10-Q
Table of Contents


 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
_________________________________________________________

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
____________________________________________________________

For the transition period from           to          
Commission File No. 0-2989
 
COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Missouri
 
43-0889454
(State of Incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
1000 Walnut,
Kansas City, MO
 
64106
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
(816) 234-2000
 
 
(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 þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o     No þ
As of November 2, 2015, the registrant had outstanding 92,822,618 shares of its $5 par value common stock, registrant’s only class of common stock.



Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Form 10-Q
 

 
 
 
Page
INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2

Table of Contents


PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Loans
$
12,224,274

 
$
11,469,238

  Allowance for loan losses
(151,532
)
 
(156,532
)
Net loans
12,072,742

 
11,312,706

Loans held for sale, including $2,173,000 of residential mortgage loans carried at fair value
4,143

 

Investment securities:
 
 
 

Available for sale ($364,097,000 pledged at September 30, 2015 and $467,143,000 at
 
 
 
    December 31, 2014 to secure swap and repurchase agreements)
9,472,959

 
9,523,560

 Trading
14,463

 
15,357

 Non-marketable
116,634

 
106,875

Total investment securities
9,604,056

 
9,645,792

Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
32,550

 
32,485

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
975,000

 
1,050,000

Interest earning deposits with banks
42,078

 
600,744

Cash and due from banks
384,122

 
467,488

Land, buildings and equipment, net
351,946

 
357,871

Goodwill
138,921

 
138,921

Other intangible assets, net
6,826

 
7,450

Other assets
355,264

 
380,823

Total assets
$
23,967,648

 
$
23,994,280

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 

   Non-interest bearing
$
6,699,873

 
$
6,811,959

   Savings, interest checking and money market
10,295,260

 
10,541,601

   Time open and C.D.'s of less than $100,000
808,210

 
878,433

   Time open and C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
1,183,417

 
1,243,785

Total deposits
18,986,760

 
19,475,778

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
2,193,197

 
1,862,518

Other borrowings
103,831

 
104,058

Other liabilities
312,817

 
217,680

Total liabilities
21,596,605

 
21,660,034

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 

   Preferred stock, $1 par value
 
 
 
      Authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued 6,000 shares
144,784

 
144,784

   Common stock, $5 par value
 
 
 

 Authorized 120,000,000 shares;
 
 
 
   issued 96,830,977 shares
484,155

 
484,155

   Capital surplus
1,283,346

 
1,229,075

   Retained earnings
555,877

 
426,648

   Treasury stock of 3,827,141 shares at September 30, 2015
 
 
 
     and 367,487 shares at December 31, 2014, at cost
(168,493
)
 
(16,562
)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income
65,636

 
62,093

Total Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders' equity
2,365,305

 
2,330,193

Non-controlling interest
5,738

 
4,053

Total equity
2,371,043

 
2,334,246

Total liabilities and equity
$
23,967,648

 
$
23,994,280

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
 
(Unaudited)
INTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
$
114,954

$
112,688

 
$
339,707

$
334,886

Interest and fees on loans held for sale
48


 
108


Interest on investment securities
50,716

46,338

 
142,416

144,373

Interest on federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under
 
 
 
 
 
   agreements to resell
21

30

 
45

80

Interest on long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
3,273

2,684

 
9,994

9,778

Interest on deposits with banks
103

71

 
404

259

Total interest income
169,115

161,811

 
492,674

489,376

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
   Savings, interest checking and money market
3,356

3,400

 
9,951

10,064

   Time open and C.D.'s of less than $100,000
786

1,010

 
2,484

3,193

   Time open and C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
1,554

1,518

 
4,468

4,485

Interest on federal funds purchased and securities sold under
 
 
 
 
 
   agreements to repurchase
483

287

 
1,271

753

Interest on other borrowings
898

880

 
2,667

2,606

Total interest expense
7,077

7,095

 
20,841

21,101

Net interest income
162,038

154,716

 
471,833

468,275

Provision for loan losses
8,364

7,652

 
19,541

24,867

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
153,674

147,064

 
452,292

443,408

NON-INTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
Bank card transaction fees
44,635

44,802

 
132,606

130,963

Trust fees
29,630

28,560

 
89,747

82,898

Deposit account charges and other fees
20,674

20,161

 
58,810

58,460

Capital market fees
2,620

2,783

 
8,360

9,899

Consumer brokerage services
3,547

3,098

 
10,099

8,817

Loan fees and sales
1,855

1,367

 
6,127

3,787

Other
8,187

11,515

 
25,917

28,852

Total non-interest income
111,148

112,286

 
331,666

323,676

INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of other-than-temporarily impaired securities
(568
)
(770
)
 
(883
)
(1,618
)
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income
568

399

 
400

270

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

(371
)
 
(483
)
(1,348
)
Realized gains (losses) on sales and fair value adjustments
(378
)
3,366

 
8,283

11,822

Investment securities gains (losses), net
(378
)
2,995

 
7,800

10,474

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
100,874

95,462

 
298,603

284,574

Net occupancy
11,247

11,585

 
33,807

34,352

Equipment
4,789

4,593

 
14,171

13,622

Supplies and communication
5,609

5,302

 
16,416

16,487

Data processing and software
21,119

19,968

 
61,670

58,633

Marketing
4,343

4,074

 
12,568

11,704

Deposit insurance
2,981

2,899

 
9,001

8,685

Other
20,300

17,957

 
54,043

58,298

Total non-interest expense
171,262

161,840

 
500,279

486,355

Income before income taxes
93,182

100,505

 
291,479

291,203

Less income taxes
27,969

31,484

 
88,929

92,161

Net income
65,213

69,021

 
202,550

199,042

Less non-controlling interest expense
601

836

 
2,530

13

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
64,612

68,185

 
200,020

199,029

Less preferred stock dividends
2,250

1,800

 
6,750

1,800

Net income available to common shareholders
$
62,362

$
66,385

 
$
193,270

$
197,229

Net income per common share — basic
$
.67

$
.69

 
$
2.03

$
2.00

Net income per common share — diluted
$
.66

$
.69

 
$
2.02

$
1.99

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
 
 
(Unaudited)
Net income
 
$
65,213

$
69,021

 
$
202,550

$
199,042

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses on securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings
 
(327
)
(244
)
 
(306
)
(136
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on other securities
 
16,891

(24,062
)
 
2,754

49,967

Pension loss amortization
 
283

223

 
1,095

669

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
16,847

(24,083
)
 
3,543

50,500

Comprehensive income
 
82,060

44,938

 
206,093

249,542

Less non-controlling interest expense
 
601

836

 
2,530

13

Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
$
81,459

$
44,102

 
$
203,563

$
249,529

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.














5

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 
 
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Shareholders
 
 
 
 

(In thousands, except per share data)
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Capital Surplus
Retained Earnings
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Non-Controlling Interest
Total
 
(Unaudited)
Balance January 1, 2015
$
144,784

$
484,155

$
1,229,075

$
426,648

$
(16,562
)
$
62,093

$
4,053

$
2,334,246

Net income
 




200,020





2,530

202,550

Other comprehensive income
 








3,543



3,543

Distributions to non-controlling interest
 










(845
)
(845
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 






(9,147
)




(9,147
)
Accelerated share repurchase agreement
 
 
(20,000
)
 
(80,000
)
 
 
(100,000
)
Settlements of accelerated share repurchase agreements
 
 
80,000

 
(80,000
)
 
 

Issuance of stock under purchase and equity compensation plans
 


(15,302
)


17,216





1,914

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
 


1,871









1,871

Stock-based compensation
 


7,702









7,702

Cash dividends on common stock ($.675 per share)
 




(64,041
)






(64,041
)
Cash dividends on preferred stock ($1.125 per depositary share)






(6,750
)






(6,750
)
Balance September 30, 2015
$
144,784

$
484,155

$
1,283,346

$
555,877

$
(168,493
)
$
65,636

$
5,738

$
2,371,043

Balance January 1, 2014
$

$
481,224

$
1,279,948

$
449,836

$
(10,097
)
$
9,731

$
3,755

$
2,214,397

Net income
 




199,029





13

199,042

Other comprehensive income
 








50,500



50,500

Distributions to non-controlling interest
 










(730
)
(730
)
Issuance of preferred stock
144,784













144,784

Purchases of treasury stock
 






(69,040
)




(69,040
)
Accelerated share repurchase agreement
 
 
(60,000
)
 
(140,000
)
 
 
(200,000
)
Issuance of stock under purchase and equity compensation plans
 


(12,304
)


19,507





7,203

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
 


1,457









1,457

Stock-based compensation
 


6,631









6,631

Cash dividends on common stock ($.643 per share)
 




(63,575
)






(63,575
)
Cash dividends on preferred stock ($.30 per depositary share)
 
 
 
(1,800
)
 
 
 
(1,800
)
Balance September 30, 2014
$
144,784

$
481,224

$
1,215,732

$
583,490

$
(199,630
)
$
60,231

$
3,038

$
2,288,869

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



6

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
(Unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
202,550

 
$
199,042

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
  Provision for loan losses
19,541

 
24,867

  Provision for depreciation and amortization
32,100

 
31,561

  Amortization of investment security premiums, net
23,249

 
14,473

  Investment securities gains, net(A)
(7,800
)
 
(10,474
)
  Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
(2,184
)
 

  Originations of loans held for sale
(75,589
)
 

  Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
72,973

 

  Net (increase) decrease in trading securities
(5,042
)
 
14,555

  Stock-based compensation
7,702

 
6,631

  Increase in interest receivable
(2,652
)
 
(2,215
)
  Decrease in interest payable
(96
)
 
(277
)
  Increase in income taxes payable
16,312

 
4,880

  Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
(1,871
)
 
(1,457
)
  Other changes, net
(365
)
 
4,043

Net cash provided by operating activities
278,828

 
285,629

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Cash paid in sales of branches

 
(43,827
)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities(A)
684,893

 
64,041

Proceeds from maturities/pay downs of investment securities(A)
1,923,785

 
1,392,422

Purchases of investment securities(A)
(2,507,803
)
 
(1,314,248
)
Net increase in loans
(782,559
)
 
(527,528
)
Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

 
(250,000
)
Repayments of long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
75,000

 
500,000

Purchases of land, buildings and equipment
(22,718
)
 
(34,205
)
Sales of land, buildings and equipment
4,752

 
2,983

Net cash used in investing activities
(624,650
)
 
(210,362
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net decrease in non-interest bearing, savings, interest checking and money market deposits
(319,853
)
 
(470,427
)
Net decrease in time open and C.D.'s
(130,591
)
 
(17,295
)
Repayment of long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 
(350,000
)
Net increase in federal funds purchased and short-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase
330,679

 
398,602

Repayment of other long-term borrowings
(227
)
 
(233
)
Net decrease in other short-term borrowings

 
(2,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

 
144,784

Purchases of treasury stock
(9,147
)
 
(69,040
)
Accelerated share repurchase agreements
(100,000
)
 
(200,000
)
Issuance of stock under equity compensation plans
1,914

 
7,203

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
1,871

 
1,457

Cash dividends paid on common stock
(64,041
)
 
(63,575
)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
(6,750
)
 
(1,800
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(296,145
)
 
(622,324
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(641,967
)
 
(547,057
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,100,717

 
1,269,514

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30
$
458,750

 
$
722,457

(A) Available for sale and non-marketable securities
 
 
 
Income tax net payments
$
70,860

 
$
86,002

Interest paid on deposits and borrowings
$
20,937

 
$
21,278

Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate
$
2,459

 
$
4,421

Settlement of accelerated stock repurchase agreement and receipt of treasury stock
$
60,000

 
$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 
1. Principles of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company). Most of the Company's operations are conducted by its subsidiary bank, Commerce Bank (the Bank). The consolidated financial statements in this report have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications were made to 2014 data to conform to current year presentation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Management has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure. The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained for the full year or any other interim period.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, containing the latest audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

The Company invests in low-income housing partnerships which supply funds for the construction and operation of apartment complexes that provide affordable housing to lower income families. As permitted by ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects," issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Company adopted a new method of accounting for these investments on January 1, 2015. The new method is the practical expedient to the proportional amortization method, which allows the Company to record the amortization of its investments in income tax expense, rather than in non-interest expense. The Company made this change because it believes that presenting the investment performance net of taxes more fairly represents the economics and returns on such investments. The amortization recognized as a component of income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.5 million. As required by the ASU, all prior period information in this report has been revised to reflect the adoption, resulting in a decrease to non-interest expense and an increase to income tax expense (as originally reported) of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.


2. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Major classifications within the Company’s held for investment loan portfolio at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
Business
 
$
4,406,854

 
$
3,969,952

Real estate – construction and land
 
534,425

 
403,507

Real estate – business
 
2,286,013

 
2,288,215

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
 
1,920,650

 
1,883,092

Consumer
 
1,886,806

 
1,705,134

Revolving home equity
 
428,940

 
430,873

Consumer credit card
 
756,093

 
782,370

Overdrafts
 
4,493

 
6,095

Total loans
 
$
12,224,274

 
$
11,469,238


At September 30, 2015, loans of $3.6 billion were pledged at the Federal Home Loan Bank as collateral for borrowings and letters of credit obtained to secure public deposits. Additional loans of $1.4 billion were pledged at the Federal Reserve Bank as collateral for discount window borrowings.

8

Table of Contents


Allowance for loan losses    

A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
Personal Banking

Total
 
Commercial
Personal Banking

Total
Balance at beginning of period
$
86,329

$
65,203

$
151,532

 
$
89,622

$
66,910

$
156,532

Provision
(1,976
)
10,340

8,364

 
(6,089
)
25,630

19,541

Deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loans charged off
903

11,321

12,224

 
3,035

34,194

37,229

   Less recoveries on loans
1,167

2,693

3,860

 
4,119

8,569

12,688

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
(264
)
8,628

8,364

 
(1,084
)
25,625

24,541

Balance September 30, 2015
$
84,617

$
66,915

$
151,532

 
$
84,617

$
66,915

$
151,532

Balance at beginning of period
$
98,928

$
62,604

$
161,532

 
$
94,189

$
67,343

$
161,532

Provision
(717
)
8,369

7,652

 
3,836

21,031

24,867

Deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loans charged off
686

11,414

12,100

 
3,034

35,917

38,951

   Less recoveries on loans
1,431

3,017

4,448

 
3,965

10,119

14,084

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
(745
)
8,397

7,652

 
(931
)
25,798

24,867

Balance September 30, 2014
$
98,956

$
62,576

$
161,532

 
$
98,956

$
62,576

$
161,532



The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the related loan balance at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, disaggregated on the basis of impairment methodology. Impaired loans evaluated under ASC 310-10-35 include loans on non-accrual status, which are individually evaluated for impairment, and other impaired loans discussed below, which are deemed to have similar risk characteristics and are collectively evaluated. All other loans are collectively evaluated for impairment under ASC 450-20.
 
Impaired Loans
 
All Other Loans

(In thousands)
Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans Outstanding
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans Outstanding
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1,829

$
32,513

 
$
82,788

$
7,194,779

Personal Banking
1,667

22,868

 
65,248

4,974,114

Total
$
3,496

$
55,381

 
$
148,036

$
12,168,893

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
4,527

$
55,551

 
$
85,095

$
6,606,123

Personal Banking
2,314

25,537

 
64,596

4,782,027

Total
$
6,841

$
81,088

 
$
149,691

$
11,388,150


Impaired loans

The table below shows the Company’s investment in impaired loans at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. These loans consist of all loans on non-accrual status and other restructured loans whose terms have been modified and classified as troubled debt restructurings under ASC 310-40. These restructured loans are performing in accordance with their modified terms, and because the Company believes it probable that all amounts due under the modified terms of the agreements will be collected, interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis. They are discussed further in the "Troubled debt restructurings" section on page 14.
(In thousands)
 
Sept. 30, 2015
 
Dec. 31, 2014
Non-accrual loans
 
$
25,779

 
$
40,775

Restructured loans (accruing)
 
29,602

 
40,313

Total impaired loans
 
$
55,381

 
$
81,088



9

Table of Contents


The following table provides additional information about impaired loans held by the Company at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, segregated between loans for which an allowance for credit losses has been provided and loans for which no allowance has been provided.


(In thousands)
Recorded Investment
Unpaid Principal
Balance
 Related
Allowance
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
9,692

$
11,866

$

Real estate – construction and land
2,072

7,679


Real estate – business
1,535

2,969


 
$
13,299

$
22,514

$

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
8,292

$
10,252

$
681

Real estate – construction and land
3,327

4,939

288

Real estate – business
7,595

11,084

860

Real estate – personal
8,652

11,835

1,015

Consumer
5,461

5,461

70

Revolving home equity
492

492

13

Consumer credit card
8,263

8,263

569

 
$
42,082

$
52,326

$
3,496

Total
$
55,381

$
74,840

$
3,496

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
9,237

$
11,532

$

Real estate – construction and land
4,552

8,493


Real estate – business
13,453

17,258


Revolving home equity
1,227

1,384


 
$
28,469

$
38,667

$

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
12,326

$
13,846

$
1,844

Real estate – construction and land
8,148

9,610

1,081

Real estate – business
7,835

15,025

1,602

Real estate – personal
9,096

12,465

1,441

Consumer
4,244

4,244

50

Revolving home equity
529

529

9

Consumer credit card
10,441

10,441

814

 
$
52,619

$
66,160

$
6,841

Total
$
81,088

$
104,827

$
6,841




10

Table of Contents


Total average impaired loans for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are shown in the table below.

(In thousands)
Commercial
Personal Banking
Total
Average Impaired Loans:
 
 
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
21,119

$
5,179

$
26,298

Restructured loans (accruing)
13,399

18,221

31,620

Total
$
34,518

$
23,400

$
57,918

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
25,784

$
5,791

$
31,575

Restructured loans (accruing)
16,612

18,854

35,466

Total
$
42,396

$
24,645

$
67,041

For the three months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
38,111

$
7,267

$
45,378

Restructured loans (accruing)
32,970

19,822

52,792

Total
$
71,081

$
27,089

$
98,170

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
38,099

$
7,320

$
45,419

Restructured loans (accruing)
37,157

20,660

57,817

Total
$
75,256

$
27,980

$
103,236


The table below shows interest income recognized during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for impaired loans held at the end of each respective period. This interest all relates to accruing restructured loans, as discussed in the "Troubled debt restructurings" section on page 14.
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Interest income recognized on impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Business
$
63

$
146

 
$
188

$
438

Real estate – construction and land
22

97

 
66

290

Real estate – business
33

58

 
99

173

Real estate – personal
47

53

 
142

160

Consumer
87

72

 
261

215

Revolving home equity
6

7

 
17

20

Consumer credit card
186

236

 
558

707

Total
$
444

$
669

 
$
1,331

$
2,003



11

Table of Contents


Delinquent and non-accrual loans

The following table provides aging information on the Company’s past due and accruing loans, in addition to the balances of loans on non-accrual status, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.




(In thousands)
Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due

30 – 89
Days Past Due
90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing
Non-accrual



Total
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
Business
$
4,391,674

$
3,106

$
375

$
11,699

$
4,406,854

Real estate – construction and land
529,117

1,262


4,046

534,425

Real estate – business
2,277,384

3,575


5,054

2,286,013

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
1,904,280

8,695

2,695

4,980

1,920,650

Consumer
1,867,657

17,244

1,905


1,886,806

Revolving home equity
423,939

2,512

2,489


428,940

Consumer credit card
740,124

8,726

7,243


756,093

Overdrafts
4,204

289



4,493

Total
$
12,138,379

$
45,409

$
14,707

$
25,779

$
12,224,274

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
Business
$
3,946,144

$
11,152

$
1,096

$
11,560

$
3,969,952

Real estate – construction and land
397,488

827

35

5,157

403,507

Real estate – business
2,266,688

3,661


17,866

2,288,215

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
1,868,606

6,618

1,676

6,192

1,883,092

Consumer
1,687,285

16,053

1,796


1,705,134

Revolving home equity
428,478

1,552

843


430,873

Consumer credit card
764,599

9,559

8,212


782,370

Overdrafts
5,721

374



6,095

Total
$
11,365,009

$
49,796

$
13,658

$
40,775

$
11,469,238



Credit quality

The following table provides information about the credit quality of the Commercial loan portfolio, using the Company’s internal rating system as an indicator. The internal rating system is a series of grades reflecting management’s risk assessment, based on its analysis of the borrower’s financial condition. The “pass” category consists of a range of loan grades that reflect increasing, though still acceptable, risk. Movement of risk through the various grade levels in the “pass” category is monitored for early identification of credit deterioration. The “special mention” rating is applied to loans where the borrower exhibits negative financial trends due to borrower specific or systemic conditions that, if left uncorrected, threaten its capacity to meet its debt obligations. The borrower is believed to have sufficient financial flexibility to react to and resolve its negative financial situation. It is a transitional grade that is closely monitored for improvement or deterioration. The “substandard” rating is applied to loans where the borrower exhibits well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize its continued performance and are of a severity that the distinct possibility of default exists. Loans are placed on “non-accrual” when management does not expect to collect payments consistent with acceptable and agreed upon terms of repayment.

12

Table of Contents


Commercial Loans


(In thousands)


Business
Real
 Estate-Construction
Real
Estate-
Business


Total
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
4,304,836

$
527,590

$
2,211,387

$
7,043,813

Special mention
59,526

1,021

19,576

80,123

Substandard
30,793

1,768

49,996

82,557

Non-accrual
11,699

4,046

5,054

20,799

Total
$
4,406,854

$
534,425

$
2,286,013

$
7,227,292

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
3,871,569

$
385,831

$
2,184,541

$
6,441,941

Special mention
62,904

3,865

40,668

107,437

Substandard
23,919

8,654

45,140

77,713

Non-accrual
11,560

5,157

17,866

34,583

Total
$
3,969,952

$
403,507

$
2,288,215

$
6,661,674


The credit quality of Personal Banking loans is monitored primarily on the basis of aging/delinquency, and this information is provided in the table in the above "Delinquent and non-accrual loans" section. In addition, FICO scores are obtained and updated on a quarterly basis for most of the loans in the Personal Banking portfolio. This is a published credit score designed to measure the risk of default by taking into account various factors from a borrower's financial history. The Bank normally obtains a FICO score at the loan's origination and renewal dates, and updates are obtained on a quarterly basis. Excluded from the table below are certain Personal Banking loans for which FICO scores are not obtained because they generally pertain to commercial customer activities and are often underwritten with other collateral considerations. At September 30, 2015, these were comprised of $256.9 million in personal real estate loans, or 5.1% of the Personal Banking portfolio, compared to $244.3 million at December 31, 2014. For the remainder of loans in the Personal Banking portfolio, the table below shows the percentage of balances outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by FICO score.
   Personal Banking Loans
 
% of Loan Category
 
Real Estate - Personal
Consumer
Revolving Home Equity
Consumer Credit Card
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
FICO score:
 
 
 
 
Under 600
1.5
%
4.6
%
1.6
%
3.8
%
600 - 659
2.8

9.5

4.2

12.1

660 - 719
9.1

22.5

13.7

32.6

720 - 779
25.3

27.0

26.2

28.1

780 and over
61.3

36.4

54.3

23.4

Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
FICO score:
 
 
 
 
Under 600
1.4
%
5.2
%
1.8
%
4.1
%
600 - 659
3.1

10.2

4.4

11.8

660 - 719
9.9

22.9

13.7

32.4

720 - 779
26.7

28.0

32.8

27.8

780 and over
58.9

33.7

47.3

23.9

Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%





13

Table of Contents


Troubled debt restructurings

As mentioned previously, the Company's impaired loans include loans which have been classified as troubled debt restructurings. Total restructured loans amounted to $46.7 million at September 30, 2015. Restructured loans are those extended to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty and who have been granted a concession. Restructured loans are placed on non-accrual status if the Company does not believe it probable that amounts due under the contractual terms will be collected, and those non-accrual loans totaled $17.1 million at September 30, 2015. Other performing restructured loans totaled $29.6 million at September 30, 2015. These include certain business, construction and business real estate loans classified as substandard. Upon maturity, the loans renewed at interest rates judged not to be market rates for new debt with similar risk and as a result the loans were classified as troubled debt restructurings. These commercial loans totaled $12.5 million at September 30, 2015. These restructured loans are performing in accordance with their modified terms, and because the Company believes it probable that all amounts due under the modified terms of the agreements will be collected, interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis. Troubled debt restructurings also include certain credit card loans under various debt management and assistance programs, which totaled $8.3 million at September 30, 2015. Modifications to credit card loans generally involve removing the available line of credit, placing loans on amortizing status, and lowering the contractual interest rate. The Company has classified additional loans as troubled debt restructurings because they were not reaffirmed by the borrower in bankruptcy proceedings. At September 30, 2015, these loans totaled $8.5 million in personal real estate, revolving home equity, and consumer loans. Interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis, as the borrowers are continuing to make payments under the terms of the loan agreements.

The following table shows the outstanding balances of loans classified as troubled debt restructurings at September 30, 2015, in addition to the outstanding balances of these restructured loans which the Company considers to have been in default at any time during the past twelve months. For purposes of this disclosure, the Company considers "default" to mean 90 days or more past due as to interest or principal.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2015
Balance 90 days past due at any time during previous 12 months
Commercial:
 
 
Business
$
16,441

$

Real estate - construction and land
5,222

1,499

Real estate - business
5,502


Personal Banking:
 
 
Real estate - personal
5,276


Consumer
5,487

57

Revolving home equity
492

49

Consumer credit card
8,263

541

Total restructured loans
$
46,683

$
2,146


For those loans on non-accrual status also classified as restructured, the modification did not create any further financial effect on the Company as those loans were already recorded at net realizable value. For those performing commercial loans classified as restructured, there were no concessions involving forgiveness of principal or interest and, therefore, there was no financial impact to the Company as a result of modification to these loans. No financial impact resulted from those performing loans where the debt was not reaffirmed in bankruptcy, as no changes to loan terms occurred in that process. The effects of modifications to consumer credit card loans were estimated to decrease interest income by approximately $1.0 million on an annual, pre-tax basis, compared to amounts contractually owed.

The allowance for loan losses related to troubled debt restructurings on non-accrual status is determined by individual evaluation, including collateral adequacy, using the same process as loans on non-accrual status which are not classified as troubled debt restructurings. Those performing loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are accruing loans which management expects to collect under contractual terms. Performing commercial loans have had no other concessions granted other than being renewed at an interest rate judged not to be market. As such, they have similar risk characteristics as non-troubled debt commercial loans and are collectively evaluated based on internal risk rating, loan type, delinquency, historical experience and current economic factors. Performing personal banking loans classified as troubled debt restructurings resulted from the borrower not reaffirming the debt during bankruptcy and have had no other concession granted, other than the Bank's future limitations on collecting payment deficiencies or in pursuing foreclosure actions. As such, they have similar risk characteristics as non-troubled debt personal banking loans and are evaluated collectively based on loan type, delinquency, historical experience and current economic factors.


14

Table of Contents


If a troubled debt restructuring defaults and is already on non-accrual status, the allowance for loan losses continues to be based on individual evaluation, using discounted expected cash flows or the fair value of collateral. If an accruing troubled debt restructuring defaults, the loan's risk rating is downgraded to non-accrual status and the loan's related allowance for loan losses is determined based on individual evaluation, or if necessary, the loan is charged off and collection efforts begun.

The Company had commitments of $1.6 million at September 30, 2015 to lend additional funds to borrowers with restructured loans.

Loans held for sale

Beginning January 1, 2015, certain long-term fixed rate personal real estate loan originations have been designated as held for sale, and the Company has elected the fair value option for these loans. The election of the fair value option aligns the accounting for these loans with the related economic hedges discussed in Note 10. At September 30, 2015, the fair value of these loans was $2.2 million, and the unpaid principal balance was $2.1 million. The unrealized gain in fair value was recognized in loan fees and sales in the consolidated statement of income. None of these loans were on non-accrual status or past due. Interest income with respect to loans held for sale is accrued based on the principal amount outstanding and the loan's contractual interest rate.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Company has designated certain student loan originations as held for sale. The borrowers are credit-worthy students who are attending colleges and universities. The loans are intended to be sold in the secondary market, and the Company maintains contracts with Sallie Mae to sell the loans at various times while the student is attending school or shortly after graduation. At September 30, 2015, the balance of these loans was $2.0 million. These loans are carried at lower of cost or fair value, and none were on non-accrual status or past due.

Foreclosed real estate/repossessed assets

The Company’s holdings of foreclosed real estate totaled $3.1 million and $5.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Personal property acquired in repossession, generally autos and marine and recreational vehicles, totaled $3.1 million and $2.4 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. These assets are carried at the lower of the amount recorded at acquisition date or the current fair value less estimated costs to sell.

3. Investment Securities

Investment securities, at fair value, consisted of the following at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
(In thousands)
Sept. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Available for sale
$
9,472,959

$
9,523,560

Trading
14,463

15,357

Non-marketable
116,634

106,875

Total investment securities
$
9,604,056

$
9,645,792


Most of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available for sale, and this portfolio is discussed in more detail below. Securities which are classified as non-marketable include Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock held for debt and regulatory purposes, which totaled $46.8 million at September 30, 2015 and $46.6 million at December 31, 2014. Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock is based on the capital structure of the investing bank, and investment in FHLB stock is tied to the level of borrowings from the FHLB. Non-marketable securities also include private equity investments, which amounted to $69.5 million at September 30, 2015 and $60.2 million at December 31, 2014.


15

Table of Contents


A summary of the available for sale investment securities by maturity groupings as of September 30, 2015 is shown below. The investment portfolio includes agency mortgage-backed securities, which are guaranteed by agencies such as the FHLMC, FNMA, GNMA and FDIC, in addition to non-agency mortgage-backed securities, which have no guarantee. Also included are certain other asset-backed securities, which are primarily collateralized by credit cards, automobiles, student loans, and commercial loans. These securities differ from traditional debt securities primarily in that they may have uncertain maturity dates and are priced based on estimated prepayment rates on the underlying collateral.
(In thousands)
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
U.S. government and federal agency obligations:
 
 
Within 1 year
$
59,884

$
60,116

After 1 but within 5 years
163,996

167,780

After 5 but within 10 years
143,940

144,161

After 10 years
52,882

48,342

Total U.S. government and federal agency obligations
420,702

420,399

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations:
 
 
Within 1 year
42,108

42,249

After 1 but within 5 years
477,115

482,232

After 5 but within 10 years
332,296

332,248

After 10 years
5,630

5,480

Total government-sponsored enterprise obligations
857,149

862,209

State and municipal obligations:
 
 
Within 1 year
99,618

99,985

After 1 but within 5 years
667,923

685,757

After 5 but within 10 years
912,614

924,070

After 10 years
140,081

137,347

Total state and municipal obligations
1,820,236

1,847,159

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,508,870

2,575,835

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
805,560

817,197

  Asset-backed securities
2,585,088

2,584,688

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
5,899,518

5,977,720

Other debt securities:
 
 
Within 1 year
3,999

4,048

After 1 but within 5 years
83,398

83,613

After 5 but within 10 years
229,071

226,599

After 10 years
12,000

11,748

Total other debt securities
328,468

326,008

Equity securities
5,677

39,464

Total available for sale investment securities
$
9,331,750

$
9,472,959


Investments in U.S. government and federal agency obligations are comprised mainly of U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, which totaled $420.3 million, at fair value, at September 30, 2015. Interest paid on these securities increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Included in state and municipal obligations are $93.2 million, at fair value, of auction rate securities, which were previously purchased from bank customers. Included in equity securities is common and preferred stock held by the holding company, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (the Parent), with a fair value of $39.4 million at September 30, 2015.


16

Table of Contents


For securities classified as available for sale, the following table shows the unrealized gains and losses (pre-tax) in accumulated other comprehensive income, by security type.
 
 
(In thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
420,702

$
5,930

$
(6,233
)
$
420,399

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
857,149

7,809

(2,749
)
862,209

State and municipal obligations
1,820,236

33,416

(6,493
)
1,847,159

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,508,870

69,477

(2,512
)
2,575,835

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
805,560

12,285

(648
)
817,197

  Asset-backed securities
2,585,088

7,444

(7,844
)
2,584,688

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
5,899,518

89,206

(11,004
)
5,977,720

Other debt securities
328,468

979

(3,439
)
326,008

Equity securities
5,677

33,787


39,464

Total
$
9,331,750

$
171,127

$
(29,918
)
$
9,472,959

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
497,336

$
9,095

$
(5,024
)
$
501,407

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
968,574

2,593

(8,040
)
963,127

State and municipal obligations
1,789,215

32,340

(8,354
)
1,813,201

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,523,377

75,923

(5,592
)
2,593,708

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
372,911

11,061

(1,228
)
382,744

  Asset-backed securities
3,090,174

6,922

(5,103
)
3,091,993

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
5,986,462

93,906

(11,923
)
6,068,445

Other debt securities
140,784

420

(2,043
)
139,161

Equity securities
3,931

34,288


38,219

Total
$
9,386,302

$
172,642

$
(35,384
)
$
9,523,560


The Company’s impairment policy requires a review of all securities for which fair value is less than amortized cost. Special emphasis and analysis is placed on securities whose credit rating has fallen below A3 (Moody's) or A- (Standard & Poor's), whose fair values have fallen more than 20% below purchase price for an extended period of time, or have been identified based on management’s judgment. These securities are placed on a watch list, and for all such securities, detailed cash flow models are prepared which use inputs specific to each security. Inputs to these models include factors such as cash flow received, contractual payments required, and various other information related to the underlying collateral (including current delinquencies), collateral loss severity rates (including loan to values), expected delinquency rates, credit support from other tranches, and prepayment speeds. Stress tests are performed at varying levels of delinquency rates, prepayment speeds and loss severities in order to gauge probable ranges of credit loss. At September 30, 2015, the fair value of securities on this watch list was $102.8 million compared to $123.9 million at December 31, 2014.

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had recorded other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) on certain non-agency mortgage-backed securities, part of the watch list mentioned above, which had an aggregate fair value of $47.4 million. The cumulative credit-related portion of the impairment on these securities, which was recorded in earnings, totaled $14.1 million. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and believes it is not likely that it will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost.

The credit-related portion of the loss on these securities was based on the cash flows projected to be received over the estimated life of the securities, discounted to present value, and compared to the current amortized cost bases of the securities. Significant inputs to the cash flow models used to calculate the credit losses on these securities at September 30, 2015 included the following:

Significant Inputs
Range
Prepayment CPR
1%
-
25%
Projected cumulative default
17%
-
54%
Credit support
0%
-
22%
Loss severity
20%
-
63%

17

Table of Contents



The following table presents a rollforward of the cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized in earnings on all available for sale debt securities.
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
2014
Cumulative OTTI credit losses at January 1
$
13,734

$
12,499

Credit losses on debt securities for which impairment was not previously recognized
76


Credit losses on debt securities for which impairment was previously recognized
407

1,348

Increase in expected cash flows that are recognized over remaining life of security
(73
)
(97
)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses at September 30
$
14,144

$
13,750


Securities with unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are shown in the table below, along with the length of the impairment period.
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
   Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
158,390

$
1,701

 
$
31,479

$
4,532

 
$
189,869

$
6,233

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
11,419

57

 
110,123

2,692

 
121,542

2,749

State and municipal obligations
120,098

703

 
110,550

5,790

 
230,648

6,493

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Agency mortgage-backed securities
64,863

259

 
305,767

2,253

 
370,630

2,512

   Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
199,875

361

 
53,765

287

 
253,640

648

   Asset-backed securities
998,031

5,542

 
152,502

2,302

 
1,150,533

7,844

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
1,262,769

6,162

 
512,034

4,842

 
1,774,803

11,004

Other debt securities
179,566

2,490

 
25,565

949

 
205,131

3,439

Total
$
1,732,242

$
11,113

 
$
789,751

$
18,805

 
$
2,521,993

$
29,918

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
90,261

$
818

 
$
32,077

$
4,206

 
$
122,338

$
5,024

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
224,808

922

 
224,779

7,118

 
449,587

8,040

State and municipal obligations
172,980

646

 
215,702

7,708

 
388,682

8,354

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Agency mortgage-backed securities
55,128

429

 
381,617

5,163

 
436,745

5,592

   Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
141,655

609

 
43,659

619

 
185,314

1,228

   Asset-backed securities
1,424,457

2,009

 
159,098

3,094