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8-K - 8-K - COMMERCE BANCSHARES INC /MO/cbsh063020148k.htm


Exhibit 99.1
CBSH
                   1000 Walnut Street / Suite 700 / Kansas City, Missouri 64106 / 816.234.2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, July 15, 2014


COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. ANNOUNCES SECOND
QUARTER EARNINGS PER SHARE OF $.70

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. announced earnings of $.70 per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2014 compared to $.69 per share in the second quarter of 2013 and $.67 per share in the previous quarter. Net income for the second quarter amounted to $66.5 million, compared to $65.8 million in the same quarter last year and $64.3 million last quarter. For the current quarter, the return on average assets totaled 1.18%, the return on average equity was 11.7%, and the efficiency ratio was 60.3%.

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, earnings per common share totaled $1.37 compared to $1.32 in the first six months of 2013. Net income amounted to $130.8 million for the first six months of 2014 compared to $126.8 million for the same period last year. The return on average assets for the first six months of 2014 was 1.17% and the return on average equity was 11.6%.
    
In making this announcement, David W. Kemper, Chairman and CEO, said, “This quarter we saw good top line revenue growth when compared to the previous quarter along with solid loan growth. Net loan charge-offs declined and expenses remained well-controlled. Loans outstanding increased $265 million, or 9% annualized, this quarter to $11.5 billion as demand remained solid for commercial and consumer-related loans. Net interest income grew by $7.4 million compared to the previous quarter due to the aforementioned loan growth and higher earnings on the Company’s inflation-protected securities. Our net interest margin grew this quarter to 3.13%. Also, non-interest income grew 6%, or $6.1 million, mainly on growth from bank card, trust and deposit fees. Non-interest expense was mostly unchanged from the previous quarter, and our efficiency ratio declined to 60%.”
        
Mr. Kemper continued, “Net loan charge-offs for the current quarter totaled $7.6 million, compared to $9.7 million in the previous quarter and $9.4 million in the second quarter of 2013. The decrease in net loan charge-offs compared to the previous quarter is mainly due to an increase in net recoveries on commercial-related loans of $936 thousand coupled with lower consumer net loan charge-offs. During the current quarter, the provision for loan losses totaled $7.6 million and matched net loan charge-offs. The allowance for loan losses amounted to $161.5 million this quarter, or 1.41% of period end loans, and was 3.7 times non-performing loans. Total non-performing assets decreased $2.7 million from the previous quarter to $51.7 million this quarter.”
        

(more)







     Total assets at June 30, 2014 were $23.0 billion, total loans were $11.5 billion, and total deposits were $19.0 billion. Through its normal treasury repurchase program, the Company repurchased 1.1 million shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $43.55 during the quarter and paid a cash dividend of $.225 per common share, an increase of 5% over the rate paid in 2013. Also, the Company issued $150 million in 6% non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and concurrently entered into a $200 million accelerated share repurchase agreement with another financial institution.

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of banking services, including investment management and securities brokerage. The Company currently operates in over 350 locations in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado. The Company also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, and private equity activities.
             


Summary of Non-Performing Assets and Past Due Loans
(Dollars in thousands)
 
3/31/2014
 
6/30/2014
 
6/30/2013
Non-Accrual Loans
 
$
47,573

 
$
43,260

 
$
39,092

Foreclosed Real Estate
 
$
6,871

 
$
8,445

 
$
13,434

Total Non-Performing Assets
 
$
54,444

 
$
51,705


$
52,526

Non-Performing Assets to Loans
 
.49
%
 
.45
%
 
.51
%
Non-Performing Assets to Total Assets
 
.24
%
 
.22
%
 
.24
%
Loans 90 Days & Over Past Due — Still Accruing
 
$
12,487

 
$
11,629

 
$
12,509

   
This financial news release, including management's discussion of second quarter results, is posted to the Company's web site at www.commercebank.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For additional information, contact
Jeffery Aberdeen, Controller
at 1000 Walnut Street, Suite 700
Kansas City, MO 64106
or by telephone at (816) 234-2081
Web Site: http://www.commercebank.com
Email: mymoney@commercebank.com









2



COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
For the Six Months Ended
(Unaudited)
 
March 31,
2014
June 30,
2014
June 30,
2013
June 30,
2014
June 30,
2013
FINANCIAL SUMMARY (In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Net interest income
 

$153,066


$160,493


$159,458


$313,559


$309,801

Taxable equivalent net interest income
 
159,761

167,889

165,942

327,650

322,650

Non-interest income
 
102,627

108,763

102,676

211,390

202,553

Investment securities gains (losses), net
 
10,037

(2,558
)
(1,568
)
7,479

(3,733
)
Provision for loan losses
 
9,660

7,555

7,379

17,215

10,664

Non-interest expense
 
162,340

162,931

156,966

325,271

312,003

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
 
64,313

66,531

65,805

130,844

126,822

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income — basic
 

$.67


$.70


$.69


$1.37


$1.33

Net income — diluted
 

$.67


$.70


$.69


$1.37


$1.32

Cash dividends
 

$.225


$.225


$.214


$.450


$.429

Cash dividends on common stock
 
21,590

21,331

20,431

42,921

40,866

Diluted wtd. average shares o/s
 
95,194

93,913

94,667

94,550

94,816

RATIOS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans to deposits (1)
 
59.35
%
59.71
%
56.68
%
59.53
%
55.66
%
Return on total average assets
 
1.16
%
1.18
%
1.20
%
1.17
%
1.17
%
Return on total average equity
 
11.56
%
11.69
%
12.07
%
11.62
%
11.73
%
Return on average common equity (2)
 
11.56
%
11.79
%
12.07
%
11.67
%
11.73
%
Non-interest income to revenue (3)
 
40.14
%
40.39
%
39.17
%
40.27
%
39.53
%
Efficiency ratio (4)
 
63.28
%
60.30
%
59.73
%
61.75
%
60.72
%
NET LOAN CHARGE-OFFS (RECOVERIES)
 
 
 
 
Net total loan charge-offs (recoveries)
 
9,660

7,555

9,379

17,215

17,164

Business
 
(106
)
381

(87
)
275

(137
)
Real estate — construction and land
 
55

(978
)
(744
)
(923
)
(1,276
)
Real estate — business
 
426

36

1,253

462

1,149

Consumer credit card
 
6,447

6,291

6,935

12,738

12,983

Consumer
 
2,505

1,689

1,452

4,194

3,161

Revolving home equity
 
113

(351
)
156

(238
)
295

Real estate — personal
 
6

176

172

182

545

Overdraft
 
214

311

242

525

444

AT PERIOD END
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book value per share based on total equity
 

$23.75


$24.69


$22.13

 
 
Market value per share
 

$46.42


$46.50


$41.48

 
 
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans
 
1.44
%
1.41
%
1.60
%
 
 
Tier I leverage ratio
 
9.41
%
9.12
%
9.08
%
 
 
Tangible common equity to assets ratio (5)
 
9.36
%
8.60
%
9.06
%
 
 
Common shares outstanding
 
95,722,655

91,609,363

95,207,651

 
 
Shareholders of record
 
4,143

4,113

4,107

 
 
Number of bank/ATM locations
 
356

354

356

 
 
Full-time equivalent employees
 
4,745

4,733

4,720

 
 
OTHER QTD INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
High market value per share
 

$47.31


$47.45


$42.50

 
 
Low market value per share
 

$41.66


$42.09


$36.63

 
 
(1)
Includes loans held for sale.
(2)
Annualized net income available to common shareholders divided by average total equity less preferred stock.
(3)
Revenue includes net interest income and non-interest income.
(4)
The efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense (excluding intangibles amortization) as a percent of revenue.
(5)
The tangible common equity ratio is calculated as stockholders’ equity reduced by preferred stock, goodwill and other intangible assets (excluding mortgage servicing rights) divided by total assets reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets (excluding mortgage servicing rights).

3



COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
March 31,
2014
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
Interest income
 

$159,998

 

$167,567

 

$167,255

 

$327,565

 

$326,000

Interest expense
 
6,932

 
7,074

 
7,797

 
14,006

 
16,199

Net interest income
 
153,066

 
160,493

 
159,458

 
313,559

 
309,801

Provision for loan losses
 
9,660

 
7,555

 
7,379

 
17,215

 
10,664

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
143,406

 
152,938

 
152,079

 
296,344

 
299,137

NON-INTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank card transaction fees
 
41,717

 
44,444

 
40,700

 
86,161

 
79,250

Trust fees
 
26,573

 
27,765

 
25,734

 
54,338

 
50,903

Deposit account charges and other fees
 
18,590

 
19,709

 
19,602

 
38,299

 
38,314

Capital market fees
 
3,870

 
3,246

 
3,305

 
7,116

 
7,696

Consumer brokerage services
 
2,747

 
2,972

 
2,853

 
5,719

 
5,539

Loan fees and sales
 
1,209

 
1,211

 
1,314

 
2,420

 
2,787

Other
 
7,921

 
9,416

 
9,168

 
17,337

 
18,064

Total non-interest income
 
102,627

 
108,763

 
102,676

 
211,390

 
202,553

INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of other-than-temporarily impaired securities
 
(63
)
 
(785
)
 
(293
)
 
(848
)
 
1,096

Portion recognized in other comprehensive income
 
(283
)
 
154

 
(195
)
 
(129
)
 
(2,026
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
(346
)
 
(631
)
 
(488
)
 
(977
)
 
(930
)
Realized gains (losses) on sales and fair value adjustments
 
10,383

 
(1,927
)
 
(1,080
)
 
8,456

 
(2,803
)
Investment securities gains (losses), net
 
10,037

 
(2,558
)
 
(1,568
)
 
7,479

 
(3,733
)
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
94,263

 
94,849

 
89,569

 
189,112

 
180,450

Net occupancy
 
11,616

 
11,151

 
11,234

 
22,767

 
22,469

Equipment
 
4,504

 
4,525

 
4,680

 
9,029

 
9,363

Supplies and communication
 
5,699

 
5,486

 
5,797

 
11,185

 
11,386

Data processing and software
 
19,087

 
19,578

 
19,584

 
38,665

 
38,535

Marketing
 
3,681

 
3,949

 
4,048

 
7,630

 
7,407

Deposit insurance
 
2,894

 
2,892

 
2,790

 
5,786

 
5,557

Other
 
20,596

 
20,501

 
19,264

 
41,097

 
36,836

Total non-interest expense
 
162,340

 
162,931

 
156,966

 
325,271

 
312,003

Income before income taxes
 
93,730

 
96,212

 
96,221

 
189,942

 
185,954

Less income taxes
 
29,609

 
30,312

 
30,182

 
59,921

 
59,107

Net income
 
64,121

 
65,900

 
66,039

 
130,021

 
126,847

Less non-controlling interest expense (income)
 
(192
)
 
(631
)
 
234

 
(823
)
 
25

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
 
64,313

 
66,531

 
65,805

 
130,844

 
126,822

Less preferred stock dividends
 

 

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders
 

$64,313

 

$66,531

 

$65,805

 

$130,844

 

$126,822

Net income per common share — basic
 

$.67

 

$.70

 

$.69

 

$1.37

 

$1.33

Net income per common share — diluted
 

$.67

 

$.70

 

$.69

 

$1.37

 

$1.32


4



COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
March 31,
2014
 
June 30,
2014
 
June 30,
2013
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
11,222,038

 
$
11,486,674

 
$
10,370,155

Allowance for loan losses
 
(161,532
)
 
(161,532
)
 
(166,032
)
Net loans
 
11,060,506

 
11,325,142

 
10,204,123

Loans held for sale
 

 

 
8,941

Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale
 
9,115,116

 
9,282,640

 
8,927,815

Trading
 
15,740

 
15,684

 
14,670

Non-marketable
 
126,119

 
93,748

 
113,470

Total investment securities
 
9,256,975

 
9,392,072

 
9,055,955

Short-term federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell
 
19,525

 
29,490

 
22,990

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
 
950,000

 
950,000

 
1,200,000

Interest earning deposits with banks
 
198,417

 
18,877

 
6,816

Cash and due from banks
 
530,244

 
516,509

 
399,687

Land, buildings and equipment — net
 
344,790

 
346,363

 
352,462

Goodwill
 
138,921

 
138,921

 
125,585

Other intangible assets — net
 
8,811

 
8,249

 
4,517

Other assets
 
328,931

 
306,191

 
529,275

Total assets
 
$
22,837,120

 
$
23,031,814

 
$
21,910,351

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing
 
$
6,552,085

 
$
6,439,796

 
$
5,811,473

Savings, interest checking and money market
 
10,328,912

 
10,085,460

 
9,573,390

Time open and C.D.’s of less than $100,000
 
967,272

 
942,233

 
1,039,131

Time open and C.D.’s of $100,000 and over
 
1,389,065

 
1,498,982

 
1,472,944

Total deposits
 
19,237,334

 
18,966,471

 
17,896,938

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
 
927,152

 
1,154,323

 
1,620,694

Other borrowings
 
105,114

 
105,096

 
102,766

Other liabilities
 
294,009

 
543,771

 
183,166

Total liabilities
 
20,563,609

 
20,769,661

 
19,803,564

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock
 


144,816

 

Common stock
 
481,224

 
481,224

 
458,646

Capital surplus
 
1,273,290

 
1,214,836

 
1,094,922

Retained earnings
 
492,559

 
537,759

 
563,166

Treasury stock
 
(17,193
)
 
(203,174
)
 
(35,771
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
40,499

 
84,314

 
21,864

Total stockholders’ equity
 
2,270,379

 
2,259,775

 
2,102,827

Non-controlling interest
 
3,132

 
2,378

 
3,960

Total equity
 
2,273,511

 
2,262,153

 
2,106,787

Total liabilities and equity
 
$
22,837,120

 
$
23,031,814

 
$
21,910,351


5



COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS — AVERAGE RATES AND YIELDS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2014
 
June 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2013
 
 
Average Balance
 
Avg. Rates Earned/Paid
 
Average Balance
 
Avg. Rates Earned/Paid
 
Average Balance
 
Avg. Rates Earned/Paid
 
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business (A)
$
3,843,377

 
2.90
%
 
$
3,941,572

 
2.85
%
 
$
3,253,577

 
3.07
%
 
Real estate — construction and land
419,628

 
3.77

 
431,819

 
3.76

 
373,359

 
3.94

 
Real estate — business
2,323,208

 
3.90

 
2,292,919

 
3.86

 
2,216,876

 
4.14

 
Real estate — personal
1,778,573

 
3.86

 
1,790,678

 
3.80

 
1,664,988

 
3.97

 
Consumer
1,533,485

 
4.41

 
1,602,136

 
4.24

 
1,430,832

 
4.69

 
Revolving home equity
423,656

 
3.82

 
419,581

 
3.93

 
425,762

 
3.96

 
Consumer credit card
757,423

 
11.43

 
746,485

 
11.42

 
741,793

 
11.20

 
Overdrafts
5,429

 

 
4,669

 

 
6,369

 

 
Total loans (B)
11,084,779

 
4.12

 
11,229,859

 
4.05

 
10,113,556

 
4.34

 
Loans held for sale

 

 

 

 
9,003

 
4.05

 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
497,333

 
1.71

 
493,880

 
6.55

 
400,027

 
5.15

 
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
774,749

 
1.66

 
789,575

 
1.66

 
439,075

 
1.74

 
State and municipal obligations (A)
1,605,752

 
3.69

 
1,665,275

 
3.41

 
1,634,196

 
3.61

 
Mortgage-backed securities
3,019,157

 
2.80

 
3,080,464

 
2.69

 
3,272,580

 
2.77

 
Asset-backed securities
2,854,201

 
.89

 
2,860,083

 
.89

 
3,199,393

 
.91

 
Other marketable securities (A)
153,068

 
2.50

 
149,736

 
2.42

 
188,267

 
2.97

 
Total available for sale securities (B)
8,904,260

 
2.18

 
9,039,013

 
2.37

 
9,133,538

 
2.33

 
Trading securities (A)
19,183

 
2.28

 
18,920

 
2.14

 
22,355

 
2.40

 
Non-marketable securities (A)
109,932

 
6.42

 
110,338

 
18.12

 
118,888

 
16.92

 
Total investment securities
9,033,375

 
2.24

 
9,168,271

 
2.56

 
9,274,781

 
2.52

 
 Short-term federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell
24,464

 
.43

 
23,947

 
.40

 
23,429

 
.48

 
 Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
1,102,222

 
1.53

 
968,680

 
1.22

 
1,200,000

 
1.94

 
Interest earning deposits with banks
161,117

 
.25

 
140,917

 
.25

 
116,510

 
.26

 
Total interest earning assets
21,405,957

 
3.16

 
21,531,674

 
3.26

 
20,737,279

 
3.36

 
Non-interest earning assets (B)
1,039,777

 
 
 
1,064,336

 
 
 
1,184,066

 
 
 
Total assets
$
22,445,734

 
 
 
$
22,596,010

 
 
 
$
21,921,345

 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings
$
649,292

 
.12

 
$
685,134

 
.12

 
$
639,747

 
.11

 
Interest checking and money market
9,473,680

 
.13

 
9,488,405

 
.13

 
8,932,987

 
.14

 
Time open & C.D.’s of less than $100,000
975,640

 
.47

 
953,789

 
.45

 
1,052,574

 
.63

 
Time open & C.D.’s of $100,000 and over
1,339,808

 
.44

 
1,450,069

 
.42

 
1,464,384

 
.46

 
Total interest bearing deposits
12,438,420

 
.19

 
12,577,397

 
.19

 
12,089,692

 
.22

 
Borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
1,209,180

 
.07

 
1,169,322

 
.09

 
1,544,623

 
.07

 
Other borrowings
105,187

 
3.28

 
105,101

 
3.34

 
103,019

 
3.23

 
Total borrowings
1,314,367

 
.33

 
1,274,423

 
.36

 
1,647,642

 
.27

 
Total interest bearing liabilities
13,752,787

 
.20
%
 
13,851,820

 
.20
%
 
13,737,334

 
.23
%
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
6,237,479

 
 
 
6,231,003

 
 
 
5,768,455

 
 
 
Other liabilities
198,383

 
 
 
230,497

 
 
 
228,966

 
 
 
Equity
2,257,085

 
 
 
2,282,690

 
 
 
2,186,590

 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
22,445,734

 
 
 
$
22,596,010

 
 
 
$
21,921,345

 
 
 
Net interest income (T/E)
$
159,761

 
 
 
$
167,889

 
 
 
$
165,942

 
 
 
Net yield on interest earning assets
 
 
3.03
%
 
 
 
3.13
%
 
 
 
3.21
%
 
(A) Stated on a tax equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%.
(B) The allowance for loan losses and unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale securities are included in non-interest earning assets.


6


COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
Management Discussion of Second Quarter Results
June 30, 2014


For the quarter ended June 30, 2014, net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (net income) amounted to $66.5 million, an increase of $2.2 million compared to the previous quarter, and an increase of $726 thousand over the same quarter last year. The increase in net income over the previous quarter resulted mainly from growth in net interest income of $7.4 million, a lower provision for loan losses of $2.1 million, and an increase in non-interest income of $6.1 million. Non-interest expense was relatively flat with the previous quarter, however, net securities losses totaled $2.6 million in the current quarter compared to net gains of $10.0 million in the previous quarter. For the current quarter, the return on average assets was 1.18%, the return on average equity was 11.69%, and the efficiency ratio was 60.3%.

Balance Sheet Review
During the 2nd quarter of 2014, outstanding loans increased $264.6 million, or 9.6% annualized, compared to the previous quarter and increased $1.1 billion, or 10.9%, compared to the same period last year. Compared to the previous quarter, the increase in period end loans resulted from growth in business (up $153.9 million), personal real estate (up $36.4 million), construction (up $18.4 million), and consumer loans (up $75.9 million, mainly in automobile and other consumer loans). Business real estate loans declined $37.3 million from the previous quarter. The increase in business loans mainly resulted from growth in commercial and industrial loans and leasing activities. Demand for consumer automobile loans remained strong this quarter, as these loans grew by $59.8 million. However, marine and RV loans, included in the consumer loan portfolio, continued to run off this quarter by $17.0 million.

Total available for sale investment securities, at fair value, averaged $9.2 billion this quarter, an increase of $173.8 million when compared to the previous quarter. Purchases of new securities, totaling $569.4 million in the 2nd quarter of 2014, were offset by sales, maturities and pay downs of $464.1 million. At June 30, 2014, the duration of the investment portfolio was 2.7 years, and maturities and pay downs of approximately $1.6 billion are expected to occur during the next 12 months.

Total average deposits increased $132.5 million during the 2nd quarter of 2014 compared to the previous quarter. The increase in average deposits resulted mainly from growth in interest checking accounts (increase of $46.3 million), jumbo certificates of deposit (increase of $110.3 million), and savings accounts (increase of $35.8 million), but was offset by declines in money market accounts (decrease of $31.6 million) and non-interest bearing business demand deposits (decrease of $38.8 million). Compared to the previous quarter, total average consumer and commercial deposits increased $123.7 million and $48.1 million, respectively, while private banking deposits declined on average by $53.0 million. The average loans to deposits ratio in the current quarter was 59.7%, compared to 59.4% in the previous quarter.

During the current quarter, the Company’s average borrowings decreased $39.9 million compared to the previous quarter, mainly due to a decline in the average balance of repurchase agreements.

Net Interest Income
Net interest income (tax equivalent) in the 2nd quarter of 2014 amounted to $167.9 million compared with $159.8 million in the

 

previous quarter, or an increase of $8.1 million. Net interest income (tax equivalent) for the current quarter increased $1.9 million compared to the 2nd quarter of last year. During the 2nd quarter of 2014, the net yield on earning assets (tax equivalent) was 3.13%, compared with 3.03% in the previous quarter and 3.21% in the same period last year.

The increase in net interest income (tax equivalent) in the 2nd quarter of 2014 compared to the previous quarter was due mainly to an increase in inflation income of $5.7 million on the Company’s inflation-protected securities as a result of a higher Consumer Price Index published this quarter. Additionally, the Company received a special dividend of $1.9 million related to the sale of a private equity investment which settled this quarter. Also this quarter, premium amortization expense was reduced by $218 thousand due to prepayment speed adjustments on various mortgage-backed securities.

Compared to the previous quarter, interest on loans increased $814 thousand (tax-equivalent) as a result of higher volumes on automobile and business loans but offset by lower overall rates earned, especially on consumer loans. The average yield on the loan portfolio declined 7 basis points this quarter. The average rate earned on the investment securities portfolio increased 32 basis points to 2.56% this quarter, largely due to higher rates earned on inflation-protected securities and the special dividend mentioned above.

Interest expense on deposits increased $58 thousand in the 2nd quarter of 2014 compared with the previous quarter, due mainly to growth in jumbo certificate of deposit balances.

Non-Interest Income
In the 2nd quarter of 2014, total non-interest income amounted to $108.8 million, an increase of $6.1 million, or 5.9%, compared to the same period last year. Also, current quarter non-interest income increased $6.1 million when compared to amounts recorded in the previous quarter. The increase in non-interest income over the same period last year was mainly due to growth in bank card and trust fees.

Total bank card fees in the current quarter increased $3.7 million, or 9.2%, over the same period last year. Corporate card fees increased 16.5%, or $3.2 million, while debit and credit card fees grew by 6.5% and 3.7%, respectively. Trust fees for the quarter increased $2.0 million, or 7.9%, compared to the same period last year, resulting mainly from continued growth in both private client and institutional trust fees.

Deposit account fees grew slightly, mostly from account service charges, while fees from corporate cash management and overdraft services were flat. Capital market fees declined slightly, and fees from sales of tax credits declined $976 thousand, mostly due to strong sales in the same period last year.

Investment Securities Gains and Losses
The Company recorded net securities losses of $2.6 million this quarter compared with net losses of $1.6 million in the 2nd quarter of last year. The Company recorded net securities gains of $10.0 million in the previous quarter. Net securities losses this quarter were comprised of adjustments for net losses of $4.7 million on


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COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
Management Discussion of Second Quarter Results
June 30, 2014


the Company’s private equity portfolio, offset by securities gains of $1.6 million related to the donation of appreciated securities. Additionally, the Company completed its sale of one large private equity investment (large fair value write up noted in the first quarter of 2014) and recorded an additional $1.1 million in realized securities gains. Also during the current quarter, credit-related impairment losses recorded on the Company’s non-agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities which have been identified as other-than-temporarily impaired totaled $631 thousand. The cumulative credit-related impairment on these bonds totaled $13.8 million at quarter end. At June 30, 2014, the fair value of non-agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities identified as other-than-temporarily impaired totaled $62.0 million, compared to $66.1 million at March 31, 2014.

Non-Interest Expense
Non-interest expense for the current quarter amounted to $162.9 million, an increase of $6.0 million, or 3.8%, over the same period last year but only a small increase compared to the previous quarter. The increase over the previous year was mainly due to higher salaries expense coupled with an increase in medical costs. Non-interest expense in the current quarter included expenses related to Summit Bancshares totaling $1.3 million which were not present in the same quarter last year.

Compared to the 2nd quarter of last year, salaries expense grew $3.2 million, or 4.2%, mainly due to higher full-time salaries expense coupled with growth in equity compensation costs. Exclusive of salaries costs for Summit Bancshares of $745 thousand (acquired in September 2013), salaries expense grew 3.2%. Benefits expense grew $2.1 million mainly due to higher medical costs which the Company self-insures. Growth in salaries expense resulted partly from staffing additions in commercial banking, wealth, commercial card and IT departments. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,733 and 4,720 at June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Compared to the 2nd quarter of last year, occupancy costs declined slightly while supplies and communication and equipment costs declined by 5.4% and 3.3%, respectively. Data processing costs remained virtually unchanged from previous year’s levels mostly due to lower bank card related processing costs. Compared to the previous year, other expense included an increase in credit card rewards costs of $807 thousand coupled with higher costs for leasing activities, legal, and foreclosed property expense, but offset by operating loss recoveries of $1.0 million realized this quarter. The current quarter also included donation expense of $1.7 million related to the contribution of appreciated securities noted above in the investment securities gains and losses section.

Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the Company was 31.3% in the current quarter compared to 31.5% in the previous quarter and 31.4% in the 2nd quarter of 2013.

Credit Quality
Net loan charge-offs in the 2nd quarter of 2014 amounted to $7.6 million, compared with $9.7 million in the prior quarter and $9.4 million in the 2nd quarter of last year. The ratio of annualized net
loan charge-offs to total average loans was .27% in the current quarter compared to .35% in the previous quarter.

 
In the 2nd quarter of 2014, annualized net loan charge-offs on average consumer credit card loans amounted to 3.38%, compared with 3.45% in the previous quarter and 3.75% in the same period last year. Consumer loan net charge-offs in the quarter amounted to .42% of average consumer loans, compared to .66% in the previous quarter and .41% in the same quarter last year. The provision for loan losses in the current quarter totaled $7.6 million, a decrease of $2.1 million from the previous quarter and was slightly higher than in the same period last year. The current quarter provision for loan losses matched net loan charge-offs, while in the 2nd quarter of 2013, the provision was $2.0 million less than net loan charge-offs. At June 30, 2014, the allowance was 1.41% of total loans and was 373% of total non-accrual loans.

At June 30, 2014, total non-performing assets amounted to $51.7 million, a decrease of $2.7 million from the previous quarter. Non-performing assets are comprised of non-accrual loans ($43.3 million) and foreclosed real estate ($8.4 million). At June 30, 2014, the balance of non-accrual loans, which represented .38% of loans outstanding, included business real estate loans of $16.5 million, business loans of $11.1 million, and construction and land loans of $8.2 million. Loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest totaled $11.6 million at June 30, 2014.

Other
Through its normal treasury repurchase program, the Company purchased 1.1 million shares of treasury stock at an average cost of $43.55, and the Company declared and paid a $.225 per share cash dividend, representing an increase of 5% over the rate paid in 2013.

This quarter the Company also completed the issuance of $150 million in 6% non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and concurrently entered into a $200 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with another financial institution. Under the terms of the ASR agreement, the Company paid $200 million to the financial institution on June 19, 2014 and received 3.1 million shares of its common stock in treasury, representing a substantial majority of shares expected to be delivered from the overall ASR program. The ASR program is expected to be completed within the next twelve months at which time any additional shares would be delivered to the Company. The total number of shares that the Company will receive and the total consideration per share paid ultimately will be determined based on the volume-weighted daily average price of its common stock during the repurchase program. The Company also increased the number of shares under its stock buyback program to 5,000,000 shares to accommodate this program.

Forward Looking Information
This information contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include future financial and operating results, expectations, intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based on current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statement.



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