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 March 31, 2016

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 April 29, 2016, the registrant had outstanding 96,547,944 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
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(In thousands)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Loans
$
12,697,870

 
$
12,436,692

  Allowance for loan losses
(152,132
)
 
(151,532
)
Net loans
12,545,738

 
12,285,160

Loans held for sale (including $4,505,000 of residential mortgage loans carried at fair value at March 31, 2016 and $4,981,000 at December 31, 2015)
60,078

 
7,607

Investment securities:
 
 
 

Available for sale ($581,035,000 pledged at March 31, 2016 and $568,257,000 at
 
 
 
    December 31, 2015 to secure swap and repurchase agreements)
9,552,179

 
9,777,004

 Trading
23,130

 
11,890

 Non-marketable
117,259

 
112,786

Total investment securities
9,692,568

 
9,901,680

Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
9,075

 
14,505

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
825,000

 
875,000

Interest earning deposits with banks
171,651

 
23,803

Cash and due from banks
375,481

 
464,411

Land, buildings and equipment, net
350,423

 
352,581

Goodwill
138,921

 
138,921

Other intangible assets, net
6,539

 
6,669

Other assets
331,478

 
534,625

Total assets
$
24,506,952

 
$
24,604,962

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 

   Non-interest bearing
$
7,065,066

 
$
7,146,398

   Savings, interest checking and money market
11,205,357

 
10,834,746

   Time open and C.D.'s of less than $100,000
766,810

 
785,191

   Time open and C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
1,649,076

 
1,212,518

Total deposits
20,686,309

 
19,978,853

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
957,388

 
1,963,552

Other borrowings
103,806

 
103,818

Other liabilities
312,167

 
191,321

Total liabilities
22,059,670

 
22,237,544

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 97,972,433 shares
489,862

 
489,862

   Capital surplus
1,332,429

 
1,337,677

   Retained earnings
424,677

 
383,313

   Treasury stock of 1,267,747 shares at March 31, 2016
 
 
 
     and 603,003 shares at December 31, 2015, at cost
(52,653
)
 
(26,116
)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income
102,929

 
32,470

Total Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders' equity
2,442,028

 
2,361,990

Non-controlling interest
5,254

 
5,428

Total equity
2,447,282

 
2,367,418

Total liabilities and equity
$
24,506,952

 
$
24,604,962

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 March 31
(In thousands, except per share data)
2016
2015
 
(Unaudited)
INTEREST INCOME
 
 
Interest and fees on loans
$
119,333

$
111,286

Interest and fees on loans held for sale
135

21

Interest on investment securities
48,891

38,436

Interest on federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased under
 
 
   agreements to resell
24

9

Interest on long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
3,475

3,051

Interest on deposits with banks
270

179

Total interest income
172,128

152,982

INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
Interest on deposits:
 
 
   Savings, interest checking and money market
3,484

3,308

   Time open and C.D.'s of less than $100,000
742

880

   Time open and C.D.'s of $100,000 and over
1,986

1,410

Interest on federal funds purchased and securities sold under
 
 
   agreements to repurchase
888

367

Interest on other borrowings
1,253

879

Total interest expense
8,353

6,844

Net interest income
163,775

146,138

Provision for loan losses
9,439

4,420

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
154,336

141,718

NON-INTEREST INCOME
 
 
Bank card transaction fees
44,470

42,299

Trust fees
30,370

29,586

Deposit account charges and other fees
20,691

18,499

Capital market fees
2,725

3,002

Consumer brokerage services
3,509

3,336

Loan fees and sales
2,510

2,089

Other
14,749

7,763

Total non-interest income
119,024

106,574

INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET
(995
)
6,035

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
106,859

98,074

Net occupancy
11,303

11,561

Equipment
4,634

4,703

Supplies and communication
6,829

5,581

Data processing and software
22,899

19,506

Marketing
3,813

3,918

Deposit insurance
3,165

3,001

Other
17,971

17,501

Total non-interest expense
177,473

163,845

Income before income taxes
94,892

90,482

Less income taxes
29,370

28,468

Net income
65,522

62,014

Less non-controlling interest expense
148

959

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
65,374

61,055

Less preferred stock dividends
2,250

2,250

Net income available to common shareholders
$
63,124

$
58,805

Net income per common share — basic
$
.65

$
.58

Net income per common share — diluted
$
.65

$
.58

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 March 31
(In thousands)
 
2016
2015
 
 
(Unaudited)
Net income
 
$
65,522

$
62,014

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Net unrealized losses on securities for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings
 
(398
)
(128
)
Net unrealized gains on other securities
 
70,495

29,346

Pension loss amortization
 
362

406

Other comprehensive income
 
70,459

29,624

Comprehensive income
 
135,981

91,638

Less non-controlling interest expense
 
148

959

Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
$
135,833

$
90,679

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, 2016
$
144,784

$
489,862

$
1,337,677

$
383,313

$
(26,116
)
$
32,470

$
5,428

$
2,367,418

Net income
 




65,374





148

65,522

Other comprehensive income
 








70,459



70,459

Distributions to non-controlling interest
 










(322
)
(322
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 






(36,432
)




(36,432
)
Issuance of stock under purchase and equity compensation plans
 


(9,895
)


9,895






Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
 


1,236









1,236

Stock-based compensation
 


3,411









3,411

Cash dividends on common stock ($.225 per share)
 




(21,760
)






(21,760
)
Cash dividends on preferred stock ($.375 per depositary share)






(2,250
)






(2,250
)
Balance March 31, 2016
$
144,784

$
489,862

$
1,332,429

$
424,677

$
(52,653
)
$
102,929

$
5,254

$
2,447,282

Balance January 1, 2015
$
144,784

$
484,155

$
1,229,075

$
426,648

$
(16,562
)
$
62,093

$
4,053

$
2,334,246

Net income
 




61,055





959

62,014

Other comprehensive income
 








29,624



29,624

Distributions to non-controlling interest
 










(219
)
(219
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 






(1,718
)




(1,718
)
Issuance of stock under purchase and equity compensation plans
 


(9,547
)


11,412





1,865

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
 


857









857

Stock-based compensation
 


2,740









2,740

Cash dividends on common stock ($.214 per share)
 




(21,752
)






(21,752
)
Cash dividends on preferred stock ($.375 per depositary share)
 
 
 
(2,250
)
 
 
 
(2,250
)
Balance March 31, 2015
$
144,784

$
484,155

$
1,223,125

$
463,701

$
(6,868
)
$
91,717

$
4,793

$
2,405,407

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



6

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
65,522

 
$
62,014

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
  Provision for loan losses
9,439

 
4,420

  Provision for depreciation and amortization
10,146

 
10,694

  Amortization of investment security premiums, net
11,188

 
15,099

  Investment securities (gains) losses, net (A)
995

 
(6,035
)
  Net gains on sales of loans held for sale
(969
)
 
(467
)
  Originations of loans held for sale
(24,009
)
 
(17,806
)
  Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
22,666

 
15,575

  Net (increase) decrease in trading securities, excluding unsettled transactions
76,143

 
(4,361
)
  Stock-based compensation
3,411

 
2,740

  Increase in interest receivable
(473
)
 
(788
)
  Increase in interest payable
280

 
27

  Increase in income taxes payable
26,133

 
24,904

  Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
(1,236
)
 
(857
)
  Other changes, net
(3,352
)
 
(9,642
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
195,884

 
95,517

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities (A)
94

 
185,732

Proceeds from maturities/pay downs of investment securities (A)
542,059

 
609,144

Purchases of investment securities (A)
(180,774
)
 
(1,125,969
)
Net increase in loans
(320,987
)
 
(260,799
)
Repayments of long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell
50,000

 

Purchases of land, buildings and equipment
(7,389
)
 
(8,575
)
Sales of land, buildings and equipment
520

 
3

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
83,523

 
(600,464
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net increase in non-interest bearing, savings, interest checking and money market deposits
421,286

 
218,837

Net increase in time open and C.D.'s
418,177

 
12,921

Net decrease in federal funds purchased and short-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase
(1,006,164
)
 
(252,055
)
Repayment of other long-term borrowings
(12
)
 
(204
)
Purchases of treasury stock
(36,432
)
 
(1,718
)
Issuance of stock under equity compensation plans

 
1,865

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans
1,236

 
857

Cash dividends paid on common stock
(21,760
)
 
(21,752
)
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
(2,250
)
 
(2,250
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(225,919
)
 
(43,499
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
53,488

 
(548,446
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
502,719

 
1,100,717

Cash and cash equivalents at March 31
$
556,207

 
$
552,271

(A) Available for sale and non-marketable securities
 
 
 
Income tax payments, net
$
2,658

 
$
2,953

Interest paid on deposits and borrowings
$
8,073

 
$
6,817

Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate
$
471

 
$
482

Loans transferred from held for investment to held for sale
$
50,360

 
$

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7

Table of Contents


Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2016 (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 2015 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 month period ended March 31, 2016 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.


2. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Major classifications within the Company’s held for investment loan portfolio at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
Business
 
$
4,575,081

 
$
4,397,893

Real estate – construction and land
 
745,369

 
624,070

Real estate – business
 
2,395,933

 
2,355,544

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
 
1,903,969

 
1,915,953

Consumer
 
1,904,320

 
1,924,365

Revolving home equity
 
423,005

 
432,981

Consumer credit card
 
744,364

 
779,744

Overdrafts
 
5,829

 
6,142

Total loans
 
$
12,697,870

 
$
12,436,692


At March 31, 2016, loans of $3.7 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 $1.5 billion were pledged at the Federal Reserve Bank as collateral for discount window borrowings.


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Table of Contents


Allowance for loan losses    
A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, follows:
 
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)
 
Commercial
Personal Banking

Total
Balance January 1
$
82,086

$
69,446

$
151,532

Provision
4,151

5,288

9,439

Deductions:
 
 
 
   Loans charged off
1,513

11,777

13,290

   Less recoveries on loans
1,303

3,148

4,451

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
210

8,629

8,839

Balance March 31, 2016
$
86,027

$
66,105

$
152,132

Balance January 1
$
89,622

$
66,910

$
156,532

Provision
(1,752
)
6,172

4,420

Deductions:
 
 
 
   Loans charged off
724

11,576

12,300

   Less recoveries on loans
1,760

3,120

4,880

Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
(1,036
)
8,456

7,420

Balance March 31, 2015
$
88,906

$
64,626

$
153,532


The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the related loan balance at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
2,963

$
58,199

 
$
83,064

$
7,658,184

Personal Banking
1,385

22,188

 
64,720

4,959,299

Total
$
4,348

$
80,387

 
$
147,784

$
12,617,483

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
1,927

$
43,027

 
$
80,159

$
7,334,480

Personal Banking
1,557

22,287

 
67,889

5,036,898

Total
$
3,484

$
65,314

 
$
148,048

$
12,371,378


Impaired loans
The table below shows the Company’s investment in impaired loans at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. 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. 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 13.
(In thousands)
 
Mar. 31, 2016
 
Dec. 31, 2015
Non-accrual loans
 
$
29,367

 
$
26,575

Restructured loans (accruing)
 
51,020

 
38,739

Total impaired loans
 
$
80,387

 
$
65,314



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The following table provides additional information about impaired loans held by the Company at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
10,381

$
12,874

$

Real estate – construction and land
2,335

3,307


Real estate – business
3,593

4,739


Real estate – personal
362

373


 
$
16,671

$
21,293

$

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
34,821

$
36,845

$
2,328

Real estate – construction and land
546

6,962

67

Real estate – business
6,523

8,773

568

Real estate – personal
7,377

10,291

656

Consumer
5,945

5,945

119

Revolving home equity
541

592

31

Consumer credit card
7,963

7,963

579

 
$
63,716

$
77,371

$
4,348

Total
$
80,387

$
98,664

$
4,348

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
9,330

$
11,777

$

Real estate – construction and land
2,961

8,956


Real estate – business
4,793

6,264


Real estate – personal
373

373


 
$
17,457

$
27,370

$

With an allowance recorded:
 
 
 
Business
$
18,227

$
20,031

$
1,119

Real estate – construction and land
1,227

2,804

63

Real estate – business
6,489

9,008

745

Real estate – personal
7,667

10,530

831

Consumer
5,599

5,599

63

Revolving home equity
704

852

67

Consumer credit card
7,944

7,944

596

 
$
47,857

$
56,768

$
3,484

Total
$
65,314

$
84,138

$
3,484



Total average impaired loans for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are shown in the table below.

(In thousands)
Commercial
Personal Banking
Total
Average Impaired Loans:
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
21,004

$
4,623

$
25,627

Restructured loans (accruing)
27,179

17,701

44,880

Total
$
48,183

$
22,324

$
70,507

For the three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
31,281

$
6,258

$
37,539

Restructured loans (accruing)
22,280

19,386

41,666

Total
$
53,561

$
25,644

$
79,205



10

Table of Contents


The table below shows interest income recognized during the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 13.
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)
2016
2015
Interest income recognized on impaired loans:
 
 
Business
$
274

$
135

Real estate – construction and land
2

80

Real estate – business
36

15

Real estate – personal
46

53

Consumer
90

52

Revolving home equity
5

4

Consumer credit card
146

174

Total
$
599

$
513


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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.




(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
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
Business
$
4,551,468

$
6,806

$
709

$
16,098

$
4,575,081

Real estate – construction and land
734,547

8,112


2,710

745,369

Real estate – business
2,379,738

9,961


6,234

2,395,933

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
1,890,775

6,477

2,512

4,205

1,903,969

Consumer
1,884,817

16,726

2,777


1,904,320

Revolving home equity
419,114

2,147

1,624

120

423,005

Consumer credit card
728,741

7,885

7,738


744,364

Overdrafts
5,593

236



5,829

Total
$
12,594,793

$
58,350

$
15,360

$
29,367

$
12,697,870

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
Business
$
4,384,149

$
2,306

$
564

$
10,874

$
4,397,893

Real estate – construction and land
617,838

3,142


3,090

624,070

Real estate – business
2,340,919

6,762


7,863

2,355,544

Personal Banking:
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate – personal
1,901,330

7,117

3,081

4,425

1,915,953

Consumer
1,903,389

18,273

2,703


1,924,365

Revolving home equity
427,998

2,641

2,019

323

432,981

Consumer credit card
762,750

8,894

8,100


779,744

Overdrafts
5,834

308



6,142

Total
$
12,344,207

$
49,443

$
16,467

$
26,575

$
12,436,692



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.

11

Table of Contents


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.
Commercial Loans


(In thousands)


Business
Real
 Estate-Construction
Real
Estate-
Business


Total
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
4,435,061

$
733,542

$
2,318,735

$
7,487,338

Special mention
64,964

8,026

20,180

93,170

Substandard
58,958

1,091

50,784

110,833

Non-accrual
16,098

2,710

6,234

25,042

Total
$
4,575,081

$
745,369

$
2,395,933

$
7,716,383

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Pass
$
4,278,857

$
618,788

$
2,281,565

$
7,179,210

Special mention
49,302

1,033

15,009

65,344

Substandard
58,860

1,159

51,107

111,126

Non-accrual
10,874

3,090

7,863

21,827

Total
$
4,397,893

$
624,070

$
2,355,544

$
7,377,507


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 March 31, 2016, these were comprised of $250.2 million in personal real estate loans, or 5.0% of the Personal Banking portfolio, compared to $257.8 million at December 31, 2015. For the remainder of loans in the Personal Banking portfolio, the table below shows the percentage of balances outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 by FICO score.
   Personal Banking Loans
 
% of Loan Category
 
Real Estate - Personal
Consumer
Revolving Home Equity
Consumer Credit Card
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
FICO score:
 
 
 
 
Under 600
1.4
%
4.6
%
1.4
%
4.3
%
600 - 659
2.8

9.2

3.9

12.5

660 - 719
9.8

22.1

15.1

32.7

720 - 779
24.7

26.5

27.1

27.9

780 and over
61.3

37.6

52.5

22.6

Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
FICO score:
 
 
 
 
Under 600
1.5
%
4.5
%
1.5
%
3.9
%
600 - 659
3.0

9.7

3.9

12.0

660 - 719
9.1

21.8

13.6

31.7

720 - 779
25.0

26.4

28.4

27.9

780 and over
61.4

37.6

52.6

24.5

Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%





12

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 $66.4 million at March 31, 2016. 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 $15.4 million at March 31, 2016. Other performing restructured loans totaled $51.0 million at March 31, 2016. 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 $33.9 million at March 31, 2016. 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 $8.0 million at March 31, 2016. 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 March 31, 2016, these loans totaled $8.8 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 March 31, 2016, 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)
March 31, 2016
Balance 90 days past due at any time during previous 12 months
Commercial:
 
 
Business
$
39,577

$

Real estate - construction and land
2,849

81

Real estate - business
4,587


Personal Banking:
 
 
Real estate - personal
4,995

370

Consumer
5,969

465

Revolving home equity
431

63

Consumer credit card
7,963

547

Total restructured loans
$
66,371

$
1,526


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 $927 thousand 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.

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

13

Table of Contents


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 $12.6 million at March 31, 2016 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 March 31, 2016, the fair value of these loans was $4.5 million, and the unpaid principal balance was $4.3 million.

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 March 31, 2016, the balance of these loans was $5.2 million. These loans are carried at lower of cost or fair value.
 
In March 2016, the Company designated certain loans secured by automobiles, totaling $50.4 million, as held for sale. The loans are being marketed to other financial institutions such as regional banks and credit unions, and the amount expected to be sold approximates nearly 5% of the total auto loan portfolio. The group of loans held for sale are representative of the overall auto loan portfolio. These loans are carried at lower of cost or fair value.

At March 31, 2016, none of the loans held for sale were on non-accrual status or 90 days past due and still accruing. Interest income with respect to loans held for sale is accrued based on the principal amount outstanding and the loan's contractual interest rate. Gains and losses in fair value resulting from the application of the fair value option, or lower of cost or fair value accounting, are recognized in loan fees and sales in the consolidated statements of income.

Foreclosed real estate/repossessed assets
The Company’s holdings of foreclosed real estate totaled $2.0 million and $2.8 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Personal property acquired in repossession, generally autos and marine and recreational vehicles, totaled $2.6 million and $3.3 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Upon acquisition, these assets are recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. They are subsequently carried at the lower of this cost basis or fair value less estimated selling costs.

3. Investment Securities

Investment securities, at fair value, consisted of the following at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 
(In thousands)
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Available for sale
$
9,552,179

$
9,777,004

Trading
23,130

11,890

Non-marketable
117,259

112,786

Total investment securities
$
9,692,568

$
9,901,680


Most of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available for sale, and this portfolio is discussed in more detail below. The available for sale and the trading portfolios are carried at fair value. 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 $46.9 million at March 31, 2016 and $46.8 million at December 31, 2015. 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. These holdings are carried at cost. Non-marketable securities also include private equity investments, which amounted to $70.0 million at March 31, 2016 and $65.6 million at December 31, 2015. In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, these securities are carried at estimated fair value.


14

Table of Contents


A summary of the available for sale investment securities by maturity groupings as of March 31, 2016 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 but are collateralized by residential mortgages. 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
$
58,866

$
60,127

After 1 but within 5 years
498,613

514,076

After 5 but within 10 years
104,754

108,327

After 10 years
35,444

32,780

Total U.S. government and federal agency obligations
697,677

715,310

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations:
 
 
Within 1 year
10,680

10,754

After 1 but within 5 years
572,163

579,157

After 5 but within 10 years
125,012

126,156

After 10 years
5,630

5,591

Total government-sponsored enterprise obligations
713,485

721,658

State and municipal obligations:
 
 
Within 1 year
99,478

99,618

After 1 but within 5 years
680,866

698,660

After 5 but within 10 years
916,693

948,352

After 10 years
64,768

66,161

Total state and municipal obligations
1,761,805

1,812,791

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,538,407

2,611,384

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
852,059

863,158

  Asset-backed securities
2,445,528

2,440,055

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
5,835,994

5,914,597

Other debt securities:
 
 
Within 1 year
9,327

9,341

After 1 but within 5 years
94,819

95,938

After 5 but within 10 years
222,744

227,750

After 10 years
12,000

11,748

Total other debt securities
338,890

344,777

Equity securities
5,678

43,046

Total available for sale investment securities
$
9,353,529

$
9,552,179


Investments in U.S. government and federal agency obligations include U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, which totaled $397.4 million, at fair value, at March 31, 2016. Interest paid on these securities increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Included in equity securities is common and preferred stock held by the holding company, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (the Parent), with a fair value of $43.0 million at March 31, 2016.


15

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
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
697,677

$
20,297

$
(2,664
)
$
715,310

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
713,485

8,353

(180
)
721,658

State and municipal obligations
1,761,805

52,229

(1,243
)
1,812,791

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,538,407

73,025

(48
)
2,611,384

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
852,059

12,341

(1,242
)
863,158

  Asset-backed securities
2,445,528

7,493

(12,966
)
2,440,055

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
5,835,994

92,859

(14,256
)
5,914,597

Other debt securities
338,890

6,673

(786
)
344,777

Equity securities
5,678

37,368


43,046

Total
$
9,353,529

$
217,779

$
(19,129
)
$
9,552,179

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
729,846

$
5,051

$
(7,821
)
$
727,076

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
794,912

2,657

(4,546
)
793,023

State and municipal obligations
1,706,635

37,061

(1,739
)
1,741,957

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
2,579,031

47,856

(8,606
)
2,618,281

  Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
879,186

8,596

(7,819
)
879,963

  Asset-backed securities
2,660,201

1,287

(17,107
)
2,644,381

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
6,118,418

57,739

(33,532
)
6,142,625

Other debt securities
335,925

377

(4,982
)
331,320

Equity securities
5,678

35,325


41,003

Total
$
9,691,414

$
138,210

$
(52,620
)
$
9,777,004


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 March 31, 2016, the fair value of securities on this watch list was $85.9 million compared to $95.8 million at December 31, 2015.

As of March 31, 2016, 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 $39.9 million. The cumulative credit-related portion of the impairment on these securities, which was recorded in earnings, totaled $14.2 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 March 31, 2016 included the following:

Significant Inputs
Range
Prepayment CPR
0%
-
25%
Projected cumulative default
17%
-
53%
Credit support
0%
-
25%
Loss severity
19%
-
68%

16

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 Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)
2016
2015
Cumulative OTTI credit losses at January 1
$
14,129

$
13,734

Credit losses on debt securities for which impairment was previously recognized
123

17

Increase in expected cash flows that are recognized over remaining life of security
(18
)
(29
)
Cumulative OTTI credit losses at March 31
$
14,234

$
13,722


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
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$

$

 
$
32,780

$
2,664

 
$
32,780

$
2,664

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations


 
15,445

180

 
15,445

180

State and municipal obligations
31,624

512

 
10,997

731

 
42,621

1,243

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Agency mortgage-backed securities
33,723

40

 
2,819

8

 
36,542

48

   Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
155,845

752

 
66,103

490

 
221,948

1,242

   Asset-backed securities
1,000,464

9,430

 
172,710

3,536

 
1,173,174

12,966

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
1,190,032

10,222

 
241,632

4,034

 
1,431,664

14,256

Other debt securities
20,356

276

 
13,425

510

 
33,781

786

Total
$
1,242,012

$
11,010

 
$
314,279

$
8,119

 
$
1,556,291

$
19,129

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
491,998

$
3,098

 
$
31,012

$
4,723

 
$
523,010

$
7,821

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
157,830

1,975

 
110,250

2,571

 
268,080

4,546

State and municipal obligations
66,998

544

 
31,120

1,195

 
98,118

1,739

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Agency mortgage-backed securities
530,035

2,989

 
291,902

5,617

 
821,937

8,606

   Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
653,603

7,059

 
54,536

760

 
708,139

7,819

   Asset-backed securities
2,207,922

12,492

 
223,311

4,615

 
2,431,233

17,107

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
3,391,560

22,540

 
569,749

10,992

 
3,961,309

33,532

Other debt securities
244,452

3,687

 
25,218

1,295

 
269,670

4,982

Total
$
4,352,838

$
31,844

 
$
767,349

$
20,776

 
$
5,120,187

$
52,620


The total available for sale portfolio consisted of approximately 2,000 individual securities at March 31, 2016. The portfolio included 228 securities, having an aggregate fair value of $1.6 billion, that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2016, compared to 466 securities, with a fair value of $5.1 billion, at December 31, 2015. The total amount of unrealized losses on these securities decreased $33.5 million to $19.1 million at March 31, 2016, largely due to a lower rate environment. At March 31, 2016, the fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer totaled $314.3 million, or 3.3% of the total portfolio value.

The Company’s holdings of state and municipal obligations included gross unrealized losses of $1.2 million at March 31, 2016. Of these losses, $1.1 million related to auction rate securities and $171 thousand related to other state and municipal obligations. This portfolio, exclusive of auction rate securities, totaled $1.8 billion at fair value, or 18.8% 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 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.

    

17

Table of Contents


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 Three Months Ended March 31
(In thousands)
2016
2015
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities
$

$
185,053

Proceeds from sales of non-marketable securities
94

679

Total proceeds
$
94

$
185,732

Available for sale:
 
 
Gains realized on sales
$

$
2,526

Other-than-temporary impairment recognized on debt securities
(123
)
(17
)
 Non-marketable:
 
 
 Gains realized on sales
42

226

Fair value adjustments, net
(914
)
3,300

Investment securities gains (losses), net
$
(995
)
$
6,035


At March 31, 2016, securities totaling $3.9 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 $581.0 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.

18

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4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table presents information about the Company's intangible assets which have estimable useful lives.
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
(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

$
(26,574
)
$

$
4,696

 
$
31,270

$
(26,239
)
$

$
5,031

Mortgage servicing rights
4,904

(3,031
)
(30
)
1,843

 
4,638

(2,971
)
(29
)
1,638

Total
$
36,174

$
(29,605
)
$
(30
)
$
6,539

 
$
35,908

$
(29,210
)
$
(29
)
$
6,669


Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets was $395 thousand and $473 thousand for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 March 31, 2016. 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)
 
2016
$
1,457

2017
1,105

2018
846

2019
700

2020
572



Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and net other intangible assets for the three month period ended March 31, 2016 is as follows:
(In thousands)
Goodwill
Core Deposit Premium
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Balance January 1, 2016
$
138,921

$
5,031

$
1,638

Originations


266

Amortization

(335
)
(60
)
Impairment


(1
)
Balance March 31, 2016
$
138,921

$
4,696

$
1,843



Goodwill allocated to the Company’s operating segments at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 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.

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 March 31,

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2016, that net liability was $2.7 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 $346.6 million at March 31, 2016.

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 March 31, 2016, 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 March 31, 2016, the fair value of the Company's guarantee liabilities for RPAs was $267 thousand, and the notional amount of the underlying swaps was $58.6 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 March 31
(In thousands)
2016
2015
Service cost - benefits earned during the period
$
133

$
126

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
967

1,216

Expected return on plan assets
(1,437
)
(1,523
)
Amortization of prior service cost
(68
)

Amortization of unrecognized net loss
651

655

Net periodic pension cost
$
246

$
474


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 three months of 2016, 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 2016.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company changed the method used to estimate the interest cost component of net periodic pension cost for its defined benefit pension plan. Prior to the change, the interest cost component was estimated by utilizing a single weighted average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the projected benefit obligation. Under the new method, the interest cost component is estimated by applying the specific annual spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the projected benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. This change provides a more precise measurement of the interest cost by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows and the corresponding spot yield curve rates. The Company accounted for this change prospectively as a change in accounting estimate. The change resulted in a decrease of approximately $900 thousand in the interest cost component of the estimated annual net periodic pension cost for 2016.



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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 March 31
(In thousands, except per share data)
2016
2015
Basic income per common share:
 
 
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
$
65,374

$
61,055

Less preferred stock dividends
2,250

2,250

Net income available to common shareholders
63,124

58,805

Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock
894

796

  Net income allocated to common stock
$
62,230

$
58,009

Weighted average common shares outstanding
95,566

100,053

   Basic income per common share
$
.65

$
.58

Diluted income per common share:
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders
$
63,124

$
58,805

Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock
893

794

  Net income allocated to common stock
$
62,231

$
58,011

Weighted average common shares outstanding
95,566

100,053

  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
216

314

  Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
95,782

100,367

    Diluted income per common share
$
.65

$
.58


Unexercised stock options and stock appreciation rights of 468 thousand and 322 thousand were excluded in the computation of diluted income per common share for the three month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
The Company also has 6,000,000 depositary shares outstanding, 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.
* All prior year share and per share amounts in this note have been restated for the 5% common stock dividend distributed in December 2015.
  

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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, 2016
$
3,316

$
49,750

$
(20,596
)
$
32,470

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(765
)
113,702


112,937

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
123


583

706

Current period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(642
)
113,702

583

113,643

Income tax (expense) benefit
244

(43,207