Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Reports Record Second Quarter Earnings Per Share of $1.01

By: Commerce Bancshares, Inc. via Business Wire News Releases

July 12, 2018 at 06:00 AM EDT

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) announced record earnings of $1.01 per common share for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $.71 per share in the same quarter last year and $.92 per share in the prior quarter. Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. for the second quarter amounted to $110.3 million, compared to $79.0 million in the second quarter of 2017 and $101.0 million in the prior quarter. For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.80%, the return on average common equity was 16.8%, and the efficiency ratio was 54.1%.

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, earnings per common share totaled $1.93 compared to $1.36 for the first six months of 2017. Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. amounted to $211.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $150.5 million in the comparable period last year, or an increase of 40.4%. Year to date, the return on average assets was 1.73% and the return on average common equity was 16.2%.

In making this announcement, David W. Kemper, Chairman and CEO, said, “We are pleased to report strong earnings growth this quarter as a result of an increase in top line revenue, along with stable expenses and low credit costs. Compared to the prior quarter, net interest income grew $18.1 million but included an equity dividend of $8.9 million this quarter, offset by a comparable securities loss. Excluding this item, our net interest margin grew 13 basis points this quarter to 3.50%, reflecting increased interest earned on our loan portfolio coupled with stable deposit costs. Compared to the same period last year, fee income grew 8.2%, driven mainly by increases in bank card, trust, swap and deposit fee income. While total average loan balances were flat with the prior quarter, we experienced growth in our commercial and industrial, construction, and mortgage loan portfolios. Our consumer auto loan portfolio declined mostly as a result of a sale of $25.9 million of auto loans to another financial institution this quarter.”

Mr. Kemper added, “The U.S. economy remains strong, and our credit environment continues to be very favorable. For the current quarter, net loan charge-offs totaled $10.0 million, compared to $10.4 million in the prior quarter and $10.8 million in the same quarter last year. The decline in net loan charge-offs was mainly the result of lower personal banking loan losses this quarter. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans was .29% this quarter compared to .30% last quarter. Non-performing assets declined this quarter to $10.5 million, while the provision for loan losses matched net loan charge-offs and the allowance for loan losses amounted to $159.5 million, or 1.14% of period end loans.”

Total assets at June 30, 2018 were $24.5 billion, total loans were $14.0 billion, and total deposits were $20.3 billion. During the quarter, the Company paid a common cash dividend of $.235 per share, representing a 9.8% increase over the rate paid in 2017, and also paid an annualized 6% cash dividend on its preferred stock.

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 banking facilities in nine key markets including St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Central Missouri, Central Illinois, Wichita, Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Denver. The Company also maintains commercial offices in Dallas, Houston, Cincinnati, Nashville, Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Grand Rapids.

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


COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
	For the Three Months Ended									For the Six Months Ended
(Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2018			March 31, 2018			June 30, 2017			June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Net interest income	$210,959			$192,892			$182,807			$403,851			$361,080
Non-interest income	124,850			119,690			115,380			244,540			224,993
Total revenue	335,809			312,582			298,187			648,391			586,073
Investment securities gains (losses), net	(3,075		)	5,410			1,651			2,335			879
Provision for loan losses	10,043			10,396			10,758			20,439			21,886
Non-interest expense	181,860			182,277			176,890			364,137			356,267
Income before taxes	140,831			125,319			112,190			266,150			208,799
Income taxes	29,507			23,258			33,201			52,765			58,108
Non-controlling interest expense	994			1,077			29			2,071			227
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.	110,330			100,984			78,960			211,314			150,464
Preferred stock dividends	2,250			2,250			2,250			4,500			4,500
Net income available to common shareholders	$108,080			$98,734			$76,710			$206,814			$145,964
Earnings per common share:
Net income — basic	$1.02			$.92			$.71			$1.94			$1.36
Net income — diluted	$1.01			$.92			$.71			$1.93			$1.36
Effective tax rate	21.10		%	18.72		%	29.60		%	19.98		%	27.86		%
Tax equivalent net interest income	$215,775			$196,638			$190,865			$412,413			$378,187
Average total interest earning assets (1)	$	23,683,587		$	23,693,350		$	24,035,661		$	23,688,441		$	24,143,944
Diluted wtd. average shares outstanding	106,029,417			105,965,845			105,943,427			105,997,807			105,874,808
RATIOS
Average loans to deposits (2)	68.85		%	69.09		%	65.25		%	68.97		%	64.82		%
Return on total average assets	1.80			1.66			1.26			1.73			1.21
Return on average common equity (3)	16.78			15.58			12.48			16.19			12.12
Non-interest income to total revenue	37.18			38.29			38.69			37.71			38.39
Efficiency ratio (4)	54.06			58.21			59.21			56.06			60.67
Net yield on interest earning assets	3.65			3.37			3.18			3.51			3.16
EQUITY SUMMARY
Cash dividends per common share	$.235			$.235			$.214			$.470			$.429
Cash dividends on common stock	$25,096			$25,106			$22,903			$50,202			$45,816
Cash dividends on preferred stock	$2,250			$2,250			$2,250			$4,500			$4,500
Book value per common share (5)	$24.64			$24.02			$23.28
Market value per common share (5)	$64.71			$59.91			$54.12
High market value per common share	$67.42			$61.88			$55.18
Low market value per common share	$57.87			$54.85			$49.54
Common shares outstanding (5)	106,614,043			106,617,497			106,697,257
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (6)	10.18		%	9.88		%	9.37		%
Tier I leverage ratio	11.18		%	10.83		%	9.87		%
OTHER QTD INFORMATION
Number of bank/ATM locations	322			325			334
Full-time equivalent employees	4,797			4,799			4,805

(1)		Excludes allowance for loan losses and unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale debt securities.
(2)		Includes loans held for sale.
(3)		Annualized net income available to common shareholders divided by average total equity less preferred stock.
(4)		The efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense (excluding intangibles amortization) as a percent of revenue.
(5)		As of period end.
(6)		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).

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)	June 30, 2018		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017		September 30, 2017		June 30, 2017		June 30, 2018		June 30, 2017
Interest income	$225,623		$205,995		$201,572		$194,244		$193,594		$431,618		$381,591
Interest expense	14,664		13,103		11,564		11,653		10,787		27,767		20,511
Net interest income	210,959		192,892		190,008		182,591		182,807		403,851		361,080
Provision for loan losses	10,043		10,396		12,654		10,704		10,758		20,439		21,886
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	200,916		182,496		177,354		171,887		172,049		383,412		339,194
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Bank card transaction fees	43,215		41,453		42,888		39,166		37,295		84,668		73,046
Trust fees	37,036		36,062		35,405		34,620		33,120		73,098		65,134
Deposit account charges and other fees	23,893		22,982		22,598		22,659		22,861		46,875		44,803
Capital market fees	1,992		2,291		1,743		1,755		2,156		4,283		4,498
Consumer brokerage services	3,971		3,768		3,576		3,679		3,726		7,739		7,375
Loan fees and sales	3,229		2,862		3,099		3,590		4,091		6,091		7,259
Other	11,514		10,272		10,074		11,418		12,131		21,786		22,878
Total non-interest income	124,850		119,690		119,383		116,887		115,380		244,540		224,993
INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET	(3,075	)	5,410		27,209		(3,037	)	1,651		2,335		879
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits	115,589		115,894		115,741		111,382		108,829		231,483		221,198
Net occupancy	11,118		11,584		11,280		11,459		11,430		22,702		22,873
Equipment	4,594		4,431		4,692		4,491		4,776		9,025		9,385
Supplies and communication	5,126		5,313		6,118		5,517		5,446		10,439		11,155
Data processing and software	21,016		20,690		21,090		19,968		20,035		41,706		39,940
Marketing	5,142		4,805		3,937		4,676		4,488		9,947		7,712
Deposit insurance	3,126		3,457		3,444		3,479		3,592		6,583		7,063
Community service	656		729		25,511		3,006		2,916		1,385		5,860
Other	15,493		15,374		17,046		15,239		15,378		30,867		31,081
Total non-interest expense	181,860		182,277		208,859		179,217		176,890		364,137		356,267
Income before income taxes	140,831		125,319		115,087		106,520		112,190		266,150		208,799
Less income taxes	29,507		23,258		20,104		32,294		33,201		52,765		58,108
Net income	111,324		102,061		94,983		74,226		78,989		213,385		150,691
Less non-controlling interest expense (income)	994		1,077		628		(338	)	29		2,071		227
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.	110,330		100,984		94,355		74,564		78,960		211,314		150,464
Less preferred stock dividends	2,250		2,250		2,250		2,250		2,250		4,500		4,500
Net income available to common shareholders	$108,080		$98,734		$92,105		$72,314		$76,710		$206,814		$145,964
Net income per common share — basic	$1.02		$.92		$.86		$.68		$.71		$1.94		$1.36
Net income per common share — diluted	$1.01		$.92		$.86		$.67		$.71		$1.93		$1.36
OTHER INFORMATION
Return on total average assets	1.80	%	1.66	%	1.50	%	1.19	%	1.26	%	1.73	%	1.21	%
Return on average common equity (1)	16.78		15.58		14.17		11.35		12.48		16.19		12.12
Efficiency ratio (2)	54.06		58.21		67.40		59.73		59.21		56.06		60.67
Effective tax rate	21.10		18.72		17.56		30.22		29.60		19.98		27.86
Net yield on interest earning assets	3.65		3.37		3.29		3.17		3.18		3.51		3.16
Tax equivalent net interest income	$215,775		$196,638		$197,917		$190,497		$190,865		$412,413		$378,187

(1)		Annualized net income available to common shareholders divided by average total equity less preferred stock.
(2)		The efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense (excluding intangibles amortization) as a percent of revenue.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - PERIOD END
(Unaudited) (In thousands)	June 30, 2018			March 31, 2018			June 30, 2017
ASSETS
Loans
Business	$	4,990,298		$	4,960,614		$	4,852,408
Real estate — construction and land	967,151			932,058			848,152
Real estate — business	2,727,580			2,724,584			2,727,349
Real estate — personal	2,102,586			2,069,012			2,009,203
Consumer	2,012,644			2,069,235			2,038,514
Revolving home equity	374,557			382,825			403,387
Consumer credit card	775,214			752,651			740,865
Overdrafts	4,081			2,382			6,714
Total loans	13,954,111			13,893,361			13,626,592
Allowance for loan losses	(159,532		)	(159,532		)	(157,832		)
Net loans	13,794,579			13,733,829			13,468,760
Loans held for sale	20,352			16,435			22,002
Investment securities:
Available for sale debt securities	8,412,376			8,432,180			9,391,853
Trading debt securities	31,156			32,025			22,291
Equity securities	4,444			51,512			49,616
Other securities	112,309			108,320			100,620
Total investment securities	8,560,285			8,624,037			9,564,380
Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell	31,500			17,000			16,520
Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell	700,000			700,000			625,000
Interest earning deposits with banks	114,947			134,697			80,860
Cash and due from banks	386,339			423,048			433,747
Land, buildings and equipment — net	331,782			332,253			334,586
Goodwill	138,921			138,921			138,921
Other intangible assets — net	8,083			7,893			7,002
Other assets	437,954			483,129			387,065
Total assets	$	24,524,742		$	24,611,242		$	25,078,843
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing	$	6,876,756		$	6,953,430		$	7,314,506
Savings, interest checking and money market	11,761,832			11,828,138			11,427,615
Time open and C.D.’s of less than $100,000	603,629			615,401			679,668
Time open and C.D.’s of $100,000 and over	1,079,340			1,141,502			1,403,873
Total deposits	20,321,557			20,538,471			20,825,662
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase	1,166,759			1,132,329			1,256,444
Other borrowings	9,291			9,214			101,903
Other liabilities	255,752			225,500			266,627
Total liabilities	21,753,359			21,905,514			22,450,636
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock	144,784			144,784			144,784
Common stock	535,407			535,407			510,015
Capital surplus	1,804,057			1,802,785			1,546,534
Retained earnings	408,374			325,390			390,853
Treasury stock	(15,854		)	(15,681		)	(10,373		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(108,781		)	(89,563		)	42,070
Total stockholders’ equity	2,767,987			2,703,122			2,623,883
Non-controlling interest	3,396			2,606			4,324
Total equity	2,771,383			2,705,728			2,628,207
Total liabilities and equity	$	24,524,742		$	24,611,242		$	25,078,843

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended
(Unaudited) (In thousands)	June 30, 2018			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017			June 30, 2017
ASSETS:
Loans:
Business	$	4,962,171		$	4,934,621		$	4,818,419		$	4,777,222		$	4,827,439
Real estate — construction and land	971,854			951,930			948,043			887,596			862,479
Real estate — business	2,726,697			2,733,812			2,720,356			2,710,453			2,701,144
Real estate — personal	2,078,972			2,062,083			2,044,651			2,017,264			2,003,997
Consumer	2,025,585			2,072,168			2,100,762			2,070,398			1,997,761
Revolving home equity	378,366			392,727			394,231			395,212			399,730
Consumer credit card	754,199			757,692			756,544			739,692			731,471
Overdrafts	4,497			4,628			5,295			4,373			4,505
Total loans	13,902,341			13,909,661			13,788,301			13,602,210			13,528,526
Allowance for loan losses	(158,664		)	(158,779		)	(157,026		)	(156,909		)	(157,003		)
Net loans	13,743,677			13,750,882			13,631,275			13,445,301			13,371,523
Loans held for sale	22,202			19,115			18,158			21,227			18,341
Investment securities:
U.S. government and federal agency obligations	923,183			916,655			917,664			917,808			910,821
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations	354,156			405,681			452,104			456,668			450,362
State and municipal obligations	1,394,766			1,513,243			1,630,660			1,699,365			1,771,674
Mortgage-backed securities	4,067,152			3,925,904			3,949,933			3,718,697			3,708,124
Asset-backed securities	1,407,300			1,469,488			1,622,778			2,025,415			2,335,344
Other debt securities	340,246			341,821			351,177			322,231			320,869
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities	(122,114		)	(43,238		)	36,875			73,291			57,547
Total available for sale debt securities	8,364,689			8,529,554			8,961,191			9,213,475			9,554,741
Trading debt securities	26,101			21,966			20,401			21,149			21,062
Equity securities	47,179			50,507			82,416			51,204			53,162
Other securities	108,563			100,993			95,485			100,776			99,545
Total investment securities	8,546,532			8,703,020			9,159,493			9,386,604			9,728,510
Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell	36,791			44,339			27,017			23,807			13,115
Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell	700,000			700,000			699,999			662,490			665,655
Interest earning deposits with banks	353,607			273,977			270,222			211,219			139,061
Other assets	1,119,454			1,145,200			1,157,289			1,122,230			1,106,528
Total assets	$	24,522,263		$	24,636,533		$	24,963,453		$	24,872,878		$	25,042,733

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
Non-interest bearing deposits	$	6,749,104		$	6,824,700		$	7,257,102		$	7,135,703		$	7,065,849
Savings	881,045			838,900			821,908			829,197			831,038
Interest checking and money market	10,850,123			10,737,829			10,416,221			10,387,212			10,667,042
Time open & C.D.’s of less than $100,000	609,011			625,319			644,951			667,710			688,047
Time open & C.D.’s of $100,000 and over	1,134,900			1,134,194			1,119,352			1,326,290			1,510,001
Total deposits	20,224,183			20,160,942			20,259,534			20,346,112			20,761,977
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase	1,339,278			1,560,573			1,625,828			1,500,987			1,363,031
Other borrowings	1,913			1,913			42,060			101,904			105,311
Total borrowings	1,341,191			1,562,486			1,667,888			1,602,891			1,468,342
Other liabilities	229,080			198,398			312,172			251,714			203,139
Total liabilities	21,794,454			21,921,826			22,239,594			22,200,717			22,433,458
Equity	2,727,809			2,714,707			2,723,859			2,672,161			2,609,275
Total liabilities and equity	$	24,522,263		$	24,636,533		$	24,963,453		$	24,872,878		$	25,042,733


COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES AVERAGE RATES
(Unaudited)	For the Three Months Ended
(Unaudited)	June 30, 2018		March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017		September 30, 2017		June 30, 2017
ASSETS:
Loans:
Business (1)	3.69	%	3.48	%	3.32	%	3.25	%	3.21	%
Real estate — construction and land	5.06		4.69		4.41		4.31		4.30
Real estate — business	4.22		4.06		3.90		3.85		3.74
Real estate — personal	3.84		3.80		3.72		3.72		3.72
Consumer	4.39		4.25		4.07		4.02		3.94
Revolving home equity	4.51		4.25		4.06		4.03		3.84
Consumer credit card	12.05		12.06		11.90		12.03		11.90
Overdrafts	—		—		—		—		—
Total loans	4.49		4.33		4.18		4.13		4.06
Loans held for sale	6.72		6.45		5.55		5.36		5.75
Investment securities:
U.S. government and federal agency obligations	3.18		2.12		2.60		1.40		2.52
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations	1.88		1.84		1.69		1.61		1.59
State and municipal obligations (1)	3.06		3.06		3.60		3.57		3.61
Mortgage-backed securities	2.60		2.62		2.38		2.36		2.35
Asset-backed securities	2.32		2.11		1.94		1.82		1.72
Other debt securities	2.63		2.65		2.56		2.51		2.54
Total available for sale debt securities	2.66		2.52		2.52		2.34		2.42
Trading debt securities (1)	3.15		2.73		2.63		2.51		2.70
Equity securities (1)	89.68		3.64		3.30		4.02		3.97
Other securities (1)	6.68		6.73		6.67		5.39		10.50
Total investment securities	3.19		2.58		2.58		2.37		2.50
Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell	1.93		1.65		1.35		1.30		1.13
Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell	2.17		2.38		2.36		2.28		2.22
Interest earning deposits with banks	1.80		1.69		1.18		1.24		1.04
Total interest earning assets	3.90		3.59		3.48		3.36		3.36

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
Interest bearing deposits:
Savings	.11		.12		.12		.12		.12
Interest checking and money market	.23		.20		.17		.16		.15
Time open & C.D.’s of less than $100,000	.46		.43		.40		.40		.39
Time open & C.D.’s of $100,000 and over	1.23		1.02		.88		.83		.75
Total interest bearing deposits	.32		.28		.24		.24		.23
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase	1.18		1.04		.83		.75		.60
Other borrowings	2.52		2.54		3.59		3.53		3.47
Total borrowings	1.19		1.04		.90		.93		.81
Total interest bearing liabilities	.40	%	.36	%	.31	%	.31	%	.29	%

Net yield on interest earning assets	3.65	%	3.37	%	3.29	%	3.17	%	3.18	%

(1)

Stated on a tax equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 21% in 2018 and 35% in prior periods.


COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CREDIT QUALITY
	For the Three Months Ended															For the Six Months Ended
(Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share data)	June 30, 2018			March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017			June 30, 2017			June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
Balance at beginning of period	$	159,532		$	159,532		$	157,832		$	157,832		$	157,832		$	159,532		$	155,932
Provision for losses	10,043			10,396			12,654			10,704			10,758			20,439			21,886
Net charge-offs (recoveries):
Commercial portfolio:
Business	36			(14		)	768			195			318			22			415
Real estate — construction and land	(297		)	(36		)	(87		)	(362		)	(207		)	(333		)	(742		)
Real estate — business	(40		)	(205		)	(48		)	(106		)	(10		)	(245		)	(49		)
	(301		)	(255		)	633			(273		)	101			(556		)	(376		)
Personal banking portfolio:
Consumer credit card	8,251			7,566			7,724			7,631			7,750			15,817			14,898
Consumer	1,862			2,528			2,184			3,057			2,642			4,390			4,738
Overdraft	326			444			376			445			292			770			727
Real estate — personal	(95		)	57			(56		)	(137		)	(131		)	(38		)	(112		)
Revolving home equity	—			56			93			(19		)	104			56			111
	10,344			10,651			10,321			10,977			10,657			20,995			20,362
Total net loan charge-offs	10,043			10,396			10,954			10,704			10,758			20,439			19,986
Balance at end of period	$	159,532		$	159,532		$	159,532		$	157,832		$	157,832		$	159,532		$	157,832
NET CHARGE-OFF RATIOS*
Commercial portfolio:
Business	—		%	—		%	.06		%	.02		%	.03		%	—		%	.02		%
Real estate — construction and land	(.12		)	(.02		)	(.04		)	(.16		)	(.10		)	(.07		)	(.18		)
Real estate — business	(.01		)	(.03		)	(.01		)	(.02		)	—			(.02		)	—
	(.01		)	(.01		)	.03			(.01		)	—			(.01		)	(.01		)
Personal banking portfolio:
Consumer credit card	4.39			4.05			4.05			4.09			4.25			4.22			4.06
Consumer	.37			.49			.41			.59			.53			.43			.48
Overdraft	29.08			38.91			28.17			40.37			26.00			34.04			33.73
Real estate — personal	(.02		)	.01			(.01		)	(.03		)	(.03		)	—			(.01		)
Revolving home equity	—			.06			.09			(.02		)	.10			.03			.06
	.79			.82			.77			.83			.83			.80			.80
Total	.29		%	.30		%	.32		%	.31		%	.32		%	.30		%	.30		%
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Non-performing assets to total loans	.08		%	.08		%	.09		%	.11		%	.10		%
Non-performing assets to total assets	.04			.05			.05			.06			.06
Allowance for loan losses to total loans	1.14			1.15			1.14			1.15			1.16
NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
Non-accrual loans:
Business	$	5,114		$	5,557		$	5,947		$	6,821		$	6,330
Real estate — construction and land	5			5			5			533			544
Real estate — business	2,465			2,546			2,736			2,346			1,833
Real estate — personal	1,888			2,169			2,461			2,863			3,504
Consumer	—			—			834			1,077			1,151
Total	9,472			10,277			11,983			13,640			13,362
Foreclosed real estate	1,039			1,300			681			1,063			515
Total non-performing assets	$	10,511		$	11,577		$	12,664		$	14,703		$	13,877
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest	$	13,453		$	14,928		$	18,127		$	16,464		$	14,630
*as a percentage of average loans (excluding loans held for sale)

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
Management Discussion of Second Quarter Results
June 30, 2018

For the quarter ended June 30, 2018, net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (net income) amounted to $110.3 million, compared to $101.0 million in the previous quarter and $79.0 million in the same quarter last year. The increase in net income over the previous quarter was the result of 9.4% growth in net interest income and 4.3% growth in non-interest income. Non-interest expense declined $417 thousand, and the provision for loan losses also declined. Dividend income of $8.9 million was received on an equity investment that was liquidated, increasing net interest income this quarter. This income was offset by securities losses of a comparable amount resulting from the same transaction. Excluding the above dividend, the net interest margin increased 13 basis points this quarter to 3.50%. Quarterly average loans decreased slightly this quarter from the previous quarter, while average deposits increased $63.2 million. For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.80%, the return on average common equity was 16.8%, and the efficiency ratio was 54.1%.

Balance Sheet Review

During the 2nd quarter of 2018, average loans totaled $13.9 billion, approximately the same as in the prior quarter, and grew $377.7 million, or 2.8%, over the same period last year. Compared to the previous quarter, average business and construction loans grew $27.6 million and $19.9 million, respectively. Personal real estate loans increased $16.9 million, while consumer loans declined $46.6 million this quarter. Within business loans, commercial and industrial loans grew $35.6 million but were offset by a decline in tax-free lending of $14.3 million and a slight decline in leasing activities. The growth in construction loans resulted from an increase in advances and new loans this quarter, offset by several larger loan paydowns. Customer demand for adjustable rate personal real estate loans retained by the Company resulted in the increase noted above. During the quarter, auto loans totaling $25.9 million were sold to another financial institution, which was a main factor in lower overall consumer loan totals. Also, home equity and marine/RV lending declined this quarter, but patient health care loans continued to increase and totaled $161.8 million at June 30, 2018. During the current quarter, the Company sold certain fixed rate personal real estate loans totaling $39.9 million, compared to $47.8 million in the prior quarter.

During the 2nd quarter of 2018, total average available for sale debt securities decreased $164.9 million from the previous quarter to $8.4 billion, at fair value. The decline in investment securities was mainly the result of lower average balances of municipal securities, government-sponsored obligations, and asset-backed securities, partially offset by increases in the average balances of mortgage-backed securities. Purchases of securities during the quarter totaled $469.8 million and were offset by sales, maturities and pay downs of $459.0 million. At June 30, 2018, the duration of the investment portfolio was 3.2 years, and maturities and pay downs of approximately $1.2 billion are expected to occur during the next 12 months.

Total average deposits increased $63.2 million this quarter compared to the previous quarter. The increase in average deposits resulted mainly from growth in interest checking (increase of $113.1 million), savings (increase of $42.1 million), and personal demand (increase of $26.9 million). Business demand and government demand accounts declined $68.0 million and $44.2 million, respectively, this quarter. Compared to the previous quarter, total average consumer and private banking deposits increased $74.7 million and $9.0 million respectively, while commercial banking deposits declined by $32.6 million. The average loans to deposits ratio was 68.9% in the current quarter and 69.1% in the prior quarter. The Company’s average borrowings totaled $1.3 billion, a decline of $221.3 million from the prior quarter’s balance.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income in the 2nd quarter of 2018 amounted to $211.0 million compared to $192.9 million in the previous quarter, an increase of $18.1 million. On a tax equivalent basis, net interest income for the current quarter increased $19.1 million over the previous quarter to $215.8 million. As noted previously, net interest income this quarter included a dividend of $8.9 million representing dividend income on a liquidated equity security which was carried at fair value. Excluding this item, the current quarter net yield on earning assets (tax equivalent) was 3.50%, compared to 3.37% in the previous quarter and 3.18% in the same period last year. Excluding this item, the increase in net interest income resulted mainly from higher rates on loan balances coupled with relatively stable funding costs. Also, inflation income on the Company’s treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) increased $2.5 million this quarter compared to the previous quarter.

Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans (tax equivalent) increased $7.2 million as a result of higher loan yields, especially on commercial loans. The average tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio increased 16 basis points this quarter to 4.49%, compared to 4.33% in the previous quarter.

Interest income on investment securities (tax equivalent) increased $13.4 million over the previous quarter, mainly due to the item mentioned above and higher TIPs inflation income. Also, the adjustment for premium amortization expense on slowing prepayment speeds for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities increased interest income $1.5 million this quarter, due to a higher overall interest rate environment. The premium amortization adjustment for the prior quarter totaled $1.5 million. Inflation income on TIPS totaled $4.5 million in the current quarter and $2.0 million in the previous quarter. The yield on total investment securities was 3.19% in the current quarter and 2.58% in the previous quarter.

Interest costs on deposits remained low and totaled 32 basis points in the 2nd quarter of 2018, compared to 28 basis points in the prior quarter. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.6 million this quarter compared to the previous quarter due mainly to higher rates on corporate interest checking and money market accounts, and short-term jumbo certificates of deposit. Borrowing costs decreased slightly this quarter mostly due to lower average balances, offset by higher average rates paid on customer repurchase agreements. The overall rate paid on interest bearing liabilities was .40%, compared to .36% in the prior quarter.

Non-Interest Income

In the 2nd quarter of 2018, total non-interest income amounted to $124.9 million, an increase of $9.5 million, or 8.2%, compared to the same period last year. Also, current quarter non-interest income increased $5.2 million compared to the prior quarter. The increase in non-interest income over the same period last year was mainly due to growth in bank card, swap, trust and deposit fee income.

Total bank card fees in the current quarter increased $5.9 million, or 15.9%, over the same period last year and increased $1.8 million compared to the prior quarter. The growth compared to the 2nd quarter of 2017 resulted mainly from growth in net debit card income and corporate card interchange income. Corporate card net fees grew $4.7 million over the same quarter last year mainly due to growth in interchange income of 14.2%, coupled with lower network but higher rewards costs. Debit card net fees grew $1.8 million mostly because of lower network processing costs. Overall net merchant income was down 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year, but was up 2.1% compared to the prior quarter. Total bank card fees this quarter were comprised of fees on corporate card ($24.6 million), debit card ($10.2 million), merchant ($4.9 million) and credit card ($3.5 million) transactions.

In the current quarter, trust fees increased $3.9 million, or 11.8%, over the same period last year, resulting mainly from growth in both private client and institutional trust fee income. Compared to the same period last year, deposit account fees increased $1.0 million, or 4.5%, mainly due to growth in corporate cash management fees.

During the 2nd quarter of 2018, swap fees totaled $1.7 million, an increase of $1.3 million over the same period last year, while loan fees declined $862 thousand, mainly on lower gains on sales of residential mortgages. Gains on sales of tax credits were solid this quarter and totaled $1.0 million, which was $304 thousand higher than the same period last year. Non-interest income this quarter included $844 thousand of losses on sales of real estate and write downs on software costs, compared to gains of $1.7 million on the on sales of real estate and leased assets in the 2nd quarter of 2017. Non-interest income comprised 37.2% of the Company’s total revenue this quarter which was down from the same quarter in the prior year but reflects strong growth in net interest income during the second quarter of 2018.

Investment Securities Gains and Losses

The Company recorded net securities losses of $3.1 million in the current quarter and net securities gains of $5.4 million in the prior quarter. Net securities losses this quarter included private equity fair value gains of $3.8 million offset by an adjustment of $8.9 million (increasing losses) to recognize dividend income on a liquidated equity investment mentioned above. Also, other fair value adjustments on other equity securities totaled $1.8 million this quarter.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the current quarter amounted to $181.9 million, compared to $176.9 million in the same period last year and $182.3 million in the prior quarter. The 2.8% increase in expense over the same period last year was mainly due to higher costs for salaries and benefits and data processing, partly offset by lower operating costs for occupancy, supplies and communication, and community service.

Compared to the 2nd quarter of last year, salaries and benefits expense increased $6.8 million, or 6.2%. Salaries expense grew $5.8 million, mainly due to higher full-time salary costs and growth in incentive compensation, while benefits expense grew 6.4% mostly due to higher medical costs. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,797 and 4,805 at June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Data processing costs increased $981 thousand, or 4.9%, mainly due to higher processing and software costs, while costs for occupancy, supplies and communication, equipment, and deposit insurance declined a total of $1.3 million this quarter compared to the same quarter last year. Marketing costs increased 14.6%, or $654 thousand, mainly due to new bank card initiatives which are being funded by reduced bank card network costs. Also, community service costs declined $2.3 million due to higher foundation contributions made last year.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the Company was 21.1% in the current quarter, 18.7% in the previous quarter, and 29.6% in the 2nd quarter of 2017.

Credit Quality

Net loan charge-offs in the 2nd quarter of 2018 amounted to $10.0 million, compared to $10.4 million in the prior quarter and $10.8 million in the same period last year. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to total average loans was .29% in the current quarter, compared to .30% in the previous quarter and .32% in the 2nd quarter of last year. During the 2nd quarter of 2018, the Company recorded net loan recoveries on commercial loans of $301 thousand, compared to net loan recoveries of $255 thousand in the prior quarter. Net loan charge-offs on personal banking loans totaled $10.3 million in the current quarter and $10.7 million in the previous quarter.

In the 2nd quarter of 2018, annualized net loan charge-offs on average consumer credit card loans were 4.39%, compared to 4.05% in the previous quarter, and 4.25% in the same quarter last year. Consumer loan net charge-offs were .37% of average consumer loans in the current quarter, .49% in the prior quarter and .53% in the same quarter last year. This quarter, the provision for loan losses equaled net loan charge-offs, and at June 30, 2018, the allowance totaled $159.5 million, or 1.14% of total loans.

At June 30, 2018, total non-performing assets amounted to $10.5 million, a $1.1 million decrease from the previous quarter. Non-performing assets are comprised of non-accrual loans and foreclosed real estate ($9.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively). At June 30, 2018, the balance of non-accrual loans, which represented .07% of loans outstanding, included business loans of $5.1 million, business real estate loans of $2.5 million, and personal real estate loans of $1.9 million. Loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest totaled $13.5 million at June 30, 2018.

Other

During the 2nd quarter of 2018, the Company paid a cash dividend of $.235 per common share, representing a 9.8% increase over the same period last year. The Company also paid an annualized 6% cash dividend on its preferred stock. The Company purchased 31,764 shares of treasury stock during the current quarter at an average price of $63.02.

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 statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180712005173/en/

Contacts:

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Jeffery Aberdeen, 816-234-2081
Controller
mymoney@commercebank.com
http://www.commercebank.com