Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) Tops Q4 EPS by 14c

Commerce Bancshares (NASDAQ: CBSH) reported Q4 EPS of $0.86, $0.14 better than the analyst estimate of $0.72.

In announcing these results, David W. Kemper, Chairman and CEO, said, “Core earnings were strong this quarter driven by growth in net interest income, higher fee income, solid expense control and continued low credit losses. Our net interest margin continued to expand, driven by increased rates on both our loan and investment portfolios, while deposit costs remained stable. We saw strong growth from both our trust and commercial card businesses, which increased 12.9% and 14.3%, respectively, over the same quarter in the prior year. Non-interest expense increased just 2.3% over the same quarter last year when adjusted for the one-time bonus and foundation contribution, as we continue to focus on expenses. This quarter total average loans increased $183.0 million, or 5.3% annualized over the prior quarter, driven by growth in construction, business, business real estate, consumer and consumer credit card lending activities.”

Mr. Kemper added, “Credit quality remains strong, and capital and liquidity levels continue to be among the best in the banking industry.For the current quarter, net loan charge-offs totaled $11.0 million, up slightly over the prior quarter. This small increase was due mainly to growth in net loan charge-offs in business loans, offset by lower automobile loan net charge-offs. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans was .32% this quarter compared to .31% last quarter. Non-performing assets decreased this quarter to $12.7 million, or a decline of $2.0 million from the prior quarter. During the current quarter, the provision for loan losses exceeded net loan charge-offs by $1.7 million, and the allowance for loan losses amounted to $159.5 million, or 1.14% of period end loans.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) click here.

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