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

Rhea-AI Summary

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. reported Q1 2022 earnings of $0.97 per share, down from $1.06 in Q1 2021. Net income was $118.2 million, compared to $131.0 million a year ago. The increase in loan demand and a growing net interest margin were noted, with net interest income rising slightly to $208.8 million. However, non-interest income decreased by $15.9 million to $131.8 million. Average loans totaled $15.2 billion, increasing by $130.1 million from the previous quarter. The allowance for credit losses decreased to $134.7 million, representing 0.87% of total loans.

Positive

• Net interest income rose to $208.8 million, a slight increase over the previous quarter.
• Loan demand grew across commercial categories, indicating strong market momentum.
• Average deposits increased by $501.7 million, signaling positive cash flow.
• Investment securities gains of $7.2 million improved compared to the prior quarter's losses.

Negative

• Net income dropped to $118.2 million from $131.0 million in Q1 2021.
• Non-interest income decreased by $15.9 million, impacting total revenue.
• Total assets decreased by $1.7 billion, or 4.6%, from the prior quarter.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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

Source: Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

FAQ

What were Commerce Bancshares' earnings for Q1 2022?

Commerce Bancshares reported earnings of $0.97 per share for Q1 2022.

How did net income change for Commerce Bancshares in Q1 2022?

Net income for Q1 2022 was $118.2 million, down from $131.0 million in the same quarter last year.

What was the non-interest income for Commerce Bancshares in Q1 2022?

Non-interest income totaled $131.8 million in Q1 2022, a decrease of $15.9 million compared to the prior quarter.

What is the current allowance for credit losses on loans for CBSH?

As of March 31, 2022, the allowance for credit losses on loans decreased to $134.7 million, or 0.87% of total loans.

What was the average loan balance reported by Commerce Bancshares for Q1 2022?

The average loan balance for Q1 2022 was $15.2 billion, reflecting an increase of $130.1 million over the prior quarter.