10-Q
Table of Contents


 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
_________________________________________________________

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
____________________________________________________________

For the transition period from           to          
Commission File No. 0-2989
 
COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Missouri
 
43-0889454
(State of Incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
1000 Walnut,
Kansas City, MO
 
64106
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
(816) 234-2000
 
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes þ     No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o     No þ
As of November 2, 2015, the registrant had outstanding 92,822,618 shares of its $5 par value common stock, registrant’s only class of common stock.



Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Form 10-Q
 

 
 
 
Page
INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2

Table of Contents


PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Loans
$
12,224,274

 
$
11,469,238

  Allowance for loan losses
(151,532
)
 
(156,532
)
Net loans
12,072,742

 
11,312,706

Loans held for sale, including $2,173,000 of residential mortgage loans carried at fair value
4,143

 

Investment securities:
 
 
 

Available for sale ($364,097,000 pledged at September 30, 2015 and $467,143,000 at
 
 
 
    December 31, 2014 to secure swap and repurchase agreements)
9,472,959

 
9,523,560

 Trading
14,463

 
15,357

 Non-marketable
116,634

 
106,875

Total investment securities
9,604,056

 
9,645,792

Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
32,550

 
32,485

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
975,000

 
1,050,000

Interest earning deposits with banks
42,078

 
600,744

Cash and due from banks
384,122

 
467,488

Land, buildings and equipment, net
351,946

 
357,871

Goodwill
138,921

 
138,921

Other intangible assets, net
6,826

 
7,450

Other assets
355,264

 
380,823

Total assets
$
23,967,648

 
$
23,994,280

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 

   Non-interest bearing
$
6,699,873

 
$
6,811,959

   Savings, interest checking and money market
10,295,260

 
10,541,601

   Time open and C.D.'s of less than $100,000
808,210

 
878,433

   Time open and C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
1,183,417

 
1,243,785

Total deposits
18,986,760

 
19,475,778

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
2,193,197

 
1,862,518

Other borrowings
103,831

 
104,058

Other liabilities
312,817

 
217,680

Total liabilities
21,596,605

 
21,660,034

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 

   Preferred stock, $1 par value
 
 
 
      Authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued 6,000 shares
144,784

 
144,784

   Common stock, $5 par value
 
 
 

 Authorized 120,000,000 shares;
 
 
 
   issued 96,830,977 shares
484,155

 
484,155

   Capital surplus
1,283,346

 
1,229,075

   Retained earnings
555,877

 
426,648

   Treasury stock of 3,827,141 shares at September 30, 2015
 
 
 
     and 367,487 shares at December 31, 2014, at cost
(168,493
)
 
(16,562
)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income
65,636

 
62,093

Total Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders' equity
2,365,305

 
2,330,193

Non-controlling interest
5,738

 
4,053

Total equity
2,371,043

 
2,334,246

Total liabilities and equity
$
23,967,648

 
$
23,994,280

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
 
(Unaudited)
INTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
$
114,954

$
112,688

 
$
339,707

$
334,886

Interest and fees on loans held for sale
48


 
108


Interest on investment securities
50,716

46,338

 
142,416

144,373

Interest on federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under
 
 
 
 
 
   agreements to resell
21

30

 
45

80

Interest on long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
3,273

2,684

 
9,994

9,778

Interest on deposits with banks
103

71

 
404

259

Total interest income
169,115

161,811

 
492,674

489,376

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
   Savings, interest checking and money market
3,356

3,400

 
9,951

10,064

   Time open and C.D.'s of less than $100,000
786

1,010

 
2,484

3,193

   Time open and C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
1,554

1,518

 
4,468

4,485

Interest on federal funds purchased and securities sold under
 
 
 
 
 
   agreements to repurchase
483

287

 
1,271

753

Interest on other borrowings
898

880

 
2,667

2,606

Total interest expense
7,077

7,095

 
20,841

21,101

Net interest income
162,038

154,716

 
471,833

468,275

Provision for loan losses
8,364

7,652

 
19,541

24,867

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
153,674

147,064

 
452,292

443,408

NON-INTEREST INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
Bank card transaction fees
44,635

44,802

 
132,606

130,963

Trust fees
29,630

28,560

 
89,747

82,898

Deposit account charges and other fees
20,674

20,161

 
58,810

58,460

Capital market fees
2,620

2,783

 
8,360

9,899

Consumer brokerage services
3,547

3,098

 
10,099

8,817

Loan fees and sales
1,855

1,367

 
6,127

3,787

Other
8,187

11,515

 
25,917

28,852

Total non-interest income
111,148

112,286

 
331,666

323,676

INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of other-than-temporarily impaired securities
(568
)
(770
)
 
(883
)
(1,618
)
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income
568

399

 
400

270

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

(371
)
 
(483
)
(1,348
)
Realized gains (losses) on sales and fair value adjustments
(378
)
3,366

 
8,283

11,822

Investment securities gains (losses), net
(378
)
2,995

 
7,800

10,474

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
100,874

95,462

 
298,603

284,574

Net occupancy
11,247

11,585

 
33,807

34,352

Equipment
4,789

4,593

 
14,171

13,622

Supplies and communication
5,609

5,302

 
16,416

16,487

Data processing and software
21,119

19,968

 
61,670

58,633

Marketing
4,343

4,074

 
12,568

11,704

Deposit insurance
2,981

2,899

 
9,001

8,685

Other
20,300

17,957

 
54,043

58,298

Total non-interest expense
171,262

161,840

 
500,279

486,355

Income before income taxes
93,182

100,505

 
291,479

291,203

Less income taxes
27,969

31,484

 
88,929

92,161

Net income
65,213

69,021

 
202,550

199,042

Less non-controlling interest expense
601

836

 
2,530

13

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
64,612

68,185

 
200,020

199,029

Less preferred stock dividends
2,250

1,800

 
6,750

1,800

Net income available to common shareholders
$
62,362

$
66,385

 
$
193,270

$
197,229

Net income per common share — basic
$
.67

$
.69

 
$
2.03

$
2.00

Net income per common share — diluted
$
.66

$
.69

 
$
2.02

$
1.99

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
 
 
(Unaudited)
Net income
 
$
65,213

$
69,021

 
$
202,550

$
199,042

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses on securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings
 
(327
)
(244
)
 
(306
)
(136
)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on other securities
 
16,891

(24,062
)
 
2,754

49,967

Pension loss amortization
 
283

223

 
1,095

669

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
16,847

(24,083
)
 
3,543

50,500

Comprehensive income
 
82,060

44,938

 
206,093

249,542

Less non-controlling interest expense
 
601

836

 
2,530

13

Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
$
81,459

$
44,102

 
$
203,563

$
249,529

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.














5

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
 
 
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Shareholders
 
 
 
 

(In thousands, except per share data)
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Capital Surplus
Retained Earnings
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Non-Controlling Interest
Total
 
(Unaudited)
Balance January 1, 2015
$
144,784

$
484,155

$
1,229,075

$
426,648

$
(16,562
)
$
62,093

$
4,053

$
2,334,246

Net income
 




200,020





2,530

202,550

Other comprehensive income
 








3,543



3,543

Distributions to non-controlling interest
 










(845
)
(845
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 






(9,147
)




(9,147
)
Accelerated share repurchase agreement
 
 
(20,000
)
 
(80,000
)
 
 
(100,000
)
Settlements of accelerated share repurchase agreements
 
 
80,000

 
(80,000
)
 
 

Issuance of stock under purchase and equity compensation plans
 


(15,302
)


17,216





1,914

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
 


1,871









1,871

Stock-based compensation
 


7,702









7,702

Cash dividends on common stock ($.675 per share)
 




(64,041
)






(64,041
)
Cash dividends on preferred stock ($1.125 per depositary share)






(6,750
)






(6,750
)
Balance September 30, 2015
$
144,784

$
484,155

$
1,283,346

$
555,877

$
(168,493
)
$
65,636

$
5,738

$
2,371,043

Balance January 1, 2014
$

$
481,224

$
1,279,948

$
449,836

$
(10,097
)
$
9,731

$
3,755

$
2,214,397

Net income
 




199,029





13

199,042

Other comprehensive income
 








50,500



50,500

Distributions to non-controlling interest
 










(730
)
(730
)
Issuance of preferred stock
144,784













144,784

Purchases of treasury stock
 






(69,040
)




(69,040
)
Accelerated share repurchase agreement
 
 
(60,000
)
 
(140,000
)
 
 
(200,000
)
Issuance of stock under purchase and equity compensation plans
 


(12,304
)


19,507





7,203

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
 


1,457









1,457

Stock-based compensation
 


6,631









6,631

Cash dividends on common stock ($.643 per share)
 




(63,575
)






(63,575
)
Cash dividends on preferred stock ($.30 per depositary share)
 
 
 
(1,800
)
 
 
 
(1,800
)
Balance September 30, 2014
$
144,784

$
481,224

$
1,215,732

$
583,490

$
(199,630
)
$
60,231

$
3,038

$
2,288,869

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



6

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
(Unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
202,550

 
$
199,042

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
  Provision for loan losses
19,541

 
24,867

  Provision for depreciation and amortization
32,100

 
31,561

  Amortization of investment security premiums, net
23,249

 
14,473

  Investment securities gains, net(A)
(7,800
)
 
(10,474
)
  Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
(2,184
)
 

  Originations of loans held for sale
(75,589
)
 

  Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
72,973

 

  Net (increase) decrease in trading securities
(5,042
)
 
14,555

  Stock-based compensation
7,702

 
6,631

  Increase in interest receivable
(2,652
)
 
(2,215
)
  Decrease in interest payable
(96
)
 
(277
)
  Increase in income taxes payable
16,312

 
4,880

  Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
(1,871
)
 
(1,457
)
  Other changes, net
(365
)
 
4,043

Net cash provided by operating activities
278,828

 
285,629

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Cash paid in sales of branches

 
(43,827
)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities(A)
684,893

 
64,041

Proceeds from maturities/pay downs of investment securities(A)
1,923,785

 
1,392,422

Purchases of investment securities(A)
(2,507,803
)
 
(1,314,248
)
Net increase in loans
(782,559
)
 
(527,528
)
Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

 
(250,000
)
Repayments of long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
75,000

 
500,000

Purchases of land, buildings and equipment
(22,718
)
 
(34,205
)
Sales of land, buildings and equipment
4,752

 
2,983

Net cash used in investing activities
(624,650
)
 
(210,362
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net decrease in non-interest bearing, savings, interest checking and money market deposits
(319,853
)
 
(470,427
)
Net decrease in time open and C.D.'s
(130,591
)
 
(17,295
)
Repayment of long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase

 
(350,000
)
Net increase in federal funds purchased and short-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase
330,679

 
398,602

Repayment of other long-term borrowings
(227
)
 
(233
)
Net decrease in other short-term borrowings

 
(2,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

 
144,784

Purchases of treasury stock
(9,147
)
 
(69,040
)
Accelerated share repurchase agreements
(100,000
)
 
(200,000
)
Issuance of stock under equity compensation plans
1,914

 
7,203

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
1,871

 
1,457

Cash dividends paid on common stock
(64,041
)
 
(63,575
)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
(6,750
)
 
(1,800
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(296,145
)
 
(622,324
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(641,967
)
 
(547,057
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,100,717

 
1,269,514

Cash and cash equivalents at September 30
$
458,750

 
$
722,457

(A) Available for sale and non-marketable securities
 
 
 
Income tax net payments
$
70,860

 
$
86,002

Interest paid on deposits and borrowings
$
20,937

 
$
21,278

Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate
$
2,459

 
$
4,421

Settlement of accelerated stock repurchase agreement and receipt of treasury stock
$
60,000

 
$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 
1. Principles of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company). Most of the Company's operations are conducted by its subsidiary bank, Commerce Bank (the Bank). The consolidated financial statements in this report have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications were made to 2014 data to conform to current year presentation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Management has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure. The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained for the full year or any other interim period.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, containing the latest audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

The Company invests in low-income housing partnerships which supply funds for the construction and operation of apartment complexes that provide affordable housing to lower income families. As permitted by ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects," issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Company adopted a new method of accounting for these investments on January 1, 2015. The new method is the practical expedient to the proportional amortization method, which allows the Company to record the amortization of its investments in income tax expense, rather than in non-interest expense. The Company made this change because it believes that presenting the investment performance net of taxes more fairly represents the economics and returns on such investments. The amortization recognized as a component of income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $1.5 million. As required by the ASU, all prior period information in this report has been revised to reflect the adoption, resulting in a decrease to non-interest expense and an increase to income tax expense (as originally reported) of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.


2. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Major classifications within the Company’s held for investment loan portfolio at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
Business
 
$
4,406,854

 
$
3,969,952

Real estate – construction and land
 
534,425

 
403,507

Real estate – business
 
2,286,013

 
2,288,215

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
 
1,920,650

 
1,883,092

Consumer
 
1,886,806

 
1,705,134

Revolving home equity
 
428,940

 
430,873

Consumer credit card
 
756,093

 
782,370

Overdrafts
 
4,493

 
6,095

Total loans
 
$
12,224,274

 
$
11,469,238


At September 30, 2015, loans of $3.6 billion were pledged at the Federal Home Loan Bank as collateral for borrowings and letters of credit obtained to secure public deposits. Additional loans of $1.4 billion were pledged at the Federal Reserve Bank as collateral for discount window borrowings.

8

Table of Contents


Allowance for loan losses    

A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
Personal Banking

Total
 
Commercial
Personal Banking

Total
Balance at beginning of period
$
86,329

$
65,203

$
151,532

 
$
89,622

$
66,910

$
156,532

Provision
(1,976
)
10,340

8,364

 
(6,089
)
25,630

19,541

Deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loans charged off
903

11,321

12,224

 
3,035

34,194

37,229

   Less recoveries on loans
1,167

2,693

3,860

 
4,119

8,569

12,688

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
(264
)
8,628

8,364

 
(1,084
)
25,625

24,541

Balance September 30, 2015
$
84,617

$
66,915

$
151,532

 
$
84,617

$
66,915

$
151,532

Balance at beginning of period
$
98,928

$
62,604

$
161,532

 
$
94,189

$
67,343

$
161,532

Provision
(717
)
8,369

7,652

 
3,836

21,031

24,867

Deductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loans charged off
686

11,414

12,100

 
3,034

35,917

38,951

   Less recoveries on loans
1,431

3,017

4,448

 
3,965

10,119

14,084

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
(745
)
8,397

7,652

 
(931
)
25,798

24,867

Balance September 30, 2014
$
98,956

$
62,576

$
161,532

 
$
98,956

$
62,576

$
161,532



The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the related loan balance at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, disaggregated on the basis of impairment methodology. Impaired loans evaluated under ASC 310-10-35 include loans on non-accrual status, which are individually evaluated for impairment, and other impaired loans discussed below, which are deemed to have similar risk characteristics and are collectively evaluated. All other loans are collectively evaluated for impairment under ASC 450-20.
 
Impaired Loans
 
All Other Loans

(In thousands)
Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans Outstanding
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans Outstanding
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1,829

$
32,513

 
$
82,788

$
7,194,779

Personal Banking
1,667

22,868

 
65,248

4,974,114

Total
$
3,496

$
55,381

 
$
148,036

$
12,168,893

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
4,527

$
55,551

 
$
85,095

$
6,606,123

Personal Banking
2,314

25,537

 
64,596

4,782,027

Total
$
6,841

$
81,088

 
$
149,691

$
11,388,150


Impaired loans

The table below shows the Company’s investment in impaired loans at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. These loans consist of all loans on non-accrual status and other restructured loans whose terms have been modified and classified as troubled debt restructurings under ASC 310-40. These restructured loans are performing in accordance with their modified terms, and because the Company believes it probable that all amounts due under the modified terms of the agreements will be collected, interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis. They are discussed further in the "Troubled debt restructurings" section on page 14.
(In thousands)
 
Sept. 30, 2015
 
Dec. 31, 2014
Non-accrual loans
 
$
25,779

 
$
40,775

Restructured loans (accruing)
 
29,602

 
40,313

Total impaired loans
 
$
55,381

 
$
81,088



9

Table of Contents


The following table provides additional information about impaired loans held by the Company at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, segregated between loans for which an allowance for credit losses has been provided and loans for which no allowance has been provided.


(In thousands)
Recorded Investment
Unpaid Principal
Balance
 Related
Allowance
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
9,692

$
11,866

$

Real estate – construction and land
2,072

7,679


Real estate – business
1,535

2,969


 
$
13,299

$
22,514

$

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
8,292

$
10,252

$
681

Real estate – construction and land
3,327

4,939

288

Real estate – business
7,595

11,084

860

Real estate – personal
8,652

11,835

1,015

Consumer
5,461

5,461

70

Revolving home equity
492

492

13

Consumer credit card
8,263

8,263

569

 
$
42,082

$
52,326

$
3,496

Total
$
55,381

$
74,840

$
3,496

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
9,237

$
11,532

$

Real estate – construction and land
4,552

8,493


Real estate – business
13,453

17,258


Revolving home equity
1,227

1,384


 
$
28,469

$
38,667

$

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
12,326

$
13,846

$
1,844

Real estate – construction and land
8,148

9,610

1,081

Real estate – business
7,835

15,025

1,602

Real estate – personal
9,096

12,465

1,441

Consumer
4,244

4,244

50

Revolving home equity
529

529

9

Consumer credit card
10,441

10,441

814

 
$
52,619

$
66,160

$
6,841

Total
$
81,088

$
104,827

$
6,841




10

Table of Contents


Total average impaired loans for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, are shown in the table below.

(In thousands)
Commercial
Personal Banking
Total
Average Impaired Loans:
 
 
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
21,119

$
5,179

$
26,298

Restructured loans (accruing)
13,399

18,221

31,620

Total
$
34,518

$
23,400

$
57,918

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
25,784

$
5,791

$
31,575

Restructured loans (accruing)
16,612

18,854

35,466

Total
$
42,396

$
24,645

$
67,041

For the three months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
38,111

$
7,267

$
45,378

Restructured loans (accruing)
32,970

19,822

52,792

Total
$
71,081

$
27,089

$
98,170

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
38,099

$
7,320

$
45,419

Restructured loans (accruing)
37,157

20,660

57,817

Total
$
75,256

$
27,980

$
103,236


The table below shows interest income recognized during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, for impaired loans held at the end of each respective period. This interest all relates to accruing restructured loans, as discussed in the "Troubled debt restructurings" section on page 14.
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Interest income recognized on impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Business
$
63

$
146

 
$
188

$
438

Real estate – construction and land
22

97

 
66

290

Real estate – business
33

58

 
99

173

Real estate – personal
47

53

 
142

160

Consumer
87

72

 
261

215

Revolving home equity
6

7

 
17

20

Consumer credit card
186

236

 
558

707

Total
$
444

$
669

 
$
1,331

$
2,003



11

Table of Contents


Delinquent and non-accrual loans

The following table provides aging information on the Company’s past due and accruing loans, in addition to the balances of loans on non-accrual status, at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.




(In thousands)
Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due

30 – 89
Days Past Due
90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing
Non-accrual



Total
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
Business
$
4,391,674

$
3,106

$
375

$
11,699

$
4,406,854

Real estate – construction and land
529,117

1,262


4,046

534,425

Real estate – business
2,277,384

3,575


5,054

2,286,013

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
1,904,280

8,695

2,695

4,980

1,920,650

Consumer
1,867,657

17,244

1,905


1,886,806

Revolving home equity
423,939

2,512

2,489


428,940

Consumer credit card
740,124

8,726

7,243


756,093

Overdrafts
4,204

289



4,493

Total
$
12,138,379

$
45,409

$
14,707

$
25,779

$
12,224,274

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
Business
$
3,946,144

$
11,152

$
1,096

$
11,560

$
3,969,952

Real estate – construction and land
397,488

827

35

5,157

403,507

Real estate – business
2,266,688

3,661


17,866

2,288,215

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
1,868,606

6,618

1,676

6,192

1,883,092

Consumer
1,687,285

16,053

1,796


1,705,134

Revolving home equity
428,478

1,552

843


430,873

Consumer credit card
764,599

9,559

8,212


782,370

Overdrafts
5,721

374



6,095

Total
$
11,365,009

$
49,796

$
13,658

$
40,775

$
11,469,238



Credit quality

The following table provides information about the credit quality of the Commercial loan portfolio, using the Company’s internal rating system as an indicator. The internal rating system is a series of grades reflecting management’s risk assessment, based on its analysis of the borrower’s financial condition. The “pass” category consists of a range of loan grades that reflect increasing, though still acceptable, risk. Movement of risk through the various grade levels in the “pass” category is monitored for early identification of credit deterioration. The “special mention” rating is applied to loans where the borrower exhibits negative financial trends due to borrower specific or systemic conditions that, if left uncorrected, threaten its capacity to meet its debt obligations. The borrower is believed to have sufficient financial flexibility to react to and resolve its negative financial situation. It is a transitional grade that is closely monitored for improvement or deterioration. The “substandard” rating is applied to loans where the borrower exhibits well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize its continued performance and are of a severity that the distinct possibility of default exists. Loans are placed on “non-accrual” when management does not expect to collect payments consistent with acceptable and agreed upon terms of repayment.

12

Table of Contents


Commercial Loans


(In thousands)


Business
Real
 Estate-Construction
Real
Estate-
Business


Total
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
4,304,836

$
527,590

$
2,211,387

$
7,043,813

Special mention
59,526

1,021

19,576

80,123

Substandard
30,793

1,768

49,996

82,557

Non-accrual
11,699

4,046

5,054

20,799

Total
$
4,406,854

$
534,425

$
2,286,013

$
7,227,292

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
3,871,569

$
385,831

$
2,184,541

$
6,441,941

Special mention
62,904

3,865

40,668

107,437

Substandard
23,919

8,654

45,140

77,713

Non-accrual
11,560

5,157

17,866

34,583

Total
$
3,969,952

$
403,507

$
2,288,215

$
6,661,674


The credit quality of Personal Banking loans is monitored primarily on the basis of aging/delinquency, and this information is provided in the table in the above "Delinquent and non-accrual loans" section. In addition, FICO scores are obtained and updated on a quarterly basis for most of the loans in the Personal Banking portfolio. This is a published credit score designed to measure the risk of default by taking into account various factors from a borrower's financial history. The Bank normally obtains a FICO score at the loan's origination and renewal dates, and updates are obtained on a quarterly basis. Excluded from the table below are certain Personal Banking loans for which FICO scores are not obtained because they generally pertain to commercial customer activities and are often underwritten with other collateral considerations. At September 30, 2015, these were comprised of $256.9 million in personal real estate loans, or 5.1% of the Personal Banking portfolio, compared to $244.3 million at December 31, 2014. For the remainder of loans in the Personal Banking portfolio, the table below shows the percentage of balances outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by FICO score.
   Personal Banking Loans
 
% of Loan Category
 
Real Estate - Personal
Consumer
Revolving Home Equity
Consumer Credit Card
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
FICO score:
 
 
 
 
Under 600
1.5
%
4.6
%
1.6
%
3.8
%
600 - 659
2.8

9.5

4.2

12.1

660 - 719
9.1

22.5

13.7

32.6

720 - 779
25.3

27.0

26.2

28.1

780 and over
61.3

36.4

54.3

23.4

Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
FICO score:
 
 
 
 
Under 600
1.4
%
5.2
%
1.8
%
4.1
%
600 - 659
3.1

10.2

4.4

11.8

660 - 719
9.9

22.9

13.7

32.4

720 - 779
26.7

28.0

32.8

27.8

780 and over
58.9

33.7

47.3

23.9

Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%





13

Table of Contents


Troubled debt restructurings

As mentioned previously, the Company's impaired loans include loans which have been classified as troubled debt restructurings. Total restructured loans amounted to $46.7 million at September 30, 2015. Restructured loans are those extended to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty and who have been granted a concession. Restructured loans are placed on non-accrual status if the Company does not believe it probable that amounts due under the contractual terms will be collected, and those non-accrual loans totaled $17.1 million at September 30, 2015. Other performing restructured loans totaled $29.6 million at September 30, 2015. These include certain business, construction and business real estate loans classified as substandard. Upon maturity, the loans renewed at interest rates judged not to be market rates for new debt with similar risk and as a result the loans were classified as troubled debt restructurings. These commercial loans totaled $12.5 million at September 30, 2015. These restructured loans are performing in accordance with their modified terms, and because the Company believes it probable that all amounts due under the modified terms of the agreements will be collected, interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis. Troubled debt restructurings also include certain credit card loans under various debt management and assistance programs, which totaled $8.3 million at September 30, 2015. Modifications to credit card loans generally involve removing the available line of credit, placing loans on amortizing status, and lowering the contractual interest rate. The Company has classified additional loans as troubled debt restructurings because they were not reaffirmed by the borrower in bankruptcy proceedings. At September 30, 2015, these loans totaled $8.5 million in personal real estate, revolving home equity, and consumer loans. Interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis, as the borrowers are continuing to make payments under the terms of the loan agreements.

The following table shows the outstanding balances of loans classified as troubled debt restructurings at September 30, 2015, in addition to the outstanding balances of these restructured loans which the Company considers to have been in default at any time during the past twelve months. For purposes of this disclosure, the Company considers "default" to mean 90 days or more past due as to interest or principal.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2015
Balance 90 days past due at any time during previous 12 months
Commercial:
 
 
Business
$
16,441

$

Real estate - construction and land
5,222

1,499

Real estate - business
5,502


Personal Banking:
 
 
Real estate - personal
5,276


Consumer
5,487

57

Revolving home equity
492

49

Consumer credit card
8,263

541

Total restructured loans
$
46,683

$
2,146


For those loans on non-accrual status also classified as restructured, the modification did not create any further financial effect on the Company as those loans were already recorded at net realizable value. For those performing commercial loans classified as restructured, there were no concessions involving forgiveness of principal or interest and, therefore, there was no financial impact to the Company as a result of modification to these loans. No financial impact resulted from those performing loans where the debt was not reaffirmed in bankruptcy, as no changes to loan terms occurred in that process. The effects of modifications to consumer credit card loans were estimated to decrease interest income by approximately $1.0 million on an annual, pre-tax basis, compared to amounts contractually owed.

The allowance for loan losses related to troubled debt restructurings on non-accrual status is determined by individual evaluation, including collateral adequacy, using the same process as loans on non-accrual status which are not classified as troubled debt restructurings. Those performing loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are accruing loans which management expects to collect under contractual terms. Performing commercial loans have had no other concessions granted other than being renewed at an interest rate judged not to be market. As such, they have similar risk characteristics as non-troubled debt commercial loans and are collectively evaluated based on internal risk rating, loan type, delinquency, historical experience and current economic factors. Performing personal banking loans classified as troubled debt restructurings resulted from the borrower not reaffirming the debt during bankruptcy and have had no other concession granted, other than the Bank's future limitations on collecting payment deficiencies or in pursuing foreclosure actions. As such, they have similar risk characteristics as non-troubled debt personal banking loans and are evaluated collectively based on loan type, delinquency, historical experience and current economic factors.


14

Table of Contents


If a troubled debt restructuring defaults and is already on non-accrual status, the allowance for loan losses continues to be based on individual evaluation, using discounted expected cash flows or the fair value of collateral. If an accruing troubled debt restructuring defaults, the loan's risk rating is downgraded to non-accrual status and the loan's related allowance for loan losses is determined based on individual evaluation, or if necessary, the loan is charged off and collection efforts begun.

The Company had commitments of $1.6 million at September 30, 2015 to lend additional funds to borrowers with restructured loans.

Loans held for sale

Beginning January 1, 2015, certain long-term fixed rate personal real estate loan originations have been designated as held for sale, and the Company has elected the fair value option for these loans. The election of the fair value option aligns the accounting for these loans with the related economic hedges discussed in Note 10. At September 30, 2015, the fair value of these loans was $2.2 million, and the unpaid principal balance was $2.1 million. The unrealized gain in fair value was recognized in loan fees and sales in the consolidated statement of income. None of these loans were on non-accrual status or past due. Interest income with respect to loans held for sale is accrued based on the principal amount outstanding and the loan's contractual interest rate.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Company has designated certain student loan originations as held for sale. The borrowers are credit-worthy students who are attending colleges and universities. The loans are intended to be sold in the secondary market, and the Company maintains contracts with Sallie Mae to sell the loans at various times while the student is attending school or shortly after graduation. At September 30, 2015, the balance of these loans was $2.0 million. These loans are carried at lower of cost or fair value, and none were on non-accrual status or past due.

Foreclosed real estate/repossessed assets

The Company’s holdings of foreclosed real estate totaled $3.1 million and $5.5 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Personal property acquired in repossession, generally autos and marine and recreational vehicles, totaled $3.1 million and $2.4 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. These assets are carried at the lower of the amount recorded at acquisition date or the current fair value less estimated costs to sell.

3. Investment Securities

Investment securities, at fair value, consisted of the following at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
(In thousands)
Sept. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Available for sale
$
9,472,959

$
9,523,560

Trading
14,463

15,357

Non-marketable
116,634

106,875

Total investment securities
$
9,604,056

$
9,645,792


Most of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available for sale, and this portfolio is discussed in more detail below. Securities which are classified as non-marketable include Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock held for debt and regulatory purposes, which totaled $46.8 million at September 30, 2015 and $46.6 million at December 31, 2014. Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock is based on the capital structure of the investing bank, and investment in FHLB stock is tied to the level of borrowings from the FHLB. Non-marketable securities also include private equity investments, which amounted to $69.5 million at September 30, 2015 and $60.2 million at December 31, 2014.


15

Table of Contents


A summary of the available for sale investment securities by maturity groupings as of September 30, 2015 is shown below. The investment portfolio includes agency mortgage-backed securities, which are guaranteed by agencies such as the FHLMC, FNMA, GNMA and FDIC, in addition to non-agency mortgage-backed securities, which have no guarantee. Also included are certain other asset-backed securities, which are primarily collateralized by credit cards, automobiles, student loans, and commercial loans. These securities differ from traditional debt securities primarily in that they may have uncertain maturity dates and are priced based on estimated prepayment rates on the underlying collateral.
(In thousands)
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
U.S. government and federal agency obligations:
 
 
Within 1 year
$
59,884

$
60,116

After 1 but within 5 years
163,996

167,780

After 5 but within 10 years
143,940

144,161

After 10 years
52,882

48,342

Total U.S. government and federal agency obligations
420,702

420,399

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations:
 
 
Within 1 year
42,108

42,249

After 1 but within 5 years
477,115

482,232

After 5 but within 10 years
332,296

332,248

After 10 years
5,630

5,480

Total government-sponsored enterprise obligations
857,149

862,209

State and municipal obligations:
 
 
Within 1 year
99,618

99,985

After 1 but within 5 years
667,923

685,757

After 5 but within 10 years
912,614

924,070

After 10 years
140,081

137,347

Total state and municipal obligations
1,820,236

1,847,159

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,508,870

2,575,835

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
805,560

817,197

  Asset-backed securities
2,585,088

2,584,688

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
5,899,518

5,977,720

Other debt securities:
 
 
Within 1 year
3,999

4,048

After 1 but within 5 years
83,398

83,613

After 5 but within 10 years
229,071

226,599

After 10 years
12,000

11,748

Total other debt securities
328,468

326,008

Equity securities
5,677

39,464

Total available for sale investment securities
$
9,331,750

$
9,472,959


Investments in U.S. government and federal agency obligations are comprised mainly of U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, which totaled $420.3 million, at fair value, at September 30, 2015. Interest paid on these securities increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Included in state and municipal obligations are $93.2 million, at fair value, of auction rate securities, which were previously purchased from bank customers. Included in equity securities is common and preferred stock held by the holding company, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (the Parent), with a fair value of $39.4 million at September 30, 2015.


16

Table of Contents


For securities classified as available for sale, the following table shows the unrealized gains and losses (pre-tax) in accumulated other comprehensive income, by security type.
 
 
(In thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair Value
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
420,702

$
5,930

$
(6,233
)
$
420,399

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
857,149

7,809

(2,749
)
862,209

State and municipal obligations
1,820,236

33,416

(6,493
)
1,847,159

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,508,870

69,477

(2,512
)
2,575,835

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
805,560

12,285

(648
)
817,197

  Asset-backed securities
2,585,088

7,444

(7,844
)
2,584,688

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
5,899,518

89,206

(11,004
)
5,977,720

Other debt securities
328,468

979

(3,439
)
326,008

Equity securities
5,677

33,787


39,464

Total
$
9,331,750

$
171,127

$
(29,918
)
$
9,472,959

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
497,336

$
9,095

$
(5,024
)
$
501,407

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
968,574

2,593

(8,040
)
963,127

State and municipal obligations
1,789,215

32,340

(8,354
)
1,813,201

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,523,377

75,923

(5,592
)
2,593,708

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
372,911

11,061

(1,228
)
382,744

  Asset-backed securities
3,090,174

6,922

(5,103
)
3,091,993

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
5,986,462

93,906

(11,923
)
6,068,445

Other debt securities
140,784

420

(2,043
)
139,161

Equity securities
3,931

34,288


38,219

Total
$
9,386,302

$
172,642

$
(35,384
)
$
9,523,560


The Company’s impairment policy requires a review of all securities for which fair value is less than amortized cost. Special emphasis and analysis is placed on securities whose credit rating has fallen below A3 (Moody's) or A- (Standard & Poor's), whose fair values have fallen more than 20% below purchase price for an extended period of time, or have been identified based on management’s judgment. These securities are placed on a watch list, and for all such securities, detailed cash flow models are prepared which use inputs specific to each security. Inputs to these models include factors such as cash flow received, contractual payments required, and various other information related to the underlying collateral (including current delinquencies), collateral loss severity rates (including loan to values), expected delinquency rates, credit support from other tranches, and prepayment speeds. Stress tests are performed at varying levels of delinquency rates, prepayment speeds and loss severities in order to gauge probable ranges of credit loss. At September 30, 2015, the fair value of securities on this watch list was $102.8 million compared to $123.9 million at December 31, 2014.

As of September 30, 2015, the Company had recorded other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) on certain non-agency mortgage-backed securities, part of the watch list mentioned above, which had an aggregate fair value of $47.4 million. The cumulative credit-related portion of the impairment on these securities, which was recorded in earnings, totaled $14.1 million. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and believes it is not likely that it will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost.

The credit-related portion of the loss on these securities was based on the cash flows projected to be received over the estimated life of the securities, discounted to present value, and compared to the current amortized cost bases of the securities. Significant inputs to the cash flow models used to calculate the credit losses on these securities at September 30, 2015 included the following:

Significant Inputs
Range
Prepayment CPR
1%
-
25%
Projected cumulative default
17%
-
54%
Credit support
0%
-
22%
Loss severity
20%
-
63%

17

Table of Contents



The following table presents a rollforward of the cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized in earnings on all available for sale debt securities.
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
2014
Cumulative OTTI credit losses at January 1
$
13,734

$
12,499

Credit losses on debt securities for which impairment was not previously recognized
76


Credit losses on debt securities for which impairment was previously recognized
407

1,348

Increase in expected cash flows that are recognized over remaining life of security
(73
)
(97
)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses at September 30
$
14,144

$
13,750


Securities with unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are shown in the table below, along with the length of the impairment period.
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
   Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
Unrealized
Losses
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
158,390

$
1,701

 
$
31,479

$
4,532

 
$
189,869

$
6,233

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
11,419

57

 
110,123

2,692

 
121,542

2,749

State and municipal obligations
120,098

703

 
110,550

5,790

 
230,648

6,493

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Agency mortgage-backed securities
64,863

259

 
305,767

2,253

 
370,630

2,512

   Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
199,875

361

 
53,765

287

 
253,640

648

   Asset-backed securities
998,031

5,542

 
152,502

2,302

 
1,150,533

7,844

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
1,262,769

6,162

 
512,034

4,842

 
1,774,803

11,004

Other debt securities
179,566

2,490

 
25,565

949

 
205,131

3,439

Total
$
1,732,242

$
11,113

 
$
789,751

$
18,805

 
$
2,521,993

$
29,918

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
90,261

$
818

 
$
32,077

$
4,206

 
$
122,338

$
5,024

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
224,808

922

 
224,779

7,118

 
449,587

8,040

State and municipal obligations
172,980

646

 
215,702

7,708

 
388,682

8,354

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Agency mortgage-backed securities
55,128

429

 
381,617

5,163

 
436,745

5,592

   Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
141,655

609

 
43,659

619

 
185,314

1,228

   Asset-backed securities
1,424,457

2,009

 
159,098

3,094

 
1,583,555

5,103

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
1,621,240

3,047

 
584,374

8,876

 
2,205,614

11,923

Other debt securities
16,434

55

 
80,203

1,988

 
96,637

2,043

Total
$
2,125,723

$
5,488

 
$
1,137,135

$
29,896

 
$
3,262,858

$
35,384


The total available for sale portfolio consisted of approximately 2,000 individual securities at September 30, 2015. The portfolio included 332 securities, having an aggregate fair value of $2.5 billion, that were in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2015, compared to 363 securities, with a fair value of $3.3 billion, at December 31, 2014. The total amount of unrealized losses on these securities decreased $5.5 million to $29.9 million at September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2015, the fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer totaled $789.8 million, or 8.3% of the total portfolio value, and did not include any securities identified as other-than-temporarily impaired.


18

Table of Contents


The Company’s holdings of state and municipal obligations included gross unrealized losses of $6.5 million at September 30, 2015. Of these losses, $5.5 million related to auction rate securities and $1.0 million related to other state and municipal obligations. This portfolio, exclusive of auction rate securities, totaled $1.8 billion at fair value, or 18.5% of total available for sale securities. The average credit quality of the portfolio, excluding auction rate securities, is Aa2 as rated by Moody’s. The portfolio is diversified in order to reduce risk, and information about the top five largest holdings, by state and economic sector, is shown in the table below. The Company has processes and procedures in place to monitor its holdings, identify signs of financial distress and, if necessary, exit its positions in a timely manner.
 

% of
Portfolio
Average
Life
(in years)
Average
Rating
(Moody’s)
At September 30, 2015
 
 
 
Texas
12.1
%
6.1
      Aa2
Florida
7.0

4.5
      Aa3
New York
6.9

6.8
      Aa2
Ohio
6.7

6.1
      Aa2
Washington
5.4

5.7
      Aa2
General obligation
37.7
%
5.6
      Aa2
Lease
18.9

5.5
      Aa2
Transportation
12.9

4.7
      A1
Housing
12.9

6.4
        Aa1
Limited tax
8.9

6.5
      Aa2
    
The following table presents proceeds from sales of securities and the components of investment securities gains and losses which have been recognized in earnings.
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
2014
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
$
675,870

$
30,998

Proceeds from sales of non-marketable securities
9,023

33,043

Total proceeds
$
684,893

$
64,041

Available for sale:
 
 
Gains realized on sales
$
2,813

$

Losses realized on sales

(5,197
)
Gain realized on donation

1,570

Other-than-temporary impairment recognized on debt securities
(483
)
(1,348
)
 Non-marketable:
 
 
 Gains realized on sales
2,516

1,613

 Losses realized on sales

(134
)
Fair value adjustments, net
2,954

13,970

Investment securities gains, net
$
7,800

$
10,474


At September 30, 2015, securities totaling $4.3 billion in fair value were pledged to secure public fund deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, trust funds, and borrowings at the Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB. Securities pledged under agreements pursuant to which the collateral may be sold or re-pledged by the secured parties approximated $364.1 million, while the remaining securities were pledged under agreements pursuant to which the secured parties may not sell or re-pledge the collateral. Except for obligations of various government-sponsored enterprises such as FNMA, FHLB and FHLMC, no investment in a single issuer exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity.


19

Table of Contents


4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table presents information about the Company's intangible assets which have estimable useful lives.
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
(In thousands)
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Valuation Allowance
Net Amount
 
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Valuation Allowance
Net Amount
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Core deposit premium
$
31,270

$
(25,905
)
$

$
5,365

 
$
31,270

$
(24,698
)
$

$
6,572

Mortgage servicing rights
4,400

(2,901
)
(38
)
1,461

 
3,693

(2,718
)
(97
)
878

Total
$
35,670

$
(28,806
)
$
(38
)
$
6,826

 
$
34,963

$
(27,416
)
$
(97
)
$
7,450


Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets was $445 thousand and $499 thousand for the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $1.4 million and $1.6 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The following table shows the estimated annual amortization expense for the next five fiscal years. This expense is based on existing asset balances and the interest rate environment as of September 30, 2015. The Company’s actual amortization expense in any given period may be different from the estimated amounts depending upon the acquisition of intangible assets, changes in mortgage interest rates, prepayment rates and other market conditions.
 (In thousands)
 
2015
$
1,753

2016
1,374

2017
1,033

2018
786

2019
649



Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and net other intangible assets for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 is as follows.
(In thousands)
Goodwill
Core Deposit Premium
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Balance January 1, 2015
$
138,921

$
6,572

$
878

Originations


707

Amortization

(1,207
)
(183
)
Impairment reversal


59

Balance September 30, 2015
$
138,921

$
5,365

$
1,461



Goodwill allocated to the Company’s operating segments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is shown below.
(In thousands)
 
Consumer segment
$
70,721

Commercial segment
67,454

Wealth segment
746

Total goodwill
$
138,921


5. Guarantees

The Company, as a provider of financial services, routinely issues financial guarantees in the form of financial and performance standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit are contingent commitments issued by the Company generally to guarantee the payment or performance obligation of a customer to a third party. While these represent a potential outlay by the Company, a significant amount of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon. The Company has recourse against the customer for any amount it is required to pay to a third party under a standby letter of credit. The letters of credit are subject to the same credit policies, underwriting standards and approval process as loans made by the Company. Most of the standby letters of credit are secured, and in the event of nonperformance by customers, the Company has rights to the underlying collateral, which could include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and marketable securities.


20

Table of Contents


Upon issuance of standby letters of credit, the Company recognizes a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken, which is estimated to be equivalent to the amount of fees received from the customer over the life of the agreement. At September 30, 2015, that net liability was $2.6 million, which will be accreted into income over the remaining life of the respective commitments. The contractual amount of these letters of credit, which represents the maximum potential future payments guaranteed by the Company, was $335.0 million at September 30, 2015.

The Company periodically enters into risk participation agreements (RPAs) as a guarantor to other financial institutions, in order to mitigate those institutions’ credit risk associated with interest rate swaps with third parties. The RPA stipulates that, in the event of default by the third party on the interest rate swap, the Company will reimburse a portion of the loss borne by the financial institution. These interest rate swaps are normally collateralized (generally with real property, inventories and equipment) by the third party, which limits the credit risk associated with the Company’s RPAs. The third parties usually have other borrowing relationships with the Company. The Company monitors overall borrower collateral and at September 30, 2015, believes sufficient collateral is available to cover potential swap losses. The RPAs are carried at fair value throughout their term with all changes in fair value, including those due to a change in the third party’s creditworthiness, recorded in current earnings. The terms of the RPAs, which correspond to the terms of the underlying swaps, range from 3 to 11 years. At September 30, 2015, the fair value of the Company's guarantee liabilities for RPAs was $234 thousand, and the notional amount of the underlying swaps was $66.8 million. The maximum potential future payment guaranteed by the Company cannot be readily estimated but is dependent upon the fair value of the interest rate swaps at the time of default.

6. Pension

The amount of net pension cost is shown in the table below:
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Service cost - benefits earned during the period
$
127

$
133

 
$
379

$
399

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
1,139

1,262

 
3,571

3,785

Expected return on plan assets
(1,523
)
(1,561
)
 
(4,569
)
(4,683
)
Amortization of prior service cost
(203
)

 
(203
)

Amortization of unrecognized net loss
660

359

 
1,969

1,079

Net periodic pension cost
$
200

$
193

 
$
1,147

$
580


Substantially all benefits accrued under the Company’s defined benefit pension plan were frozen effective January 1, 2005, and the remaining benefits were frozen effective January 1, 2011. During the first nine months of 2015, the Company made no funding contributions to its defined benefit pension plan and made minimal funding contributions to a supplemental executive retirement plan (the CERP), which carries no segregated assets. The Company has no plans to make any further contributions, other than those related to the CERP, during the remainder of 2015.



21

Table of Contents


7. Common and Preferred Stock *

Presented below is a summary of the components used to calculate basic and diluted income per share. The Company applies the two-class method of computing income per share, as nonvested share-based awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered securities which participate in undistributed earnings with common stock. The two-class method requires the calculation of separate income per share amounts for the nonvested share-based awards and for common stock. Income per share attributable to common stock is shown in the table below. Nonvested share-based awards are further discussed in Note 12.
 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands, except per share data)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Basic income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
$
64,612

$
68,185

 
$
200,020

$
199,029

Less preferred stock dividends
2,250

1,800

 
6,750

1,800

Net income available to common shareholders
62,362

66,385

 
193,270

197,229

Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock
884

879

 
2,677

2,537

  Net income allocated to common stock
$
61,478

$
65,506

 
$
190,593

$
194,692

Weighted average common shares outstanding
91,989

95,104

 
93,874

97,591

   Basic income per common share
$
.67

$
.69

 
$
2.03

$
2.00

Diluted income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
62,362

$
66,385

 
$
193,270

$
197,229

Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock
883

877

 
2,672

2,530

  Net income allocated to common stock
$
61,479

$
65,508

 
$
190,598

$
194,699

Weighted average common shares outstanding
91,989

95,104

 
93,874

97,591

  Net effect of the assumed exercise of stock-based awards - based on
 
 
 
 
 
    the treasury stock method using the average market price for the respective periods
280

412

 
300

419

  Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
92,269

95,516

 
94,174

98,010

    Diluted income per common share
$
.66

$
.69

 
$
2.02

$
1.99


Unexercised stock options and stock appreciation rights of 377 thousand and 152 thousand were excluded in the computation of diluted income per common share for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
On June 19, 2014, the Company issued and sold 6,000,000 depositary shares, representing 6,000 shares of 6.00% Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, having an aggregate liquidation preference of $150.0 million (“Series B Preferred Stock”). Each depositary share has a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock, if declared, accrue and are payable quarterly, in arrears, at a rate of 6.00%. The Series B Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital for the purposes of the regulatory capital calculations. In the event that the Company does not declare and pay dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock for the most recent dividend period, the ability of the Company to declare or pay dividends on, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares of its common stock or any securities of the Company that rank junior to the Series B Preferred Stock is subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock.
The net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Series B Preferred Stock, totaling $144.8 million, were used to fund an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program. Under this ASR agreement, the Company paid $200.0 million to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Morgan Stanley) and received from Morgan Stanley 3,208,206 shares of the Company’s common stock in June 2014. Final settlement occurred in June 2015, at which time the remaining shares, totaling 1,480,378, were received by the Company. The specific number of shares that the Company ultimately repurchased was based on the volume-weighted-average price per share of the Company's common stock during the repurchase period.
The Company entered into a second ASR agreement in May 2015, under which it paid $100.0 million to Morgan Stanley and received from Morgan Stanley 1,803,427 shares of common stock at that time. Final settlement occurred in August 2015, at which time the remaining shares, totaling 351,620, were received by the Company.
* All prior year share and per share amounts in this note have been restated for the 5% common stock dividend distributed in December 2014.
  

22



8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The table below shows the activity and accumulated balances for components of other comprehensive income. The largest component is the unrealized holding gains and losses on available for sale securities. Unrealized gains and losses on debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) has been recorded in current earnings are shown separately below. The other component is the amortization from other comprehensive income of losses associated with pension benefits, which occurs as the losses are included in current net periodic pension cost.
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities (1)
Pension Loss (2)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)
OTTI
Other
Balance January 1, 2015
$
3,791

$
81,310

$
(23,008
)
$
62,093

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(976
)
7,255


6,279

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
483

(2,813
)
1,766

(564
)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(493
)
4,442

1,766

5,715

Income tax (expense) benefit
187

(1,688
)
(671
)
(2,172
)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(306
)
2,754

1,095

3,543

Transfer of unrealized gain on securities for which impairment was not previously recognized
43

(43
)


Balance September 30, 2015
$
3,528

$
84,021

$
(21,913
)
$
65,636

Balance January 1, 2014
$
4,203

$
21,303

$
(15,775
)
$
9,731

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(1,568
)
76,965


75,397

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
1,348

3,627

1,079

6,054

Current period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(220
)
80,592

1,079

81,451

Income tax (expense) benefit
84

(30,625
)
(410
)
(30,951
)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(136
)
49,967

669

50,500

Balance September 30, 2014
$
4,067

$
71,270

$
(15,106
)
$
60,231

(1) The pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are included in "investment securities gains (losses), net" in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) The pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost as "amortization of unrecognized net loss" (see Note 6), for inclusion in the consolidated statements of income.

9. Segments

The Company segregates financial information for use in assessing its performance and allocating resources among three operating segments: Consumer, Commercial and Wealth. The Consumer segment includes the consumer portion of the retail branch network (loans, deposits, and other personal banking services), indirect and other consumer financing, and consumer debit and credit bank cards.  The Commercial segment provides corporate lending (including the Small Business Banking product line within the branch network), leasing, international services, and business, government deposit, and related commercial cash management services, as well as merchant and commercial bank card products. The Commercial segment includes the Capital Markets Group, which sells fixed income securities and provides investment safekeeping and bond accounting services. The Wealth segment provides traditional trust and estate tax planning, advisory and discretionary investment management, and brokerage services, and includes the Private Banking product portfolio.

Effective January 1, 2015, certain personal real estate loans, which are held for investment and totaled approximately $340 million, were removed from the Consumer segment. These loans were transferred to the "Other/Elimination" category, outside of segment totals. Management's performance evaluation of the residential mortgage business within the Consumer segment is based on originations and sales of mortgages and the related fees. Information for prior periods presented below have been revised to reflect the transfer of the held for investment loans and their related income and expense, in order to provide comparable data.

23

Table of Contents


The following table presents selected financial information by segment and reconciliations of combined segment totals to consolidated totals. There were no material intersegment revenues among the three segments.

(In thousands)
Consumer
Commercial
Wealth
Segment Totals
Other/Elimination
Consolidated Totals
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
67,083

$
74,008

$
10,391

$
151,482

$
10,556

$
162,038

Provision for loan losses
(8,605
)
166

106

(8,333
)
(31
)
(8,364
)
Non-interest income
30,809

47,485

34,042

112,336

(1,188
)
111,148

Investment securities losses, net




(378
)
(378
)
Non-interest expense
(69,196
)
(68,710
)
(27,211
)
(165,117
)
(6,145
)
(171,262
)
Income before income taxes
$
20,091

$
52,949

$
17,328

$
90,368

$
2,814

$
93,182

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
199,265

$
218,386

$
31,921

$
449,572

$
22,261

$
471,833

Provision for loan losses
(25,500
)
842

114

(24,544
)
5,003

(19,541
)
Non-interest income
87,409

144,684

102,336

334,429

(2,763
)
331,666

Investment securities gains, net




7,800

7,800

Non-interest expense
(203,446
)
(199,027
)
(81,498
)
(483,971
)
(16,308
)
(500,279
)
Income before income taxes
$
57,728

$
164,885

$
52,873

$
275,486

$
15,993

$
291,479

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
66,565

$
72,019

$
9,811

$
148,395

$
6,321

$
154,716

Provision for loan losses
(8,306
)
863

(29
)
(7,472
)
(180
)
(7,652
)
Non-interest income
29,699

47,689

33,368

110,756

1,530

112,286

Investment securities losses, net




2,995

2,995

Non-interest expense
(65,900
)
(63,542
)
(23,833
)
(153,275
)
(8,565
)
(161,840
)
Income before income taxes
$
22,058

$
57,029

$
19,317

$
98,404

$
2,101

$
100,505

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
$
198,533

$
214,406

$
29,713

$
442,652

$
25,623

$
468,275

Provision for loan losses
(25,816
)
803

463

(24,550
)
(317
)
(24,867
)
Non-interest income
84,331

142,326

94,870

321,527

2,149

323,676

Investment securities gains, net




10,474

10,474

Non-interest expense
(197,220
)
(188,223
)
(72,606
)
(458,049
)
(28,306
)
(486,355
)
Income before income taxes
$
59,828

$
169,312

$
52,440

$
281,580

$
9,623

$
291,203


The information presented above was derived from the internal profitability reporting system used by management to monitor and manage the financial performance of the Company. This information is based on internal management accounting policies, which have been developed to reflect the underlying economics of the businesses. The policies address the methodologies applied in connection with funds transfer pricing and assignment of overhead costs among segments. Funds transfer pricing was used in the determination of net interest income by assigning a standard cost (credit) for funds used (provided) by assets and liabilities based on their maturity, prepayment and/or repricing characteristics.

The segment activity, as shown above, includes both direct and allocated items. Amounts in the “Other/Elimination” column include activity not related to the segments, such as that relating to administrative functions, the investment securities portfolio, and the effect of certain expense allocations to the segments. The provision for loan losses in this category contains the difference between net loan charge-offs assigned directly to the segments and the recorded provision for loan loss expense. Included in this category’s net interest income are earnings of the investment portfolio, which are not allocated to a segment.

The performance measurement of the operating segments is based on the management structure of the Company and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other financial institution. The information is also not necessarily indicative of the segments' financial condition and results of operations if they were independent entities.


24

Table of Contents


10. Derivative Instruments

The notional amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments are shown in the table below. These contractual amounts, along with other terms of the derivative, are used to determine amounts to be exchanged between counterparties and are not a measure of loss exposure. The Company’s derivative instruments are accounted for as free-standing derivatives, and changes in their fair value are recorded in current earnings.

(In thousands)
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Interest rate swaps
$
906,559

$
647,709

Interest rate caps
41,603

53,587

Credit risk participation agreements
70,736

75,943

Foreign exchange contracts
17,751

19,791

 Mortgage loan commitments
12,473


Mortgage loan forward sale contracts
1,280


Forward TBA contracts
12,000


Total notional amount
$
1,062,402

$
797,030


The largest group of notional amounts relate to interest rate swap contracts sold to commercial customers who wish to modify their interest rate sensitivity. These swaps are offset by matching contracts purchased by the Company from other financial dealer institutions. Contracts with dealers that require central clearing are novated to a clearing agency who becomes the Company's counterparty. Because of the matching terms of the offsetting contracts, in addition to collateral provisions which mitigate the impact of non-performance risk, changes in fair value subsequent to initial recognition have a minimal effect on earnings.

Many of the Company’s interest rate swap contracts with large financial institutions contain contingent features relating to debt ratings or capitalization levels. Under these provisions, if the Company’s debt rating falls below investment grade or if the Company ceases to be “well-capitalized” under risk-based capital guidelines, certain counterparties can require immediate and ongoing collateralization on interest rate swaps in net liability positions or instant settlement of the contracts. The Company maintains debt ratings and capital well above these minimum requirements.

The banking customer counterparties are engaged in a variety of businesses, including real estate and building materials, manufacturing, education, communications, retail product distribution, and retirement communities. At September 30, 2015, the largest potential loss exposures were in the groups related to education, real estate, and distribution. If the counterparties in these groups failed to perform, and if the underlying collateral proved to be of no value, the Company estimates that it would incur losses of $1.5 million (education), $7.1 million (real estate), and $2.0 million (distribution) at September 30, 2015.

The Company also contracts with other financial institutions, as a guarantor or beneficiary, to share credit risk associated with certain interest rate swaps through risk participation agreements. The Company’s risks and responsibilities as guarantor are further discussed in Note 5 on Guarantees. In addition, the Company enters into foreign exchange contracts, which are mainly comprised of contracts to purchase or deliver foreign currencies for customers at specific future dates.

In 2015, the Company initiated a program of secondary market sales of residential mortgage loans and has designated certain newly-originated residential mortgage loans as held for sale. Derivative instruments arising from this activity include mortgage loan commitments and forward sale commitments. Changes in the fair values of the loan commitments and funded loans prior to sale that are due to changes in interest rates are economically hedged with forward contracts to sell residential mortgage-backed securities in the to-be-announced (TBA) market. These forward contracts are also considered to be derivatives and are settled in cash at the security settlement date.


25

Table of Contents


The fair values of the Company's derivative instruments, whose notional amounts are listed above, are shown in the table below. Derivative instruments with a positive fair value (asset derivatives) are reported in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, while derivative instruments with a negative fair value (liability derivatives) are reported in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Information about the valuation methods used to determine fair value is provided in Note 13 on Fair Value Measurements.
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
Sept. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
 
Sept. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
(In thousands)    
  Fair Value
 
  Fair Value
Derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest rate swaps
$
15,681

$
10,144

 
$
(15,681
)
$
(10,166
)
   Interest rate caps
16

62

 
(16
)
(62
)
   Credit risk participation agreements
2

3

 
(234
)
(226
)
   Foreign exchange contracts
219

248

 
(197
)
(494
)
   Mortgage loan commitments
451


 


   Mortgage loan forward sale contracts


 
(5
)

   Forward TBA contracts


 
(118
)

 Total
$
16,369

$
10,457

 
$
(16,251
)
$
(10,948
)

The effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income are shown in the table below.



Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives


 
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest rate swaps
Other non-interest income
$
741

$
212

 
$
3,551

$
1,023

  Interest rate caps
Other non-interest income

13

 

13

  Credit risk participation agreements
Other non-interest income
(57
)
(21
)
 
(9
)
177

  Foreign exchange contracts
Other non-interest income
(55
)
176

 
267

134

  Mortgage loan commitments
Loan fees and sales
106


 
451


  Mortgage loan forward sale contracts
Loan fees and sales
(6
)

 
(5
)

  Forward TBA contracts
Loan fees and sales
(370
)

 
15


Total
 
$
359

$
380

 
$
4,270

$
1,347


The following table shows the extent to which assets and liabilities relating to derivative instruments have been offset in the consolidated balance sheets. They also provide information about these instruments which are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement, irrespective of whether they are offset, and the extent to which the instruments could potentially be offset. Also shown is collateral received or pledged in the form of other financial instruments, which is generally cash or marketable securities. The collateral amounts in these tables are limited to the outstanding balances of the related asset or liability (after netting is applied); thus amounts of excess collateral are not shown. Most of the derivatives in the following tables were transacted under master netting arrangements that contain a conditional right of offset, such as close-out netting, upon default.

The Company is party to master netting arrangements with most of its swap derivative counterparties; however, the Company does not offset derivative assets and liabilities under these arrangements on its consolidated balance sheet. Collateral, usually in the form of marketable securities, is exchanged between the Company and dealer bank counterparties and is generally subject to thresholds and transfer minimums. By contract, it may be sold or re-pledged by the secured party until recalled at a subsequent valuation date by the pledging party. For those swap transactions requiring central clearing, the Company posts cash and securities to its clearing agency. At September 30, 2015, the Company had a net liability position with dealer bank and clearing agency counterparties totaling $15.7 million, and had posted securities with a fair value of $3.3 million and cash totaling $16.8 million. Collateral positions are valued daily, and adjustments to amounts received and pledged by the Company are made as appropriate to maintain proper collateralization for these transactions. Swap derivative transactions with customers are generally secured by rights to non-financial collateral, such as real and personal property, which is not shown in the table below.

26

Table of Contents


 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
(In thousands)
Gross Amount Recognized
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments
Collateral Received/Pledged
Net Amount
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
$
15,700

$

$
15,700

$
(16
)
$

$
15,684

Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements
669


669

 
 
 
Total derivatives
16,369


16,369

 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
$
16,052

$

$
16,052

$
(16
)
$
(14,456
)
$
1,580

Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements
199


199

 
 
 
Total derivatives
16,251


16,251

 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
$
10,209

$

$
10,209

$
(251
)
$

$
9,958

Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements
248


248

 
 
 
Total derivatives
10,457


10,457

 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
$
10,454

$

$
10,454

$
(251
)
$
(8,738
)
$
1,465

Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements
494


494

 
 
 
Total derivatives
10,948


10,948

 
 
 

11. Resale and Repurchase Agreements

The following table shows the extent to which assets and liabilities relating to securities purchased under agreements to resell (resale agreements) and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) have been offset in the consolidated balance sheets, in addition to the extent to which they could potentially be offset. Also shown is collateral received or pledged, which consists of marketable securities. The collateral amounts in the table are limited to the outstanding balances of the related asset or liability (after netting is applied); thus amounts of excess collateral are not shown. The agreements in the following table were transacted under master netting arrangements that contain a conditional right of offset, such as close-out netting, upon default.

Resale and repurchase agreements are agreements to purchase/sell securities subject to an obligation to resell/repurchase the same or similar securities. They are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions, not as sales and purchases of the securities portfolio. The securities collateral accepted or pledged in resale and repurchase agreements with other financial institutions also may be sold or re-pledged by the secured party, but is usually delivered to and held by third party trustees. The Company generally retains custody of securities pledged for repurchase agreements with customers.

The Company is party to several agreements commonly known as collateral swaps. These agreements involve the exchange of collateral under simultaneous repurchase and resale agreements with the same financial institution counterparty. These repurchase and resale agreements have the same principal amounts, inception dates, and maturity dates and have been offset against each other in the balance sheet, as permitted under the netting provisions of ASC 210-20-45. The collateral swaps totaled $350.0 million at September 30, 2015 and $450.0 million at December 31, 2014. At September 30, 2015, the Company had posted collateral of $360.8 million in marketable securities, consisting mainly of agency mortgage-backed bonds, and had accepted $373.2 million in investment grade asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and corporate bonds.

27

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Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
(In thousands)
Gross Amount Recognized
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments
Securities Collateral Received/Pledged
Net Amount
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total resale agreements, subject to master netting arrangements
$
1,325,000

$
(350,000
)
$
975,000

$

$
(975,000
)
$

Total repurchase agreements, subject to master netting arrangements
1,981,497

(350,000
)
1,631,497


(1,631,497
)

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total resale agreements, subject to master netting arrangements
$
1,500,000

$
(450,000
)
$
1,050,000

$

$
(1,049,370
)
$
630

Total repurchase agreements, subject to master netting arrangements
2,308,678

(450,000
)
1,858,678


(1,858,678
)


The table below shows the remaining contractual maturities of repurchase agreements outstanding at September 30, 2015, in addition to the various types of marketable securities that have been pledged as collateral for these borrowings.

Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements

(In thousands)
Overnight and continuous
Up to 90 days
Greater than 90 days
Total
September 30, 2015




Repurchase agreements, secured by:




  U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
151,015

$
11,937

$

$
162,952

  Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
361,228

3,298

17,928

382,454

  Agency mortgage-backed securities
335,300

93,104

232,072

660,476

  Asset-backed securities
690,615

85,000


775,615

   Total repurchase agreements, gross amount recognized
$
1,538,158

$
193,339

$
250,000

$
1,981,497


12. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has historically issued stock-based compensation in the form of nonvested restricted stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs). During the first nine months of 2015, stock-based compensation was issued in the form of nonvested restricted stock and SARs. The stock-based compensation expense that has been charged against income was $2.4 million and $2.2 million in the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $7.7 million and $6.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Nonvested stock awards generally vest in 4 to 7 years and contain restrictions as to transferability, sale, pledging, or assigning, among others, prior to the end of the vesting period. Dividend and voting rights are conferred upon grant. A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested share awards as of September 30, 2015, and changes during the nine month period then ended, is presented below.
 
 
 

Shares
 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2015
1,259,689

$34.41
Granted
215,245

41.69
Vested
(141,877
)
30.11
Forfeited
(15,936
)
34.79
Nonvested at September 30, 2015
1,317,121

$36.05

SARs and stock options are granted with exercise prices equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. SARs vest ratably over 4 years of continuous service and have 10-year contractual terms. All SARs must be settled in stock under provisions of the plan. Stock options, which have not been granted since 2005, vested ratably over 3 years of continuous service and also have 10-year contractual terms. In determining compensation cost, the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to

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estimate the fair value of SARs and options on date of grant. The current year per share average fair value and the model assumptions are shown in the table below.
        
Weighted per share average fair value at grant date

$7.58

Assumptions:
 
Dividend yield
2.2
%
Volatility
21.3
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.8
%
Expected term
7.2 years


A summary of SAR activity during the first nine months of 2015 is presented below.
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Rights
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
1,780,578

$33.96
 
 
Granted
240,267

41.40
 
 
Forfeited
(6,182
)
39.04

 
 
Expired
(1,076
)
37.31

 
 
Exercised
(411,126
)
32.94
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2015
1,602,461

$35.32
4.4 years
$
16,412


A summary of option activity during the first nine months of 2015 is presented below.
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Shares
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
68,675

$29.27
Granted


Forfeited


Expired


Exercised
(68,675
)
29.27
Outstanding at September 30, 2015
$

$




29

Table of Contents


13. Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Various financial instruments such as available for sale and trading securities, certain non-marketable securities relating to private equity activities, and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage servicing rights and certain other investment securities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the Company uses various valuation techniques and assumptions when estimating fair value. For accounting disclosure purposes, a three-level valuation hierarchy of fair value measurements has been established. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly (such as interest rates, yield curves, and prepayment speeds).
Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. These may be internally developed, using the Company’s best information and assumptions that a market participant would consider.
When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded or disclosed at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. When possible, the Company looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets or liabilities. When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, the Company looks to observable market data for similar assets and liabilities. Nevertheless, certain assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets, and the Company must use alternative valuation techniques to derive an estimated fair value measurement.


30

Table of Contents


Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents the September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 carrying values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers among levels during the first nine months of 2015 or the year ended December 31, 2014.
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)
Total Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
  Residential mortgage loans held for sale
$
2,173

$

$
2,173

$

  Available for sale securities:
 
 
 
 
     U.S. government and federal agency obligations
420,399

420,399



     Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
862,209


862,209


     State and municipal obligations
1,847,159


1,753,970

93,189

     Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,575,835


2,575,835


     Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
817,197


817,197


     Asset-backed securities
2,584,688


2,584,688


     Other debt securities
326,008


326,008


     Equity securities
39,464

19,509

19,955


  Trading securities
14,463


14,463


  Private equity investments
66,875



66,875

  Derivatives *
16,369


15,916

453

  Assets held in trust
8,825

8,825



  Total assets
$
9,581,664

$
448,733

$
8,972,414

$
160,517

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
  Derivatives *
$
16,251

$

$
16,017

$
234

  Total liabilities
$
16,251

$

$
16,017

$
234

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
  Available for sale securities:
 
 
 
 
     U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
501,407

$
501,407

$

$

     Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
963,127


963,127


     State and municipal obligations
1,813,201


1,718,058

95,143

     Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,593,708


2,593,708


     Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
382,744


382,744


     Asset-backed securities
3,091,993


3,091,993


     Other debt securities
139,161


139,161


     Equity securities
38,219

17,975

20,244


  Trading securities
15,357


15,357


  Private equity investments
57,581



57,581

  Derivatives *
10,457


10,454

3

  Assets held in trust
8,848

8,848



  Total assets
$
9,615,803

$
528,230

$
8,934,846

$
152,727

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
  Derivatives *
$
10,948

$

$
10,722

$
226

  Total liabilities
$
10,948

$

$
10,722

$
226

* The fair value of each class of derivative is shown in Note 10.









31

Table of Contents



Valuation methods for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

Following is a description of the Company’s valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Residential mortgage loans held for sale

The Company originates fixed rate, first lien residential mortgage loans that are intended for sale in the secondary market. Fair value is based on quoted secondary market prices for loans with similar characteristics, which are adjusted to include the embedded servicing value in the loans. This adjustment represents an unobservable input to the valuation but is not considered significant given the relative insensitivity of the valuation to changes in this input. Accordingly, these loan measurements are classified as Level 2.

Available for sale investment securities

For available for sale securities, changes in fair value, including that portion of other-than-temporary impairment unrelated to credit loss, are recorded in other comprehensive income. As mentioned in Note 3 on Investment Securities, the Company records the credit-related portion of other-than-temporary impairment in current earnings. This portfolio comprises the majority of the assets which the Company records at fair value. Most of the portfolio, which includes government-sponsored enterprise, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, are priced utilizing industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curves, volatility factors, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. These measurements are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Where quoted prices are available in an active market, the measurements are classified as Level 1. Most of the Level 1 measurements apply to common stock and U.S. Treasury obligations.

The fair values of Level 1 and 2 securities (excluding equity securities) in the available for sale portfolio are prices provided by a third-party pricing service. The prices provided by the third-party pricing service are based on observable market inputs, as described in the sections below. On a quarterly basis, the Company compares a sample of these prices to other independent sources for the same and similar securities. Variances are analyzed, and, if appropriate, additional research is conducted with the third-party pricing service. Based on this research, the pricing service may affirm or revise its quoted price. No significant adjustments have been made to the prices provided by the pricing service. The pricing service also provides documentation on an ongoing basis that includes reference data, inputs and methodology by asset class, which is reviewed to ensure that security placement within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate.
Valuation methods and inputs, by class of security:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations
U.S. treasury bills, bonds and notes, including inflation-protected securities, are valued using live data from active market makers and inter-dealer brokers. Valuations for stripped coupon and principal issues are derived from yield curves generated from various dealer contacts and live data sources.

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations are evaluated using cash flow valuation models. Inputs used are live market data, cash settlements, Treasury market yields, and floating rate indices such as LIBOR, CMT, and Prime.

State and municipal obligations, excluding auction rate securities
A yield curve is generated and applied to bond sectors, and individual bond valuations are extrapolated. Inputs used to generate the yield curve are bellwether issue levels, established trading spreads between similar issuers or credits, historical trading spreads over widely accepted market benchmarks, new issue scales, and verified bid information. Bid information is verified by corroborating the data against external sources such as broker-dealers, trustees/paying agents, issuers, or non-affiliated bondholders.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities
Collateralized mortgage obligations and other asset-backed securities are valued at the tranche level. For each tranche valuation, the process generates predicted cash flows for the tranche, applies a market based (or benchmark) yield/spread for each tranche, and incorporates deal collateral performance and tranche level attributes to determine tranche-

32

Table of Contents


specific spreads to adjust the benchmark yield. Tranche cash flows are generated from new deal files and prepayment/default assumptions. Tranche spreads are based on tranche characteristics such as average life, type, volatility, ratings, underlying collateral and performance, and prevailing market conditions. The appropriate tranche spread is applied to the corresponding benchmark, and the resulting value is used to discount the cash flows to generate an evaluated price.

Valuation of agency pass-through securities, typically issued under GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC, and SBA programs, are primarily derived from information from the To Be Announced (TBA) market. This market consists of generic mortgage pools which have not been received for settlement. Snapshots of the TBA market, using live data feeds distributed by multiple electronic platforms, and in conjunction with other indices, are used to compute a price based on discounted cash flow models.

Other debt securities
Other debt securities are valued using active markets and inter-dealer brokers as well as bullet spread scales and option adjusted spreads. The spreads and models use yield curves, terms and conditions of the bonds, and any special features (i.e., call or put options, redemption features, etc.).

Equity securities
Equity securities are priced using the market prices for each security from the major stock exchanges or other electronic quotation systems. These are generally classified as Level 1 measurements. Stocks which trade infrequently are classified as Level 2.

The available for sale portfolio includes certain auction rate securities. The auction process by which auction rate securities are normally priced has not functioned in recent years, and due to the illiquidity in the market, the fair value of these securities cannot be based on observable market prices. The fair values of the auction rate securities are estimated using a discounted cash flows analysis which is discussed more fully in the Level 3 Inputs section of this note. Because several of the inputs significant to the measurement are not observable, these measurements are classified as Level 3 measurements.

Trading securities

The securities in the Company’s trading portfolio are priced by averaging several broker quotes for similar instruments and are classified as Level 2 measurements.

Private equity investments

These securities are held by the Company’s private equity subsidiaries and are included in non-marketable investment securities in the consolidated balance sheets. Due to the absence of quoted market prices, valuation of these nonpublic investments requires significant management judgment. These fair value measurements, which are discussed in the Level 3 Inputs section of this note, are classified as Level 3.

Derivatives

The Company’s derivative instruments include interest rate swaps, foreign exchange forward contracts, certain credit risk guarantee agreements, and various instruments related to residential loan sale activity. When appropriate, the impact of credit standing, as well as any potential credit enhancements such as collateral, has been considered in the fair value measurement.

Valuations for interest rate swaps are derived from a proprietary model whose significant inputs are readily observable market parameters, primarily yield curves used to calculate current exposure. Counterparty credit risk is incorporated into the model and calculated by applying a net credit spread over LIBOR to the swap's total expected exposure over time. The net credit spread is comprised of spreads for both the Company and its counterparty, derived from probability of default and other loss estimate information obtained from a third party credit data provider or from the Company's Credit Department when not otherwise available. The credit risk component is not significant compared to the overall fair value of the swaps. The results of the model are constantly validated through comparison to active trading in the marketplace. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.

Fair value measurements for foreign exchange contracts are derived from a model whose primary inputs are quotations from global market makers and are classified as Level 2.


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Table of Contents


The Company’s contracts related to credit risk guarantees are valued under a proprietary model which uses unobservable inputs and assumptions about the creditworthiness of the counterparty (generally a Bank customer). Customer credit spreads, which are based on probability of default and other loss estimates, are calculated internally by the Company's Credit Department, as mentioned above, and are based on the Company's internal risk rating for each customer. Because these inputs are significant to the measurements, they are classified as Level 3.

Derivatives relating to residential mortgage loan sale activity include commitments to originate mortgage loans held for sale, forward loan sale contracts, and forward commitments to sell TBA securities. The fair values of loan commitments and sale contracts are estimated using quoted market prices for loans similar to the underlying loans in these instruments. The valuations of loan commitments are further adjusted to include embedded servicing value and the probability of funding. These assumptions are considered Level 3 inputs and are significant to the loan commitment valuation; accordingly, the measurement of loan commitments is classified as Level 3. The fair value measurement of TBA contracts is based on security prices published on trading platforms and is classified as Level 2.

Assets held in trust

Assets held in an outside trust for the Company’s deferred compensation plan consist of investments in mutual funds. The fair value measurements are based on quoted prices in active markets and classified as Level 1. The Company has recorded an asset representing the total investment amount. The Company has also recorded a corresponding nonfinancial liability, representing the Company’s liability to the plan participants.


34

Table of Contents


The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)


(In thousands)
State and Municipal Obligations
Private Equity
Investments
Derivatives
Total
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Balance June 30, 2015
$
92,940

$
58,726

$
170

$
151,836

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
   Included in earnings

(1,221
)
49

(1,172
)
   Included in other comprehensive income *
227



227

Discount accretion
22



22

Purchases of private equity investments

9,370


9,370

Balance September 30, 2015
$
93,189

$
66,875

$
219

$
160,283

Total gains or losses for the three months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2015
$

$
(1,221
)
$
394

$
(827
)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Balance January 1, 2015
$
95,143

$
57,581

$
(223
)
$
152,501

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
   Included in earnings

2,954

442

3,396

   Included in other comprehensive income *
(127
)


(127
)
Investment securities called
(2,000
)


(2,000
)
Discount accretion
173



173

Purchases of private equity investments

11,023


11,023

Sale/pay down of private equity investments

(4,800
)

(4,800
)
Capitalized interest/dividends

117


117

Balance September 30, 2015
$
93,189

$
66,875

$
219

$
160,283

Total gains or losses for the nine months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2015
$

$
2,954

$
442

$
3,396

For the three months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
Balance June 30, 2014
$
132,108

$
44,192

$
(188
)
$
176,112

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
   Included in earnings

3,225

(21
)
3,204

   Included in other comprehensive income *
(921
)


(921
)
Discount accretion
40



40

Purchases of private equity investments

4,575


4,575

Capitalized interest/dividends

45


45

Purchase of risk participation agreement


41

41

Balance September 30, 2014
$
131,227

$
52,037

$
(168
)
$
183,096

Total gains or losses for the three months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2014
$

$
3,225

$
(21
)
$
3,204

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
Balance January 1, 2014
$
127,724

$
56,612

$
(65
)
$
184,271

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
 
 
 
 
   Included in earnings

15,161

177

15,338

   Included in other comprehensive income *
3,383



3,383

Discount accretion
120



120

Purchases of private equity investments

11,575


11,575

Sale/pay down of private equity investments

(31,423
)

(31,423
)
Capitalized interest/dividends

112


112

Purchase of risk participation agreement


41

41

Sale of risk participation agreement


(321
)
(321
)
Balance September 30, 2014
$
131,227

$
52,037

$
(168
)
$
183,096

Total gains or losses for the nine months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2014
$

$
(3,232
)
$
173

$
(3,059
)
* Included in "net unrealized gains (losses) on other securities" in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

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Gains and losses included in earnings for the Level 3 assets and liabilities in the previous table are reported in the following line items in the consolidated statements of income:
(In thousands)
Loan Fees and Sales
Other Non-Interest Income
Investment Securities Gains (Losses), Net
Total
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Total gains or losses included in earnings
$
106

$
(57
)
$
(1,221
)
$
(1,172
)
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2015
$
451

$
(57
)
$
(1,221
)
$
(827
)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
Total gains or losses included in earnings
$
451

$
(9
)
$
2,954

$
3,396

Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2015
$
451

$
(9
)
$
2,954

$
3,396

For the three months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
Total gains or losses included in earnings
$

$
(21
)
$
3,225

$
3,204

Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2014
$

$
(21
)
$
3,225

$
3,204

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
Total gains or losses included in earnings
$

$
177

$
15,161

$
15,338

Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2014
$

$
173

$
(3,232
)
$
(3,059
)

Level 3 Inputs

As shown above, the Company's significant Level 3 measurements which employ unobservable inputs that are readily quantifiable pertain to auction rate securities (ARS) held by the Bank, investments in portfolio concerns held by the Company's private equity subsidiaries, and held for sale residential mortgage loan commitments. ARS are included in state and municipal securities and totaled $93.2 million at September 30, 2015, while private equity investments, included in non-marketable securities, totaled $66.9 million.
Information about these inputs is presented in the table and discussions below.
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
 
 
Weighted
 
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
 
Average
Auction rate securities
Discounted cash flow
Estimated market recovery period
3
-
5 years
 
 
 
 
Estimated market rate
2.3%
-
7.1%
 
 
Private equity investments
Market comparable companies
EBITDA multiple
4.0
-
5.5
 
 
Mortgage loan commitments
Discounted cash flow
Probability of funding
60.5%
-
100.0%
 
82.4%
 
 
Embedded servicing value
.9%
-
1.0%
 
1.0%

The fair values of ARS are estimated using a discounted cash flows analysis in which estimated cash flows are based on mandatory interest rates paid under failing auctions and projected over an estimated market recovery period. Under normal conditions, ARS traded in weekly auctions and were considered liquid investments. The Company's estimate of when these auctions might resume is highly judgmental and subject to variation depending on current and projected market conditions. Few auctions of these securities are held, and most sales are privately arranged. Estimated cash flows during the period over which the Company expects to hold the securities are discounted at an estimated market rate. These securities are comprised of bonds issued by various states and municipalities for healthcare and student lending purposes, and market rates are derived for each type. Market rates are calculated at each valuation date using a LIBOR or Treasury based rate plus spreads representing adjustments for liquidity premium and nonperformance risk. The spreads are developed internally by employees in the Company's bond department. An increase in the holding period alone would result in a higher fair value measurement, while an increase in the estimated market rate (the discount rate) alone would result in a lower fair value measurement. The valuation of the ARS portfolio is reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Company's chief investment officers.

The fair values of the Company's private equity investments are based on a determination of fair value of the investee company less preference payments assuming the sale of the investee company.  Investee companies are normally non-public entities.  The fair value of the investee company is determined by reference to the investee's total earnings before interest, depreciation/amortization, and income taxes (EBITDA) multiplied by an EBITDA factor.  EBITDA is normally determined based on a trailing prior period adjusted for specific factors including current economic outlook, investee management, and specific unique

36

Table of Contents


circumstances such as sales order information, major customer status, regulatory changes, etc.  The EBITDA multiple is based on management's review of published trading multiples for recent private equity transactions and other judgments and is derived for each individual investee.  The fair value of the Company's investment (which is usually a partial interest in the investee company) is then calculated based on its ownership percentage in the investee company. On a quarterly basis, these fair value analyses are reviewed by a valuation committee consisting of investment managers and senior Company management.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s derivative commitments to originate residential mortgage loans are the percentage of commitments that are actually funded and the mortgage servicing value that is inherent in the underlying loan value. A significant increase in the rate of loans that fund would result in a larger derivative asset or liability. A significant increase in the inherent mortgage servicing value would result in an increase in the derivative asset or a reduction in the derivative liability. The probability of funding and the inherent mortgage servicing values are directly impacted by changes in market rates and will generally move in the same direction as interest rates.

Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, and still held as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, the following table provides the adjustments to fair value recognized during the respective periods, the level of valuation inputs used to determine each adjustment, and the carrying value of the related individual assets or portfolios at September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
(In thousands)

Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Gains (Losses) Recognized During the Nine Months Ended September 30
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
  Collateral dependent impaired loans
$
6,860

$

$

$
6,860

$
(1,794
)
  Mortgage servicing rights
1,461



1,461

59

  Foreclosed assets
479



479

(193
)
  Long-lived assets
937



937

(1,366
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
  Collateral dependent impaired loans
$
17,015

$

$

$
17,015

$
(2,797
)
  Private equity investments
1,309



1,309

(1,191
)
  Mortgage servicing rights
777



777

13

  Foreclosed assets
850



850

(275
)
  Long-lived assets
8,528



8,528

(1,890
)

Valuation methods for instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

Following is a description of the Company’s valuation methodologies used for other financial and nonfinancial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Collateral dependent impaired loans

While the overall loan portfolio is not carried at fair value, the Company periodically records nonrecurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Nonrecurring adjustments also include certain impairment amounts for collateral dependent loans when establishing the allowance for loan losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan. In determining the value of real estate collateral, the Company relies on external and internal appraisals of property values depending on the size and complexity of the real estate collateral. The Company maintains a staff of qualified appraisers who also review third party appraisal reports for reasonableness. In the case of non-real estate collateral, reliance is placed on a variety of sources, including external estimates of value and judgments based on the experience and expertise of internal specialists. Values of all loan collateral are regularly reviewed by credit administration. Unobservable inputs to these measurements, which include estimates and judgments often used in conjunction with appraisals, are not readily quantifiable. These measurements are classified as Level 3. Changes in fair value recognized for partial charge-offs of loans and loan impairment reserves on loans held by the Company at September 30, 2015 and 2014 are shown in the table above.

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Table of Contents


Private equity investments and restricted stock

These assets are included in non-marketable investment securities in the consolidated balance sheets.  They include certain investments in private equity concerns held by the Parent company which are carried at cost, reduced by other-than-temporary impairment. These investments are periodically evaluated for impairment based on their estimated fair value as determined by review of available information, most of which is provided as monthly or quarterly internal financial statements, annual audited financial statements, investee tax returns, and in certain situations, through research into and analysis of the assets and investments held by those private equity concerns.   Restricted stock consists of stock issued by the Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB and is held by the bank subsidiary as required for regulatory purposes.  Generally, there are restrictions on the sale and/or liquidation of these investments, and they are carried at cost, reduced by other-than-temporary impairment.  Fair value measurements for these securities are classified as Level 3.

Mortgage servicing rights

The Company initially measures its mortgage servicing rights at fair value and amortizes them over the period of estimated net servicing income. They are periodically assessed for impairment based on fair value at the reporting date. Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, the fair value is estimated based on a valuation model which calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The model incorporates assumptions that market participants use in estimating future net servicing income, including estimates of prepayment speeds, market discount rates, cost to service, float earnings rates, and other ancillary income, including late fees. The fair value measurements are classified as Level 3.

Foreclosed assets

Foreclosed assets consist of loan collateral which has been repossessed through foreclosure. This collateral is comprised of commercial and residential real estate and other non-real estate property, including auto, marine and recreational vehicles. Foreclosed assets are recorded as held for sale initially at the lower of the loan balance or fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically, and the assets may be marked down further, reflecting a new cost basis. Fair value measurements may be based upon appraisals, third-party price opinions, or internally developed pricing methods. These measurements are classified as Level 3.

Long-lived assets

In accordance with ASC 360-10-35, investments in branch facilities and various office buildings are written down to estimated fair value, or if the property is held for sale, they are written down to estimated fair value less cost to sell. Fair value is estimated in a process which considers current local commercial real estate market conditions and the judgment of the sales agent and often involves obtaining third party appraisals from certified real estate appraisers. The carrying amounts of these real estate holdings are regularly monitored by real estate professionals employed by the Company. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 3. Unobservable inputs to these measurements, which include estimates and judgments often used in conjunction with appraisals, are not readily quantifiable. The measurements in 2015 pertained mainly to several branch facility sites which are currently being marketed for sale or re-developed.

14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments held by the Company are set forth below. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information. They do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for many of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, risk characteristics and economic conditions. These estimates are subjective, involve uncertainties, and cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

The methods and inputs used in the estimation of fair value for the financial instruments in the table below are discussed in the preceding Fair Value Measurements note and in the Fair Value of Financial Instruments note in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes in these methods and inputs since December 31, 2014.


38

Table of Contents


The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments and the classification of their fair value measurement within the valuation hierarchy are as follows:
 
Fair Value Hierarchy Level
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014

(In thousands)
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
Estimated
Fair Value
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business
Level 3
$
4,406,854

$
4,438,854

 
$
3,969,952

$
3,982,531

Real estate - construction and land
Level 3
534,425

541,912

 
403,507

407,905

Real estate - business
Level 3
2,286,013

2,327,496

 
2,288,215

2,315,378

Real estate - personal
Level 3
1,920,650

1,968,453

 
1,883,092

1,933,456

Consumer
Level 3
1,886,806

1,885,963

 
1,705,134

1,701,037

Revolving home equity
Level 3
428,940

431,324

 
430,873

433,508

Consumer credit card
Level 3
756,093

769,878

 
782,370

794,929

Overdrafts
Level 3
4,493

4,493

 
6,095

6,095

Loans held for sale
Level 2
4,143

4,143

 


Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale
Level 1
439,908

439,908

 
519,382

519,382

Available for sale
Level 2
8,939,862

8,939,862

 
8,909,035

8,909,035

Available for sale
Level 3
93,189

93,189

 
95,143

95,143

Trading
Level 2
14,463

14,463

 
15,357

15,357

Non-marketable
Level 3
116,634

116,634

 
106,875

106,875

Federal funds sold
Level 1
32,550

32,550

 
32,485

32,485

Securities purchased under agreements to resell
Level 3
975,000

978,480

 
1,050,000

1,048,866

Interest earning deposits with banks
Level 1
42,078

42,078

 
600,744

600,744

Cash and due from banks
Level 1
384,122

384,122

 
467,488

467,488

Derivative instruments
Level 2
15,916

15,916

 
10,454

10,454

Derivative instruments
Level 3
453

453

 
3

3

Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-interest bearing deposits
Level 1
$
6,699,873

$
6,699,873

 
$
6,811,959

$
6,811,959

Savings, interest checking and money market deposits
Level 1
10,295,260

10,295,260

 
10,541,601
10,541,601
Time open and certificates of deposit
Level 3
1,991,627

1,991,741

 
2,122,218

2,121,114

Federal funds purchased
Level 1
561,700

561,700

 
3,840

3,840

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Level 3
1,631,497

1,631,562

 
1,858,678

1,858,731

Other borrowings
Level 3
103,831

109,939

 
104,058

111,102

Derivative instruments
Level 2
16,017

16,017

 
10,722

10,722

Derivative instruments
Level 3
234

234

 
226

226


15. Legal Proceedings
On August 15, 2014, a customer filed a purported class action complaint against the Bank in the Circuit Court, Jackson County, Missouri.  The case is Cassandra Warren, et al v. Commerce Bank (Case No. 1416-CV19197).  In the case, the customer alleges violation of the Missouri usury statute in connection with the Bank charging overdraft fees in connection with point-of-sale/debit and automated-teller machine cards. The case seeks class-action status for Missouri customers of the Bank who may have been similarly affected.  The Company believes the complaint lacks merit and will defend itself vigorously. The amount of any ultimate exposure cannot be determined with certainty at this time.

The Company has various other lawsuits pending at September 30, 2015, arising in the normal course of business. While some matters pending against the Company specify damages claimed by plaintiffs, others do not seek a specified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. The Company records a loss accrual for all legal matters for which it deems a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Some legal matters, which are at early stages in the legal process, have not yet progressed to the point where a loss amount can be determined to be probable and estimable.


39

Table of Contents


Item 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and with the statistical information and financial data appearing in this report as well as the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained for any other period.

Forward-Looking Information

This report may contain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties and include information about possible or assumed future results of operations. Many possible events or factors could affect the future financial results and performance of the Company. This could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", variations of such words and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Readers should not rely solely on the forward-looking statements and should consider all uncertainties and risks discussed throughout this report. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Such possible events or factors include: changes in economic conditions in the Company's market area, changes in policies by regulatory agencies, governmental legislation and regulation, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in liquidity requirements, demand for loans in the Company's market area, changes in accounting and tax principles, estimates made on income taxes, competition with other entities that offer financial services, and such other factors as discussed in Part I Item 1A - "Risk Factors" and Part II Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company has identified several policies as being critical because they require management to make particularly difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because of the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. These policies relate to the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of certain investment securities, and accounting for income taxes. A discussion of these policies can be found in the sections captioned "Critical Accounting Policies" and "Allowance for Loan Losses" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes in the Company's application of critical accounting policies since December 31, 2014.


40

Table of Contents


Selected Financial Data

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
 
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Per Share Data
 
    
    
 
 
 
   Net income per common share — basic
 
$
.67

$
.69
*
 
$
2.03

$
2.00
*
   Net income per common share — diluted
 
.66

.69
*
 
2.02

1.99
*
   Cash dividends on common stock
 
.225

.214
*
 
.675

.643
*
   Book value per common share
 
 
 
 
23.97

22.27
*
   Market price
 
 
 
 
45.56

42.51
*
Selected Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Based on average balance sheets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loans to deposits (1)
 
62.44
%
60.72
%
 
60.97
%
59.93
%
   Non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits
 
35.44

33.70

 
34.89

33.41

   Equity to loans (1)
 
19.62

20.16

 
20.18

20.28

   Equity to deposits
 
12.25

12.24

 
12.31

12.16

   Equity to total assets
 
9.97

10.13

 
10.02

10.09

   Return on total assets
 
1.09

1.20

 
1.13

1.18

   Return on common equity
 
11.25

12.30

 
11.62

11.88

(Based on end-of-period data)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Non-interest income to revenue (2)
 
40.69

42.05

 
41.28

40.87

   Efficiency ratio (3)
 
62.53

60.43

 
62.10

61.21

   Tier I common risk-based capital ratio (4)
 
 
 
 
11.54

NA

   Tier I risk-based capital ratio (4)
 
 
 
 
12.37

13.80

   Total risk-based capital ratio (4)
 
 
 
 
13.33

14.99

   Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (5)
 
 
 
 
8.72

8.85

   Tier I leverage ratio (4)
 
 
 
 
9.31

9.37


* Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in December 2014.
(1) Includes loans held for sale.
(2) Revenue includes net interest income and non-interest income.
(3) The efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense (excluding intangibles amortization) as a percent of revenue.
(4) Risk-based capital information at September 30, 2015 was prepared under Basel III requirements, which were effective January 1, 2015. Risk-based capital information at September 30, 2014 was prepared under Basel I requirements.
(5) The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is a measurement which management believes is a useful indicator of capital adequacy and utilization. It provides a meaningful basis for period to period and company to company comparisons, and also assists regulators, investors and analysts in analyzing the financial position of the Company. Tangible common equity and tangible assets are non-GAAP measures and should not be viewed as substitutes for, or superior to, data prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The following table is a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measures of total equity and total assets to the non-GAAP measures of total tangible common equity and total tangible assets.
 
September 30
(Dollars in thousands)
2015
2014
Total equity
$
2,371,043

$
2,288,869

Less non-controlling interest
5,738

3,038

Less preferred stock
144,784

144,784

Less goodwill
138,921

138,921

Less core deposit premium
5,365

6,994

Total tangible common equity (a)
$
2,076,235

$
1,995,132

Total assets
$
23,967,648

$
22,701,545

Less goodwill
138,921

138,921

Less core deposit premium
5,365

6,994

Total tangible assets (b)
$
23,823,362

$
22,555,630

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (a)/(b)
8.72
%
8.85
%

41

Table of Contents


Results of Operations

Summary
  
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
(Dollars in thousands)
2015
2014
% change
 
2015
2014
% change
Net interest income
$
162,038

$
154,716

4.7
 %
 
$
471,833

$
468,275

.8
 %
Provision for loan losses
(8,364
)
(7,652
)
9.3

 
(19,541
)
(24,867
)
(21.4
)
Non-interest income
111,148

112,286

(1.0
)
 
331,666

323,676

2.5

Investment securities gains (losses), net
(378
)
2,995

N.M.

 
7,800

10,474

(25.5
)
Non-interest expense
(171,262
)
(161,840
)
5.8

 
(500,279
)
(486,355
)
2.9

Income taxes
(27,969
)
(31,484
)
(11.2
)
 
(88,929
)
(92,161
)
(3.5
)
Non-controlling interest expense
(601
)
(836
)
(28.1
)
 
(2,530
)
(13
)
N.M.

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
64,612

68,185

(5.2
)
 
200,020

199,029

.5

Preferred stock dividends
(2,250
)
(1,800
)
25.0

 
(6,750
)
(1,800
)
N.M.

Net income available to common shareholders
$
62,362

$
66,385

(6.1
)%
 
$
193,270

$
197,229

(2.0
)%

For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (net income) amounted to $64.6 million, a decrease of $3.6 million, or 5.2%, compared to the third quarter of the previous year, and a decrease of $9.7 million, or 13.1%, compared to the previous quarter. For the current quarter, the annualized return on average assets was 1.09%, the annualized return on average common equity was 11.25%, and the efficiency ratio was 62.53%. Diluted earnings per common share was $.66, a decrease of 4.3% compared to $.69 per share in the third quarter of 2014 and a decrease of 12.0% compared to $.75 per share in the previous quarter.

Compared to the third quarter of last year, net interest income increased $7.3 million, or 4.7%, mainly due to growth of $4.4 million in interest income on investment securities and $2.3 million in interest income on loans. The provision for loan losses totaled $8.4 million for the current quarter, representing an increase of $712 thousand over the third quarter of 2014. Non-interest income decreased $1.1 million, or 1.0%, mainly due to several branch sales and a litigation settlement recorded in 2014, in addition to lower bank card and capital market fees. Non-interest expense increased $9.4 million, or 5.8%, over the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits, data processing and software costs, and operating losses. Net investment securities losses totaled $378 thousand in the current quarter compared to gains of $3.0 million in the same quarter last year. The current quarter losses were comprised of losses on transactions in the Company's private equity portfolio.

Net income for the first nine months of 2015 was $200.0 million, an increase of $991 thousand, or .5%, over the same period last year. Diluted earnings per common share was $2.02, an increase of 1.5% compared to $1.99 per share in the same period last year. For the first nine months of 2015, the annualized return on average assets was 1.13%, the annualized return on average common equity was 11.62%, and the efficiency ratio was 62.10%. Net interest income increased $3.6 million, or .8%, over the same period last year. This increase was mainly due to an increase of $4.8 million in loan interest income, partially offset by a $2.0 million decrease in investment securities interest income. The provision for loan losses was $19.5 million for the first nine months of 2015, down $5.3 million, or 21.4%, from the same period last year. Non-interest income increased $8.0 million, or 2.5%, over the first nine months of last year largely due to growth in trust fees, as well as higher fees earned on bank card, mortgage banking, and brokerage transactions. Non-interest expense increased $13.9 million, or 2.9%, largely due to higher salaries and benefits expense. Net investment securities gains totaled $7.8 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to net gains of $10.5 million in the first nine months of 2014.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company reclassified amortization costs related to low income housing investments from non-interest expense to income tax expense in accordance with newly adopted accounting standards. All prior periods have been revised to reflect this reclassification. The reclassification is further discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.










42

Table of Contents


Net Interest Income

The following table summarizes the changes in net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis, by major category of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, identifying changes related to volumes and rates. Changes not solely due to volume or rate changes are allocated to rate.

Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014
 
Change due to
 
 
Change due to
 
 
(In thousands)
Average
Volume
Average
Rate

Total
 
Average
Volume
Average
Rate

Total
Interest income, fully taxable equivalent basis:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Business
$
1,842

$
(827
)
$
1,015

 
$
4,568

$
(2,141
)
$
2,427

  Real estate - construction and land
515

(316
)
199

 
472

(402
)
70

  Real estate - business
(6
)
(537
)
(543
)
 
(449
)
(1,643
)
(2,092
)
  Real estate - personal
731

(207
)
524

 
2,623

(483
)
2,140

  Consumer
2,267

(728
)
1,539

 
6,666

(3,699
)
2,967

  Revolving home equity
52

(302
)
(250
)
 
214

(863
)
(649
)
  Consumer credit card
(283
)
251

(32
)
 
(856
)
1,169

313

  Overdrafts



 



     Total interest on loans
5,118

(2,666
)
2,452

 
13,238

(8,062
)
5,176

Loans held for sale
48


48

 
108


108

Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  U.S. government and federal agency securities
(753
)
1,307

554

 
(1,957
)
(7,174
)
(9,131
)
  Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
509

295

804

 
2,484

1,343

3,827

  State and municipal obligations
159

91

250

 
2,663

(132
)
2,531

  Mortgage-backed securities
1,782

(1,651
)
131

 
1,815

(3,637
)
(1,822
)
  Asset-backed securities
(577
)
1,707

1,130

 
4

2,576

2,580

  Other securities
1,228

458

1,686

 
1,889

(1,324
)
565

     Total interest on investment securities
2,348

2,207

4,555

 
6,898

(8,348
)
(1,450
)
Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   agreements to resell
(13
)
4

(9
)
 
(36
)
1

(35
)
Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
243

346

589

 
373

(157
)
216

Interest earning deposits with banks
29

3

32

 
144

1

145

Total interest income
7,773

(106
)
7,667

 
20,725

(16,565
)
4,160

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Savings
23

(25
)
(2
)
 
55

(47
)
8

  Interest checking and money market
80

(122
)
(42
)
 
278

(399
)
(121
)
  Time open & C.D.'s of less than $100,000
(105
)
(119
)
(224
)
 
(337
)
(372
)
(709
)
  Time open & C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
(134
)
170

36

 
(239
)
222

(17
)
     Total interest on deposits
(136
)
(96
)
(232
)
 
(243
)
(596
)
(839
)
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   agreements to repurchase
64

132

196

 
237

281

518

Other borrowings
(11
)
29

18

 
(32
)
93

61

Total interest expense
(83
)
65

(18
)
 
(38
)
(222
)
(260
)
Net interest income, fully taxable equivalent basis
$
7,856

$
(171
)
$
7,685

 
$
20,763

$
(16,343
)
$
4,420


Net interest income in the third quarter of 2015 was $162.0 million, an increase of $7.3 million over the third quarter of 2014. On a tax equivalent (T/E) basis, net interest income totaled $169.5 million in the third quarter of 2015, up $7.7 million over the same period last year and down $1.5 million from the previous quarter.  The increase in net interest income compared to the third quarter of 2014 was mainly due to higher interest income on investment securities of $4.6 million, coupled with higher interest income on loans of $2.5 million. For the first nine months of 2015 compared to same period last year, net interest income (T/E)

43

Table of Contents


grew $4.4 million, mainly due to higher loan interest income of $5.3 million, partly offset by a $1.5 million decline in securities interest income. Securities interest includes inflation-related interest on the Company's holdings of U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS), which is tied to the Consumer Price Index. Interest income related to TIPS declined $8.2 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, and totaled $3.3 million in the current quarter, $5.1 million in the prior quarter and $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2014.   The Company's net yield on earning assets was 3.00% in the current quarter, compared to 3.04% in the previous quarter and 2.99% in the third quarter of 2014. Excluding the effects of inflation-protected income, the net yield on earning assets would have been 2.94% in the current quarter, 2.95% in the previous quarter and 2.94% in the third quarter of 2014.
 
Total interest income (T/E) increased $7.7 million over the third quarter of 2014. Interest income on loans (T/E) increased $2.5 million due to an increase of $605.5 million, or 5.3%, in average loan balances, partly offset by a 12 basis point decrease in average rates earned. The higher balances contributed $5.2 million to interest income; however, the lower rates depressed interest income by $2.7 million, resulting in a $2.5 million net increase in interest income. Most of the increase occurred in interest on business, construction, personal real estate and consumer loans. Average business loans increased $257.4 million, or 6.5%, which was partly offset by a decline of eight basis points in rates earned. The average rate earned on construction loans declined 26 basis points, while the average balance grew by $54.1 million. Average balances of personal real estate loans increased $77.0 million, or 4.2%, while the average rate earned declined four basis points. The average rate earned on consumer loans decreased 16 basis points, while the average balance increased $216.2 million, or 13.1%. Most of the increase in consumer loan balances resulted from growth of $253.9 million in auto loans and other consumer loans, partly offset by a decrease of $54.1 million in marine and recreational vehicle (RV) loans, as that portfolio continues to pay down.

Interest income on investment securities (T/E) was $56.1 million during the third quarter of 2015, which was an increase of $4.6 million over the same quarter last year, mainly due to growth of $228.9 million in total average securities balances (excluding fair value adjustments), which increased interest income by $2.3 million. The growth in average balances occurred mainly in government-sponsored enterprise obligations, mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities, which grew by $124.0 million, $263.8 million and $157.3 million, respectively. Also, during the current quarter, TIPS inflation income was $3.3 million, which was an increase of $909 thousand as compared to the same quarter during the previous year. During the current quarter, premium amortization expense was reduced by $275 thousand due to changes in prepayment speeds on various mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The overall average rate earned on investment securities increased 14 basis points from 2.25% in the third quarter of 2014 to 2.39% in the current quarter.

Interest income on long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell increased $589 thousand over the third quarter of 2014, due to increases in average rates earned of 14 basis points and average balances invested of $83.7 million.

The average tax equivalent yield on total interest earning assets was 3.12% in the third quarter of 2015 and was unchanged from the third quarter of 2014.

Total interest expense decreased slightly compared to the third quarter of 2014, mainly due to a $232 thousand decline in interest expense on interest bearing deposits. This decline resulted primarily from a decrease of $358.3 million in total average C.D. balances (mainly in short-term C.D's over $100,000), partly offset by growth of $290.1 million in average money market account balances. In addition, average rates paid on C.D.'s under $100,000 declined by five basis points. Interest expense on borrowings increased $214 thousand, due to higher average balances and higher rates paid on repurchase agreements. The overall average rate incurred on all interest bearing liabilities was .20% in both the third quarter of 2015 and 2014.

Net interest income (T/E) for the first nine months of 2015 was $493.9 million compared to $489.5 million for the same period in 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, the net interest margin was 2.93% compared to 3.05% for the first nine months of 2014.

Total interest income (T/E) for the first nine months of 2015 increased $4.2 million over the same period last year, due to higher loan interest income (T/E) which increased $5.3 million due to a $517.1 million increase in total average loan balances, but was partly offset by a 12 basis point decline in the average rate earned. Most of the increase in loan interest occurred in the business, personal real estate and consumer categories. Partly offsetting this increase was a decline in investment securities interest income (T/E) of $1.5 million. This decrease was mainly due to lower TIPS interest of $8.2 million and lower mortgage-backed securities interest of $1.8 million, but was partly offset by higher interest on government-sponsored enterprise obligations, municipal and asset-backed securities, which increased $3.8 million, $2.5 million, and $2.6 million, respectively. The overall average rate earned on total investment securities declined 12 basis points, partly offset by growth in average balances of $416.9 million, or 4.6%.

Total interest expense for the first nine months of 2015 declined $260 thousand compared to last year. Interest expense on interest bearing deposits decreased $839 thousand, mainly due to lower average rates paid on C.D.'s under $100,000 and lower

44

Table of Contents


total C.D. volumes. This decline was partly offset by an increase of $579 thousand in interest expense on borrowings, mainly due to growth in average balances and rates paid on repurchase agreements. The average overall cost of total interest bearing liabilities was .20% during both nine month periods ending September 30, 2015 and 2014.

Summaries of average assets and liabilities and the corresponding average rates earned/paid appear on the last page of this discussion.

Non-Interest Income
  
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
(Dollars in thousands)
2015
2014
% change
 
2015
2014
% change
Bank card transaction fees
$
44,635

$
44,802

(.4
)%
 
$
132,606

$
130,963

1.3
 %
Trust fees
29,630

28,560

3.7

 
89,747

82,898

8.3

Deposit account charges and other fees
20,674

20,161

2.5

 
58,810

58,460

.6

Capital market fees
2,620

2,783

(5.9
)
 
8,360

9,899

(15.5
)
Consumer brokerage services
3,547

3,098

14.5

 
10,099

8,817

14.5

Loan fees and sales
1,855

1,367

35.7

 
6,127

3,787

61.8

Other
8,187

11,515

(28.9
)
 
25,917

28,852

(10.2
)
Total non-interest income
$
111,148

$
112,286

(1.0
)%
 
$
331,666

$
323,676

2.5
 %
Non-interest income as a % of total revenue*
40.7
%
42.1
%
 
 
41.3
%
40.9
%
 
* Total revenue includes net interest income and non-interest income.

In the third quarter of 2015, total non-interest income totaled $111.1 million compared with $112.3 million in the same quarter last year, which was a decrease of $1.1 million, or 1.0%. This decrease was mainly due to several non-recurring transactions recorded in 2014, in addition to lower bank card and capital market fees. These reductions were partly offset by growth in trust, deposit, and mortgage banking fees.

Bank card fees for the current quarter decreased $167 thousand, or .4%, from the third quarter of last year, as a result of lower corporate card interchange fees, which declined 3.1%. This revenue decline was mainly due to the loss of several customers, which reduced sales transactions. Debit card fees grew 3.9%, while credit card fees grew 2.3%. The table below is a summary of bank card transaction fees for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
(Dollars in thousands)
2015
2014
% change
 
2015
2014
% change
Debit card fees
$
9,732

$
9,366

3.9
 %
 
$
28,385

$
27,596

2.9
%
Credit card fees
6,213

6,073

2.3

 
17,721

17,617

.6

Merchant fees
6,689

6,665

.4

 
19,552

19,504

.2

Corporate card fees
22,001

22,698

(3.1
)
 
66,948

66,246

1.1

Total bank card transaction fees
$
44,635

$
44,802

(.4
)%
 
$
132,606

$
130,963

1.3
%

Trust fees for the quarter increased $1.1 million, or 3.7%, over the same quarter last year, resulting mainly from continued growth in personal (up 3.5%) and institutional (up 6.8%) trust fees. Deposit account fees increased $513 thousand over the same period last year, as corporate cash management fees increased $363 thousand, or 4.3%, and other deposit service charges increased $208 thousand, or 5.3%. Capital market fees declined $163 thousand to $2.6 million in the current quarter as a result of continued lower sales demand, while consumer brokerage services revenue increased $449 thousand, or 14.5%, due to higher advisory and annuity fees. Loan fees and sales increased $488 thousand this quarter mainly due to higher mortgage banking revenue, which resulted from sales of newly originated residential mortgages, as the Company began a new program of selling longer-term fixed rate mortgages in 2015. Other non-interest income decreased $3.3 million, or 28.9%, from the same quarter last year. This decrease was mainly due to a gain of $2.1 million on the sales of branches and income of $885 thousand related to the settlement of outstanding litigation, which were both recorded in the third quarter of 2014. Neither of these transactions recurred in 2015. In addition, fees from the sales of tax credits declined $173 thousand from the same period last year, while fees from the sales of interest rate swaps increased $481 thousand.

Non-interest income for the first nine months of 2015 was $331.7 million compared to $323.7 million in the first nine months of 2014, resulting in an increase of $8.0 million, or 2.5%. Bank card fees increased $1.6 million, or 1.3%, as a result of growth in corporate card fees of $702 thousand, or 1.1%, and debit card fees, which increased $789 thousand, or 2.9%. Trust fee income increased $6.8 million, or 8.3%, as a result of growth in both personal and institutional trust fees. Deposit account fees increased $350 thousand due to growth in corporate cash management fees, partly offset by declines in overdraft fees. Capital market fees

45

Table of Contents


decreased $1.5 million, or 15.5%, due to continued lower sales volumes, while consumer brokerage services revenue increased $1.3 million, or 14.5%, due to growth in advisory and annuity fees. Loan fees and sales increased $2.3 million, largely due to the initiative mentioned above, which resulted in year to date mortgage banking fees of $2.9 million in 2015 compared to $205 thousand in 2014. Other non-interest income decreased $2.9 million, or 10.2%, due to the non-recurring transactions mentioned above, in addition to higher net losses of $1.5 million on bank facilities sold or held for sale during the current period. These declines in revenue were partly offset by growth of $2.3 million in interest rate swap fees.

Investment Securities Gains (Losses), Net
 
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2015
2014
 
2015
2014
Available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
$

$

 
$

$
1,570

U.S. government bonds


 
1,263

(5,197
)
Municipal securities


 
1,262


Corporate bonds


 
6


Asset-backed securities


 
282


OTTI losses on non-agency mortgage-backed bonds

(371
)
 
(483
)
(1,348
)
Non-marketable:
 
 
 
 
 
Private equity investments
(378
)
3,366

 
5,470

15,449

Total investment securities gains (losses), net
$
(378
)
$
2,995

 
$
7,800

$
10,474


Net gains and losses on investment securities which were recognized in earnings during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are shown in the table above. Net securities losses amounted to $378 thousand in the third quarter of 2015, while net securities gains of $7.8 million were recorded in the first nine months of 2015. Included in these net gains and losses are credit-related impairment losses on certain non-agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities which have been identified as other-than-temporarily impaired. These identified securities had a total fair value of $47.4 million at September 30, 2015. During the current quarter, no additional credit-related impairment losses were recorded. The total losses for the first nine months of 2015 amounted to $483 thousand.

Also shown above are net gains and losses relating to non-marketable private equity investments, which are primarily held by the Parent's majority-owned private equity subsidiaries. These include fair value adjustments and gains and losses realized upon disposition. In 2014, these included a gain of $19.5 million related to the sale of an investment which had been held by the Company for many years. The portion of the private equity activity attributable to minority interests is reported as non-controlling interest in the consolidated statements of income and resulted in expense of $1.9 million during the first nine months of 2015 and income of $618 thousand during the first nine months of 2014.

During the first half of 2015, the Company sold $114.6 million of municipal bonds, $48.1 million of U.S. Treasury inflation-protected bonds and $506.4 million of asset-backed bonds, realizing gains of $2.8 million. Most of these sales were part of a plan to extend the duration of the securities portfolio and improve net interest margins. During the first half of 2014, the Company sold $36.2 million of U.S. Treasury inflation-protected bonds, realizing a loss of $5.2 million, and recorded a $1.6 million gain upon the donation of appreciated common stock.















46

Table of Contents



Non-Interest Expense
  
Three Months Ended September 30
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
(Dollars in thousands)
2015
2014
% change
 
2015
2014
% change
Salaries and employee benefits
$
100,874

$
95,462

5.7
 %
 
$
298,603

$
284,574

4.9
 %
Net occupancy
11,247

11,585

(2.9
)
 
33,807

34,352

(1.6
)
Equipment
4,789

4,593

4.3

 
14,171

13,622

4.0

Supplies and communication
5,609

5,302

5.8

 
16,416

16,487

(.4
)
Data processing and software
21,119

19,968

5.8

 
61,670

58,633

5.2

Marketing
4,343

4,074

6.6

 
12,568

11,704

7.4

Deposit insurance
2,981

2,899

2.8

 
9,001

8,685

3.6

Other
20,300

17,957

13.0

 
54,043

58,298

(7.3
)
Total non-interest expense
$
171,262

$
161,840

5.8
 %
 
$
500,279

$
486,355

2.9
 %

Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2015 amounted to $171.3 million, an increase of $9.4 million, or 5.8%, compared with $161.8 million in the third quarter of last year. Salaries expense increased $4.5 million, or 5.5%, mainly due to higher full-time salaries, incentives and stock-based compensation expense. Employee benefits expense also increased $906 thousand, or 6.5%, mostly due to higher corporate 401(k) contributions. Growth in salaries expense resulted partly from staffing additions, mainly in the areas of residential lending, commercial banking, trust, information technology and other supporting units. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,770 at September 30, 2015 compared to 4,740 at September 30, 2014. Compared to the third quarter of last year, occupancy expense decreased 2.9%, while equipment expense grew 4.3% and supplies and communication expense increased 5.8%, mainly due to higher supplies expense. Data processing and software costs increased by $1.2 million, or 5.8%, mainly due to higher software license costs and bank card processing costs. Other non-interest expense increased $2.3 million compared to the previous year. This increase was partly due to loss recoveries of $1.5 million recorded in the third quarter of 2014, resulting from the settlement of past litigation. Current quarter operating losses were mainly comprised of bank card fraud losses, which totaled $2.2 million, an increase of $1.2 million over the same quarter last year. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company also contributed $400 thousand to a charitable foundation. These increases were partly offset by declines in legal fees, loan collection fees and branch site impairment costs.

For the first nine months of 2015, non-interest expense amounted to $500.3 million, an increase of $13.9 million, or 2.9%, compared with $486.4 million in the same period last year. Salaries and benefits expense increased by $14.0 million, or 4.9%, mainly due to higher full-time salaries, incentives, stock-based compensation, pension and 401(k) expense, partly offset by lower medical costs. Occupancy expense decreased $545 thousand, mainly due to lower building depreciation and real estate tax expense, while equipment expense increased $549 thousand, due to higher equipment depreciation and service contract expense. Supplies and communication expense declined slightly, while marketing expense was higher by $864 thousand, or 7.4%. Data processing and software expense increased $3.0 million, or 5.2%, mainly due to higher software license costs, online subscription services, and bank card processing costs. Other non-interest expense decreased $4.3 million, or 7.3%, from the prior period and included a recovery of $2.8 million in 2015 related to a letter of credit exposure which had been drawn upon and subsequently paid off. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company donated appreciated securities of $1.7 million to a charitable foundation, while in the current year, the Company contributed $500 thousand, thus reducing contribution expense in the current year by $1.2 million. In addition, lower costs were recorded for bank card rewards expense (down $1.2 million) and legal fees (down $1.3 million), while impairment costs on surplus branch sites declined $1.5 million compared to the previous year. These decreases were partly offset by the loss recoveries in 2014 mentioned above, coupled with higher bank card fraud losses of $2.1 million in the current period.


47

Table of Contents


Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
Sept. 30, 2015
June 30,
2015
Sept. 30, 2014
 
2015
2014
Provision for loan losses
$
8,364

$
6,757

$
7,652

 
$
19,541

$
24,867

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Business
(175
)
(239
)
(145
)
 
(255
)
130

  Real estate-construction and land
(67
)
(309
)
(477
)
 
(1,322
)
(1,400
)
  Real estate-business
(22
)
764

(123
)
 
493

339

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Real estate-personal
(69
)
(47
)
153

 
(17
)
335

  Consumer
2,435

1,849

2,054

 
6,027

6,248

  Revolving home equity
49

103

150

 
192

(88
)
  Consumer credit card
5,784

6,424

5,898

 
18,560

18,636

  Overdrafts
429

212

142

 
863

667

Total net loan charge-offs
$
8,364

$
8,757

$
7,652

 
$
24,541

$
24,867


 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
Sept. 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
Sept. 30, 2014
 
2015
2014
Annualized net loan charge-offs (recoveries)*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Business
(.02
)%
(.02
)%
(.01
)%
 
(.01
)%
 %
  Real estate-construction and land
(.06
)
(.29
)
(.45
)
 
(.40
)
(.44
)
  Real estate-business

.13

(.02
)
 
.03

.02

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Real estate-personal
(.01
)
(.01
)
.03

 

.02

  Consumer
.52

.41

.50

 
.45

.52

  Revolving home equity
.04

.10

.14

 
.06

(.03
)
  Consumer credit card
3.08

3.51

3.10

 
3.34

3.31

  Overdrafts
32.52

18.85

12.77

 
22.55

18.45

Total annualized net loan charge-offs
.28
 %
.30
 %
.27
 %
 
.28
 %
.30
 %
* as a percentage of average loans (excluding loans held for sale)

The Company has an established process to determine the amount of the allowance for loan losses, which assesses the risks and losses inherent in its portfolio. This process provides an allowance consisting of a specific allowance component based on certain individually evaluated loans and a general component based on estimates of allowances for pools of loans.

Loans subject to individual evaluation generally consist of business, construction, business real estate and personal real estate loans on non-accrual status and include troubled debt restructurings that are on non-accrual status. These non-accrual loans are evaluated individually for impairment based on factors such as payment history, borrower financial condition, collateral, current economic conditions and loss experience. For collateral dependent loans, appraisals of collateral (including exit costs) are normally obtained annually but discounted based on date last received and market conditions. From these evaluations of expected cash flows and collateral values, specific allowances are determined.

Loans which are not individually evaluated are segregated by loan type and sub-type and are collectively evaluated. These loans include commercial loans (business, construction and business real estate) which have been graded pass, special mention or substandard and all personal banking loans, except personal real estate loans on non-accrual status. Collectively-evaluated loans include certain troubled debt restructurings with similar risk characteristics. Allowances determined for personal banking loans, which are generally smaller balance homogeneous type loans, use consistent methodologies which consider historical and current loss trends, loss emergence periods, delinquencies and current economic conditions. Allowances for commercial type

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loans, which are generally larger and more complex in structure with more unpredictable loss characteristics, use methods which consider historical and current loss trends, loss emergence periods, current loan grades, delinquencies, and industry concentrations. Economic conditions throughout the Company's markets as monitored by Company credit officers are also considered.

The Company's estimate of the allowance for loan losses and the corresponding provision for loan losses is based upon various judgments and assumptions made by management. Factors that influence these judgments include past loan loss experience, current loan portfolio composition and characteristics, trends in delinquencies, portfolio risk ratings, levels of non-performing assets, and prevailing regional and national economic conditions. The Company has internal credit administration and loan review staff that continuously review loan quality and report the results of their reviews and examinations to the Company's senior management and Board of Directors. Such reviews also assist management in establishing the level of the allowance. In using this process and the information available, management must consider various assumptions and exercise considerable judgment to determine the overall level of the allowance for loan losses. Because of these subjective factors, actual outcomes of inherent losses can differ from original estimates. The Company's subsidiary bank continues to be subject to examination by several regulatory agencies, and examinations are conducted throughout the year, targeting various segments of the loan portfolio for review. Note 1 in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K contains additional discussion on the allowance and charge-off policies.

Net loan charge-offs in the third quarter of 2015 amounted to $8.4 million, compared with $8.8 million in the prior quarter and $7.7 million in the third quarter of last year. The decrease in current quarter net charge-offs from the previous quarter was mainly due to declines in business real estate and consumer credit card net loan charge-offs of $786 thousand and $640 thousand, respectively. These decreases in net loan charge-offs were partially offset by an increase of $586 thousand in net loan charge-offs on consumer loans, as well as increases on net loan charge-offs of construction loans and overdrafts of $242 thousand and $217 thousand, respectively. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, net loan charge-offs grew $712 thousand in the current quarter. The increase in net loan charge-offs this quarter compared to the same quarter last year was primarily due to increases of $410 thousand and $381 thousand in net loan charge-offs on construction and consumer loans, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, the ratio of annualized total net loan charge-offs to total average loans was .28%, compared to .30% in the previous quarter and .27% in the same quarter last year. Annualized net charge-offs on average consumer credit card loans were 3.08% in the current quarter, compared with 3.51% in the previous quarter and 3.10% in the same period last year. Consumer loan net charge-offs in the current quarter amounted to .52% of average consumer loans, compared to .41% in the previous quarter and .50% in the same quarter last year.

The provision for loan losses in the current quarter totaled $8.4 million and matched net loan charge-offs in the quarter. Compared to the previous quarter, the provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2015 increased $1.6 million, and was $712 thousand higher than the provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net loan charge-offs totaled $24.5 million compared to net loan charge-offs of $24.9 million for the first nine months in 2014. The decrease in net loan charge-offs was due to declines of $385 thousand, $352 thousand, and $221 thousand in net charge-offs on business, personal real estate, and consumer loans, respectively. These declines were partially offset by increases in net loan charge-offs on revolving home equity, overdraft and business real estate loans. During the first nine months of 2015, the provision was $5.0 million lower than net loan charge-offs, while the provision matched net loan charge-offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

At September 30, 2015, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $151.5 million and was 1.24% of total loans and 588% of total non-accrual loans. At December 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $156.5 million and was 1.36% of total loans and 384% of total non-accrual loans.













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Risk Elements of Loan Portfolio

The following table presents non-performing assets and loans which are past due 90 days and still accruing interest. Non-performing assets include non-accruing loans and foreclosed real estate. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when management does not expect to collect payments consistent with acceptable and agreed upon terms of repayment. Loans that are 90 days past due as to principal and/or interest payments are generally placed on non-accrual, unless they are both well-secured and in the process of collection, or they are personal banking loans that are exempt under regulatory rules from being classified as non-accrual.
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Non-accrual loans
$
25,779

$
40,775

Foreclosed real estate
3,053

5,476

Total non-performing assets
$
28,832

$
46,251

Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans
.24
%
.40
%
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
.12
%
.19
%
Total loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest
$
14,707

$
13,658


Non-accrual loans, which are also classified as impaired, totaled $25.8 million at September 30, 2015, and decreased $15.0 million from December 31, 2014. The decline from December 31, 2014 occurred mainly in business real estate estate loans, which decreased $12.8 million largely due to the payoff of a single loan. At September 30, 2015, non-accrual loans were comprised mainly of business (45.4%), business real estate (19.6%), and personal real estate (19.3%) loans. Foreclosed real estate totaled $3.1 million at September 30, 2015, a decrease of $2.4 million when compared to December 31, 2014. Total loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest were $14.7 million as of September 30, 2015, an increase of $1.0 million when compared to December 31, 2014. Balances by class for non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest are shown in the "Delinquent and non-accrual loans" section in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

In addition to the non-performing and past due loans mentioned above, the Company also has identified loans for which management has concerns about the ability of the borrowers to meet existing repayment terms. They are classified as substandard under the Company's internal rating system. The loans are generally secured by either real estate or other borrower assets, reducing the potential for loss should they become non-performing. Although these loans are generally identified as potential problem loans, they may never become non-performing. Such loans totaled $85.5 million at September 30, 2015 compared with $81.2 million at December 31, 2014, resulting in an increase of $4.3 million, or 5.3%. The change in potential problem loans was largely comprised of an increase of $6.9 million in business loans, mainly due to several large commercial and industrial loans, and an increase of $4.9 million in business real estate, offset by a decrease of $6.9 million in construction loans.


(In thousands)
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Potential problem loans:
 
 
  Business
$
30,793

$
23,919

  Real estate – construction and land
1,768

8,654

  Real estate – business
49,996

45,140

  Real estate – personal
2,943

3,469

Total potential problem loans
$
85,500

$
81,182


At September 30, 2015, the Company had $46.7 million of loans whose terms have been modified or restructured under a troubled debt restructuring. These loans have been extended to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty and who have been granted a concession, as defined by accounting guidance, and are further discussed in the "Troubled debt restructurings" section in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. This balance includes certain commercial loans totaling $12.5 million which are classified as substandard and included in the table above because of this classification.

Loans with Special Risk Characteristics

Management relies primarily on an internal risk rating system, in addition to delinquency status, to assess risk in the loan portfolio, and these statistics are presented in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. However, certain types of loans are considered at high risk of loss due to their terms, location, or special conditions. Additional information about the major types of loans in these categories and their risk features are provided below. Information based on loan-to-value (LTV) ratios was generally calculated with valuations at loan origination date. The Company does not attempt to obtain updated appraisals or valuations unless the loans become significantly delinquent or are in the process of being foreclosed upon.

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Real Estate – Construction and Land Loans

The Company's portfolio of construction and land loans, as shown in the table below, amounted to 4.4% of total loans outstanding at September 30, 2015.

(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015


% of Total
% of
Total
Loans
December 31, 2014
    

% of Total
% of
Total
Loans
Residential land and land development
$
68,388

12.8
%
.6
%
$
82,072

20.3
%
.7
%
Residential construction
127,724

23.9

1.0

108,058

26.8

1.0

Commercial land and land development
56,069

10.5

.5

62,379

15.5

.5

Commercial construction
282,244

52.8

2.3

150,998

37.4

1.3

Total real estate - construction and land loans
$
534,425

100.0
%
4.4
%
$
403,507

100.0
%
3.5
%

Real Estate – Business Loans

Total business real estate loans were $2.3 billion at September 30, 2015 and comprised 18.7% of the Company's total loan portfolio. These loans include properties such as manufacturing and warehouse buildings, small office and medical buildings, churches, hotels and motels, shopping centers, and other commercial properties. At September 30, 2015, 43.0% of business real estate loans were for owner-occupied real estate properties, which present lower risk profiles.

(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015


% of Total
% of
Total
Loans
December 31, 2014


% of Total
% of
Total
Loans
Owner-occupied
$
981,989

43.0
%
8.0
%
$
1,017,099

44.4
%
8.9
%
Retail
313,232

13.7

2.6

305,296

13.3

2.7

Multi-family
202,251

8.8

1.7

200,295

8.8

1.7

Office
218,970

9.6

1.8

230,798

10.1

2.1

Farm
166,489

7.3

1.4

151,788

6.6

1.3

Hotels
141,614

6.2

1.2

158,348

6.9

1.4

Industrial
113,749

4.9

.9

94,266

4.2

.8

Other
147,719

6.5

1.1

130,325

5.7

1.1

Total real estate - business loans
$
2,286,013

100.0
%
18.7
%
$
2,288,215

100.0
%
20.0
%

Real Estate – Personal Loans

The Company's $1.9 billion personal real estate loan portfolio is composed mainly of residential first mortgage real estate loans. As shown on page 48, recent loss rates have remained low, and at September 30, 2015, loans past due over 30 days increased $3.1 million and non-accrual loans decreased $1.2 million compared to December 31, 2014. Also, as shown in Note 2, only 4.3% of this portfolio has FICO scores of less than 660. Approximately $15.8 million, or .8%, of personal real estate loans were structured with interest only payments. These loans are typically made to high net-worth borrowers and generally have low LTV ratios at origination or have additional collateral pledged to secure the loan. Therefore, they are not perceived to represent above normal credit risk. Loans originated with interest only payments were not made to "qualify" the borrower for a lower payment amount. At September 30, 2015, loans with no mortgage insurance and an original LTV higher than 80% totaled $144.1 million compared to $143.8 million at December 31, 2014.

Revolving Home Equity Loans

The Company has $428.9 million in revolving home equity loans at September 30, 2015 that are generally collateralized by residential real estate. Most of these loans (93.5%) are written with terms requiring interest only monthly payments. These loans are offered in three main product lines: LTV up to 80%, 80% to 90%, and 90% to 100%. As of September 30, 2015, the outstanding principal of loans with an original LTV higher than 80% was $62.2 million, or 14.5% of the portfolio, compared to $63.1 million as of December 31, 2014. Total revolving home equity loan balances over 30 days past due or on non-accrual status were $5.0 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $2.4 million at December 31, 2014.  The weighted average FICO score for the total current portfolio balance is 772. At maturity, the accounts are re-underwritten, and if they qualify under the Company's credit, collateral and capacity policies, the borrower is given the option to renew the line of credit or convert the outstanding balance to

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an amortizing loan.  If criteria are not met, amortization is required, or the borrower may pay off the loan. During the remainder of 2015 through 2017, approximately 30% of the Company's current outstanding balances are expected to mature. Of these balances, approximately 83% have a FICO score of 700 or higher. The Company does not expect a significant increase in losses as these loans mature, due to their high FICO scores, low LTVs, and low historical loss levels.

Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans

In addition to the residential real estate mortgage and the revolving home equity products mentioned above, the Company offers a third choice to those consumers desiring a fixed rate home equity loan with a fixed maturity date and a determined amortization schedule. The fixed rate home equity loan is typically used to finance a specific home repair or remodeling project. This portfolio of loans approximated $305.4 million and $291.9 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. At September 30, 2015, $84.4 million of this portfolio had an LTV higher than 80% compared to a balance of $80.4 million at the end of 2014.

At times, these loans are written with interest only monthly payments and a balloon payoff at maturity; however, such loans totaled 1% of the outstanding balance of fixed rate home equity loans at September 30, 2015. The Company has limited the offering of fixed rate home equity loans with LTV ratios over 90% during the past several years, and only $5.1 million in new fixed rate home equity loans were written with these LTV ratios during the first nine months of 2015.

Management does not believe these loans collateralized by real estate (personal real estate, revolving home equity, and fixed rate home equity) represent any unusual concentrations of risk, as evidenced by the net charge-offs (recoveries) on these loans in the first nine months of 2015 of ($17 thousand), $192 thousand, and $37 thousand, respectively. The amount of any increased potential loss on high LTV agreements relates mainly to amounts advanced that are in excess of the 80% collateral calculation, not the entire approved line. The Company currently offers no subprime first mortgage or home equity loans, which are characterized as new loans to customers with FICO scores below 660. The Company does not purchase brokered loans.

Other Consumer Loans

Within the consumer loan portfolio are several direct and indirect product lines, comprised mainly of loans secured by passenger vehicles (mainly automobiles and motorcycles), marine and RVs. Outstanding balances for these loans were $1.2 billion at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The balances over 30 days past due amounted to $16.0 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $14.5 million at the end of 2014 and comprised 1.3% of the outstanding balances of these loans at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, $617.4 million of new passenger vehicle loans were originated, compared to $617.0 million during the full year of 2014.  The Company's balance of marine and RV loans totaled $152.3 million at September 30, 2015. The net charge-offs on marine and RV loans declined from $1.8 million in the first nine months of 2014, to $1.6 million in the first nine months of the current year.

Additionally, the Company offers low promotional rates on selected consumer credit card products. Out of a portfolio at September 30, 2015 of $756.1 million in consumer credit card loans outstanding, approximately $171.4 million, or 22.7%, carried a low promotional rate. Within the next six months, $40.7 million of these loans are scheduled to convert to the ongoing higher contractual rate. To mitigate some of the risk involved with this credit card product, the Company performs credit checks and detailed analysis of the customer borrowing profile before approving the loan application. Management believes that the risks in the consumer loan portfolio are reasonable and the anticipated loss ratios are within acceptable parameters.

Energy Lending

The Company's energy lending portfolio totaled $137.1 million at September 30, 2015. The portfolio was comprised of lending to the petroleum and natural gas sectors and included $68.9 million in loans related to extraction, $29.1 million of loans in the mid-stream shipping and storage sector, $23.8 million of loans in the downstream distribution and refining sector, and $15.3 million of loans for support activities.

Shared National Credits

The Company participates in credits of large, publicly traded companies which are defined by regulation as shared national credits, or SNCs. Regulations define SNCs as loans exceeding $20 million that are shared by three or more financial institutions. The Company typically participates in these loans when business operations are maintained in the local communities or regional markets and opportunities to provide other banking services are present. The balance of SNC loans totaled $670.1 million at

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Table of Contents


September 30, 2015, compared to $508.0 million at December 31, 2014. Additional unfunded commitments at September 30, 2015 totaled $1.1 billion.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $28.0 million in the third quarter of 2015, compared to $32.5 million in the second quarter of 2015 and $31.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. The Company's effective tax rate, including the effect of non-controlling interest, was 30.2% in the third quarter of 2015, compared to 30.4% in the second quarter of 2015 and 31.6% in the third quarter of 2014. Income tax expense for the first nine months of 2015 was $88.9 million, compared to $92.2 million for the same period during the previous year, resulting in effective tax rates of 30.8% and 31.7%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same periods in 2014 was primarily driven by a tax benefit related to changes in Missouri state tax apportionment rules. The Company recorded a benefit of approximately $2.0 million during the second quarter of 2015, followed by an additional $1.5 million during the third quarter of 2015.

Financial Condition

Balance Sheet

Total assets of the Company were $24.0 billion at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Earning assets (excluding fair value adjustments on investment securities) amounted to $22.7 billion at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and consisted of 54% in loans and 42% in investment securities.

At September 30, 2015, total loans increased $759.2 million, or 6.6%, compared with balances at December 31, 2014. On an overall basis, the largest contributions to loan growth occurred in business, consumer, and construction loans, which increased $436.9 million, $181.7 million, and $130.9 million, respectively, over year end balances. The increase in business loans included growth in commercial and industrial, tax free, and commercial credit card loans. Demand for automobile and other consumer loans remained strong during the period as outstanding balances grew by $208.0 million. Fixed rate home equity loans also grew by $13.5 million. However, marine and RV loans, also included in the consumer loan portfolio, continued to run off during the period by $39.9 million. Personal real estate loan balances grew $37.6 million during the first nine months of 2015; additionally, the Company originated and sold $71.5 million of longer-term fixed rate loans during this period. Declines in consumer credit card loans (down $26.3 million), business real estate loans (down $2.2 million) and revolving home equity loans (down $1.9 million) partially offset other loan growth.

Available for sale investment securities, excluding fair value adjustments, decreased by $45.7 million at September 30, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. Purchases during this period totaled $2.6 billion, entirely offset by maturities, sales and pay downs of $2.6 billion. The largest decrease in outstanding balances occurred in asset-backed securities, which decreased by $505.1 million. This decline was partially offset by an increase in non-agency mortgage-backed securities of $432.6 million. At September 30, 2015, the duration of the investment portfolio was 2.8 years, and maturities and pay downs of approximately $1.8 billion are expected to occur during the next 12 months.

Total deposits at September 30, 2015 totaled $19.0 billion and decreased $489.0 million compared to December 31, 2014. Interest checking deposits decreased by $421.9 million, or 31.2%, C.D. accounts decreased by $130.6 million, or 6.2%, and non-interest bearing deposits decreased by $112.1 million, or 1.6%. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in money market deposits of $115.0 million.

Total borrowings were $2.3 billion at September 30, 2015 compared to $2.0 billion at December 31, 2014. Short-term borrowings of federal funds purchased and customer repurchase agreements totaled $2.2 billion at September 30, 2015, an increase of $330.7 million compared to balances of $1.9 billion at December 31, 2014. The overall increase in these balances was due to an increase of $557.9 million in federal funds purchased, offset by a decline of $227.2 million in customer repurchase agreements.









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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity Management

The Company’s most liquid assets are comprised of available for sale investment securities, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell (resale agreements), and balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, as follows:
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Liquid assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Available for sale investment securities
 
$
9,472,959

 
$
9,221,821

 
$
9,523,560

  Federal funds sold
 
32,550

 
26,875

 
32,485

  Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
 
975,000

 
1,050,000

 
1,050,000

  Balances at the Federal Reserve Bank
 
42,078

 
264,683

 
600,744

  Total
 
$
10,522,587

 
$
10,563,379

 
$
11,206,789


Federal funds sold, which are funds lent to the Company's correspondent bank customers with overnight maturities, totaled $32.6 million as of September 30, 2015. Long-term resale agreements, maturing in 2015 through 2018, totaled $975.0 million at September 30, 2015. Under these agreements, the Company lends funds to upstream financial institutions and holds marketable securities, safe-kept by a third-party custodian, as collateral. This collateral totaled $1.0 billion in fair value at September 30, 2015. Interest earning balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, which have overnight maturities and are used for general liquidity purposes, totaled $42.1 million at September 30, 2015. The fair value of the available for sale investment portfolio was $9.5 billion at September 30, 2015 and included an unrealized net gain in fair value of $141.2 million. The total net unrealized gain included net gains of $78.2 million on mortgage and asset-backed securities, $33.8 million on common and preferred stock held by the Parent, and $26.9 million on state and municipal obligations.

Approximately $1.8 billion of the available for sale investment portfolio is expected to mature or pay down during the next 12 months, and these funds offer substantial resources to meet new loan demand or help offset reductions in the Company's deposit funding base. The Company pledges portions of its investment securities portfolio to secure public fund deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, trust funds, letters of credit issued by the FHLB, and borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank. Total investment securities pledged for these purposes were as follows:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Investment securities pledged for the purpose of securing:
    
 
 
  Federal Reserve Bank borrowings
$
257,587

$
276,264

$
362,920

  FHLB borrowings and letters of credit
33,026

35,823

40,978

  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
2,154,330

2,277,349

2,389,093

  Other deposits and swaps
1,892,212

2,006,965

1,861,001

  Total pledged securities
4,337,155

4,596,401

4,653,992

  Unpledged and available for pledging
3,297,261

2,865,353

3,107,968

  Ineligible for pledging
1,838,543

1,760,067

1,761,600

  Total available for sale securities, at fair value
$
9,472,959

$
9,221,821

$
9,523,560


Liquidity is also available from the Company's large base of core customer deposits, defined as non-interest bearing, interest checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts. At September 30, 2015, such deposits totaled $17.0 billion and represented 89.5% of total deposits. These core deposits are normally less volatile, as they are often with customer relationships tied to other products offered by the Company, promoting long lasting relationships and stable funding sources. Time open and certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over totaled $1.2 billion at September 30, 2015. These accounts are normally considered more volatile and higher costing and comprised 6.2% of total deposits at September 30, 2015.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Core deposit base:
 
 
 
 Non-interest bearing
$
6,699,873

$
6,886,509

$
6,811,959

 Interest checking
930,863

1,029,888

1,352,759

 Savings and money market
9,364,397

9,339,143

9,188,842

 Total
$
16,995,133

$
17,255,540

$
17,353,560



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Table of Contents


Other important components of liquidity are the level of borrowings from third party sources and the availability of future credit. The Company's outside borrowings are mainly comprised of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and advances from the FHLB, as follows:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Borrowings:
 
 
 
 Federal funds purchased
$
561,700

$
350

$
3,840

 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
1,631,497

1,665,693

1,858,678

 FHLB advances
103,831

103,843

104,058

 Total
$
2,297,028

$
1,769,886

$
1,966,576


Federal funds purchased are unsecured overnight borrowings obtained mainly from upstream correspondent banks with which the Company maintains approved lines of credit. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are secured by a portion of the Company's investment portfolio and are comprised of non-insured customer funds totaling $1.6 billion, which generally mature overnight. The Company also borrows on a secured basis through advances from the FHLB, which totaled $103.8 million at September 30, 2015. These advances have fixed interest rates, and all mature in or before 2017.

The Company pledges certain assets, including loans and investment securities, to both the Federal Reserve Bank and the FHLB as security to establish lines of credit and borrow from these entities. Based on the amount and type of collateral pledged, the FHLB establishes a collateral value from which the Company may draw advances against the collateral. Also, this collateral is used to enable the FHLB to issue letters of credit in favor of public fund depositors of the Company. The Federal Reserve Bank also establishes a collateral value of assets pledged to support borrowings from the discount window. The following table reflects the collateral value of assets pledged, borrowings, and letters of credit outstanding, in addition to the estimated future funding capacity available to the Company at September 30, 2015.
 
September 30, 2015
(In thousands)

FHLB
Federal Reserve

Total
Collateral value pledged
$
2,390,288

$
1,265,465

$
3,655,753

Advances outstanding
(103,831
)

(103,831
)
Letters of credit issued
(130,690
)

(130,690
)
Available for future advances
$
2,155,767

$
1,265,465

$
3,421,232


In addition to those mentioned above, several other sources of liquidity are available. The Bank has strong ratings from Standard & Poor's (issuer rating of A) and Moody's (bank deposit rating of Aa2). Additionally, the Parent's sound commercial paper rating of P-1 from Moody's would help ensure the ready marketability of its commercial paper, should the need arise. No commercial paper has been issued or outstanding during the past ten years. The Company has no subordinated debt or hybrid instruments which could affect future borrowing capacity. Because of its lack of significant long-term debt, the Company believes that it could generate additional liquidity through its Capital Markets Group from sources such as jumbo certificates of deposit or privately placed corporate debt.

The cash flows from the operating, investing and financing activities of the Company resulted in a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $642.0 million during the first nine months of 2015, as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows in this report. Operating activities, consisting mainly of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, provided cash flow of $278.8 million and has historically been a stable source of funds. Investing activities, which occur mainly in the loan and investment securities portfolios, used cash of $624.7 million. These activities included $2.6 billion in sales, maturity and pay downs of investment securities, offset by purchases of $2.5 billion, in addition to a net increase in loans of $782.6 million. Financing activities used cash of $296.1 million, resulting from a net decrease in deposits of $450.4 million. In addition, cash was used to fund dividends paid on common and preferred stock of $70.8 million and a new $100.0 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program, as mentioned below. These cash outlays were partially offset by a net increase of $330.7 million in borrowings of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. Future short-term liquidity needs arising from daily operations are not expected to vary significantly, and the Company believes it will be able to meet these cash flow needs.


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Capital Management

The new Basel III rules, effective January 1, 2015, changed the components of regulatory capital and changed the way in which risk ratings are assigned to various categories of bank assets.  Also, a new Tier I common risk-based ratio was defined.  The new rules resulted in only minor changes to the Company's Tier I and Total risk-based capital, and increased risk-weighted assets due to higher risk weightings for short-term loan commitments, certain asset-backed securities, and construction loans. Under the Basel III requirements, at September 30, 2015 the Company met all capital adequacy requirements and had regulatory capital ratios in excess of the levels established for well-capitalized institutions, as shown in the following table.

(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
Minimum Ratios under Capital Adequacy Guidelines *
Minimum Ratios
for
Well-Capitalized
Banks **
Risk-adjusted assets
$
17,511,407

 
 
Tier I common risk-based capital
2,021,338

 
 
Tier I risk-based capital
2,166,122

 
 
Total risk-based capital
2,333,933

 
 
Tier I common risk-based capital ratio
11.54
%
7.00
%
6.50
%
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
12.37
%
8.50
%
8.00
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
13.33
%
10.50
%
10.00
%
Tier I leverage ratio
9.31
%
4.00
%
5.00
%
* as of the fully phased-in date of Jan. 1, 2019, including capital conservation buffer
**under Prompt Corrective Action requirements

At September 30, 2015, the Company’s risk-weighted assets increased to $17.5 billion compared to $15.5 billion at December 31, 2014, as calculated under the Basel I capital rules.  Tier I risk-based capital and Total risk-based capital were $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, at September 30, 2015 under Basel III rules, and were relatively unchanged from the Basel I amounts at December 31, 2014.  Tier I and Total risk-based capital ratios for September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
12.37
%
13.74
%
Total risk-based capital ratio
13.33
%
14.86
%

The Company maintains a treasury stock buyback program and in 2014 entered into a $200.0 million ASR program, which settled in June 2015. The Company received a total of 4.7 million shares of its common stock under this ASR program. In May 2015, the Company entered into a second ASR program totaling $100.0 million and received 1.8 million shares of its common stock at that time. In August 2015, the second ASR program was completed according to its contract terms, and the Company received an additional 351,620 shares. These transactions are further discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. In addition to ASR program activity, the Company purchased 126,222 shares of treasury stock this quarter at an average price of $44.14.

The Company's common stock dividend policy reflects its earnings outlook, desired payout ratios, the need to maintain adequate capital levels, and alternative investment options. The Company paid a $.225 per share cash dividend on its common stock in each of the first three quarters of 2015, which was a 5% increase compared to its 2014 quarterly dividend.

Commitments, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, various commitments and contingent liabilities arise which are not required to be recorded on the balance sheet. The most significant of these are loan commitments, which at September 30, 2015 totaled $9.9 billion (including approximately $4.7 billion in unused approved credit card lines). In addition, the Company enters into standby and commercial letters of credit. These contracts totaled $335.0 million and $5.5 million, respectively, at September 30, 2015. As many commitments expire unused or only partially used, these totals do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements. The carrying value of the guarantee obligations associated with the standby letters of credit, which has been recorded as a liability on the balance sheet, amounted to $2.6 million at September 30, 2015.


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The Company regularly purchases various state tax credits arising from third-party property redevelopment. These credits are either resold to third parties or retained for use by the Company. During the first nine months of 2015, purchases and sales of tax credits amounted to $33.7 million and $14.3 million, respectively. At September 30, 2015, the Company expected to fund outstanding purchase commitments of $28.5 million in 2015 and $57.1 million in 2016.

Segment Results

The table below is a summary of segment pre-tax income results for the first nine months of 2015 and 2014.

(Dollars in thousands)
Consumer
Commercial
Wealth
Segment
Totals    
Other/ Elimination
Consolidated Totals
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
    
    
    
    
    
    
Net interest income
$
199,265

$
218,386

$
31,921

$
449,572

$
22,261

$
471,833

Provision for loan losses
(25,500
)
842

114

(24,544
)
5,003

(19,541
)
Non-interest income
87,409

144,684

102,336

334,429

(2,763
)
331,666

Investment securities gains, net




7,800

7,800

Non-interest expense
(203,446
)
(199,027
)
(81,498
)
(483,971
)
(16,308
)
(500,279
)
Income before income taxes
$
57,728

$
164,885

$
52,873

$
275,486

$
15,993

$
291,479

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
    
    
    
    
    
    
Net interest income
$
198,533

$
214,406

$
29,713

$
442,652

$
25,623

$
468,275

Provision for loan losses
(25,816
)
803

463

(24,550
)
(317
)
(24,867
)
Non-interest income
84,331

142,326

94,870

321,527

2,149

323,676

Investment securities gains, net




10,474

10,474

Non-interest expense
(197,220
)
(188,223
)
(72,606
)
(458,049
)
(28,306
)
(486,355
)
Income before income taxes
$
59,828

$
169,312

$
52,440

$
281,580

$
9,623

$
291,203

Increase (decrease) in income before income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Amount
$
(2,100
)
$
(4,427
)
$
433

$
(6,094
)
$
6,370

$
276

   Percent
(3.5
)%
(2.6
)%
.8
%
(2.2
)%
66.2
%
.1
%

Consumer

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, income before income taxes for the Consumer segment decreased $2.1 million, or 3.5%, compared to the first nine months of 2014. This decrease was mainly due to an increase in non-interest expense of $6.2 million, or 3.2%. This increase to expense was partly offset by increases of $3.1 million in non-interest income and $732 thousand in net interest income, as well as a decrease of $316 thousand in the provision for loan losses. Net interest income increased due to a $963 thousand decrease in deposit interest expense and an increase of $730 thousand in loan interest income, partly offset by a $961 thousand decrease in net allocated funding credits assigned to the Consumer segment's loan and deposit portfolios. Non-interest income increased mainly due to growth in mortgage banking revenue and debit card fees, partly offset by a decline in deposit fees (mainly overdraft and return item fees). Non-interest expense increased over the same period in the previous year due to increases in bank card fraud losses, mortgage operations and teller servicing costs, and allocated administrative support costs. These increases were partly offset by declines in bank card rewards expense and deposit operations servicing costs. The provision for loan losses totaled $25.5 million, a $316 thousand decrease from the first nine months of 2014, which was mainly due to lower losses on fixed rate home equity loans, partly offset by higher personal loan net charge-offs resulting from growth in the auto loan portfolio.

Commercial

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, income before income taxes for the Commercial segment decreased $4.4 million, or 2.6%, compared to the same period in the previous year. This decrease was mainly due to higher non-interest expense, partly offset by growth in net interest income and non-interest income. Net interest income increased $4.0 million, or 1.9%, due to an increase in net allocated funding credits and loan interest income, partly offset by higher borrowings expense. Non-interest income increased by $2.4 million, or 1.7%, over the previous year due to growth in swap fees, corporate cash management fees, corporate bank card fees and gains on the sales of leased assets, partly offset by lower capital market fees. Non-interest expense increased $10.8 million, or 5.7%, mainly due to increases in salaries and benefits expense, deposit operations servicing costs and information technology support costs. These increases were partly offset by lower allocated teller servicing costs and a recovery related to a letter of credit exposure. The provision for loan losses decreased $39 thousand over the same period last year, due to higher net recoveries on business loans of $387 thousand, partly offset by higher net charge-offs on business real estate loans of $155 thousand.

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Wealth

Wealth segment pre-tax profitability for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased $433 thousand, or .8%, over the same period in the previous year. Net interest income increased $2.2 million, mainly due to an increase of $1.9 million in loan interest income. Non-interest income increased $7.5 million, or 7.9%, over the prior year due to higher personal and institutional trust fees, in addition to higher advisory and annuity brokerage fees. Non-interest expense increased $8.9 million, or 12.2%, mainly due to higher full-time salary costs and incentive compensation, higher allocated administrative support costs, and loss recoveries related to past litigation that were recorded in the prior year. The provision for loan losses increased by $349 thousand, mainly due to lower recoveries on revolving home equity loans.

The Other/Elimination category in the preceding table includes the activity of various support and overhead operating units of the Company, in addition to the investment securities portfolio and other items not allocated to the segments. In accordance with the Company’s transfer pricing policies, the difference between the total provision and total net charge-offs/recoveries is not allocated to a business segment and is included in this category. The pre-tax profitability of this category was higher than in the same period last year by $6.4 million. This increase was partly due to lower unallocated non-interest expense of $12.0 million. Also, the unallocated loan loss provision decreased $5.3 million, due to the excess of total net charge-offs over total provision in the first nine months of 2015. Partly offsetting these effects was lower unallocated net interest income of $3.4 million and non-interest income of $4.9 million.

Regulatory Changes Affecting the Banking Industry

In October 2012, the Federal Reserve, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, approved new stress testing regulations applicable to certain financial companies with total consolidated assets of more than $10 billion but less than $50 billion. The rule requires that these financial companies, including the Company, conduct stress tests on an annual basis. The Company submitted its first regulatory report on its stress test results to the Federal Reserve in March 2014, and in June 2015, the Company made its first public disclosures of the results of the 2015 stress tests performed under the severely adverse scenario. In 2016, the Company will submit its stress test results to the Federal Reserve in July and will disclose the results to the public in October.

The Volcker Rule of the Dodd-Frank Act, effective on April 1, 2014, places trading restrictions on financial institutions and separates investment banking, private equity and proprietary trading (hedge fund) sections of financial institutions from their consumer lending arms. Key provisions restrict banks from simultaneously entering into advisory and creditor roles with their clients, such as with private equity firms. The Volcker Rule also restricts financial institutions from investing in and sponsoring certain types of investments, which must be divested by July 21, 2016. The Company does not believe it will be significantly affected by the Volcker Rule provisions.

In July 2013 the FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System approved a final rule to implement in the United States the Basel III regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. A key goal of the Basel III agreement is to strengthen the capital resources of banking organizations during normal and challenging business environments. The Basel III final rule increases minimum requirements for both the quantity and quality of capital held by banking organizations. The rule includes a new minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% and a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. The final rule also adjusted the methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity. Beginning January 1, 2015, the Company was compliant with revised minimum regulatory capital ratios and began the transitional period for definitions of regulatory capital and regulatory capital adjustments and deductions established under the final rule. The Company's capital at September 30, 2015 is in excess of the capital adequacy guidelines effective on January 1, 2019, the date in which the transition period ends. The Company was also compliant with required risk-weighted asset calculations effective January 1, 2015. At September 30, 2015, the Company's capital levels are well above minimum requirements and are considered "well-capitalized" under the new rules.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects", in January 2014. These amendments allow investors in low income housing tax credit entities to account for the investments using a proportional amortization method, provided that certain conditions are met, and recognize amortization of the investment as a component of income tax expense. In addition, disclosures are required that will enable users to understand the nature of the investments, and the effect of the measurement of the investments and the related tax credits on the investor's financial statements. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2015 and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company adopted the

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practical expedient to the proportional amortization method on January 1, 2015. The effect of the adoption, including the retrospective application to prior periods, was not significant to the consolidated financial statements.

Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors The FASB issued ASU 2014-04, "Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure", in January 2014. These amendments require companies to disclose the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The ASU also defines when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan and thus when a loan is transferred to foreclosed property. The amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2015. The adoption did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued ASU 2014-14, "Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure", in August 2014. The amendments provide guidance on how to classify and measure foreclosed loans that are government-guaranteed. The objective of the update is to reduce diversity in practice by addressing the classification of foreclosed mortgage loans that are fully or partially guaranteed under government programs. These disclosures are required in interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2015. The adoption did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued Operations and Disposals The FASB issued ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", in April 2014. The ASU changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations, limiting this reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts with major effects on financial results. The ASU requires new disclosures for disposals reported as discontinued operations, and for disposals of significant components that do not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. The amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2015 and must be applied prospectively. The adoption did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", in May 2014. The ASU supersedes revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance identifies specific steps that entities should apply in order to achieve this principle. Under the ASU, the amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2017 and must be applied retrospectively. However, the FASB has approved the deferral of the effective date for one year. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the ASU's adoption on the consolidated financial statements, including potential changes to the Company's accounting for brokerage commissions, investment and trust fees, real-estate sales, and credit card loyalty programs.

Transfers and Servicing The FASB issued ASU 2014-11, "Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures", in June 2014. The amendments require that repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements that are part of financing arrangements be accounted for as secured borrowings. The amendments also require additional disclosures for certain transfers accounted for as sales. The accounting changes and the disclosures on sales are required to be presented in interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2015. The ASU also requires disclosures about types of collateral, contractual tenor and potential risks for transactions accounted for as secured borrowings. These disclosures are required in interim and annual periods beginning April 1, 2015. The adoption did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives The FASB issued ASU 2014-16, "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity", in November 2014. The ASU provides guidance relating to certain hybrid financial instruments when determining whether the characteristics of the embedded derivative feature are clearly and closely related to the host contract. In making that evaluation, the characteristics of the entire hybrid instrument should be considered, including the embedded derivative feature that is being evaluated for separate accounting from the host contract. The amendments are effective January 1, 2016; however, early adoption is permitted. Adoption is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
Consolidation The FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis", in February 2015. The amendments require an evaluation of whether certain legal entities should be consolidated and modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities. The amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2016. The adoption is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


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Intangible Assets The FASB issued ASU 2015-05, "Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement", in April 2015. The amendments provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. Arrangements containing a license should be recorded as consistent with the acquisition of software licenses, whereas arrangements that do not include a software license should be recorded as consistent with the accounting for service contracts. These amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2016. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the ASU's adoption on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS — AVERAGE RATES AND YIELDS
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Third Quarter 2015
 
Third Quarter 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Interest Income/Expense
Avg. Rates Earned/Paid
 
Average Balance
Interest Income/Expense
Avg. Rates Earned/Paid
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business(A)
$
4,221,478

$
29,101

2.73
%
 
$
3,964,115

$
28,086

2.81
%
Real estate — construction and land
476,331

4,227

3.52

 
422,241

4,028

3.78

Real estate — business
2,284,928

21,368

3.71

 
2,285,520

21,911

3.80

Real estate — personal
1,911,469

17,961

3.73

 
1,834,502

17,437

3.77

Consumer
1,861,636

18,786

4.00

 
1,645,434

17,247

4.16

Revolving home equity
434,355

3,829

3.50

 
428,928

4,079

3.77

Consumer credit card
746,066

21,797

11.59

 
755,289

21,829

11.47

Overdrafts
5,233



 
4,412



Total loans
11,941,496

117,069

3.89

 
11,340,441

114,617

4.01

Loans held for sale
4,471

48

4.26

 



Investment securities:
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
402,591

4,453

4.39

 
498,926

3,899

3.10

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
887,631

3,949

1.77

 
763,621

3,145

1.63

State and municipal obligations(A)
1,805,931

15,676

3.44

 
1,787,463

15,426

3.42

Mortgage-backed securities
3,217,589

20,053

2.47

 
2,953,762

19,922

2.68

Asset-backed securities
2,546,982

7,388

1.15

 
2,804,362

6,258

.89

Other marketable securities(A)
302,323

2,023

2.65

 
147,832

905

2.43

Trading securities(A)
22,283

153

2.72

 
19,736

117

2.35

Non-marketable securities(A)
114,062

2,380

8.28

 
94,759

1,848

7.74

Total investment securities
9,299,392

56,075

2.39

 
9,070,461

51,520

2.25

Federal funds sold and short-term securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
purchased under agreements to resell
21,012

21

.40

 
36,804

30

.32

Long-term securities purchased
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
under agreements to resell
1,007,606

3,273

1.29

 
923,912

2,684

1.15

Interest earning deposits with banks
160,687

103

.25

 
113,964

71

.25

Total interest earning assets
22,434,664

176,589

3.12

 
21,485,582

168,922

3.12

Allowance for loan losses
(150,890
)
 
 
 
(161,041
)
 
 
Unrealized gain on investment securities
118,404

 
 
 
150,284

 
 
Cash and due from banks
367,143

 
 
 
380,501

 
 
Land, buildings and equipment, net
359,481

 
 
 
352,779

 
 
Other assets
380,115

 
 
 
373,485

 
 
Total assets
$
23,508,917

 
 
 
$
22,581,590

 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings
$
739,172

237

.13

 
$
675,276

239

.14

Interest checking and money market
9,619,621

3,119

.13

 
9,355,788

3,161

.13

Time open & C.D.'s of less than $100,000
820,792

786

.38

 
923,250

1,010

.43

Time open & C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
1,171,617

1,554

.53

 
1,427,499

1,518

.42

Total interest bearing deposits
12,351,202

5,696

.18

 
12,381,813

5,928

.19

Borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
under agreements to repurchase
1,677,322

483

.11

 
1,329,397

287

.09

Other borrowings
103,875

898

3.43

 
105,085

880

3.32

Total borrowings
1,781,197

1,381

.31

 
1,434,482

1,167

.32

Total interest bearing liabilities
14,132,399

7,077

.20
%
 
13,816,295

7,095

.20
%
Non-interest bearing deposits
6,781,592

 
 
 
6,293,402

 
 
Other liabilities
250,626

 
 
 
185,329

 
 
Equity
2,344,300

 
 
 
2,286,564

 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
23,508,917

 
 
 
$
22,581,590

 
 
Net interest margin (T/E)
 
$
169,512

 
 
 
$
161,827

 
Net yield on interest earning assets
 
 
3.00
%
 
 
 
2.99
%
(A) Stated on a tax equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%.


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AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS — AVERAGE RATES AND YIELDS
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
 
Nine Months 2015
 
Nine Months 2014
(Dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
Interest Income/Expense
Avg. Rates Earned/Paid
 
Average Balance
Interest Income/Expense
Avg. Rates Earned/Paid
ASSETS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business(A)
$
4,130,276

$
85,964

2.78
%
 
$
3,916,797

$
83,537

2.85
%
Real estate — construction and land
441,307

12,048

3.65

 
424,572

11,978

3.77

Real estate — business
2,284,875

64,240

3.76

 
2,300,411

66,332

3.86

Real estate — personal
1,893,510

53,493

3.78

 
1,801,456

51,353

3.81

Consumer
1,803,305

53,815

3.99

 
1,594,095

50,848

4.26

Revolving home equity
431,522

11,536

3.57

 
424,074

12,185

3.84

Consumer credit card
743,052

64,747

11.65

 
753,058

64,434

11.44

Overdrafts
5,117



 
4,833



Total loans
11,732,964

345,843

3.94

 
11,219,296

340,667

4.06

Loans held for sale
3,440

108

4.20

 



Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

U.S. government and federal agency obligations
427,488

4,928

1.54

 
496,719

14,059

3.78

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
977,183

13,403

1.83

 
775,941

9,576

1.65

State and municipal obligations(A)
1,788,436

46,735

3.49

 
1,686,829

44,204

3.50

Mortgage-backed securities
3,106,760

59,587

2.56

 
3,017,555

61,409

2.72

Asset-backed securities
2,840,011

21,474

1.01

 
2,839,366

18,894

.89

Other marketable securities(A)
237,863

4,630

2.60

 
150,193

2,753

2.45

Trading securities(A)
19,607

407

2.78

 
19,282

326

2.26

Non-marketable securities(A)
110,389

7,180

8.70

 
104,954

8,573

10.92

Total investment securities
9,507,737

158,344

2.23

 
9,090,839

159,794

2.35

Federal funds sold and short-term securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
purchased under agreements to resell
15,338

45

.39

 
28,450

80

.38

Long-term securities purchased
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
under agreements to resell
1,035,712

9,994

1.29

 
997,618

9,778

1.31

Interest earning deposits with banks
215,426

404

.25

 
138,493

259

.25

Total interest earning assets
22,510,617

514,738

3.06

 
21,474,696

510,578

3.18

Allowance for loan losses
(153,308
)
 
 
 
(160,884
)
 
 
Unrealized gain on investment securities
152,456

 
 
 
118,668

 
 
Cash and due from banks
378,839

 
 
 
378,219

 
 
Land, buildings and equipment, net
360,537

 
 
 
352,291

 
 
Other assets
383,948

 
 
 
378,619

 
 
Total assets
$
23,633,089

 
 
 
$
22,541,609

 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings
$
726,779

648

.12

 
$
669,996

640

.13

Interest checking and money market
9,735,047

9,303

.13

 
9,438,859

9,424

.13

Time open & C.D.'s of less than $100,000
844,375

2,484

.39

 
950,701

3,193

.45

Time open & C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
1,225,952

4,468

.49

 
1,406,113

4,485

.43

Total interest bearing deposits
12,532,153

16,903

.18

 
12,465,669

17,742

.19

Borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
under agreements to repurchase
1,637,144

1,271

.10

 
1,236,407

753

.08

Other borrowings
103,906

2,667

3.43

 
105,124

2,606

3.31

Total borrowings
1,741,050

3,938

.30

 
1,341,531

3,359

.33

Total interest bearing liabilities
14,273,203

20,841

.20
%
 
13,807,200

21,101

.20
%
Non-interest bearing deposits
6,716,334

 
 
 
6,254,166

 
 
Other liabilities
275,012

 
 
 
204,689

 
 
Equity
2,368,540

 
 
 
2,275,554

 
 
Total liabilities and equity
$
23,633,089

 
 
 
$
22,541,609

 
 
Net interest margin (T/E)
 
$
493,897

 
 
 
$
489,477

 
Net yield on interest earning assets
 
 
2.93
%
 
 
 
3.05
%
(A) Stated on a tax equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 35%.

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest rate risk management focuses on maintaining consistent growth in net interest income within Board-approved policy limits. The Company primarily uses earnings simulation models to analyze net interest sensitivity to movement in interest rates. The Company performs monthly simulations which model interest rate movements and risk in accordance with changes to its balance sheet composition. For further discussion of the Company’s market risk, see the Interest Rate Sensitivity section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The tables below compute the effects of gradual rising interest rates over a twelve month period on the Company’s net interest income, assuming a static balance sheet with the exception of deposit attrition. The difference between the two simulations is the amount of deposit attrition incorporated, which is shown in the tables below. In both simulations, three rising rate scenarios were selected as shown in the tables, and net interest income was calculated and compared to a base scenario in which assets, liabilities and rates remained constant over a twelve month period.  For each of the simulations, interest rates applicable to each interest earning asset or interest bearing liability were ratably increased during the year (by either 100, 200 or 300 basis points).  The balances contained in the balance sheet were assumed not to change over the twelve month period, except that as presented in the tables below, it was assumed certain non-maturity type deposit attrition would occur, as a result of higher interest rates, and would be replaced with short-term federal funds borrowings. 

The simulations reflect two different assumptions related to deposit attrition. The Company utilizes these simulations both for monitoring interest rate risk and for liquidity planning purposes. While the future effects of rising rates on deposit balances cannot be known, the Company maintains a practice of running multiple rate scenarios to better understand interest rate risk and their effect on the Company’s performance.  The Company believes that its approach to interest rate risk has appropriately considered its susceptibility to both rising rates and falling rates and has adopted strategies which minimize impacts to overall interest rate risk.
Simulation A
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 (Dollars in millions)
$ Change in
Net Interest
Income
% Change in
Net Interest
Income
 
Assumed Deposit Attrition
 
$ Change in
Net Interest
Income
% Change in
Net Interest
Income
 
Assumed Deposit Attrition
300 basis points rising
$
8.3

1.29
%
 
$
(378.9
)
 
$
16.0

2.53
%
 
$
(375.8
)
200 basis points rising
9.1

1.41

 
(269.4
)
 
15.6

2.47

 
(271.4
)
100 basis points rising
7.5

1.17

 
(148.9
)
 
10.9

1.74

 
(151.2
)

Simulation B
September 30, 2015
 
June 30, 2015
 (Dollars in millions)
$ Change in
Net Interest
Income
% Change in
Net Interest
Income
 
Assumed Deposit Attrition
 
$ Change in
Net Interest
Income
% Change in
Net Interest
Income
 
Assumed Deposit Attrition
300 basis points rising
$
(9.8
)
(1.53
)%
 
$
(1,295.5
)
 
$
(4.2
)
(.67
)%
 
$
(1,402.8
)
200 basis points rising
(3.5
)
(.54
)
 
(1,190.9
)
 
1.6

.26

 
(1,302.9
)
100 basis points rising
2.0

.32

 
(825.6
)
 
4.9

.78

 
(907.8
)

The difference in these two simulations is the degree in which deposits are modeled to decline as noted in the above table.  Both simulations assume that a decline in deposits would be offset by increased short-term borrowings, which are more rate sensitive and can result in higher interest costs in a rising rate environment.  Under Simulation A, a gradual increase in interest rates of 100 basis points is expected to increase net interest income from the base calculation by $7.5 million, while a gradual increase in rates of 200 basis points would increase net interest income by $9.1 million.  An increase in rates of 300 basis points would result an increase in net interest income of $8.3 million, slightly lower than the 200 basis points scenario because deposit attrition is assumed to be higher.  The change in net interest income from the base calculation at September 30, 2015 was lower than projections made at June 30, 2015 largely due to a decline in deposits during the third quarter 2015, offset by increased short-term borrowings at higher rates.  Also, the Company's investment securities portfolio had fewer variable rate securities at September 30, 2015 than at June 30, 2015, which results in the portfolio being less rate sensitive in a rising rate environment.

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Under Simulation B, the same assumptions utilized in Simulation A were applied. However, in Simulation B, deposit attrition was accelerated to consider the effects that large deposit outflows might have on net interest income and liquidity planning purposes.  The effect of higher deposit attrition was that greater reliance was placed on short-term borrowings at higher rates, which are more rate sensitive.  As shown in the table, under these assumptions, net interest income in Simulation B was significantly lower than in Simulation A, reflecting higher costs for short-term borrowings.
Projecting deposit activity in a historically low interest rate environment is difficult, and the Company cannot predict how deposits will react to rising rates.  The comparison provided above provides insight into potential effects of changes in rates and deposit levels on net interest income.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2015. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this item is set forth in Part I, Item 1 under Note 15, Legal Proceedings.


Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table sets forth information about the Company's purchases of its $5 par value common stock, its only class of common stock registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 
 
 
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of Publicly Announced Program
 Maximum Number that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
July 1 — 31, 2015
1,648

 
$
47.51

1,648

1,674,596

August 1 — 31, 2015
381,279

 
$
55.90

381,279

1,293,317

September 1 — 30, 2015
94,915

 
$
44.03

94,915

1,198,402

Total
477,842

 
$
53.52

477,842

1,198,402


The Company's stock purchases shown above were made under authorizations by the Board of Directors, and at the October 2015 Board meeting, the number of shares authorized for purchase was increased to 5,000,000 shares. Shares purchased during August included 351,620 shares purchased under an accelerated share repurchase program discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.


Item 6. EXHIBITS

See Index to Exhibits.




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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
 
 
By 
/s/  THOMAS J. NOACK
 
Thomas J. Noack
 
Vice President & Secretary

Date: November 5, 2015
By 
/s/  JEFFERY D. ABERDEEN
 
Jeffery D. Aberdeen
 
Controller
 
(Chief Accounting Officer)

Date: November 5, 2015


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INDEX TO EXHIBITS




31.1 — Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2 — Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32 — Certifications of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101 — Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail
 
 









67