Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Earnings Per Share of $1.07

Rhea-AI Summary

Commerce Bancshares reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.07 for Q2 2024, a notable increase from $0.97 in Q2 2023 and $0.86 in Q1 2024. Net income for the quarter was $139.6 million, up from $127.8 million in the same period last year and $112.7 million in the prior quarter.

For the first six months of 2024, EPS totaled $1.93 compared to $1.88 in the same period last year, with net income at $252.2 million, up from $247.2 million.

Key metrics include a return on average assets of 1.67% and a return on average equity of 16.98% year-to-date. The net interest margin expanded by 22 basis points to 3.55%.

Revenue for Q2 2024 grew, with net interest income rising to $262.2 million and non-interest income to $152.2 million. Average loan balances increased to $17.2 billion, while total assets were $30.6 billion at quarter-end.

Positive

• EPS increased to $1.07 in Q2 2024 from $0.97 in Q2 2023.
• Net income for Q2 2024 was $139.6 million, up from $127.8 million in Q2 2023.
• Return on average assets for the year to date was 1.67%.
• Return on average equity for the year to date was 16.98%.
• Net interest margin expanded by 22 basis points to 3.55%.
• Net interest income increased to $262.2 million in Q2 2024.
• Average loan balances increased to $17.2 billion.
• Total assets grew to $30.6 billion.

Negative

• Total average deposits decreased by $164.5 million compared to the prior quarter.
• Unrealized loss on available for sale debt securities decreased by $173.4 million but still remains at $1.1 billion.
• Allowance for credit losses on loans decreased by $1.9 million in Q2 2024.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. reported a solid earnings performance for the second quarter of 2024, with $1.07 earnings per share (EPS), a notable increase from $0.97 in the same quarter last year and $0.86 in the first quarter of 2024. This growth is largely driven by an expanding net interest margin, which rose by 22 basis points to 3.55%. Additionally, their net income surged to $139.6 million, compared to $127.8 million in Q2 2023 and $112.7 million in Q1 2024.

From an investment perspective, the increased net interest income of $262.2 million for this quarter, up from $248.9 million in Q1, illustrates the bank's proficiency in navigating interest rate environments. The return on average assets (ROA) at 1.86% and return on average equity (ROE) at 18.52% are quite robust, indicating efficient use of capital to generate earnings. These metrics are important for evaluating the bank's profitability and efficiency compared to industry peers.

However, there were some areas of concern, such as the decline in total average deposits by $164.5 million or 0.7% from the prior quarter, which could indicate customer withdrawal or reallocation of funds. Also, the bank faced an unrealized loss on available for sale debt securities which decreased by $173.4 million to $1.1 billion, highlighting some vulnerability in their investment portfolio under volatile market conditions.

For long-term investors, Commerce Bancshares’ ability to consistently control expenses, evidenced by their efficiency ratio of 55.9% and the non-accrual loans at just 11 basis points, reflect prudent management and strong credit quality. This positions them well for sustained growth in the future.

Market Research Analyst

Commerce Bancshares has shown resilience and adaptive strategies in its earnings report for the second quarter of 2024. The expansion in trust fees and deposit account fees by 10.6% and 11.9%, respectively, over the same period last year, indicates a growing reliance on fee-based services, which diversifies their income streams. This shift is significant as it can protect the bank's revenue from interest rate volatility, ensuring more stable and predictable cash flows.

The market value per share also rose to $55.78 from $46.38 a year ago, highlighting a positive sentiment among investors. This reflects confidence in the company's financial health and growth prospects. Additionally, the average loan balances increased to $17.2 billion, up by 0.6% from the prior quarter, showing steady demand for credit services, especially in business and consumer loans.

Nevertheless, the decrease in total average available-for-sale debt securities by $695.1 million could suggest strategic repositioning or market-driven adjustments. Investors should watch how these changes impact the long-term interest income and overall portfolio health.

Overall, Commerce Bancshares is maintaining a strong foothold, leveraging its diversified income streams and strategic asset management to sustain its growth trajectory.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Commerce Bancshares, Inc. announced earnings of $1.07 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $.97 per share in the same quarter last year and $.86 per share in the first quarter of 2024. Net income for the second quarter of 2024 amounted to $139.6 million, compared to $127.8 million in the second quarter of 2023 and $112.7 million in the prior quarter.

For the six months ended June 30, 2024, earnings per share totaled $1.93, compared to $1.88 for the first six months of 2023. Net income amounted to $252.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $247.2 million in the comparable period last year. For the year to date, the return on average assets was 1.67%, and the return on average equity was 16.98%.

In announcing these results, John Kemper, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our earnings remained strong this quarter, driven by an expanding net interest margin, solid fee income, and well-controlled expenses. Our net interest margin expanded 22 basis points this quarter, attributable to a repositioning of some of our available for sale securities, continued benefit from asset repricing and inflation income on treasury bonds. Interest-bearing deposit costs continue to flatten, increasing just two basis points this quarter. Trust fees and deposit account fees were up 10.6% and 11.9%, respectively, over the same period last year.

“We continue to maintain strong capital and liquidity levels. Credit quality across our entire loan portfolio remains excellent, with non-accrual loans at just 11 basis points of total loans.”

Kemper added, “We are pleased to announce that the Company contributed $5.0 million to the Commerce Bancshares Foundation during the second quarter. This donation underscores our commitment to supporting and empowering the growth and prosperity of our communities. Through our contribution to the Foundation, we look forward to maintaining a lasting positive impact on the organizations who do so much for the areas we serve.”

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

• Net interest income was $262.2 million, a $13.3 million increase over the prior quarter. The net yield on interest earning assets increased 22 basis points to 3.55%.

• Non-interest income totaled $152.2 million, an increase of $4.6 million compared to the same quarter last year.

• Trust fees grew $5.0 million, or 10.6%, compared to the same period last year, mostly due to higher private client fees.

• Non-interest expense totaled $232.2 million, an increase of $4.6 million, or 2.0%, compared to the same quarter last year and included a $5.0 million donation to a related charitable foundation.

• Average loan balances totaled $17.2 billion, an increase of .6% compared to the prior quarter.

• Total average available for sale debt securities decreased $695.1 million from the prior quarter to $8.8 billion, at fair value. During the second quarter of 2024, the unrealized loss on available for sale debt securities decreased $173.4 million to $1.1 billion, at period end.

• Investment securities gains included a $177.0 million gain on Visa Inc. stock and a $179.1 million loss on the repositioning of a portion of the Company’s available for sale debt securities portfolio.

• Total average deposits decreased $164.5 million, or .7%, compared to the prior quarter. The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits in the current quarter was 1.99%.

• The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans was .23% compared to .21% in the prior quarter.

• The allowance for credit losses on loans decreased $1.9 million during the second quarter to $158.6 million, and the ratio of the allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was .92%, at June 30, 2024, compared to .93% at March 31, 2024.

• Total assets at June 30, 2024 were $30.6 billion, an increase of $197.3 million, or .6%, compared to the prior quarter.

• For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.86%, the return on average equity was 18.52%, and the efficiency ratio was 55.9%.

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. is a regional bank holding company offering a full line of banking services through its subsidiaries, including payment solutions, investment management and securities brokerage. One of its subsidiaries, Commerce Bank, leverages nearly 160 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. Beyond the Midwest, Commerce also maintains commercial offices in Dallas, Houston, Cincinnati, Nashville, Des Moines, Indianapolis, and Grand Rapids and wealth offices in Dallas, Houston, and Naples. Commerce delivers high-touch service and sophisticated financial solutions at regional branches, commercial and wealth 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						For the Six Months Ended
(Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)		Jun. 30, 2024		Mar. 31, 2024		Jun. 30, 2023		Jun. 30, 2024		Jun. 30, 2023
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Net interest income		$262,249		$248,999		$249,538		$511,248		$501,161
Non-interest income		152,244		148,848		147,605		301,092		285,217
Total revenue		414,493		397,847		397,143		812,340		786,378
Investment securities gains (losses)		3,233		(259	)	3,392		2,974		3,086
Provision for credit losses		5,468		4,787		6,471		10,255		17,927
Non-interest expense		232,214		245,697		227,611		477,911		451,718
Income before taxes		180,044		147,104		166,453		327,148		319,819
Income taxes		38,602		31,652		35,990		70,254		68,803
Non-controlling interest expense		1,889		2,789		2,674		4,678		3,775
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.		$139,553		$112,663		$127,789		$252,216		$247,241
Earnings per common share:
Net income — basic		$1.07		$0.87		$0.97		$1.94		$1.88
Net income — diluted		$1.07		$0.86		$0.97		$1.93		$1.88
Effective tax rate		21.67	%	21.93	%	21.97	%	21.79	%	21.77	%
Fully-taxable equivalent net interest income		$264,578		$251,312		$251,757		$515,890		$505,168
Average total interest earning assets (1)		$30,016,060		$30,365,774		$32,412,084		$30,190,917		$31,992,669
Diluted wtd. average shares outstanding		128,610,693		129,185,903		130,207,664		128,898,298		130,339,067
RATIOS
Average loans to deposits (2)		70.73	%	69.87	%	66.15	%	70.30	%	65.57	%
Return on total average assets		1.86		1.48		1.56		1.67		1.55
Return on average equity (3)		18.52		15.39		18.81		16.98		18.78
Non-interest income to total revenue		36.73		37.41		37.17		37.06		36.27
Efficiency ratio (4)		55.95		61.67		57.22		58.75		57.35
Net yield on interest earning assets		3.55		3.33		3.12		3.44		3.18
EQUITY SUMMARY
Cash dividends per share		$.270		$.270		$.257		$.540		$.514
Cash dividends on common stock		$34,960		$35,140		$33,744		$70,100		$67,503
Book value per share (5)		$24.48		$22.70		$20.50
Market value per share (5)		$55.78		$53.20		$46.38
High market value per share		$57.48		$55.64		$56.16
Low market value per share		$50.92		$49.44		$43.38
Common shares outstanding (5)		129,004,231		129,694,606		130,971,572
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (6)		9.82	%	9.24	%	7.70	%
Tier I leverage ratio		12.13	%	11.75	%	10.46	%
OTHER QTD INFORMATION
Number of bank/ATM locations		247		254		272
Full-time equivalent employees		4,724		4,721		4,680
(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 total revenue. (5) As of period end. (6) The tangible common equity ratio is a non-gaap ratio and 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 2023.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share data)		For the Three Months Ended										For the Six Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2024		Mar. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023		Sep. 30, 2023		Jun. 30, 2023		Jun. 30, 2024		Jun. 30, 2023
Interest income		$369,363		$358,721		$362,609		$361,162		$348,663		$728,084		$657,520
Interest expense		107,114		109,722		114,188		112,615		99,125		216,836		156,359
Net interest income		262,249		248,999		248,421		248,547		249,538		511,248		501,161
Provision for credit losses		5,468		4,787		5,879		11,645		6,471		10,255		17,927
Net interest income after credit losses		256,781		244,212		242,542		236,902		243,067		500,993		483,234
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Trust fees		52,291		51,105		49,154		49,207		47,265		103,396		92,593
Bank card transaction fees		47,477		46,930		47,878		46,899		49,725		94,407		96,379
Deposit account charges and other fees		25,325		24,151		23,517		23,090		22,633		49,476		44,385
Consumer brokerage services		4,478		4,408		3,641		3,820		4,677		8,886		9,762
Capital market fees		4,760		3,892		4,269		3,524		2,945		8,652		6,307
Loan fees and sales		3,431		3,141		2,875		2,966		2,735		6,572		5,324
Other		14,482		15,221		13,545		13,443		17,625		29,703		30,467
Total non-interest income		152,244		148,848		144,879		142,949		147,605		301,092		285,217
INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET		3,233		(259	)	7,601		4,298		3,392		2,974		3,086
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits		149,120		151,801		147,456		146,805		145,429		300,921		289,802
Data processing and software		31,529		31,153		31,141		30,744		28,719		62,682		56,873
Net occupancy		12,544		13,574		13,927		13,948		12,995		26,118		25,754
Deposit insurance		2,354		8,017		20,304		4,029		4,187		10,371		8,830
Equipment		5,091		5,010		5,137		4,697		4,864		10,101		9,714
Marketing		5,356		4,036		6,505		6,167		6,368		9,392		11,839
Supplies and communication		4,636		4,744		5,242		4,963		4,625		9,380		9,215
Other		21,584		27,362		21,542		16,657		20,424		48,946		39,691
Total non-interest expense		232,214		245,697		251,254		228,010		227,611		477,911		451,718
Income before income taxes		180,044		147,104		143,768		156,139		166,453		327,148		319,819
Less income taxes		38,602		31,652		32,307		33,439		35,990		70,254		68,803
Net income		141,442		115,452		111,461		122,700		130,463		256,894		251,016
Less non-controlling interest expense (income)		1,889		2,789		2,238		2,104		2,674		4,678		3,775
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.		$139,553		$112,663		$109,223		$120,596		$127,789		$252,216		$247,241
Net income per common share — basic		$1.07		$0.87		$0.84		$0.92		$0.97		$1.94		$1.88
Net income per common share — diluted		$1.07		$0.86		$0.84		$0.92		$0.97		$1.93		$1.88
OTHER INFORMATION
Return on total average assets		1.86	%	1.48	%	1.38	%	1.49	%	1.56	%	1.67	%	1.55	%
Return on average equity (1)		18.52		15.39		16.48		17.73		18.81		16.98		18.78
Efficiency ratio (2)		55.95		61.67		63.80		58.15		57.22		58.75		57.35
Effective tax rate		21.67		21.93		22.83		21.71		21.97		21.79		21.77
Net yield on interest earning assets		3.55		3.33		3.17		3.11		3.12		3.44		3.18
Fully-taxable equivalent net interest income		$264,578		$251,312		$250,547		$250,962		$251,757		$515,890		$505,168
(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 total revenue. The income statement above reflects the reclassification of non-interest income of $406 thousand, $1.1 million, and $406 thousand from other non-interest income to capital market fees for the second and third quarters of 2023 and the first six months of 2023, respectively.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - PERIOD END
(Unaudited) (In thousands)		Jun. 30, 2024		Mar. 31, 2024		Jun. 30, 2023
ASSETS
Loans
Business		$6,090,724		$5,994,974		$5,906,493
Real estate — construction and land		1,396,515		1,497,647		1,451,783
Real estate — business		3,572,539		3,711,602		3,621,222
Real estate — personal		3,055,182		3,039,885		2,980,599
Consumer		2,145,609		2,119,308		2,110,605
Revolving home equity		331,381		322,523		303,845
Consumer credit card		566,925		564,388		574,755
Overdrafts		4,190		48,513		7,237
Total loans		17,163,065		17,298,840		16,956,539
Allowance for credit losses on loans		(158,557	)	(160,465	)	(158,685	)
Net loans		17,004,508		17,138,375		16,797,854
Loans held for sale		2,930		2,328		6,776
Investment securities:
Available for sale debt securities		8,534,271		9,141,695		10,414,625
Trading debt securities		45,499		56,716		29,412
Equity securities		113,584		12,852		12,266
Other securities		223,798		229,146		258,045
Total investment securities		8,917,152		9,440,409		10,714,348
Federal funds sold		—		—		2,750
Securities purchased under agreements to resell		475,000		225,000		825,000
Interest earning deposits with banks		2,215,057		1,609,614		2,568,695
Cash and due from banks		329,692		291,040		366,699
Premises and equipment — net		467,256		467,377		451,568
Goodwill		146,539		146,539		146,371
Other intangible assets — net		13,801		13,918		14,666
Other assets		997,423		1,037,508		936,535
Total assets		$30,569,358		$30,372,108		$32,831,262
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing		$7,492,751		$7,513,464		$8,198,849
Savings, interest checking and money market		14,367,710		14,463,211		14,418,974
Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000		1,010,251		997,979		1,543,424
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over		1,408,548		1,465,541		1,708,197
Total deposits		24,279,260		24,440,195		25,869,444
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase		2,551,399		2,505,576		2,878,021
Other borrowings		3,984		2,359		1,005,613
Other liabilities		576,380		460,089		392,956
Total liabilities		27,411,023		27,408,219		30,146,034
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		655,322		655,322		629,319
Capital surplus		3,153,107		3,148,649		2,921,365
Retained earnings		235,299		130,706		211,358
Treasury stock		(98,176	)	(59,674	)	(58,389	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(807,817	)	(931,027	)	(1,036,295	)
Total stockholders’ equity		3,137,735		2,943,976		2,667,358
Non-controlling interest		20,600		19,913		17,870
Total equity		3,158,335		2,963,889		2,685,228
Total liabilities and equity		$30,569,358		$30,372,108		$32,831,262

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited) (In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024		Mar. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023		Sep. 30, 2023		Jun. 30, 2023
ASSETS:
Loans:
Business	$5,980,364		$5,873,525		$5,861,229		$5,849,227		$5,757,388
Real estate — construction and land	1,471,504		1,472,554		1,523,682		1,508,850		1,450,196
Real estate — business	3,666,057		3,727,643		3,644,589		3,642,010		3,540,851
Real estate — personal	3,044,943		3,031,193		3,027,664		2,992,500		2,960,962
Consumer	2,127,650		2,082,490		2,117,268		2,102,281		2,098,523
Revolving home equity	326,204		322,074		310,282		304,055		300,623
Consumer credit card	552,896		562,892		568,112		564,039		555,875
Overdrafts	4,856		7,696		5,258		5,341		4,630
Total loans	17,174,474		17,080,067		17,058,084		16,968,303		16,669,048
Allowance for credit losses on loans	(159,791	)	(161,891	)	(161,932	)	(158,335	)	(159,068	)
Net loans	17,014,683		16,918,176		16,896,152		16,809,968		16,509,980
Loans held for sale	2,455		2,149		5,392		5,714		5,957
Investment securities:
U.S. government and federal agency obligations	1,201,954		851,656		889,390		986,284		1,035,651
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations	55,634		55,652		55,661		55,676		55,751
State and municipal obligations	1,069,934		1,330,808		1,363,649		1,391,541		1,532,519
Mortgage-backed securities	5,553,656		5,902,328		6,022,502		6,161,348		6,316,224
Asset-backed securities	1,785,598		2,085,050		2,325,089		2,553,562		2,827,911
Other debt securities	364,828		503,204		510,721		514,787		519,988
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities	(1,272,127	)	(1,274,125	)	(1,595,845	)	(1,458,141	)	(1,331,002	)
Total available for sale debt securities	8,759,477		9,454,573		9,571,167		10,205,057		10,957,042
Trading debt securities	46,565		40,483		37,234		35,044		46,493
Equity securities	127,584		12,768		12,249		12,230		12,335
Other securities	228,403		221,695		222,378		237,518		273,587
Total investment securities	9,162,029		9,729,519		9,843,028		10,489,849		11,289,457
Federal funds sold	1,612		599		1,194		2,722		7,484
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	303,586		340,934		450,000		712,472		824,974
Interest earning deposits with banks	2,099,777		1,938,381		2,387,415		2,337,744		2,284,162
Other assets	1,651,808		1,715,716		1,797,849		1,750,222		1,941,340
Total assets	$30,235,950		$30,645,474		$31,381,030		$32,108,691		$32,863,354
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
Non-interest bearing deposits	$7,297,955		$7,328,603		$7,748,654		$7,939,190		$8,224,475
Savings	1,328,989		1,333,983		1,357,733		1,436,149		1,516,887
Interest checking and money market	13,162,118		13,215,270		13,166,783		13,048,199		12,918,399
Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000	1,003,798		976,804		1,097,224		1,423,965		1,075,110
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over	1,492,592		1,595,310		1,839,057		1,718,126		1,472,208
Total deposits	24,285,452		24,449,970		25,209,451		25,565,629		25,207,079
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased	265,042		328,216		473,534		508,851		507,165
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	2,254,849		2,511,959		2,467,118		2,283,020		2,206,612
Other borrowings	838		76		179,587		685,222		1,617,952
Total borrowings	2,520,729		2,840,251		3,120,239		3,477,093		4,331,729
Other liabilities	399,080		410,310		421,402		367,741		598,915
Total liabilities	27,205,261		27,700,531		28,751,092		29,410,463		30,137,723
Equity	3,030,689		2,944,943		2,629,938		2,698,228		2,725,631
Total liabilities and equity	$30,235,950		$30,645,474		$31,381,030		$32,108,691		$32,863,354

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES AVERAGE RATES
(Unaudited)	For the Three Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024		Mar. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023		Sep. 30, 2023		Jun. 30, 2023
ASSETS:
Loans:
Business (1)	6.11	%	6.07	%	5.91	%	5.77	%	5.58	%
Real estate — construction and land	8.36		8.40		8.34		8.17		7.92
Real estate — business	6.26		6.26		6.18		6.13		5.96
Real estate — personal	4.04		3.95		3.85		3.73		3.68
Consumer	6.56		6.40		6.21		5.97		5.63
Revolving home equity	7.68		7.70		7.70		7.76		7.55
Consumer credit card	13.96		14.11		13.83		13.77		13.77
Overdrafts	—		—		—		—		—
Total loans	6.30		6.27		6.15		6.02		5.84
Loans held for sale	7.54		7.49		9.93		10.55		10.17
Investment securities:
U.S. government and federal agency obligations	5.04		2.08		2.32		2.31		3.42
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations	2.39		2.39		2.36		2.36		2.38
State and municipal obligations (1)	2.00		1.97		1.94		1.95		2.04
Mortgage-backed securities	2.09		2.19		2.05		2.06		2.09
Asset-backed securities	2.50		2.39		2.30		2.20		2.08
Other debt securities	2.01		1.93		1.85		1.75		1.86
Total available for sale debt securities	2.50		2.18		2.10		2.08		2.19
Trading debt securities (1)	4.95		5.30		5.05		5.11		4.53
Equity securities (1)	2.82		25.64		27.47		23.06		23.25
Other securities (1)	13.20		13.04		8.60		13.13		9.40
Total investment securities	2.75		2.44		2.27		2.33		2.37
Federal funds sold	6.74		6.71		6.65		6.56		5.63
Securities purchased under agreements to resell	3.21		1.93		1.64		2.08		1.99
Interest earning deposits with banks	5.48		5.48		5.47		5.39		5.14
Total interest earning assets	4.98		4.78		4.62		4.51		4.34
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
Interest bearing deposits:
Savings	.06		.06		.05		.05		.05
Interest checking and money market	1.73		1.69		1.57		1.33		.93
Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000	4.22		4.20		4.21		4.32		3.78
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over	4.55		4.56		4.55		4.37		3.93
Total interest bearing deposits	1.99		1.97		1.93		1.76		1.29
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased	5.42		5.42		5.40		5.33		5.06
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	3.44		3.43		3.25		3.20		3.09
Other borrowings	3.84		—		5.45		5.30		5.24
Total borrowings	3.65		3.66		3.71		3.93		4.13
Total interest bearing liabilities	2.21	%	2.21	%	2.20	%	2.12	%	1.87	%
Net yield on interest earning assets	3.55	%	3.33	%	3.17	%	3.11	%	3.12	%
(1) Stated on a fully taxable-equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 21%.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES CREDIT QUALITY
		For the Three Months Ended										For the Six Months Ended
(Unaudited) (In thousands, except ratios)		Jun. 30, 2024		Mar. 31, 2024		Dec. 31, 2023		Sep. 30, 2023		Jun. 30, 2023		Jun. 30, 2024		Jun. 30, 2023
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS
Balance at beginning of period		$160,465		$162,395		$162,244		$158,685		$159,317		$162,395		$150,136
Provision for credit losses on loans		7,849		6,947		8,170		13,343		5,864		14,796		21,812
Net charge-offs (recoveries):
Commercial portfolio:
Business		622		23		96		2,613		165		645		395
Real estate — construction and land		—		—		—		—		(115	)	—		(115	)
Real estate — business		(8	)	(141	)	128		(15	)	(5	)	(149	)	(9	)
		614		(118	)	224		2,598		45		496		271
Personal banking portfolio:
Consumer credit card		6,746		6,435		5,325		4,716		4,687		13,181		9,012
Consumer		1,804		1,983		1,903		1,797		1,273		3,787		2,548
Overdraft		521		557		588		683		517		1,078		1,495
Real estate — personal		79		24		(11	)	(9	)	(6	)	103		(17	)
Revolving home equity		(7	)	(4	)	(10	)	(1	)	(20	)	(11	)	(46	)
		9,143		8,995		7,795		7,186		6,451		18,138		12,992
Total net loan charge-offs		9,757		8,877		8,019		9,784		6,496		18,634		13,263
Balance at end of period		$158,557		$160,465		$162,395		$162,244		$158,685		$158,557		$158,685
LIABILITY FOR UNFUNDED LENDING COMMITMENTS		$20,705		$23,086		$25,246		$27,537		$29,235
NET CHARGE-OFF RATIOS (1)
Commercial portfolio:
Business		.04	%	—	%	.01	%	.18	%	.01	%	.02	%	.01	%
Real estate — construction and land		—		—		—		—		(.03	)	—		(.02	)
Real estate — business		—		(.02	)	.01		—		—		(.01	)	—
		.02		—		.01		.09		—		.01		.01
Personal banking portfolio:
Consumer credit card		4.91		4.60		3.72		3.32		3.38		4.75		3.27
Consumer		.34		.38		.36		.34		.24		.36		.25
Overdraft		43.15		29.11		44.37		50.73		44.79		34.54		66.40
Real estate — personal		.01		—		—		—		—		.01		—
Revolving home equity		(.01	)	—		(.01	)	—		(.03	)	(.01	)	(.03	)
		.61		.60		.51		.48		.44		.60		.44
Total		.23	%	.21	%	.19	%	.23	%	.16	%	.22	%	.16	%
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Non-accrual loans to total loans		.11	%	.03	%	.04	%	.05	%	.04	%
Allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans		.92		.93		.94		.95		.94
NON-ACCRUAL AND PAST DUE LOANS
Non-accrual loans:
Business		$504		$1,038		$3,622		$6,602		$4,732
Real estate — business		15,050		1,246		60		76		153
Real estate — personal		1,772		1,523		1,653		1,531		1,276
Revolving home equity		1,977		1,977		1,977		—		—
Total		19,303		5,784		7,312		8,209		6,161
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest		$18,566		$20,281		$21,864		$18,580		$15,351
(1) Net charge-offs are annualized and calculated as a percentage of average loans (excluding loans held for sale).

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
Management Discussion of Second Quarter Results
June 30, 2024

For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, net income amounted to $139.6 million, compared to $112.7 million in the previous quarter and $127.8 million in the same quarter last year. The increase in net income compared to the previous quarter was primarily the result of higher net interest income and lower non-interest expense. The net yield on interest earning assets increased 22 basis points over the previous quarter to 3.55%. Average loans increased $94.4 million over the previous quarter, while average deposits, borrowings and available for sale debt securities, at fair value, declined $164.5 million, $319.5 million, and $695.1 million, respectively. For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.86%, the return on average equity was 18.52%, and the efficiency ratio was 55.9%.

Balance Sheet Review

During the 2^nd quarter of 2024, average loans totaled $17.2 billion, an increase of $94.4 million over the prior quarter, and increased $505.4 million, or 3.0%, over the same quarter last year. Compared to the previous quarter, average balances of business and consumer loans grew $106.8 million and $45.2 million, respectively, while business real estate loans declined $61.6 million. During the current quarter, the Company sold certain fixed rate personal real estate loans totaling $18.2 million, compared to $7.4 million in the prior quarter.

Total average available for sale debt securities decreased $695.1 million compared to the previous quarter to $8.8 billion, at fair value. The decrease in debt securities was mainly the result of lower average balances of mortgage-backed, asset-backed, state and municipal, and other debt securities, partly offset by higher average balances of U.S. government and federal agency obligations. Most of the changes in the debt securities balances resulted from the completion of a plan to reposition a portion of the portfolio, which was announced in May 2024. During the 2^nd quarter of 2024, the unrealized loss on available for sale debt securities decreased $173.4 million to $1.1 billion, at period end. Also, during the 2^nd quarter of 2024, purchases of securities totaled $928.8 million with a weighted average yield of approximately 4.60%, and sales, maturities and pay downs were $1.7 billion. At June 30, 2024, the duration of the available for sale investment portfolio was 4.0 years, and maturities and pay downs of approximately $1.6 billion are expected to occur during the next 12 months. The Company does not have any investment securities classified as held-to-maturity.

Total average deposits decreased $164.5 million this quarter compared to the previous quarter. The decrease in deposits mostly resulted from a decline of $102.7 million in average balances of certificates of deposit greater than $100,000. Compared to the previous quarter, total average commercial deposits declined $317.0 million, while average consumer deposits increased $136.3 million. The average loans to deposits ratio was 70.7% in the current quarter and 69.9% in the prior quarter. The Company’s average borrowings, which included average customer repurchase agreements of $2.3 billion, decreased $319.5 million to $2.5 billion in the 2^nd quarter of 2024.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income in the 2^nd quarter of 2024 amounted to $262.2 million, an increase of $13.3 million over the previous quarter. On a fully taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis, net interest income for the current quarter increased $13.3 million over the previous quarter to $264.6 million. The increase in net interest income was mostly due to higher interest income on investment securities, loans, and deposits with banks, coupled with lower interest expense on borrowings. The net yield (FTE) on earning assets increased to 3.55%, from 3.33% in the prior quarter.

Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans (FTE) increased $2.9 million, due to higher average rates earned on business, consumer, and personal real estate loans. Interest income on loans also increased due to higher average balances of business and consumer loans, partly offset by lower average balances of business real estate loans. The average yield (FTE) on the loan portfolio increased three basis points to 6.30% this quarter.

Interest income on investment securities (FTE) increased $4.7 million over the prior quarter, mostly due to higher rates earned on available for sale debt securities, partly offset by lower average balances of available for sale debt securities. Interest income earned on U.S. government and federal agency securities increased due to higher average balances and rates, which included the impact of $5.9 million in higher inflation income from Treasury inflation-protected securities compared to previous quarter. Additionally, the Company recorded a $740 thousand adjustment to premium amortization at June 30, 2024, which increased interest income to reflect slower forward prepayment speed estimates on mortgage-backed securities but was lower than the $2.0 million adjustment that increased interest income in the prior quarter. The average yield (FTE) on total investment securities was 2.75% in the current quarter, compared to 2.44% in the previous quarter.

Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on deposits with banks increased $2.2 million, due to $161.4 million of higher average balances.

Interest expense decreased $2.6 million, mainly due to lower average borrowing balances, partly offset by higher interest expense on deposits. Interest expense on borrowings decreased $3.0 million due to lower average balances of customer repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased. Interest expense on deposits increased $377 thousand as higher rates paid on deposits were mostly offset by lower average balances. The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits totaled 1.99% in the current quarter compared to 1.97% in the prior quarter. The overall rate paid on interest bearing liabilities was 2.21% in the current and prior quarter.

Non-Interest Income

In the 2^nd quarter of 2024, total non-interest income amounted to $152.2 million, an increase of $4.6 million, or 3.1%, over the same period last year and an increase of $3.4 million over the prior quarter. The increase in non-interest income compared to the same period last year was mainly due to higher trust fees, capital market fees, and deposit account fees, partly offset by lower bank card fees and letter of credit fees. The increase in non-interest income compared to the prior quarter was mainly due to higher deposit account fees, trust fees, capital market fees and swap fees, partly offset by lower tax credit sales income. Additionally, a decrease of $1.1 million in fair value adjustments was recorded on the Company’s deferred compensation plan, which are held in a trust and recorded as both an asset and liability, affecting both other income and other expense.

Total net bank card fees in the current quarter decreased $2.2 million, or 4.5%, compared to the same period last year, and increased $547 thousand compared to the prior quarter. Net corporate card fees decreased $3.0 million, or 10.3%, compared to the same quarter of last year mainly due to lower interchange fees and higher rewards expense. Net merchant fees increased $506 thousand, or 9.4%, due to higher interchange fees, partly offset by higher network expense. Net debit card fees increased $43 thousand, or .4%, while net credit card fees increased $221 thousand, or 5.8%. Total net bank card fees this quarter were comprised of fees on corporate card ($26.2 million), debit card ($11.4 million), merchant ($5.9 million) and credit card ($4.0 million) transactions.

In the current quarter, trust fees increased $5.0 million, or 10.6%, over the same period last year, mostly resulting from higher private client fees. Compared to the same period last year, deposit account fees increased $2.7 million, or 11.9%, mostly due to higher corporate cash management fees, while capital market fees increased $1.8 million, or 61.6%, mostly due to higher underwriting fees.

Other non-interest income decreased compared to the same period last year primarily due to lower letter of credit fees and swap fees of $2.3 million and $919 thousand, respectively. For the 2^nd quarter of 2024, non-interest income comprised 36.7% of the Company’s total revenue.

Investment Securities Gains and Losses

The Company recorded net securities gains of $3.2 million in the current quarter, compared to losses of $259 thousand in the prior quarter and gains of $3.4 million in the 2^nd quarter of 2023. Net securities gains in the current quarter resulted primarily from gains of $177.0 million recognized on Visa common stock. During the second quarter of 2024, the Company sold 436 thousand shares of Visa Class A common stock (converted from 109 thousand shares of Visa Class C common stock) at an average price of $274.91. As of June 30, 2024, the Company has sold approximately two thirds of the Visa Class C shares it received from the Visa exchange offer. In addition, net gains of $4.1 million were recorded on the Company’s portfolio of private equity investments. These net gains were mostly offset by losses of $179.1 million realized on sales of available for sale debt securities resulting from the completion of the Company’s plan to reposition a portion of its available for sale debt securities portfolio.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the current quarter amounted to $232.2 million, compared to $227.6 million in the same period last year and $245.7 million in the prior quarter. The increase in non-interest expense compared to the same period last year was mainly due to higher salaries expense, data processing and software expense, and other expense, partly offset by lower marketing and deposit insurance expense. The decrease in non-interest expense compared to the prior quarter was mainly due to lower deposit insurance expense, employee benefits expense, and litigation settlement expense recorded in the prior quarter that did not reoccur in the current quarter. These decreases were partly offset by higher salaries expense and a donation to a related charitable foundation.

Compared to the 2^nd quarter of last year, salaries and employee benefits expense increased $3.7 million, or 2.5%, mostly due to higher full-time salaries expense of $3.8 million, and other salaries expense of $1.0 million, partly offset by lower medical expense of $1.5 million. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,724 and 4,680 at June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Compared to the same period last year, data processing and software expense increased $2.8 million due to increased costs for service providers. This increase was partly offset by a decrease in deposit insurance expense of $1.8 million, mostly due to a $1.2 million accrual adjustment to the FDIC’s special assessment and lower marketing expense of $1.0 million. Other expense included a $5.0 million donation to a related charitable foundation in the current quarter, partly offset by deconversion expense of $2.1 million recorded in the same period last year.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the Company was 21.7% in the current quarter, 21.9% in the previous quarter, and 22.0% in the 2^nd quarter of 2023.

Credit Quality

Net loan charge-offs in the 2^nd quarter of 2024 amounted to $9.8 million, compared to $8.9 million in the prior quarter and $6.5 million in the same period last year. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to total average loans was .23% in the current quarter, .21% in the previous quarter, and .16% in the 2^nd quarter of last year. Compared to the prior quarter, net loan charge-offs on business and consumer credit card loans increased $599 thousand and $311 thousand, respectively.

In the 2^nd quarter of 2024, annualized net loan charge-offs on average consumer credit card loans were 4.91%, compared to 4.60% in the previous quarter and 3.38% in the same quarter last year. Consumer loan net charge-offs were .34% of average consumer loans in the current quarter, .38% in the prior quarter, and .24% in the same quarter last year.

At June 30, 2024, the allowance for credit losses on loans totaled $158.6 million, or .92% of total loans, and decreased $1.9 million compared to the prior quarter. Additionally, the liability for unfunded lending commitments at June 30, 2024 was $20.7 million, a decrease of $2.4 million compared to the liability at March 31, 2024.

At June 30, 2024, total non-accrual loans amounted to $19.3 million, an increase of $13.5 million over the previous quarter. The increase in non-accrual loans was mostly due to a senior living business real estate loan that was moved to non-accrual status during the second quarter of 2024. At June 30, 2024, the balance of non-accrual loans, which represented .11% of loans outstanding, included business loans of $504 thousand, revolving home equity loans of $2.0 million, personal real estate loans of $1.8 million, and business real estate loans of $15.1 million. Loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest totaled $18.6 million at June 30, 2024.

Other

During the 2^nd quarter of 2024, the Company paid a cash dividend of $.27 per common share, representing a 5.1% increase over the same period last year. The Company purchased 685,685 shares of treasury stock during the current quarter at an average price of $55.21.

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. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is included in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections within the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240717377865/en/

Matt Burkemper, Investor Relations

(314) 746-7485

www.commercebank.com

matthew.burkemper@commercebank.com

Source: Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

FAQ

What were Commerce Bancshares' Q2 2024 earnings per share?

Commerce Bancshares reported Q2 2024 earnings per share of $1.07.

How did Commerce Bancshares' net income in Q2 2024 compare to Q2 2023?

Net income for Q2 2024 was $139.6 million, compared to $127.8 million in Q2 2023.

What was the net interest margin for Commerce Bancshares in Q2 2024?

The net interest margin for Q2 2024 was 3.55%, a 22 basis point increase from the prior quarter.

What were the average loan balances for Commerce Bancshares in Q2 2024?

Average loan balances for Q2 2024 were $17.2 billion.

How did Commerce Bancshares' total assets change in Q2 2024?

Total assets increased to $30.6 billion at the end of Q2 2024.