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home / news releases / CBSH - Commerce Bancshares Inc. Reports First Quarter Earnings Per Share of $.97


CBSH - Commerce Bancshares Inc. Reports First Quarter Earnings Per Share of $.97

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. announced earnings of $.97 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $1.06 per share in the same quarter last year and $.94 per share in the fourth quarter of 2021. Net income for the first quarter of 2022 amounted to $118.2 million, compared to $131.0 million in the first quarter of 2021 and $114.9 million in the prior quarter.

"Commerce had strong financial performance for the quarter, including an expanding net interest margin and increasing loan demand,” said John Kemper, Chief Executive Officer. “Loan demand increased across our commercial loan categories, reflecting higher seasonal business activity and good overall momentum in our markets."

“The increase in interest rates and the steepening of the yield curve provided opportunities to optimize the mix of earning assets on our balance sheet. While net interest income grew, non-interest income comprised 39% of total revenue, a reflection of our diversified business model."

First Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights:

  • Net interest income was $208.8 million, a slight increase over the prior quarter. Net interest margin increased 2 basis points to 2.45%.
  • Non-interest income totaled $131.8 million, a decrease of $15.9 million compared to the prior quarter.
  • Net investment securities gains of $7.2 million were driven by net fair value gains of $7.5 million in the Company’s portfolio of private equity investments.
  • Non-interest expense totaled $205.6 million, an increase of $2.1 million compared to the prior quarter.
  • Average loan balances totaled $15.2 billion, an increase of $130.1 million, or .9%, over the prior quarter (average Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan balances declined $132.0 million).
  • Total average available for sale debt securities increased 2.9%, or $418.0 million, over the prior quarter to $14.9 billion, at fair value. Purchases of securities during the quarter totaled $1.8 billion, with a weighted average yield of approximately 2.06%.
  • Compared to the prior quarter, average deposits grew $501.7 million, or 1.7%. The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits was 5 basis points.
  • The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans was .12% compared to .11% in the prior quarter.
  • Non-accrual loans totaled $8.3 million compared to $9.2 million in the prior quarter. Non-accrual loans were .05% of total loans.
  • At March 31, 2022, the allowance for credit losses on loans decreased to $134.7 million. The allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was .87% at March 31, 2022.
  • The Company purchased 795,387 shares of its common stock this quarter at an average price of $70.22.
  • Total assets at March 31, 2022 were $35.0 billion, a decrease of $1.7 billion, or 4.6%, from the prior quarter.
  • For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.33%, the return on average equity was 14.41%, and the efficiency ratio was 60.3%.

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 155 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 and the supplementary Earnings Highlights presentation are available on the Company’s website at https://investor.commercebank.com/news-info/financial-news-releases/default.aspx .

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For the Three Months Ended

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Mar. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Net interest income

$208,786

$207,657

$205,748

Non-interest income

131,769

147,699

136,045

Total revenue

340,555

355,356

341,793

Investment securities gains (losses), net

7,163

(9,706

)

9,853

Provision for credit losses

(9,858

)

(7,054

)

(6,232

)

Non-interest expense

205,648

203,582

192,573

Income before taxes

151,928

149,122

165,305

Income taxes

31,902

33,764

32,076

Non-controlling interest expense

1,872

452

2,257

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

118,154

114,906

130,972

Earnings per common share:

Net income — basic

$0.97

$0.94

$1.06

Net income — diluted

$0.97

$0.94

$1.06

Effective tax rate

21.26

%

22.71

%

19.67

%

Tax equivalent net interest income

$211,393

$210,424

$208,774

Average total interest earning assets (1)

$ 34,937,086

$ 34,318,520

$ 31,278,721

Diluted wtd. average shares outstanding

120,616,095

121,221,482

122,402,075

RATIOS

Average loans to deposits (2)

51.90

%

52.36

%

61.79

%

Return on total average assets

1.33

1.28

1.63

Return on average equity (3)

14.41

13.11

15.69

Non-interest income to total revenue

38.69

41.56

39.80

Efficiency ratio (4)

60.29

57.29

56.37

Net yield on interest earning assets

2.45

2.43

2.71

EQUITY SUMMARY

Cash dividends per share

$.265

$.250

$.250

Cash dividends on common stock

$32,143

$30,489

$30,799

Book value per share (5)

$24.60

$28.40

$26.99

Market value per share (5)

$71.59

$68.74

$72.96

High market value per share

$74.72

$71.50

$79.10

Low market value per share

$66.28

$64.85

$61.68

Common shares outstanding (5)

120,881,120

121,436,734

122,931,140

Tangible common equity to tangible assets (6)

8.09

%

9.01

%

9.57

%

Tier I leverage ratio

9.07

%

9.13

%

9.38

%

OTHER QTD INFORMATION

Number of bank/ATM locations

285

287

298

Full-time equivalent employees

4,563

4,567

4,619

(1)

Excludes allowance for credit losses on loans and unrealized gains/(losses) on available for sale debt securities.

(2)

Includes loans held for sale.

(3)

Annualized net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. divided by average total equity.

(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 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 2021.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

For the Three Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Sep. 30, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

Interest income

$211,782

$210,479

$216,981

$211,133

$209,697

Interest expense

2,996

2,822

2,944

3,151

3,949

Net interest income

208,786

207,657

214,037

207,982

205,748

Provision for credit losses

(9,858

)

(7,054

)

(7,385

)

(45,655

)

(6,232

)

Net interest income after credit losses

218,644

214,711

221,422

253,637

211,980

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Bank card transaction fees

42,045

44,773

42,815

42,608

37,695

Trust fees

47,811

48,893

48,950

46,257

44,127

Deposit account charges and other fees

22,307

25,493

25,161

23,988

22,575

Capital market fees

4,125

3,841

3,794

3,327

4,981

Consumer brokerage services

4,446

4,878

4,900

4,503

4,081

Loan fees and sales

4,235

5,248

6,842

7,446

10,184

Other

6,800

14,573

5,044

11,014

12,402

Total non-interest income

131,769

147,699

137,506

139,143

136,045

INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET

7,163

(9,706

)

13,108

16,804

9,853

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Salaries and employee benefits

135,953

132,640

132,824

130,751

129,033

Net occupancy

12,296

12,308

12,329

11,527

12,021

Equipment

4,568

4,691

4,440

4,605

4,353

Supplies and communication

4,713

4,430

4,530

4,033

4,125

Data processing and software

27,016

25,777

25,598

24,954

25,463

Marketing

6,344

5,395

5,623

5,680

5,158

Other

14,758

18,341

26,276

16,576

12,420

Total non-interest expense

205,648

203,582

211,620

198,126

192,573

Income before income taxes

151,928

149,122

160,416

211,458

165,305

Less income taxes

31,902

33,764

34,662

45,209

32,076

Net income

120,026

115,358

125,754

166,249

133,229

Less non-controlling interest expense

1,872

452

3,193

3,923

2,257

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

118,154

114,906

122,561

162,326

130,972

Net income per common share — basic

$0.97

$0.94

$1.00

$1.32

$1.06

Net income per common share — diluted

$0.97

$0.94

$0.99

$1.32

$1.06

OTHER INFORMATION

Return on total average assets

1.33

%

1.28

%

1.40

%

1.93

%

1.63

%

Return on average equity (1)

14.41

13.11

13.74

19.12

15.69

Efficiency ratio (2)

60.29

57.29

59.95

56.90

56.37

Effective tax rate

21.26

22.71

22.05

21.78

19.67

Net yield on interest earning assets

2.45

2.43

2.58

2.60

2.71

Tax equivalent net interest income

$211,393

$210,424

$216,858

$211,060

$208,774

(1)

Annualized net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. divided by average total equity.

(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)

Mar. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

ASSETS

Loans

Business

$ 5,508,508

$ 5,303,535

$ 6,624,209

Real estate — construction and land

1,144,411

1,118,266

1,073,036

Real estate — business

3,109,668

3,058,837

3,017,242

Real estate — personal

2,820,076

2,805,401

2,828,418

Consumer

2,053,160

2,032,225

1,966,833

Revolving home equity

264,401

275,945

285,261

Consumer credit card

544,579

575,410

593,833

Overdrafts

14,211

6,740

3,239

Total loans

15,459,014

15,176,359

16,392,071

Allowance for credit losses on loans

(134,710

)

(150,044

)

(200,527

)

Net loans

15,324,304

15,026,315

16,191,544

Loans held for sale

8,908

8,615

38,076

Investment securities:

Available for sale debt securities

14,780,494

14,450,027

12,528,203

Trading debt securities

31,380

46,235

26,925

Equity securities

9,284

9,202

4,337

Other securities

199,576

194,047

155,913

Total investment securities

15,020,734

14,699,511

12,715,378

Federal funds sold

2,800

500

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

1,825,000

1,625,000

850,000

Interest earning deposits with banks

1,260,813

3,971,217

2,017,128

Cash and due from banks

326,549

305,539

338,666

Premises and equipment — net

394,028

388,738

371,737

Goodwill

138,921

138,921

138,921

Other intangible assets — net

15,885

15,570

13,098

Other assets

671,651

506,862

594,738

Total assets

$ 34,986,793

$ 36,689,088

$ 33,269,786

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Deposits:

Non-interest bearing

$ 11,428,372

$ 11,772,374

$ 11,076,556

Savings, interest checking and money market

16,751,632

16,598,085

14,572,378

Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000

422,992

435,960

504,472

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over

716,345

1,006,654

1,267,219

Total deposits

29,319,341

29,813,073

27,420,625

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

2,317,461

3,022,967

1,938,110

Other borrowings

9,057

12,560

3,791

Other liabilities

367,532

392,164

589,875

Total liabilities

32,013,391

33,240,764

29,952,401

Stockholders’ equity:

Common stock

610,804

610,804

589,352

Capital surplus

2,678,025

2,689,894

2,420,393

Retained earnings

178,504

92,493

173,173

Treasury stock

(72,293

)

(32,973

)

(39,080

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

(434,400

)

77,080

168,752

Total stockholders’ equity

2,960,640

3,437,298

3,312,590

Non-controlling interest

12,762

11,026

4,795

Total equity

2,973,402

3,448,324

3,317,385

Total liabilities and equity

$ 34,986,793

$ 36,689,088

$ 33,269,786

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

For the Three Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Sep. 30, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

ASSETS:

Loans:

Business

$ 5,324,172

$ 5,191,844

$ 5,437,498

$ 6,211,610

$ 6,532,921

Real estate — construction and land

1,134,902

1,228,237

1,168,566

1,088,433

1,091,969

Real estate — business

3,095,068

3,003,459

2,982,847

3,014,955

3,022,979

Real estate — personal

2,808,980

2,785,095

2,775,638

2,804,388

2,826,112

Consumer

2,040,200

2,043,690

2,041,263

2,004,625

1,947,322

Revolving home equity

273,859

276,464

281,689

287,031

299,371

Consumer credit card

540,844

559,429

566,406

575,725

608,747

Overdrafts

5,178

4,926

5,110

3,735

3,546

Total loans

15,223,203

15,093,144

15,259,017

15,990,502

16,332,967

Allowance for credit losses on loans

(149,685

)

(162,428

)

(172,112

)

(200,801

)

(220,512

)

Net loans

15,073,518

14,930,716

15,086,905

15,789,701

16,112,455

Loans held for sale

9,383

11,203

16,021

23,389

35,814

Investment securities:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

1,103,749

1,009,025

727,566

719,849

725,367

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

51,770

50,777

50,785

50,793

50,801

State and municipal obligations

2,077,600

2,095,517

2,039,942

1,966,673

1,958,637

Mortgage-backed securities

7,316,609

7,141,249

7,115,419

6,685,407

6,998,521

Asset-backed securities

3,933,061

3,514,541

3,028,076

2,653,928

2,085,491

Other debt securities

636,247

629,643

608,642

605,772

570,115

Unrealized gain on debt securities

(174,297

)

86,020

230,058

197,124

283,511

Total available for sale debt securities

14,944,739

14,526,772

13,800,488

12,879,546

12,672,443

Trading debt securities

40,686

46,513

32,238

34,955

32,320

Equity securities

9,498

9,171

8,756

4,914

4,321

Other securities

192,311

190,346

183,397

156,984

154,030

Total investment securities

15,187,234

14,772,802

14,024,879

13,076,399

12,863,114

Federal funds sold

1,053

564

792

1,338

7

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

1,733,887

1,669,835

1,633,205

937,372

849,999

Interest earning deposits with banks

2,608,029

2,856,992

2,602,896

2,724,782

1,480,331

Other assets

1,304,400

1,288,323

1,261,277

1,258,989

1,308,105

Total assets

$ 35,917,504

$ 35,530,435

$ 34,625,975

$ 33,811,970

$ 32,649,825

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

Non-interest bearing deposits

$ 11,544,701

$ 11,919,268

$ 11,475,113

$ 11,109,198

$ 10,438,637

Savings

1,563,093

1,507,199

1,484,923

1,474,391

1,333,177

Interest checking and money market

14,949,727

13,873,985

13,343,180

13,283,481

12,970,629

Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000

429,852

441,920

464,367

491,446

516,728

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over

862,232

1,105,480

1,289,665

1,354,685

1,230,075

Total deposits

29,349,605

28,847,852

28,057,248

27,713,201

26,489,246

Borrowings:

Federal funds purchased

23,356

20,848

13,606

23,291

37,034

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

2,712,468

2,620,348

2,347,270

2,142,405

2,129,038

Other borrowings

768

1,078

347

978

831

Total borrowings

2,736,592

2,642,274

2,361,223

2,166,674

2,166,903

Other liabilities

505,644

562,102

667,786

527,401

608,212

Total liabilities

32,591,841

32,052,228

31,086,257

30,407,276

29,264,361

Equity

3,325,663

3,478,207

3,539,718

3,404,694

3,385,464

Total liabilities and equity

$ 35,917,504

$ 35,530,435

$ 34,625,975

$ 33,811,970

$ 32,649,825

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES

AVERAGE RATES

(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Sep. 30, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

ASSETS:

Loans:

Business (1)

2.93

%

3.16

%

3.43

%

3.15

%

3.09

%

Real estate — construction and land

3.76

3.61

3.51

3.56

3.54

Real estate — business

3.38

3.41

3.46

3.49

3.52

Real estate — personal

3.28

3.21

3.27

3.31

3.40

Consumer

3.59

3.65

3.71

3.84

4.02

Revolving home equity

3.48

3.47

3.46

3.43

3.38

Consumer credit card

11.35

11.06

11.29

11.22

10.97

Overdrafts

Total loans

3.54

3.62

3.74

3.65

3.66

Loans held for sale

6.48

5.10

4.63

4.20

3.44

Investment securities:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

3.42

3.11

5.74

5.52

2.54

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

2.33

2.30

2.30

2.33

2.36

State and municipal obligations (1)

2.29

2.26

2.35

2.41

2.46

Mortgage-backed securities

1.98

1.40

1.53

1.11

1.39

Asset-backed securities

1.13

1.03

1.08

1.25

1.39

Other debt securities

2.00

2.07

2.04

2.06

2.15

Total available for sale debt securities

1.91

1.59

1.80

1.64

1.67

Trading debt securities (1)

1.84

1.54

1.01

1.19

1.08

Equity securities (1)

26.00

27.64

23.92

43.10

49.56

Other securities (1)

5.91

18.39

7.46

11.90

5.26

Total investment securities

1.97

1.82

1.89

1.78

1.72

Federal funds sold

.39

.70

.50

.60

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

1.24

1.62

2.19

4.46

5.31

Interest earning deposits with banks

.18

.15

.15

.11

.10

Total interest earning assets

2.49

2.47

2.62

2.64

2.76

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

Interest bearing deposits:

Savings

.05

.08

.08

.08

.08

Interest checking and money market

.04

.04

.05

.05

.06

Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000

.13

.14

.18

.27

.37

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over

.20

.14

.14

.20

.35

Total interest bearing deposits

.05

.05

.06

.07

.09

Borrowings:

Federal funds purchased

.12

.11

.10

.05

.05

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

.10

.08

.08

.06

.06

Other borrowings

.53

1.14

.82

.98

Total borrowings

.10

.08

.08

.06

.06

Total interest bearing liabilities

.06

%

.06

%

.06

%

.07

%

.09

%

Net yield on interest earning assets

2.45

%

2.43

%

2.58

%

2.60

%

2.71

%

(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

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except ratios)

Mar. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Sep. 30, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS

Balance at beginning of period

$150,044

$162,775

$172,395

$200,527

$220,834

Adoption of ASU 2016-13

Provision for credit losses on loans

(10,686

)

(8,474

)

(5,961

)

(27,433

)

(10,355

)

Net charge-offs (recoveries):

Commercial portfolio:

Business

77

90

65

(4,909

)

(4

)

Real estate — construction and land

1

Real estate — business

(7

)

6

(5

)

(85

)

20

70

96

60

(4,994

)

17

Personal banking portfolio:

Consumer credit card

3,372

2,964

2,908

5,155

8,981

Consumer

808

919

496

378

763

Overdraft

358

375

243

148

153

Real estate — personal

22

(71

)

(26

)

(16

)

15

Revolving home equity

18

(26

)

(22

)

28

23

4,578

4,161

3,599

5,693

9,935

Total net loan charge-offs

4,648

4,257

3,659

699

9,952

Balance at end of period

$134,710

$150,044

$162,775

$172,395

$200,527

LIABILITY FOR UNFUNDED LENDING COMMITMENTS

$25,032

$24,204

$22,784

$24,208

$42,430

NET CHARGE-OFF RATIOS (1)

Commercial portfolio:

Business

.01

%

.01

%

%

(.32

%)

%

Real estate — construction and land

Real estate — business

(.01

)

(.19

)

Personal banking portfolio:

Consumer credit card

2.53

2.10

2.04

3.59

5.98

Consumer

.16

.18

.10

.08

.16

Overdraft

28.04

30.20

18.87

15.89

17.50

Real estate — personal

(.01

)

Revolving home equity

.03

(.04

)

(.03

)

.04

.03

.33

.29

.25

.40

.71

Total

.12

%

.11

%

.10

%

.02

%

.25

%

CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS

Non-accrual loans to total loans

.05

%

.06

%

.07

%

.07

%

.14

%

Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans (2)

.87

.99

1.07

1.10

1.22

NON-ACCRUAL AND PAST DUE LOANS

Non-accrual loans:

Business

$6,756

$7,312

$8,293

$8,839

$20,215

Real estate — construction and land

Real estate — business

190

214

577

655

1,572

Real estate — personal

1,389

1,631

1,551

1,672

1,719

Total

8,335

9,157

10,421

11,166

23,506

Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest

$10,670

$11,726

$10,496

$12,338

$21,512

(1)

Net charge-offs are annualized and calculated as a percentage of average loans (excluding loans held for sale).

(2)

Excluding PPP loans, the allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was .87% and 1.00% as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
Management Discussion of First Quarter Results
March 31, 2022

For the quarter ended March 31, 2022, net income amounted to $118.2 million, compared to $114.9 million in the previous quarter and $131.0 million in the same quarter last year. The increase in net income compared to the previous quarter was primarily the result of net investment securities gains recorded this quarter compared to net losses recorded in the prior quarter, mostly offset by lower non-interest income. The net yield on interest earning assets grew two basis points to 2.45%. Average loans grew $130.1 million compared to the previous quarter, while average available for sale debt securities grew $418.0 million, and average deposits increased $501.7 million. For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.33%, the return on average equity was 14.41%, and the efficiency ratio was 60.3%.

Balance Sheet Review

During the 1 st quarter of 2022, average loans totaled $15.2 billion, an increase of $130.1 million over the prior quarter, and declined $1.1 billion, or 6.8%, from the same quarter last year. Compared to the previous quarter, average balances of business loans grew $132.3 million (includes a decline of $132.0 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) average loan balances). Average business real estate loan balances grew $91.6 million, while construction loan balances declined $93.3 million. Period end loans increased $282.7 million compared to the prior quarter, including PPP loan balances that decreased $75.7 million this quarter and totaled $53.4 million at March 31, 2022. Excluding PPP loans, period end business loans increased $280.7 million. As of March 31, 2022, 97% of PPP loan balances have been forgiven. During the current quarter, the Company sold certain fixed rate personal real estate loans totaling $55.6 million, compared to $119.3 million in the prior quarter.

Total average available for sale debt securities increased $418.0 million over the previous quarter to $14.9 billion, at fair value. The increase in investment securities was mainly the result of growth in asset-backed securities. During the current quarter, purchases of securities totaled $1.8 billion with a weighted average yield of approximately 2.06%. Maturities and pay downs were $806.5 million. At March 31, 2022, the duration of the investment portfolio was 3.6 years, and maturities and pay downs of approximately $3.1 billion are expected to occur during the next 12 months.

Total average deposits increased $501.7 million this quarter compared to the previous quarter. The increase in deposits mostly resulted from growth in interest checking and money market deposits of $1.1 billion, partially offset by lower demand deposits and certificates of deposit of $374.6 million and $255.3 million, respectively. Compared to the previous quarter, total average consumer and wealth deposits grew $290.2 million and $213.6 million, respectively. The average loans to deposits ratio was 51.9% in the current quarter and 52.4% in the prior quarter. The Company’s average borrowings, which include customer repurchase agreements, were $2.7 billion in the 1 st quarter of 2022 and $2.6 billion in the prior quarter.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income in the 1 st quarter of 2022 amounted to $208.8 million, an increase of $1.1 million compared to the previous quarter. On a tax equivalent basis, net interest income for the current quarter increased $969 thousand compared to the previous quarter to $211.4 million. The increase in net interest income was mainly due to higher income earned on investment securities, partially offset by lower income earned on loans and securities purchased under agreements to resell. The net yield on earning assets (tax equivalent) increased to 2.45%, compared to 2.43% in the prior quarter.

Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans (tax equivalent) decreased $4.8 million, mostly due to $4.0 million of lower income recognized from PPP loans this quarter, partly offset by higher average loan balances. Interest on construction and consumer card loans declined mostly due to lower average loan balances, while consumer banking loans declined mostly due to lower average rates. The yield on PPP loans decreased from 10.80% to 9.36% this quarter. Excluding PPP loans, the yield on business loans was 2.82% in the 1 st quarter of 2022 compared to 2.83% in the prior quarter. The average tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio decreased six basis points to 3.54% this quarter.

Interest income on investment securities (tax equivalent) increased $7.4 million compared to the prior quarter, due to higher rates earned coupled with higher average balances. At March 31, 2022, the Company recorded a $7.5 million adjustment to premium amortization compared to a $2.6 million adjustment in the prior quarter, which increased interest income to reflect considerably slower forward prepayment speed estimates on mortgage-backed securities. Interest income earned on U.S. government and federal agency securities increased due to higher average balances and rates earned, including the impact of $1.4 million in higher inflation income from Treasury inflation-protected securities. These increases were partly offset by $5.5 million in dividends received from private equity portfolio investments last quarter that did not reoccur. The yield on total investment securities was 1.97% in the current quarter, compared to 1.82% in the previous quarter.

The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits totaled .05% in both the current and prior quarters. Interest expense on deposits increased $25 thousand this quarter compared to the previous quarter. The overall rate paid on interest bearing liabilities was .06% in both the current and prior quarters.

Non-Interest Income

In the 1 st quarter of 2022, total non-interest income amounted to $131.8 million, a decrease of $4.3 million, or 3.1%, compared to the same period last year and decreased $15.9 million compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in non-interest income compared to the same period last year was mainly due to lower loan fees and sales and less income from branch sales, partly offset by higher bank card and trust fee income. The decrease in non-interest income compared to the prior quarter was mainly due to lower income from branch sales, deposit account, trust and bank card fees.

Total net bank card fees in the current quarter increased $4.4 million, or 11.5%, over the same period last year, and decreased $2.7 million compared to the prior quarter. Net corporate card fees increased $3.5 million, or 17.2%, over the same quarter of last year mainly due to higher interchange fee income, partly offset by higher rewards expense. Net debit card fees increased $185 thousand, or 2.0%, mainly due to higher interchange fees. Net merchant income increased $366 thousand, or 7.9%, and net credit card fees increased $300 thousand, or 8.8%. Total net bank card fees this quarter were comprised of fees on corporate card ($23.8 million), debit card ($9.6 million), merchant ($5.0 million) and credit card ($3.7 million) transactions.

In the current quarter, trust fees increased $3.7 million, or 8.3%, over the same period last year, resulting mostly from higher private client fee income. Compared to the same period last year, deposit account fees decreased $268 thousand, or 1.2%, mainly due to lower personal deposit account fees, partially offset by higher corporate cash management fees. Loan fees and sales, mostly mortgage banking revenue, declined $5.9 million, or 58.4%, compared to amounts recorded in the same quarter last year. Capital markets fees decreased $856 thousand, or 17.2%, while consumer brokerage fees increased $365 thousand, or 8.9%, compared to the same quarter last year.

Other non-interest income decreased from the same period last year mainly due to a $2.4 million gain on the sale of a branch location recorded last year compared to a $965 thousand write down on a branch location recorded this quarter. In addition, swap fees and cash sweep commissions declined $637 thousand and $403 thousand, respectively. Fair value adjustments on the Company’s deferred compensation plan assets, which are held in a trust and recorded as both an asset and liability, decreased $1.9 million from the same quarter last year, affecting both other income and other expense. For the 1 st quarter of 2022, non-interest income comprised 38.7% of the Company’s total revenue.

Investment Securities Gains and Losses

The Company recorded investment net gains of $7.2 million in the current quarter, compared to net losses of $9.7 million in the prior quarter and net gains of $9.9 million in the 1 st quarter of 2021. Net gains on investments in the current quarter primarily resulted from net fair value gains of $7.5 million in the Company’s private equity investment portfolio.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the current quarter amounted to $205.6 million, compared to $192.6 million in the same period last year and $203.6 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 benefits expense, data processing and software expense, marketing expense, and travel and entertainment expense. The increase in non-interest expense compared to the prior quarter was mainly due to higher payroll taxes and 401(k) contributions expense, partly offset by fair value adjustments on the Company’s deferred compensation plan and lower salaries expense.

Compared to the 1 st quarter of last year, salaries and employee benefits expense increased $6.9 million, mostly due to higher full-time salaries expense. Employee benefits expense also increased $2.5 million compared to the prior quarter. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,563 and 4,619 at March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Compared to the same period last year, data processing and software expense increased $1.6 million due to higher software amortization, bank card processing fees and increased costs for service providers this quarter. Marketing expense increased $1.2 million. Additionally, other non-interest expense increased $2.3 million, mainly due to an increase of $1.1 million in travel and entertainment expense and lower deferred origination costs of $1.1 million, partially offset by a $1.9 million deferred compensation adjustment previously mentioned.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the Company was 21.3% in the current quarter, 22.7% in the previous quarter, and 19.7% in the 1 st quarter of 2021. The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2022 is higher than the first quarter of 2021 mostly due to the executive compensation limitation on equity-based compensation.

Credit Quality

Net loan charge-offs in the 1 st quarter of 2022 amounted to $4.6 million, compared to $4.3 million in the prior quarter and $10.0 million in the same period last year. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to total average loans was .12% in the current quarter, .11% in the previous quarter, and .25% in the 1 st quarter of last year. Net loan charge-offs on personal banking loans increased $417 thousand to $4.6 million.

In the 1 st quarter of 2022, annualized net loan charge-offs on average consumer credit card loans were 2.53%, compared to 2.10% in the previous quarter, and 5.98% in the same quarter last year. Consumer loan net charge-offs were .16% of average consumer loans in the current quarter, .18% in the prior quarter and .16% in the same quarter last year.

During the 1 st quarter of 2022, the economy continued to recover from the pandemic and the economic forecast utilized in the allowance for credit loss model also continued to improve. This improvement, coupled with other model inputs, resulted in a decrease in the allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2022, primarily in the consumer credit card portfolio as consumer credit continued to prove resistant to pandemic related hardships. At March 31, 2022, the allowance for credit losses on loans totaled $134.7 million, or .87% of total loans. Additionally, the liability for unfunded lending commitments at March 31, 2022 was $25.0 million, an increase of $828 thousand compared to the liability at December 31, 2021.

At March 31, 2022, total non-accrual loans amounted to $8.3 million, a decrease of $822 thousand from the previous quarter. At March 31, 2022, the balance of non-accrual loans, which represented .05% of loans outstanding, included business loans of $6.8 million, personal real estate loans of $1.4 million, and business real estate loans of $190 thousand. Loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest totaled $10.7 million at March 31, 2022.

Other

During the 1 st quarter of 2022, the Company paid a cash dividend of $.265 per common share, representing a 6.0% increase over the same period last year. The Company purchased 795,387 shares of treasury stock during the current quarter at an average price of $70.22.

Forward Looking Information

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

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220418005451/en/

Matt Burkemper, Investor Relations
(314) 746-7485
www.commercebank.com
matthew.burkemper@commercebank.com

Stock Information

Company Name: Commerce Bancshares Inc.
Stock Symbol: CBSH
Market: NASDAQ
Website: commercebank.com

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