Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, Cullen Frost earned $155.3 million or $2.39 per share, compared to $143.8 million or $2.21 per share in the same quarter last year, representing a year-over-year increase of 8.8% in earnings [5] - Return on average assets was 1.22% and return on average common equity was 15.64%, compared to 1.18% and 17.08% in the same quarter last year [5] - Average deposits increased to $41.8 billion, up 3.1% from $40.5 billion in Q2 2024, while average loans grew to $21.1 billion, a 7.2% increase from $19.7 billion [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer deposits grew by 3.7% year-over-year, with checking household growth at an industry-leading rate of 5.4% [9][10] - The commercial business saw average loan balances increase by $817 million or 4.9% year-over-year, with commercial real estate (CRE) balances growing by 6.8% and energy balances increasing by 22% [11] - The consumer real estate loan portfolio grew by $600 million year-over-year, representing a 22% growth rate [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The expansion efforts contributed to 37% of total loan growth and 44% of total deposit growth year-over-year [15] - The company opened its 200th location, indicating a significant expansion strategy in dynamic markets [6][7] - The overall credit quality remains strong, with non-performing assets declining to $64 million from $85 million at year-end [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on organic growth through expansion in Texas, with no current plans for inorganic growth or M&A activity [84][88] - Management emphasizes a commitment to customer service and maintaining a strong capital base, prioritizing dividend protection [32][34] - The strategy is expected to yield earnings accretion in 2026, with a focus on long-term growth rather than immediate returns [41][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges increased competition in the lending market, particularly from smaller banks, but remains confident in their pricing strategy and customer relationships [30][113] - The company expects net interest income growth for the full year to be in the range of 6%-7%, despite anticipated Fed rate cuts [22][23] - There is optimism regarding deposit growth in the second half of the year, with expectations for seasonal trends to return [49][50] Other Important Information - The net interest margin improved to 3.67%, up 7 basis points from the previous quarter, driven by a shift towards higher-yielding loans and securities [17] - The investment portfolio averaged $20.4 billion during the quarter, with a taxable equivalent yield of 3.79% [19] - The company recorded a net unrealized loss on the available-for-sale portfolio of $1.42 billion, slightly up from $1.4 billion in the previous quarter [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth and pricing competition - Management noted that competition has increased, particularly in commercial real estate, leading to price compression [30] Question: Capital growth and utilization - The focus remains on building capital and protecting dividends, with no immediate plans for stock repurchase [32][34] Question: Earnings growth and investment returns - Management expects to see benefits from investments in expansion starting in 2026, with a focus on long-term growth [41][44] Question: Deposit growth and trends - There is encouragement regarding the stabilization and potential growth of non-interest-bearing deposits in the second half of the year [49][50] Question: Non-interest income outlook - Management anticipates growth in non-interest income driven by increased customer volume and a healthier stock market [94][99]