Group 1 - European luxury stocks experienced a widespread decline, with Burberry falling over 4.9%, Kering, Richemont, LVMH, and Hermès dropping between 3.10% and 2.02%, and Hugo Boss decreasing by over 1.7% [1] - The Goldman Sachs European luxury stock basket index fell by 1.8%, reaching its lowest level since April 24 [1] Group 2 - Burberry's latest price was 1,003.6, down by 52.4, or 4.96% [2] - Kering's latest price was 175.06, down by 5.60, or 3.10% [2] - Richemont's latest price was 147.30, down by 3.60, or 2.39% [2] - LVMH's latest price was 454.35, down by 9.70, or 2.09% [2] - Hermès' latest price was 2,235.00, down by 46.00, or 2.02% [2] - Hugo Boss' latest price was 37.520, down by 0.660, or 1.73% [2] - Other luxury brands like Swatch Group, L'Oréal, Rémy Cointreau, and Pernod Ricard also saw minor declines [2]

Core Insights - The markets started 2025 positively but have faced increased volatility due to the Trump administration's tariff plans and geopolitical uncertainties, leading to cautious investor behavior [1] Company Analysis - StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) is projected to have a sales growth rate of 10.9% in 2025 and currently holds a Zacks Rank 1, indicating strong buy potential [12] - Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) is expected to see a sales growth rate of 4.6% in 2025 and also holds a Zacks Rank 1 [13] - Intuit Inc. (INTU) is anticipated to achieve a sales increase of 15.1% in fiscal 2025, the highest among the highlighted stocks, and has a Zacks Rank 1 [14] - The Mosaic Company (MOS) is expected to grow sales by 11.5% in 2025 and currently has a Zacks Rank 2 [15] Investment Strategy - A focus on companies with strong sales growth and high cash balances is essential for identifying potential investment opportunities [6] - Key screening parameters include a 5-Year Historical Sales Growth (%) greater than the industry average and cash flow exceeding $500 million [6] - Additional metrics for stock selection include a P/S Ratio lower than the industry average, positive sales estimate revisions, operating margin greater than 5%, and a Return on Equity (ROE) greater than 5% [7][8][9]

Company Overview - Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) is headquartered in San Antonio and operates in the Finance sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of -3.75% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - The company currently pays a dividend of $1 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.1%, which is significantly higher than the Banks - Southwest industry's yield of 1.27% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.53% [3] - The annualized dividend of $4 has increased by 7% from the previous year, with a total of 5 dividend increases over the last 5 years, averaging an annual increase of 7.80% [4] - Cullen/Frost's current payout ratio is 42%, indicating that it paid out 42% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is projected at $9.21 per share, reflecting an expected increase of 2.56% from the previous year [5] Investment Appeal - The company is viewed as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7]

Core Viewpoint - Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) has been upgraded 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 Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Institutional investors often adjust their valuations based on earnings estimates, leading to significant buying or selling activity that affects stock prices [4]. Earnings Outlook for Cullen/Frost - Cullen/Frost is projected to earn $9.21 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.6% [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cullen/Frost has risen by 4%, indicating a positive trend in earnings expectations [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Only the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a 'Strong Buy' or 'Buy' rating, highlighting their superior earnings estimate revision characteristics [9][10].

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Core Viewpoint - Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) reported a strong first-quarter 2025 performance with earnings per share of $2.30, reflecting a 6.9% increase year-over-year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.9% [1][2] Financial Performance - The net income available to common shareholders was $149.3 million, up 11.4% from the prior-year quarter [2] - Total revenues reached $560.4 million, marking a 7.2% year-over-year increase and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.8% [3] - Net interest income (NII) on a taxable-equivalent basis increased by 6.1% to $436.4 million year-over-year, while the net interest margin (NIM) expanded by 12 basis points to 3.60% [3] - Non-interest income improved by 11.3% year-over-year to $124 million, driven by increases in all components except for other non-interest income [4] Expenses and Credit Quality - Non-interest expenses rose by 6.7% year-over-year to $349.8 million, with a notable increase of 9.3% to $377.7 million when excluding special surcharge expenses related to FDIC insurance [5] - Credit loss expenses were recorded at $13.1 million, slightly down from $13.7 million in the prior-year quarter, but the allowance for credit losses on loans increased to 1.32% of total loans [7] Capital Ratios and Profitability - The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio improved to 14.30%, up from 13.89% a year earlier, while the total risk-based capital ratio rose to 15.76% from 15.35% [8] - Return on average assets and return on average common equity were reported at 1.19% and 15.54%, respectively, compared to 1.09% and 15.22% in the prior-year quarter [9] Strategic Outlook - The company is well-positioned for revenue growth due to steady improvements in NII and non-interest income, supported by a solid capital position and efforts to expand in Texas markets [10]

United States Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-Q ☒ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2025 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 | | Trading | Name of each exchange on | | --- | --- | --- | | Title of each class | Symbol(s) | ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, CullenFrost earned $149.3 million or $2.3 per share, compared to $134 million or $2.06 per share in the same quarter last year, representing a year-over-year increase in earnings [5] - Return on average assets and average common equity were 1.19% and 15.54% respectively, compared to 1.09% and 15.22% in the same quarter last year [6] - Average deposits increased by 2.3% to $41.7 billion from $40.7 billion year-over-year, while average loans grew by 8.8% to $20.8 billion from $19.1 billion [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average consumer deposits, making up 47% of the deposit base, grew by 3.8% year-over-year, while average consumer loan balances increased by 20.5% [8] - In the commercial business, average loan balances grew by $1.1 billion or 6.6% year-over-year, with commercial real estate (CRE) balances increasing by 8.9% and energy balances by 19.8% [11] - The company recorded 972 new commercial relationships in Q1, an 18% increase over the same quarter last year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall expansion efforts generated $2.64 billion in deposits and $1.9 billion in loans, exceeding goals by 402% and 27% respectively [7] - The net unrealized loss on the available-for-sale portfolio decreased to $1.4 billion from $1.56 billion in the previous quarter [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on organic growth, with plans to open its 200th financial center in the Austin region [6] - The strategy is described as durable and scalable, driving strong growth in the consumer banking business [8] - The company aims to maintain a conservative underwriting approach while exploring new opportunities in commercial lending [75] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ability of businesses to pass on costs to customers despite economic uncertainties [39] - The company expects net interest income growth for the full year to fall in the range of 5% to 7%, an increase from prior guidance of 4% to 6% [23] - Management noted that consumer spending remains stable, supported by job growth in Texas [68] Other Important Information - The company has increased its dividend, demonstrating confidence in its financial position [49] - The insurance commissions and fees were up $6.8 million, with 80% of the growth attributed to net new business [82] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should we think about the deposit beta on interest-bearing deposits? - Management indicated that the cumulative beta is about 47%, with expectations that it will hold steady as rate cuts occur [31] Question: What is the trajectory of expenses for the full year? - Management expects expenses to be in the high single digits for the next three quarters, influenced by prior assessments [33] Question: What is the sentiment among commercial customers regarding investments? - Management noted that customers are looking for clarity before making decisions, but there is a high degree of confidence in their ability to manage costs [38] Question: Why is the loan growth outlook unchanged despite a strong pipeline? - Management explained that headwinds from CRE payoffs are affecting loan growth guidance, despite a strong pipeline of new opportunities [43] Question: What is the outlook for non-interest income growth? - Management expressed optimism for non-interest income growth driven by increased relationships and volume, particularly in insurance and mortgage [109]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, Cullen/Frost earned $149.3 million or $2.3 per share, compared to $134 million or $2.06 per share in the same quarter last year, representing a year-over-year increase in earnings [4] - Return on average assets and average common equity were 1.19% and 15.54% respectively, compared to 1.09% and 15.22% in the same quarter last year [5] - Average deposits increased by 2.3% to $41.7 billion from $40.7 billion year-over-year, while average loans grew by 8.8% to $20.8 billion from $19.1 billion [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average consumer deposits, making up 47% of the deposit base, grew by 3.8% year-over-year, while average consumer loan balances increased by 20.5% [7][8] - In the commercial banking sector, average loan balances grew by $1.1 billion or 6.6% year-over-year, with commercial real estate (CRE) balances increasing by 8.9% and energy balances by 19.8% [10] - New loan commitments totaled $1.28 billion in Q1 2025, up 1.5% from $1.26 billion in Q1 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall expansion efforts generated $2.64 billion in deposits and $1.9 billion in loans, exceeding goals by 27% and 402% respectively [6] - Non-performing assets declined to $85 million at the end of Q1 2025 from $93 million at year-end, representing 41 basis points of period-end loans [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on organic growth and expansion, with plans to open its 200th financial center in the Austin region [5][6] - The strategy has resulted in a 50% increase in financial centers since late 2018, with ongoing identification of new Texas locations for expansion [6] - The company aims for its expansion efforts to be accretive to earnings beginning in 2026 [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the consumer banking business, citing strong customer satisfaction and a leading position in Texas for consumer banking satisfaction [8] - The company anticipates net interest income growth for the full year 2025 to be in the range of 5% to 7%, up from prior guidance of 4% to 6% [23] - Management noted that while some commercial customers are cautious, there is a high degree of confidence in their ability to pass on costs to consumers [37] Other Important Information - The net interest margin increased by 7 basis points to 3.6% due to higher yielding taxable securities and loans [18] - The investment portfolio averaged $19.4 billion during Q1 2025, with a net unrealized loss of $1.4 billion, a decrease from the previous quarter [19] - The company recorded a 15% year-over-year increase in insurance commissions, driven by better alignment with the commercial banking group [81] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should we think about the deposit beta on interest-bearing deposits? - The cumulative beta is about 47%, with spot beta around 50%, expected to hold as rate cuts occur [30] Question: What is the trajectory for expenses throughout the year? - Expenses are expected to be in the high single digits, with technology costs continuing to rise [32][34] Question: What is the sentiment among commercial customers regarding investments? - Some customers are waiting for clarity on tariffs and costs, but there is a high level of confidence in passing costs along [37] Question: Why is the loan growth guidance unchanged despite a strong pipeline? - Headwinds from commercial real estate payoffs are affecting loan growth, despite a strong pipeline [43] Question: What is the outlook for non-interest income growth? - Non-interest income growth is expected to be driven by increased volume from new relationships and insurance commissions [108]

Core Insights - Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) reported revenue of $560.42 million for Q1 2025, a year-over-year increase of 7.2% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $550.38 million by 1.82% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same quarter was $2.30, up from $2.15 a year ago, and also surpassed the consensus EPS estimate of $2.17 by 5.99% [1] Financial Metrics - Net loan charge-offs to average loans were 0.2%, better than the estimated 0.3% [4] - Total earning assets averaged $47.42 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $47.91 billion [4] - Net Interest Margin (FTE) was reported at 3.6%, matching the three-analyst average estimate [4] - Total Non-Performing Loans were $83.53 million, higher than the average estimate of $79.87 million [4] - Book value per common share at the end of the quarter was $61.74, exceeding the estimated $60.28 [4] - Total Non-Interest Income reached $124.01 million, surpassing the average estimate of $117.23 million [4] - Net Interest Income (FTE) was $436.40 million, slightly above the average estimate of $433.15 million [4] - Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $28.62 million, exceeding the estimated $26.79 million [4] - Net Interest Income was reported at $416.22 million, below the average estimate of $417.56 million [4] - Insurance commissions and fees were $21.02 million, higher than the estimated $18.29 million [4] - Trust and investment management fees reached $42.93 million, exceeding the average estimate of $41.20 million [4] - Other charges, commissions, and fees totaled $13.59 million, slightly above the estimated $13.38 million [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Cullen/Frost have returned -6.6% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]