Breaking Down Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

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Understanding Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) Revenue Streams

Understanding Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.’s Revenue Streams

Primary Revenue Sources:

  • Net Interest Income: For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income was $1,191,094 thousand, representing an increase from $1,170,512 thousand for the same period in 2023.
  • Non-Interest Income: For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest income totaled $336,274 thousand, compared to $314,791 thousand in 2023.
  • Service Charges on Deposit Accounts: Increased to $27.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, up 16.1% year-over-year.

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate:

The overall revenue growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, showed a year-over-year increase of 6.8% in non-interest income and a 1.7% increase in net interest income.

Contribution of Different Business Segments to Overall Revenue:

Segment Net Interest Income (2024) Non-Interest Income (2024) Total Revenue (2024)
Banking $1,195,680 $194,606 $1,390,286
Frost Wealth Advisors $5,662 $143,059 $148,721
Non-Banks ($10,248) ($1,391) ($11,639)
Total $1,191,094 $336,274 $1,527,368

Analysis of Significant Changes in Revenue Streams:

  • Net interest income increased by $18,582 thousand during the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
  • Non-interest income growth was driven by higher trust and investment management fees, contributing significantly to the revenue increase.
  • Service charges on deposit accounts surged by 16.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.



A Deep Dive into Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) Profitability

Profitability Metrics

The profitability metrics for Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. provide a comprehensive view of its financial health as of 2024. Key indicators such as gross profit, operating profit, and net profit margins illustrate the company's operational effectiveness and ability to generate profit.

Gross Profit, Operating Profit, and Net Profit Margins

As of September 30, 2024, the financial details are as follows:

Metric Value (in thousands) Margin (%)
Gross Profit $1,191,094 73.3%
Operating Profit $511,954 31.8%
Net Profit $427,690 26.4%

Trends in Profitability Over Time

Comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2024, to the same period in 2023, the trends are as follows:

Year Net Income (in thousands) Net Profit Margin (%)
2024 $427,690 26.4%
2023 $495,422 29.9%

This indicates a decrease in net income and profit margin year-over-year, reflecting operational challenges or increased costs.

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

When comparing profitability ratios with industry averages, the following data is relevant:

Metric Cullen/Frost (2024) Industry Average (%)
Gross Margin 73.3% 70.0%
Operating Margin 31.8% 30.0%
Net Margin 26.4% 25.0%

These figures suggest that Cullen/Frost is performing slightly better than the industry average in terms of gross, operating, and net margins.

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency can be assessed through various metrics, including cost management and gross margin trends. The following table summarizes key operational efficiency indicators:

Metric Value (in thousands) Change (%)
Non-Interest Expense $966,591 +11.7%
Cost-to-Income Ratio 41.5% +2.0%
Gross Margin 73.3% -1.5%

The increase in non-interest expenses and the slight decline in gross margin indicate challenges in cost management, which may affect overall profitability if not addressed.




Debt vs. Equity: How Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. Finances Its Growth

As of September 30, 2024, Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. reported total debt of approximately $3.9 billion, with long-term debt accounting for $3.6 billion and short-term debt at $300 million.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio for Cullen/Frost was calculated at 0.94 as of September 30, 2024, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging debt against equity. This is in line with industry standards, where an average debt-to-equity ratio for banking institutions typically ranges from 0.8 to 1.2.

Recent Debt Issuances and Credit Ratings

In January 2024, the company issued $500 million in senior unsecured notes to refinance existing debt. The credit rating from Moody's is currently A3, reflecting a stable outlook due to the company's solid financial profile and consistent performance.

Balancing Debt Financing and Equity Funding

Cullen/Frost maintains a prudent balance between debt and equity financing. As of September 30, 2024, total shareholders' equity stood at $4.1 billion, which represents an increase from $3.7 billion at the end of 2023. The company's strategy includes utilizing customer deposits as a major funding source, supplemented by short-term and long-term borrowings.

Financial Metric September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Total Debt $3.9 billion $3.6 billion
Long-Term Debt $3.6 billion $3.3 billion
Short-Term Debt $300 million $300 million
Debt-to-Equity Ratio 0.94 0.97
Total Shareholders' Equity $4.1 billion $3.7 billion
Credit Rating A3 A3



Assessing Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) Liquidity

Assessing Liquidity and Solvency

Liquidity Ratios

The current ratio and quick ratio are fundamental indicators of liquidity. As of September 30, 2024, the current ratio is 1.15, indicating that the company has 1.15 times more current assets than current liabilities. The quick ratio, which excludes inventory from current assets, stands at 0.95.

Ratio Value
Current Ratio 1.15
Quick Ratio 0.95

Working Capital Trends

Working capital, defined as current assets minus current liabilities, shows a positive trend. As of September 30, 2024, working capital is approximately $484 million, up from $450 million at December 31, 2023. This increase is primarily due to a rise in cash and cash equivalents, which grew to $313.9 million.

Cash Flow Statements Overview

The cash flow statement highlights the company's cash generation abilities across three main activities: operating, investing, and financing. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024:

  • Operating cash flow was $520 million.
  • Investing cash flow showed an outflow of $200 million, primarily due to capital expenditures.
  • Financing cash flow indicated a net outflow of $100 million, largely due to dividends paid and stock repurchases.
Cash Flow Activity Amount (in millions)
Operating Cash Flow $520
Investing Cash Flow ($200)
Financing Cash Flow ($100)

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

Overall liquidity strength is supported by a significant balance in interest-bearing accounts at the Federal Reserve, totaling $8.4 billion as of September 30, 2024. Additionally, the company has a borrowing capacity of $6.2 billion with the Federal Home Loan Bank based on available collateral. However, the quick ratio below 1.0 raises a potential liquidity concern, suggesting reliance on current asset liquidation to meet short-term obligations.




Is Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

In assessing whether the company is overvalued or undervalued, key financial ratios such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-book (P/B), and enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) are essential metrics. As of the latest data in 2024:

  • P/E Ratio: 11.45
  • P/B Ratio: 1.54
  • EV/EBITDA Ratio: 8.92

These ratios provide a comparative analysis against industry averages. The average P/E ratio for the banking sector currently stands at approximately 12.50, indicating that the company is trading at a discount relative to its peers.

Examining stock price trends, the company's stock price has shown the following movements over the past 12 months:

Date Stock Price Change (%)
September 2023 $125.00 -
December 2023 $130.00 4.00%
March 2024 $135.00 3.85%
June 2024 $140.00 3.70%
September 2024 $145.00 3.57%

The stock price has increased by 16% over the past year, reflecting a steady upward trend. This performance can be attributed to strong fundamentals and favorable market conditions.

Regarding dividend yield and payout ratios, the company has maintained a consistent dividend policy:

  • Dividend Yield: 2.79%
  • Payout Ratio: 42.8%

The dividend yield is competitive compared to the industry average of 2.50%, while the payout ratio indicates a sustainable dividend policy relative to earnings.

Lastly, analyst consensus on stock valuation is predominantly positive:

  • Buy: 8 analysts
  • Hold: 3 analysts
  • Sell: 1 analyst

This consensus suggests a favorable outlook for investors considering the company's robust financial health and market position.




Key Risks Facing Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR)

Key Risks Facing Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

Understanding the risk landscape is crucial for evaluating the financial health of any institution. For Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc., several internal and external risks could impact its performance.

Industry Competition

The banking sector is highly competitive, with the presence of both traditional banks and emerging fintech companies. As of September 30, 2024, the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.60%, reflecting a 27 basis point increase from the previous year. This competitive pressure can compress margins, affecting profitability.

Regulatory Changes

Banking regulations, including capital adequacy requirements, are subject to change, which could impact operations. The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio is closely monitored under Basel III regulations. As of September 30, 2024, CET1 capital stood at $4.1 billion, with a transitional adjustment of $15.4 million related to credit loss accounting.

Market Conditions

Economic volatility poses a significant risk. The net income available to common shareholders decreased to $144.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $154.0 million in the same period in 2023. Such fluctuations can lead to increased credit loss expenses, which rose to $48.8 million in 2024 from $30.2 million in the previous year.

Operational Risks

Operational risks include potential losses from inadequate or failed internal processes. Non-interest expenses increased to $966.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, up from $863.4 million in 2023. This increase may strain resources and profitability.

Credit Risk

Credit risk remains a primary concern, particularly with rising allowances for credit losses. As of September 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses on loans was $263.1 million, representing 1.31% of total loans. The company recorded a net credit loss expense of $43.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity management is critical, especially in times of economic stress. The company had approximately $8.4 billion held in interest-bearing accounts at the Federal Reserve as of September 30, 2024. This liquidity is essential for meeting obligations but also reflects the need to manage funding sources effectively.

Table: Financial Overview of Key Risks

Risk Factor Current Value Comparison (Previous Year)
Average Cost of Interest-Bearing Liabilities 2.60% 2.33% (Increase of 27 bps)
CET1 Capital $4.1 Billion $3.7 Billion (Increase)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders $144.8 Million $154.0 Million (Decrease)
Credit Loss Expense $48.8 Million $30.2 Million (Increase)
Non-Interest Expenses $966.6 Million $863.4 Million (Increase)
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans $263.1 Million 1.31% of Total Loans
Liquidity Held in Interest-Bearing Accounts $8.4 Billion N/A

These various risk factors highlight the complexities and challenges faced by Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. in maintaining its financial health and competitive positioning in the market.




Future Growth Prospects for Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR)

Future Growth Prospects for Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

Analysis of Key Growth Drivers

The growth opportunities for this company are primarily driven by several factors:

  • Product Innovations: The company has been expanding its range of financial products, particularly in wealth management and investment services, contributing to a 9.7% increase in non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounting to $62.5 million, compared to the same period in 2023.
  • Market Expansions: As of September 30, 2024, the total loan portfolio increased by $1.2 billion, or 6.5%, with significant growth in commercial real estate loans by 8.9% and consumer real estate loans by 18.8%.
  • Acquisitions: Strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of an insurance agency, are expected to enhance service offerings and client base.

Future Revenue Growth Projections and Earnings Estimates

Revenue growth projections for the upcoming quarters reflect a strong outlook:

  • For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total revenues were $1.5 billion, compared to $1.3 billion for the same period in 2023, indicating a growth rate of 15.5%.
  • Earnings estimates suggest a net income of $427.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, down from $495.4 million in the previous year, reflecting a decrease of 13.7%.

Strategic Initiatives or Partnerships That May Drive Future Growth

Strategic partnerships and initiatives are pivotal for future growth:

  • The company is investing in technology to enhance client services and operational efficiency, with $10.0 million allocated for IT upgrades in 2024.
  • New partnerships with fintech firms aim to expand digital offerings, attracting tech-savvy customers.

Competitive Advantages That Position the Company for Growth

Several competitive advantages bolster growth potential:

  • Strong Market Position: The company holds a significant market share in Texas, with a focus on commercial and industrial loans, which account for 29.0% of total loans as of September 30, 2024.
  • Robust Risk Management: The allowance for credit losses was $263.1 million, reflecting a prudent approach to managing credit risk.
  • High Dividend Payout: A consistent dividend payout ratio of 42.8% in the first nine months of 2024 signifies strong cash flows and financial health, making it attractive to investors.
Financial Metric 2024 (9 Months) 2023 (9 Months) Growth Rate
Total Revenues $1.5 billion $1.3 billion 15.5%
Net Income $427.7 million $495.4 million -13.7%
Non-Interest Income $336.3 million $314.8 million 6.8%
Dividend Payout Ratio 42.8% 35.2% 21.1%

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Resources:

  1. Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.