Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (a Texas corporation) (“Bankshares”, “Company”, “we” or “us”) is a financial holding company which owns all of the capital stock of one bank with 55 locations located in Texas as of December 31, 2012. The subsidiary bank is First Financial Bank, National Association, Abilene. The bank’s primary source of revenue is providing loans and banking services to consumers and commercial customers in the market area in which the subsidiary is located. In addition, the Company also owns First Financial Trust & Asset Management Company, National Association, First Financial Insurance Agency, Inc., and First Technology Services, Inc. During 2011, First Financial Bankshares of Delaware, Inc and First Financial Investments of Delaware, Inc. were merged into the Company.

A summary of significant accounting policies of Bankshares and subsidiaries applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows. The accounting principles followed by the Company and the methods of applying them are in conformity with both U. S. generally accepted accounting principles and prevailing practices of the banking industry.

The Company evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bankshares and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to 2010 and 2011 financial statements to conform to the 2012 presentation.

Consolidation of Bank Charters

Effective December 30, 2012, the Company consolidated its eleven bank charters into one charter. Regulatory, compliance and technology complexities and the opportunity for cost savings were the reasons for making this change. We expect to operate the prior eleven bank charters as regions with local management decisions with recommendations from the bank region’s advisory board to benefit the customers and communities it serves as we do currently.

Stock Split

On April 26, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend effective for shareholders of record on May 16, 2011 that was distributed on June 1, 2011. All share and per share amounts in this report have been restated to reflect this stock split. An amount equal to the par value of the additional common shares issued pursuant to the stock split was reflected as a transfer from retained earnings to common stock on the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Increase in Authorized Shares

On April 24, 2012, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Formation to increase the number of authorized common shares to 80,000,000.

Stock Repurchase

On October 26, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 750,000 shares of its common stock through September 30, 2014. The stock buyback plan authorizes management to repurchase the stock at such time as repurchases are considered beneficial to stockholders. Any repurchase of stock will be made through the open market, block trades or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Under the repurchase plan, there is no minimum number of shares that the Company is required to repurchase. Through December 31, 2012, no shares have been repurchased under this authorization.

Investment Securities

The Company records its available-for-sale and trading securities portfolio at fair value.

Management classifies debt and equity securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading based on its intent. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and recorded at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are recognized as adjustments to interest income using the interest method. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at estimated fair value, with all unrealized gains and unrealized losses judged to be temporary, net of deferred income taxes, excluded from earnings and reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings. Available- for-sale securities that have unrealized losses that are judged other than temporary are included in gain (loss) on sale of securities and a new cost basis is established. Securities classified as trading are recorded at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.

Fair values of these securities are determined based on methodologies in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance. Fair values are volatile and may be influenced by a number of factors, including market interest rates, prepayment speeds, discount rates, credit ratings and yield curves. Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on the quoted prices of similar instruments or an estimate of fair value by using a range of fair value estimates in the market place as a result of the illiquid market specific to the type of security.

When the fair value of a security is below its amortized cost, and depending on the length of time the condition exists and the extent the fair value is below amortized cost, additional analysis is performed to determine whether an other-than-temporary impairment condition exists. Available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities are analyzed quarterly for possible other-than-temporary impairment. The analysis considers (i) whether we have the intent to sell our securities prior to recovery and/or maturity, (ii) whether it is more likely than not that we will have to sell our securities prior to recovery and/or maturity, (iii) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than costs, and (iv) the financial condition of the issuer. Often, the information available to conduct these assessments is limited and rapidly changing, making estimates of fair value subject to judgment. If actual information or conditions are different than estimated, the extent of the impairment of the security may be different than previously estimated, which could have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s investment portfolio consists of traditional investments, substantially in U. S. Treasury securities, obligations of U. S. government sponsored-enterprises and agencies, mortgage pass-through securities, corporate bonds and general obligation or revenue based municipal bonds. Pricing for such securities is generally readily available and transparent in the market. The Company utilizes independent third party pricing services to value its investment securities. The Company reviews the prices supplied by the independent pricing services as well as the underlying pricing methodologies for reasonableness and to ensure such prices are aligned with traditional pricing matrices. The Company validates quarterly, on a sample basis, prices supplied by the independent pricing services by comparison to prices obtained from other third party sources.

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans held for investment are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, reduced by unearned income and an allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amounts outstanding. The Company defers and amortizes net loan origination fees and costs as an adjustment to yield. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes the collectability of the principal is unlikely.

The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income with an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis and makes changes as appropriate. Management receives and reviews periodic reports related to loan originations, quality, concentrations, delinquencies, nonperforming and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions, both by type of loan and geographic location.

Commercial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and effectively. Underwriting standards are designed to determine whether the borrower possesses sound business ethics and practices and to evaluate current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay their obligations as agreed. Commercial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and, secondarily, on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory and include personal guarantees.

Agricultural loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial loans. These agricultural loans are based primarily on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most agricultural loans are secured by the agriculture related assets being financed, such as farm land, cattle or equipment and include personal guarantees.

Real estate loans are also subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and agricultural loans. These loans are underwritten primarily based on projected cash flows and, secondarily, as loans secured by real estate. The repayment of real estate loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loans or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Company’s real estate portfolio are generally diverse in terms of type and geographic location. This diversity helps reduce the exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry. Generally, real estate loans are owner occupied which further reduces the Company’s risk.

Consumer loan underwriting utilizes methodical credit standards and analysis to supplement the Company’s underwriting policies and procedures. The Company’s loan policy addresses types of consumer loans that may be originated and the collateral, if secured, which must be perfected. The relatively smaller individual dollar amounts of consumer loans that are spread over numerous individual borrowers also minimize the Company’s risk.

The allowance is an amount management believes is appropriate to absorb probable losses that have been incurred on existing loans as of the balance sheet date based upon management’s review and evaluation of the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is comprised of three elements: (i) specific reserves determined in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance based on probable losses on classified loans; (ii) general reserve determined in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance that considers historical loss rates; and (iii) qualitative reserves determined in accordance with current authoritative accounting guidance based upon general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. The allowance for loan losses is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Management’s periodic evaluation of the appropriateness of the allowance is based on general economic conditions, the financial condition of borrowers, the value and liquidity of collateral, delinquency, prior loan loss experience, and the results of periodic reviews of the portfolio. For purposes of determining our general reserve, the loan portfolio, less cash secured loans, government guaranteed loans and classified loans, is multiplied by the Company’s historical loss rate. Our methodology is constructed so that specific reserves are increased in response to deterioration in credit quality and a corresponding increase in risk of loss. In addition, we adjust our allowance for qualitative factors such as current local economic conditions and trends, including, without limitations, unemployment, changes in lending staff, policies and procedures, changes in credit concentrations, changes in the trends and severity of problem loans and changes in trends in volume and terms of loans. This additional qualitative reserve serves to compensate for additional areas of uncertainty inherent in our portfolio that are not reflected in our historic loss factors.

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 further downturn in the economy and employment could result in increased levels of non-performing assets and charge-offs, increased loan provisions and reductions in income. Additionally, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and could require 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 and payments are applied to principal 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. Except consumer loans, generally all loans past due greater than 90 days, based on contractual terms, are placed on non-accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Consumer loans are generally charged-off when a loan becomes past due 90 days. For other loans in the portfolio, facts and circumstances are evaluated in making charge-off decisions.

Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. If a loan is impaired, a specific reserve is recorded, if necessary. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectable.

The Company’s 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. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, all significant impaired loans have been determined to be collateral dependent and the allowance for loss has been measured utilizing the estimated fair value of the collateral.

From time to time, the Company modifies its loan agreement with a borrower. A modified loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring when two conditions are met: (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and (ii) concessions are made by the Company that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower with similar credit risk characteristics. Modifications to loan terms may include a lower interest rate, a reduction of principal, or a longer term to maturity. To date, troubled debt restructurings have been such that, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, the collection of interest is doubtful and therefore the loan has been placed on non-accrual. Each of these loans is evaluated for impairment and a specific reserve is recorded based on probable losses, taking into consideration the related collateral and modified loan terms and cash flow. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, all of the Company’s troubled debt restructured loans are included in the non-accrual totals.

The Company originates certain mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market. Accordingly, these loans are classified as held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis. The mortgage loan sales contracts contain indemnification clauses should the loans default, generally in the first three to six months, or if documentation is determined not to be in compliance with regulations. The Company’s historic losses as a result of these indemnities have been insignificant.

Other Real Estate

Other real estate is foreclosed property held pending disposition and is initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell. At foreclosure, if the fair value of the real estate, less estimated costs to sell, is less than the Company’s recorded investment in the related loan, a write-down is recognized through a charge to the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent reduction in value is recognized by a charge to income. Operating and holding expenses of such properties, net of related income, and gains and losses on their disposition are included in net gain (loss) on sale of foreclosed assets as incurred.

Bank Premises and Equipment

Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed principally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the respective lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter.

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company accounts for all business combinations under the purchase method of accounting. Tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of the acquired entity are recorded at fair value. Intangible assets with finite useful lives represent the future benefit associated with the acquisition of the core deposits and are amortized over seven years, utilizing a method that approximates the expected attrition of the deposits. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but rather tested annually for impairment as of June 30 each year and totaled $71,865,000 at both December 31, 2012 and 2011. There was no impairment recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

The carrying amount of goodwill arising from acquisitions that qualify as an asset purchase for federal income tax purposes was approximately $49,609,000 at both December 31, 2012 and 2011, and is deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Securities Sold Under Agreements To Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are classified as short-term borrowings, generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of the cash received in connection with the transaction. The Company may be required to provide additional collateral based on the estimated fair value of the underlying securities.

Segment Reporting

The Company has determined that its banking regions meet the aggregation criteria of the current authoritative accounting guidance since each of its banking regions offers similar products and services, operates in a similar manner, has similar customers and reports to the same regulatory authority, and therefore operates one line of business (community banking) located in a single geographic area (Texas).

Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, including interest-bearing deposits in banks with original maturity of 90 days or less, and federal funds sold.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Unrealized gains on the Company’s available-for-sale securities (after applicable income tax expense) totaling $59,669,000 and $54,568,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and the minimum pension liability totaled (after applicable income tax benefit) totaling $8,360,000 and $7,343,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Income Taxes

The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on income before income taxes adjusted for permanent differences between financial reporting and taxable income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options for a fixed number of shares to employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the grant date. The Company recorded stock option expense totaling $334,000, $427,000 and $387,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Per Share Data

Net earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding during the period. The Company calculates dilutive EPS assuming all 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 period. The following table reconciles the computation of basic EPS to dilutive EPS:


	Net Earnings (in thousands)		Weighted Average Shares		Per Share Amount
For the year ended December 31, 2012
Net earnings per share, basic	$	74,225		31,480,155	$	2.36
Effect of stock options		—		21,112		—

Net earnings per share, assuming dilution	$	74,225		31,501,267	$	2.36


For the year ended December 31, 2011:
Net earnings per share, basic	$	68,369		31,443,712	$	2.17
Effect of stock options		—		18,252		—

Net earnings per share, assuming dilution	$	68,369		31,461,964	$	2.17


For the year ended December 31, 2010:
Net earnings per share, basic	$	59,659		31,291,486	$	1.91
Effect of stock options		—		28,077		—

Net earnings per share, assuming dilution	$	59,659		31,319,563	$	1.91