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Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Earnings Per Share of $.98

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH) announced earnings of $.98 per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $.98 per share in the same quarter last year and $.96 per share in the prior quarter. Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. for the third quarter of 2019 amounted to $109.2 million, compared to $112.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 and $108.0 million in the prior quarter. For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.72%, the return on average common equity was 14.2% and the efficiency ratio was 56.7%.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, earnings per common share totaled $2.79 compared to $2.82 for the first nine months of 2018. Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. amounted to $314.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $323.9 million in the comparable period last year. Year to date, the return on average assets was 1.68%, and the return on average common equity was 14.1%.

In announcing these results, John Kemper, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to announce another quarter of strong operating results, driven by growth in our diversified, fee-based businesses. Fee income totaled $132.7 million this quarter and represented 39% of our total revenue. Compared to the same period last year, fee income grew 7.3%, driven mainly by increases in bank card, trust, and loan fees and sales. Average loan growth was stronger this quarter compared to the previous quarter mainly due to demand for business loans, primarily commercial and industrial loans. Also, we continued to see strong demand for residential mortgage loans this quarter, which resulted in higher average loan balances and higher fee income. Net interest income contracted in the third quarter of 2019 mostly due to lower inflation income from our inflation-protected securities and less interest on floating rate commercial loans that are indexed to LIBOR. Adjusted for inflation income, the net yield on interest earning assets decreased ten basis points. While the recent drop in interest rates has started to impact net interest income, the strength of our fee-based businesses, disciplined approach to credit, and focus on expense management are mitigating some of the adverse effects of the declining interest rate environment.”

Mr. Kemper continued, “This quarter net loan charge-offs totaled $11.5 million, compared to $11.3 million in the prior quarter and $9.8 million in the third quarter of 2018, as the overall credit environment remained favorable. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans was .32% in both the current and previous quarters and .28% in the third quarter of last year. Net loan charge-offs on commercial loans totaled $291 thousand this quarter and remained exceptionally low, while net loan charge-offs on personal banking loans increased slightly to $11.2 million. During the current quarter, the provision for loan losses totaled $11.0 million, or $500 thousand lower than net loan charge-offs. The allowance for loan losses amounted to $160.7 million at September 30, 2019, or 1.11% of period end loans. Non-performing assets totaled $12.2 million this quarter and remained at very low levels.”

Total assets at September 30, 2019 were $25.9 billion, total loans were $14.5 billion, and total deposits were $20.3 billion. During the quarter, the Company paid a common cash dividend of $.26 per share, representing a 16.1% increase over the rate paid in 2018, and paid a 6% cash dividend on its preferred stock. The Company purchased 2,576,012 of its common shares this quarter.

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. is a regional bank holding company offering a full line of banking services, including payment solutions, investment management and securities brokerage. Commerce Bank, a subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., leverages more than 150 years of proven strength and experience to help individuals and businesses solve financial challenges. In addition to offering payment solutions across the U.S., Commerce Bank currently operates full service banking facilities across the Midwest including the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas, Springfield, Central Missouri, Central Illinois, Wichita, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Denver. It also maintains commercial offices in Dallas, Houston, Cincinnati, Nashville, Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Grand Rapids. Commerce delivers high-touch service and sophisticated financial solutions at regional branches, commercial offices, ATMs, online, mobile and through a 24/7 customer service line.

This financial news release, including management's discussion of third quarter results, is posted to the Company's web site at www.commercebank.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For additional information, contact
Matthew Burkemper, Investor Relations
at 8000 Forsyth, Mailstop: CBIR-1
Clayton, MO 63105
or by telephone at (314) 746-7485
Web Site: http://www.commercebank.com
Email: matthew.burkemper@commercebank.com

 

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

For the Three Months Ended

For the Nine Months Ended

(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

September 30,
2019

June 30,
2019

September 30,
2018

September 30,
2019

September 30,
2018

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Net interest income

$203,512

$211,634

$207,754

$618,634

$611,605

Non-interest income

132,743

127,259

123,714

381,242

368,254

Total revenue

336,255

338,893

331,468

999,876

979,859

Investment securities gains (losses), net

4,909

(110

)

4,306

3,874

6,641

Provision for loan losses

10,963

11,806

9,999

35,232

30,438

Non-interest expense

191,020

189,779

185,059

572,224

549,196

Income before taxes

139,181

137,198

140,716

396,294

406,866

Income taxes

29,101

28,899

26,647

80,860

79,412

Non-controlling interest expense

838

328

1,493

1,083

3,564

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

109,242

107,971

112,576

314,351

323,890

Preferred stock dividends

2,250

2,250

2,250

6,750

6,750

Net income available to common shareholders

$106,992

$105,721

$110,326

$307,601

$317,140

Earnings per common share:

Net income — basic

$.98

$.96

$.99

$2.79

$2.83

Net income — diluted

$.98

$.96

$.98

$2.79

$2.82

Effective tax rate

21.04

%

21.11

%

19.14

%

20.46

%

19.69

%

Tax equivalent net interest income

$206,958

$215,203

$211,368

$629,265

$623,781

Average total interest earning assets (1)

$23,947,084

$23,939,495

$23,826,980

$23,920,745

$23,735,128

Diluted wtd. average shares outstanding

107,856,257

109,752,238

111,260,224

109,294,206

111,285,069

RATIOS

Average loans to deposits (2)

72.48

%

70.97

%

69.28

%

71.47

%

69.07

%

Return on total average assets

1.72

1.73

1.81

1.68

1.76

Return on average common equity (3)

14.21

14.46

16.43

14.11

16.27

Non-interest income to total revenue

39.48

37.55

37.32

38.13

37.58

Efficiency ratio (4)

56.66

55.88

55.73

57.08

55.95

Net yield on interest earning assets

3.43

3.61

3.52

3.52

3.51

EQUITY SUMMARY

Cash dividends per common share

$.260

$.260

$.224

$.780

$.671

Cash dividends on common stock

$27,993

$28,682

$25,059

$85,533

$75,261

Cash dividends on preferred stock

$2,250

$2,250

$2,250

$6,750

$6,750

Book value per common share (5)

$27.58

$27.53

$23.84

Market value per common share (5)

$60.65

$59.66

$62.88

High market value per common share

$61.84

$61.96

$69.10

Low market value per common share

$54.65

$56.63

$61.26

Common shares outstanding (5)

107,364,746

109,927,645

111,691,094

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (6)

10.95

%

11.25

%

10.10

%

Tier I leverage ratio

11.32

%

11.75

%

11.38

%

OTHER QTD INFORMATION

Number of bank/ATM locations

316

319

322

Full-time equivalent employees

4,873

4,857

4,797

(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).

All share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the 5% stock dividend distributed in December 2018.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Three Months Ended

For the Nine Months Ended

(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

September 30,
2019

June 30,
2019

March 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

September 30,
2018

September 30,
2019

September 30,
2018

Interest income

$231,743

$238,412

$227,865

$232,832

$224,751

$698,020

$656,369

Interest expense

28,231

26,778

24,377

20,612

16,997

79,386

44,764

Net interest income

203,512

211,634

203,488

212,220

207,754

618,634

611,605

Provision for loan losses

10,963

11,806

12,463

12,256

9,999

35,232

30,438

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

192,549

199,828

191,025

199,964

197,755

583,402

581,167

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Bank card transaction fees

44,510

42,646

39,644

44,481

42,427

126,800

127,095

Trust fees

39,592

38,375

37,256

37,466

37,400

115,223

110,498

Deposit account charges and other fees

24,032

23,959

23,018

23,887

23,755

71,009

70,630

Capital market fees

1,787

1,944

1,879

1,843

1,595

5,610

5,878

Consumer brokerage services

4,030

3,888

3,747

4,184

3,884

11,665

11,623

Loan fees and sales

4,755

4,238

3,309

3,053

3,579

12,302

9,670

Other

14,037

12,209

12,387

18,173

11,074

38,633

32,860

Total non-interest income

132,743

127,259

121,240

133,087

123,714

381,242

368,254

INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET

4,909

(110

)

(925

)

(7,129

)

4,306

3,874

6,641

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Salaries and employee benefits

123,836

120,062

122,128

120,517

116,194

366,026

347,677

Net occupancy

12,293

11,145

11,501

11,711

11,631

34,939

34,333

Equipment

4,941

4,790

4,471

4,508

4,592

14,202

13,617

Supplies and communication

5,106

5,275

5,162

5,095

5,103

15,543

15,542

Data processing and software

23,457

23,248

22,260

22,216

22,056

68,965

63,762

Marketing

6,048

6,015

5,900

5,602

4,999

17,963

14,946

Deposit insurance

1,621

1,693

1,710

1,796

3,167

5,024

9,750

Community service

564

641

803

480

580

2,008

1,965

Other

13,154

16,910

17,490

16,700

16,737

47,554

47,604

Total non-interest expense

191,020

189,779

191,425

188,625

185,059

572,224

549,196

Income before income taxes

139,181

137,198

119,915

137,297

140,716

396,294

406,866

Less income taxes

29,101

28,899

22,860

26,537

26,647

80,860

79,412

Net income

110,080

108,299

97,055

110,760

114,069

315,434

327,454

Less non-controlling interest expense (income)

838

328

(83

)

1,108

1,493

1,083

3,564

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

109,242

107,971

97,138

109,652

112,576

314,351

323,890

Less preferred stock dividends

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,250

2,250

6,750

6,750

Net income available to common shareholders

$106,992

$105,721

$94,888

$107,402

$110,326

$307,601

$317,140

Net income per common share — basic

$.98

$.96

$.85

$.96

$.99

$2.79

$2.83

Net income per common share — diluted

$.98

$.96

$.85

$.96

$.98

$2.79

$2.82

OTHER INFORMATION

Return on total average assets

1.72

%

1.73

%

1.58

%

1.75

%

1.81

%

1.68

%

1.76

%

Return on average common equity (1)

14.21

14.46

13.64

15.85

16.43

14.11

16.27

Efficiency ratio (2)

56.66

55.88

58.76

54.53

55.73

57.08

55.95

Effective tax rate

21.04

21.11

19.05

19.49

19.14

20.46

19.69

Net yield on interest earning assets

3.43

3.61

3.52

3.58

3.52

3.52

3.51

Tax equivalent net interest income

$206,958

$215,203

$207,104

$216,281

$211,368

$629,265

$623,781

(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)

September 30,
2019

June 30,
2019

September 30,
2018

ASSETS

Loans

Business

$

5,393,268

$

5,257,682

$

4,966,722

Real estate — construction and land

932,737

909,784

999,691

Real estate — business

2,833,146

2,867,831

2,726,042

Real estate — personal

2,226,663

2,160,515

2,120,672

Consumer

1,953,690

1,927,623

1,967,465

Revolving home equity

349,111

357,406

375,322

Consumer credit card

766,743

776,333

788,111

Overdrafts

7,236

3,074

11,534

Total loans

14,462,594

14,260,248

13,955,559

Allowance for loan losses

(160,682

)

(161,182

)

(159,732

)

Net loans

14,301,912

14,099,066

13,795,827

Loans held for sale

20,064

20,067

16,890

Investment securities:

Available for sale debt securities

8,660,419

8,682,303

8,674,986

Trading debt securities

35,918

36,508

19,676

Equity securities

4,186

4,744

4,467

Other securities

147,211

130,038

127,120

Total investment securities

8,847,734

8,853,593

8,826,249

Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

2,850

14,375

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

850,000

700,000

700,000

Interest earning deposits with banks

344,129

492,318

334,752

Cash and due from banks

512,254

456,192

443,004

Premises and equipment — net

365,949

363,554

331,869

Goodwill

138,921

138,921

138,921

Other intangible assets — net

9,139

8,763

8,470

Other assets

483,527

639,700

452,035

Total assets

$

25,876,479

$

25,772,174

$

25,062,392

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Deposits:

Non-interest bearing

$

6,816,527

$

6,274,838

$

6,728,605

Savings, interest checking and money market

11,424,404

11,452,849

11,733,057

Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000

627,630

613,505

585,765

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over

1,441,590

1,488,416

1,086,193

Total deposits

20,310,151

19,829,608

20,133,620

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

1,641,274

2,394,294

1,862,117

Other borrowings

257,383

4,510

1,534

Other liabilities

561,657

372,399

257,311

Total liabilities

22,770,465

22,600,811

22,254,582

Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock

144,784

144,784

144,784

Common stock

559,432

559,432

535,407

Capital surplus

2,042,643

2,077,491

1,804,031

Retained earnings

463,231

384,232

493,641

Treasury stock

(251,663

)

(106,106

)

(33,174

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

144,173

108,898

(141,596

)

Total stockholders’ equity

3,102,600

3,168,731

2,803,093

Non-controlling interest

3,414

2,632

4,717

Total equity

3,106,014

3,171,363

2,807,810

Total liabilities and equity

$

25,876,479

$

25,772,174

$

25,062,392

 

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

For the Three Months Ended

September 30,
2019

June 30,
2019

March 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

September 30,
2018

ASSETS:

Loans:

Business

$

5,263,312

$

5,142,794

$

5,084,920

$

5,028,635

$

4,926,063

Real estate — construction and land

920,206

908,777

907,062

953,166

992,045

Real estate — business

2,883,379

2,868,503

2,864,177

2,757,595

2,732,968

Real estate — personal

2,175,156

2,135,048

2,119,365

2,122,357

2,110,945

Consumer

1,924,434

1,907,979

1,929,202

1,962,401

1,984,643

Revolving home equity

354,040

361,673

370,962

374,216

373,819

Consumer credit card

763,377

766,080

781,167

788,353

774,512

Overdrafts

9,240

4,889

4,205

5,277

4,704

Total loans

14,293,144

14,095,743

14,061,060

13,992,000

13,899,699

Allowance for loan losses

(160,387

)

(161,403

)

(159,275

)

(158,880

)

(158,840

)

Net loans

14,132,757

13,934,340

13,901,785

13,833,120

13,740,859

Loans held for sale

19,882

20,731

18,350

18,475

18,201

Investment securities:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

825,544

843,974

909,466

923,545

923,557

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

181,929

199,506

199,480

214,913

261,938

State and municipal obligations

1,172,259

1,222,008

1,283,349

1,361,079

1,375,768

Mortgage-backed securities

4,712,508

4,614,703

4,360,428

4,379,805

4,434,119

Asset-backed securities

1,297,685

1,412,452

1,525,623

1,518,706

1,427,041

Other debt securities

334,218

331,459

335,612

339,841

339,952

Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities

152,706

42,009

(48,925

)

(166,181

)

(119,319

)

Total available for sale debt securities

8,676,849

8,666,111

8,565,033

8,571,708

8,643,056

Trading debt securities

29,622

30,169

25,411

26,322

24,490

Equity securities

4,705

4,717

4,568

4,432

4,466

Other securities

134,896

130,433

130,057

127,634

120,206

Total investment securities

8,846,072

8,831,430

8,725,069

8,730,096

8,792,218

Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

1,080

1,601

4,797

14,415

13,042

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

713,030

700,000

700,000

699,999

685,869

Interest earning deposits with banks

226,582

331,999

316,660

352,942

298,632

Other assets

1,292,191

1,251,555

1,197,261

1,158,816

1,147,250

Total assets

$

25,231,594

$

25,071,656

$

24,863,922

$

24,807,863

$

24,696,071

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

Non-interest bearing deposits

$

6,290,036

$

6,335,620

$

6,324,738

$

6,666,715

$

6,677,665

Savings

924,581

929,974

896,378

870,844

877,347

Interest checking and money market

10,409,111

10,642,648

10,762,550

10,840,048

10,839,310

Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000

620,138

605,440

590,200

584,828

593,936

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over

1,503,805

1,378,402

1,267,517

1,090,546

1,100,299

Total deposits

19,747,671

19,892,084

19,841,383

20,052,981

20,088,557

Borrowings:

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

1,884,939

1,793,526

1,771,534

1,655,997

1,499,837

Other borrowings

77,248

1,318

1,248

1,335

1,833

Total borrowings

1,962,187

1,794,844

1,772,782

1,657,332

1,501,670

Other liabilities

390,560

307,433

284,018

264,449

296,884

Total liabilities

22,100,418

21,994,361

21,898,183

21,974,762

21,887,111

Equity

3,131,176

3,077,295

2,965,739

2,833,101

2,808,960

Total liabilities and equity

$

25,231,594

$

25,071,656

$

24,863,922

$

24,807,863

$

24,696,071

 

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

AVERAGE RATES

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended

September 30,
2019

June 30,
2019

March 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

September 30,
2018

ASSETS:

Loans:

Business (1)

3.85

%

4.02

%

4.07

%

3.93

%

3.80

%

Real estate — construction and land

5.46

5.63

5.73

5.47

5.21

Real estate — business

4.42

4.60

4.61

4.53

4.35

Real estate — personal

3.91

3.97

4.00

3.87

3.83

Consumer

4.88

4.77

4.73

4.62

4.46

Revolving home equity

5.17

5.20

5.17

4.98

4.72

Consumer credit card

12.42

12.33

12.18

11.91

11.99

Overdrafts

Total loans

4.71

4.82

4.85

4.72

4.59

Loans held for sale

6.15

6.98

7.38

6.59

6.87

Investment securities:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

2.36

4.66

.78

1.90

2.23

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

2.69

2.32

2.35

2.24

2.10

State and municipal obligations (1)

3.14

3.18

3.19

3.06

2.98

Mortgage-backed securities

2.61

2.70

2.76

2.75

2.65

Asset-backed securities

2.80

2.79

2.70

2.55

2.42

Other debt securities

2.63

2.68

2.69

2.60

2.59

Total available for sale debt securities

2.69

2.97

2.59

2.65

2.60

Trading debt securities (1)

2.91

3.14

3.24

3.21

3.13

Equity securities (1)

35.67

35.97

37.55

39.92

32.69

Other securities (1)

6.19

6.69

5.73

15.51

13.00

Total investment securities

2.76

3.04

2.66

2.86

2.76

Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

2.57

2.76

2.79

2.56

2.10

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

2.01

2.11

2.18

2.31

2.26

Interest earning deposits with banks

2.17

2.40

2.42

2.28

1.96

Total interest earning assets

3.90

4.05

3.93

3.92

3.80

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

Interest bearing deposits:

Savings

.11

.11

.11

.11

.11

Interest checking and money market

.38

.38

.35

.30

.26

Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000

1.11

1.01

.87

.70

.56

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over

1.99

2.02

1.92

1.61

1.41

Total interest bearing deposits

.58

.55

.51

.41

.35

Borrowings:

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

1.74

1.80

1.72

1.60

1.33

Other borrowings

2.33

1.52

1.62

2.67

2.60

Total borrowings

1.76

1.80

1.72

1.60

1.33

Total interest bearing liabilities

.73

%

.70

%

.65

%

.54

%

.45

%

Net yield on interest earning assets

3.43

%

3.61

%

3.52

%

3.58

%

3.52

%

(1) Stated on a tax equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 21%.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CREDIT QUALITY

For the Three Months Ended

For the Nine Months Ended

(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)

September 30,
2019

June 30,
2019

March 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

September 30,
2018

September 30,
2019

September 30,
2018

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Balance at beginning of period

$

161,182

$

160,682

$

159,932

$

159,732

$

159,532

$

159,932

$

159,532

Provision for losses

10,963

11,806

12,463

12,256

9,999

35,232

30,438

Net charge-offs (recoveries):

Commercial portfolio:

Business

335

284

447

1,748

332

1,066

354

Real estate — construction and land

(101

)

(16

)

(183

)

(119

)

(117

)

(452

)

Real estate — business

(44

)

(14

)

(37

)

(91

)

(42

)

(95

)

(287

)

291

169

394

1,474

171

854

(385

)

Personal banking portfolio:

Consumer credit card

8,568

9,066

8,958

7,421

7,340

26,592

23,157

Consumer

2,069

1,723

1,924

2,805

2,091

5,716

6,481

Overdraft

446

253

317

500

351

1,016

1,121

Real estate — personal

(30

)

(21

)

101

(144

)

(153

)

50

(191

)

Revolving home equity

119

116

19

(1

)

254

55

11,172

11,137

11,319

10,582

9,628

33,628

30,623

Total net loan charge-offs

11,463

11,306

11,713

12,056

9,799

34,482

30,238

Balance at end of period

$

160,682

$

161,182

$

160,682

$

159,932

$

159,732

$

160,682

$

159,732

NET CHARGE-OFF RATIOS*

Commercial portfolio:

Business

.03

%

.02

%

.04

%

.14

%

.03

%

.03

%

.01

%

Real estate — construction and land

(.04

)

(.01

)

(.08

)

(.05

)

(.02

)

(.06

)

Real estate — business

(.01

)

(.01

)

(.01

)

(.01

)

(.01

)

.01

.01

.02

.07

.01

.01

(.01

)

Personal banking portfolio:

Consumer credit card

4.45

4.75

4.65

3.73

3.76

4.62

4.06

Consumer

.43

.36

.40

.57

.42

.40

.43

Overdraft

19.15

20.76

30.57

37.59

29.60

22.16

32.51

Real estate — personal

(.01

)

.02

(.03

)

(.03

)

(.01

)

Revolving home equity

.13

.13

.02

.09

.02

.85

.86

.88

.80

.73

.86

.78

Total

.32

%

.32

%

.34

%

.34

%

.28

%

.33

%

.29

%

CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS

Non-performing assets to total loans

.08

%

.08

%

.09

%

.10

%

.07

%

Non-performing assets to total assets

.05

.05

.05

.05

.04

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

1.11

1.13

1.14

1.13

1.14

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

Non-accrual loans:

Business

$

7,753

$

8,428

$

8,569

$

8,985

$

5,131

Real estate — construction and land

3

3

4

4

4

Real estate — business

2,359

950

1,746

1,715

1,467

Real estate — personal

1,618

1,752

1,848

1,832

1,767

Total

11,733

11,133

12,167

12,536

8,369

Foreclosed real estate

502

897

737

1,413

1,181

Total non-performing assets

$

12,235

$

12,030

$

12,904

$

13,949

$

9,550

Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest

$

16,308

$

16,532

$

16,655

$

16,658

$

13,991

*as a percentage of average loans (excluding loans held for sale)

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
Management Discussion of Third Quarter Results
September 30, 2019

For the quarter ended September 30, 2019, net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (net income) amounted to $109.2 million, compared to $108.0 million in the previous quarter and $112.6 million in the same quarter last year. The increase in net income over the previous quarter was primarily the result of higher non-interest income and gains on investment securities, partly offset by lower net interest income. Non-interest income increased $5.5 million and securities gains increased $5.0 million over the previous quarter. Excluding inflation income on inflation protected securities (TIPs), the net interest margin declined ten basis points to 3.40%, mainly due to lower rates on interest earning assets. Average loans increased $196.6 million over the previous quarter, while average deposits decreased $144.4 million. For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.72%, the return on average common equity was 14.2%, and the efficiency ratio was 56.7%.

Balance Sheet Review

During the 3rd quarter of 2019, average loans totaled $14.3 billion, or an increase of $196.6 million over the prior quarter, and grew $395.1 million, or 2.8%, over the same quarter last year. Period-end loans grew $202.3 million over the prior quarter and $510.2 million over September 30, 2018. Compared to the previous quarter, average business loans grew $120.5 million, and average personal real estate loans grew $40.1 million. Average consumer, business real estate, and construction loans also grew this quarter (growth of $16.5 million, $14.9 million, and $11.4 million, respectively). This growth was partly offset by declines in average revolving home equity and consumer credit card lending activities. Growth in business loans was the result of increased commercial and industrial lending activities. Personal real estate loans grew on higher loan originations during the 3rd quarter of 2019 compared to the previous quarter. Growth in average consumer loans was driven by higher demand for auto, health services financing, and other consumer lending, but was partially offset by lower marine/RV, fixed home equity and other vehicle and equipment lending. During the current quarter, the Company sold certain fixed rate personal real estate loans totaling $71.5 million, compared to $60.4 million in the prior quarter.

Total average available for sale debt securities increased $10.7 million over the previous quarter to $8.7 billion, at fair value. The increase in investment securities was mainly the result of growth in average mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by declines in average asset-backed, state and municipal securities, U.S. government and federal agency obligations, and government-sponsored enterprise obligations. Additionally, the average balance of unrealized gains on available for sale debt securities increased $110.7 million during the current quarter. Purchases of securities during the quarter totaled $354.8 million, and sales, maturities and pay downs were $396.7 million. At September 30, 2019, the duration of the investment portfolio was 2.6 years, and maturities and pay downs of approximately $1.3 billion are expected to occur during the next 12 months.

Total average deposits decreased $144.4 million this quarter compared to the previous quarter. The decrease in average deposits resulted from declines in interest checking and money market deposits ($233.5 million) and trust demand deposits ($102.0 million). These decreases were partially offset by increases in certificates of deposit ($140.1 million) and other demand deposits ($56.4 million), respectively. Compared to the previous quarter, total average consumer and wealth deposits (including private banking) declined $106.3 million and $154.8 million, respectively, while average commercial deposits increased $96.0 million this quarter. The average loans to deposits ratio was 72.5% in the current quarter and 71.0% in the prior quarter. The Company’s average borrowings, which includes customer repurchase agreements, were $2.0 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2019 and $1.8 billion in the prior quarter.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income in the 3rd quarter of 2019 amounted to $203.5 million compared to $211.6 million in the previous quarter, a decrease of $8.1 million. On a tax equivalent basis, net interest income for the current quarter decreased $8.2 million from the previous quarter to $207.0 million. The decline in net interest income was mainly due to a $4.8 million decrease this quarter in inflation income on TIPs. Excluding changes in TIPs, net interest income decreased $3.5 million, while the adjusted net yield on earning assets (tax equivalent) decreased to 3.40%, compared to 3.50% in the prior quarter.

Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans (tax equivalent) increased $216 thousand, mostly as a result of higher loan balances and yields on consumer loans, combined with higher yields on consumer credit card loans. Growth in average commercial loan balances also contributed to increases in net interest income, but the increase was offset by lower yields on those loans. The average tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio declined 11 basis points this quarter to 4.71%, compared to 4.82% in the previous quarter, as yields on commercial loans contracted, more than offsetting yield growth on consumer and consumer credit card loans.

Interest income on investment securities (tax equivalent) decreased $6.1 million from the previous quarter, mainly due to the lower inflation income on TIPs, as noted above. The yield on total investment securities was 2.76% in the current quarter, down from 3.04% in the previous quarter.

Interest costs on deposits totaled 58 basis points in the 3rd quarter of 2019, compared to 55 basis points in the prior quarter. Interest expense on deposits increased $789 thousand this quarter compared to the previous quarter mainly due to higher balances of certificates of deposit (CD), mainly in jumbo CD balances. Borrowing costs increased $664 thousand this quarter due to higher balances of federal funds purchased and higher balances and rates on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. The overall rate paid on interest bearing liabilities was .73% in the current quarter, compared to .70% in the prior quarter.

Non-Interest Income

In the 3rd quarter of 2019, total non-interest income amounted to $132.7 million, an increase of $9.0 million, or 7.3%, compared to the same period last year and increased $5.5 million, or 4.3%, compared to the prior quarter. The increase in non-interest income over the same period last year was mainly due to growth in net bank card, trust, loan fees and sales, and swap fees, coupled with gains on sales of assets.

Total net bank card fees in the current quarter increased $2.1 million, or 4.9%, over the same period last year, and increased $1.9 million, or 4.4%, compared to the prior quarter. Net corporate card fees increased $1.1 million, or 4.6%, over the same quarter last year mainly due to lower rewards expense. Net debit card fees increased $573 thousand, or 5.8%, due to higher interchange income. Net merchant income declined $684 thousand, or 13.2%, mainly due to higher network expense, while net credit card fees increased $1.1 million, or 41.2% on lower rewards expense and higher interchange revenue. Total net bank card fees this quarter were comprised of fees on corporate card ($25.9 million), debit card ($10.5 million), merchant ($4.5 million) and credit card ($3.6 million) transactions.

In the current quarter, trust fees increased $2.2 million, or 5.9%, over the same period last year, resulting from continued growth in private client fee income. Compared to the same period last year, deposit account fees increased $277 thousand, or 1.2%, due to growth in corporate cash management fees, partially offset by lower overdraft and deposit account fees.

During the 3rd quarter of 2019, loan fees and sales increased $1.2 million, or 32.9%, over amounts recorded in the same quarter last year, mainly due to higher mortgage banking revenue. In addition, other non-interest income included growth of $871 thousand in swap fees and $954 thousand in gains on the sales of leased assets to customers upon lease termination. Non-interest income comprised 39.5% of the Company’s total revenue this quarter.

Investment Securities Gains and Losses

The Company recorded net securities gains of $4.9 million in the current quarter, compared to losses of $110 thousand in the prior quarter and gains of $4.3 million in the 3rd quarter of 2018. Net securities gains in the current quarter resulted mainly from proceeds received on an equity investment and unrealized fair value gains in the Company’s private equity investment portfolio.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the current quarter amounted to $191.0 million, compared to $185.1 million in the same period last year and $189.8 million in the prior quarter. The increase in non-interest expense compared to the same period last year was mainly due to higher salaries and employee benefits, data processing and software and marketing expense, partly offset by lower deposit insurance expense and other non-interest expense.

Compared to the 3rd quarter of last year, salaries and employee benefits expense increased $7.6 million, or 6.6%, driven mainly by growth in full-time salary costs and higher medical expense, partly offset by lower incentive compensation expense. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,873 and 4,797 at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

For the current quarter compared to the same quarter of last year, marketing costs increased $1.0 million mainly due to increased marketing efforts for consumer deposit customers and healthcare banking initiatives. Data processing and software expense increased $1.4 million due to higher costs for service providers and higher bank card processing expense. Occupancy expense also increased $662 thousand, while deposit insurance expense declined $1.5 million on reduced FDIC insurance rates. Other non-interest expense decreased from the 3rd quarter of 2018 partly due to lower professional fees and travel and entertainment expenses.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the Company was 21.0% in the current quarter, 21.1% in the previous quarter, and 19.1% in the 3rd quarter of 2018.

Credit Quality

Net loan charge-offs in the 3rd quarter of 2019 amounted to $11.5 million, compared to $11.3 million in the prior quarter and $9.8 million in the same period last year. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to total average loans was .32% in both the current and previous quarters and .28% in the 3rd quarter of last year. Compared to prior quarter, net loan charge-offs on commercial loans increased $122 thousand to $291 thousand, while net loan charge-offs on personal banking loans increased $35 thousand to $11.2 million.

In the 3rd quarter of 2019, annualized net loan charge-offs on average consumer credit card loans were 4.45%, compared to 4.75% in the previous quarter, and 3.76% in the same quarter last year. Consumer loan net charge-offs were .43% of average consumer loans in the current quarter, .36% in the prior quarter and .42% in the same quarter last year. This quarter, the provision for loan losses totaled $11.0 million, or $500 thousand lower than net loan charge-offs. At September 30, 2019, the allowance totaled $160.7 million, or 1.11% of total loans.

At September 30, 2019, total non-performing assets amounted to $12.2 million, an increase of $205 thousand over the previous quarter. Non-performing assets are comprised of non-accrual loans and foreclosed real estate ($11.7 million and $502 thousand, respectively). At September 30, 2019, the balance of non-accrual loans, which represented .08% of loans outstanding, included business loans of $7.8 million, business real estate loans of $2.4 million, and personal real estate loans of $1.6 million. Loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest totaled $16.3 million at September 30, 2019.

Other

During the 3rd quarter of 2019, the Company paid a cash dividend of $.26 per common share, representing a 16.1% increase over the same period last year. The Company also paid an annualized 6% cash dividend on its preferred stock. On August 7, 2019, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (ASR) program. Under the terms of the ASR agreement, the Company paid $150.0 million in cash and received 1,994,327 shares of its common stock in treasury, representing a substantial majority of the shares expected to be delivered in the overall ASR program. The ASR is expected to be completed by the end of 2019, at which time any additional shares will be delivered to the Company. The total number of shares that the Company will receive and the total consideration per share paid ultimately will be determined based on the volume-weighted daily average price of its common stock during the repurchase program. The Company also purchased an additional 581,685 shares of treasury stock during the current quarter at an average price of $58.26.

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.

Contacts:

Matthew Burkemper, Investor Relations
(314) 746-7485
Web Site: http://www.commercebank.com
Email: matthew.burkemper@commercebank.com

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