 
December 31,
2013
 
Percentage
of Total
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and individual
$
7,805,678

 
37.0
%
 
$
7,445,656

 
36.0
%
Correspondent banks
403,884

 
1.9

 
427,134

 
2.1

Public funds
407,754

 
2.0

 
438,359

 
2.1

Total non-interest-bearing demand deposits
8,617,316

 
40.9

 
8,311,149

 
40.2

Interest-bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings and interest checking
4,054,812

 
19.3

 
4,020,313

 
19.4

Money market accounts
7,019,501

 
33.3

 
6,883,869

 
33.3

Time accounts of $100,000 or more
487,750

 
2.3

 
508,441

 
2.5

Time accounts under $100,000
439,098

 
2.1

 
438,800

 
2.1

Total private accounts
12,001,161

 
57.0

 
11,851,423

 
57.3

Public funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings and interest checking
260,432

 
1.2

 
305,976

 
1.5

Money market accounts
40,942

 
0.2

 
56,015

 
0.2

Time accounts of $100,000 or more
141,455

 
0.7

 
160,637

 
0.8

Time accounts under $100,000
4,327

 

 
3,586

 

Total public funds
447,156

 
2.1

 
526,214

 
2.5

Total interest-bearing deposits
12,448,317

 
59.1

 
12,377,637

 
59.8

Total deposits
$
21,065,633

 
100.0
%
 
$
20,688,786

 
100.0
%
The following table presents additional information about the Corporation’s deposits:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Deposits from the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) deposits
$
12,447

 
$
200

Deposits from foreign sources (primarily Mexico)
766,095

 
769,970

Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk. In the normal course of business, the Corporation enters into various transactions, which, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are not included in its consolidated balance sheets. The Corporation enters into these transactions to meet the financing needs of its customers. 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. The Corporation minimizes its exposure to loss under these commitments by subjecting them to credit approval and monitoring procedures.
The Corporation enters into contractual commitments to extend credit, normally with fixed expiration dates or termination clauses, at specified rates and for specific purposes. Substantially all of the Corporation’s commitments to extend credit are contingent upon customers maintaining specific credit standards at the time of loan funding. Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments issued by the Corporation to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, the Corporation would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Corporation could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment. If the commitment were funded, the Corporation would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer. The Corporation’s policies generally require that standby letter of credit arrangements contain security and debt covenants similar to those contained in loan agreements.
The Corporation considers the fees collected in connection with the issuance of standby letters of credit to be representative of the fair value of its obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. In accordance with applicable accounting standards related to guarantees, the Corporation defers fees collected in connection with the issuance of standby letters of credit. The fees are then recognized in income proportionately over the life of the standby letter of credit agreement. The deferred standby letter of credit fees represent the fair value of the Corporation’s potential obligations under the standby letter of credit guarantees.

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Table of Contents

Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk were as follows:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Commitments to extend credit
$
6,940,238

 
$
6,919,942

Standby letters of credit
182,845

 
186,857

Deferred standby letter of credit fees
1,367

 
1,450

Lease Commitments. The Corporation leases certain office facilities and office equipment under operating leases. Rent expense for all operating leases totaled $6.5 million and $5.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. There has been no significant change in the future minimum lease payments payable by the Corporation since December 31, 2013. See the 2013 Form 10-K for information regarding these commitments.
Litigation. The Corporation is 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 the Corporation’s financial statements.
Note 7 - Capital and Regulatory Matters
Regulatory Capital Requirements. 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.
Quantitative measures established by regulations to ensure capital adequacy require the maintenance of minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to adjusted quarterly average assets (as defined).
Cullen/Frost’s and Frost Bank’s Tier 1 capital consists of shareholders’ equity excluding unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, the accumulated gain or loss on effective cash flow hedging derivatives, the net actuarial gain/loss on the Corporation’s defined benefit post-retirement benefit plans, goodwill and other intangible assets. Tier 1 capital for Cullen/Frost also includes $144.5 million of 5.375% non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and $120 million of trust preferred securities issued by its unconsolidated subsidiary trust. Cullen/Frost’s and Frost Bank’s total capital is comprised of Tier 1 capital for each entity plus a permissible portion of the allowance for loan losses and outstanding subordinated debt. The Corporation’s aggregate $100 million of floating rate subordinated notes are not included in Tier 1 capital but the permissible portion (which decreases 20% per year during the final five years of the term of the notes) totaling $40 million at March 31, 2014 and $60 million at December 31, 2013, is included in total capital of Cullen/Frost.
The Tier 1 and total capital ratios are calculated by dividing the respective capital amounts by risk-weighted assets. Risk-weighted assets are calculated based on regulatory requirements and include total assets, excluding goodwill and other intangible assets, allocated by risk weight category, and certain off-balance-sheet items (primarily loan commitments). The leverage ratio is calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by adjusted quarterly average total assets, which exclude goodwill and other intangible assets.


25

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Actual and required capital ratios for Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank were as follows:
 
Actual
 
Minimum Required
for Capital Adequacy
Purposes
 
Required to be
Considered Well
Capitalized
 
Capital
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Capital
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Capital
Amount
 
Ratio
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cullen/Frost
$
2,143,633

 
15.38
%
 
$
1,114,668

 
8.00
%
 
$
1,393,334

 
10.00
%
Frost Bank
1,812,731

 
13.04

 
1,112,278

 
8.00

 
1,390,347

 
10.00

Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cullen/Frost
2,008,477

 
14.41

 
557,334

 
4.00

 
836,001

 
6.00

Frost Bank
1,738,154

 
12.50

 
556,139

 
4.00

 
834,208

 
6.00

Leverage Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cullen/Frost
2,008,477

 
8.59

 
935,707

 
4.00

 
1,169,634

 
5.00

Frost Bank
1,738,154

 
7.45

 
933,117

 
4.00

 
1,166,397

 
5.00

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cullen/Frost
$
2,110,774

 
15.52
%
 
$
1,088,349

 
8.00
%
 
$
1,360,437

 
10.00
%
Frost Bank
1,780,313

 
13.12

 
1,085,447

 
8.00

 
1,356,809

 
10.00

Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cullen/Frost
1,958,336

 
14.39

 
544,175

 
4.00

 
816,262

 
6.00

Frost Bank
1,707,307

 
12.58

 
542,724

 
4.00

 
814,085

 
6.00

Leverage Ratio
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cullen/Frost
1,958,336

 
8.49

 
922,728

 
4.00

 
1,153,410

 
5.00

Frost Bank
1,707,307

 
7.42

 
920,107

 
4.00

 
1,150,134

 
5.00

Management believes that, as of March 31, 2014, Cullen/Frost and its bank subsidiary, Frost Bank, were “well capitalized” based on the ratios presented above. In July 2013, Cullen/Frost’s and Frost Bank’s primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve, published final rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations which will become effective on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period). Management believes that, as of March 31, 2014, Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank would meet all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if such requirements were currently in effect. See the section captioned “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1. Business of the Corporation’s 2013 Form 10-K for more information on the Basel III Capital Rules.
Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank are subject to the regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve, 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 the Corporation’s financial statements. Management believes, as of March 31, 2014, that Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
Trust Preferred Securities. In accordance with the applicable accounting standard related to variable interest entities, the accounts of the Corporation’s wholly owned subsidiary trust, Cullen/Frost Capital Trust II, have not been included in the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. However, the $120.0 million in trust preferred securities issued by this subsidiary trust have been included in the Tier 1 capital of Cullen/Frost for regulatory capital purposes pursuant to guidance from the Federal Reserve. As more fully discussed in the Corporation's 2013 Form 10-K, new rules related to the implementation of the Basel III capital framework will require the phase-out of certain hybrid securities, such as trust preferred securities, as Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies beginning January 1, 2015.
Preferred Stock. On February 15, 2013, the Corporation issued and sold 6,000,000 shares, or $150.0 million in aggregate liquidation preference, of it’s 5.375% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 and liquidation preference $25 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”). Dividends on the Series A Preferred stock, if declared, accrue and are payable quarterly, in arrears, at a rate of 5.375%. The Series A 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 A Preferred Stock, after deducting underwriting discount and commissions, and the payment of expenses, were approximately $144.5 million. The net proceeds from the offering were used to fund the accelerated share repurchase further discussed below.

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Stock Repurchase Plans. From time to time, the Corporation’s board of directors has authorized stock repurchase plans. In general, stock repurchase plans allow the Corporation to proactively manage its capital position and return excess capital to shareholders. Shares purchased under such plans also provide the Corporation with shares of common stock necessary to satisfy obligations related to stock compensation awards. The accelerated share repurchase discussed below was part of a stock repurchase program that was authorized by the Corporation’s board of directors in December 2012 to buy up to $150.0 million of the Corporation’s common stock.
Accelerated Share Repurchase. Concurrent with the issuance and sale of the Series A Preferred Stock, on February 12, 2013, the Corporation entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “ASR agreement”) with Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). Under the ASR agreement, the Corporation paid $144.0 million to Goldman Sachs and received from Goldman Sachs 1,905,077 shares of the Corporation’s common stock, representing approximately 80% of the estimated total number of shares to be repurchased. Goldman Sachs borrowed such shares delivered to the Corporation from stock lenders, and during the term of the ASR agreement, purchased shares in the open market to return to those stock lenders. Final settlement of the ASR agreement occurred on August 13, 2013 and the Corporation received an additional 331,671 shares. The total number of shares that the Corporation repurchased was based on the volume-weighted-average price per share of the Corporation’s common stock during the repurchase period as adjusted pursuant to the terms and conditions of the ASR agreement.
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. 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, 2014, Frost Bank could pay aggregate dividends of up to $227.9 million 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 the Corporation has elected to defer interest on the debentures, the Corporation may not, with certain exceptions, declare or pay any dividends or distributions on its capital stock or purchase or acquire any of its capital stock.
Under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, in the event that the Corporation does not declare and pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for the most recent dividend period, the Corporation may not, with certain exceptions, declare or pay dividends on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, shares of its common stock or any securities of the Corporation that rank junior to the Series A Preferred Stock.
Note 8 - 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. The Corporation utilizes interest rate swaps, caps and floors to mitigate exposure to interest rate risk and to facilitate the needs of its customers. The Corporation’s objectives for utilizing these derivative instruments is described below:
The Corporation has entered into certain interest rate swap contracts that are matched to specific fixed-rate commercial loans or leases that the Corporation has entered into with its customers. These contracts have been designated as hedging instruments to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of the underlying commercial loan/lease due to changes in interest rates. The related contracts are structured so that the notional amounts reduce over time to generally match the expected amortization of the underlying loan/lease.
During 2007, the Corporation entered into three interest rate swap contracts on variable-rate loans with a total notional amount of $1.2 billion. The interest rate swap contracts were designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges with the objective of protecting the overall cash flows from the Corporation’s monthly interest receipts on a rolling portfolio of $1.2 billion of variable-rate loans outstanding throughout the 84-month period beginning in October 2007 and ending in October 2014 from the risk of variability of those cash flows such that the yield on the underlying loans would remain constant. As more fully discussed in the 2013 Form 10-K, the Corporation terminated portions of the hedges and settled portions of the interest rate swap contracts during November 2009 and terminated the remaining portions of the hedges and settled the remaining portions of the interest rate swap contracts during November 2010. The deferred accumulated after-tax gain applicable to the settled interest rate swap contracts included in accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $21.3 million and $30.6 million ($13.8 million and $19.9 million

27

Table of Contents

on an after-tax basis) at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The remaining deferred gain of $21.3 million ($13.8 million on an after-tax basis) at March 31, 2014 will be recognized ratably in earnings through October 2014.
During 2008, the Corporation entered into an interest rate swap contract on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures with a total notional amount of $120.0 million. The interest rate swap contract was designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge with the objective of protecting the quarterly interest payments on the Corporation’s $120.0 million of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures issued to Cullen/Frost Capital Trust II throughout a five-year period beginning in December 2008 and ending in December 2013 from the risk of variability of those payments resulting from changes in the three-month LIBOR interest rate. Under the swap, the Corporation paid a fixed interest rate of 5.47% and received a variable interest rate of three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.55% on a total notional amount of $120.0 million, with quarterly settlements. The swap terminated in December 2013.
The Corporation has entered into certain interest rate swap, cap and floor contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments. These derivative contracts relate to transactions in which the Corporation enters into an interest rate swap, cap and/or floor with a customer while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, cap and/or floor with another financial institution. In connection with each swap transaction, the Corporation agrees to pay interest to the customer on a notional amount at a variable interest rate and receive interest from the customer on a similar notional amount at a fixed interest rate. At the same time, the Corporation agrees to pay another financial institution the same fixed interest rate on the same notional amount and receive the same variable interest rate on the same notional amount. The transaction allows the Corporation’s customer to effectively convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate. Because the Corporation acts as an intermediary for its customer, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts for the most part offset each other and do not significantly impact the Corporation’s results of operations.
The notional amounts and estimated fair values of interest rate derivative contracts are presented in the following table. The Corporation obtains dealer quotations to value its interest rate derivative contracts designated as hedges of cash flows, while the fair values of other interest rate derivative contracts are estimated utilizing internal valuation models with observable market data inputs.
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedges of fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial institution counterparties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan/lease interest rate swaps – assets
$
51,386

 
$
1,164

 
$
50,965

 
$
1,386

Loan/lease interest rate swaps – liabilities
37,779

 
(3,882
)
 
43,631

 
(4,191
)
Non-hedging interest rate derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial institution counterparties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan/lease interest rate swaps – assets
203,258

 
6,860

 
195,234

 
9,573

Loan/lease interest rate swaps – liabilities
570,928

 
(33,029
)
 
626,980

 
(32,469
)
Loan/lease interest rate caps – assets
73,058

 
1,838

 
53,058

 
1,309

Customer counterparties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan/lease interest rate swaps – assets
570,928

 
32,985

 
626,980

 
32,426

Loan/lease interest rate swaps – liabilities
203,258

 
(6,860
)
 
195,234

 
(9,573
)
Loan/lease interest rate caps – liabilities
73,058

 
(1,838
)
 
53,058

 
(1,309
)
The weighted-average rates paid and received for interest rate swaps outstanding at March 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
Weighted-Average
 
Interest
Rate
Paid
 
Interest
Rate
Received
Interest rate swaps:
 
 
 
Fair value hedge loan/lease interest rate swaps
2.63
%
 
0.15
%
Non-hedging interest rate swaps – financial institution counterparties
3.67
%
 
2.11
%
Non-hedging interest rate swaps – customer counterparties
2.11
%
 
3.67
%
The weighted-average strike rate for outstanding interest rate caps was 2.99% at March 31, 2014.

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Commodity Derivatives. The Corporation enters into commodity swaps and option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments primarily to accommodate the business needs of its customers. Upon the origination of a commodity swap or option contract with a customer, the Corporation simultaneously enters 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. The Corporation obtains dealer quotations and uses internal valuation models with observable market data inputs to value its commodity derivative positions.
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Notional
Units
 
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Financial institution counterparties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil – assets
Barrels
 
369

 
$
553

 
356

 
$
1,004

Oil – liabilities
Barrels
 
1,363

 
(3,757
)
 
1,574

 
(2,704
)
Natural gas – assets
MMBTUs
 
8,920

 
2,627

 
14,240

 
2,903

Natural gas – liabilities
MMBTUs
 
31,390

 
(5,868
)
 
22,510

 
(3,212
)
Customer counterparties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil – assets
Barrels
 
1,363

 
3,863

 
1,574

 
2,818

Oil – liabilities
Barrels
 
369

 
(549
)
 
356

 
(991
)
Natural gas – assets
MMBTUs
 
31,390

 
6,076

 
22,850

 
3,301

Natural gas – liabilities
MMBTUs
 
8,920

 
(2,623
)
 
13,900

 
(2,805
)
Foreign Currency Derivatives. The Corporation enters into foreign currency forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments primarily to accommodate the business needs of its customers. Upon the origination of a foreign currency denominated transaction with a customer, the Corporation simultaneously enters into an offsetting contract with a third party to negate the exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Corporation also utilizes foreign currency forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on certain short-term, non-U.S. dollar denominated loans. The notional amounts and fair values of open foreign currency forward contracts were as follows:
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Notional
Currency
 
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Financial institution counterparties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward contracts – assets
EUR
 

 
$

 
1,175

 
$
5

Forward contracts – assets
CAD
 

 

 
18,886

 
85

Forward contracts – assets
GBP
 
545

 
2

 

 

Forward contracts – liabilities
EUR
 
1,136

 
(1
)
 
494

 
(4
)
Forward contracts – liabilities
CAD
 
28,670

 
(249
)
 
14,078

 
(23
)
Customer counterparties:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward contracts – assets
CAD
 
28,633

 
287

 
14,055

 
45

Forward contracts – liabilities
CAD
 

 

 
18,859

 
(58
)
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 cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss due to changes in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument is included in other comprehensive income, while the ineffective portion (indicated by the excess of the cumulative change in the fair value of the derivative over that which is necessary to offset the cumulative change in expected future cash flows on the hedge transaction) is included in other non-interest income or other non-interest expense. Net cash flows from interest rate swaps on variable-rate loans designated as hedging instruments in effective hedges of cash flows and the reclassification from other comprehensive income of deferred gains associated with the termination of those hedges are included in interest income on loans. Net cash flows from the interest rate swap on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures designated as a hedging instrument in an effective hedge of cash flows are included in interest expense on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. 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.

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Table of Contents

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,
 
2014
 
2013
Commercial loan/lease interest rate swaps:
 
 
 
Amount of gain (loss) included in interest income on loans
$
(539
)
 
$
(623
)
Amount of (gain) loss included in other non-interest expense
9

 
15

Amounts included in the consolidated statements of income and in other comprehensive income for the period related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Interest rate swaps/caps/floors on variable-rate loans:
 
 
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest income on loans
$
9,345

 
$
9,345

Interest rate swaps on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures:
 
 
 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

 
1,085

Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income

 

No ineffectiveness related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows was recognized in the consolidated statements of income during the reported periods. The accumulated net after-tax gain related to effective cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $13.8 million at March 31, 2014 and $19.9 million at December 31, 2013. The Corporation expects that the entire net after-tax gain of $13.8 million related to effective cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 2014 will be reclassified into earnings ratably through October 2014. This amount represents management’s best estimate given current expectations about market interest rates and volumes related to loan pools underlying the terminated cash flow hedges. Actual market interest rates and volumes related to loan pools underlying the terminated cash flow hedges may differ from management’s expectations.
As stated above, the Corporation enters into non-hedge related derivative positions primarily to accommodate the business needs of its customers. Upon the origination of a derivative contract with a customer, the Corporation simultaneously enters into an offsetting derivative contract with a third party. The Corporation recognizes immediate income based upon the difference in the bid/ask spread of the underlying transactions with its customers and the third party. Because the Corporation acts only as an intermediary for its customer, subsequent changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts for the most part offset each other and do not significantly impact the Corporation’s results of operations.
Amounts included in the consolidated statements of income related to non-hedging interest rate, commodity and foreign currency derivative instruments are presented in the table below.
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Non-hedging interest rate derivatives:
 
 
 
Other non-interest income
$
221

 
$
118

Other non-interest expense

 
(18
)
Non-hedging commodity derivatives:
 
 
 
Other non-interest income
82

 
167

Non-hedging foreign currency derivatives:
 
 
 
Other non-interest income
37

 
52

Counterparty Credit Risk. Derivative contracts involve the risk of dealing with both bank customers and institutional derivative counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. Institutional counterparties must have an investment grade credit rating and be approved by the Corporation’s Asset/Liability Management Committee. The Corporation’s credit exposure on interest rate swaps is limited to the net favorable value and interest payments of all swaps by each counterparty, while the Corporation’s credit exposure on commodity swaps/options and foreign currency forward contracts is limited to the net favorable value of all contracts by each counterparty. Credit exposure may be reduced by the amount of collateral pledged by the counterparty. There are no credit-

30

Table of Contents

risk-related contingent features associated with any of the Corporation’s derivative contracts. Certain derivative contracts with upstream financial institution counterparties may be terminated with respect to a party in the transaction, if such party does not have at least a minimum level rating assigned to either its senior unsecured long-term debt or its deposit obligations by certain third-party rating agencies.
The Corporation’s credit exposure relating to interest rate swaps, commodity swaps/options and foreign currency forward contracts with bank customers was approximately $40.0 million at March 31, 2014. This credit exposure is partly mitigated as transactions with customers are generally secured by the collateral, if any, securing the underlying transaction being hedged. The Corporation’s credit exposure, net of collateral pledged, relating to interest rate swaps, commodity swaps/options and foreign currency forward contracts with upstream financial institution counterparties was approximately $3.6 million at March 31, 2014. This amount was primarily related to excess collateral posted by the Corporation to counterparties. Collateral levels for upstream financial institution counterparties are monitored and adjusted as necessary. See Note 9 – Balance Sheet Offsetting for additional information regarding the Corporation’s credit exposure with upstream financial institution counterparties.
The aggregate fair value of securities posted as collateral by the Corporation related to derivative contracts totaled $38.3 million at March 31, 2014.
Note 9 - Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain financial instruments, including resell and repurchase agreements, securities lending arrangements and derivatives, may be eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. The Corporation’s 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, the Corporation does 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, 2014 is presented in the following tables.
 
Gross Amount
Recognized
 
Gross Amount
Offset
 
Net Amount
Recognized
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Loan/lease interest rate swaps and caps
$
9,862

 
$

 
$
9,862

Commodity swaps and options
3,180

 

 
3,180

Foreign currency forward contracts
2

 

 
2

Total derivatives
13,044

 

 
13,044

Resell agreements
4,898

 

 
4,898

Total
$
17,942

 
$

 
$
17,942

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Loan/lease interest rate swaps
$
36,911

 
$

 
$
36,911

Commodity swaps and options
9,625

 

 
9,625

Foreign currency forward contracts
250

 

 
250

Total derivatives
46,786

 

 
46,786

Repurchase agreements
514,410

 

 
514,410

Total
$
561,196

 
$

 
$
561,196


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Table of Contents

  
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
 
 
  
Net Amount
Recognized
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net
Amount
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty A
$
2,486

 
$
(2,486
)
 
$

 
$

Counterparty B
6,164

 
(6,164
)
 

 

Counterparty C
842

 
(842
)
 

 

Other counterparties
3,552

 
(2,355
)
 
(1,197
)
 

Total derivatives
13,044

 
(11,847
)
 
(1,197
)
 

Resell agreements
4,898

 

 
(4,898
)
 

Total
$
17,942

 
$
(11,847
)
 
$
(6,095
)
 
$

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty A
$
18,562

 
$
(2,486
)
 
$
(16,076
)
 
$

Counterparty B
10,999

 
(6,164
)
 
(4,835
)
 

Counterparty C
12,540

 
(842
)
 
(11,698
)
 

Other counterparties
4,685

 
(2,355
)
 
(2,051
)
 
279

Total derivatives
46,786

 
(11,847
)
 
(34,660
)
 
279

Repurchase agreements
514,410

 

 
(514,410
)
 

Total
$
561,196

 
$
(11,847
)
 
$
(549,070
)
 
$
279

Information about financial instruments that are eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 is presented in the following tables.
 
Gross Amount
Recognized
 
Gross Amount
Offset
 
Net Amount
Recognized
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Loan/lease interest rate swaps and caps
$
12,268

 
$

 
$
12,268

Commodity swaps and options
3,907

 

 
3,907

Foreign currency forward contracts
90

 

 
90

Total derivatives
16,265

 

 
16,265

Resell agreements
7,898

 

 
7,898

Total
$
24,163

 
$

 
$
24,163

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
Loan/lease interest rate swaps
$
36,660

 
$

 
$
36,660

Commodity swaps and options
5,916

 

 
5,916

Foreign currency forward contracts
27

 

 
27

Total derivatives
42,603

 

 
42,603

Repurchase agreements
668,053

 

 
668,053

Total
$
710,656

 
$

 
$
710,656


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Table of Contents

 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset
 
 
 
Net Amount
Recognized
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Collateral
 
Net
Amount
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty A
$
3,342

 
$
(3,342
)
 
$

 
$

Counterparty B
8,196

 
(8,196
)
 

 

Counterparty C
1,187

 
(1,187
)
 

 

Other counterparties
3,540

 
(2,099
)
 
(1,360
)
 
81

Total derivatives
16,265

 
(14,824
)
 
(1,360
)
 
81

Resell agreements
7,898

 

 
(7,898
)
 

Total
$
24,163

 
$
(14,824
)
 
$
(9,258
)
 
$
81

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Counterparty A
$
18,615

 
$
(3,342
)
 
$
(15,167
)
 
$
106

Counterparty B
9,054

 
(8,196
)
 
(613
)
 
245

Counterparty C
10,870

 
(1,187
)
 
(9,683
)
 

Other counterparties
4,064

 
(2,099
)
 
(1,549
)
 
416

Total derivatives
42,603

 
(14,824
)
 
(27,012
)
 
767

Repurchase agreements
668,053

 

 
(668,053
)
 

Total
$
710,656

 
$
(14,824
)
 
$
(695,065
)
 
$
767

Note 10 - Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings per common share is computed using the two-class method. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities. Participating securities include non-vested stock awards/stock units and deferred stock units, though no actual shares of common stock related to non-vested stock units and deferred stock units have been issued. Non-vested stock awards/stock units and deferred stock units are considered participating securities because holders of these securities receive non-forfeitable dividends at the same rate as holders of the Corporation’s common stock. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic earnings per common share computation plus the dilutive effect of stock compensation using the treasury stock method.
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,
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
61,188

 
$
55,188

Less: Preferred stock dividends
2,016

 

Net income available to common shareholders
59,172

 
55,188

Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities
226

 
198

Net earnings allocated to common stock
$
58,946

 
$
54,990

 
 
 
 
Distributed earnings allocated to common stock
$
30,371

 
$
28,675

Undistributed earnings allocated to common stock
28,575

 
26,315

Net earnings allocated to common stock
$
58,946

 
$
54,990

 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share
60,701,280

 
60,592,567

Dilutive effect of stock compensation
886,260

 
581,205

Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per common share
61,587,540

 
61,173,772


33

Table of Contents

Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation
A combined summary of activity in the Corporation’s active stock-based compensation plans is presented in the following table.
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Vested Stock
Awards/Stock Units
Outstanding
 
Stock Options
Outstanding
 
Shares
Available
for Grant
 
Director
Deferred
Stock Units
Outstanding
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Number
of Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Balance, January 1, 2014
2,862,603

 
33,224

 
199,740

 
$
55.32

 
4,738,690

 
$
54.35

Authorized

 

 

 

 

 

Granted
(5,000
)
 

 

 

 
5,000

 
77.53

Stock options exercised

 

 

 

 
(329,825
)
 
52.39

Stock awards vested

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited
20,350

 

 

 

 
(20,350
)
 
55.69

Canceled/expired

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2014
2,877,953

 
33,224

 
199,740

 
$
55.32

 
4,393,515

 
$
54.52

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,
 
2014
 
2013
New shares issued from available authorized shares

 
153,275

Issued from available treasury stock
329,825

 
242,150

Total
329,825

 
395,425

 
 
 
 
Proceeds from stock option exercises
$
17,279

 
$
20,446

Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards. Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Stock options
$
1,770

 
$
1,998

Non-vested stock awards/stock units
366

 
344

Deferred stock units

 

Total
$
2,136

 
$
2,342

Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense at March 31, 2014 was as follows:
Stock options
$
14,478

Non-vested stock awards/stock units
2,463

Total
$
16,941


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Table of Contents

Note 12 - Defined Benefit Plans
The components of the combined net periodic expense (benefit) for the Corporation’s defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses
$
(3,129
)
 
$
(2,772
)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
2,001

 
1,835

Net amortization and deferral
672

 
1,640

Net periodic expense (benefit)
$
(456
)
 
$
703

The Corporation’s 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, 2014. The Corporation does not expect to make any contributions to the qualified defined benefit plan during the remainder of 2014.
Note 13 - Income Taxes
Income tax expense was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Current income tax expense
$
14,029

 
$
15,709

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(1,933
)
 
(2,118
)
Income tax expense, as reported
$
12,096

 
$
13,591

 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
16.5
%
 
19.8
%
Net deferred tax liabilities totaled $62.1 million at March 31, 2014 and $62.8 million at December 31, 2013. No valuation allowance was recorded against deferred tax assets at March 31, 2014 as management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized because they were supported by recoverable taxes paid in prior years. There were no unrecognized tax benefits during any of the reported periods. Interest and/or penalties related to income taxes are reported as a component of income tax expense. Such amounts were not significant during the reported periods.
The Corporation files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.

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Table of Contents

Note 14 - 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. The change in the net actuarial gain/loss on defined-benefit post-retirement benefit plans is included in the computation of net periodic pension expense (see Note 12 – Defined Benefit Plans). Reclassification adjustments related to interest rate swaps on variable-rate loans are included in interest income and fees on loans in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Reclassification adjustments related to the interest rate swap on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures are included in interest expense on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2014
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2013
 
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
$
21,431

 
$
7,501

 
$
13,930

 
$
(21,344
)
 
$
(7,470
)
 
$
(13,874
)
Change in net unrealized gain on securities transferred to held to maturity
(9,198
)
 
(3,219
)
 
(5,979
)
 
(8,459
)
 
(2,961
)
 
(5,498
)
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income

 

 

 
(5
)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
Total securities available for sale and transferred securities
12,233

 
4,282

 
7,951

 
(29,808
)
 
(10,433
)
 
(19,375
)
Defined-benefit post-retirement benefit plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in the net actuarial gain/loss
672

 
235

 
437

 
1,640

 
574

 
1,066

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in the accumulated gain/loss on effective cash flow hedge derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps on variable-rate loans
(9,345
)
 
(3,271
)
 
(6,074
)
 
(9,345
)
 
(3,271
)
 
(6,074
)
Interest rate swap on junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

 

 

 
1,085

 
380

 
705

Total derivatives
(9,345
)
 
(3,271
)
 
(6,074
)
 
(8,260
)
 
(2,891
)
 
(5,369
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
$
3,560

 
$
1,246

 
$
2,314

 
$
(36,428
)
 
$
(12,750
)
 
$
(23,678
)
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, was as follows:
 
Securities
Available
For Sale
 
Defined
Benefit
Plans
 
Derivatives
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Balance January 1, 2014
$
146,672

 
$
(26,131
)
 
$
19,893

 
$
140,434

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
7,951

 
437

 

 
8,388

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 
(6,074
)
 
(6,074
)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period
7,951

 
437

 
(6,074
)
 
2,314

Balance March 31, 2014
$
154,623

 
$
(25,694
)
 
$
13,819

 
$
142,748

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance January 1, 2013
$
245,539

 
$
(49,071
)
 
$
41,580

 
$
238,048

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(19,372
)
 
1,066

 

 
(18,306
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(3
)
 

 
(5,369
)
 
(5,372
)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period
(19,375
)
 
1,066

 
(5,369
)
 
(23,678
)
Balance March 31, 2013
$
226,164

 
$
(48,005
)
 
$
36,211

 
$
214,370



36

Table of Contents

Note 15 – Operating Segments
The Corporation is managed under a matrix organizational structure whereby its two primary operating segments, Banking and Frost Wealth Advisors, overlap a regional reporting structure. The regions are primarily based upon geographic location and include Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio and Statewide. The Corporation is primarily managed based on the line of business structure. In that regard, all regions have the same lines of business, which have the same product and service offerings, have similar types and classes of customers and utilize similar service delivery methods. Pricing guidelines for products and services are the same across all regions. The regional reporting structure is primarily a means to scale the lines of business to provide a local, community focus for customer relations and business development.
Banking and Frost Wealth Advisors are delineated by the products and services that each segment offers. The Banking operating segment includes both commercial and consumer banking services, Frost Securities, Inc. and Frost Insurance Agency. Commercial banking services are provided to corporations and other business clients and include a wide array of lending and cash management products. Consumer banking services include direct lending and depository services. Frost Insurance Agency provides insurance brokerage services to individuals and businesses covering corporate and personal property and casualty products, as well as group health and life insurance products and human resources consulting services. Frost Securities, Inc. provides advisory and private equity services to middle market companies. The Frost Wealth Advisors operating segment includes fee-based services within private trust, retirement services, and financial management services, including personal wealth management and brokerage services. 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. The parent company’s principal activities include the direct and indirect ownership of the Corporation’s banking and non-banking subsidiaries and the issuance of debt and equity. Its principal source of revenue is dividends from its subsidiaries.
The accounting policies of each reportable segment are the same as those of the Corporation except for the following items, which impact the Banking and Frost Wealth Advisors segments: (i) expenses for consolidated back-office operations and general overhead-type expenses such as executive administration, accounting and internal audit are allocated to operating segments based on estimated uses of those services, (ii) income tax expense for the individual segments is calculated essentially at the statutory rate, and (iii) the parent company records the tax expense or benefit necessary to reconcile to the consolidated total.
The Corporation uses a match-funded transfer pricing process to assess operating segment performance. The process helps the Corporation to (i) identify the cost or opportunity value of funds within each business segment, (ii) measure the profitability of a particular business segment by relating appropriate costs to revenues, (iii) evaluate each business segment in a manner consistent with its economic impact on consolidated earnings, and (iv) enhance asset and liability pricing decisions.
Summarized operating results by segment were as follows:
 
Banking
 
Frost  Wealth
Advisors
 
Non-Banks
 
Consolidated
Revenues from (expenses to) external customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
$
206,214

 
$
31,094

 
$
517

 
$
237,825

March 31, 2013
204,260

 
27,223

 
(890
)
 
230,593

Net income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
$
56,056

 
$
5,084

 
$
48

 
$
61,188

March 31, 2013
53,553

 
3,238

 
(1,603
)
 
55,188

Note 16 – 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, the Corporation utilizes 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 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. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 Inputs – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

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Level 2 Inputs – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3 Inputs – Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.
In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the Corporation’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Corporation’s valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Corporation’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein. A more detailed description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value is set forth below. Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally coincides with the Corporation’s monthly and/or quarterly valuation process.
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities: Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following:
Securities Available for Sale. U.S. Treasury securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Other securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Corporation obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
The Corporation reviews the prices supplied by the independent pricing service, as well as their underlying pricing methodologies, for reasonableness and to ensure such prices are aligned with traditional pricing matrices. In general, the Corporation does not purchase investment portfolio securities that are esoteric or that have a complicated structure. The Corporation’s entire portfolio consists of traditional investments, nearly all of which are U.S. Treasury obligations, federal agency bullet or mortgage pass-through securities, or general obligation or revenue based municipal bonds. Pricing for such instruments is fairly generic and is easily obtained. From time to time, the Corporation will validate, on a sample basis, prices supplied by the independent pricing service by comparison to prices obtained from third-party sources or derived using internal models.
Trading Securities. U.S. Treasury securities and exchange-listed common stock are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Other securities classified as trading are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs in the same manner as described above for securities available for sale.
Derivatives. Derivatives are generally reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs, except for foreign currency contracts, which are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. The Corporation obtains dealer quotations and utilizes internally developed valuation models to value the swap related to its junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures and commodity swaps/options. The Corporation utilizes internally developed valuation models and/or third-party models with observable market data inputs to validate the valuations provided by the dealers. Though there has never been a significant discrepancy in the valuations, should such a significant discrepancy arise, the Corporation would obtain price verification from a third-party dealer. The Corporation utilizes internal valuation models with observable market data inputs to estimate fair values of customer interest rate swaps, caps and floors. The Corporation also obtains dealer quotations for these derivatives for comparative purposes to assess the reasonableness of the model valuations. In cases where significant credit valuation adjustments are incorporated into the estimation of fair value, reported amounts are considered to have been derived utilizing Level 3 inputs.
For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to its derivative positions, the Corporation evaluates the credit risk of its counterparties as well as that of the Corporation. Accordingly, the Corporation has considered factors such as the likelihood of default by the Corporation and its counterparties, its net exposures, and remaining contractual life, among other things, in determining if any fair value adjustments related to credit risk are required. Counterparty exposure is evaluated by netting positions that are subject to master netting arrangements, as well as considering the amount of collateral securing the position. The Corporation

38

Table of Contents

reviews its counterparty exposure on a regular basis, and, when necessary, appropriate business actions are taken to adjust the exposure. The Corporation also utilizes this approach to estimate its own credit risk on derivative liability positions. To date, the Corporation has not realized any significant losses due to a counterparty’s inability to pay any net uncollateralized position. The change in value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities attributable to credit risk was not significant during the reported periods.
The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 
Level 1
Inputs
 
Level 2
Inputs
 
Level 3
Inputs
 
Total Fair
Value
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
1,838,758

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,838,758

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
1,677,917

 

 
1,677,917

States and political subdivisions

 
1,929,800

 

 
1,929,800

Other

 
35,990

 

 
35,990

Trading account securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
15,489

 

 

 
15,489

States and political subdivisions

 
35

 

 
35

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps, caps and floors

 
42,803

 
44

 
42,847

Commodity swaps and options

 
13,119

 

 
13,119

Foreign currency forward contracts
289

 

 

 
289

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps, caps and floors

 
45,609

 

 
45,609

Commodity swaps and options

 
12,797

 

 
12,797

Foreign currency forward contracts
250

 

 

 
250

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
$
2,540,554

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,540,554

U. S. government agencies/corporations
 
 
53,980

 
 
 
53,980

Residential mortgage-backed securities

 
1,776,016

 

 
1,776,016

States and political subdivisions

 
1,488,914

 

 
1,488,914

Other

 
35,972

 

 
35,972

Trading account securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury
15,389

 

 

 
15,389

States and political subdivisions

 
1,009

 

 
1,009

Derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps, caps and floors

 
44,520

 
174

 
44,694

Commodity swaps and options

 
10,026

 

 
10,026

Foreign currency forward contracts
135

 

 

 
135

Derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps, caps and floors

 
47,542

 

 
47,542

Commodity swaps and options

 
9,712

 

 
9,712

Foreign currency forward contracts
85

 

 

 
85

Derivative assets, measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs during the reported periods consist of interest rate swaps sold to loan customers. The significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs used in the fair value measurement of these interest rate swaps sold to loan customers primarily relate to the probability of default and loss severity in the event of default. The probability of default is determined by the underlying risk grade of the loan (see Note 3 – Loans) underlying the interest rate swap in that the probability of default increases as a loan’s risk grade deteriorates, while the loss severity is estimated through an analysis of the collateral supporting both the underlying loan and interest rate swap. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity. As of March 31, 2014, the weighted-average risk grade of loans underlying interest rate swaps measured at fair value

39

Table of Contents

using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs was 11.0. The weighted-average loss severity in the event of default on the interest rate swaps was 20%. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of derivative assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs is not presented as such amounts were not significant during the reported periods.
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 (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the reported periods include certain impaired loans reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 2 inputs based on observable market data, typically in the case of real estate collateral, or Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria, typically in the case of non-real estate collateral such as inventory, accounts receivable, equipment or other business assets. Impaired loans that were remeasured and reported at fair value through a specific valuation allowance allocation of the allowance for loan losses based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral were not significant during the reported periods.
Non-Financial Assets and Non-Financial Liabilities: The Corporation has no non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include foreclosed assets (upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment), non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, and intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment. Non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the reported periods include certain foreclosed assets which, upon initial recognition, were remeasured and reported at fair value through a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses and certain foreclosed assets which, subsequent to their initial recognition, were remeasured at fair value through a write-down included in other non-interest expense. The fair value of a foreclosed asset is estimated using Level 2 inputs based on observable market data or Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria. During the reported periods, all fair value measurements for foreclosed assets utilized Level 2 inputs.
The following table presents foreclosed assets that were remeasured and reported at fair value during the reported periods:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Foreclosed assets remeasured at initial recognition:
 
 
 
Carrying value of foreclosed assets prior to remeasurement
$
2,198

 
$
415

Charge-offs recognized in the allowance for loan losses
(204
)
 
(141
)
Fair value
$
1,994

 
$
274

Foreclosed assets remeasured subsequent to initial recognition:
 
 
 
Carrying value of foreclosed assets prior to remeasurement
$
499

 
$
3,600

Write-downs included in other non-interest expense
(244
)
 
(565
)
Fair value
$
255

 
$
3,035

Charge-offs recognized upon loan foreclosures are generally offset by general or specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses and generally do not, and did not during the reported periods, significantly impact the Corporation’s provision for loan losses. Regulatory guidelines require the Corporation to reevaluate the fair value of other real estate owned on at least an annual basis. The Corporation’s policy is to comply with the regulatory guidelines. Accordingly, appraisals are never considered to be outdated, and the Corporation does not make any adjustments to the appraised values.
FASB ASC Topic 825 "Financial Instruments," requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis. A detailed description of the valuation methodologies used in estimating the fair value of financial instruments is set forth in the 2013 Form 10-K.

40

Table of Contents

The estimated fair values of financial instruments that are reported at amortized cost in the Corporation’s 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, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2 inputs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
5,178,131

 
$
5,178,131

 
$
4,556,125

 
$
4,556,125

Securities held to maturity
3,082,082

 
3,045,459

 
3,139,748

 
3,029,663

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
141,790

 
141,790

 
141,108

 
141,108

Accrued interest receivable
64,998

 
64,998

 
99,281

 
99,281

Level 3 inputs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, net
9,655,489

 
9,822,107

 
9,423,262

 
9,582,734

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2 inputs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
21,065,633

 
21,066,399

 
20,688,786

 
20,689,323

Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
515,235

 
515,235

 
668,253

 
668,253

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
123,712

 
123,712

 
123,712

 
123,712

Subordinated notes payable and other borrowings
100,000

 
93,545

 
100,000

 
92,552

Accrued interest payable
1,176

 
1,176

 
1,300

 
1,300

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, the Corporation had no financial instruments measured at fair value under the fair value measurement option.
Note 17 - Accounting Standards Updates
ASU 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” ASU 2011-11 amends Topic 210, “Balance Sheet,” to require an entity to disclose both gross and net information about financial instruments, such as sales and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements and securities borrowing/lending arrangements, and derivative instruments that are eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and/or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU No. 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210) – Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” clarifies that ordinary trade receivables are not within the scope of ASU 2011-11. ASU 2011-11, as amended by ASU 2013-01, became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2013. See Note 9 – Balance Sheet Offsetting for applicable disclosures.
ASU 2012-02, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” ASU 2012-02 gives entities the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity must perform the quantitative impairment test. If, under the quantitative impairment test, the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an entity should recognize an impairment loss in the amount of that excess. Permitting an entity to assess qualitative factors when testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment results in guidance that is similar to the goodwill impairment testing guidance in ASU 2011-08. ASU 2012-02 became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2013 and did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
ASU 2012-06, “Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Subsequent Accounting for an Indemnification Asset Recognized at the Acquisition Date as a Result of a Government-Assisted Acquisition of a Financial Institution (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force).” ASU 2012-06 clarifies the applicable guidance for subsequently measuring an indemnification asset recognized as a result of a government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution. Under ASU 2012-06, when a reporting entity recognizes an indemnification asset as a result of a government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution and, subsequently, a change in the cash flows expected to be collected on the indemnification asset occurs (as a result of a change in cash flows expected to be collected on the assets subject to indemnification), the reporting entity should subsequently account for the change in the measurement of the indemnification asset on the same basis as the change in the assets subject to indemnification. Any amortization of changes in value should be limited to the contractual term of the indemnification agreement (that is, the lesser of the term of

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the indemnification agreement and the remaining life of the indemnified assets). ASU 2012-06 became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2013 and did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2013-02 amends recent guidance related to the reporting of comprehensive income to enhance the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. ASU 2013-02 became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2013 and did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial statements. See Note 14 – Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).
ASU 2013-08, “Financial Services – Investment Companies (Topic 946) – Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements.” ASU 2013-08 clarifies the characteristics of investment companies and sets forth a new approach for determining whether a company is an investment company. The fundamental characteristics of an investment company include (i) the company obtains funds from investors and provides the investors with investment management services; (ii) the company commits to its investors that its business purpose and only substantive activities are investing the funds for returns solely from capital appreciation, investment income, or both; and (iii) the company or its affiliates do not obtain or have the objective of obtaining returns or benefits from an investee or its affiliates that are not normally attributable to ownership interests or that are other than capital appreciation or investment income. ASU 2013-08 also sets forth the scope, measurement and disclosure requirements for investment companies. ASU 2013-08 became effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2014 and did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
ASU 2013-10, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.” ASU 2013-10 permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, in addition to interest rates on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government and the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). ASU 2013-10 became effective for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013 and did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
ASU 2013-12, “Definition of a Public Business Entity - An Addition to the Master Glossary." ASU 2013-12 amends the Master Glossary of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification to include one definition of public business entity for future use in U.S. GAAP and identifies the types of business entities that are excluded from the scope of the Private Company Decision-Making Framework: A Guide for Evaluating Financial Accounting and Reporting for Private Companies. ASU 2013-12 did not have a significant impact on the Corporation's financial statements.
Note 18 - Pending Acquisition
On August 13, 2013, the Corporation, WNB Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company located in Odessa, Texas (“WNB”), Special Prairie Holding Co., a company formed in Texas as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cullen/Frost (“Prairie Holding”) and Donald Wood and Jack Wood, the principal shareholders of WNB, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) that provides for the merger of Prairie Holding with and into WNB (the “Merger”), with WNB being the surviving corporation. Immediately following the Merger, each of the following will occur in immediate succession: (i) WNB will merge with and into Cullen/Frost with Cullen/Frost being the surviving corporation and (ii) Western National Bank, a national banking association and wholly owned subsidiary of WNB, will merge with and into Frost Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cullen/Frost, with Frost Bank being the surviving bank.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the consideration for the Merger will consist of two million shares of the common stock of Cullen/Frost, and an amount in cash equal to $220 million less the value of the common stock consideration based on a volume weighted average price over the ten trading days immediately prior to the day before the Merger, with various adjustments up or down based on a targeted shareholders’ equity of WNB at the closing of $87 million and other factors such as certain expenses. Consummation of the Merger is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of requisite regulatory approvals. The Merger is intended to qualify as an asset sale under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code. In accordance with the Merger Agreement, Jack Wood and Donald Wood may not sell the shares of common stock that they receive in the Merger for one year and six months, respectively, after the closing of the Merger, with daily limitations on sales following the end of such periods. After the closing of the Merger, Cullen/Frost has agreed that Jack Wood will be elected to the board of directors of Cullen/Frost. The Merger, which is subject to the prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other closing conditions, is expected to be consummated in the second quarter of 2014.

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Expenditures related to this pending acquisition are reported in the accompanying income statements as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
Other non-interest expense:
 
Professional services
$
55

Travel, meals and entertainment
36

Other
1,049

Total
$
1,140



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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 the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended December 31, 2013, included in the 2013 Form 10-K. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2014 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 the Corporation’s future filings with the SEC, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by or with the approval of the Corporation 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 the Corporation and its customers and the Corporation’s assessment of that impact.
Volatility and disruption in national and international financial 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 the Corporation and its subsidiaries must comply.
The soundness of other financial institutions.
Political instability.
Impairment of the Corporation’s 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 the Corporation’s borrowers.
Technological changes.
Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses.
The ability to increase market share and control expenses.
The Corporation’s ability to attract and retain qualified employees.
Changes in the competitive environment in the Corporation’s 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 the Corporation’s vendors, internal control systems or information systems.
Changes in the Corporation’s liquidity position.
Changes in the Corporation’s organization, compensation and benefit plans.

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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.
The Corporation’s 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. The Corporation undertakes no 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
The accounting and reporting policies followed by the Corporation 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 the Corporation bases estimates on historical experience, current information and other factors deemed to be relevant, actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Corporation considers 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 the Corporation’s financial statements. Accounting policies related to the allowance for loan losses are considered to be critical, as these policies involve considerable subjective judgment and estimation by management.
For additional information regarding critical accounting policies, refer to Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to consolidated financial statements and the sections captioned “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Accounting Estimates” and “Allowance for Loan Losses” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the 2013 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes in the Corporation’s application of critical accounting policies related to the allowance for loan losses since December 31, 2013.
Overview
A discussion of the Corporation’s 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 securities by an amount equal to the taxes that would be paid if the income were fully taxable based on a 35% federal income tax rate, thus making tax-exempt asset yields comparable to taxable asset yields.

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Results of Operations
Net income available to common shareholders totaled $59.2 million, or $0.96 diluted per common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $55.2 million, or $0.91 diluted per common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
Selected income statement data, returns on average assets and average common equity and dividends per common share for the comparable periods was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2014
 
March 31, 2013
Taxable-equivalent net interest income
$
187,795

 
$
172,802

Taxable-equivalent adjustment
27,460

 
19,989

Net interest income
160,335

 
152,813

Provision for loan losses
6,600

 
6,000

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
153,735

 
146,813

Non-interest income
77,490

 
77,780

Non-interest expense
157,941

 
155,814

Income before income taxes
73,284

 
68,779

Income taxes
12,096

 
13,591

Net income
61,188

 
55,188

Preferred stock dividends
2,016

 

Net income available to common shareholders
$
59,172

 
$
55,188

Earnings per common share – basic
$
0.97

 
$
0.91

Earnings per common share – diluted
0.96

 
0.91

Dividends per common share
0.50

 
0.48

Return on average assets
1.00
%
 
1.01
%
Return on average common equity
9.97

 
9.49

Average shareholders’ equity to average assets
10.63

 
10.94

Net income available to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $4.0 million, or 7.2%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily the result of a $7.5 million increase in net interest income and a $1.5 million decrease in income tax expense, partly offset by a $2.1 million increase in non-interest expense, a $2.0 million increase in preferred stock dividends, a $600 thousand increase in the provision for loan losses and a $290 thousand decrease in non-interest income.
Details of the changes in the various components of net income are further discussed below.
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 the Corporation’s largest source of revenue, representing 67.4% of total revenue during the first three months of 2014. 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. The Corporation’s loan portfolio is significantly affected by changes in the prime interest rate. The prime interest rate, which is the rate offered on loans to borrowers with strong credit, remained at 3.25% for the entire year in 2013 and through the first quarter of 2014. The Corporation’s loan portfolio is also impacted, to a lesser extent, by changes in the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). At March 31, 2014, the one-month and three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rates were 0.15% and 0.23%, respectively, while at March 31, 2013, the one-month and three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rates were 0.20% and 0.28%, respectively. The intended federal funds rate, which is the cost of immediately available overnight funds, remained at zero to 0.25% for the entire year in 2013 and through the first quarter of 2014.
The Corporation’s balance sheet has historically been asset sensitive, meaning that earning assets generally reprice more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities. Therefore, the Corporation’s net interest margin was likely to increase in sustained periods of rising interest rates and decrease in sustained periods of declining interest rates. During the fourth quarter of 2007, in an effort to make the Corporation’s balance sheet less sensitive to changes in interest rates, the Corporation entered into various interest rate

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swaps which effectively converted certain variable-rate loans into fixed-rate instruments for a period of seven years. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Corporation also entered into an interest rate swap which effectively converted variable-rate debt into fixed-rate debt for a period of five years. As a result of these actions, the Corporation’s balance sheet was more interest-rate neutral and changes in interest rates had a less significant impact on the Corporation’s net interest margin than would have otherwise been the case. During the fourth quarter of 2009, a portion of the interest rate swaps on variable-rate loans was terminated, while the remaining interest rate swaps on variable-rate loans were terminated during the fourth quarter of 2010. These actions increased the asset sensitivity of the Corporation’s balance sheet. The deferred accumulated gain applicable to the settled interest rate contracts included in accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $21.3 million ($13.8 million on an after-tax basis) at March 31, 2014. The remaining deferred gain of $21.3 million ($13.8 million on an after-tax basis) will be recognized ratably in interest income through October 2014. See Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information related to these interest rate swaps.
The Corporation is 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 the Corporation’s net interest income and net interest margin in a rising interest rate environment. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) repealed the federal prohibitions on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts beginning July 21, 2011. Although the impact of this legislation on the Corporation has not yet been determined, the Corporation may begin to incur interest costs associated with demand deposits in the future as market conditions warrant. See Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk elsewhere in this report for information about the expected impact of this legislation on the Corporation’s sensitivity to interest rates. Further analysis of the components of the Corporation’s net interest margin is presented below.
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.
 
Quarter to Date
 
March 31, 2014
vs.
March 31, 2013
Due to changes in average volumes
$
16,498

Due to changes in average interest rates
(1,505
)
Total change
$
14,993

Taxable-equivalent net interest income for the first quarter of 2014 increased $15.0 million, or 8.7%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase primarily related to an increase in the average volume of interest-earning assets partly offset by a decrease in the net interest margin. The average volume of interest-earning assets for the first quarter of 2014 increased $1.8 billion compared to the same period in 2013. Over the same time frame, the net interest margin decreased 3 basis points from 3.45% during the first quarter of 2013 to 3.42% during the first quarter of 2014. The decrease in the net interest margin was partly due to an increase in the relative proportion of average interest-earning assets invested in lower-yielding, interest-bearing deposits during 2014 compared to 2013 while the relative proportion of interest-earning assets invested in higher-yielding securities and loans decreased. The net interest margin was also negatively impacted by a decrease in the average yield on loans. The net interest margin was positively impacted by an increase in the average yield on securities which resulted from an increase in the relative proportion of higher-yielding tax-exempt municipal securities relative to the lower-yielding taxable securities. These items are more fully discussed below. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 9 basis points from 3.57% in the first quarter of 2013 to 3.48% in the first quarter of 2014 while the average cost of funds decreased 10 basis points from 0.20% in the first quarter of 2013 to 0.10% in the first quarter of 2014. The average yield on interest-earning assets is primarily impacted by changes in market interest rates as well as changes in the volume and relative mix of interest-earning assets. As stated above, market interest rates have remained at historically low levels during the reported periods. The effect of lower average market interest rates during the reported periods on the average yield on average interest-earning assets was partly limited by the aforementioned interest rate swaps on variable-rate loans.
The average volume of loans during the first quarter of 2014 increased $468.9 million compared to the same period in 2013. Loans made up approximately 43.1% of average interest-earning assets during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 44.6% during the first quarter of 2013. The average yield on loans was 4.48% during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 4.62% during the first quarter of 2013. Loans generally have significantly higher yields compared to securities, interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold and resell agreements and, as such, have a more positive effect on the net interest margin.

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The average volume of securities during the first quarter of 2014 decreased $266.6 million compared to the same period in 2013. Securities made up approximately 39.7% of average interest-earning assets during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 44.5% during the first quarter of 2013. The average yield on securities was 3.81% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 3.32% in the first quarter of 2013. Despite a significant decrease in market rates for investment securities during the comparable periods, the average yield on securities increased 49 basis points during the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013 as the Corporation increased the relative proportion of investments held in higher-yielding, tax-exempt municipal securities. The relative proportion of higher-yielding, tax-exempt municipal securities totaled 50.4% of average securities during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 35.8% during the first quarter of 2013. The average yield on taxable securities was 2.00% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 1.93% in the first quarter of 2013, while the average taxable-equivalent yield on tax-exempt securities was 5.57% in the first quarter of 2014 compared to 5.78% in the first quarter of 2013.
Average federal funds sold, resell agreements and interest-bearing deposits during the first quarter of 2014 increased $1.6 billion compared to the same period in 2013. Federal funds sold, resell agreements and interest-bearing deposits made up approximately 17.2% of average interest-earning assets during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 10.9% during the first quarter of 2013. The combined average yield on federal funds sold, resell agreements and interest-bearing deposits was 0.26% during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 0.25% during the first quarter of 2013. The increase in average federal funds sold, resell agreements and interest-bearing deposits compared to the first quarter of 2013 was primarily related to excess liquidity from deposit growth.
Average deposits increased $1.8 billion during the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013. Average interest-bearing deposits for the first quarter of 2014 increased $1.1 billion compared to the same period in 2013, while average non-interest-bearing deposits for the first quarter of 2014 increased $722.2 million compared to the same period in 2013. The ratio of average interest-bearing deposits to total average deposits was 60.2% during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 60.3% during the first quarter of 2013. 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 0.08% and 0.05% during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 0.14% and 0.09% during the same period in 2013. The decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits during the comparable periods was primarily the result of decreases in interest rates offered on certain deposit products due to decreases in average market interest rates and decreases in renewal interest rates on maturing certificates of deposit given the current low interest rate environment. Additionally, the relative proportion of higher-cost certificates of deposit to total average interest-bearing deposits decreased from 8.8% during the first quarter of 2013 to 7.6% during the first quarter of 2014.
The Corporation’s 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 3.38% during the first quarter of 2014 compared to 3.37% during the first quarter of 2013. 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. 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.
The Corporation’s 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 the Corporation’s derivatives and hedging activities are set forth in Note 8 - 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 the Corporation’s derivative financial instruments is set forth in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk included elsewhere in this report.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses is determined by management as the amount to be added to the allowance for loan losses after net charge-offs have been deducted to bring the allowance to a level which, in management’s best estimate, is necessary to absorb probable losses within the existing loan portfolio. The provision for loan losses totaled $6.6 million for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $6.0 million for the first quarter of 2013. See the section captioned “Allowance for Loan Losses” elsewhere in this discussion for further analysis of the provision for loan losses.

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Non-Interest Income
The components of non-interest income were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2013
Trust and investment management fees
$
25,411

 
$
21,885

Service charges on deposit accounts
19,974

 
20,044

Insurance commissions and fees
13,126

 
13,070

Interchange and debit card transaction fees
4,243

 
4,011

Other charges, commissions and fees
8,207

 
7,755

Net gain (loss) on securities transactions

 
5

Other
6,529

 
11,010

Total
$
77,490

 
$
77,780

Total non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $290 thousand, or 0.4%, compared to the same period in 2013. Changes in the components of non-interest income are discussed below.
Trust and Investment Management Fees. Trust and investment management fees for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $3.5 million, or 16.1%, compared to the same period in 2013. Trust investment fees are the most significant component of trust and investment management fees, making up approximately 70% and 69% of total trust and investment management fees for the first three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Investment and other custodial account fees are generally based on the market value of assets within a trust account. Volatility in the equity and bond markets impacts the market value of trust assets and the related trust investment fees.
The increase in trust and investment management fees during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily the result of an increase in trust investment fees (up $2.7 million), real estate fees (up $495 thousand) and oil and gas fees (up $214 thousand). The increase in trust investment fees during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was partly due to higher average equity valuations during 2014 and an increase in the number of accounts. The increase in real estate fees was partly the result additional fees for services in connection with a large property sale during the first quarter of 2014.
At March 31, 2014, trust assets, including both managed assets and custody assets, were primarily composed of equity securities (45.8% of assets), fixed income securities (40.1% of assets) and cash equivalents (8.8% of assets). The estimated fair value of these assets was $29.8 billion (including managed assets of $12.2 billion and custody assets of $17.6 billion) at March 31, 2014, compared to $29.0 billion (including managed assets of $11.9 billion and custody assets of $17.1 billion) at December 31, 2013 and $27.1 billion (including managed assets of $11.3 billion and custody assets of $15.8 billion) at March 31, 2013.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts. Service charges on deposit accounts for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $70 thousand, or 0.3%, compared to the same period in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in overdraft/insufficient funds charges on consumer accounts (down $414 thousand) mostly offset by an increases in service charges on commercial accounts (up $389 thousand). Overdraft/insufficient funds charges totaled $7.5 million ($5.7 million consumer and $1.8 million commercial) during the first quarter of 2014 compared to $7.9 million ($6.1 million consumer and $1.8 million commercial) during the first quarter of 2013.
Insurance Commissions and Fees. Insurance commissions and fees for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $56 thousand, or 0.4%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was related to an increase in commission income (up $312 thousand) mostly offset by a decrease in contingent commissions (down $256 thousand). The increase in commission income during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily related to an increase in commercial lines property and casualty commissions resulting from new business and, to a lesser extent, higher rates, partly offset by a decrease in employee benefit commissions and fees. The decrease in employee benefit commissions and fees was partly related to customers electing to early renew policies during the fourth quarter of 2013 as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Insurance commissions and fees include contingent commissions totaling $2.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and $2.8 million during the same period in 2013. Contingent commissions primarily consist of amounts received from various property and casualty insurance carriers related to the loss performance of insurance policies previously placed. Such commissions are seasonal in nature and are generally received during the first quarter of each year. These commissions totaled $2.0 million and $2.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Contingent commissions also include amounts received from various benefit plan insurance companies related to the volume of business generated and/or the subsequent retention of such business. These

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benefit plan related commissions totaled $491 thousand and $673 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
Interchange and Debit Card Transaction Fees. Interchange and debit card transaction fees consist of income from check card usage, point of sale income from PIN-based debit card transactions and ATM service fees. Interchange and debit card transaction fees for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $232 thousand, or 5.8%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase is primarily due to an increase in income from check card usage (up $686 thousand) partly offset by a decrease in point of sale income from PIN-based debit card transactions (down $409 thousand).
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. In July 2013, a federal judge vacated the Federal Reserve’s rule setting debit transaction interchange fees under the Dodd-Frank Act, on the basis that the rule violated the intent of the law. The ruling states that only incremental costs, such as those related to authorization, clearing and settlement, incurred by the issuer for a particular debit transaction should be allowed and the Federal Reserve should not have considered fixed costs, fraud prevention costs, fraud losses and network fees when determining the fee cap. The judge's ruling was stayed in September 2013 and subsequently reversed on appeal in March 2014. Because of the uncertainty as to the outcome of any further litigation and any future rulemaking by the Federal Reserve, the Corporation cannot provide any assurance as to the ultimate impact of any rule change on the amount of interchange and debit card transaction fees reported in future periods.
Other Charges, Commissions and Fees. Other charges, commissions and fees for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $452 thousand, or 5.8%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase in other charges, commissions and fees included increases in wire transfer fees, in part due to a new fee schedule, (up $366 thousand), income related to the sale of annuities (up $286 thousand) and unused balance fees on loan commitments (up $134 thousand), among other things. These increases were partly offset by a decrease in letter of credit fees (down $225 thousand).
Net Gain/Loss on Securities Transactions. No securities were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2014. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Corporation sold available-for-sale securities with an amortized cost totaling $4.5 billion and realized a net gain of $5 thousand on those sales These securities were primarily purchased during 2013 and subsequently sold in connection with the Corporation’s tax planning strategies related to the Texas franchise tax. The gross proceeds from the sales of these securities outside of Texas are included in total revenues/receipts from all sources reported for Texas franchise tax purposes, which results in a reduction in the overall percentage of revenues/receipts apportioned to Texas and subjected to taxation under the Texas franchise tax.
Other Non-Interest Income. Other non-interest income decreased $4.5 million, or 40.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, other non-interest income included $4.3 million related to the sale of a building and parking garage, as further discussed below. Excluding the impact of the prior-year gain, other non-interest income effectively decreased $215 thousand. This effective decrease in other non-interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2014 included decreases in income from municipal bond underwriting discounts/fees (down $391 thousand) and earnings on the cash surrender value of life insurance policies (down $211 thousand). The decrease from the aforementioned items was partly offset by an increase in mineral interest income related to bonus, rental and shut-in payments and oil and gas royalties received from severed mineral interests on property owned by Main Plaza Corporation, a wholly owned non-banking subsidiary of the Corporation (up $366 thousand). During the first quarter of 2013, the Corporation realized a $5.6 million gain related to the sale of a building and parking garage. The Corporation leased back portions of the building through the third quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2015. As a result, a portion of the gain was deferred and only $4.3 million of the total $5.6 million gain was recognized during the first quarter of 2013. During the first quarter of 2014, other non-interest income included $154 thousand related to the amortization of the deferred gain. The remaining deferred portion of the gain, which totaled $614 thousand at March 31, 2014, will be recognized ratably over the remaining lease period.

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Non-Interest Expense
The components of non-interest expense were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2013
Salaries and wages
$
70,217

 
$
66,465

Employee benefits
17,388

 
17,991

Net occupancy
12,953

 
11,979

Furniture and equipment
14,953

 
14,185

Deposit insurance
3,117

 
2,889

Intangible amortization
689

 
820

Other
38,624

 
41,485

Total
$
157,941

 
$
155,814

Total non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $2.1 million, or 1.4%, compared to the same period in 2013. Changes in the components of non-interest expense are discussed below.
Salaries and Wages. Salaries and wages for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $3.8 million, or 5.6%, compared to the same period in 2013. This increase was primarily related to an increase in the number of employees and normal annual merit and market increases partly offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation expense.
Employee Benefits. Employee benefits expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $603 thousand, or 3.4%, compared to the same period in 2013. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in expenses related to the Corporation's defined benefit retirement plans. The Corporation recognized a combined net periodic pension benefit of $456 thousand on its defined benefit retirement plans during the first quarter of 2014 compared to a combined net periodic pension expense of $703 thousand during the first quarter of 2013. The decrease in employee benefits expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was also partly due to a decrease in expenses related to the Corporation’s profit sharing plan (down $393 thousand). The decreases in the aforementioned items were partly offset by increases in payroll taxes (up $355 thousand), medical insurance expense (up $278 thousand) and expenses related to the Corporation's 401(k) plan (up $210 thousand).
The Corporation’s defined benefit retirement and restoration plans were frozen effective as of December 31, 2001 and were replaced by a profit sharing plan. Management believes these actions helped to reduce the volatility in retirement plan expense. However, the Corporation still has funding obligations related to the defined benefit and restoration plans and could recognize retirement 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.
Net Occupancy. Net occupancy expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $974 thousand or 8.1% compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily related to increases in lease expense (up $600 thousand), utilities expense (up $152 thousand) and a decrease in parking garage income (down $134 thousand), among other things. These items were partly offset by a decrease in service contracts expense (down $116 thousand).
Furniture and Equipment. Furniture and equipment expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $768 thousand, or 5.4%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily related to increases in software maintenance (up $311 thousand) and furniture and fixtures depreciation (up $290 thousand), among other things.
Deposit Insurance. Deposit insurance expense totaled $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in deposit insurance expense for the first quarter 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily related to an increase in assets.
Intangible Amortization. Intangible amortization is primarily related to core deposit intangibles and, to a lesser extent, intangibles related to customer relationships and non-compete agreements. Intangible amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $131 thousand, or 16.0%, compared to the same period in 2013. The decrease in amortization expense was primarily the result of the completion of amortization of certain intangible assets as well as a reduction in the annual amortization rate of certain intangible assets as the Corporation uses an accelerated amortization approach which results in higher amortization rates during the earlier years of the useful lives of intangible assets. The decrease in amortization was partly offset by the additional amortization related to intangible assets recorded in connection with the acquisition of Kolkhorst Insurance Agency, Inc. on November 1, 2013.

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Other Non-Interest Expense. Other non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $2.9 million, or 6.9%, compared to the same period in 2013. During the first quarter of 2013, the Corporation wrote down certain land and other assets totaling $7.2 million. Approximately $6.2 million of this amount was related to the write-down of certain long-term bank-owned property in downtown San Antonio that was made available for sale. Excluding the impact of the prior-year write-downs, other non-interest expense effectively increased $4.3 million during the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Components of other non-interest expense with significant increases included amortization of net deferred cost related to loan commitments (up $1.1 million), check card expense (up $999 thousand), advertising/promotions expense (up $670 thousand), professional services expense (up $458 thousand), sundry expense from various miscellaneous items (up $437 thousand) and travel/meals and entertainment (up $324 thousand). The increases in the aforementioned items were partly offset by decreases in losses on the sale/write-down of assets/foreclosed assets (down $362 thousand, excluding the aforementioned $7.2 million in write-downs in the first quarter of 2013) and fraud losses (down $359 thousand). During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Corporation incurred $1.1 million in costs associated with the pending acquisition of WNB Bancshares (see Note 18 - Pending Acquisitions). These costs are included in sundry expense from various miscellaneous items ($1.0 million), professional services expense ($55 thousand) and travel, meals and entertainment expense ($36 thousand).
Results of Segment Operations
The Corporation’s operations are managed along two operating segments: Banking and Frost Wealth Advisors. A description of each business and the methodologies used to measure financial performance is described in Note 15 - Operating Segments in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. Net income (loss) by operating segment is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Banking
$
56,056

 
$
53,553

Frost Wealth Advisors
5,084

 
3,238

Non-Banks
48

 
(1,603
)
Consolidated net income
$
61,188

 
$
55,188

Banking
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $2.5 million, or 4.7%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily the result of a $6.4 million increase in net interest income and a $3.2 million decrease in income tax expense partly offset by a $4.4 million decrease in non-interest income, a $2.1 million increase in non-interest expense and a $599 thousand increase in the provision for loan losses.
Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $6.4 million, or 4.2%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase primarily related to an increase in the average volume of interest-earning assets partly offset by a decrease in the net interest margin. See the analysis of net interest income included in the section captioned “Net Interest Income” included elsewhere in this discussion.
The provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $6.6 million compared to $6.0 million for the same period in 2013. See the analysis of the provision for loan losses included in the section captioned “Allowance for Loan Losses” included elsewhere in this discussion.
Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 decreased $4.4 million, or 8.7%, compared to the same period in 2013. The decrease in non-interest income was primarily related to a decrease in other non-interest income partly offset by increases in interchange and debit card transaction fees and other charges, commissions and fees. The decrease in other non-interest income was primarily related to a non-recurring gain realized on the sale of a building and parking garage during the first quarter of 2013. The increase in interchange and debit card transaction fees was primarily due to an increase in income from check card usage partly offset by a decrease in point of sale income. The increase in other charges, commissions and fees was primarily due to an increase in wire transfer fees, in part due to a new fee schedule, and an increase in unused balance fees on loan commitments. The increase in insurance commissions and fees was related to an increase in commission income mostly offset by a decrease in contingent commissions. 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 the three months months ended March 31, 2014 increased $2.1 million, or 1.6%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and wages, net occupancy, furniture and equipment expense and deposit insurance expense partly offset by decreases in other non-interest expense and employee benefits. The increase in salaries and wages was primarily related to an increase in the number of employees and normal annual merit and market increases

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partly offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation expense. The increase in net occupancy expense was primarily related to increases in lease expense, utilities expense and a decrease in parking garage income. The increase in furniture and equipment expense was primarily due to increases in software maintenance and furniture and fixtures depreciation, among other things. The increase in deposit insurance expense was primarily related to an increase in assets. The decrease in other non-interest expense was primarily related to a non-recurring write-down of certain land and other assets during the first quarter of 2013. The decrease in employee benefit expense was primarily related to a decrease in expenses related to the Corporation's defined benefit retirement plans and profit sharing plan partly offset by increases in payroll taxes, medical insurance and expenses related to the Corporation's 401(k) plan. See the analysis of these items included in the section captioned “Non-Interest Expense” included elsewhere in this discussion.
Frost Insurance Agency, which is included in the Banking operating segment, had gross commission revenues of $13.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and $13.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase was related to an increase in commission income mostly offset by a decrease in contingent commissions. See the analysis of insurance commissions and fees included in the section captioned “Non-Interest Income” included elsewhere in this discussion. Frost Insurance Agency also had consulting revenues totaling $359 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and $349 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2013. Consulting revenues are primarily related to human resources consulting services and are reported as a component of other charges, commissions and fees.
Frost Wealth Advisors
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $1.8 million, or 57.0%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to a $3.9 million increase in non-interest income partly offset by a $1.0 million increase in non-interest expense and a $994 thousand increase in income tax expense.
Non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $3.9 million, or 15.1%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to a $3.6 million increase in trust and investment management fees and a $222 thousand increase in other charges, commissions and fees.
Trust and investment management fee income is the most significant income component for Frost Wealth Advisors. Investment fees are the most significant component of trust and investment management fees, making up approximately 70% of total trust and investment management fees for the first three months of 2014. Investment and other custodial account fees are generally based on the market value of assets within a trust account. Volatility in the equity and bond markets impacts the market value of trust assets and the related investment fees. The increase in trust and investment management fee income during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily the result of an increase in trust investment fees, real estate fees and oil and gas fees. The increase in trust investment fees during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to higher average equity valuations during 2014 and an increase in the number of accounts. The increase in real estate fees was partly the result of additional fees for services in connection with a large property sale during the first quarter of 2014. See the analysis of trust and investment management fees included in the section captioned “Non-Interest Income” included elsewhere in this discussion. The increases in other charges, commissions and fees during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 was primarily due to increases in income related to the sale of annuities.
Non-interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 increased $1.0 million, or 4.6%, compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to a $683 thousand increase in salaries and wages, a $211 thousand increase in other non-interest expense and a $98 thousand increase in employee benefits. The increase in salaries and wages was primarily related to normal annual merit and market increases. The increase in other non-interest expense was related to increases in professional services expense as well as increases in various miscellaneous categories of expense and overhead cost allocations. The increase in employee benefits was related to increases in payroll taxes, 401(k) plan expense and medical insurance expense.
Non-Banks
The Non-Banks operating segment had net income of $48 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to a net loss of $1.6 million for the same period in 2013. The increase in net income was primarily due to a $1.1 million decrease in net interest expense, a $987 thousand decrease in other non-interest expense and a $368 thousand increase in other non-interest income. The decrease in net interest expense was primarily related to a decrease in the interest rate paid on the Corporation's junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures as a result of the termination of an interest rate swap on the debentures in December of 2013. See Note 8 - Derivative Financial Instruments in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information related to the interest rate swap. The decrease in other-non interest expense was primarily related to a non-recurring write-off of certain premises and equipment assets totaling $923 thousand during the first quarter of 2013. The increase in other non-interest income was primarily related to an increase in mineral interest income related

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to bonus, rental and shut-in payments and oil and gas royalties received from severed mineral interests on property owned by Main Plaza Corporation, a wholly-owned non-banking subsidiary of the Corporation.
Income Taxes
The Corporation recognized income tax expense of $12.1 million, for an effective tax rate of 16.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $13.6 million, for an effective tax rate of 19.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The effective income tax rates differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% during the comparable periods primarily due to the effect of tax-exempt income from loans, securities and life insurance policies. The lower effective tax rate during 2014 was partly related to an increase in the relative proportion of tax-exempt income as the Corporation purchased additional tax-exempt municipal securities.
Average Balance Sheet
Average assets totaled $24.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2014 representing an increase of $1.8 billion, or 8.1%, compared to average assets for the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily reflected in earning assets, which increased $1.8 billion, or 8.9%, during the first quarter 2014 compared to the same period of 2013. The increase in earning assets was primarily due to a $1.6 billion increase in average interest-bearing deposits and an $468.9 million increase in average loans. The growth in average interest-earning assets was primarily funded by an increase in deposits. Total deposits averaged $20.5 billion for the first three months of 2014, increasing $1.8 billion, or 9.5%, compared to the same period in 2013. Average interest-bearing accounts totaled 60.2% and 60.3% of average total deposits during the first three months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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Loans
Loans were as follows as of the dates indicated:
 
March 31,
2014
 
Percentage
of Total
 
December 31,
2013
 
Percentage
of Total
Commercial and industrial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
4,686,817

 
48.1
 %
 
$
4,460,543

 
46.9
 %
Leases
307,269

 
3.1

 
319,577

 
3.4

Asset-based
112,640

 
1.2

 
126,956

 
1.3

Total commercial and industrial
5,106,726

 
52.4

 
4,907,076

 
51.6

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgages
2,800,091

 
28.7

 
2,800,760

 
29.4

Construction
445,491

 
4.6

 
426,639

 
4.5

Land
250,557

 
2.6

 
239,937

 
2.5

Total commercial real estate
3,496,139

 
35.9

 
3,467,336

 
36.4

Consumer real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity loans
334,802

 
3.4

 
329,853

 
3.5

Home equity lines of credit
199,734

 
2.0

 
195,132

 
2.1

1-4 family residential mortgages
29,749

 
0.3

 
32,447

 
0.3

Construction
15,509

 
0.2

 
13,123

 
0.1

Other
239,203

 
2.5

 
237,649

 
2.5

Total consumer real estate
818,997

 
8.4

 
808,204

 
8.5

Total real estate
4,315,136

 
44.3

 
4,275,540

 
44.9

Consumer and other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer installment
346,798

 
3.5

 
350,827

 
3.7

Other
5,522

 
0.1

 
7,289

 
0.1

Total consumer and other
352,320

 
3.6

 
358,116

 
3.8

Unearned discounts
(23,537
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(25,032
)
 
(0.3
)
Total loans
$
9,750,645

 
100.0
 %
 
$
9,515,700

 
100.0
 %
Loans increased $234.9 million, or 2.5%, compared to December 31, 2013. The majority of the Corporation’s loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and industrial loans and real estate loans. Commercial and industrial loans made up 52.4% and 51.6% of total loans at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, while real estate loans made up 44.3% and 44.9% of total loans, respectively, at those dates. Real estate loans include both commercial and consumer balances.
Commercial and industrial loans increased $199.7 million, or 4.1%, during the first quarter of 2014. The Corporation’s 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 the Corporation’s loan policy guidelines. The commercial and industrial loan portfolio also includes the commercial lease and asset-based lending portfolios as well as purchased shared national credits ("SNC"s) which are discussed in more detail below.
Purchased shared national credits are participations purchased from upstream financial organizations and tend to be larger in size than the Corporation’s originated portfolio. The Corporation’s purchased SNC portfolio totaled $616.4 million at March 31, 2014, increasing $30.2 million, or 5.1%, from $586.2 million at December 31, 2013. At March 31, 2014, 57.3% of outstanding purchased SNCs was related to the energy 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 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 the Corporation’s customers. As a matter of policy, the Corporation generally only participates in SNCs for companies headquartered in or which have significant operations within the Corporation’s market areas. In addition, the Corporation 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.
Real estate loans increased $39.6 million or 0.93% during the first quarter of 2014. Real estate loans include both commercial and consumer balances. Commercial real estate loans totaled $3.5 billion at March 31, 2014 and represented 81.0% of total real

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estate loans. The majority of this portfolio consists of commercial real estate mortgages, which includes both permanent and intermediate term loans. The Corporation’s primary focus for its commercial real estate portfolio has been growth in loans secured by owner-occupied properties. 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.
The consumer loan portfolio, including all consumer real estate and consumer installment loans, totaled $1.2 billion at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Consumer real estate loans, increased $10.8 million, or 1.3% , from December 31, 2013. Combined, home equity loans and lines of credit made up 65.3% and 65.0% of the consumer real estate loan total at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Corporation offers 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. In general, the Corporation no longer originates 1-4 family mortgage loans. Consumer installment loans, decreased $4.0 million, or 1.1%, from December 31, 2013. The consumer installment loan portfolio primarily consists of automobile loans, unsecured revolving credit products, personal loans secured by cash and cash equivalents, and other similar types of credit facilities.
Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets and accruing past due loans are presented in the table below. Troubled debt restructurings on non-accrual status are reported as non-accrual loans. Troubled debt restructurings on accrual status are reported separately.
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Non-accrual loans:

 

Commercial and industrial
$
22,984

 
$
26,733

Commercial real estate
23,631

 
27,035

Consumer real estate
2,178

 
2,207

Consumer and other
710

 
745

Total non-accrual loans
49,503

 
56,720

Restructured loans

 
1,137

Foreclosed assets:

 

Real estate
11,773

 
11,916

Other
15

 

Total foreclosed assets
11,788

 
11,916

Total non-performing assets
$
61,291

 
$
69,773

 
 
 
 
Ratio of non-performing assets to:

 

Total loans and foreclosed assets
0.63
%
 
0.73
%
Total assets
0.25

 
0.29

Accruing past due loans:

 

30 to 89 days past due
$
22,914

 
$
31,297

90 or more days past due
9,039

 
7,635

Total accruing past due loans
$
31,953

 
$
38,932

Ratio of accruing past due loans to total loans:

 

30 to 89 days past due
0.23
%
 
0.33
%
90 or more days past due
0.09

 
0.08

Total accruing past due loans
0.32
%
 
0.41
%
Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and foreclosed assets. Non-performing assets at March 31, 2014 decreased $8.5 million from December 31, 2013. The level of non-performing assets during the comparable periods is reflective of weaker economic conditions which began in the latter part of 2008, although the level of classified assets has trended downward since the first quarter of 2012. Non-accrual commercial and industrial loans included one credit relationship in excess of $5 million totaling $5.7 million and $6.3 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. 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 loans included one credit relationship in excess of $5 million totaling $7.1 million and $7.3 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. One credit relationship totaling $7.1 million at March 31, 2014 and $7.9 million at December 31, 2013, was included in both non-accrual commercial and industrial loans ($4.5 million at March 31, 2014 and $4.7 million at December 31, 2013) and non-accrual commercial real estate loans ($2.6 million at March 31, 2014 and $3.2 million at December 31, 2013).

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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.
Foreclosed assets represent property acquired as the result of borrower defaults on loans. Foreclosed assets are recorded at estimated fair value, less estimated selling costs, at the time of foreclosure. Write-downs occurring at foreclosure are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Regulatory guidelines require the Corporation to reevaluate the fair value of foreclosed assets on at least an annual basis. The Corporation’s policy is to comply with the regulatory guidelines. Write-downs are provided for subsequent declines in value and are included in other non-interest expense along with other expenses related to maintaining the properties. Write-downs of foreclosed assets totaled $244 thousand and $565 thousand, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There were no significant concentrations of any properties, to which the aforementioned write-downs relate, in any single geographic region.
Potential problem loans consist of loans that are performing in accordance with contractual terms but for which management has concerns about the ability of an obligor to continue to comply with repayment terms because of the obligor’s potential operating or financial difficulties. Management monitors these loans closely and reviews their performance on a regular basis. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Corporation had $29.7 million and $13.8 million in loans of this type which are not included in any one of the non-accrual, restructured or 90 days past due loan categories. At March 31, 2014, potential problem loans consisted of six credit relationships. Of the total outstanding balance at March 31, 2014, 59.5% related to an aircraft parts supplier and 11.6% related to a customer in manufacturing. Weakness in these organizations’ operating performance and condition has caused the Corporation to heighten the attention given to these credits.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Corporation’s allowance for loan loss methodology includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 310, “Receivables” and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions. The Corporation’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to non-accrual loans, past due loans, potential problem loans, classified and criticized loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors. The provision for loan losses also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period. In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance for loan losses related to newly identified criticized loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools. See Note 3 - Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for further details regarding the Corporation’s methodology for estimating the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses.
The table below provides, as of the dates indicated, an allocation of the allowance for loan losses by loan type; however, allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories:
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Commercial and industrial
$
57,054

 
$
52,790

Commercial real estate
21,020

 
22,590

Consumer real estate
4,533

 
5,230

Consumer and other
5,691

 
5,010

Unallocated
6,858

 
6,818

Total
$
95,156

 
$
92,438

The reserve allocated to commercial and industrial loans at March 31, 2014 increased $4.3 million compared to December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily related to increases in the historical valuation allowance, the environmental risk adjustment, reserves allocated for highly leveraged credit relationships and reserves allocated for excessive industry concentrations combined with a decrease in the adjustment for recoveries partly offset by decreases in the distressed industries allocation and allocations for specific loans. Historical valuation allowances increased $7.3 million from $29.4 million at December 31, 2013 to $36.6 million

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at March 31, 2014. The increase in historical valuation allowances was primarily due to increases in the historical loss allocation factors applied to certain categories of non-classified and classified commercial and industrial loans and an increase in the volume of non-classified commercial and industrial loans. The environmental risk adjustment increased $1.7 million from $5.5 million at December 31, 2013 to $7.2 million at March 31, 2014. Although the environmental risk adjustment factor decreased at March 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013, the dollar amount of the environmental risk adjustment increased as a result of the aforementioned increases in the base historical loss allocation factors to which the environment risk adjustment factor is applied. The adjustment for recoveries decreased $996 thousand from $3.6 million at December 31, 2013 to $2.6 million  at March 31, 2014 primarily due to the lower level of recoveries, on an annualized basis, experienced in the first three months of 2014 relative to annual recoveries for 2013. The reserve allocated for highly leveraged credit relationships increased $635 thousand from $4.5 million at December 31, 2013 to $5.2 million at March 31, 2014 primarily due to an increase in the volume of such credit relationships. The reserve allocated for excess industry concentrations increased $395 thousand from $1.5 million at December 31, 2013 to $1.9 million at March 31, 2014. The increase in the reserve allocated for excessive industry concentrations was primarily related to an increase in the volumes of industry concentrations. The distressed industries allocation related to commercial and industrial loans decreased $5.5 million from $7.8 million at December 31, 2013 to $2.4 million at March 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily related to improvements in the weighted-average risk grades of certain segments of the contractors industry to a level below that of the weighted-average risk grade for all pass-grade loans within the overall loan portfolio segment. As a result, additional distressed industry allocations were no longer necessary for these segments of the contractors industry. Allocations for specific loans decreased $1.4 million from $4.1 million at December 31, 2013 to $2.7 million at March 31, 2014. Classified commercial and industrial loans (loans having a risk grade of 11, 12 or 13) totaled $119.6 million at March 31, 2014 compared to $120.2 million at December 31, 2013.
The reserve allocated to commercial real estate loans decreased $1.6 million from $22.6 million at December 31, 2013 to $21.0 million at March 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily related to decreases in allocations for specific loans and the distressed industries allocation partly offset by a decrease in the adjustment for recoveries and an increase in the reserve allocated for highly leveraged credit relationships. Allocations for specific loans decreased $2.0 million from $2.8 million at December 31, 2013 to $776 thousand at March 31, 2014. The distressed industries allocation related to commercial real estate loans decreased $288 thousand. As mentioned above, the decrease was primarily related to improvements in the weighted-average risk grades of certain segments of the contractors industry. The adjustment for recoveries decreased $413 thousand from $1.2 million at December 31, 2013 to $791 thousand  at March 31, 2014 primarily due to the lower level of recoveries, on an annualized basis, experienced in the first three months of 2014 relative to annual recoveries for 2013. The reserve allocated for highly leveraged credit relationships increased $338 thousand from $619 thousand at December 31, 2013 to $957 thousand at March 31, 2014 primarily due to an increase in the volume of such credit relationships. Classified commercial real estate loans totaled $74.5 million at March 31, 2014 compared to $80.8 million at December 31, 2013.
The reserve allocated to consumer real estate loans at March 31, 2014 decreased $697 thousand compared to December 31, 2013 primarily due to a decrease in historical valuation allowances which decreased $678 thousand from $2.6 million at December 31, 2013 to $2.0 million at March 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in the historical loss allocation factor applied to pass grade consumer real estate loans. A decrease in the environmental risk adjustment was mostly offset by an increase in the adjustment for recoveries.
The reserve allocated to consumer and other loans at March 31, 2014 increased $681 thousand compared to December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily related to an increase in the historical valuation allowances due to an increase in the historical loss allocation factor applied to consumer and other loans combined with an increase in the environmental risk adjustment. The increase from these items was partly offset by an increase in the adjustment for recoveries.
The unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses represents general valuation allowances that are not allocated to specific loan portfolio segments. See Note 3 – Loans in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements for information regarding the components of the unallocated portion of the allowance. The unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2014 did not significantly fluctuate compared to December 31, 2013 as increases in the reserves for credit and collateral exceptions (up $556 thousand) and the reserves allocated for policy exceptions (up $55 thousand) were mostly offset by a decrease in the allocation for general macroeconomic risk (down $571 thousand). The decrease in the allocation for general macroeconomic risk is reflective of improving trends in certain components of the Texas Leading Index and, aside from the $15.0 million charge-off discussed below related to a single customer relationship which was not considered to be indicative of a decline in the overall credit quality of the Corporation's loan portfolio, the fact that the trend in net charge-offs has stabilized at improved levels compared to recent years. Furthermore, the overall level of classified commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans decreased approximately $6.8 million, or 3.4%, at March 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 while the overall weighted-average risk grades of these portfolios remained stable at 6.40 at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

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Activity in the allowance for loan losses is presented in the following table.
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2013
Balance at beginning of period
$
92,438

 
$
104,453

Provision for loan losses
6,600

 
6,000

Charge-offs:

 

Commercial and industrial
(2,367
)
 
(17,152
)
Commercial real estate
(1,791
)
 
(266
)
Consumer real estate
(21
)
 
(336
)
Consumer and other
(2,487
)
 
(2,177
)
Total charge-offs
(6,666
)
 
(19,931
)
Recoveries:

 

Commercial and industrial
671

 
625

Commercial real estate
213

 
595

Consumer real estate
44

 
60

Consumer and other
1,856

 
1,787

Total recoveries
2,784

 
3,067

Net charge-offs
(3,882
)
 
(16,864
)
Balance at end of period
$
95,156

 
$
93,589

 
 
 
 
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to:
 
 

Total loans
0.98
%
 
1.02
%
Non-accrual loans
192.22

 
102.12

Ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average total loans
0.16

 
0.75

The provision for loan losses increased $600 thousand, or 10.0% during the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans (on an annualized basis) totaled 0.16% during the first quarter of 2014 decreasing 59 basis points compared to 0.75% during the first quarter of 2013. During the first quarter of 2013, the Corporation recognized a $15.0 million charge-off related to a single commercial and industrial loan relationship. The loan was not past due or previously considered to be a non-performing, impaired or potential problem loan; however, in April 2013, the borrower entered into bankruptcy proceedings. The level of the provision for loan losses during the first quarter of 2013 was impacted by this charge-off. Excluding the $15.0 million charge-off, net charge-offs would have been $1.9 million, or 0.8% of average loans (on an annualized basis), during the first quarter of 2013.
The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans was 0.98% at March 31, 2014 compared to 0.97% at December 31, 2013. Management believes the recorded amount of the allowance for loan losses is appropriate based upon management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. Should any of the factors considered by management in evaluating the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses change, the Corporation’s estimate of probable loan losses could also change, which could affect the level of future provisions for loan losses.
Capital and Liquidity
Capital. Shareholders’ equity totaled $2.6 billion and $2.5 billion at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. In addition to net income of $61.2 million, other sources of capital during the three months ended March 31, 2014 included $17.3 million in proceeds from stock option exercises and related tax benefits of $1.3 million, $2.1 million related to stock-based compensation and other comprehensive income, net of tax, of $2.3 million. Uses of capital during the three months ended March 31, 2014 included $32.5 million of dividends paid on preferred and common stock.
The accumulated other comprehensive income/loss component of shareholders’ equity totaled a net, after-tax, unrealized gain of $142.7 million at March 31, 2014 compared to a net, after-tax, unrealized gain of $140.4 million at December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily due to a $13.9 million net after-tax increase in the net unrealized gain on securities available for sale and a $437 thousand net after-tax decrease in the net actuarial loss of the Corporation’s defined benefit post-retirement benefit plans partly offset by a $6.1 million net after-tax decrease in the accumulated net gain on effective cash flow hedges and a $6.0 million net after-tax decrease in the net unrealized gain on securities transferred to held to maturity.
Under current regulatory requirements, amounts reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/loss related to securities available for sale, effective cash flow hedges and defined benefit post-retirement benefit plans do not increase or reduce regulatory

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capital and are not included in the calculation of risk-based capital and leverage ratios. Regulatory agencies for banks and bank holding companies utilize capital guidelines designed to measure Tier 1 and total capital and take into consideration the risk inherent in both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet items. See Note 7 - Capital and Regulatory Matters in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
On February 15, 2013, the Corporation issued and sold 6,000,000 shares, or $150 million in aggregate liquidation preference, of its 5.375% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 and liquidation preference $25 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”). The net proceeds from the offering were used to fund an accelerated share repurchase. See Note 7 – Capital and Regulatory Matters in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
The Corporation paid quarterly dividends of $0.50 per common share during the first quarter of 2014 and quarterly dividends of $0.48 per common share during the first quarter of 2013. This equates to a dividend payout ratio of 51.5% and 52.1% during the first quarters of 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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. The ability of the Corporation to declare or pay dividends on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, shares of its capital stock is subject to certain restrictions during any such extension period.
Under the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, the ability of the Corporation to declare or pay dividends on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, shares of its common stock or any securities of the Corporation that rank junior to the Series A Preferred Stock is subject to certain restrictions in the event that the Corporation does not declare and pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for the most recent dividend period.
From time to time, the Corporation’s board of directors has authorized stock repurchase plans. Stock repurchase plans allow the Corporation to proactively manage its capital position and return excess capital to shareholders. Shares purchased under such plans also provide the Corporation with shares of common stock necessary to satisfy obligations related to stock compensation awards. The aforementioned accelerated share repurchase was part of a stock repurchase program that was authorized by the Corporation’s board of directors in December 2012 to buy up to $150.0 million of the Corporation’s common stock. During 2013, the Corporation repurchased 2,236,748 shares (1,905,077 shares in the first quarter and 331,671 during the third quarter) under the stock repurchase plan. No shares were repurchased under stock repurchase plans during the first quarter of 2014. See Part II, Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds, included elsewhere in this report, for details of stock repurchases during the quarter.
Basel III Capital Rules. In July 2013, Cullen/Frost's and Frost Bank’s primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve, published the Basel III Capital Rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The rules implement the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework known as “Basel III” for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Basel III Capital Rules substantially revise the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions, including Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank, compared to the current U.S. risk-based capital rules. The Basel III Capital Rules define the components of capital and address other issues affecting the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios. The Basel III Capital Rules also address risk weights and other issues affecting the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios and replace the existing risk-weighting approach, which was derived from Basel I capital accords of the Basel Committee, with a more risk-sensitive approach based, in part, on the standardized approach in the Basel Committee’s 2004 “Basel II” capital accords. The Basel III Capital Rules also implement the requirements of Section 939A of the Dodd-Frank Act to remove references to credit ratings from the federal banking agencies’ rules. The Basel III Capital Rules are effective for Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period). Management believes that, as of March 31, 2014, Cullen/Frost and Frost Bank would meet all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were currently effective. See the section captioned “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1. Business of the Corporation’s 2013 Form 10-K for more information on the Basel III Capital Rules.
Liquidity. Liquidity measures the ability to meet current and future cash flow needs as they become due. The liquidity of a financial institution reflects its ability to meet loan requests, to accommodate possible outflows in deposits and to take advantage of interest rate market opportunities. The ability of a financial institution to meet its current financial obligations is a function of its balance sheet structure, its ability to liquidate assets and its access to alternative sources of funds. The objective of the Corporation’s liquidity management is to manage cash flow and liquidity reserves so that they are adequate to fund the Corporation’s operations and to meet obligations and other commitments on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost. The Corporation seeks to achieve this objective and ensure that funding needs are met by maintaining an appropriate level of liquid funds through asset/liability management, which includes managing the mix and time to maturity of financial assets and financial liabilities on the Corporation’s balance sheet. The Company’s liquidity position is enhanced by its ability to raise additional funds as needed in the wholesale markets.

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Asset liquidity is provided by liquid assets which are readily marketable or pledgeable or which will mature in the near future. Liquid assets include cash, interest-bearing deposits in banks, securities available for sale, maturities and cash flow from securities held to maturity, and federal funds sold and resell agreements.
Liability liquidity is provided by access to funding sources which include core deposits and correspondent banks in the Corporation’s natural trade area that maintain accounts with and sell federal funds to Frost Bank, as well as federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements from upstream banks and deposits obtained through financial intermediaries.
The liquidity position of the Corporation 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 the Corporation’s asset/liability management process. The Corporation regularly models 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 the Corporation’s contingency funding plan, which provides the basis for the identification of the Corporation’s liquidity needs. As of March 31, 2014, management is not aware of any events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s liquidity, capital resources or operations. In addition, management is not aware of any regulatory recommendations regarding liquidity, including the Basel III liquidity framework, which, if implemented, would have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.
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 7 - Capital and Regulatory Matters in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report regarding such dividends. At March 31, 2014, Cullen/Frost had liquid assets, including cash and resell agreements, totaling $345.0 million.
Accounting Standards Updates
See Note 17 - 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 the Corporation’s financial statements.


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Consolidated Average Balance Sheets and Interest Income Analysis - Quarter To Date
(Dollars in thousands - taxable-equivalent basis)

March 31, 2014

March 31, 2013

Average
Balance

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Cost

Average
Balance

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Cost
Assets:











Interest-bearing deposits
$
3,819,492

 
$
2,404

 
0.26
%
 
$
2,199,996

 
$
1,353

 
0.25
%
Federal funds sold and resell agreements
19,452

 
20

 
0.42

 
16,335

 
22

 
0.54

Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
4,372,851

 
21,403

 
2.00

 
5,836,609

 
27,377

 
1.93

Tax-exempt
4,450,382

 
61,525

 
5.57

 
3,253,186

 
46,485

 
5.78

Total securities
8,823,233

 
82,928

 
3.81

 
9,089,795

 
73,862

 
3.32

Loans, net of unearned discounts
9,577,538

 
105,814

 
4.48

 
9,108,615

 
103,514

 
4.62

Total Earning Assets and Average Rate Earned
22,239,715

 
191,166

 
3.48

 
20,414,741

 
178,751

 
3.57

Cash and due from banks
566,713

 
 
 
 
 
579,714

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
(94,406
)
 
 
 
 
 
(105,159
)
 
 
 
 
Premises and equipment, net
317,463

 
 
 
 
 
317,344

 
 
 
 
Accrued interest and other assets
977,113

 
 
 
 
 
1,006,737

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
24,006,598

 
 
 
 
 
$
22,213,377

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and individual
$
7,388,236

 
 
 
 
 
$
6,722,627

 
 
 
 
Correspondent banks
355,881

 
 
 
 
 
335,437

 
 
 
 
Public funds
409,054

 
 
 
 
 
372,957

 
 
 
 
Total non-interest-bearing demand deposits
8,153,171

 
 
 
 
 
7,431,021

 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private accounts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings and interest checking
3,953,601

 
220

 
0.02

 
3,537,278

 
378

 
0.04

Money market deposit accounts
6,960,570

 
1,804

 
0.11

 
6,300,324

 
2,733

 
0.18

Time accounts
942,941

 
467

 
0.20

 
995,166

 
739

 
0.30

Public funds
500,796

 
70

 
0.06

 
459,369

 
158

 
0.14

Total interest-bearing deposits
12,357,908

 
2,561

 
0.08

 
11,292,137

 
4,008

 
0.14

Total deposits
20,511,079

 
 
 
 
 
18,723,158

 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
503,729

 
27

 
0.02

 
532,712

 
30

 
0.02

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures
123,712

 
561

 
1.81

 
123,712

 
1,673

 
5.41

Subordinated notes payable and other notes
100,000

 
222

 
0.89

 
100,000

 
238

 
0.95

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

 

 

 
3

 

 
6.00

Total Interest-Bearing Funds and Average Rate Paid
13,085,349

 
3,371

 
0.10

 
12,048,564

 
5,949

 
0.20

Accrued interest and other liabilities
215,569

 
 
 
 
 
302,936

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities
21,454,089

 
 
 
 
 
19,782,521

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity
2,552,509

 
 
 
 
 
2,430,856

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
24,006,598

 
 
 
 
 
$
22,213,377

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
187,795

 
 
 
 
 
$
172,802

 
 
Net interest spread
 
 
 
 
3.38
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.37
%
Net interest income to total average earning assets
 
 
 
 
3.42
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.45
%
For these computations: (i) average balances are presented on a daily average basis, (ii) information is shown on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 35% 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.


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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 2013 Form 10-K. There has been no significant change in the types of market risks faced by the Corporation since December 31, 2013.
The Corporation utilizes 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, 2014, 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 0.2% and 1.1%, respectively, relative to the flat-rate case over the next 12 months, while a decrease in interest rates of 25 basis points would result in a negative variance in net interest income of 3.0% relative to the flat-rate case over the next 12 months. The March 31, 2014 model simulations were impacted by the assumption, for modeling purposes, that the Corporation will begin to pay interest on demand deposits (those not already receiving an earnings credit rate) in the second quarter of 2014, as further discussed below. As of March 31, 2013, the model simulations projected that a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in a positive variance in net interest income of 0.1% and a 200 basis point increase in interest rates would result in a positive variance in net interest income of 1.1%, relative to the base case over the next 12 months, while a decrease in interest rates of 25 basis points would result in a negative variance in net interest income of 2.1% relative to the base case over the next 12 months. The March 31, 2013 model simulations were impacted by the assumption, for modeling purposes, that the Corporation will begin to pay interest on demand deposits in the second quarter of 2013, as further discussed below. The likelihood of a decrease in interest rates beyond 25 basis points as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 was considered to be remote given prevailing interest rate levels.
The Corporation experienced significant growth in deposits during 2013 and the first quarter of 2014 which funded a significant increase in interest-bearing deposits which generally reprice as market interest rates change. This increase in interest-bearing deposits coupled with the assumption, for modeling purposes, that the Corporation would begin paying interest on demand deposits that were previously non-interest-bearing as a result of recent legislation, as further discussed below, would generally result in the model simulations indicating that the Corporation’s interest rate sensitivity as of March 31, 2014 would remain similarly asset sensitive in comparison to March 31, 2013.
As mentioned above, financial regulatory reform legislation entitled the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act” (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) repealed the federal prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts beginning July 21, 2011. Although the ultimate impact of this legislation on the Corporation has not yet been determined, the Corporation may begin to incur interest costs associated with demand deposits in the future as market conditions warrant. If this were to occur, the Corporation’s balance sheet would likely become less asset sensitive and possibly liability sensitive. Because the interest rate that will ultimately be paid on these demand deposits depends upon a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, the Corporation assumed an aggressive pricing structure for the purposes of the model simulations discussed above with interest payments beginning in the second quarter of 2014. Should the actual interest rate paid on demand deposits be less than the rate assumed in the model simulations, or should the interest rate paid for demand deposits become an administered rate with less direct correlation to movements in general market interest rates, the Corporation’s balance sheet could be more asset sensitive than the model simulations might otherwise indicate.
As of March 31, 2014, the effects of a 200 basis point increase and a 25 basis point decrease in interest rates on the Corporation’s derivative holdings would not result in a significant variance in the Corporation’s net interest income.
The effects of hypothetical fluctuations in interest rates on the Corporation’s 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.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, an evaluation was carried out by the Corporation’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Corporation’s 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 the Corporation’s 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, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Corporation and its subsidiaries 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 the Corporation’s financial statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There has been no material change in the risk factors disclosed under Item 1A. of the Corporation’s 2013 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Corporation or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of the Corporation’s common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2014. 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
January 1, 2014 to January 31, 2014

 
$

 

 
$

February 1, 2014 to February 28, 2014

 

 

 

March 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014

 

 

 

Total

 
$

 

 


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Corporation's Chief Financial Officer
32.1+
Section 1350 Certification of the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer
32.2+
Section 1350 Certification of the Corporation's Chief Financial Officer
101
Interactive Data File
+
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.

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Table of Contents

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 23, 2014
 
By:  
/s/    Phillip D. Green         
 
 
 
 
 
Phillip D. Green
 
 
 
 
 
Group Executive Vice President
 
 
 
 
 
and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
(Duly Authorized Officer, Principal Financial
 
 
 
 
 
Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 

66