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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 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. The consolidated financial statements 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. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provides the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. We consolidate voting interest entities in which we have all, or at least a majority of, the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when an enterprise has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE. Our wholly owned subsidiaries Cullen/Frost Capital Trust II and WNB Capital Trust I are VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the accounts of these trusts are not included in our consolidated financial statements. Acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method with the operating results of the acquired companies included with our results of operations since their respective dates of acquisition. We have evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued. 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. Concentrations and Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents. We maintain deposits with other financial institutions in amounts that exceed federal deposit insurance coverage. Furthermore, federal funds sold are essentially uncollateralized loans to other financial institutions. Management regularly evaluates the credit risk associated with the counterparties to these transactions and believes that we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on cash and cash equivalents. We were required to have $918.0 million and $447.9 million of cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had $37.5 million and $10.0 million in cash collateral on deposit with other financial institution counterparties to interest rate swap transactions. Cash Flow Reporting. Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions that have an initial maturity of less than 90 days when acquired by us, federal funds sold and resell agreements. Net cash flows are reported for loans, deposit transactions and short-term borrowings. Additional cash flow information was as follows:
| Year Ended December 31,
| 2019 |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Cash paid for interest | $ | 124,781 |  |  | $ | 89,270 |  |  | $ | 24,371 |
Cash paid for income tax | 45,352 |  |  | 5,112 |  |  | 56,359 |
Significant non-cash transactions: |  |  |  |  |
Transfer of securities from available for sale to held to maturity | 377,812 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Unsettled purchases/sales of securities | — |  |  | 330 |  |  | 37,481 |
Loans foreclosed and transferred to other real estate owned and foreclosed assets | 1,348 |  |  | 2,899 |  |  | 279 |
Loans to facilitate the sale of other real estate owned | 847 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lessee operating lease liabilities | 319,286 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Repurchase/Resell Agreements. We purchase certain securities under agreements to resell. The amounts advanced under these agreements represent short-term loans and are reflected as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The securities underlying these agreements are book-entry securities. We also sell certain securities under agreements to repurchase. The agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase securities sold are reflected as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The dollar amount of the securities underlying the agreements remains in the asset accounts. 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 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. Prior to the adoption of a new accounting standard in 2019, as further discussed below, premiums on callable securities were amortized to their respective maturity dates unless such securities were included in pools for the purposes of assessing prepayment expectations. Realized gains and losses are derived from the amortized cost of the security sold. Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers, among other things, (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (iii) the intent and our ability to retain our investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. 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, impaired loans and troubled-debt restructurings is presented in Note 3 - Loans. Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of inherent losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 310, “Receivables” and allowance allocations calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” Further information regarding our policies and methodology used to estimate the allowance for loan losses is presented in Note 3 - Loans. Premises and Equipment. Land is carried at cost. Building and improvements, and furniture and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation, computed principally by the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the related property. Leasehold improvements are generally depreciated over the lesser of the term of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. We lease certain office facilities and office equipment under operating leases. We also own certain office facilities which we lease to outside parties under operating lessor leases; however, such leases are not significant. In 2019, we adopted certain accounting standard updates related to accounting for leases as further discussed below. Under the new standards, for operating leases other than those considered to be short-term, we recognize lease right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities. Such amounts are reported as components of premises and equipment and accrued interest payable and other liabilities, respectively, on our accompanying consolidated balance sheet. We do not recognize short-term operating leases on our balance sheet. A short-term operating lease has an original term of 12 months or less and does not have a purchase option that is likely to be exercised. In recognizing lease right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities, we account for lease and non-lease components (such as taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance costs) separately as such amounts are generally readily determinable under our lease contracts. Lease payments over the expected term are discounted using our incremental borrowing rate referenced to the Federal Home Loan Bank Secure Connect advance rates for borrowings of similar term. We also consider renewal and termination options in the determination of the term of the lease. If it is reasonably certain that a renewal or termination option will be exercised, the effects of such options are included in the determination of the expected lease term. Generally, we cannot be reasonably certain about whether or not we will renew a lease until such time the lease is within the last two years of the existing lease term. However, renewal options related to our regional headquarters facilities or operations centers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, typically in advance of such time frame. When we are reasonably certain that a renewal option will be exercised, we measure/remeasure the right-of-use asset and related lease liability using the lease payments specified for the renewal period or, if such amounts are unspecified, we generally assume an increase (evaluated on a case-by-case basis in light of prevailing market conditions) in the lease payment over the final period of the existing lease term. Foreclosed Assets. Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. Costs after acquisition are generally expensed. If the fair value of the asset declines, a write-down is recorded through expense. The valuation of foreclosed assets is subjective in nature and may be adjusted in the future because of changes in economic conditions. Foreclosed assets are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and totaled $1.1 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units and tested for impairment at least annually on October 1st, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. See Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets. Intangible assets are acquired assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset, or liability. Our intangible assets relate to core deposits, non-compete agreements and customer relationships. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated life. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized until their lives are determined to be definite. Intangible assets, premises and equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value. See Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Revenue Recognition. In general, for revenue not associated with financial instruments, guarantees and lease contracts, we apply the following steps when recognizing revenue from contracts with customers: (i) identify the contract, (ii) identify the performance obligations, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and (v) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied. Our contracts with customers are generally short term in nature, typically due within one year or less or cancellable by us or our customer upon a short notice period. Performance obligations for our customer contracts are generally satisfied at a single point in time, typically when the transaction is complete, or over time. For performance obligations satisfied over time, we primarily use the output method, directly measuring the value of the products/services transferred to the customer, to determine when performance obligations have been satisfied. We typically receive payment from customers and recognize revenue concurrent with the satisfaction of our performance obligations. In most cases, this occurs within a single financial reporting period. For payments received in advance of the satisfaction of performance obligations, revenue recognition is deferred until such time as the performance obligations have been satisfied. In cases where we have not received payment despite satisfaction of our performance obligations, we accrue an estimate of the amount due in the period our performance obligations have been satisfied. For contracts with variable components, only amounts for which collection is probable are accrued. We generally act in a principal capacity, on our own behalf, in most of our contracts with customers. In such transactions, we recognize revenue and the related costs to provide our services on a gross basis in our financial statements. In some cases, we act in an agent capacity, deriving revenue through assisting other entities in transactions with our customers. In such transactions, we recognize revenue and the related costs to provide our services on a net basis in our financial statements. These transactions recognized on a net basis primarily relate to insurance and brokerage commissions and fees derived from our customers' use of various interchange and ATM/debit card networks. Share-Based Payments. Compensation expense for stock options, non-vested stock awards/stock units and deferred stock units is based on the fair value of the award on the measurement date, which, for us, is the date of the grant and is recognized ratably over the service period of the award. Compensation expense for performance stock units is based on the fair value of the award on the measurement date, which, for us, is the date of the grant and is recognized over the service period of the award based upon the probable number of units expected to vest. The fair value of stock options is estimated using a binomial lattice-based valuation model. The fair value of non-vested stock awards/stock units and deferred stock units is generally the market price of our stock on the date of grant. The fair value of performance stock units is generally the market price of our stock on the date of grant discounted by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on our common stock during the service period of the award because dividend equivalent payments on performance stock units are deferred until such time that the units vest and shares are issued. The impact of forfeitures of share-based payment awards on compensation expense is recognized as forfeitures occur. Advertising Costs. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Income Taxes. Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities (excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities related to business combinations or components of other comprehensive income). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the expected amount most likely to be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of a sufficient level of future taxable income. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Interest and/or penalties related to income taxes are reported as a component of income tax expense. The income tax effects related to settlements of share-based payment awards are reported in earnings as an increase (or decrease) to income tax expense (see Note 13 - Income Taxes). We file a consolidated income tax return with our subsidiaries. Federal income tax expense or benefit has been allocated to subsidiaries on a separate return basis. Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share. Earnings per common share is computed using the two-class method prescribed under ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” ASC Topic 260 provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. We have determined that our outstanding non-vested stock awards/stock units and deferred stock units are participating securities. Under the two-class method, basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic earnings per common share computation plus the dilutive effect of stock compensation using the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in calculating basic earnings per common share and the weighted average common shares used in calculating diluted earnings per common share for the reported periods is provided in Note 10 - Earnings Per Common Share. Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes all changes in shareholders’ equity during a period, except those resulting from transactions with shareholders. Besides net income, other components of our comprehensive income include the after tax effect of changes in the net unrealized gain/loss on securities available for sale, changes in the net unrealized gain on securities transferred to held to maturity and changes in the net actuarial gain/loss on defined benefit post-retirement benefit plans. See Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Derivative Financial Instruments. Our hedging policies permit the use of various derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk or to hedge specified assets and liabilities. All derivatives are recorded at fair value on our balance sheet. Derivatives executed with the same counterparty are generally subject to master netting arrangements, however, fair value amounts recognized for derivatives and fair value amounts recognized for the right/obligation to reclaim/return cash collateral are not offset for financial reporting purposes. We may be required to recognize certain contracts and commitments as derivatives when the characteristics of those contracts and commitments meet the definition of a derivative. To qualify for hedge accounting, derivatives must be highly effective at reducing the risk associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge at the inception of the derivative contract. We consider a hedge to be highly effective if the change in fair value of the derivative hedging instrument is within 80% to 125% of the opposite change in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. If derivative instruments are designated as hedges of fair values, and such hedges are highly effective, both the change in the fair value of the hedge and the hedged item are included in current earnings. Fair value adjustments related to cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and are reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction is reflected in earnings. Ineffective portions of hedges are reflected in earnings as they occur. Actual cash receipts and/or payments and related accruals on derivatives related to hedges are recorded as adjustments to the interest income or interest expense associated with the hedged item. During the life of the hedge, we formally assess whether derivatives designated as hedging instruments continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of hedged items. If it is determined that a hedge has ceased to be highly effective, we will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. At such time, previous adjustments to the carrying value of the hedged item are reversed into current earnings and the derivative instrument is reclassified to a trading position recorded at fair value. Fair Value Measurements. In general, fair values of financial instruments are based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and our creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. See Note 17 - Fair Value Measurements. Transfers of Financial Assets. Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (i) the assets have been isolated from us, (ii) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (iii) we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Loss Contingencies. Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Trust Assets. Assets of our trust department, other than cash on deposit at Frost Bank, are not included in the accompanying financial statements because they are not our assets. Accounting Changes, Reclassifications and Restatements. Certain items in prior financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. On January 1, 2019, we adopted certain accounting standard updates related to accounting for leases, primarily Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842)” and subsequent updates. Among other things, these updates require lessees to recognize a lease liability, measured on a discounted basis, related to the lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising under a lease contract; and a right-of-use asset related to the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The updates did not significantly change lease accounting requirements applicable to lessors and did not significantly impact our financial statements in relation to contracts whereby we act as a lessor. We adopted the updates using a modified-retrospective transition approach and recognized right-of-use lease assets and related lease liabilities totaling $170.5 million and $174.4 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. We elected to apply certain practical adoption expedients provided under the updates whereby we did not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. We did not elect to apply the recognition requirements of the updates to any short-term leases. See Note 4 - Premises and Equipment and Lease Commitments. On January 1, 2019, we also adopted ASU 2017-08 “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) - Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities.” ASU 2017-08 shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium to require such premiums to be amortized to the earliest call date unless applicable guidance related to certain pools of securities is applied to consider estimated prepayments. Under prior guidance, entities were generally required to amortize premiums on individual, non-pooled callable debt securities as a yield adjustment over the contractual life of the security. ASU 2017-08 does not change the accounting for callable debt securities held at a discount. Upon adoption, using a modified retrospective transition adoption approach, we recognized a cumulative effect reduction to retained earnings totaling $14.7 million. Premium amortization expense for 2019 was approximately $5.2 million higher than what would have been the case had we continued to amortize the affected securities to their respective maturity dates. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” In accordance with ASU 2018-02, we elected to reclassify certain income tax effects related to the change in the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was enacted on December 22, 2017 (see Note 13 - Income Taxes), from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. Such amounts, which totaled $9.5 million, related to a net actuarial loss on defined benefit post-retirement plans and unrealized gains on securities available for sale and securities transferred to held to maturity. See Note 14 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Notwithstanding this election made in accordance with ASU 2018-02, our policy is to release such income tax effects only when the entire portfolio to which the underlying transactions relate is liquidated, sold or extinguished. On January 1, 2018, we also adopted, ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” Using a modified retrospective transition approach for contracts that were not complete as of our adoption, we recognized a cumulative effect reduction to beginning retained earnings totaling $2.3 million. The amount was related to certain revenue streams within trust and investment management fees. Additionally, based on our underlying contracts, ASU 2014-09 requires us to report network costs associated with debit card and ATM transactions netted against the related fee income from such transactions. Previously, such network costs were reported as a component of other non-interest expense. For 2019 and 2018, gross interchange and debit card transaction fees totaled $27.8 million and $25.8 million, respectively, while related network costs totaled $12.9 million and $11.9 million, respectively. On a net basis, we reported $14.9 million and $13.9 million as interchange and debit card transaction fees in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income for 2019 and 2018, respectively. For 2017, we reported interchange and debit card transaction fees totaling $23.2 million on a gross basis in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income while related network cost totaling $11.9 million was reported as a component of other non-interest expense. ASU 2014-09 also required us to change the way we recognize certain recurring revenue streams reported as components of trust and investment management fees, insurance commissions and fees and other categories of non-interest income, however, such changes were not significant to our financial statements.

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