commercenj10q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q

(X)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
 
OR
 
(  )
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
 
Commission File #1-12069
 
Commerce Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
New Jersey
22-2433468
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer Identification
incorporation or organization)
Number)

Commerce Atrium, 1701 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034-5400
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
(856) 751-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes X
No _
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer X
Accelerated filer _
Non-accelerated filer _
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes _
No X
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Common Stock
194,829,592
(Title of Class)
(No. of Shares Outstanding
as of November 5, 2007)



COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX

   
Page
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
 
     
   
 
     
   
   
 
     
   
 
     
   
 
     
 
     
Item 2.
 
 
     
Item 3.
     
Item 4.
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
     
Item 1A.
     
Item 2.
     
Item 6.
     





PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)

             
     
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$
1,345,641
 
$
1,207,390
 
 
Federal funds sold
 
3,300
   
9,300
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,348,941
   
1,216,690
 
 
Loans held for sale
 
24,407
   
52,741
 
 
Trading securities
 
7,310,103
   
106,007
 
 
Securities available for sale
 
7,364,771
   
11,098,113
 
 
Securities held to maturity
 
14,440,690
   
14,884,982
 
 
(market value 09/07-$14,131,678; 12/06-$14,617,765)
           
 
Loans
 
17,057,856
   
15,607,049
 
 
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
 
177,329
   
152,053
 
     
16,880,527
   
15,454,996
 
 
Bank premises and equipment, net
 
1,965,873
   
1,753,670
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
145,129
   
141,631
 
 
Other assets
 
513,595
   
562,986
 
 
Total assets
$
49,994,036
 
$
45,271,816
 
               
Liabilities
Deposits:
           
 
Demand:
           
 
Noninterest-bearing
$
9,190,005
 
$
8,936,824
 
 
Interest-bearing
 
20,276,514
   
16,853,457
 
 
Savings
 
10,962,975
   
10,459,306
 
 
Time
 
6,104,819
   
5,038,624
 
 
Total deposits
 
46,534,313
   
41,288,211
 
 
Other borrowed money
 
204,130
   
777,404
 
 
Other liabilities
 
317,978
   
405,103
 
 
Total liabilities
 
47,056,421
   
42,470,718
 
               
Stockholders’
Common stock, 195,634,664 shares
           
Equity
issued (189,738,423 shares in 2006)
 
195,635
   
189,738
 
 
Capital in excess of par value
 
1,848,936
   
1,744,691
 
 
Retained earnings
 
986,021
   
958,770
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(40,484
)
 
(65,240
)
     
2,990,108
   
2,827,959
 
               
 
Less treasury stock, at cost, 1,976,923 shares
           
 
(1,231,081 shares in 2006)
 
52,493
   
26,861
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
2,937,615
   
2,801,098
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
49,994,036
 
$
45,271,816
 

See accompanying notes.


1


COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
             
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest
Interest and fees on loans
$
289,854
 
$
255,663
 
$
839,487
 
$
707,527
 
income
Interest on investments
 
390,653
   
339,825
   
1,122,206
   
959,923
 
 
Other interest
 
836
   
1,918
   
8,569
   
2,581
 
 
Total interest income
 
681,343
   
597,406
   
1,970,262
   
1,670,031
 
                           
Interest
Interest on deposits:
                       
expense
Demand
 
182,616
   
132,349
   
523,647
   
348,374
 
 
Savings
 
77,221
   
70,320
   
222,293
   
188,481
 
 
Time
 
67,383
   
52,375
   
186,767
   
129,810
 
 
Total interest on deposits
 
327,220
   
255,044
   
932,707
   
666,665
 
 
Interest on other borrowed money
 
7,001
   
20,392
   
14,652
   
54,529
 
 
Total interest expense
 
334,221
   
275,436
   
947,359
   
721,194
 
                           
 
Net interest income
 
347,122
   
321,970
   
1,022,903
   
948,837
 
 
Provision for credit losses
 
26,000
   
9,499
   
48,550
   
23,500
 
 
Net interest income after provision for
                       
 
credit losses
 
321,122
   
312,471
   
974,353
   
925,337
 
                           
Noninterest
Deposit charges and service fees
 
119,771
   
97,436
   
341,890
   
271,370
 
income
Other operating income
 
59,258
   
53,121
   
170,283
   
153,145
 
 
Net investment securities losses
 
(175,343
)
       
(172,464
)
     
 
Total noninterest income
 
3,686
   
150,557
   
339,709
   
424,515
 
                           
Noninterest
Salaries and benefits
 
179,442
   
156,105
   
518,695
   
451,560
 
expense
Occupancy
 
63,865
   
49,534
   
180,563
   
141,261
 
 
Furniture and equipment
 
46,261
   
41,543
   
134,384
   
117,159
 
 
Office
 
16,910
   
15,213
   
50,021
   
45,084
 
 
Marketing
 
11,372
   
10,712
   
32,499
   
30,222
 
 
Other
 
86,585
   
70,362
   
238,953
   
207,301
 
 
Total noninterest expenses
 
404,435
   
343,469
   
1,155,115
   
992,587
 
                           
 
(Loss)/income before income taxes
 
(79,627
)
 
119,559
   
158,947
   
357,265
 
 
(Benefit)/provision for federal and state income taxes
 
(31,716
)
 
39,890
   
52,019
   
120,779
 
 
Net (loss)/income
$
(47,911
)
$
79,669
 
$
106,928
 
$
236,486
 
                           
 
Net (loss)/income per common and common
                       
 
equivalent share:
                       
 
Basic
$
(0.25
)
$
0.43
 
$
0.56
 
$
1.29
 
 
Diluted
$
(0.24
)
$
0.41
 
$
0.54
 
$
1.23
 
 
Average common and common equivalent
                       
 
shares outstanding:
                       
 
Basic
 
193,027
   
186,527
   
191,299
   
183,981
 
 
Diluted
 
199,097
   
194,754
   
197,728
   
192,872
 
 
Dividends declared, common stock
$
0.13
 
$
0.12
 
$
0.39
 
$
0.36
 

See accompanying notes.

2


COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
         
     
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Operating
Net income
$
106,928
 
$
236,486
 
activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
           
 
provided by operating activities:
           
 
Provision for credit losses
 
48,550
   
23,500
 
 
Provision for depreciation, amortization and accretion
 
139,383
   
115,955
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
 
10,571
   
5,092
 
 
Gain on sales of securities
 
(2,879
)
     
 
Loss on transfer of securities to trading
 
175,343
       
 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
 
614,379
   
487,627
 
 
Originations of loans held for sale
 
(586,045
)
 
(530,040
)
 
Net (increase) decrease in trading securities
 
(3,916
)
 
50,394
 
 
Decrease (increase) in other assets, net
 
24,432
   
(46,742
)
 
Decrease in other liabilities
 
(92,417
)
 
(10,245
)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
434,329
   
332,027
 
               
Investing
Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale
 
457,890
       
activities
Proceeds from the maturity of securities available for sale
 
2,188,150
   
1,970,323
 
 
Proceeds from the maturity of securities held to maturity
 
2,176,992
   
1,652,753
 
 
Purchase of securities available for sale
 
(6,246,587
)
 
(3,263,868
)
 
Purchase of securities held to maturity
 
(1,739,067
)
 
(2,902,717
)
 
Net increase in loans
 
(1,473,937
)
 
(2,056,558
)
 
Capital expenditures
 
(330,576
)
 
(298,562
)
 
Net cash used by investing activities
 
(4,967,135
)
 
(4,898,629
)
               
Financing
Net increase in demand and savings deposits
 
4,179,907
   
4,196,115
 
activities
Net increase in time deposits
 
1,066,195
   
1,218,833
 
 
Net decrease in other borrowed money
 
(573,274
)
 
(988,043
)
 
Dividends paid
 
(74,410
)
 
(65,736
)
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under
    dividend reinvestment and other stock plans
 
 
66,639
   
 
206,506
 
 
Other
       
33
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
4,665,057
   
4,567,708
 
               
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
132,251
   
1,106
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
1,216,690
   
1,296,764
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,348,941
 
$
1,297,870
 
               
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
           
 
Cash paid during the period for:
           
 
Interest
$
937,418
 
$
708,899
 
 
Income taxes
 
122,641
   
112,452
 
 
Other noncash activities:
           
 
Transfer of loans to held for sale
       
7,350
 
 
Transfer of available for sale securities to trading
 
7,375,523
       
 
Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities acquired:
           
 
Assets acquired
 
75
   
680
 
 
Liabilities assumed
 
24
   
10,076
 
See accompanying notes.

3


COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30, 2007          
 
(in thousands)          
 
         
Capital in
               
Accumulated
       
         
Excess of
               
Other
       
   
Common
   
Par
   
Retained
   
Treasury
   
Comprehensive
       
 
 
Stock
   
Value
   
Earnings
   
Stock
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                                     
Balances at December 31, 2006
  $
189,738
    $
1,744,691
    $
958,770
    $ (26,861 )   $ (65,240 )   $
2,801,098
 
Net income
                   
106,928
                     
106,928
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                                               
Unrealized loss on securities (pre-tax $64,462)
                                    (43,755 )     (43,755 )
Reclassification adjustment (pre-tax $105,402)
                                   
68,511
     
68,511
 
Other comprehensive income
                                           
24,756
 
Total comprehensive income
                                           
131,684
 
Cash dividends
                    (75,090 )                     (75,090 )
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment
                                               
and compensation and benefit plans (5,671 shares)
   
5,671
     
86,587
              (25,669 )            
66,589
 
Acquisition of insurance brokerage agency (226 shares)
   
226
     
7,074
                             
7,300
 
Other
           
10,584
      (4,587 )    
37
             
6,034
 
Balances at September 30, 2007
  $
195,635
    $
1,848,936
    $
986,021
    $ (52,493 )   $ (40,484 )   $
2,937,615
 

See accompanying notes.


4


COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

A.      Consolidated Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These consolidated financial statements were compiled in accordance with the accounting policies set forth in Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Commerce Bancorp, Inc.’s (“the Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to reflect a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform with 2007 presentation.

B.      Agreement and Plan of Merger with Toronto-Dominion Bank

On October 2, 2007, the Company and The Toronto-Dominion Bank (“TD”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which TD will acquire the Company and the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD.  The Company’s Board of Directors approved the Merger Agreement and has adopted a resolution recommending the approval of the Merger Agreement by the Company’s shareholders.  The consideration for the transaction, a combination of approximately 75% stock and approximately 25% cash, was valued at $8.5 billion at the time of the announcement.  Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Company shareholders will receive 0.4142 TD common shares and $10.50 in cash for each common share of the Company outstanding immediately prior to the completion of the merger.  Subject to customary closing conditions, the merger is expected to close in March or April 2008.  The transaction will be taxable for Company shareholders for US federal income tax purposes, including the TD common shares they receive.

As contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Company has agreed to negotiate the sale of Commerce Banc Insurance Services, Inc. (“CBIS”) and its subsidiaries (excluding eMoney Advisor, Inc.) to its current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and other members of CBIS management, subject to the consent of TD.

TD and its subsidiaries serve more than 14 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations around the world:  Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust as well as TD’s global insurance operations; Wealth Management, including TD Waterhouse Canada, TD Waterhouse U.K. and TD’s investment in TD Ameritrade; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking through TD Banknorth; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities.  TD is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.



5



C.       Investment Securities

During the third quarter, the Company transferred approximately $7.4 billion of primarily fixed-rate investment securities from its available for sale portfolio to a trading portfolio as part of an investment portfolio restructure.  To reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, the Company intends to sell the securities in the trading portfolio during the fourth quarter of 2007 and reinvest those proceeds in short-term, floating rate, AAA-rated securities.  As a result of the transfer, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss of approximately $175.3 million.

D.       Income Taxes

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48).  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (FAS 109).  This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  The Company adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $7.1 million increase in its liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a $4.6 million reduction, net of the federal tax benefit, to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. As of January 1, 2007, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits totaled $13.1 million, of which $8.5 million, if recognized, would result in a reduction of the Company’s effective tax rate.  During the first nine months of 2007, the gross amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits increased by $3.6 million as a result of tax positions taken during 2007, offset by a $1.6 million reduction as a result of filing certain amended returns.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to its tax contingencies as income tax expense.  The Company had accrued approximately $2.0 million and $1.0 million at September 30, 2007 and January 1, 2007, respectively, for interest.  No amounts were accrued for penalties.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and numerous state and local jurisdictions.  The Company is no longer subject to Internal Revenue Service examination for periods prior to 2006.  All state and local returns have been concluded and are no longer subject to examination through 2001, with certain returns concluded through 2006.

E.      Commitments

In the normal course of business, there are various outstanding commitments to extend credit, such as letters of credit and unadvanced loan commitments. Management does not anticipate any material losses as a result of these transactions.  Fees associated with standby letters of credit have been deferred and recorded in “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These fees are immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements at September 30, 2007.

F.      Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income, which for the Company included net income and changes in unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s available for sale securities, amounted to $35.5 million and $169.9 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, total comprehensive income was $131.7 million and $231.8 million, respectively.

6



G.          Segment Information

The Company operates one reportable segment of business, Community Banks, which includes both of the Company’s banking subsidiaries. Through its Community Banks, the Company provides a broad range of retail and commercial banking services, and corporate trust services.  Parent/Other includes the holding company, CBIS and Commerce Capital Markets, Inc.

Selected segment information is as follows (in thousands):
         
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2006
 
 
Community
   
Parent/
       
Community
   
Parent/
       
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
 
Net interest income
$
346,060
 
$
1,062
 
$
347,122
 
$
321,266
 
$
704
 
$
321,970
 
Provision for credit losses
 
26,000
         
26,000
   
9,499
         
9,499
 
Net interest income after provision
 
320,060
   
1,062
   
321,122
   
311,767
   
704
   
312,471
 
Noninterest (loss)/income
 
(24,327
)
 
28,013
   
3,686
   
120,066
   
30,491
   
150,557
 
Noninterest expense
 
375,308
   
29,127
   
404,435
   
312,388
   
31,081
   
343,469
 
(Loss)/income before income taxes
 
(79,575
)
 
(52
)
 
(79,627
)
 
119,445
   
114
   
119,559
 
Income tax (benefit)/expense
 
(31,842
)
 
126
   
(31,716
)
 
39,668
   
222
   
39,890
 
Net (loss)/income
$
(47,733
)
$
(178
)
$
(47,911
)
$
79,777
 
$
(108
)
$
79,669
 
                                     
Average assets (in millions)
$
45,348
 
$
3,353
 
$
48,701
 
$
40,301
 
$
2,979
 
$
43,280
 

         
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006
 
 
Community
   
Parent/
       
Community
   
Parent/
       
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
 
Net interest income
$
1,019,577
 
$
3,326
 
$
1,022,903
 
$
946,184
 
$
2,653
 
$
948,837
 
Provision for credit losses
 
48,550
         
48,550
   
23,500
         
23,500
 
Net interest income after provision
 
971,027
   
3,326
   
974,353
   
922,684
   
2,653
   
925,337
 
Noninterest income
 
245,520
   
94,189
   
339,709
   
332,657
   
91,858
   
424,515
 
Noninterest expense
 
1,067,201
   
87,914
   
1,155,115
   
908,139
   
84,448
   
992,587
 
Income before income taxes
 
149,346
   
9,601
   
158,947
   
347,202
   
10,063
   
357,265
 
Income tax expense
 
48,107
   
3,912
   
52,019
   
116,859
   
3,920
   
120,779
 
Net income
$
101,239
 
$
5,689
 
$
106,928
 
$
230,343
 
$
6,143
 
$
236,486
 
                                     
Average assets (in millions)
$
44,038
 
$
3,284
 
$
47,322
 
$
38,673
 
$
2,827
 
$
41,500
 


7


H.      Net Income Per Share

The calculation of net income per share follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

         
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
                         
Basic:
                       
Net (loss)/income available to common shareholders – basic
$
(47,911
)
$
79,669
 
$
106,928
 
$
236,486
 
Average common shares outstanding – basic
 
193,027
   
186,527
   
191,299
   
183,981
 
Net (loss)/income per common share – basic
$
(0.25
)
$
0.43
 
$
0.56
 
$
1.29
 
                         
Diluted:
                       
Net (loss)/income available to common shareholders – diluted
$
(47,911
)
$
79,669
 
$
106,928
 
$
236,486
 
                         
Average common shares outstanding
 
193,027
   
186,527
   
191,299
   
183,981
 
Additional shares considered in diluted computation assuming:
                       
Exercise of stock options
 
6,070
   
8,227
   
6,429
   
8,891
 
Average common shares outstanding – diluted
 
199,097
   
194,754
   
197,728
   
192,872
 
                         
Net (loss)/income per common share – diluted
$
(0.24
)
$
0.41
 
$
0.54
 
$
1.23
 
                         

I.      New Accounting Pronouncement

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (FAS 159).   Under FAS 159, entities are provided with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value, on an instrument-by-instrument basis.  The objective is to improve financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities under different methods.  FAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement methods for similar types of assets and liabilities.  FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007; however, it provides for early adoption as of January 1, 2007 assuming certain conditions are met.  The Company did not early adopt FAS 159 and is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that it will have on its results of operations.


8


Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

Executive Summary

During the third quarter of 2007, the Company transferred approximately $7.4 billion of primarily fixed-rate investment securities from its available for sale portfolio to a trading portfolio as part of an investment portfolio restructure.  To reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, the Company intends to sell the securities in the trading portfolio during the fourth quarter of 2007 and reinvest those proceeds in short-term, floating rate, AAA-rated securities.  In connection with the transfer, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss of approximately $175.3 million.  In addition, the Company’s provision for credit losses increased to $26.0 million, primarily the result of two residential credits being moved to non-accrual status.  In the third quarter of 2007, the Company recorded after-tax charges of approximately $121.4 million, or $.61 per share, primarily related to the investment portfolio restructure and the increased provision for credit losses.  As a result of these charges, the Company recorded net loss of $47.9 million and net loss per share of $.24 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to net income of $79.7 million and net income per share of $.41 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  Net income was $106.9 million and $236.5 million and net income per share was $.54 and $1.23, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were also impacted by the above-mentioned charges.

During the first nine months of 2007, the Company continued its core deposit growth.  Core deposits grew to $44.8 billion, an increase of 16% over September 30, 2006.  Comparable store core deposit growth was 15%.  Total assets increased to $50.0 billion, an increase of 15% over September 30, 2006, while total loans increased $2.4 billion, or 16%, from $14.7 billion at September 30, 2006 to $17.1 billion at September 30, 2007.

Critical Accounting Policy

The Company has identified the policy related to the allowance for credit losses as being critical.  The foregoing critical accounting policy is more fully described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  During the first nine months of 2007, there were no material changes to the estimates or methods by which estimates were derived with regard to the policy related to the allowance for credit losses.

Capital Resources

At September 30, 2007, stockholders’ equity totaled $2.9 billion or 5.88% of total assets, compared to $2.8 billion or 6.19% of total assets at December 31, 2006.

The Company and its bank subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital standards issued by bank regulatory authorities.  Under these standards, the Company is required to have Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) of at least 4% and total capital (as defined in the regulations) of at least 8% of risk-adjusted assets (as defined in the regulations).  Bank regulatory authorities have also issued leverage ratio requirements.  The leverage ratio requirement is measured as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets (as defined in the regulations).

9



The table below presents the Company’s and Commerce N.A.’s risk-based and leverage ratios at September 30, 2007 and 2006 (amounts in thousands).  At September 30, 2007, the Company and each of the Company’s bank subsidiaries met the regulatory definition of a “well capitalized” financial institution, i.e., a leverage capital ratio of at least 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%.   The risk-based capital ratios of the Company and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2007 were impacted by the net loss recorded during the third quarter.


         
Per Regulatory Guidelines
 
   
Actual 
 
Minimum 
 
“Well Capitalized” 
   
Amount
   
Ratio 
 
Amount
   
Ratio 
 
Amount
   
Ratio 
                                     
September 30, 2007:
                                   
Company
                                   
Risk based capital ratios:
                                   
Tier 1
  $
2,832,970
      11.10 %   $
1,020,563
      4.00 %   $
1,530,844
      6.00 %
Total capital
   
3,024,768
     
11.86
     
2,041,126
     
8.00
     
2,551,407
     
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,832,970
     
5.81
     
1,948,977
     
4.00
     
2,436,221
     
5.00
 
Commerce N.A.
                                               
Risk based capital ratios:
                                               
Tier 1
  $
2,464,470
      10.52 %   $
937,030
      4.00 %   $
1,405,546
      6.00 %
Total capital
   
2,629,735
     
11.23
     
1,874,061
     
8.00
     
2,342,576
     
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,464,470
     
5.58
     
1,768,075
     
4.00
     
2,210,093
     
5.00
 

September 30, 2006:
                                   
Company
                                   
Risk based capital ratios:
                                   
Tier 1
  $
2,631,537
      11.99 %   $
877,946
      4.00 %   $
1,316,918
      6.00 %
Total capital
   
2,790,320
     
12.71
     
1,755,891
     
8.00
     
2,194,864
     
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,631,537
     
6.08
     
1,731,655
     
4.00
     
2,164,569
     
5.00
 
Commerce N.A.
                                               
Risk based capital ratios:
                                               
Tier 1
  $
2,354,190
      11.72 %   $
803,646
      4.00 %   $
1,205,469
      6.00 %
Total capital
   
2,491,308
     
12.40
     
1,607,293
     
8.00
     
2,009,116
     
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,354,190
     
5.97
     
1,576,715
     
4.00
     
1,970,893
     
5.00
 




10


Deposits

Total deposits at September 30, 2007 were $46.5 billion, an increase of $6.4 billion, or 16% over total deposits of $40.1 billion at September 30, 2006, and up by $5.2 billion, or 13% from year-end 2006. Year over year total deposit growth included core deposit growth in all customer categories.  The Company regards core deposits as all deposits other than public certificates of deposit.  Core deposit growth by type of customer is as follows (in thousands):
                               
   
September 30,
2007
   
% of
Total 
 
September 30,
2006
   
% of
Total 
 
Annual
Growth % 
                               
Consumer
  $
18,205,663
      41 %   $
15,702,022
      41 %     16 %
                                         
Commercial
   
18,180,493
     
40
     
15,213,935
     
39
     
19
 
                                         
Government
   
8,364,872
     
19
     
7,622,610
     
20
     
10
 
                                         
Total
  $
44,751,028
      100 %   $
38,538,567
      100 %     16 %
                                         

Comparable store core deposit growth is measured as the year over year percentage increase in core deposits for stores open one year or more at the balance sheet date.  At September 30, 2007, the comparable store core deposit growth was 15%.

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity

The principal component of the Company’s risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments, or market risk, is interest rate risk. The primary objective of the Company’s asset/liability management activities is to maximize net interest income, while maintaining acceptable levels of interest rate risk. The Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) is responsible for establishing policies to limit exposure to interest rate risk, and to ensure procedures are established to monitor compliance with these policies. The guidelines established by ALCO are reviewed and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.

Management believes that the simulation of net interest income in different interest rate environments provides the most meaningful measure of the Company’s interest rate risk. Income simulation analysis is designed to capture not only the potential of all assets and liabilities to mature or reprice, but also the probability that they will do so. Income simulation also attends to the relative interest rate sensitivities of these items, and projects their behavior over an extended period of time. Finally, income simulation permits management to assess the probable effects on the balance sheet not only of changes in interest rates, but also of proposed strategies for responding to them.

In March 2007, revised guidelines for the Company’s income simulation model were approved.  The revised income simulation guidelines measure interest rate sensitivity by projecting net interest income, as opposed to net income, in alternative interest rate environments.  The revisions were made based on ALCO’s view that the measurement of changes in net interest income in alternative interest rate environments is a more appropriate indicator of the Company’s interest rate risk.


11


The Company’s income simulation model analyzes interest rate sensitivity by projecting net interest income over the next twelve months in a flat rate scenario, versus net interest income in alternative interest rate scenarios. Management continually reviews and refines its interest rate risk management process in response to the changing economic climate. Currently, the Company’s model projects a proportionate plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change over a twelve month period. The Company’s ALCO policy has established that interest income sensitivity will be considered acceptable if net interest income in the above interest rate scenarios are within 10% of forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario over the next twelve months.  The following table illustrates the impact on projected net interest income at September 30, 2007 and 2006 of a plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change in interest rates.

           
   
Basis Point Change 
   
Plus 200 
Minus 100 
September 30, 2007:
         
Twelve Months
 
(7.4
)%
2.6
%
           
September 30, 2006:
         
Twelve Months
 
(3.5
)%
0.7
%
           

These forecasts are within an acceptable level of interest rate risk per the policies established by ALCO.  In the event the model indicates an unacceptable level of risk, the Company could undertake a number of actions that would reduce this risk, including the sale of a portion of its available for sale investment portfolio, the use of risk management strategies such as interest rate swaps and caps, or fixing the cost of its short-term borrowings.

Many assumptions were used by the Company to calculate the impact of changes in interest rates, including the proportionate shift in rates.  Actual results may not be similar to the Company’s projections due to several factors including the timing and frequency of rate changes, market conditions and the shape of the yield curve. Actual results may also differ due to the Company’s actions, if any, in response to the changing rates.

Management also monitors interest rate risk by utilizing a market value of equity model. The model assesses the impact of a change in interest rates on the market value of all the Company’s assets and liabilities, as well as any off balance sheet items. The model calculates the market value of the Company’s assets and liabilities in excess of book value in the current rate scenario, and then compares the excess of market value over book value given an immediate plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change in rates. The Company’s revised ALCO guidelines indicate that the level of interest rate risk is unacceptable if the immediate plus 200 or minus 100 basis point change would result in the loss of 25% or more of the excess of market value over book value in the current rate scenario. At September 30, 2007, the market value of equity model indicates an acceptable level of interest rate risk.

The market value of equity model reflects certain estimates and assumptions regarding the impact on the market value of the Company’s assets and liabilities given an immediate plus 200 or minus 100 basis point change in interest rates. One of the key assumptions is the market value assigned to the Company’s core deposits, or the core deposit premium. Utilizing an independent consultant, the Company has completed and updated comprehensive core deposit studies in order to assign its own core deposit premiums. The studies have consistently confirmed management’s assertion that the Company’s core deposits have stable balances over long periods of time, are generally insensitive to changes in interest rates and have significantly longer average lives and durations than the Company’s loans and investment securities. Thus, these core deposit balances provide a natural hedge to market value fluctuations in the Company’s fixed rate assets.  At September 30, 2007, the average life of the Company’s core deposit transaction accounts was 16.7 years.
 

12


The market value of equity model analyzes both sides of the balance sheet and, as indicated below, demonstrates the inherent value of the Company’s core deposits in a rising rate environment.  As rates rise, the value of the Company’s core deposits increases which helps offset the decrease in value of the Company’s fixed rate assets.  The following table summarizes the market value of equity model at September 30, 2007 (in millions, except for per share amounts):

     
 
Market Value
 
 
of Equity
Per Share
     
Plus 200 basis points
$8,319
$42.53
     
Current Rate
$9,489
$48.50
     
Minus 100 basis points
$8,866
$45.32

The market value of equity model analyzes the estimated effect of changes in interest rates on the market value of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The model is used by the Company as a tool to assist management in assessing interest rate risk and does not purport to value the Company’s common equity or predict the prices at which the Company’s common stock could be bought or sold.  The market value of equity model does not take into account factors that influence the Company’s stock price, such as the performance of the Company, general market conditions and market perception of the Company and the financial services industry, and is therefore in no way indicative of the actual prices at which the Company’s common stock may trade on the NYSE or the intrinsic value of the Company’s common equity.
 
Liquidity involves the Company’s ability to raise funds to support asset growth or reduce assets to meet deposit withdrawals and other borrowing needs, to maintain reserve requirements and to otherwise operate the Company on an ongoing basis. The Company’s liquidity needs are primarily met by growth in core deposits, its cash position and cash flow from its amortizing investment and loan portfolios. If necessary, the Company has the ability to raise liquidity through collateralized borrowings, FHLB advances, or the sale of its available for sale investment portfolio.  As of September 30, 2007 the Company had in excess of $18.0 billion in available liquidity which includes securities that could be sold or used for collateralized borrowings, cash on hand, and borrowing capacities under existing lines of credit. During the first nine months of 2007, deposit growth and maturing investment securities were used to fund growth in the loan portfolio and purchase additional investment securities.

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings, or other borrowed money, typically consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, federal funds purchased or lines of credit, and are used to meet short-term funding needs.  At September 30, 2007, short-term borrowings aggregated $204.1 million and had an average rate of 4.89%, as compared to $777.4 million at an average rate of 5.29% at December 31, 2006.

Interest Earning Assets

The Company’s cash flow from deposit growth and repayments from its investment portfolio totaled approximately $9.6 billion for the first nine months of 2007. This significant cash flow provides the Company with ongoing reinvestment opportunities as interest rates change.  For the nine month period ended September 30, 2007, interest earning assets increased $4.4 billion from $41.8 billion at December 31, 2006 to $46.2 billion. This increase was primarily in investment securities and the loan portfolio as described below.


13


Loans

Total loans at September 30, 2007 were $17.1 billion, an increase of $2.4 billion or 16% over total loans of $14.7 billion at September 30, 2006, and up by $1.5 billion, or 9% from year-end 2006.  The following table summarizes the loan portfolio of the Company by type of loan as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.


   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial:
           
Term
$
2,802,055
 
$
2,392,889
 
    Line of credit
 
1,903,778
   
1,843,545
 
   
4,705,833
   
4,236,434
 
             
Owner-occupied
 
3,086,591
   
2,845,791
 
   
7,792,424
   
7,082,225
 
             
Consumer:
           
Mortgages (1-4 family residential)
 
2,333,220
   
2,235,247
 
Installment
 
298,836
   
287,151
 
Home equity
 
3,460,647
   
2,958,893
 
Credit lines
 
168,053
 
 
137,429
 
   
6,260,756
 
 
5,618,720
 
Commercial real estate:
           
Investor developer
 
2,437,411
   
2,625,628
 
Construction
 
567,265
 
 
280,476
 
   
3,004,676
   
2,906,104
 
Total loans
$
17,057,856
 
$
15,607,049
 

Investments

Total investments at September 30, 2007 were $29.1 billion, an increase of $4.0 billion, or 16% over total investments of $25.1 billion at September 30, 2006, and up by $3.0 billion, or 12% from year-end 2006.  During the third quarter, the Company transferred approximately $7.4 billion of primarily fixed-rate investment securities from its available for sale portfolio to a trading portfolio as part of an investment portfolio restructure.  To reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, the Company intends to sell the securities in the trading portfolio during the fourth quarter of 2007 and reinvest those proceeds in short-term, floating rate, AAA-rated securities.  As a result of the transfer, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss of approximately $175.3 million.


14


Detailed below is information regarding the composition and characteristics of the Company’s investment portfolio as of September 30, 2007.  The table excludes investments held in the trading portfolio at Commerce Capital Markets, which amounted to $110.0 million at September 30, 2007 and are primarily short-term tax-exempt notes.

                         
         
Available
   
Held to
       
Product Description
 
Trading
   
For Sale
   
Maturity
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                       
Federal Agencies Pass Through
                       
Certificates (AAA Rated)
  $
1,427,297
    $
447,008
    $
1,881,256
    $
3,755,561
 
                                 
Collateralized Mortgage
                               
Obligations (AAA Rated)
   
5,159,461
     
6,207,756
     
10,428,010
     
21,795,227
 
                                 
U.S. Government agencies/Other
   
613,422
     
710,007
     
2,131,424
     
3,454,853
 
                                 
Total
  $
7,200,180
    $
7,364,771
    $
14,440,690
    $
29,005,641
 
                                 
Duration (in years)
   
5.09
     
3.67
     
4.07
     
4.22
 
Average Life (in years)
   
6.81
     
6.18
     
6.17
     
6.34
 
Quarterly Average Yield
    5.92 %     5.70 %     5.37 %     5.54 %

At September 30, 2007, the after tax depreciation of the Company’s available for sale portfolio was $40.5 million.

The Company’s mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio comprises 88% of the total investment portfolio.  The MBS portfolio consists of Federal Agencies Pass-Through Certificates and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs) which are issued by federal agencies and other private sponsors.  None of the securities in the investment portfolio are backed by subprime mortgages.

A summary of the amortized cost and market value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity (in thousands) at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 follows:

       
   
At September 30, 2007
 
   
Amortized
 Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Market
Value
 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
  $
7,169,408
    $
11,306
    $ (85,952 )   $
7,094,762
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
54,103
     
9
      (898 )    
53,214
 
Equity securities
   
9,679
     
12,960
             
22,639
 
Other
   
195,077
              (921 )    
194,156
 
Securities available for sale
  $
7,428,267
    $
24,275
    $ (87,771 )   $
7,364,771
 
                                 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
  $
13,871,407
    $
11,887
    $ (321,783 )   $
13,561,511
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
419,796
     
1,266
      (382 )    
420,680
 
Other
   
149,487
                     
149,487
 
Securities held to maturity
  $
14,440,690
    $
13,153
    $ (322,165 )   $
14,131,678
 


15



   
At December 31, 2006
 
   
Amortized
 Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Market
Value
 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
  $
11,098,131
    $
16,047
    $ (129,931 )   $
10,984,247
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
54,517
     
229
      (1 )    
54,745
 
Equity securities
   
9,679
     
9,392
             
19,071
 
Other
   
40,221
              (171 )    
40,050
 
Securities available for sale
  $
11,202,548
    $
25,668
    $ (130,103 )   $
11,098,113
 
                                 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
  $
14,205,534
    $
14,843
    $ (283,519 )   $
13,936,858
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
554,189
     
1,881
      (422 )    
555,648
 
Other
   
125,259
                     
125,259
 
Securities held to maturity
  $
14,884,982
    $
16,724
    $ (283,941 )   $
14,617,765
 

There were no securities sold during the third quarter of 2007.  For the first nine months of 2007, gross gains and losses on securities sold amounted to $2.9 million and $0, respectively.

During the first nine months of 2007, $84.2 million of securities were sold which had unrealized losses at December 31, 2006.  Gross gains and losses on these securities sold were $477 thousand and $0, respectively.

As described in Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company reviews the available for sale and held to maturity investment portfolios to determine if other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.  Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss as of September 30, 2007 represents an other-than-temporary impairment.

Net Income

The Company’s third quarter results were impacted by the investment portfolio restructure and increased provision for credit losses.  The Company recorded after-tax charges of approximately $121.4 million, or $.61 per share, during the third quarter, primarily related to these items.  As a result of these charges, net loss for the third quarter of 2007 was $47.9 million, a $127.6 million, or 160%, decrease from the $79.7 million recorded for the third quarter of 2006.  Net income for the first nine months of 2007 totaled $106.9 million, a $129.6 million, or 55%, decrease from the $236.5 million recorded for the first nine months of 2006.  On a per share basis, diluted net loss for the third quarter of 2007 was $0.24 and diluted net income was $0.41 for the third quarter of 2006.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, diluted net income per common share was $0.54 and $1.23, respectively.

Return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) for the third quarter of 2007 were (0.39)% and (6.47)%, respectively, compared to 0.74% and 12.06%, respectively, for the same 2006 period. ROA and ROE for the first nine months of 2007 were 0.30% and 4.89%, respectively, compared to 0.76% and 12.61%, respectively, for the same 2006 period.  Both ROA and ROE for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 were impacted by the net loss recorded during the third quarter.



16


Net Interest Income

Net interest income totaled $347.1 million for the third quarter of 2007, an 8% increase over the $322.0 million in the third quarter of 2006.  Net interest income for the first nine months of 2007 was $1.0 billion, up $74.1 million or 8% from $948.8 million for the first nine months of 2006.  The increase in net interest income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 was due to the Company’s continued ability to grow deposits as well as its loan and investment portfolios, offset by the effect of rate changes.

On a tax equivalent basis, the Company recorded $354.0 million in net interest income in the third quarter of 2007, an increase of $25.8 million or 8% over the third quarter of 2006.  For the first nine months of 2007, net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was $1.0 billion, an increase of $77.7 million or 8% over the first nine months of 2006.  As shown below, the increase in net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was due to volume increases in the Company’s earning assets, which were fueled by the Company’s continued growth of core deposits (in thousands).

   
Net Interest Income
 
September
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
   
%
 
2007 vs. 2006
 
Increase
   
Change
   
Increase
   
Increase
 
                         
Quarter
  $
38,931
    $ (13,090 )   $
25,841
      8 %
                                 
First Nine Months
  $
134,456
    $ (56,796 )   $
77,660
      8 %
                                 

The net interest margin for the third quarter of 2007 decreased 9 basis points to 3.13% from 3.22% for the second quarter of 2007, and 14 basis points from the 3.27% margin for the third quarter of 2006. The year over year compression in net interest margin was primarily caused by increased costs and mix of the Company’s interest-bearing liabilities, both of which are impacted by the current interest rate environment.

The following table sets forth balance sheet items on a daily average basis for the three months ended September 30, 2007, June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006 and presents the daily average interest earned on assets and paid on liabilities for such periods.

17


Average Balances and Net Interest Income

   
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2007
   
June 30, 2007
   
September 30, 2006
 
   
Average
         
Average
   
Average
         
Average
   
Average
         
Average
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Earning Assets
                                                     
Investment securities
                                                     
Taxable
  $
27,318,695
    $
381,917
      5.55 %   $
26,645,741
    $
369,794
      5.57 %   $
24,566,553
    $
334,250
      5.40 %
Tax-exempt
   
437,271
     
6,614
     
6.00
     
571,408
     
8,415
     
5.91
     
530,542
     
7,641
     
5.71
 
Trading
   
328,192
     
4,894
     
5.92
     
105,198
     
1,509
     
5.75
     
78,103
     
934
     
4.74
 
Total investment securities
   
28,084,158
     
393,425
     
5.56
     
27,322,347
     
379,718
     
5.57
     
25,175,198
     
342,825
     
5.40
 
Federal funds sold
   
61,867
     
836
     
5.36
     
150,675
     
2,000
     
5.32
     
145,897
     
1,918
     
5.22
 
Loans
                                                                       
Commercial mortgages
   
5,551,061
     
99,010
     
7.08
     
5,443,872
     
96,125
     
7.08
     
5,001,608
     
90,050
     
7.14
 
Commercial
   
4,317,292
     
84,024
     
7.72
     
4,143,332
     
80,595
     
7.80
     
3,603,790
     
72,606
     
7.99
 
Consumer
   
6,164,959
     
99,188
     
6.38
     
5,947,306
     
95,002
     
6.41
     
5,407,721
     
87,077
     
6.39
 
Tax-exempt
   
640,357
     
11,742
     
7.27
     
615,035
     
10,987
     
7.17
     
510,950
     
9,123
     
7.08
 
Total loans
   
16,673,669
     
293,964
     
6.99
     
16,149,545
     
282,709
     
7.02
     
14,524,069
     
258,856
     
7.07
 
Total earning assets
  $
44,819,694
    $
688,225
      6.09 %   $
43,622,567
    $
664,427
      6.11 %   $
39,845,164
    $
603,599
      6.01 %
Sources of Funds
                                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                                                       
Savings
  $
10,561,475
    $
77,221
      2.90 %   $
10,455,936
    $
72,954
      2.80 %   $
10,592,676
    $
70,320
      2.63 %
Interest bearing demand
   
19,629,289
     
182,616
     
3.69
     
19,173,873
     
177,289
     
3.71
     
14,975,663
     
132,349
     
3.51
 
Time deposits
   
4,318,505
     
49,488
     
4.55
     
4,152,221
     
46,518
     
4.49
     
3,344,257
     
32,667
     
3.88
 
Public funds
   
1,347,235
     
17,895
     
5.27
     
1,079,122
     
14,003
     
5.20
     
1,470,116
     
19,708
     
5.32
 
Total deposits
   
35,856,504
     
327,220
     
3.62
     
34,861,152
     
310,764
     
3.58
     
30,382,712
     
255,044
     
3.33
 
                                                                         
Other borrowed money
   
523,708
     
7,001
     
5.30
     
267,542
     
3,519
     
5.28
     
1,543,210
     
20,392
     
5.24
 
Total deposits and interest-bearing
                                                                       
liabilities
   
36,380,212
     
334,221
     
3.64
     
35,128,694
     
314,283
     
3.59
     
31,925,922
     
275,436
     
3.42
 
Noninterest-bearing funds (net)
   
8,439,482
                     
8,493,873
                     
7,919,242
                 
Total sources to fund earning assets
  $
44,819,694
     
334,221
     
2.96
    $
43,622,567
     
314,283
     
2.89
    $
39,845,164
     
275,436
     
2.74
 
                                                                         
Net interest income and
                                                                       
margin tax-equivalent basis
          $
354,004
      3.13 %           $
350,144
      3.22 %           $
328,163
      3.27 %
Other Balances
                                                                       
Cash and due from banks
  $
1,242,929
                    $
1,213,084
                    $
1,219,806
                 
Other assets
   
2,804,641
                     
2,754,125
                     
2,359,885
                 
Total assets
   
48,701,192
                     
47,430,063
                     
43,279,878
                 
Total deposits
   
44,821,215
                     
43,869,934
                     
38,772,316
                 
Demand deposits (noninterest-
bearing)
   
8,964,711
                     
9,008,782
                     
8,389,604
                 
Other liabilities
   
393,685
                     
382,676
                     
321,225
                 
Stockholders’ equity
   
2,962,584
                     
2,909,911
                     
2,643,127
                 

Notes
-
Weighted average yields on tax-exempt obligations have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 35%.
 
-
Non-accrual loans have been included in the average loan balance.


18


Noninterest Income
 
Noninterest income totaled $3.7 million for the third quarter of 2007, which represents a decrease of $146.9 million, or 98% from $150.6 million in the third quarter of 2006.  Noninterest income for the first nine months of 2007 decreased to $339.7 million from $424.5 million in the first nine months of 2006, a 20% decrease.  These decreases were the result of the investment portfolio restructure.  Excluding net investment securities losses, noninterest income increased 19% and 21% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year.
 
Deposit charges and service fees increased $22.3 million, or 23%, and $70.5 million, or 26%, during the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2006, primarily due to growth in customer accounts and transaction volumes.  Other operating income, which includes the Company’s insurance and capital markets divisions, increased $6.1 million, or 12%, and $17.1 million, or 11%, during the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2006.  The increase in other operating income is more fully depicted in the following chart (in thousands):

             
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Other operating income:
                       
CBIS
  $
21,860
    $
21,189
    $
67,594
    $
63,706
 
Commerce Capital Markets
   
6,938
     
6,851
     
22,243
     
20,348
 
Operating lease revenue
   
4,994
     
4,347
     
15,045
     
11,324
 
Loan brokerage fees
   
2,106
     
2,386
     
7,710
     
6,505
 
Other
   
23,360
     
18,348
     
57,691
     
51,262
 
Total other
  $
59,258
    $
53,121
    $
170,283
    $
153,145
 

Included in all other operating income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 are increased revenues generated by the Company’s eMoney Advisor, credit card and loan divisions, as well as treasury related revenues generated from the Company’s investment portfolio.  These increases were offset by net losses of $4.1 million and $11.6 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, respectively, related to the Company’s equity method investments.

Noninterest Expense

For the third quarter of 2007, noninterest expense totaled $404.4 million, an increase of $61.0 million, or 18%, over the same period in 2006.  For the first nine months of 2007, noninterest expense totaled $1.2 billion, an increase of $162.5 million or 16% over $992.6 million for the first nine months of 2006.  Contributing to this increase was new store activity over the past twelve months, with the number of stores increasing from 402 at September 30, 2006 to 457 at September 30, 2007. With the addition of these new stores, staff, facilities, and related expenses rose accordingly.


19


Other noninterest expense increased $16.2 million, or 23%, and $31.7 million, or 15%, over the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, respectively. The increase in other noninterest expense is more fully depicted in the following chart (in thousands):

             
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Other noninterest expense:
                       
Business development costs
  $
11,743
    $
9,470
    $
33,930
    $
33,519
 
Bank-card related service charges
   
18,015
     
14,715
     
47,048
     
41,248
 
Professional services/Insurance
   
21,276
     
14,618
     
56,609
     
37,350
 
Provision for non-credit-related losses
   
7,956
     
6,858
     
20,085
     
21,566
 
Other
   
27,595
     
24,701
     
81,281
     
73,618
 
Total other
  $
86,585
    $
70,362
    $
238,953
    $
207,301
 

The increase in professional services and insurance expense is primarily attributable to increased FDIC assessments and legal fees.  The Company’s FDIC assessment increased by $5.9 million and $14.2 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2006.

The provision for non-credit-related losses, which includes fraud and forgery losses on deposit and other non-credit-related items increased in the third quarter, but decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to the prior year period, as the Company implemented several loss prevention initiatives.  Business development costs and other expenses were impacted by the Company’s continued focus on controlling costs while continuing to execute its growth model.

The Company’s operating efficiency ratio (noninterest expenses, less other real estate expense, divided by net interest income plus noninterest income excluding non-recurring items and net securities gains and losses) was 75.1% for the first nine months of 2007 as compared to 72.2% for the same 2006 period.  The increase in the operating efficiency ratio is primarily due to the continued difficult interest rate environment and the resulting impact on the Company’s net interest income.  The Company’s efficiency ratio is also impacted by its continued growth expansion activities.

Loan and Asset Quality

Total non-performing assets (non-performing loans and other real estate, excluding loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest) at September 30, 2007 were $100.8 million, or 0.20% of total assets compared to $55.9 million or 0.12% of total assets at June 30, 2007 and $47.3 million or 0.11% of total assets at September 30, 2006.

Total non-performing loans (non-accrual loans and restructured loans, excluding loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest) at September 30, 2007 were $98.1 million or 0.58% of total loans compared to $50.7 million or 0.31% of total loans at June 30, 2007 and $45.3 million or 0.31% of total loans at September 30, 2006. At September 30, 2007, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest amounted to $1.1 million compared to $965 thousand at June 30, 2007 and $441 thousand at September 30, 2006. Additional loans considered as potential problem loans by the Company’s credit review process ($160.0 million at September 30, 2007, compared to $151.3 million at June 30, 2007 and $86.1 million at September 30, 2006) have been evaluated as to risk exposure in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

Total non-performing loans increased by $47.4 million during the third quarter of 2007, primarily the result of two residential development credits, totaling approximately $34.5 million, which were transferred to non-accrual during the quarter.  Other real estate/foreclosed assets totaled $2.7 million at September 30, 2007 as compared to $5.2 million at June 30, 2007 and $2.0 million at September 30, 2006.  These properties/assets have been written down to the lower of cost or fair market value less disposition costs.

20


The following summary presents information regarding non-performing loans and assets as of September 30, 2007 and the preceding four quarters (dollar amounts in thousands).

   
September 30,
2007
   
June 30,
2007
   
March 31,
2007
   
December 31,
2006
   
September 30,
2006
 
Non-accrual loans:
                             
Commercial
  $
25,736
    $
22,381
    $
20,526
    $
33,686
    $
33,658
 
Consumer
   
18,463
     
15,462
     
15,343
     
11,820
     
9,325
 
Real estate:
                                       
Construction
   
44,619
     
8,509
     
8,575
     
3,531
     
496
 
Mortgage
   
9,287
     
4,328
     
2,277
     
1,565
     
1,828
 
Total non-accrual loans
   
98,105
     
50,680
     
46,721
     
50,602
     
45,307
 
                                         
Total non-performing loans
   
98,105
     
50,680
     
46,721
     
50,602
     
45,307
 
                                         
Other real estate/foreclosed assets
   
2,709
     
5,235
     
5,000
     
2,610
     
2,022
 
                                         
Total non-performing assets
   
100,814
     
55,915
     
51,721
     
53,212
     
47,329
 
                                         
Loans past due 90 days or more
                                       
and still accruing
   
1,078
     
965
     
658
     
620
     
441
 
                                         
Total non-performing assets and
                                       
loans past due 90 days or more
  $
101,892
    $
56,880
    $
52,379
    $
53,832
    $
47,770
 
                                         
Total non-performing loans as a
                                       
percentage of total period-end loans
    0.58 %     0.31 %     0.29 %     0.32 %     0.31 %
                                         
Total non-performing assets as a
                                       
percentage of total period-end assets
    0.20 %     0.12 %     0.11 %     0.12 %     0.11 %
                                         
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage
                                       
of total non-performing loans
    190 %     334 %     351 %     317 %     341 %
                                         
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage
                                       
of total period-end loans
    1.09 %     1.04 %     1.03 %     1.03 %     1.05 %
                                         
Total non-performing assets and loans
                                       
past due 90 days or more as a
                                       
percentage of stockholders’ equity and
                                       
allowance for loan losses
    3 %     2 %     2 %     2 %     2 %


21


The Company maintains an allowance for losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio and an allowance for losses on unfunded credit commitments.  The following table presents, for the periods indicated, an analysis of the allowance for credit losses and other related data (dollar amounts in thousands).

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
2006
 
Balance at beginning of period
$169,459
 
$148,383
 
$160,269
 
$141,464
 
$141,464
 
Provisions charged to operating expenses
26,000
 
9,499
 
48,550
 
23,500
 
33,700
 
 
195,459
 
157,882
 
208,819
 
164,964
 
175,164
 
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off:
                   
Commercial
1,084
 
1,707
 
3,270
 
4,335
 
5,987
 
Consumer
255
 
237
 
874
 
1,372
 
1,604
 
Commercial real estate
   
57
 
297
 
375
 
385
 
Total recoveries
1,339
 
2,001
 
4,441
 
6,082
 
7,976
 
                     
Loans charged-off:
                   
Commercial
(5,852
)
(2,968
)
(16,097
)
(10,182
)
(14,107
)
Consumer
(3,142
)
(2,119
)
(8,686
)
(5,803
)
(8,179
)
Commercial real estate
(1,838
)
(224
)
(2,511
)
(489
)
(585
)
Total charge-offs
(10,832
)
(5,311
)
(27,294
)
(16,474
)
(22,871
)
Net charge-offs
(9,493
)
(3,310
)
(22,853
)
(10,392
)
(14,895
)
                     
Balance at end of period
$185,966
 
$154,572
 
$185,966
 
$154,572
 
$160,269
 
                     
Net charge-offs as a percentage of
                   
average loans outstanding
0.23
%
0.09
%
0.19
%
0.10
%
0.11
%
                     
Net reserve additions
$16,507
 
$6,189
 
$25,697
 
$13,108
 
$18,805
 
                     
Components:
                   
Allowance for loan and lease losses
       
$177,329
 
$146,791
 
$152,053
 
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments
       
8,637
 
7,781
 
8,216
 
Total allowance for credit losses
       
$185,966
 
$154,572
 
$160,269
 
                     
During the third quarter of 2007, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding were 0.23%, as compared to 0.09% for the third quarter of 2006.  During the first nine months of 2007, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding were 0.19%, as compared to 0.10% for the same period in 2006.  The increase in net charge-offs during the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 was reflective of the current credit cycle; however, total net charge-offs remained within the Company’s expected range. Net reserve additions for the third quarter and first nine months of 2007 were reflective of the growth in the Company’s loan portfolio, as well as the increased provision related to two residential development credits being moved to non-accrual status.

The Company considers the allowance for credit losses of $186.0 million adequate to cover probable credit losses in the loan and lease portfolio and on unfunded credit commitments. The allowance for credit losses is increased by provisions charged to expense and reduced by charge-offs net of recoveries. The level of the allowance for loan and lease losses is based on an evaluation of individual large classified loans and nonaccrual loans, estimated losses based on risk characteristics of loans in the portfolio and other qualitative factors.  The level of the allowance for losses on unfunded credit commitments is based on a risk characteristic methodology similar to that used in determining the allowance for loan and lease losses, taking into consideration the probability of funding these commitments.  While the allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered to be adequate by management for estimated credit losses, determination of the allowance is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.

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Forward-Looking Statements

The Company may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements”, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including this Form 10-Q), in its reports to shareholders and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions, that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control). The words “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause the Company’s financial performance or other forward looking statements to differ materially from that expressed in such forward-looking statements: the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts operations; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; inflation; interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations (including the housing market); the impact of the Company’s announced transaction with TD; the timely development of competitive new products and services by the Company and the acceptance of such products and services by customers; the willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for the Company’s products and services and vice versa; the impact of changes in financial services’ laws and regulations (including laws concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance); technological changes; the expense savings and revenue enhancements from acquisitions being less than expected; the growth and profitability of the Company’s noninterest or fee income being less than expected; the ability to maintain the growth and further development of the Company’s community-based retail branching network; regulatory or judicial proceedings (including those regulatory and other approvals necessary to open new stores); changes in consumer spending and saving habits; and the success of the Company at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.  The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.

The Company cautions that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements the Company has anticipated in such forward-looking statements.  You should note that many factors, some of which are discussed in this Form 10-Q could affect the Company’s future financial results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the Company’s forward-looking statements contained in this document.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity” in Part I, Item 2 above.



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Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

The Company’s management, with the participation of its principal executive officer, or persons performing similar functions, and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) Rule 13a-15(e), as of September 30, 2007.  Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer, or persons performing similar functions, and principal financial officer, concluded that, as of September 30, 2007, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a - 15(e), were effective, at the reasonable assurance level, to ensure that (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
  
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

The Company’s management, with the participation of its principal executive officer, or persons performing similar functions, and principal financial officer, also conducted an evaluation of changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management determined that no changes were made to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a – 15(f), during the third quarter of 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. The Company conducts periodic evaluations to enhance, where necessary its procedures and controls.


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PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Shareholder Derivative Lawsuits

Three purported shareholder derivative complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on January 22, 2007, May 11, 2007 and July 17, 2007, respectively, by parties identifying themselves as shareholders of the Company purporting to act on behalf of the Company against certain present and former directors and officers of the Company and their related interests. The Company is also named as a “nominal defendant” in each of the suits.  The suits allege breaches of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment arising from certain related party transactions. The complaints seek monetary damages, disgorgement, and other relief against the defendants on behalf of the Company. The complaints do not seek monetary damages from the Company but do seek that the Company take certain corrective actions.

In response to the complaints, the Board has established a Special Litigation Committee (made up of independent directors) to independently investigate, review and analyze the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations made in the complaints.  The Special Litigation Committee has engaged its own counsel to assist in its investigation.  Pending the outcome of its investigation, the Special Litigation Committee will determine the actions, if any, that the Company should take with respect to the matters raised in the complaints.

All three federal actions have been stayed pending the issuance of the report by the Special Litigation Committee.

Merger Related Shareholder Suits

Since the announcement on October 2, 2007 of the signing of the Merger Agreement by TD, Cardinal Merger Company and the Company, ten putative shareholder class action lawsuits related to the merger have been filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Camden and Essex Counties.  All of the complaints name as defendants the Company and certain of the Company’s directors and officers, and seven of the ten complaints name TD as a defendant.  The complaints have been consolidated in the New Jersey Superior Court, Camden County, Law Division. The lawsuits allege, among other things, that the consideration agreed to in the Merger Agreement is inadequate and unfair to the Company’s shareholders and that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties in approving the Merger Agreement and pursuing the plan of merger as described therein by failing to maximize shareholder value, creating deterrents to other offers and shareholder dissent (including by agreeing to pay a termination fee to TD under certain circumstances set forth in the Merger Agreement), and by putting the personal interests of certain of the Company’s directors ahead of the interests of the shareholders.  The complaints further allege that TD aided and abetted the directors in breaching their respective fiduciary duties.

In addition, a motion to amend a complaint previously filed by one of the plaintiffs from the federal derivative complaints described above was filed on October 19, 2007.  The proposed amendment seeks to add allegations similar to those set forth in the merger related shareholder suits.  Specifically, the claim that the consideration agreed to in the Merger Agreement is inadequate and unfair to the Company’s shareholders and that the Board members breached their fiduciary duties in approving the Merger Agreement and pursuing the Merger with TD.

All of the lawsuits seek injunctive, declaratory and other equitable relief as well as monetary damages.  The litigation is in its preliminary stage.  The Company believes that these lawsuits are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the actions.

SEC Investigation

The Company has been advised that an investigation is being conducted by the Staff of the SEC.  The Company has further been advised that the scope of the investigation will include, but not necessarily be limited to, transactions with its current and former officers, directors, and related parties, including transactions involving bank premises.  The Company is fully cooperating with the SEC with respect to the investigation.

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Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Except for the additional risk factor set forth below and the risk factor set forth in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2007, the risk factors in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K have not materially changed.

The Company has been advised that the SEC is conducting an investigation of the Company.

The Company has been advised that an investigation is being conducted by the Staff of the SEC.  The Company has further been advised that the scope of the investigation will include, but not be limited to, transactions with its current and former officers, directors and related parties, including transactions involving bank premises.  The Company is fully cooperating with the SEC with respect to the investigation.  The Company cannot predict how or when the investigation will be resolved or whether the investigation will have a material adverse effect on its growth, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
 
 
 
 
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1 to July 31, 2007
       
August 1 to August 31, 2007
103,430
$33.98
   
September 1 to September 30, 2007
       
Total
103,430
$33.98
   
 
(1) Purchases were made by the Company for the payment of income taxes on the exercise of stock options by a former executive officer.


Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits

Exhibit 10.1 *
   
Exhibit 31.1
   
Exhibit 31.2
   
Exhibit 32
 
*  Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



   
COMMERCE BANCORP, INC.
   
(Registrant)
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
NOVEMBER 8, 2007
 
/s/ DOUGLAS J. PAULS
(Date)
 
DOUGLAS J. PAULS
   
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
   
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
   
(PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER)

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