Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share of $.94

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Commerce Bancshares, Inc. announced earnings of $.94 per share for the three months ended December 31, 2021, compared to $1.05 per common share in the same quarter last year and $.99 per share in the third quarter of 2021. Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (net income) for the fourth quarter of 2021 amounted to $114.9 million, compared to $129.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $122.6 million in the prior quarter.

In announcing these results, John Kemper, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Commerce had a strong quarter to close out 2021, reflecting a growing economy and a resilient customer base. Trust fees were up 16.5% over the fourth quarter of 2020, driven by rising market values, excellent customer attraction and retention, and the ongoing investments we’ve made in our wealth business. Corporate and retail spending levels continued to increase, amounting to growth of 12% in bank card transaction fees over the same period last year.

The growth in our fee-based businesses continues to provide strong revenue diversification. Non-interest income comprised 42% of total revenue in the fourth quarter. Compared to the previous quarter, we experienced higher loan demand, a reflection of accelerating business activity in our markets. We continue to be confident in our strong liquidity, capital levels, and credit quality, and we continue to invest in our excellent relationships with customers, teammates, shareholders, and regulators.”

Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights:

• Net interest income in the fourth quarter amounted to $207.7 million, a 3.0% decrease compared to the third quarter, partly due to a $5.3 million decrease in interest income from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The net interest margin decreased 15 basis points from the prior quarter to 2.43%.

• Non-interest income totaled $147.7 million in the fourth quarter, an increase of $10.2 million compared to the prior quarter.

• Net investment securities losses of $9.7 million this quarter were driven mostly by net fair value losses of $6.5 million in the Company’s portfolio of private equity investments.

• Non-interest expense totaled $203.6 for the quarter, a decrease of $8.0 million compared to the previous quarter.

• Average loan balances totaled $15.1 billion, a decrease of $165.9 million, or 1.1%, from the prior quarter (average PPP loan balances declined $356.1 million). As of December 31, 2021, 93% of PPP loan balances have been forgiven.

• Total average available for sale debt securities increased 5.3%, or $726.3 million, over the previous quarter to $14.5 billion, at fair value. Purchases of securities during the quarter totaled $1.4 billion with a weighted average yield of approximately 1.27%.

• Compared to the previous quarter, average deposits grew $790.6 million, or 2.8%. The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits was 5 basis points this quarter.

• The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans was .11% in the current quarter compared to .10% in the prior quarter. Net charge-offs on loans remained low.

• Non-accrual loans totaled $9.2 million compared to $10.4 million prior quarter. Non-accrual loans were .06% of total loans.

• At December 31, 2021, the allowance for credit losses on loans decreased to $150.0 million. The allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans was .99% at December 31, 2021.

• The Company purchased 696,367 shares of its common stock this quarter at an average price of $70.81.

• Total assets at December 31, 2021 were $36.7 billion, an increase of $2.2 billion, or 6.4%, from the prior quarter.

• For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.28%, the return on average equity was 13.11% and the efficiency ratio was 57.3%.

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

This financial news release 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

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - PERIOD END

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE RATES

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
CREDIT QUALITY

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
Management Discussion of Fourth Quarter Results
December 31, 2021

For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (net income) amounted to $114.9 million, compared to $122.6 million in the previous quarter and $129.9 million in the same quarter last year. The decrease in net income compared to the previous quarter was primarily the result of net investment securities losses recorded this quarter compared to net gains recorded in the prior quarter and lower net interest income, partly offset by higher non-interest income and lower non-interest expense. The net yield on interest earning assets declined 15 basis points to 2.43%. Average loans declined $165.9 million compared to the previous quarter, while average available for sale debt securities grew $726.3 million, and average deposits increased $790.6 million. For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.28%, the return on average equity was 13.11%, and the efficiency ratio was 57.3%.

Balance Sheet Review

During the 4th quarter of 2021, average loans totaled $15.1 billion, a decrease of $165.9 million from the prior quarter, and declined $1.3 billion, or 7.8%, from the same quarter last year. Compared to the previous quarter, average balances of business loans declined $245.7 million (includes a decline of $356.1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan balances). This decline was partially offset by growth in construction and business real estate loans of $59.7 million and $20.6 million, respectively. While period end loans only increased $28.0 million compared to the prior quarter, PPP loan balances decreased $178.8 million this quarter and totaled $129.2 million at December 31, 2021. Excluding PPP loans, period end business loans increased $204.5 million. As of December 31, 2021, 99% of round 1 and 73% of round 2 PPP loan balances have been forgiven. During the current quarter, the Company sold certain fixed rate personal real estate loans totaling $85.3 million, compared to $119.3 million in the prior quarter.

Total average available for sale debt securities increased $726.3 million over the previous quarter to $14.5 billion, at fair value. The increase in investment securities was mainly the result of growth in asset-backed and U.S. government securities. During the current quarter, purchases of securities totaled $1.4 billion with a weighted average yield of approximately 1.27%. Sales, maturities and pay downs were $956.5 million. At December 31, 2021, the duration of the investment portfolio was 3.2 years, and maturities and pay downs of approximately $3.0 billion are expected to occur during the next 12 months.

Total average deposits increased $790.6 million this quarter compared to the previous quarter. The increase in deposits mostly resulted from growth in interest checking and money market deposits and demand deposits of $530.8 million and $444.2 million, respectively. Certificate of deposit balances declined $206.6 million. Compared to the previous quarter, total average commercial and consumer deposits grew $612.1 million and $203.8 million, respectively. The average loans to deposits ratio was 52.4% in the current quarter and 54.4% in the prior quarter. The Company’s average borrowings, which include customer repurchase agreements, were $2.6 billion in the 4th quarter of 2021 and $2.4 billion in the prior quarter.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income in the 4th quarter of 2021 amounted to $207.7 million, a decrease of $6.4 million compared to the previous quarter. On a tax equivalent basis, net interest income for the current quarter decreased $6.4 million compared to the previous quarter to $210.4 million. The decrease in net interest income was mainly due to lower income earned on loans and securities purchased under agreements to resell, partially offset by higher income earned on investment securities. The net yield on earning assets (tax equivalent) decreased to 2.43%, compared to 2.58% in the prior quarter.

Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans (tax equivalent) decreased $6.1 million, mostly due to $5.3 million of lower income recognized from PPP loans this quarter. Interest on construction loans grew due to higher yields and average loan balances, but was offset by lower consumer card yields and average loan balances. The yield on PPP loans increased from 7.73% to 10.80% this quarter. Excluding PPP loans, the yield on business loans was 2.83% in the 4th quarter of 2021 compared to 2.92% in the prior quarter. The average tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio decreased 12 basis points to 3.62% this quarter.

Interest income on investment securities (tax equivalent) increased $1.7 million compared to the prior quarter, due to higher average balances, partly offset by lower rates earned. Interest income earned on U.S. government and federal agency securities decreased, as lower average rates earned, including the impact of $2.9 million of lower inflation income from Treasury inflation-protected securities, more than offset higher average balances. This decrease was partly offset by $5.5 million in dividends received from private equity portfolio investments this quarter. At December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a $2.6 million adjustment to premium amortization, which increased interest income this quarter to reflect moderately slower forward prepayment speed estimates on mortgage-backed securities. The yield on total investment securities was 1.82% in the current quarter, compared to 1.89% in the previous quarter.

The average rate paid on interest bearing deposits totaled .05% in the 4th quarter of 2021, compared .06% in the prior quarter. Interest expense on deposits decreased $172 thousand this quarter compared to the previous quarter mainly due to lower rates paid on money market accounts and certificate of deposit accounts. The overall rate paid on interest bearing liabilities was .06% in both the current and prior quarters.

Non-Interest Income

In the 4th quarter of 2021, total non-interest income amounted to $147.7 million, an increase of $12.6 million, or 9.3%, compared to the same period last year and increased $10.2 million compared to the prior quarter. The increase in non-interest income over the same period last year was mainly due to growth in trust fees and bank card fees, partially offset by lower loan fees and sales.

Total net bank card fees in the current quarter increased $4.8 million, or 12.0%, over the same period last year, and increased $2.0 million compared to the prior quarter. Net corporate card fees increased $3.6 million, or 17.0%, 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 $955 thousand, or 9.8%, mainly due to higher interchange fees. Net merchant income increased $104 thousand, or 2.0%, and net credit card fees increased $111 thousand, or 3.0%. Total net bank card fees this quarter were comprised of fees on corporate card ($25.0 million), debit card ($10.7 million), merchant ($5.3 million) and credit card ($3.8 million) transactions.

In the current quarter, trust fees increased $6.9 million, or 16.5%, over the same period last year, resulting mostly from higher private client fee income. Compared to the same period last year, deposit account fees increased $1.3 million, or 5.5%, mainly due to higher overdraft and return item fees and corporate cash management fees. Loan fees and sales, mostly mortgage banking revenue, declined $3.8 million, or 41.9%, compared to amounts recorded in the same quarter last year. Consumer brokerage fees increased $882 thousand, or 22.1%, compared to the same quarter last year.

Other non-interest income increased over the same period last year mainly due to a $3.7 million gain on the sale of land recorded this quarter, $818 thousand of higher tax credit sales fees, and $774 thousand of higher swap fees, partially offset by lower cash sweep commissions of $710 thousand. For the 4th quarter of 2021, non-interest income comprised 41.6% of the Company’s total revenue.

Investment Securities Gains and Losses

The Company recorded investment net losses of $9.7 million in the current quarter, compared to net gains of $13.1 million in the prior quarter and net gains of $12.3 million in the 4th quarter of 2020. Net losses on investments in the current quarter primarily resulted from net fair value losses of $6.5 million in the Company’s private equity investment portfolio, in part due to $5.5 million in dividends paid by portfolio companies mentioned above, which reduced the fair value of the investments.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the current quarter amounted to $203.6 million, compared to $196.3 million in the same period last year and $211.6 million in the prior quarter. The increase in non-interest expense compared to the same period last year was mainly due to higher salaries expense, data processing and software expense, and travel and entertainment expense. The decrease in non-interest expense compared to the prior quarter was mainly due to litigation settlement expense in the prior quarter that did not reoccur.

Compared to the 4th quarter of last year, salaries and employee benefits expense increased $2.7 million, mostly due to higher full-time salaries expense. Incentive compensation was also higher, while employee benefits expense was flat. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,567 and 4,766 at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Compared to the same period last year, data processing and software expense increased $1.5 million due to higher bank card processing fees and increased costs for service providers this quarter. Additionally, other non-interest expense increased $1.7 million, mainly due to an increase of $1.3 million in travel and entertainment expense.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the Company was 22.7% in the current quarter, 22.0% in the previous quarter, and 20.3% in the 4th quarter of 2020.

Credit Quality

Net loan charge-offs in the 4th quarter of 2021 amounted to $4.3 million, compared to $3.7 million in the prior quarter and $8.0 million in the same period last year. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to total average loans was .11% in the current quarter, .10% in the previous quarter, and .19% in the 4th quarter of last year. Net loan charge-offs on personal banking loans increased $562 thousand to $4.2 million.

In the 4th quarter of 2021, annualized net loan charge-offs on average consumer credit card loans were 2.10%, compared to 2.04% in the previous quarter, and 3.72% in the same quarter last year. Consumer loan net charge-offs were .18% of average consumer loans in the current quarter, .10% in the prior quarter and .23% in the same quarter last year.

During the 4th quarter of 2021, 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 December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2021, the allowance for credit losses on loans totaled $150.0 million, or .99% of total loans and 1.00% of total loans excluding PPP loans. Additionally, the liability for unfunded lending commitments at December 31, 2021 was $24.2 million, an increase of $1.4 million over the liability at September 30, 2021.

At December 31, 2021, total non-accrual loans amounted to $9.2 million, a decrease of $1.3 million from the previous quarter. At December 31, 2021, the balance of non-accrual loans, which represented .06% of loans outstanding, included business loans of $7.3 million, personal real estate loans of $1.6 million, and business real estate loans of $214 thousand. Loans more than 90 days past due and still accruing interest totaled $11.7 million at December 31, 2021.

Other

During the 4th quarter of 2021, the Company distributed a 5% stock dividend on its common stock and paid a cash dividend of $.25 per common share (as restated for the stock dividend), representing a 2.1% increase over the same period last year. The Company purchased 696,367 shares of treasury stock during the current quarter at an average price of $70.81.

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/20220118006052/en/

Matt Burkemper, Investor Relations
(314) 746-7485
www.commercebank.com
[email protected]

Source: Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

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