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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations
Nature of Operations. Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (“Cullen/Frost”) is a financial holding company and a bank holding company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas that provides, through its subsidiaries, a broad array of products and services throughout numerous Texas markets. The terms “Cullen/Frost,” “the Corporation,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. and its subsidiaries, when appropriate. In addition to general commercial and consumer banking, other products and services offered include trust and investment management, insurance, brokerage, mutual funds, leasing, treasury management, capital markets advisory and item processing.
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include the accounts of Cullen/Frost and all other entities in which Cullen/Frost has a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounting and financial reporting policies we follow conform, in all material respects, to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and to general practices within the financial services industry.
The consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations. All such adjustments were of a normal and recurring nature. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended December 31, 2019, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 4, 2020 (the “2019 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
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for loan losses and the fair values of financial instruments and the status of contingencies are particularly subject to change.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] In addition, on January 1, 2020, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” as subsequently updated for certain clarifications, targeted relief and codification improvements. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326 (“ASC 326”) replaces the previous “incurred loss” model for measuring credit losses, which encompassed allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, with an “expected loss” model, which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the portfolio. The new current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain off-balance-sheet credit exposures based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASC 326 also requires enhanced disclosures related to the significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. In addition, ASC 326 includes certain changes to the accounting for available-for-sale securities including the requirement to present credit losses as an allowance rather than as a direct write-down for available-for-sale securities management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not they will be required to sell.
We adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance-sheet credit exposures. Upon adoption, we recognized an after-tax cumulative effect reduction to retained earnings totaling $29.3 million, as detailed in the table below. Operating results for periods after January 1, 2020 are presented in accordance with ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable standards and the accounting policies described in our 2019 Form 10-K.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Securities: Securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them until maturity. Securities to be held for indefinite periods of time are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value, with the unrealized holding gains and losses (those for which no allowance for credit losses are recorded) reported as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax. Securities held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movements are classified as trading and are carried at fair value, with changes in unrealized holding gains and losses included in income. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. Securities with limited marketability, such as stock in the Federal Reserve Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank, are carried at cost.
Interest income on securities includes amortization of purchase premiums and discounts. Premiums and discounts on securities are generally amortized using the interest method with a constant effective yield without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Premiums on callable securities are amortized to their earliest call date. A security is placed on non-accrual status if (i) principal or interest has been in default for a period of 90 days or more or (ii) full payment of principal and interest is not expected. Interest accrued but not received for a security placed on non-accrual status is reversed against interest income. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and are derived from the amortized cost of the security sold.
Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Policy Text Block]
Allowance For Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity Securities: The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities is a contra-asset valuation account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of held-to-maturity securities to present management's best estimate of the net amount expected to be collected. Held-to-maturity securities are charged-off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible by management. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of credit loss expense. Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity securities on a collective basis by major security type with each type sharing similar risk characteristics, and considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management has made the accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity securities from the estimate of credit losses. Further information regarding our policies and methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities is presented in Note 2 - Securities.
Allowance For Credit Losses - Available-for-Sale Securities: For available-for sale securities in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether (i) we intend to sell, or (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either case is affirmative, any previously recognized allowances are charged-off and the security's amortized cost is written down to fair value through income. If neither case is affirmative, the security is evaluated to determine whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and any adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of credit loss expense. Management has made the accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities from the estimate of credit losses. Available-for-sale securities are charged-off against the allowance or, in the absence of any allowance, written down through income when deemed uncollectible by management or when either of the aforementioned criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
Financing Receivable [Policy Text Block]
Loans: Loans are reported at the principal balance outstanding net of unearned discounts. Interest income on loans is reported on the level-yield method and includes amortization of deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term. Net loan commitment fees or costs for commitment periods greater than one year are deferred and amortized into fee income or other expense on a straight-line basis over the commitment period. Income on direct financing leases is recognized on a basis that achieves a constant periodic rate of return on the outstanding investment. Further information regarding our accounting policies related to past due loans, non-accrual loans, collateral dependent loans and troubled-debt restructurings is presented in Note 3 - Loans.
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]
Allowance For Credit Losses - Loans: The allowance for credit losses on loans is a contra-asset valuation account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present management's best estimate of the net amount expected to be collected. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when deemed uncollectible by management. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of credit loss expense. Management has made the accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on loans from the estimate of credit losses. Further information regarding our policies and methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on loans is presented in Note 3 - Loans.
Allowance For Credit Losses - Loans. The allowance for credit losses on loans is a contra-asset valuation account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected. The amount of the allowance represents management's best estimate of current expected credit losses on loans considering available information, from internal and external sources, relevant to assessing collectibility over the loans' contractual terms, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals and modifications unless (i) management has a reasonable expectation that a trouble debt restructuring will be executed with an
individual borrower or (ii) such extension or renewal options are not unconditionally cancellable by us and, in such cases, the borrower is likely to meet applicable conditions and likely to request extension or renewal. Relevant available information includes historical credit loss experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. While historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses, adjustments to historical loss information may be made for differences in current portfolio-specific risk characteristics, environmental conditions or other relevant factors. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective basis for portfolios of loans when similar risk characteristics exist. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis and excluded from the collective evaluation. Expected credit losses for collateral dependent loans, including loans where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty but foreclosure is not probable, are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.
Credit loss expense related to loans reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period including any necessary increases or decreases in the allowance related to changes in credit loss expectations associated with specific loans or pools of loans. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for any credit that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate appropriateness of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications.
In calculating the allowance for credit losses, most loans are segmented into pools based upon similar characteristics and risk profiles. Common characteristics and risk profiles include the type/purpose of loan, underlying collateral, geographical similarity and historical/expected credit loss patterns. In developing these loan pools for the purposes of modeling expected credit losses, we also analyzed the degree of correlation in how loans within each portfolio respond when subjected to varying economic conditions and scenarios as well as other portfolio stress factors. For modeling purposes, our loan pools include (i) commercial and industrial and energy - non-revolving, (ii) commercial and industrial and energy - revolving, (iii) commercial real estate - owner occupied, (iv) commercial real estate - non-owner occupied, (v) commercial real estate - construction/land development, (vi) consumer real estate and (vii) consumer and other. We periodically reassess each pool to ensure the loans within the pool continue to share similar characteristics and risk profiles and to determine whether further segmentation is necessary.
For each loan pool, we measure expected credit losses over the life of each loan utilizing a combination of models which measure (i) probability of default (“PD”), which is the likelihood that loan will stop performing/default, (ii) probability of attrition (“PA”), which is the likelihood that a loan will pay-off prior to maturity, (iii) loss given default (“LGD”), which is the expected loss rate for loans in default and (iv) exposure at default (“EAD”), which is the estimated outstanding principal balance of the loans upon default, including the expected funding of unfunded commitments outstanding as of the measurement date. For certain commercial loan portfolios, the PD is calculated using a transition matrix to determine the likelihood of a customer’s risk grade migrating from one specified range of risk grades to a different specified range. Expected credit losses are calculated as the product of PD (adjusted for attrition), LGD and EAD. This methodology builds on default probabilities already incorporated into our risk grading process by utilizing pool-specific historical loss rates to calculate expected credit losses. These pool-specific historical loss rates may be adjusted for current macroeconomic assumptions, as further discussed below, and other factors such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, or when historical asset terms do not reflect the contractual terms of the financial assets being evaluated as of the measurement date. Each time we measure expected credit losses, we assess the relevancy of historical loss information and consider any necessary adjustments to address any differences in asset-specific characteristics. Due to their short-term nature, expected credit losses for overdrafts included in consumer and other loans are based solely upon a weighting of recent historical charge-offs over a period of three years.
The measurement of expected credit losses is impacted by loan/borrower attributes and certain macroeconomic variables. Significant loan/borrower attributes utilized in our modeling processes include, among other things, (i) origination date, (ii) maturity date, (iii) payment type, (iv) collateral type and amount, (v) current risk grade, (vi) current unpaid balance and commitment utilization rate, (vii) payment status/delinquency history and (viii) expected recoveries of previously charged-off amounts. Significant macroeconomic variables utilized in our modeling processes include, among other things, (i) Gross State Product for Texas and U.S. Gross Domestic Product, (ii) selected market interest rates including U.S. Treasury rates, bank prime rate, 30-year fixed mortgage rate, BBB corporate bond rate, among others, (iii) unemployment rates, (iv) commercial and residential property prices in Texas and the U.S. as a whole, (v) West Texas Intermediate crude oil price and (vi) total stock market index.
PD and PA were estimated by analyzing internally-sourced data related to historical performance of each loan pool over a complete economic cycle. PD and PA are adjusted to reflect the current impact of certain macroeconomic variables as well as their expected changes over a reasonable and supportable forecast period. We have determined that we are reasonably able to forecast the macroeconomic variables used in our modeling processes with an acceptable degree of confidence for a total of two years with the last twelve months of the forecast period encompassing a reversion process whereby the forecasted macroeconomic variables are reverted to their historical mean utilizing a rational, systematic basis. The macroeconomic variables utilized as inputs in our modeling processes were subjected to a variety of analysis procedures and were selected primarily based on statistical relevancy
and correlation to our historical credit losses. By reverting these modeling inputs to their historical mean and considering loan/borrower specific attributes, our models will yield a measurement of expected credit losses that reflects our average historical loss rates for periods subsequent to the twelve-month reversion period. The LGD is based on historical recovery averages for each loan pool, adjusted to reflect the current impact of certain macroeconomic variables as well as their expected changes over a two-year forecast period, with the final twelve months of the forecast period encompassing a reversion process, which management considers to be both reasonable and supportable. This same forecast/reversion period is used for all macroeconomic variables used in all of our models. EAD is estimated using a linear regression model that estimates the average percentage of the loan balance that remains at the time of a default event.
Management qualitatively adjusts model results for risk factors that are not considered within our modeling processes but are nonetheless relevant in assessing the expected credit losses within our loan pools. These qualitative factor (“Q-Factor”) adjustments may increase or decrease management's estimate of expected credit losses by a calculated percentage or amount based upon the estimated level of risk. The various risks that may be considered in making Q-Factor adjustments include, among other things, the impact of (i) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and practices for collections, write-offs, and recoveries, (ii) actual and expected changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectibility of the loan pools, (iii) changes in the nature and volume of the loan pools and in the terms of the underlying loans, (iv) changes in the experience, ability, and depth of our lending management and staff, (v) changes in volume and severity of past due financial assets, the volume of non-accrual assets, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded assets, (vi) changes in the quality of our credit review function, (vii) changes in the value of the underlying collateral for loans that are non-collateral dependent, (viii) the existence, growth, and effect of any concentrations of credit and (ix) other external factors such as the regulatory, legal and technological environments; competition; and events such as natural disasters or health pandemics.
In some cases, management may determine that an individual loan exhibits unique risk characteristics which differentiate the loan from other loans within our loan pools. In such cases, the loans are evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis and excluded from the collective evaluation. Specific allocations of the allowance for credit losses 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. A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when, based upon management's assessment, the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. In such cases, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date, adjusted for estimated selling costs if satisfaction of the loan depends on the sale of the collateral. We reevaluate the fair value of collateral supporting collateral dependent loans on a quarterly basis. The fair value of real estate collateral supporting collateral dependent loans is evaluated by our internal appraisal services using a methodology that is consistent with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. The fair value of collateral supporting collateral dependent construction loans is based on an “as is” valuation.
Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Allowance For Credit Losses - Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures: The allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures is a liability account, calculated in accordance with ASC 326, representing expected credit losses over the contractual period for which we are exposed to credit risk resulting from a contractual obligation to extend credit. No allowance is recognized if we have the unconditional right to cancel the obligation. The allowance is reported as a component of accrued interest payable and other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of credit loss expense. Further information regarding our policies and methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures is presented in Note 6 - Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.