Can CFR sustain its earnings growth into Q1 2025?

**Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) is likely to sustain its earnings growth into Q1 2025**, based on the following points:

1. **Positive Outlook and Growth Projections**: The bank anticipates continued growth, with expectations of a 4-6% increase in net interest income and loan growth. This positive outlook, coupled with the bank's successful expansion efforts, suggests a strong likelihood of sustaining earnings growth.
2. **Strong Financial Performance**: CFR's Q4 2024 earnings exceeded expectations, with a reported EPS of $2.36, beating the consensus estimate of $2.17. This track record of exceeding expectations indicates a solid foundation for continued growth.

3. **Strategic Initiatives**: The bank's organic growth strategy, including the expansion of financial centers, has been highly successful, exceeding goals in key performance metrics. These strategic initiatives are likely to contribute to sustained earnings growth in the coming quarters.
4. **Investor Confidence**: The stock's performance, remaining near its 52-week high, reflects sustained investor confidence. This confidence is a positive indicator, suggesting that the market expects the bank to continue its growth trajectory.
5. **Macroeconomic Factors**: The bank is positioning itself for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025, which could further enhance its net interest income and loan growth. Favorable macroeconomic conditions can provide a supportive environment for earnings growth.

However, it's important to monitor the bank's performance closely, particularly the impact of rising nonperforming assets and net charge-offs, to ensure that any potential challenges do not significantly hinder growth. Overall, the evidence points to a strong likelihood of CFR sustaining its earnings growth into Q1 2025.