Richard W. Evans
Analyst · Deutsche Bank
Thank you, Greg. Good morning, and thanks for joining us. It's my pleasure today to review second quarter 2014 results for Cullen/Frost. Our Chief Financial Officer, Phil Green, will then provide additional comments. After that, we'll be happy to answer your questions. I'm pleased to report that for the second quarter of 2014, Cullen/Frost reported a double-digit increase in net income and average deposits. Average loans of more than $10 billion for the first time, an increase in the net interest margin and total assets of more than $25 billion for the first time. During the second quarter, we also completed our acquisition of WNB Bancshares. WNB results are included from the acquisition date at of close of business on May 30, 2014. Our strong quarter underscores noticeable improvement in the economy, but our results also came amid WNB merger approval process and ongoing interest rates and regulatory challenges. I commend our dedicated employees for their dedication and their focus on serving customers. During the second quarter 2014, our net income available for common shareholders was $64.5 million or a 13.1% increase from the $57 million reported in the second quarter of 2013. This was $1.02 per common share compared to $0.94 in the second quarter of 2013. For the second quarter of 2014, return on average assets and common equity were 1.4% and 10.33% respectively, compared to 1.3% and 9.93% for the same period last year. WNB Bancshares Inc, with loans of $673 million and deposits of $1.6 billion, affected average loan and deposit numbers for the quarter by 1 month. Deposit growth continues to be strong. Second quarter 2014 average deposits were $21.2 billion, up $2.4 billion or 13% over the $18.8 billion reported in the second quarter of 2013. Taxable equivalent net interest income for the second quarter of 2014 was $198.9 million, up 14.3% from the $174 million from last year's second quarter. This increase primarily resulted from an increase in the average volume of interest earning assets driven by strong deposit growth. Our deposit growth has been steady and consistent throughout the economic downturn and slow recovery. The net interest margin grew to 3.48% from the second quarter -- for the second quarter of 2014 compared to 3.43% in the same period last year and 3.42% for the first quarter of this year. It's a great sign to see the increase in net interest margin. Noninterest income for the second quarter of 2014 was $79.2 million, up 9.2% or $6.6 million from the $72.5 million reported a year earlier. Trust and investment management fees increased $4.2 million to $26.7 million or an 18.6% increase over the second quarter of 2013. Most of this increase was from investment fees related to improved equities market, new business and changes in the fee schedule. Insurance commissions and fees were up 6% to $9.8 million and other income increased $1.2 million to $8.9 million. Noninterest expense for the second quarter of 2014 was $164 million compared to $149.8 million in the second quarter of 2013. Salaries and wages were up $4 million over the same period a year earlier. Net occupancy expense rose $1.1 million to $13.7 million over the last year, primarily from increases in lease expense. And other expense increased $8.4 million. $4.8 million of the increase was transaction-related expenses associated with the WNB acquisition, with another $1.6 million from an increase in check card expense. Turning to loan demand. We saw a continued trend of favorable loan growth. Second quarter of 2014 average loans were $10.1 billion, up $873 million or 9.5% from the $9.2 billion for the second quarter of last year. Excluding the Permian Basin acquisition, the first half of 2014 was the best first half ever for new relationships. We also had the best first half for new commitments since 2008, which was just before the economic downturn. Over the past year, we have seen a steady increase in the percentage of our pipeline from existing customers. This is important because our success rate is much better with these opportunities. The willingness of customers to seek financing, also is a good indicator of our improving economy. During the past year, customers have started to use their lines more. As a result, the advanced rate on both revolving lines and construction loans has increased. The advanced rate on lines grew faster than the growth of commitments, which is what we've been waiting for. I'm also encouraged that the ratio of lost opportunities has shifted from around 60/40 in favor of pricing last year to 60/40 in favor of structure this year. That means that we're competitive on pricing without sacrificing credit quality. And that's right where we want to be. I commend our employees for their disciplined team calling efforts to help make our solid loan growth possible. Absent any foreseen changes in the economy, we expect favorable loan growth trends to continue. Our credit quality trends remain positive, problem loans are at prerecession levels. Our capital levels remained very strong, Tier 1 and total risk-based capital ratios for Cullen/Frost were 13.84% and 14.76% respectively at the and of the second quarter of 2014, and are in excess of proposed Basel III fully phased-in capital requirements. The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets was 7.59% at the and of second quarter of 2014. Before I turn the call over to Phil, I'll close with a few comments about the economy and my continued optimism for Cullen/Frost. We're seeing positive signs in the economy with an increase in jobs and a decline in unemployment. At Frost, we're blessed to operate in Texas, a business-friendly state with an extraordinary diversified economy and bright future. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas projected 2014 job growth in Texas to be 3% to 4%, nearly double the national average. Texas unemployment is projected to end the year at around 4.8%, which is lower than the national average. Construction, energy and technology continue to drive our diverse economy to help make Texas one of the strongest states in the country. The continued strength of the energy sector in Texas is just one of the reasons why we're so excited about WNB acquisition. The dynamic Permian Basin is responsible for approximately 14% of all the oil produced in the U.S. and 57% of the oil produced in Texas. The acquisition expands our Texas footprint and provides our new customers in Midland and Odessa with access to more extensive banking, investment and insurance services. We're excited about the new opportunities we can bring and the positive impact we can make on the Permian Basin. We welcome our new employees in West Texas, we share -- who share our long-standing commitment to outstanding customer service. We're working hard to provide top-quality service, convenience and superior technology to our customers. Our top-rated Frost app for iPhone and Android is extremely popular, and the growing choice of many customers for most of their banking transactions. We're giving customers options on the way they can interact with us. Because of our strong value proposition, culture, excellent service, customers continue to choose Frost. I'm grateful to our dedicated employees who bring our culture to life each and every day, and help make our strong second quarter possible. In summary, we saw a double-digit increase in net income and average deposits. Loans topped $10 billion, net interest income grew 14.3% and net interest margin increased. Our credit quality trends remain positive as we stay true to our principles and our lending disciplines. Our capital levels are strong. We have paid an increased shareholder dividend annually for 20 consecutive years, and we're well positioned to serve our customers, create new opportunities and continue to produce strong financial results. And with that, I'll turn the call over to our CFO, Phil Green.