While reporting financial results for the fourth quarter on Thursday, bank holding company Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) said its board declared a first-quarter cash dividend of $1.00 per common share, March 13, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 27 of this year.In addition, the company's board of directors approved a new share repurchase program with authorization to purchase up to $300 million of Cullen/Frost common stock over a one-year period expiring on January 27, 2027.In Thursday's pre-m ...

Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) to report quarterly earnings of $2.47 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.7%, with revenues expected to reach $585.8 million, a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [2]. - Revisions to earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor actions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock performance [3]. Key Financial Metrics - Total earning assets and average rate earned are projected to reach $49.42 billion, up from $47.58 billion a year ago [5]. - Net Interest Margin (FTE) is estimated at 3.7%, compared to 3.5% in the same quarter last year [5]. - Total Non-Performing Loans/Non-accrual loans are expected to be $56.86 million, down from $78.87 million a year ago [6]. - Book value per common share at the end of the quarter is estimated at $69.50, up from $58.46 in the same quarter last year [6]. Income Projections - Total Non-Interest Income is projected to reach $123.85 million, slightly up from $122.82 million a year ago [7]. - Net Interest Income (FTE) is expected to be $461.96 million, compared to $433.73 million in the previous year [7]. - Service charges on deposit accounts are forecasted at $29.74 million, up from $27.91 million last year [8]. - Net Interest Income is estimated to be $435.51 million, compared to $413.52 million in the same quarter last year [8]. - Insurance commissions and fees are expected to be $14.91 million, up from $14.22 million a year ago [9]. - Trust and investment management fees are projected at $45.05 million, compared to $43.77 million last year [9]. - Other charges, commissions, and fees are estimated to reach $14.64 million, down from $15.21 million in the same quarter last year [10]. Stock Performance - Cullen/Frost shares have increased by 5.9% in the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which saw a 0.4% increase [10].

Company Overview - Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.47 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +4.7% [3] - Revenues are anticipated to reach $585.8 million, which is a 5.3% increase from the same quarter last year [3] Earnings Expectations - The earnings report is scheduled for January 29, and positive results could lead to a stock price increase, while disappointing results may cause a decline [2] - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analyst expectations [4] Earnings Surprise Potential - The Most Accurate Estimate for Cullen/Frost is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +1.28%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [12] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a hold position, which combined with a positive Earnings ESP suggests a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12] Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Cullen/Frost exceeded the expected earnings of $2.38 per share by delivering $2.67, resulting in a surprise of +12.18% [13] - Over the past four quarters, the company has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates [14] Industry Context - In the Zacks Banks - Southwest industry, Prosperity Bancshares (PB) is expected to report earnings of $1.45 per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of +5.8% [18] - Prosperity Bancshares has an Earnings ESP of -0.85% and a Zacks Rank of 3, making it challenging to predict a beat on the consensus EPS estimate [19]

Group 1 - Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE:CFR) is recognized as one of the 14 Best Mid Cap Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to buy now [1] - Keefe Bruyette upgraded Cullen/Frost to Outperform from Market Perform, maintaining a price target of $150, citing potential for earnings estimates to rise through 2027 and an expected organic loan growth of about 8% in 2026 [2] - Barclays adopted a cautious approach, lowering its price target for Cullen/Frost from $145 to $140 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating, indicating a broader outlook update for mid-cap banks [3] Group 2 - Cullen/Frost is a Texas-focused bank holding company that offers a diverse range of financial products and services across multiple markets in the state [4]

Core Viewpoint - Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. will host a conference call on January 29, 2026, to discuss its fourth quarter 2025 earnings [1] Group 1: Conference Call Details - The conference call will start at 1:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) and will be led by key executives including Phil Green, Dan Geddes, and A.B. Mendez [2] - A question and answer session will follow the prepared remarks, allowing analysts to engage with the executives [2] Group 2: Access Information - The earnings release will be available online at approximately 8:00 a.m. CT on the same day [1] - The conference call can be accessed via a live webcast or by telephone, with a recommended dial-in time of 5 to 10 minutes prior to the call [4] - The webcast will be archived for playback after 5:00 p.m. CT on the day of the call [3]

Core Viewpoint - Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are closely correlated with near-term stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][4]. - The recent upgrade reflects an improved earnings outlook for Cullen/Frost, suggesting potential buying pressure and an increase in stock price [3][5]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Cullen/Frost is expected to earn $9.84 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 2.7% over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [7]. - Cullen/Frost's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Industry Overview - The global luxury sector has faced challenges in 2025 due to uneven consumer demand, currency volatility, and a slowdown in key markets like China [1] - Signs of stabilization are emerging as analysts expect easing financial conditions and renewed spending by high-net-worth consumers heading into 2026 [1] Company Analysis: LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton - LVMH is the world's largest luxury conglomerate, benefiting from a dominant market position and broad exposure across various segments including fashion, leather goods, jewelry, cosmetics, and wines and spirits [2] - The company's diversified structure allows it to offset weaknesses in one segment with strengths in another, maintaining robust margins through brand equity and pricing power [2] - Analysts expect the fashion and leather goods division to remain a key earnings driver, supported by global demand and continued investment in brands [3] - LVMH's exposure to multiple regions, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, enhances its ability to navigate uneven economic conditions [3] Company Analysis: Compagnie Financière Richemont - Compagnie Financière Richemont is viewed as an attractive luxury stock for 2026, with a strong focus on high-end jewelry and watches [6] - Brands like Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels are benefiting from resilient demand, as jewelry has historically performed better during economic slowdowns [7] - Richemont is enhancing its operational efficiency and digital capabilities, which could support margins as sales recover [8] - Recent upgrades from major banks indicate growing confidence in Richemont's positioning to capture a recovery in luxury spending while maintaining its premium brand status [8] Conclusion - As macroeconomic pressures ease and consumer confidence improves, both LVMH and Richemont appear well-positioned to benefit from a renewed upturn in high-end demand [11]

Core Insights - A renewed wave of spending from Chinese consumers is revitalizing the global luxury sector, alongside steady demand in the US [1] - The luxury market is recovering after a challenging year characterized by economic uncertainty [1] Group 1: Consumer Behavior - Chinese consumers are increasing their spending, which is significantly impacting the luxury market [1] - Steady demand from US consumers is also contributing to the recovery of the luxury sector [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - The luxury sector faced challenges in the previous year due to economic uncertainties, but is now showing signs of life [1] - The combination of renewed consumer spending in China and stable demand in the US is crucial for the sector's recovery [1]

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Core Viewpoint - Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) has experienced operational stability despite recent frustrations common among regional banks, with a focus on long-term investment strategies that prioritize high-quality earnings and dividends [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. has shown operational leverage, indicating effective management and potential for sustainable growth [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The investment approach emphasizes a long-term, buy-and-hold strategy, particularly favoring stocks that can consistently deliver high-quality earnings, often found in the dividend and income sectors [1]