e10vq
 

 
 
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 September 30, 2007
Commission file number 0-7674
FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as Specified in its charter)
     
Texas   75-0944023
     
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
400 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(325) 627-7155
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  þ No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ      Accelerated filer o      Non-accelerated filer o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ
     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of October 26, 2007:
     
Class   Number of Shares Outstanding
     
Common Stock, $0.01 par value    
per share   20,764,891
 
 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
Item       Page
   
PART I
   
   
 
   
   
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
   
 
   
   
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
  3
   
 
   
1.  
Financial Statements
  3
   
 
   
2.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  11
   
 
   
3.  
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
  18
   
 
   
4.  
Controls and Procedures
  18
   
 
   
   
PART II
   
   
 
   
   
OTHER INFORMATION
   
   
 
   
6.  
Exhibits
  19
   
 
   
   
Signatures
  20

2


 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this Form 10-Q, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “predict”, “project”, and similar expressions, as they relate to us or management, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to our management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those listed in “Item 1A- Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and the following:
    General economic conditions, including our local and national real estate markets;
 
    Legislative and regulatory actions and reforms;
 
    Competition from other financial institutions and financial holding companies;
 
    The effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board;
 
    Changes in the demand for loans;
 
    Fluctuations in the value of collateral and in the allowance for loan losses;
 
    Inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;
 
    Changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
 
    Our ability to attract deposits;
 
    Consequences of continued bank mergers and acquisitions in our market area, resulting in fewer but much larger and stronger competitors; and
 
    Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses.
Such statements reflect the current views of our management with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
The consolidated balance sheets of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. at September 30, 2007 and 2006 and December 31, 2006, and the consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, and changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, follow on pages 4 through 8.

3


 

FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2007     2006     2006  
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 105,789,167     $ 104,075,844     $ 127,419,210  
Federal funds sold
    49,955,000       13,700,000       64,485,000  
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
    1,808,313       1,000,093       1,072,443  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    157,552,480       118,775,937       192,976,653  
 
                       
Investment securities:
                       
Securities held-to-maturity (market value of $27,279,637, $29,144,407, and $27,876,959 at September 30, 2007 and 2006 and December 31, 2006, respectively)
    26,559,645       28,204,542       26,985,570  
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
    1,104,221,937       1,078,460,541       1,102,327,223  
 
                 
Total investment securities
    1,130,781,582       1,106,665,083       1,129,312,793  
 
                       
Loans
    1,457,137,210       1,337,314,736       1,373,734,620  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (16,728,185 )     (16,498,380 )     (16,200,804 )
 
                 
Net loans
    1,440,409,025       1,320,816,356       1,357,533,816  
 
                       
Bank premises and equipment, net
    61,430,954       59,459,353       59,467,923  
Intangible assets
    65,567,251       67,134,932       66,702,100  
Other assets
    38,749,371       38,484,924       44,171,229  
 
                 
 
                       
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 2,894,490,663     $ 2,711,336,585     $ 2,850,164,514  
 
                 
 
                       
LIABILITIES
                       
Noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 657,861,485     $ 631,958,156     $ 685,335,743  
Interest-bearing deposits
    1,724,739,681       1,648,576,941       1,698,688,304  
 
                 
Total deposits
    2,382,601,166       2,280,535,097       2,384,024,047  
 
                       
Dividends payable
    5,784,087       5,358,758       5,413,848  
Short-term borrowings
    168,675,974       118,045,185       143,244,347  
Other liabilities
    15,427,525       14,274,470       16,581,234  
 
                 
 
                       
Total liabilities
    2,572,488,752       2,418,213,510       2,549,263,476  
 
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
                       
 
                       
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Common stock — $0.01 par value; authorized 40,000,000 shares;
                       
20,764,492, 20,731,455 and 20,739,127 shares issued at September 30, 2007 and 2006 and December 31, 2006, respectively
    207,645       207,315       207,392  
Capital surplus
    267,019,351       266,108,303       266,271,930  
Retained earnings
    58,473,397       35,516,312       41,003,600  
Treasury stock (shares at cost: 155,822, 151,306 and 153,187 at September 30, 2007 and 2006 and December 31, 2006, respectively)
    (3,130,476 )     (2,837,163 )     (2,911,506 )
Deferred compensation
    3,130,476       2,837,163       2,911,506  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,698,482 )     (8,708,855 )     (6,581,884 )
 
                 
 
                       
Total shareholders’ equity
    322,001,911       293,123,075       300,901,038  
 
                 
 
                       
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 2,894,490,663     $ 2,711,336,585     $ 2,850,164,514  
 
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-4-


 

FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS — (UNAUDITED)
                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2007       2006     2007     2006  
INTEREST INCOME
                               
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 28,894,071     $ 26,399,905     $ 84,822,056     $ 74,496,242  
Interest on investment securities:
                               
Taxable
    9,842,029       10,003,012       29,254,249       29,341,358  
Exempt from federal income tax
    3,163,144       2,609,123       9,138,071       7,676,768  
Interest on federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in banks
    656,389       376,153       2,672,656       2,415,411  
 
                       
Total interest income
    42,555,633       39,388,193       125,887,032       113,929,779  
 
                               
INTEREST EXPENSE
                               
Interest-bearing deposits
    13,028,181       10,968,609       39,325,569       31,217,615  
Other
    1,787,913       1,716,510       5,002,844       3,815,864  
 
                       
Total interest expense
    14,816,094       12,685,119       44,328,413       35,033,479  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INTEREST INCOME
    27,739,539       26,703,074       81,558,619       78,896,300  
Provision for loan losses
    475,000       1,091,000       954,672       1,813,664  
 
                       
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
    27,264,539       25,612,074       80,603,947       77,082,636  
 
                               
NONINTEREST INCOME
                               
Trust fees
    2,158,161       1,890,960       6,530,496       5,572,232  
Service fees on deposit accounts
    6,074,041       5,842,811       16,766,280       16,788,810  
ATM and credit card fees
    1,938,018       1,576,850       5,515,828       4,558,575  
Real estate mortgage fees
    1,021,529       771,384       2,623,500       1,780,130  
Net gain (loss) on sale of securities
    (4,928 )     60,277       79,854       60,277  
Net gain on sale of student loans
    36,147       179,629       1,816,280       2,051,362  
Other
    767,720       866,091       2,550,493       2,809,248  
 
                       
Total noninterest income
    11,990,688       11,188,002       35,882,731       33,620,634  
 
                               
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    11,722,663       10,963,042       34,610,047       33,388,781  
Net occupancy expense
    1,503,791       1,508,117       4,357,980       4,497,661  
Equipment expense
    1,848,436       1,785,746       5,405,588       5,281,304  
Printing, stationery & supplies
    552,456       536,734       1,544,287       1,547,844  
Correspondent bank service charges
    269,456       383,917       888,267       986,023  
Amortization of intangible assets
    374,720       447,505       1,134,848       1,058,560  
Other expenses
    5,711,097       4,991,700       16,155,541       15,138,979  
 
                       
Total noninterest expense
    21,982,619       20,616,761       64,096,558       61,899,152  
 
                       
 
                               
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    17,272,608       16,183,315       52,390,120       48,804,118  
Income tax expense
    5,021,823       4,778,554       15,406,629       14,483,928  
 
                       
 
                               
NET EARNINGS
  $ 12,250,785     $ 11,404,761     $ 36,983,491     $ 34,320,190  
 
                       
 
                               
EARNINGS PER SHARE, BASIC
  $ 0.59     $ 0.55     $ 1.78     $ 1.66  
 
                       
 
                               
EARNINGS PER SHARE, ASSUMING DILUTION
  $ 0.59     $ 0.55     $ 1.77     $ 1.65  
 
                       
 
                               
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
  $ 0.32     $ 0.30     $ 0.94     $ 0.88  
 
                       
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-5-


 

FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS — (UNAUDITED)
                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,              
    2007       2006     2007       2006  
NET EARNINGS
  $ 12,250,785     $ 11,404,761     $ 36,983,491     $ 34,320,190  
 
                               
OTHER ITEMS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS:
                               
Change in unrealized loss on investment securities available-for-sale
    14,889,823       12,458,783       4,515,857       531,757  
 
                               
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss (gain) on investment securities included in net earnings, before income tax
    4,928       (60,277 )     (79,854 )     (60,277 )
 
                       
 
Total other items of comprehensive earnings
    14,894,751       12,398,506       4,436,003       471,480  
 
                               
Income tax expense related to other items of comprehensive earnings
    (5,213,163 )     (4,339,477 )     (1,552,601 )     (165,018 )
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
  $ 21,932,373     $ 19,463,790     $ 39,866,893     $ 34,626,652  
 
                       
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-6-


 

FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
                                                                         
                                                            Accumulated        
                                                            Other     Total  
    Common Stock     Capital Retained     Treasury Stock     Deferred     Comprehensive     Shareholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Surplus     Earnings     Shares     Amounts     Compensation     Earnings (Losses)     Equity  
Balances at December 31, 2005
    20,714,401     $ 207,144,010     $ 58,712,508     $ 19,434,606       (145,322 )   $ (2,592,413 )   $ 2,592,413     $ (9,015,317 )   $ 276,275,807  
 
                                                                       
Change in par value of common stock from $10.00 to $0.01
          (206,971,541 )     206,971,541                                      
 
                                                                       
Net earnings
                      34,320,190                               34,320,190  
 
                                                                       
Stock issuances
    17,054       34,846       279,777                                     314,623  
 
                                                                       
Cash dividends declared, $0.88 per share
                      (18,238,484 )                             (18,238,484 )
 
                                                                       
Change in unrealized gain (loss) in investment securities available-for-sale, net of related income taxes
                                              306,462       306,462  
 
                                                                       
Additional tax benefit related to directors’ deferred compensation plan
                24,996                                     24,996  
 
                                                                       
Shares purchased in connection with directors’ deferred compensation plan, net
                            (5,984 )     (244,750 )     244,750              
Stock option expense
                119,481                                     119,481  
 
                                                     
Balances at September 30, 2006
    20,731,455     $ 207,315     $ 266,108,303     $ 35,516,312       (151,306 )   $ (2,837,163 )   $ 2,837,163     $ (8,708,855 )   $ 293,123,075  
 
                                                     
 
                                                                       
Balances at December 31, 2006
    20,739,127     $ 207,392     $ 266,271,930     $ 41,003,600       (153,187 )   $ (2,911,506 )   $ 2,911,506     $ (6,581,884 )   $ 300,901,038  
 
                                                                       
Net earnings
                      36,983,491                               36,983,491  
 
                                                                       
Stock issuances
    25,365       253       480,864                                     481,117  
 
                                                                       
Cash dividends declared, $0.94 per share
                      (19,513,694 )                             (19,513,694 )
 
                                                                       
Change in unrealized loss in investment securities available-for-sale, net of related income taxes
                                            2,883,402       2,883,402  
 
                                                                       
Additional tax benefit related to directors’ deferred compensation plan
                102,845                                     102,845  
 
                                                                       
Shares purchased in connection with directors’ deferred compensation plan, net
                            (2,635 )     (218,970 )     218,970              
 
                                                                       
Stock option expense
                163,712                                     163,712  
 
                                                     
Balances at September 30, 2007
    20,764,492     $ 207,645     $ 267,019,351     $ 58,473,397       (155,822 )   $ (3,130,476 )   $ 3,130,476     $ (3,698,482 )   $ 322,001,911  
 
                                                     
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-7-


 

FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (UNAUDITED)
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2007     2006  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net earnings
  $ 36,983,491     $ 34,320,190  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    5,820,133       5,907,488  
Provision for loan losses
    954,672       1,813,664  
Premium amortization, net of discount accretion
    (436,300 )     361,066  
Gain on sale of assets
    (1,934,897 )     (2,138,168 )
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)
    104,131       (209,050 )
Loans originated for resale
    (155,880,669 )     (136,965,118 )
Proceeds from sales of loans held for resale
    158,671,315       146,865,833  
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    5,468,294       (2,851,291 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    (942,242 )     2,348,540  
 
           
Total adjustments
    11,824,437       15,132,964  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    48,807,928       49,453,154  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Activity in available-for-sale securities:
               
Sales
    10,734,972       10,388,468  
Maturities
    269,836,372       1,278,582,933  
Purchases
    (277,513,563 )     (1,374,299,676 )
Activity in held-to-maturity securities:
               
Maturities
    1,425,587       24,954,399  
Purchases
    (1,000,000 )      
Net increase in loans
    (87,446,531 )     (56,885,678 )
Capital expenditures
    (6,285,727 )     (5,857,741 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    615,291       596,928  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (89,633,599 )     (122,520,367 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net increase (decrease) in noninterest-bearing deposits
    (27,474,258 )     8,802,314  
Net increase (decrease) in interest-bearing deposits
    26,051,377       (94,544,349 )
Net increase in short term borrowings
    25,431,627       43,806,209  
Proceeds from stock issuances
    481,117       314,623  
Dividends paid
    (19,088,365 )     (17,844,507 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    5,401,498       (59,465,710 )
 
           
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (35,424,173 )     (132,532,923 )
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
    192,976,653       251,308,860  
 
           
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 157,552,480     $ 118,775,937  
 
           
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AND NONCASH TRANSACTIONS
               
Interest paid
  $ 44,487,903     $ 34,506,479  
Federal income tax paid
    15,405,750       14,447,204  
Assets acquired through foreclosure
    2,642,283       299,639  
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

-8-


 

FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
Note 1 — Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and unaudited results of operations. All adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. However, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007, due to seasonality, changes in economic conditions and credit quality, interest rate fluctuations and other factors. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted under SEC rules and regulations. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2006 financial statements to conform to the 2007 presentation.
Note 2 — Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the periods. In computing diluted earnings per common share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company assumes that all dilutive outstanding options to purchase common stock have been exercised at the beginning of the year (or the time of issuance, if later). The dilutive effect of the outstanding options is reflected by application of the treasury stock method, whereby the proceeds from the exercised options are assumed to be used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the respective periods. The weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, were 20,761,799 and 20,729,287 shares, respectively. The weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, were 20,755,331 and 20,722,310, respectively. The weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing fully diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, were 20,891,357 and 20,788,068, respectively. The weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing fully diluted earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, were 20,879,709 and 20,780,598, respectively.
Note 3- Stock Based Compensation
The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant to employees. On January 30, 2007, the Company granted 90,500 options to key employees at an exercise price of $40.98. The Company recorded stock option expense totaling $56 thousand and $38 thousand, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. The Company recorded stock option expense totaling $164 thousand and $119 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The additional disclosure requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” have been omitted due to immateriality.
Note 4 — Pension Plan
The Company’s defined benefit pension plan was frozen effective January 1, 2004 whereby no additional years of service will accrue to participants, unless the pension plan is reinstated at a future date. The pension plan covered substantially all of the Company’s employees. The benefits were based on years of service and a percentage of the employee’s qualifying compensation during the final years of employment. The Company’s funding policy was and is to contribute annually the amount necessary to satisfy the Internal Revenue Service’s funding standards. Contributions to the pension plan, prior to freezing the plan, were intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future. As a result of freezing the pension plan, we did not expect contributions or pension expense to be significant in future years. However as a result of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Company will be required to contribute amounts over seven years to fund any shortfalls. The Company evaluated the provisions of the Act as well as IRS funding standards to develop a preliminary plan for funding in future years. The Company made a contribution totaling $1.5 million in July 2007 and will continue to evaluate future funding amounts. The Company did not make a contribution to the pension plan during the year ended December 31, 2006, as permitted by the Internal Revenue Service’s funding standards. Net periodic benefit costs totaling $84 thousand and $100 thousand were recorded, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. Net periodic benefit costs totaling $253 thousand and $100 thousand were recorded, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

9


 

Note 5 — Related Party Transactions
During the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company sold student loans totaling approximately $1.2 million and $6.2 million, respectively, recognizing net gains of $36 thousand and $180 thousand, respectively, to a financial institution of which an executive officer of one of our wholly owned subsidiary banks is a board member. In the opinion of management, these loan sales are on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons.
Note 6 — Recently Issued Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48).” The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions must be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold must be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold must be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties. The new interpretation was effective for the Company January 1, 2007. The implementation of the provisions of the new interpretation did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company files income tax returns in the U. S. federal jurisdiction and is no longer subject to U. S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2008 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of the new pronouncement is to improve financial reporting by providing companies with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company in 2008. The Company has not yet made a determination if it will elect to apply the options available in SFAS No. 159.

10


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction
As a multi-bank financial holding company, we generate most of our revenue from interest on loans and investments, trust fees, and service charges on deposits. Our primary source of funding for our loans is deposits we hold in our subsidiary banks. Our largest expenses are interest on these deposits and salaries and related employee benefits. We usually measure our performance by calculating our return on average assets, return on average equity, our regulatory leverage and risk based capital ratios, and our efficiency ratio, which is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income on a tax equivalent basis and noninterest income.
The following discussion of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying footnotes included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q as well as those included in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare consolidated financial statements based on the application of certain accounting policies, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and customary practices in the banking industry. These policies, in certain areas, require us to make significant estimates and assumptions.
We deem a policy critical if (1) the accounting estimate required us to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time we make the accounting estimate; and (2) different estimates that reasonably could have been used in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, would have a material impact on the financial statements.
The following discussion addresses our allowance for loan losses and our provision for loan losses, which we deem to be our most critical accounting policy. We have other significant accounting policies and continue to evaluate the materiality of their impact on our consolidated financial statements, but we believe that these other policies either do not generally require us to make estimates and judgments that are difficult or subjective, or it is less likely they would have a material impact on our reported results for a given period.
The allowance for loan losses is an amount we believe will be adequate to absorb inherent estimated losses on existing loans for which full collectibility is unlikely based upon our review and evaluation of the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is increased by charges to income and decreased by charged off loans (net of recoveries).
Our methodology is based on guidance provided in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 102, “Selected Loan Loss Allowance Methodology and Documentation Issues” and includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” as amended by SFAS No. 118, and allowance allocations determined in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.”

11


 

The level of the allowance reflects our periodic evaluation of general economic conditions, the financial condition of our borrowers, the value and liquidity of collateral, delinquencies, prior loan loss experience, and the results of periodic reviews of the portfolio by our independent loan review staff and regulatory examiners.
Our allowance for loan losses is comprised of three elements: (i) specific reserves determined in accordance with SFAS No. 114 based on probable losses on specific loans; (ii) general reserves determined in accordance with SFAS No. 5 that consider historical loss rates, loan classifications and other factors; and (iii) a qualitative reserve determined in accordance with SFAS 5 based upon general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. We regularly evaluate our allowance for loan losses to maintain a level adequate to absorb estimated loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Factors contributing to the determination of the specific reserves include the credit worthiness of the borrower, changes in the value of pledged collateral, and general economic conditions. All nonaccrual loans rated substandard or worse and greater than $50 thousand are specifically reviewed and a specific allocation is assigned based on the losses expected to be realized from those loans. For purposes of determining the general reserve, a certain portion of the loan portfolio is assigned a reserve allocation percentage. The reserve allocation percentage is multiplied by the outstanding loan principal balance, less cash secured loans, government guaranteed loans and classified loans to calculate the required general reserve. The general reserve allocation percentages assigned to groups of loans consider historical loss rates, loan classifications and other factors. The qualitative reserves are determined by evaluating such things as current economic conditions and trends, changes in lending staff, policies or procedures, changes in credit concentrations, changes in the trends and severity of problem loans and changes in trends in volume and terms of loans. The portion of the allowance that is not derived by the general reserve allocation percentages compensates for the uncertainty and complexity in estimating loan losses including factors and conditions that may not be fully reflected in the determination and application of the general reserve allocation percentages.
Although we believe we use the best information available to make loan loss allowance determinations, future adjustments could be necessary if circumstances or economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making our initial determinations. A downturn in the economy and employment could result in increased levels of nonperforming assets and charge-offs, increased loan loss provisions and reductions in income. Additionally, as an integral part of their examination process, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses. The bank regulatory agencies could require the recognition of additions to the loan loss allowance based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.
Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful.
Our policy requires measurement of the allowance for an impaired collateral-dependent loan based on the fair value of the collateral. Other loan impairments are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows or the loan’s observable market price.

12


 

Operating Results
Three-months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
Net income for the third quarter of 2007 totaled $12.3 million, an increase of $846 thousand, or 7.4%, from the same period last year. This increase was principally attributable to an increase in net interest income of $1.0 million, an increase in noninterest income of $803 thousand and a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $616 thousand. Partially offsetting these items was an increase in noninterest expense of $1.4 million.
Basic earnings per share were $0.59 for the third quarter of 2007, as compared to $0.55 for the third quarter of 2006. The return on average assets and return on average equity for the third quarter of 2007 were 1.70% and 15.61%, respectively. For the same period in 2006, the return on average assets and return on average equity amounted to 1.67% and 15.93%, respectively.
Tax equivalent net interest income for the third quarter of 2007 amounted to $29.1 million as compared to $27.9 million for the same period last year. Our yield on interest earning assets increased approximately 18 basis points while our rates paid on interest bearing liabilities increased approximately 33 basis points. The increase in volume of average interest earning assets of $133.0 million combined with the increase in rates to improve interest income. Average interest bearing liabilities increased $79.4 million, and coupled with the increase in rates, partially offset the increase in interest income. Average earning assets were $2.60 billion for the third quarter of 2007, which was 5.4% greater than for the third quarter of 2006. Average interest bearing liabilities were $1.87 billion for the third quarter of 2007, which was 4.4% greater than for the third quarter of 2006. The Company’s interest spread decreased to 3.57% for 2007 from 3.72% for 2006. The Company’s net interest margin was 4.45% for the third quarter of 2007, a decrease compared to 4.49% for the same period of 2006, but up 7 basis points from the 4.38 level for the second quarter of 2007. Our net interest margin decline from the prior year was largely due to the unfavorable interest rate environment coupled with our 60.6% loan to deposit ratio and more aggressive pricing of our interest bearing deposits as a result of competitive pressures.
The provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2007 was $475 thousand compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2006. The provision for loan losses recorded in the third quarter of 2006 resulted primarily from overall loan growth, an increase in the level of classified loans during that period and concerns about a slowing national economy. The provision for loan losses recorded in the third quarter of 2007 was reflective of the increase in loan volume. Gross charge offs for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 totaled $342 thousand compared to $272 thousand for the same period of 2006. Recoveries of previously charged-off loans totaled $170 thousand in the quarter ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $206 thousand in the same period of 2006. On an annualized basis, net chargeoffs as a percentage of average loans were 0.05% for the third quarter of 2007, as compared to 0.02% for the same period in 2006. The Company’s allowance for loan losses totaled $16.7 million at September 30, 2007, up $230 thousand from the balance of $16.5 million at September 30, 2006. The increase in the allowance was primarily due to growth in the loan portfolio. The Company’s allowance as a percentage of nonperforming loans amounted to 395.6% at September 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, management believes the allowance for loan losses was adequate to provide for loans existing in its portfolio that are deemed uncollectible.

13


 

Total noninterest income for the third quarter of 2007 was $12.0 million, as compared to $11.2 million for the same period last year. Trust fees totaled $2.2 million for 2007, up $267 thousand over the same period in 2006 due to increased volume of trust assets managed. The market value of trust assets managed totaled $1.79 billion at September 30, 2007 compared to $1.62 billion at September 30, 2006. Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $6.1 million for the third quarter of 2007, compared to $5.8 million for the same period of 2006, an increase of $231 thousand reflecting the higher volume of noninterest bearing deposits. The gain on sale of student loans totaled $36 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, compared to $180 thousand for the same quarter in 2006. The Company’s real estate mortgage fees of $1.022 million represented an increase of $250 thousand over the $771 thousand recognized in the third quarter of 2006 due to expansion of mortgage operations to more subsidiary bank locations. ATM and credit card fees increased 22.9% to $1.9 million versus $1.6 million a year ago, indicative of continued increases in the use of debit cards and growth in net new accounts and merchant credit card customers.
Noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2007 amounted to $22.0 million, as compared to $20.6 million for the same period in 2006. Salaries and benefits expense, the Company’s largest noninterest expense item, increased 6.9% to $11.7 million in 2007, up $760 thousand over the same period in 2006. The increase in salaries and benefits expense reflected increases in annual salaries, healthcare costs and employee profit sharing. Amortization of intangible assets was $375 thousand for the third quarter of 2007, a decrease of $73 thousand from the same period last year.
The Company’s other categories of noninterest expense increased $663 thousand in the third quarter of 2007, compared to the third quarter of 2006. Contributing to this increase were a volume related increase of $125 thousand related to ATM and credit card expenses (related income increased $361 thousand), an increase of $122 thousand in legal, tax and professional fees and increases in certain other components of noninterest expense, none of which were individually significant. Offsetting these increases were decreases in correspondent bank service charges of $114 thousand and $57 thousand in our courier expense due to the increased use of technology as well as small declines in various other categories of expense.
Income tax expense was $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2007, as compared to $4.8 million for the same period in 2006. Our effective tax rates on pretax income were 29.1%, and 29.5% for the third quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively. The effective tax rates differ from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% largely due to tax exempt interest income earned on certain investment securities and loans, the deductibility of dividends paid to our employee stock ownership plan and the Texas franchise/margin tax.
We believe a key indicator of our operating efficiency was expressed by the ratio that is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income (on a tax equivalent basis) and noninterest income. This ratio in effect measures the amount of funds expended to generate revenue. Our efficiency ratio was 53.53% for the third quarter of 2007 and 52.80% for the third quarter of 2006.
Nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
Net income for the first nine months of 2007 totaled $37.0 million, an increase of $2.7 million, or 7.8%, from the same period last year. The increase was principally attributable to an increase in net interest income of $2.7 million, an increase in noninterest income of $2.3 million and a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $859 thousand. Partially offsetting these items was an increase in noninterest expense of $2.2 million.
Basic earnings per share amounted to $1.78 for the first nine months of 2007, as compared to $1.66 per share for the first nine months of 2006. The return on average assets and return on average equity for the first nine months of 2007 amounted to 1.73% and 16.10%, respectively. For the same periods in 2006, the return on average assets and return on average equity amounted to 1.68% and 16.36%, respectively.

14


 

Tax equivalent net interest income for the first nine months of 2007 amounted to $85.4 million, as compared to $82.4 million for the same period last year. Our rates on interest earning assets increased approximately 32 basis points while our rates paid on interest bearing liabilities increased approximately 57 basis points. The increase in volume of average interest earning assets of $127.9 million combined with the increase in rates to improve interest income. However, average interest bearing liabilities increased $66.4 million, and coupled with the increase in rates, partially offset the increase in interest income. Average earning assets were $2.60 billion for the first nine months of 2007, which was 5.2% greater than for the first nine months of 2006. Average interest bearing liabilities were $1.88 billion for the first nine months of 2007, which was 3.7% greater than for the first nine months of 2006. The Company’s interest spread decreased to 3.53% for 2007 from 3.78% for 2006. The Company’s net interest margin was 4.40% for the first nine months of 2007, compared to 4.47% for the same period of 2006. Our net interest margin declined compared to the prior year largely due to the unfavorable interest rate environment coupled with our 59.3% loan to deposit ratio and more aggressive pricing of our interest bearing deposits as a result of competitive pressures.
The provision for loan losses for the first nine months of 2007 totaled $955 thousand compared with $1.8 million for the same period of 2006. The provision for loan losses in the 2006 nine month period resulted primarily from overall loan growth, an increase in the level of classified loans during that period and concerns about a slowing national economy. The provision for loan losses in the 2007 nine month period was reflective of the increase in loan volume. Gross charge offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $994 thousand, compared to $1.0 million for the same period of 2006. Recoveries of previously charged-off loans totaling $567 thousand in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $998 thousand in the same period of 2006. On an annualized basis, net chargeoffs as a percentage of average loans were 0.04% for the first nine months of 2007, as compared to 0.004% for the same period in 2006.
Total noninterest income for the first nine months of 2007 was $35.9 million, as compared to $33.6 million for the same period last year. Trust fees totaled $6.5 million for 2007, up $958 thousand over the same period in 2006 due to an increase in the volume of trust assets managed. The market value of trust assets managed totaled $1.79 billion at September 30, 2007, compared to $1.62 billion at September 30, 2006. Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $16.8 million for the first nine months of 2007, relatively unchanged for the same period of 2006. During the first nine months of 2007, the Company sold approximately $60.4 million in student loans recognizing a gain of $1.8 million. In the first nine months of 2006, the Company sold approximately $68.7 million in student loans, recognizing a gain of $2.1 million. ATM and credit card fees increased $957 thousand to $5.5 million in the first nine months of 2007 due to increased usage of debit cards and an increase in the number of deposit accounts and merchant credit card customers. The Company’s real estate mortgage fees were $2.6 million, an increase of $843 thousand, or 47.4%, over 2006, due to expansion of mortgage operations to more subsidiary bank locations.
Noninterest expense for the first nine months of 2007 amounted to $64.1 million, as compared to $61.9 million for the same period in 2006. Salaries and employee benefits expense, the Company’s largest noninterest expense item, was $34.6 million for the first nine months of 2007, an increase of $1.2 million, or 3.7%, over the same period in 2006. The primary causes of this increase were pay increases effective during the first quarter of 2007 and an increase in expenses related to the Company’s pension plan. Amortization of core deposit intangible assets was $1.1 million for the first nine months of 2007, an increase of $76 thousand over the same period last year.

15


 

The Company’s other categories of expense increased $904 thousand in the first nine months of 2007, compared to the first nine months of 2006. Contributing to this increase were a volume related increase of $344 thousand related to ATM and credit card expenses (related income increased $957 thousand), a $265 thousand increase in legal, tax and professional fees and increases in certain other components of noninterest expense, none of which were individually significant. Offsetting these increases were a decrease in correspondent bank service charges of $98 thousand as well as other small declines in various categories of expense.
Income tax expense was $15.4 million for nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $14.5 million for the same period in 2006. Our effective tax rates on pre-tax income were 29.4% and 29.7% for nine month periods of 2007 and 2006, respectively. The effective rates differed from the statutory federal tax rate of 35%, largely due to tax exempt interest income earned on certain investment securities and loans, the deductibility of dividends paid to our employees stock ownership plan and the Texas franchise/margin tax.
We believe a key indicator of our operating efficiency is expressed by the ratio that is calculated by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income (on a tax equivalent basis) and noninterest income. This ratio in effect measures the amount of funds expended to generate revenue. Our efficiency ratio was 52.85% for the first nine months of 2007 and 53.36% for the first nine months of 2006.
Balance Sheet Review
Total assets at September 30, 2007 amounted to $2.89 billion as compared to $2.85 billion at December 31, 2006, and $2.71 billion at September 30, 2006. Deposits totaled $2.38 billion at September 30, 2007, down $1.4 million from December 31, 2006 amounts. Deposits at September 30, 2006 were $2.28 billion.
Loans totaled $1.46 billion, $1.37 billion and $1.34 billion at September 30, 2007, December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2006, respectively. As compared to September 30, 2006, loans at September 30, 2007, reflect (i) a $34.4 million increase in commercial, financial and agricultural loans; (ii) a $69.6 million increase in real estate loans; (iii) a $2.3 million increase in student loans; and (iv) a $13.4 million increase in consumer loans.
Investment securities at September 30, 2007, totaled $1.13 billion as compared to $1.13 billion at year-end 2006 and $1.11 billion at September 30, 2006. The unrealized loss in the investment portfolio at September 30, 2007, was $281 thousand. At September 30, 2007, gross unrealized gains totaled $7.5 million and gross unrealized losses totaled $7.8 million. We do not believe these unrealized losses are “other than temporary.” The unrealized losses are interest rate related. We have not identified any issues related to the ultimate repayment of principal as a result of credit concerns on these securities. Our mortgage related securities are backed by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC or are collateralized by securities backed by these agencies.
The portfolio had an overall tax equivalent yield of 5.13% at September 30, 2007. At September 30, 2007, the investment portfolio had a weighted average life of 3.9 years and modified duration of 3.3 years. At September 30, 2007, the Company did not hold any structured notes.
Nonperforming assets at September 30, 2007, totaled $6.8 million as compared to $4.1 million at December 31, 2006. The increase was due primarily to the foreclosure on the collateral securing one real estate loan. This foreclosed real estate with a carrying value of $1.6 million was sold in October 2007. At 0.47% of loans plus foreclosed assets, management considers nonperforming assets to be at a manageable level and is unaware of any material classified credit not properly disclosed as nonperforming.

16


 

Liquidity and Capital
Liquidity is our ability to meet cash demands as they arise. Such needs can develop from loan demand, deposit withdrawals or acquisition opportunities. Potential obligations resulting from the issuance of standby letters of credit and commitments to fund future borrowings to our loan customers are other factors affecting our liquidity needs. Many of these obligations and commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon; therefore the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements affecting our liquidity position. The potential need for liquidity arising from these types of financial instruments is represented by the contractual notional amount of the instrument. Asset liquidity is provided by cash and assets which are readily marketable or which will mature in the near future. Liquid assets include cash, federal funds sold, and short-term investments in time deposits in banks. Liquidity is also provided by access to funding sources, which include core depositors and correspondent banks that maintain accounts with, and sell federal funds to, our subsidiary banks. Other sources of funds include our ability to sell securities under agreements to repurchase, and an unfunded $50 million line of credit which matures December 31, 2007, established with a nonaffiliated bank. One of our subsidiary banks also has federal funds purchased lines of credit with two non-affiliated banks totaling $50 million.
Given the strong core deposit base and relatively low loan to deposit ratios maintained at our subsidiary banks, management considers the current liquidity position to be adequate to meet short- and long-term liquidity needs.
We anticipate that any future acquisitions of financial institutions and expansion of branch locations could place a demand on our cash resources. Available cash at our parent company, available dividends from subsidiary banks, utilization of available lines of credit, and future debt or equity offerings are expected to be the sources of funding for these potential acquisitions or expansions.
The Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows are presented on page 8 of this report. Total shareholders’ equity amounted to $322.0 million at September 30, 2007, which was up from $300.9 million at year-end 2006 and $293.1 million at September 30, 2006. The Company’s total risk-based capital and leverage ratios at September 30, 2007 were 15.76% and 9.31%, respectively. The third quarter 2007 cash dividend of $0.32 per share totaled $6.6 million and represented 54.2% of third quarter earnings.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk results when the maturity or repricing intervals of interest-earning assets and interest bearing liabilities are different. The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk is managed primarily through the Company’s strategy of selecting the types and terms of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which generate favorable earnings, while limiting the potential negative effects of changes in market interest rates. The Company uses no off-balance-sheet financial instruments to manage interest rate risk. The Company and each subsidiary bank have an asset/liability committee which monitors interest rate risk and compliance with investment policies. Simulation analyses are the primary way that the Company and the subsidiary banks monitor interest rate risk. As of September 30, 2007, management estimates that, over the next twelve months, an upward shift of interest rates by 200 basis points would result in an increase in projected net interest income of 4.16% and a downward shift of interest rates by 200 basis points would result in a reduction in projected net interest income of 2.73%. These are good faith estimates and assume the composition of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at September 30, 2007, will remain constant over the relevant twelve month measurement period and changes in market interest rates are instantaneous and sustained across the yield curve, regardless of duration or pricing characteristics of specific assets or liabilities. Also, this estimate does not contemplate any actions that we might undertake in response to changes in market interest rates. In management’s opinion, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of what actually could occur in the event of immediate interest rate increases or decreases of this magnitude. Because interest-bearing assets and liabilities reprice in different time frames and proportions to market interest rate movements, various assumptions must be made based on historical relationships of these variables in reaching any conclusion. Since these correlations are based on competitive and market conditions, our future results could, in management’s belief, be different from the foregoing estimates, and such changes in results could be material.

17


 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Management considers interest rate risk to be a significant market risk for the Company. See “Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for disclosure regarding this market risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2007, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 15d-15. Our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, does not expect our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud.
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints; additionally, the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions; also the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded based on our evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, our disclosure controls and procedures under Rule 13a-15 and Rule 15d — 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2007.
Subsequent to our evaluation, there were no significant changes in internal controls or other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, these internal controls.

18


 

Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report:
         
3.1
    Amended and Restated Certificate of Formation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2006).
 
       
3.2
    Amended and Restated Bylaws, and all amendments thereto, of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 of the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A filed on Form 8-A/A No. 1 on January 7, 1994).
 
       
3.3
    Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, dated April 27, 1994 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.4 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).
 
       
3.4
    Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, dated October 23, 2001 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.5 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31 2004).
 
       
3.5
  ___   Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, dated October 23, 2007 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed October 24, 2007).
 
       
4.1
    Specimen certificate of First Financial Common Stock (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 of the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Form 8-A filed on Form 8-A/A No. 1 on January 7, 1994).
 
       
10.1
    Deferred Compensation Agreement, dated October 28, 1992, between the Registrant and Kenneth T. Murphy (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002).
 
       
10.2
    Revised Deferred Compensation Agreement, dated December 28, 1995, between the Registrant and Kenneth T. Murphy (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002).
 
       
10.3
    Executive Recognition Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report filed July 3, 2006).
 
       
10.4
    1992 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998).
 
       
10.5
    2002 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference from Appendix A of the Registrant’s Schedule 14A Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).
 
       
10.6
    Loan Agreement dated December 31, 2004, between First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and The Frost National Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 31, 2004).
 
       
10.7
    First Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated December 28, 2005, between First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and The Frost National Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 28, 2005).
 
       
10.8
    Second Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated December 31, 2006, between First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and The Frost National Bank (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 31, 2006).
 
       
*31.1
    Rule 13a-14(a) / 15(d)-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
 
       
*31.2
    Rule 13a-14(a) / 15(d)-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
 
       
*32.1
    Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
 
       
*32.2
    Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
 
*   Filed herewith

19


 

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
             
    FIRST FINANCIAL BANKSHARES, INC.
 
           
Date: October 26, 2007
  By:   /s/ F. Scott Dueser    
 
           
 
      F. Scott Dueser    
 
      President and Chief Executive Officer    
 
           
Date: October 26, 2007
  By:   /s/ J. Bruce Hildebrand    
 
           
 
      J. Bruce Hildebrand    
 
      Executive Vice President and    
 
      Chief Financial Officer    

20