Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Banks - Regional / Commerce Bancshares Inc

Commerce Bancshares Inc

cbsh · NASDAQ Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker cbsh
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 1001-5000
← All annual reports
FY2013 Annual Report · Commerce Bancshares Inc
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
C
O
M
M
E
R
C
E

B
A
N
C
S
H
A
R
E
S

,

I

N
C
.

2
0
1
3

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

A
N
D

F
O
R
M
1
0
-
K

COMM ER CE B ANCS HARES, I NC.

1000 WALNUT 
P.O. BOX 419248
KANSAS CITY, MO 64141-6248

Phone: 

(816) 234-2000 
(800) 892-7100

Email: mymoney@commercebank.com
Website: www.commercebank.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer MK2913

P A R T N E R I N G   F O R   G R O W T H

2 0 1 3   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   F O R M   1 0 - K

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C O M P A N Y   P R O F I L E

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. operates as a super-community 
bank offering an array of sophisticated financial products 
delivered with high-quality, personal customer service. The 
Company’s customer promise we ask, listen and solve is not 
just its brand, but also its corporate focus. With this 
platform, Commerce is continually building its long-term 
franchise while paying strict attention to asset quality and 
expense management. Commerce provides a full range of 
financial products to consumer and commercial customers, 

including lending, payment processing, trust, brokerage 
and capital markets services. Serving its customers  
from 358 locations in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma  
and Colorado and commercial offices throughout the 
nation’s midsection, Commerce uses a variety of delivery 
platforms, including an expansive ATM network, full- 
featured online banking, and a central contact center,  
and has a nationwide presence in the commercial  
payments industry.

C O M M E R C E   B A N C S H A R E S   A T   A   G L A N C E

• $23.1 billion in assets 
•  4,727 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
•  The Commerce Trust Company administers $35 billion in 

total client assets

•  The Board of Directors approved a 5% increase in the  

2014 cash dividend, marking the 46th consecutive year  
of regular cash dividend increases

• Commercial Payments Services offered in 48 states

8

5

2

4

1

3

1

2

6

7

3

E I G H T   K E Y   M A R K E T S

  1.  St. Louis 
  2.  Kansas City 
  3.  Springfield 
  4.  Central Missouri 

5. Central Illinois 
6. Wichita
7. Tulsa 
8. Denver 

C O M M E R C I A L   O F F I C E S

  1.  Cincinnati 
  2.  Nashville

3. Dallas 

Branch Footprint

Extended Commercial Market Area

Commercial Payments Services

Community Bank Front End

• Flat organization; quick decisions

• Employees embrace strong culture

• Award-winning customer service

•  Customer and market knowledge  

reduces risk

Super-Community Approach
•  Relationship-based sales strategy driven by  
our customer promise to ask, listen and solve
•  High-performing teams supported by a commit-
a co ns istent s t ra te gy wi th  a lo ng-t er m vie w

ment to talent development

• Investment in distinctive, high-return businesses
• Long history of top-quartile credit quality metrics
• Disciplined approach to acquisitions
•  Ongoing focus on improvement in operational 

efficiency

A B O U T   T H E   C O V E R

Super-Regional Back End

•  Sophisticated payment processing 

systems

• Broad consumer product offerings

•  Private banking; trust; capital markets

• Competitive on unit costs

Denver’s historic Union Station neighborhood is currently being 
redeveloped into a world-class, transit-oriented retail, office and 
residential complex. Commerce Bank provided the construction 
financing for the the new home of IMA Financial Group, a 
diversified financial services company, which  
moved into its new headquarters there this past December. 

“Commerce is the right size bank for us — big enough to  
have the market clout and resources to do the job, but small 
enough that our business truly matters to them,” says Robert 
Cohen, chairman and CEO of IMA Financial (right), here with Dan 
Sheehan, manager, Colorado Commercial Real Estate Banking 
(left).

T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

Financial Highlights 1  |  Message to Our Shareholders 2  |  Partnering for Growth 10
Success Stories 11  |  Community Advisors 19  |  Officers and Directors 24

S H A R E H O L D E R S   M A Y   R E C E I V E   F U T U R E   

A N N U A L   R E P O R T S   A N D   P R O X Y   M A T E R I A L S   

O V E R   T H E   I N T E R N E T
To take advantage of the opportunity to receive materials  
electronically, rather than by mail, individuals who hold  
stock in their name may enroll for electronic delivery at  
Computershare’s investor website https://www.computershare.
com/us/investor. 

•  If you have already created a log in ID and password at the 
above site, just login and follow the prompts to “Enroll in 
Electronic Delivery.”

•  If you have not created a login ID and password on the 

above site, choose “Create Login.” You will need the Social 
Security number or tax ID number associated with your 
Commerce stock account to create the login. After you 
have created your login, follow the prompts to “Enroll in 
Electronic Delivery.”

Please note:

• Your consent is entirely revocable.

•   You can always vote your proxy on the Internet whether  
or not you elect to receive your materials electronically.

Shareholders who hold their Commerce stock through a 
bank, broker or other holder of record should refer to the 
information provided by that entity for instructions on how to 
elect to view future annual reports and proxy statements over 
the Internet.

Employee PIP (401(k)) shareholders who have a Company 
email address and online access, will automatically be  
enrolled to receive the Annual Report, Proxy Statement  
and proxy card over the Internet unless they choose to opt  
out by emailing the Corporate Secretary at thomas.noack@ 
commercebank.com. 

C O R P O R A T E   H E A D Q U A R T E R S
1000 Walnut
P.O. Box 419248
Kansas City, MO 64141-6248
(816) 234-2000
www.commercebank.com

I N D E P E N D E N T   A C C O U N T A N T S
KPMG LLP 
Kansas City, Missouri

T R A N S F E R   A G E N T ,   R E G I S T R A R   

A N D   D I V I D E N D   D I S B U R S I N G   A G E N T
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
(800) 317-4445
(800) 952-9245 Hearing Impaired/TDD
www.computershare.com/investor

S T O C K   E X C H A N G E   L I S T I N G
NASDAQ
Symbol: CBSH

C O M M O N   S T O C K   I N F O R M A T I O N
The table below sets forth the high and the low prices of  
actual transactions for the Company’s common stock, which  
is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market, adjusted for 
the December 2013 5% stock dividend.

F I S C A L   2 0 13  

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

H I G H   

L O W

$38.94 
42.50 
45.26 
45.77 

$33.71
36.63
40.04
40.80

A N N U A L   M E E T I N G
The annual meeting of shareholders will be held Wednesday, 
April 16, 2014 at 9:30 a.m., at The Ritz Carlton – St. Louis,  
100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO  63105 in the Amphithe-
ater on level two. 

I N V E S T O R   I N Q U I R I E S 
Shareholders, analysts and investors seeking information 
about the Company should direct their inquiries to:

Jeffery D. Aberdeen, Controller
1000 Walnut 
P.O. Box 419248
Kansas City, MO 64141-6248
(800) 892-7100
mymoney@commercebank.com

i
r
u
o
s
s
i
M

,
s
i
u
o
L

.
t
S

,
n
o
s
i
r
r
a
H
k
l
a
F

y
b
d
e
n
g
i
s
e
D

A CONSISTENT STRATEGY WITH A LONG-TERM VIEW 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

1

F I N A N C I A L   H I G H L I G H T S

(In thousands, except per share data)

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

O P E R A T I N G   R E S U L T S

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities gains (losses), net
Non-interest expense
Net income
Cash dividends

AT YEAR END

Total assets
Loans, including held for sale
Investment securities
Deposits
Equity
Non-performing assets
Common shares outstanding*
Tier I capital ratio
Total capital ratio
Leverage ratio
Tangible common equity to assets ratio
Efficiency ratio

$ 

 635,502 
160,697 
396,259 
(7,195)
621,737 
169,075 

74,720 

$        645,932 
100,000 
  405,111 
(1,785)
631,134 
221,710 
78,231 

$ 

  646,070 
51,515 
392,917 
10,812 
617,249 
256,343 
79,140 

$        639,906
27,287 
399,630 
4,828 
618,469 
269,329 
211,608**

$        619,372
20,353
418,386
(4,425) 
629,633
260,961
82,104

$  18,120,189 
10,490,327 
6,473,388 
14,210,451 
1,885,905 
116,670 
100,897 

13.04% 
14.39 
9.58 
9.71 

59.88 

$  18,502,339
9,474,733 
7,409,534 
15,085,021 
2,023,464 
97,320 
100,278 
   14.38%
15.75 
10.17 
10.27 
59.71 

$  20,649,367 
9,208,554 
9,358,387 
16,799,883 
2,170,361 
93,803 
98,070 
 14.71%
16.04 
9.55 
9.91 
59.10 

$   22,159,589
9,840,211 
9,669,735 
18,348,653 
2,171,574 
64,863 
95,985 
 13.60% 
14.93 
9.14 
9.25 
59.26 

$  23,072,036
10,956,836
9,042,997
19,047,348
2,214,397
55,439
95,881
    14.06%
15.28
9.43
9.00
60.49

OTH ER FINANCIAL DA TA (based on average balances)

Return on total assets  
Return on equity
Loans to deposits
Equity to assets
Net yield on interest earning assets (T/E)
Wtd. average common shares outstanding-diluted*

.96% 

1.22%

9.76 
79.79 
9.83 
3.93 

99,036 

11.15 
70.02 
10.91 
3.89 
101,156

   1.32%
12.15 
59.15 
10.87 
3.65 
99,448 

    1.30%
12.00
55.80
10.84
3.41
96,489

1.19%
11.99
57.12
9.95
3.11
94,983

PER SH ARE DATA

Net income - basic*
Net income - diluted*
Market price*
Book value*
Cash dividends*
Cash dividend payout ratio

  * Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed December 2013.
** Includes a special dividend paid in the fourth quarter of 2012.

$ 

$ 

 1.71 
1.70 
31.86 
18.69 
.752 
 44.15%

$                2.19 
2.18 
34.32 
20.18 
.773 
 35.52%

2.57 
2.56 
34.58 
22.13 
.795 
 31.06% 

$  

$                2.77 
2.76 
33.39 
22.62 
2.195**
 79.48%**

       2.73
2.72
44.91
23.10
.857
  31.51%

g R o w T H  i N  E P S  A N D  S T o c k  P R i c E

c A S H  D i v i D E N D S  P E R  S H A R E

e
c
i
r
P
k
c
o
t
S

$50

$40

$30

$20

$10

$5

$0

 04 

05 

06  07  08  09 

10 

11 

12  13

$3.00

$2.50

$2.00

$1.50

$1.00

$0.50

$0.00

e
r
a
h
S
r
e
p
s
g
n
i
n
r
a
E

e
r
a
h
S
r
e
p
s
d
n
e
d
i
v
i
D

$1.20

$1.00

$0.80

$0.60

$0.40

$0.20

$0.00

1 0 - Y e a r   C A G R   =   7 %

 04 

05 

06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

13

Earnings per Share 

Stock Price

Excludes special dividend of $1.36 per share in 2012.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

2

To Our Shareholders

In 2013, Commerce Bancshares continued to deliver on 
our strategic plan to provide a superior value proposition 
to both our customers and investors. Customers appreci-
ate our convenience, sophisticated product set, strong 
service culture and experienced banking staff, who are 
here to ask, listen and offer solutions. Investors continue 
to value our consistent, strong financial performance, 
unique product mix, investment in growth opportunities 
and targeted geographical expansion. As a result, mid-
sized banks such as Commerce are now being rewarded 
with superior price-to-earnings valuations, compared to 
both larger and smaller banks.

D a v i d   W .   K e m p e r ,   C h a i r m a n

Last year saw a slow but steady domestic economic expansion. 

  We continue to expand in targeted geographies with 

Despite a financial services environment of continued very low 

highly desirable demographics and strong business  

interest rates and increased regulatory costs and intervention, 

potential. In September, we completed our merger with 

our Company enjoyed excellent 11% loan growth, while 

Summit Bancshares Inc. in Oklahoma. This merger increased 

deposits grew 4%. We also saw strong growth from both  

our loans in the Oklahoma market to almost $500 million. 

our commercial card and wealth management businesses, 

Loans in our Denver market grew 30% last year to more than 

with commercial card revenue growing 14% to $81 million, 

$270 million, while loan growth in our other expansion 

and wealth 

markets, including Dallas, Nashville and Cincinnati, was 

We continue to expand in targeted 

management 

strong. In addition to leveraging these markets for loan and 

geographies with highly desirable 

revenue 

fee income growth, we also continue to expand in our core 

increasing  

markets with targeted calling in high-growth industry 

demographic and business potential. 

8% to surpass  

segments, including healthcare, commercial real estate  

$100 million. 

and agribusiness. 

With an emphasis on building customer relationships, strong 

Traditional retail banking and mass-market consumer 

collaboration across business lines and a diverse product  

payments remain a challenge in the banking industry. A 

set, our business model continues to allow us to provide a 

combination of low interest rates, regulatory price controls, 

broad array of products and services to our commercial and 

changing consumer behavior and new self-service options 

retail customers.

has reduced profitability and put significant pressure on the 

 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

3

traditional retail bank model. We remain committed to a  

based Summit Bancshares Inc., acquiring $207 million in 

core branch system, focused on delivering the right set of 

loans, $232 million in deposits and branch locations in Tulsa 

products and convenience to our customers. At the same 

and Oklahoma City.

time, we are putting programs in place to raise productivity 

•  Net loan charge-offs totaled $31 million in 2013, a 

and increase sales to our existing customer base in areas 

decline of 20% from amounts charged off last year. Our 

such as mortgage and asset management.

provision for loan losses also declined 25% to $20 million. 

Non-performing assets declined to $55 million at year end,  

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

a reduction of 15% from last year.

• Commerce reported earnings per share of $2.72,  

down 1% from 2012. Return on average assets totaled 

1.2%, while return on average equity was 12.0%. This 

compares favorably to the top 50 bank industry average of 

1.0% for return on average assets and 9.0% for return on 

average equity in 2013.

• Net income totaled $261 million, versus $269 million 

last year, reflecting a 25% decrease in loan losses, solid 

growth in trust and commercial card fees, and controlled 

expense, offset by lower net interest income.

• We paid a dividend of $.857 per share* in 2013, 

making this the 45th consecutive year regular cash dividends 

were increased. We have also paid a 5% stock dividend for 

the 20th year in a row.

• Company equity totaled $2.2 billion at year end, and the 

ratio of tangible common equity to assets amounted to 9.0%. 

We repurchased 1.7 million shares of Company stock in 2013.

• Loans grew 11% this year, or $1.1 billion, to $11.0 

billion. Personal banking loans grew $396 million on 

continued growth in consumer residential and auto lending. 

Our expansion markets, 

$729 million on strong 

Commercial loans grew 

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

B
n
i

$

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

B
n
i

$

$11.5

$11.0

$10.5

$10.0

$  9.5

$  9.0

$  8.5

$  8.0

$20

$19

$18

$17

$16

$15

$14

$13

$12

T O T A L  L O A N S

$10.5

$11.0

$9.5

$9.2

$9.8

  09 

10 

11 

12 

13

T O T A L  D E P O S I T S    

$19.0

$18.3

$16.8

$15.1

$14.2

09 

10 

11 

12 

13

including Tulsa, Oklahoma City, 

growth in business 

COMMERCE’S VALUE PROPOSITION 

loans, tax-advantaged 

Commerce offers a strong value proposition to both our 

Denver, Dallas, Nashville and 

lending and leasing. 

customers and shareholders. Commerce operates as a 

Cincinnati, grew loans by 23%.

Our expansion 

super-community banking organization, dedicated to 

markets, including 

providing sophisticated, convenient products and solutions 

Tulsa, Oklahoma City, 

to its business and retail customers. At the same time, 

Denver, Dallas, Nashville and Cincinnati, grew loans by 23%.

Commerce is committed to providing high service levels, 

• Our national commercial card business grew  

often customized to meet our customers’ specific needs.  

revenue 14% to $81 million in 2013, as a result of strong  

We continually communicate with our customers to 

new customer sales and greater usage by our existing 

ensure satisfaction, while emphasizing our culture and value 

customers. Our trust and asset management business also  

proposition with our employees. Through regular surveys,  

grew 8%, with revenue of $103 million.

we measure employee engagement and satisfaction. Scores 

•  In September, the Company purchased Oklahoma-

consistently rank high and outrank other high-performance 

*Restated for December 2013 5% stock dividend.

 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

4

peer companies, demonstrating our employees’ commitment 

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION 

to our core values. 

We continue to receive industry recognition each year for our 

Our value proposition is equally strong for our Company’s 

success in generating solid, consistent returns to investors, 

shareholders. We focus on providing shareholders solid, 

while providing a high level of customer service. 

consistent, risk-adjusted returns with strong capital and 

•  For the fifth consecutive year, Commerce ranked among 

reserves. On average, over the last ten years our return  

the top 10 on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Banks. Dividend 

on average assets and equity outperformed both our peer  

Channel also named Commerce to the S.A.F.E. 25 list, 

banks and a select group of the nation’s largest banking 

signifying stocks 

institutions. Furthermore, our emphasis on sound credit 

with above-average 

Commerce Bancshares is among  

underwriting has resulted in top-quartile credit metrics  

statistics and a 

for many years. Commerce has paid above-average  

superb track  

only four banks in the country 

dividends and has increased its regular cash dividend for  

record of at least 

with the highest assigned Bank  

45 consecutive years, a record few banking organizations  

two decades of 

can match. 

dividend growth.

Financial Strength Rating according 

Commerce is dedicated to continuous improvement  

•  Commerce 

to Moody’s Investor Service, as of  

and innovation throughout the organization. We have a long 

Investment 

history of solid financial performance, while serving our 

Advisors bond 

December 1, 2013.

customer base with high-quality products and personal 

management team, 

customer service. We proactively look for new ways to deepen 

which is shared with The Commerce Trust Company, was rated 

our existing customer relationships and improve our sales 

the #1 Fixed Income Small Fund Group in the U.S. by Lipper, 

process to attract new customers. Our continued focus on 

the leading provider of mutual fund information.

improving our business processes enables us to attain new 

•  Commerce Bancshares is among only four banks in the 

cost efficiencies. We listen to our customers’ needs and 

country with the highest assigned Bank Financial Strength 

invest in innovative products and high-return businesses  

Rating according to Moody’s Investor Service, as of December 

to provide them with superior solutions.

1, 2013. 

pro v e m e nt
s Im

u
o
u
n

i

t

n

o

C

In n o

v

t

n

e

m

t

s
e
v
n

a tion & I

•  Commerce Bancshares, Inc. ranked tenth in the  

$5 billion to $50 billion asset category on Bank Director 

magazine’s 2013 Bank Performance Scorecard.

•  Commerce Bancshares is one of 33 returning members 

included on the Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods, Inc. (KBW) Bank 

Honor Roll of banking institutions that achieved positive 

earnings per share growth trends over the last decade, 

regardless of the economic environment. In 2013, KBW  

also ranked Commerce among the top performing banks  

of the decade.

•  Bloomberg Markets magazine named Commerce  

Family Office, a division of The Commerce Trust Company,  

the 20th largest family office in the world by assets, and  

the fourth fastest growing.

•  In 2013, Commerce was included in the Barron’s 400 

Index. The index collects the most fundamentally sound and 

attractively priced stocks from all corners of the globe using  

a proven and disciplined stock selection process.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

5

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH 
Despite the headwinds the banking industry has faced  

Nashville and Cincinnati. Since 2008, loans have grown 

128% to $1.0 billion in these markets and now represent  

over the last few years, Commerce has pursued a number  

9% of our total loans. Additionally, the Summit acquisition 

of opportunities to grow our businesses and add to our 

added 27 new banking professionals to the growing  

customer base.   

Oklahoma market, further increasing our capacity and 

We have concentrated on growing new loan relationships 

expertise there. This acquisition provides us with our first 

across both our commercial and consumer business lines 

physical presence in Oklahoma City and new opportunities  

and experienced solid growth in 2013. We have created 

to add commercial and wealth management relationships. 

distinctive capabilities in our leasing and tax-advantaged 

Our Denver market increased loans by 30% in 2013 and 

lending businesses and have developed industry specialties, 

experienced significant success selling corporate payments 

including healthcare, beverage distribution, aviation and 

products, with more commercial card sales in 2013 than  

agriculture. With our recent investments in Oklahoma and 

any other market outside of Kansas City and St. Louis. Our 

Texas, we have added new energy lending expertise and new 

Dallas office, which opened in 2012, has seen steady  

loan and fee income growth opportunities in this important 

growth, surpassing our expectations and financial targets.  

and growing industry. Further, we have added more than 400 

As in our traditional markets, these expansion markets  

new automobile dealership customers over the last two 

are staffed with local, experienced bankers who know our 

years, which has enabled us to expand our consumer auto 

customers and focus on providing the right product solutions 

and floor-plan lending businesses.

to meet their needs.

Commerce is a top provider of consumer and commercial 

bank card products in the financial services industry. The 

Nilson Report ranked Commerce among the top issuers in the 

payments industry; in 

Our national commercial card 

2013, Commerce was 

business has been rapidly 

number 33 on its list 

of Debit Card Issuers, 

growing revenue at a compound 

number 16* among 

annual growth rate of more than 

Consumer Card 

Issuers, number 11* 

25% for the last five years.

among Bank Acquirers, 

h
t
w
o
r
G
n
a
o
L
%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0% 

L O A N  G R O W T H -  2013  V E R S U S  2012    

Expansion Markets Offering Growth Opportunities

23%

11%

Expansion Markets 

Total Company 

number 7 among 

Purchasing Card 

FOCUS ON EFFICIENCIES

Issuers and number 17 among Commercial Card Issuers. Our 

Managing our expenses remains a top priority for our 

national commercial card business has been rapidly growing 

Company, while continuous improvement is an ongoing 

revenue at a compound annual growth rate of more than 25% 

long-term strategy. Over the last four years, non-interest 

for the last five years and continues to have great success in 

expense has grown less than 1% on average, as we continue to 

attracting new customers. 

make significant investments in both people and technologies 

With more than $35 billion in customer assets under 

to support those areas of the Company that show strong 

23%

administration, Commerce’s wealth management business 

growth opportunities. We are also focused on improving 

ranks 30th nationally based on assets under management. 

efficiency and productivity throughout the organization to 

Revenue has grown an average of 8% over the last three  

reduce unit costs and improve profitability. Smart use of 

11%

years and exceeded $100 million in 2013.

technology, disciplined execution in our operations areas, 

During the last five years, we have placed emphasis on 

attention to detail and a culture of continuous improvement 

developing five new markets – Tulsa, Denver, Dallas, 

all contribute to controlling our costs appropriately.

*Excludes non-banks.

 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

6

N O N- I N T E R E S T  E X P E N S E    

5-Year CAGR = .5%

$622

$631

$617

$618

$630

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

M
n
i

$

09 

10 

11 

12 

13

advantaged financing programs and equipment financing 

and leasing. In addition to customized financing solutions, 

we offer investment products to our correspondent bank and 

commercial customers. We deliver a full payment system 

suite of solutions through experienced and knowledgeable 

relationship and product managers with deep industry 

knowledge and proven experience in helping their  

customers manage business cycles. 

During 2013, commercial banking loans grew  

$729 million, or 13%, to $6.4 billion. We focused on a 

number of specialized industries where demand was strong, 

Payments System
In 2013, Commerce continued to concentrate on growing  

including agriculture and food processing, healthcare and 

not-for-profit organizations. Corporate deposits totaled  

the payments business. This business is maintained within 

$7.4 billion, up $688 million, or 10%, as companies 

our retail and commercial segments. The payments business 

continued to maintain high cash levels. Fee income grew  

offers the Company strong revenue and profit growth 

4%, to $186 million on continued strong growth in corporate 

opportunities, consistent earnings and less volatility from 

card revenues. Fees from commercial cash management 

economic and interest rate cycles. Our payments business 

services this year totaled $33 million, up 4%, while fees on 

delivers a comprehensive suite of products and technologies 

international services grew by 7%. Low rates on fixed income 

designed to help customers process their payments more 

securities and limited demand from our banking customers 

efficiently and effectively. These products provide our 

reduced revenues 33% in our Capital Markets Group.

customers with debit and credit card services, online 

We continue to see solid opportunities to grow loans 

banking and disbursement and remittance processing 

while increasing our fee-based revenue. By focusing our 

solutions, including merchant processing, commercial card 

experienced team on targeted business development and 

We focused on a number of 

processing, 

positioned to offer our customers a solid value proposition  

products, ACH 

specialized lending opportunities, we believe we are well 

specialized industries where demand 

wire transfers, 

to meet their banking needs. With careful expansion in our 

commercial 

newer markets and new energy lending potential, we can 

was strong, including agriculture and

remote-deposit 

attract new customers to our commercial banking and 

food processing, healthcare and 

banking and 

payment systems products.

international 

not-for-profit organizations.

services.  

This business 

generated 

Consumer Banking Activities
In addition to offering our retail banking customers traditional 

deposit account products, such as checking accounts and 

more than $268 million in combined fee income in 2013  

certificates of deposit, we also offer debit and credit cards, 

and grew 5% more than in the previous year. As the Nilson 

residential mortgages and personal banking loans for 

numbers show, we continue to be a recognized industry 

automobiles, construction and home improvement. At year 

leader in providing payment solutions.

end, we operated more than 200 branches within our 

footprint with total deposits of $9.5 billion, reflecting growth  

Commercial Banking Activities
Our commercial banking division provides traditional  

of 3% in 2013.

Consumer banking loans grew 17% to $1.5 billion in 

lending products, such as working capital lines of credit, 

2013, driven by strong growth in auto lending and improved 

owner-occupied and investment real estate loans, tax- 

cross-sales of consumer loans to our household base. 

 
 
 
7

However, profitability was down this year and remains 

processing electronic payments, which allows them to shed 

stressed due to a combination of low interest rates and 

manual, paper-based tasks. We see solid demand for this 

regulations that lowered fees on debit cards and overdrafts 

product in the future, and we continue to invest in new 

during the last several years. 

products and technologies to further meet the commercial 

  We intend to re-establish profits in this segment by 

payment needs of our customers.

developing new products, repositioning existing products 

  We also offer merchant processing as part of our  

and focusing on our most profitable growth channels, while 

commercial payments systems product suite. Merchant 

We continue to invest in our mobile 

productivity 

volume of more than $7.4 billion. We process payments for 

and digital banking platforms and 

within our branch 

approximately 3,500 merchant customers and added 680 

network. In 2014, 

new customers in 2013.

increasing 

revenue in 2013 exceeded $27 million on customer sales 

will introduce several new exciting 

we will roll out  

features, including remote deposit 

 our new toggle 

functionality, 

and new bill pay functionality.

which will give 

credit card users 

choices in how 

quickly they pay for individual purchases. We continue to 

invest in our mobile and digital banking platforms and will 

introduce several new exciting features, including remote 

deposit and new bill pay functionality. Additionally, we will 

introduce a number of initiatives in 2014 that will enhance 

productivity and our customer experience, including the 

latest self-service technology at our branches and improved 

communication capabilities. 

Corporate Card and Merchant Activities
Our corporate card payments business has grown in a  

c o R P o R A T E  c A R D  f E E S    

  C A G R   =   2 5 %
  C A G R   =   2 5 %

5 - Y e a r
5   Y e a r

  09 

10 

11 

12 

13

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

M
n
i

$

$90
$80
$70
$60
$50
$40
$30
$20
$10

$  0

Wealth and Asset Management
We offer wealth and asset management services through  

The Commerce Trust Company, which is a leading regional 

provider of private client and institutional wealth management 

services. We provide asset management, including trust and 

investment advisory services, to individual and corporate 

short period of time to become the largest of our payment 

clients, as well as private banking and family office services. 

businesses. This business involves processing corporate 

Through Commerce Trust, we manage a family of mutual 

payments, including accounts payable payments for our 

funds, the Commerce Funds, with assets of $1.8 billion, and 

commercial customers. We offer this product through our 

we operate a retail brokerage business, Commerce Brokerage 

commercial bankers in our traditional markets and across  

Services, Inc.

48 states through a dedicated sales staff. We service 

In 2013, trust and asset management revenues grew  

businesses in many industries and have developed 

8%, to $103 million, reflecting a 5-year compound growth 

specialties in healthcare, education and government. 

rate of 5%. Total client assets also grew 16% to a record 

During 2013, corporate card revenues grew to  

$35.2 billion, and overall asset management profitability 

$81 million, an increase of 14%, on customer-generated 

grew by 8%. Asset management sales included over $8 

sales volume of $6.0 billion. The Company processes 

million in new annual revenues, while our strong account 

payments for 1,000 commercial customers, including 200 

retention remained above industry standards. 

new customers in 2013 with projected annualized sales 

Private banking loans increased 18% in 2013, and we 

volumes of approximately $1.6 billion. This product enables 

continued to see solid growth in our family office business. 

customers to reduce expenses and become more efficient in 

With client assets of $10.1 billion, our Commerce Family 

We ask, listen and solve.COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
8

Office business was ranked 20th largest in the world by 

Risk Management

Bloomberg Markets in 2013. We added new family office 

We continually focus on maintaining top-quartile asset 

clients with assets of more than $1.5 billion in 2013 and 

quality through an emphasis on strong underwriting and 

continue to see good growth opportunities.

credit management throughout the lending life cycle, and  

Commerce Trust provides important opportunities for  

our results in 2013 continued to be among the best in the 

our Company. The wealth management business is a growth 

banking industry. Net loan charge-offs declined to $31 

Our Commerce Family Office business 

was ranked 20th largest in the world 

by Bloomberg Markets in 2013.

industry, 

driven by 

ongoing 

wealth 

generation  

in the U.S. 

million in 2013, a decrease of 20%, and totaled .30% of 

average loans, compared to the top 50 banks’ loss rate of 

.48%. Non-performing loans declined to .45% of loans, the 

lowest level in five years, compared to the industry average of 

3%. The Company realized net recoveries of $5 million on a 

portfolio of commercial loans totaling more than $6 billion. 

and the demographics of retiring baby boomers. With its 

These recoveries mainly resulted from previously charged-off 

broad array of products and services, reputation for excellence 

construction 

in personal service, integrity and long-term risk-adjusted 

and business 

The Company realized net recoveries 

investment performance, Commerce Trust is well positioned to 

loans over the 

grow its share of the market within the Commerce footprint. 

last five years.

of $5 million on a portfolio of  

We continue to invest strategically in people, products and 

Consumer 

commercial loans totaling more  

technology to support an expanding sales effort, and will also 

loan losses 

expand our capabilities in some of our newer markets. 

Commerce Brokerage provides both transaction- and 

were down 7% 

in 2013 mainly 

than $6 billion.

investment-based solutions to our retail customers for  

on lower marine/RV loan net charge-offs, while losses remain 

their investment needs. Total revenues grew 8% in 2013 

low on automobile loans. Net loan charge-offs on credit cards 

to $11 million, while client assets grew 10% to $3.5 billion.  

were up slightly over loss levels in 2012, but totaled 3.34% 

We have focused on selling our Horizons managed account 

of total credit card loans. These loss results are among the 

product, which operates much like a mutual fund family, to 

best in the industry. Furthermore, 30-day delinquencies on 

our customers who need diversification in their holdings.  

consumer loans remain low, although loss levels have now 

This product also creates a less volatile income stream for 

stabilized and are no longer declining significantly. 

Commerce Brokerage and helps attract new customers to  

our business. We believe that the synergies between 

OUTLOOK FOR 2014

Commerce Brokerage and Commerce Trust will continue  

With the U.S. economy expanding modestly in 2013, we 

to grow this business.

remain optimistic that this expansion will continue in 2014 

T R u S T  A S S E T S  A N D  f E E S

N E T  l o A N  c H A R g E- o f f S    

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

B
n
i
s
t
e
s
s
A
t
s
u
r
T

$35

$30

$25

$20

$15

$10

$5

$0

09 

10 

11 

12 

13

Trust Assets 

Trust Fees

$110

$100

$  90

$  80

$  70

$  60

$  50

$  40

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

M
n
i
s
e
e
F
t
s
u
r
T

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

M
n
i

$

$160

$140

$120

$100

$  80

$  60

$  40

$  20

$  0

  04 

05 

06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

13

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORTWe ask, listen and solve. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

9

and provide an even better environment for our Company to 

change will serve us well in the future. We continue to receive 

grow. While record low interest rates continue to pressure 

outstanding customer satisfaction scores while maintaining 

revenue growth in our industry, we see many positive signs  

both capital and earnings well above industry averages.

for this coming year. GDP growth is forecasted to reach 3%  

We remain 

in 2014, and unemployment is projected to decline to well 

under 7% by the end of the year. Private sector growth, 

dedicated to  

risk-adjusted 

improved personal balance sheets, and reduced political 

returns for our 

We believe our super-community 

model, our culture of customer first  

uncertainty are all expected to boost the economy this year.  

shareholders. 

and our willingness to embrace  

As a result of these positive factors, the Federal Reserve is 

In January, we 

expected to continue unwinding its bond purchase program, 

raised our 

and higher interest rates are expected, which will help  

cash dividend 

change will serve us well in the future.

bank margins. 

CONCLUSION

5% to $.90 per share – the 46th consecutive annual increase. 

Our return to shareholders has significantly exceeded overall 

bank stock returns over the last ten years. We believe the 

The United States commercial banking system withstood  

eventual return to more normal interest rates and a growing 

the great recession of 2008-2009 and has emerged leaner, 

domestic economy will bode well for banks in the future and 

more focused and better capitalized. It has also had to  

are very pleased with our continual growth in payments and 

battle through a sluggish economy, an extended period of 

wealth management. I’d like to thank our shareholders for 

negative short-term real interest rates, and unprecedented 

their continued support as we look forward to a challenging 

regulatory costs and oversight. Rapid changes in technology 

but successful 2014.

and consumer behavior in financial services have put more  

stress on the traditional bank model and its services and 

affected the industry’s profitability. We believe that the 

successful banks of the future will need to have strong 

cultures and a calculated sense of the markets they want  

to serve.

Commerce Bank will celebrate its 150th anniversary in  

2015. We have prospered over that century and a half for  

our shareholders by both managing risks through economic 

cycles and adapting our services to our customers as their 

needs change. We believe our super-community model, our 

culture of customer first and our willingness to embrace 

D a v i d   W .   K e m p e r ,   C h a i r m a n

C O M M E R C E   B A N C S H A R E S ,   I N C .   F E B R U A R Y   2 4 ,   2 0 1 4

R E T U R N  O N  A V E R A G E  E Q U I T Y

T E N- Y E A R   C U M U L A T I V E  T O T A L  R E T U R N

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%

-5.0%

-10.0%

Commerce  10-Year Average: 13.0%              Peers’ 10-Year Average: 9.0%

04 

05 

06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

13

$ 240

$ 200

$ 160

$ 120

$  80

$  40      

$  0

  2003 

2005 

2007 

2009 

2011 

2013

Commerce  

Peers 

Large Banks 

Commerce (CBSH) 

NASDAQ Bank 

S&P 500 

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

10

P A R T N E R I N G   F O R   G R O W T H

Leaders of growing businesses rarely do it alone. Whether they 
sell golf cars or licorice, transport cargo over long distances or 
data over short ones, successful business owners understand the 
value of a strong financial partner. It’s what enables them to make 
acquisitions when opportunities arise and build new factories 

when demand grows. Commerce Bank is fortunate to partner  
with many successful businesses. We make it our business to  
ask them where they are headed, listen to how they intend to get 
there and offer solutions to help them succeed. When we work  
in partnership with our customers, together we grow. 

2 0 1 3   C O M M E R C E   C U S T O M E R   S U C C E S S   S T O R I E S

11 | Building a Foundation  
a Mile High 
The area surrounding Denver’s 
historic Union Station is 
undergoing a massive 
makeover, and IMA Financial 
Group wanted to be part of it.  
Commerce provided financing 
and IMA’s new headquarters 
opened there in December 2013. 

12 | Additive for Growth 
When a company distributes  
its automotive maintenance 
products to 60 countries 
worldwide, it helps to have  
a bank that understands 
international business. That’s 
just one of the reasons why  
BG Products has banked with 
Commerce since 1971.

13 | Keep on Truckin’ 
Empire Express is known in  
the trucking industry for its 
impeccable customer service 
and efficiency. So when the 
family-owned trucking company 
looked for a new bank, it 
expected nothing less.

14 | Trust in Higher Education 
Many Fontbonne University 
students depend on  
scholarships to help make  
their education affordable. 
Fontbonne, in turn, depends  
on The Commerce Trust 
Company to manage its 
endowment, which enables 
these scholarships to serve  
even more students. 

15 | A Healthy Collaboration 
To deliver high-quality 
healthcare services at lower 
costs, it takes more than a good 
medical team; it also requires 
exceptional management.  
Nueterra, which funds, builds 
and manages healthcare 
facilities throughout the world, 
would know. 

16 | Sweet Success 
In 2013, West Coast-based 
American Licorice moved its 
banking business to Commerce.  
It didn’t matter that the bank’s 
closest bricks-and-mortar branch 
was more than 1,000 miles away.

17 | How to Succeed in Business 
Over the past 30 years, Daryl 
Woodard has invested in and,  
in some cases, led IT consulting, 
computer networking, energy 
and other businesses. He 
understands the value of a 
strong banking relationship 
better than most. 

18 | Excellent Follow Through 
When Chris Miller spotted an 
opportunity to lease golf cars to 
his local country club 35 years 
ago, he didn’t think twice. He just 
presented his business idea to 
Commerce Bank. 

11

Building a Foundation  
a Mile High

IMA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. 

DENVER, COLORADO

An employee-owned financial services company 

Robert Cohen says he had a good feeling 
after meeting the Commerce bankers from 
Denver for the first time two years ago. 

“They reminded me of the people at our 
company,” says Robert, chairman and CEO 
of IMA Financial Group. “I knew we needed 
to find a way to do business together.” 

About that same time, employee-owned 
IMA Financial was preparing to become the 
first private company to commit to moving 
its corporate headquarters to Denver’s 
Union Station neighborhood. The historic 
train station and surrounding 19.5 acres are 
undergoing massive redevelopment to create 
a new urban center and transportation hub 
for residents, tourists and commuters alike.
“That project seemed like a good place 

to start,” Robert says. 

But he and his partners needed more 

than simple construction financing from 
Commerce. The complex loan structure 
would require considerable negotiation  
and involve financing a nearby pedestrian 
bridge for the Denver Union Station Project 
Authority. The clock on IMA’s existing 
building lease, meanwhile, was ticking. 
Long story short: the five-story 

headquarters broke ground in April 2012. 
Twenty months later, IMA Financial took 
occupancy, right on schedule.

“It was like all successful business 
deals,” Robert says. “It took two partners 
willing to work though the details to make  
it happen.”

“People often wonder, what is the one 
magic thing a company can do to set itself 
apart from the crowd?” Robert says. “For 
Commerce, it was all the little things they 
did better than anyone else. From the 
personal involvement of their bankers,  
to the speed of their decision-making, to  
their payment process – little things add 
up. Commerce not only met, they exceeded 
my expectations.”

The building was financed by Commerce, and IMA Financial Group became the first private company to commit to moving its corporate 
headquarters to the Denver Union Station redevelopment, according to Robert Cohen, chairman and chief executive officer.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORTWe ask, listen and solve. 
 
 
 
 
  
  
12

as a distributor of the company’s original 
two automotive maintenance products.

BG Products has ridden a growth  

curve ever since. Today the company 
manufactures more than 144 solutions  
that make automobiles perform better  
and last longer, and distributes them in 
more than 60 countries worldwide.

Commerce provided financing for a new $50 million 

manufacturing center in El Dorado, Kansas, where BG Products 

makes automotive maintenance goods sold in more than 60 
countries worldwide.  From left, Galen Myers, chairman;  
Darin Greseth, president and chief executive officer; and  
Ron Garcia, vice president and general manager.

is here for us,” says Ron Garcia, vice 
president and general manager. Most 

“ From day one, Commerce has provided 

us exactly what we’ve needed to grow 

and be successful.”  

The “financial additive” the company uses 
to fuel its growth? Commerce Bank.

“Whether we need help with cash 
management or letters of credit, Commerce

recently, that included helping  
to finance a new $50 million 
manufacturing center.

And BG Products isn’t done 
yet. “As we look for our next golden 
era of growth, it’s good to know 
that, when an opportunity arises, 
Commerce is just a phone call away,” says 
Darin. Adds board chairman Galen Myers, 
“It’s always been reassuring to know that 
Commerce is right beside us.”

An Additive for  Growth

BG PRODUCTS, INC. 

WICHITA AND EL DORADO, KANSAS

A global manufacturer of automotive maintenance 

products and equipment 

Darin Greseth is, much to his delight, in a 
rapidly changing industry.

“Change creates opportunities,” he 
says. “Our company got where it is today  
by eagerly jumping on them.”

That fearlessness dates back to 1971, 
when seven World War II veterans-turned-
entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to help 
auto repair shops and car dealerships keep 
pace with the ever-increasing sophistica-
tion of the vehicles they were charged to 
maintain. The seven banded together to 
form BG Products, with each one serving  

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORTWe ask, listen and solve. 
 
 
 
 
13

Keep on Truckin’

EMPIRE EXPRESS 

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

One of the Southeast’s premier family-owned 

trucking firms

Time is money in the trucking industry. 
That’s why Tim Gatlin is glad that two-
thirds of his family’s trucking business  
is what truckers call “drop and hook.”

“That means we drop off one trailer  
and immediately hook up another one,” 
explains Tim, president and CEO of Empire 
Express. “We like it because our drivers 
aren’t waiting around for cargo to be 
loaded and unloaded.”

That “get ‘er done” attitude  — along 

with the latest satellite tracking and 
mobile communications technology  —   
enables this 25-year-old carrier to keep  
its fleet of 200 trucks and 550 trailers 
constantly on the move throughout the 
United States and Canada.

The desire for efficiency also explains, 

in part, why Empire Express moved its 
banking business to Commerce in 2013.
“After calling on us for the better  
part of three years, Commerce’s Rick 
Seadler did an analysis of our company 
that opened my eyes,” says Ed Gatlin,  
Tim’s father and the company’s founder.  
“He gave us great ideas and introduced  
us to great people who would make  
them happen.”

“We now have a computerized bank 
balance waiting for us every morning,”  
Ed says. The company’s deposits, wire 
transfers, ACH payments and other 
banking transactions are all done online. 
Commerce is also the lead bank on 
financing the 50 or so trucks Empire 
Express replaces each year.

Says Ed, “At this point, our relation-
ship with Commerce is as close as any our 
business has ever had. They’ve developed 
into a true partner.”

Empire Express replaces about 50 of the 200 tractor-trailer 

trucks in its fleet each year, with Commerce serving as its lead 
bank for financing. From left, Tim Gatlin, president and  
chief executive officer; and Ed Gatlin, chairman. 

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORTWe ask, listen and solve.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14

Trust in Higher Education

FONTBONNE UNIVERSITY 

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

A Catholic liberal arts university founded in 1923

Like many successful institutions of  
higher learning, Fontbonne University  
has amassed a strong endowment and 
depends on a portion of the income it  
earns each year to fund student scholarships 
and other expenses.

So in spring 2013, when Fontbonne’s 

leaders began considering alternative  
ways to manage these and other restricted 
funds, they knew one thing for sure: the 
partner they chose would need to be one 
they could trust completely.

“It was essential for us to have 
confidence in the people working on our 
behalf,” says Gary Zack, the university’s 
vice president for Finance and Administration. 
“We were looking for competent, profes-
sional investment advice, along with a  
track record of success.”

As it turns out, they didn’t have to look  

far. Commerce had served as Fontbonne’s 
bank for nearly 30 years, beginning with 
ordinary depository services and, over 
time, adding everything from purchasing 
cards to electronic services that have 
helped the university operate more 
efficiently. By 2009, Fontbonne had also 
selected The Commerce Trust Company  
to serve as trustee on a bond sale.
After soliciting proposals and  
interviewing other well-respected firms, 
Fontbonne made the decision to entrust  
its entire endowment to Commerce Trust. 
We’re just a good match,” Gary says. 
“Commerce is conservatively managed,  
and we are as well. That puts us in sync 
with one another, which enables these 
scholarships to serve even more students.”     

Fontbonne University had been a Commerce customer  

for nearly 30 years before entrusting its entire endowment  
to Commerce Trust in 2013. From left, Gary Zack,  
vice president for Finance and Administration;  
and Dennis Golden, president.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORTWe ask, listen and solve. 
 
 
 
15

“We want to work with bankers who 
don’t just understand our plans, but who 
will take an active role in our strategic 
planning and decision-making process,” 
says Dan Tasset, chairman.

That’s precisely what set Commerce 
apart from other banks vying for the firm’s 
business last year.

“I had already begun a private  

banking relationship with  
Commerce,” recalls Dan. “I liked  
the attentive, personal service I  
got. Since bringing Commerce on  
as Nueterra’s primary bank, the  
level of service we receive has  
only grown.”

The relationship took off last 

As Nueterra expands into Europe, Latin America and beyond, 

the Kansas-based company relies on Commerce for letters  

of credit and other international banking expertise. From left, 
Dan Saale, chief financial officer; Dan Tasset, chairman; and 
Tim O’Brien, chief operating officer.

for a full range of financial services, 
including their primary credit and treasury 
needs, corporate card, and international 
and private banking.

“ We didn’t want a bank. We wanted a  

banking relationship. Commerce has  

given us just that.”

spring when Commerce began rolling out  
its automated Accounts Payable Solution 
payment processing system, both at 
Nueterra’s corporate offices and in the 
healthcare facilities it manages across the 
country. Today, Nueterra looks to Commerce 

“Commerce understands the healthcare 

business,” says Dan. “More importantly, 
they understand OUR business and bring  
us leading-edge technologies that help us 
achieve our goals.”

A Healthy Collaboration

NUETERRA 

LEAWOOD, KANSAS

A leading global healthcare management and 

development company

Nueterra is in a business that is built on 
collaboration. 

For nearly two decades, the Kansas 
company has partnered with physician 
groups, healthcare systems and  
governments to fund, build and manage 
healthcare facilities throughout the  
world. Nueterra’s combination of strategic 
guidance, financial resources and efficient 
management helps its healthcare partners 
deliver their services at a higher quality  
and lower cost.

So it should come as no surprise that 
Nueterra’s leaders would seek a banking 
partner that also places a high premium  
on collaboration.

We ask, listen and solve.COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16

Sweet Success

AMERICAN LICORICE COMPANY 

UNION CITY, CALIFORNIA  

One of the oldest licorice manufacturers in  

the United States

Financial stability is important to American 
Licorice. It has enabled the century-old 
company to remain a candy aisle staple, 
even as other family-run confectionaries 
are absorbed by larger companies or 
disappear completely.

Old-fashioned customer service also 
matters to American Licorice, which has 
built strong customer loyalty by delighting 
generations of children with its Red Vines 
and other classic licorice twists, ropes  
and bites.

After being introduced to Commerce, 
the licorice maker felt it had found a bank 
with similar priorities, according to John 
Kretchmer, chief executive officer and great-
grandson of the company’s founder.

So in October 2011, the West Coast-
based company moved its business  —  
including lines of credit, cash management, 
credit card services and more  — to 
Commerce. The bank’s largely Midwestern 
branch footprint didn’t make a lick of 
difference.

“These days, it’s possible to bank  
with anyone from anywhere in the world,” 
says John. “We chose Commerce because  
it is a strong, financially stable bank that 
could give us the financial flexibility to 
improve and expand production, invest in 
our associates and weather challenging 
economic cycles with confidence.”

But it was more than that. “Commerce 
took the time to understand our business 
and to earn our trust and respect,” says 
John. “That allows us to focus our energy 
on what we do best: making the great 
candy our customers love.”

Currently celebrating its 100-year anniversary, American 

Licorice makes six different brands of licorice twists, ropes 

and bites at its production facilities in California and Indiana. 
From left, John Nelson, chief operations officer;  
and Clarence Walsh, accounting manager.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORTWe ask, listen and solve. 
 
 
 
 
17

How to Succeed  
in Business

DARYL WOODARD 

TULSA, OKLAHOMA

Longtime entrepreneur and CEO of SageNet, LLC,  
a managed network services provider    

Daryl Woodard is like many successful 
entrepreneurs, he has a sixth sense about 
what the world needs next.

As personal computer sales were 
starting to take off in the mid-eighties, he 
purchased a number of MicroAge computer 
franchises, one of the nation’s first retail 
computer stores.

After growing annual sales to $120 
million, Daryl sold his franchises in 1995  
to join a longtime partner in starting an IT 
consulting firm that delivered the custom 
computer applications that oil and gas and 
other industries needed at the time.

He sold his interest in that company 
and started SageNet, a technology firm  
that provides the networking solutions 
multi-site retailers need to improve 
security, speed transaction times and 
address other mission-critical needs.

In recent years, he has also invested  

in an energy company, bought back his  
IT consulting firm and — most recently —  
acquired a Washington, D.C.-based  
communications network company that 
more than doubles SageNet’s size.

At his side virtually the entire time has 
been Carl Hudgins, who today is chairman 
of Commerce Bank’s Oklahoma market.

“Carl was my loan officer in 1986 when I 
was just getting started,” says Daryl.  The two 
continued to work together when they helped 
found Bank South, which Commerce purchased 
in 2007. Commerce has helped finance 
Daryl’s companies’ growth ever since.

“Commerce has the lending capacity 
and sophisticated services of a large bank, 
but the day-to-day personal service and 
senior-level attention you’d expect of a 
community bank,” says Daryl. This brings 
Daryl peace of mind as he seeks out new 
opportunities. “It’s good to have a 
relationship that goes beyond dollars  
and cents,” he says.

Financing from Commerce helped SageNet CEO Daryl Woodard acquire another computer networking company, invest in an energy 
startup and capitalize on other entrepreneurial opportunities.   

We ask, listen and solve.COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18

Excellent Follow Through

M&M GOLF CARS 

MEXICO, MISSOURI

A large Midwestern distributor of Club Car, the 

nation’s top-selling golf cars

In 1978 Chris Miller tagged along when his 
wife’s nursery business was completing a 
project at a local country club. “I overheard 
a conversation between two people 
discussing their desire to lease some  
new golf cars,” Chris recalls. “I told them 
I’d like to help.”

The only problem was, Chris wasn’t  
in the golf car business. So he did some 
research and learned he could become a 
Club Car dealer by purchasing six of their 
vehicles. He also learned that one of the 
people he overheard served on the local 
Commerce Bank board. So Chris proposed 
an idea:  if Commerce would finance the 
cars’ purchase, he would lease them to  
the club.

And M&M Golf Cars was formed.
In the 35 years since, the family-owned 
dealership has grown to include territories 
in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Illinois, 
where it leases or sells 4,000 to 5,000 
vehicles a year. An ancillary business 
makes conversion kits that transform used 
golf cars into everything from athletic field 
ambulances to college campus fire trucks.
As Chris’ business has grown, so  
have his banking needs. Commerce today 
provides M&M Golf Cars with everything 
from merchant cards and payroll services, 
to an automated loan sweep and foreign 
exchange.

“Our cash needs fluctuate widely 
throughout the year,” says Chris. “Our 
banker, Ron Hopkins, put together a plan 
that puts our company’s money to work  
and speeds the time I’m paid on our 
leases. It’s a great partnership.”

Commerce provided financing for the first six golf cars  

he purchased 35 years ago — and tens of thousands more 
since, according to Chris Miller, president of M&M Golf Cars. 

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORTWe ask, listen and solve. 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

19

C O M M U N I T Y   A D V I S O R S 

A fundamental element of Commerce Bank’s super- 

fabric of the market. Local civic and business leaders,  

community strategy is the role of our Community  

serving as Community Advisors, provide the insight  

Advisors. We believe that a deep understanding and  

to local needs that ensures Commerce delivers on  

a close relationship with the communities we serve  

its promise. Following are the names of these  

can be achieved only when we are interwoven in the 

ambassadors within each of our markets.

Missouri
BARRY COUNTY

Donald Cupps
Ellis, Cupps & Cole

CAPE GIRARDEAU

CENTRAL MISSOURI

Leon Eftink
The Remodeling Room

William A. Easley, Jr.
Retired,  

W. Cliff Ford
Mount Auburn Properties, LLC

Alan Gregory
Gregory Construction, Inc.

Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Mike Kasten
University of Missouri

Richard R. Kennard
Coad Chevrolet, Inc. 

Coad Toyota

Adam Kidd
Kidd’s Gas & 

Convenience Store

Frank Kinder
Red Letter Communications, Inc.

John Layton
Layton and Southard, LLC

Roger Tolliver
Commerce Bank

Allen Toole
Cape Electrical Supply, Inc.

Timothy D. Woodard
Commerce Bank

Commerce Bank 

JoAnne Ellis
Retired Educator

Phil Hutchens
Hutchens Construction

Mike McCracken
Commerce Bank

Eugene Miekley
Miekley and Cupps, 

DVM Office

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Keith Shumaker
Shumaker Tire, Inc.

Clive C. Veri
Commerce Bank

Jerry Watley
Able 2 Products Co.

BOLIVAR

Jannis Keeling
Keeling Accounting & 

Financial Services

Craig Lehman
Shelter Insurance Agency

Robert Moreland
Commerce Bank

Douglas D. Neff
Commerce Bank

Ed Peterson
Century 21  

Peterson Real Estate

Dr. C. Pat Taylor
Southwest Baptist University

R.D. Vestal
Vestal Equipment Co., Inc.

Mike Alden
University of Missouri

Dan Atwill
Atwill & Montgomery, 

Attorneys

Brent Beshore
AdVentures, LLC

Brent Bradshaw
Orscheln Management  

Company

Morris F. Burger
Burger’s Country Cured Hams

Brad Clay
Commerce Bank

Joe Hartman
Retired,  

Commerce Bank

Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Ron Hopkins
Commerce Bank

George M. Huffman
Pearl Motor Company

Jack W. Knipp
Knipp Enterprises

Rick Kruse
Retired, Boone National 

Savings & Loan Assoc.

Dr. Mike Lutz
Mike Lutz, DDS

David A. Machens
Machens Enterprises

Teresa Maledy
Commerce Bank

Jim McRoberts
McRoberts Farms, Inc.

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  

Commerce Bank

Robert K. Pugh
MBS Textbook Exchange

Jim Rolls
Retired,  

Associated Electric Cooperative

James Schatz
Commerce Bank

Valerie Shaw
Commerce Bank

Steve Sowers
Commerce Bank

Col. C. R. Stribling, III 
Retired, 

Missouri Military Academy

Ken Tebow
Commerce Bank

Mel Toellner
Gold Crest Distributing 

& Songbird Station

Larry Webber
Webber Pharmacy

Dr. John S. Williams 
Retired, 

Horton Animal Hospital

EASTERN JACKSON COUNTY

Kevin G. Barth
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  

Commerce Bank

Jason E. Boyer
Commerce Bank

Jackie DeSouza
Lee’s Summit Medical Center

Jon Ellis
Paradise Park, Inc.

Gayle Evans
Chinnery, Evans & Nail

Todd E. Gafney
Commerce Bank

Gary Hawkins
HSMC Certified Public 

Accountants, P.C.

Kelly Hooker
Commerce Bank

Robert Hormann
Durvet, Inc.

Robert Lund
Realty Trust Group

Mike Patel
Balaji Investment, LLC

Jeanne Rau-Flattery
Millenium International, LLC

Edward J. Reardon, II
Commerce Bank

Robert C. Thompson
Thompson Properties, LLC

HANNIBAL

C. Todd Ahrens
Hannibal Regional Hospital

David M. Bleigh
Bleigh Construction 

Company and Bleigh  

Ready Mix Company

Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Jim Humphreys
Luck, Humphreys and 

Associates, CPA, P.C.

Jerold (Jerry) W. Lee
Commerce Bank

Darin D. Redd
Commerce Bank

Mike Scholes
Reliable Termite & Pest Control, 

Inc.

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

20

Missouri Continued

HARRISONVILLE

KANSAS CITY

LEBANON

Kevin G. Barth
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Jerry N. Benson
Retired,  

Commerce Bank

Aaron Aurand
Crouch, Spangler & Douglas

Connie Aversman
Commerce Bank

Larry Dobson
Real Estate Investments

Mark Hense
Ifil USA, LLC

Scott Milner
Milner O’Quinn  

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

Clay C. Blair, III
Clay Blair Services Corp.

Ellen Z. Darling
Zimmer Companies

Stephen D. Dunn
J. E. Dunn Construction Co., Inc.

Joe Freeman
Pioneer Financial Services, Inc.

Brent Probasco
Cass Regional Medical Center, 

Stephen Gound
Labconco Corp.

C. L. William Haw
Haw Ranch

Jonathan M. Kemper
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  

Commerce Bank

David Kiersznowski
DEMDACO

Stephen G. Mos
Central States Beverage Company

Randall L. O’Donnell, Ph.D.
Children’s Mercy Hospital  

and Clinics

Edward J. Reardon, II
Commerce Bank

Dr. Nelson R. Sabates
Sabates Eye Centers

Kirk H. Schulz, Ph.D
Kansas State University

Charles S. Sosland
Sosland Publishing Company

Thomas R. Willard
Tower Properties

Inc.

Aaron Rains
Commerce Bank

Laurence Smith
Reece & Nichols Smith Realty

Larry Snider
Snider & Associates, Inc.

Timothy Soulis
Gas Light Properties

JOPLIN

Jerrod Hogan
Anderson Engineering

David C. Humphreys
TAMKO Building 

Products, Inc.

Dr. Richard E. LaNear
Missouri Southern  

State University

Barbara J. Majzoub
Yorktown Properties

Fred Osborn
Mercy

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  

Commerce Bank

Eric Schnelle
S&H Farm Supply, Inc.

Todd Stout
Standard Transportation 

Services, Inc.

Clive C. Veri
Commerce Bank

Hugh V. Corry
Hardware Electric & 

Plumbing Supply Company

Brian Esther
Commerce Bank

Lester M. Evans
Cattleman

Douglas D. Neff
Commerce Bank

Harold Storck
Cattleman

Dan M. Waterman
CPA

POPLAR BLUFF

Bill R. Brandt
Commerce Bank

John A. Clark
Attorney at Law

Bob Greer
Retired

Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

James P. McLane
McLane Livestock 

Transport, Inc.

Mark Melloy
Briggs & Stratton Corp.

Roger Tolliver
Commerce Bank

Ben Traxel
Dille and Traxel, LLC

Gregory West
Mills Iron & Supply

Timothy D. Woodard
Commerce Bank

ST. JOSEPH

Robert J. Brown, Jr.
Robert J. Brown  

Lumber Company

James H. Counts
Attorney at Law

Brett Carolus
Hillyard, Inc.

Robert S. Dempster
Commerce Bank

Seth M. Leadbeater
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

James B. Morgan
Subsurface Constructors, Inc.

Victor L. Richey, Jr. 
ESCO Technologies, Inc.

Steven F. Schankman
Contemporary Productions, LLC

James E. Schiele
St. Louis Screw & Bolt Co.

John (Jack) A. Schreiber
Commerce Bank

Thomas H. Stillman
Summit Distributing

Christine Taylor-Broughton
Enterprise Holdings

Gregory Twardowski
Whelan Security Company

Kelvin R. Westbrook
KRW Advisors, LLC

Patricia D. Whitaker
Arcturis

ST. LOUIS METRO EAST

William Courtney
Helitech Concrete & 

Structural Repair

Thomas Lippert
Liese Lumber Company, Inc.

Robert McClellan 
Retired,

Hortica Insurance &  

Employee Benefits

James Rauckman
Rauckman High Voltage 

Sales, LLC

Dr. James T. Rosborg
McKendree University

Jack Schmitt
Jack Schmitt Family 

of Dealerships

Joe Wiley
Quest Management Consultants

Dr. Charles J. Willey
Innovare Health Advocates

Richard N. DeShon
Civic Leader

Pat Dillon
Heartland Health

Andrew Fent
Commerce Bank

Pete Gray
Gray Automotive 

Products Co.

Corky Marquart
Commerce Bank

Brad McAnally
Hy-Vee Food Store

Dr. Scott Murphy
Murphy-Watson-Burr  

Eye Center

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Edward J. Reardon, II
Commerce Bank

Matt Robertson
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Judy Sabbert
Heartland Foundation

Emil H. Sechter
Commerce Bank

ST. LOUIS METRO

Blackford F. Brauer
Hunter Engineering Co.

Kyle Chapman
Forsyth Capital Investors

Charles L. Drury, Jr.
Drury Hotels

Joseph Forshaw, IV
Forshaw of St. Louis

James G. Forsyth, III
Moto, Inc.

David S. Grossman
Grossman Iron and Steel

Juanita Hinshaw
H & H Advisors

Donald A. Jubel
Spartan Light Metal Products

David W. Kemper
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

John W. Kemper
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Alois J. Koller, Jr. 
Koller Enterprises, Inc.

Kristopher G. Kosup
Buckeye International, Inc.

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

21

Lee Reeve
Reeve Cattle Company

Patrick Rooney
Rooney Agri Business

Pat Sullivan
Sullivan Analytical 

Service, Inc.

Bob Tempel
WindRiver Grain, LLC

HAYS

D.G. Bickle, Jr.
Warehouse, Inc.

Kurt David
Eagle Communications, Inc.

Earnest A. Lehman
Midwest Energy, Inc.

Stuart Lowry
Sunflower Electric Power  

Corporation

Marty Patterson
Rome Corporation 

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Kevin Royer
Midland Marketing Co-op

Thomas L. Thomas
Commerce Bank

SPRINGFIELD

Roger Campbell, Jr.
Campbell Ford-Mercury, Inc.

James P. Ferguson
Heart of America  

Beverage Co.

Charles R. Greene
Husch Blackwell, LLP

Bunch Greenwade
Rancher

Robert A. 
Hammerschmidt, Jr.
Commerce Bank

John Himmel 
Retired, 

Commerce Bank

Seth M. Leadbeater
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Mary Kay Meek
Try-Meek, Inc.

Alvin D. Meeker
Retired,  

Commerce Bank

James F. Moore
Investments

David Murray
R.B. Murray Company

Douglas D. Neff
Commerce Bank

Keith Noble
Commerce Bank

Richard Ollis
Ollis & Company Insurers

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

B. Glenn Robinson
Grand Country Square

Kansas 
BUTLER COUNTY 

(EL DORADO)

Eugene S. Adams
Retired

Marilyn B. Pauly
Commerce Bank

Mark Utech
Commerce Bank

Dr. Jackie Vietti
Butler Community College

COLUMBUS

Jay Hatfield
Jay Hatfield Chevrolet

Wesley C. Houser
Retired,  

Commerce Bank

Don Kirk
H & K Campers Inc.

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Jane Rhinehart
Commerce Bank

Darrel Shumake
Attorney at Law

Clive C. Veri
Commerce Bank

GARDEN CITY

Richard Harp
Commerce Bank

Dr. Gloria Hopkins
Fry Eye Associates

Dennis Kleysteuber
Kleysteuber & Gillen Inc.

Gerald Miller
Commerce Bank

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Missouri Continued

ST. LOUIS SOUTH

Michael D. Allen
Hoya Optical

Phillip J. Amato
Retired

Scott Lively
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Thomas E. Muzzey
Orchard Farm School District

Louis J. Naeger
Semi-retired, 

Stuart Krawll
Beam of St. Louis, Inc.

Howard M. Rosen
Conner Ash, P.C.

ST. LOUIS EAST

Tino DiFranco
Tropicana Bowling Lanes

J. L. (Juggie) Hinduja
Sinclair Industries, Inc.

Myron J. Klevens
Organizational Development  

Crouch, Farley & Heuring, P.C.

Strategies

Lee Thurman
Thurman, Shinn 

and Company

ST. LOUIS WEST

Cyrus Blackmore
Blackmore & Glunt, Inc.

Richard K. Brunk
Attorney at Law

James N. Foster
McMahon Berger 

Jack Hoffmann
Milestone Solutions

Richard E. Hrabko
Retired

Herbert (Herb) S. Jones
Messenger Printing & 

Publishing, Inc.

Stephen Mattis
Allied Industrial Equipment 

Corporation

Richard C. Mueller, Jr.
Bopp Funeral Chapel

Greg W. Schmittgens
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Patrick N. Lawlor
Lawlor Corporation

Lisa McLaughlin
Polsinelli

McGraw Milhaven
Talk Show Host – KTRS

Scott Polzin
Aberdeen Heights

Dennis Scharf
Scharf Tax Services

Richard C. Ward
Zimmer Real Estate Services,  

L.C./ONCOR International

ST. CHARLES COUNTY/NORTH

Gaspare Calvaruso
SSM St. Joseph Health Center

Ronald D. Chesbrough
St. Charles Community College

James D. Evans
President,  

Lindenwood University

Peter J. Mihelich, Jr.
Goellner Promotions

Duane A. Mueller
Cissell Mueller Construction 

Company

Howard A. Nimmons
CPA, CFP 

Nimmons Wealth Management

Tarlton J. Pitman
Pitman Funeral Home, Inc.

William J. Zollmann, III
Attorney at Law

Don Zykan
Zykan Properties

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

22

Eric E. Ireland
Commerce Bank

Fran D. Jabara
Jabara Ventures Group

Paul D. Jackson
Vantage Point Properties, Inc.

Seth M. Leadbeater
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Gaylyn K. McGregor
Commerce Bank

Derek L. Park
Law Office of Derek Park, LLC

Marilyn B. Pauly
Commerce Bank

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Barry L. Schwan
House of Schwan, Inc.

Collin Stieben
Commerce Bank

Thomas D. White
White & Ellis Drilling, Inc.

MANHATTAN

Kelly Briggs
Bayer Construction

Tom Giller
Commerce Bank

Dr. Jackie L. Hartman
Kansas State University

Neal Helmick
Griffith Lumber Co.

Rich Jankovich
Commerce Bank

Dr. Ali Malekzadeh
Kansas State University

Dr. David Pauls
Surgical Associates

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

L.W. Stolzer
Griffith Lumber Co.

PITTSBURG

Dr. Thomas W. Bryant
Pittsburg State University

Todd Coleman
Miller’s Professional Imaging

Harvey R. Dean
Pitsco, Inc.

Joe Dellasega
U.S. Awards

Adam Endicott
Unique Metal 

Fabrication, Inc.

Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Ronald L. Rhodes
Rhodes Grocery, Inc.

Steve W. Sloan
Midwest Minerals, Inc.

Brian Sutton
Commerce Bank

Clive C. Veri
Commerce Bank

Judith A. Westhoff
Retired,  

Commerce Bank

Wendell L. Wilkinson
Retired, 

Commerce Bank

RENO COUNTY 

(HUTCHINSON)

John C. Clevenger
Commerce Bank

Steven B. Harper
Network Management Group, Inc.

Brett Mattison
Decker & Mattison Company

John Munds
V&M Transport, Inc.

WICHITA

Dr. John Bardo
Wichita State University

Michael P. Brown
College Hill OB/GYN

Michael E. Bukaty
Retired, 

Latshaw Enterprises, Inc.

John C. Clevenger
Commerce Bank

Ray L. Connell
Connell & Connell

Monte A. Cook
Commerce Bank

Thomas E. Dondlinger
Dondlinger & Sons 

Construction Co., Inc.

Ronald W. Holt
Sedgwick County

Kansas Continued

JOHNSON COUNTY

Kevin G. Barth
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Damond Boatwright
Overland Park Regional  

Medical Center

Jim Denning
Discover Vision

Todd E. Gafney
Commerce Bank

Lance W. Hart
DEMDACO

Chris Herre
Rose Construction Co., Inc.

Pat Olney
Commerce Bank

Charles D. Peters
Peters & Associates

Edward J. Reardon, II
Commerce Bank

Thomas K. Rogge
Cramer Products

Daniel E. Sight
Reece Commercial

Kevin Winters
CBIZ

LAWRENCE 

J. Scot Buxton
Willis Group

Martin B. Dickinson, Jr.
Schroeder Professor of Law, 

University of Kansas

Mark Heider
Commerce Bank

Evan Ice
Stephens & Brand, LLP

Eugene W. Meyer
Lawrence Memorial Hospital

Martin W. Moore
Advanco, Inc.

Kevin J. O’Malley
O’Malley Beverages  

of Kansas, Inc.

Edward J. Reardon, II
Commerce Bank

Dan C. Simons
The World Company

Michael Treanor
Treanor Architects, P.A.

LEAVENWORTH

J. Sanford Bushman
DeMaranville & Associate, 

CPAs, LLC

Norman B. Dawson
Retired,  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Sherry DeMaranville
DeMaranville and 

Associates

Mark Denney
J.F. Denney Plumbing 

& Heating

Jeremy Greenamyre
The Greenamyre Companies

Lawrence W.  O’Donnell, Jr.
Lawrence W. O’Donnell, Jr., 

CPA Chartered

Bill Petrie
Commerce Bank

Edward J. Reardon, II
Commerce Bank

Robert D. Schmitt, II
Mama Mia’s, Inc.

Kurt Seelbach
President, Armed Forces 
Insurance Exchange

 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

23

Illinois
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL

Julie Dobski
Little Jewels Learning Center 

McDonald’s

Brent A. Eichelberger
Commerce Bank

Ron Greene
Afni, Inc.

Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Parker Kemp
Kemp Farms, Inc.

Robert Lakin
Commerce Bank

Seth M. Leadbeater
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Thomas Mercier
Bloomington Offset  

Process, Inc.

Dennis Myers
Myers, Inc.

Aaron Quick
Farnsworth Group, Inc.

Jay Reece
Mueller, Reece & Hinch, LLC

Alan Sender
Chestnut Health Systems

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA

PEORIA

Mark Arends
Arends Brothers, Inc.

Paul Donohue
Provena Covenant  

Medical Center

Brian Egeberg
Commerce Bank

Tim Harrington
Devonshire Group

Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Robert Lakin
Commerce Bank

Kim Martin
Martin, Hood, Friese &  

Associates, LLC

Roger Rhodes
Horizon Hobby, Inc.

Bruce L. Alkire
Coldwell Banker Commercial 

Devonshire Realty

Daniel J. Altorfer
United Facilities, Inc.

Peter T. Coyle
Gallagher Coyle

Brent A. Eichelberger
Commerce Bank

Lowell G. “Bud” Grieves
Mark Twain Hotel

Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Seth M. Leadbeater
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 

Commerce Bank

Dr. James W. Maxey
Great Plains Orthopaedics

Edward J. Scott
Caterpillar, Inc.

Timothy F. Shea
Peoria Builders

Janet M. Wright
Central Illinois Business 

Publishers, Inc.

Oklahoma  
OKLAHOMA CITY

Ron Atchley
Atchley Resources

Gary Bridwell
Ditch Witch of Oklahoma

Steve Brown
Red Rock Distributing, Inc.

Jeb Cook
Commerce Bank

Charlie Crouse
Commerce Bank

Zane Fleming
Eagle Drilling Fluids

Mike McDonald
Triad Energy

Dr. Gabe Pitman
Neurologic Specialist

Kelly Sachs
Commerce Bank

Joe Warren
Cimarron Production

Jim Young
Commerce Bank

TULSA

Jack Allen
HUB International CFR

R. Scott Case
Case & Associates  

Properties, Inc.

Gary Christopher 
Christoper Energy

Jeffery Davis 
U.S. Beef Corporation

Wade Edmundson 
Commerce Bank

Dr. John Frame 
Breast Health Specialists 

of Oklahoma

Gip Gibson
Commerce Bank

Kent Harrell
Harrell Energy

Carl Hudgins
Commerce Bank

Bruce Humphrey
Commerce Bank

Ed Keller
Titan Resources

Teresa Knox
Community Care College

P. Ken Lackey
The NORDAM Group, Inc.

Dr. George Mauerman
Eastern Oklahoma  

Orthopedic Center

Tom Maxwell 
Flintco, LLC

Sanjay Meshri
Advanced Research Chemicals

John Neas
Neas Investments

Shannon O’Doherty
Commerce Bank

D. Lindsay Perkins
Lindsay Development

Tracy Poole
New Gulf Energy

John Turner
First Stuart Corporation

John Williams
John Williams Company

Daryl Woodard
SageNet

Colorado
DENVER

Robert L. Cohen
The IMA Financial Group, Inc.

Thomas A. Cycyota
AlloSource

Mark Danzo, O.D.
20/20 Institute

Joseph Freund, Jr.
Running Creek Ranch

R. Allan Fries
i2 Construction, LLP

Darren Lemkau
Commerce Bank

James C. Lewien
Commerce Bank

Randall H. Lortscher, M.D.
Rocky Mountain Gamma Knife 

Center, LLC

Sherman R. Miller
University of Colorado – 

Real Estate Department

Robin H. Wise
Junior Achievement –  

Rocky Mountain, Inc.

Jason Zickerman
The Alternative Board

 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT

24

Officers†
David W. Kemper
Chairman of the Board 

and Chief Executive Officer

Jonathan M. Kemper
Vice Chairman

Seth M. Leadbeater
Vice Chairman

John W. Kemper
President and  

Chief Operating Officer

Charles G. Kim
Chief Financial Officer  

and Executive Vice President

Kevin G. Barth
Executive Vice President

Daniel D. Callahan 
Executive Vice President  

and Chief Credit Officer

Sara E. Foster
Executive Vice President

V. Raymond Stranghoener 
Executive Vice President

Jeffery M. Burik
Senior Vice President

Michael J. Petrie
Senior Vice President

Robert J. Rauscher
Senior Vice President

Thomas J. Noack
Vice President, Secretary 

and General Counsel

Jeffery D. Aberdeen
Controller

Keith E. Baker
Auditor

Directors†
Terry D. Bassham*
Chairman of the Board, Chief 

W. Thomas Grant, II
President,  

Jonathan M. Kemper
Vice Chairman,  

Todd R. Schnuck*
President and  

Executive Officer and President of 

SelectQuote Senior  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Chief Operating Officer, 

Kimberly G. Walker*
Chief Investment Officer, 

Washington University  

Terry O. Meek
President,  

Meek Lumber Yard, Inc.  

Benjamin F. Rassieur, III* 
President,  

Paulo Products Company

Schnuck Markets, Inc.

in St. Louis

Andrew C. Taylor 
Executive Chairman,  

Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

Great Plains Energy, KCP&L, and 

Insurance Services

James B. Hebenstreit*
Chief Executive Officer 

and President,  

Bartlett and Company

David W. Kemper
Chairman of the Board 

and Chief Executive Officer,  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Greater Missouri Operations

John R. Capps*
Vice President,  

BCJ Motors, Inc.

Earl H. Devanny, III
Retired Chairman,  

Chief Executive Officer  

and President, 

The TriZetto Group

*Audit Committee Members
†As of January 31, 2014

U N I T E D   S T A T E S
S E C U R I T I E S   A N D   E X C H A N G E   C O M M I S S I O N

Washington, D.C. 20549

F O R M   1 0 - K

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   P U R S U A N T   T O   S E C T I O N   1 3   O R   1 5 ( d )   O F   T H E
S E C U R I T I E S   E X C H A N G E   A C T   O F   1 9 34

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2013 – Commission File No. 0-2989

C O M M E R C E   B A N C S H A R E S ,   I N C .

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Missouri

43-0889454

(State of Incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1000 Walnut,
Kansas City, MO 

(Address of principal executive offices)

(816) 234-2000

64106

(Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of class 
$5 Par Value Common Stock 

Name of exchange on which registered
NASDAQ Global Select Market 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

NONE

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes 

3

  No 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes 

  No 

3

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 

  No 

3

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 

  No 

3

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, 
and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III 
of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 

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 Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer 

3

     Accelerated filer 

      Non-accelerated filer  

    (Do not check if a 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 

  No 

3

As of June 30, 2013, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $3,528,000,000. 

As of February 10, 2014, there were 95,843,523 shares of Registrant’s $5 Par Value Common Stock outstanding.

Smaller reporting company 

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2014 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed within 120 days of 
December 31, 2013, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

DOCUMENTS   INCORPORATED  BY  REF ERE N CE

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Form 10-K

INDEX

PART I

Item 1.

Business

Item 1a.

Risk Factors

Item 1b.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Item 2.

Properties

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

Item 7.

Management’s  Discussion  and Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of 
Operations

Item 7a.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Item 9.

Changes  in  and  Disagreements  with Accountants  on Accounting  and  Financial 
Disclosure

Item 9a.

Controls and Procedures

Item 9b.

Other Information

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

PART IV

Signatures

Index to Exhibits

Page

3

7

11

11

11

11

13

15

15

54

54

112

112

114

114

114

114

114

114

115

116

E-1

2

Table of Contents

Item 1.  BUSINESS

General

PART I

Commerce Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company as defined in the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, was 
incorporated under the laws of Missouri on August 4, 1966. Through a second tier wholly-owned bank holding company, it owns 
all of the outstanding capital stock of Commerce Bank (the “Bank”), which is headquartered in Missouri.  The Bank engages in 
general banking business, providing a broad range of retail, corporate, investment, trust, and asset management products and 
services to individuals and businesses. Commerce Bancshares, Inc. also owns, directly or through the Bank, various non-banking 
subsidiaries. Their activities include underwriting credit life and credit accident and health insurance, selling property and casualty 
insurance (relating to consumer loans made by the Bank), private equity investment, securities brokerage, mortgage banking, and 
leasing activities.  A list of Commerce Bancshares, Inc.'s subsidiaries is included as Exhibit 21.

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") is one of the nation’s top 50 bank holding 
companies, based on asset size. At December 31, 2013, the Company had consolidated assets of $23.1 billion, loans of $11.0 
billion, deposits of $19.0 billion, and equity of $2.2 billion.  All of the Company’s operations conducted by its subsidiaries are 
consolidated for purposes of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

The Company’s goal is to be the preferred provider of targeted financial services in its communities, based on strong customer 
relationships.  It believes in building long-term relationships based on top quality service, a strong risk management culture, and 
a strong balance sheet with industry-leading capital levels.  The Company operates under a super-community banking format 
which incorporates large bank product offerings coupled with deep local market knowledge, augmented by experienced, centralized 
support in select critical areas.  The Company’s focus on local markets is supported by an experienced team of managers assigned 
to each market and is also reflected in its financial centers and regional advisory boards, which are comprised of local business 
persons, professionals and other community representatives, who assist the Company in responding to local banking needs. In 
addition to this local market, community-based focus, the Company offers sophisticated financial products available at much larger 
financial institutions.

The Company's banking facilities are located throughout Missouri, Kansas, and central Illinois, as well as Tulsa and Oklahoma 
City, Oklahoma and Denver, Colorado. Its two largest markets include St. Louis and Kansas City, which serve as the central hubs 
for the entire Company. 

The markets the Bank serves, being located in the lower Midwest, provide natural sites for production and distribution facilities 
and  also  serve  as  transportation  hubs.  The  economy  has  been  well-diversified  in  these  markets  with  many  major  industries 
represented,  including  telecommunications,  automobile,  aircraft  and  general  manufacturing,  health  care,  numerous  service 
industries, food production, and agricultural production and related industries. The real estate lending operations of the Bank are 
centered in its lower Midwestern markets.  Historically, these markets have tended to be less volatile than in other parts of the 
country.  Management believes the diversity and nature of the Bank’s markets has a mitigating effect on real estate loan losses in 
these markets and were key factors in the Bank’s relatively lower loan loss levels stemming from the 2008 financial crisis.  

From time to time, the Company evaluates the potential acquisition of various financial institutions. In addition, the Company 
regularly considers the potential disposition of certain assets and branches. The Company seeks merger or acquisition partners 
that are culturally similar, have experienced management and either possess significant market presence or have potential for 
improved profitability through financial management, economies of scale and expanded services.  On September 1, 2013, the 
Company acquired Summit Bancshares Inc. (Summit).  The Company's acquisition of Summit added $261.6 million in assets 
(including $207.4 million in loans), $232.3 million in deposits and two branch locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  

The Company employed 4,311 persons on a full-time basis and 578 persons on a part-time basis at December 31, 2013. The 
Company provides a variety of benefit programs including a 401(k) plan as well as group life, health, accident, and other insurance. 
The Company also maintains training and educational programs designed to address the significant and changing regulations 
facing the financial services industry and prepare employees for positions of increasing responsibility.

Competition

The Company faces intense competition from hundreds of financial service providers. It competes with national and state 
banks for deposits, loans and trust accounts, and with savings and loan associations and credit unions for deposits and consumer 
lending products. In addition, the Company competes with other financial intermediaries such as securities brokers and dealers, 
personal loan companies, insurance companies, finance companies, and certain governmental agencies.  With the passage of the 
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (GLB Act), competition has increased over time from institutions not 

3

Table of Contents

subject to the same regulatory restrictions as domestic banks and bank holding companies.  The Company generally competes on 
the basis of customer service and responsiveness to customer needs, reputation, interest rates on loans and deposits, lending limits, 
and customer convenience, such as location of offices.  The Company has approximately 13% of the deposit market share in 
Kansas City and approximately 9% of the deposit market share in St. Louis.  

Operating Segments

The Company is managed in three operating segments. The Consumer segment includes the retail branch network, consumer 
installment lending, personal mortgage banking, consumer debit and credit bank card activities. It provides services through a 
network of 202 full-service branches, a widespread ATM network of 398 machines, and the use of alternative delivery channels 
such as extensive online banking and telephone banking services. In 2013, this retail segment contributed 20% of total segment 
pre-tax income. The Commercial segment provides a full array of corporate lending, merchant and commercial bank card products, 
leasing, and international services, as well as business and government deposit and cash management services.  Fixed income 
investments are sold to individuals and institutional investors through the Capital Markets Group, which is also included in this 
segment.  In 2013, the Commercial segment contributed 64% of total segment pre-tax income.  The Wealth segment provides 
traditional  trust  and  estate  tax  planning  services,  brokerage  services,  and  advisory  and  discretionary  investment  portfolio 
management services to both personal and institutional corporate customers.    At December 31, 2013, the Trust group managed 
investments with a market value of $20.4 billion and administered an additional $14.8 billion in non-managed assets. This segment 
also manages the Company’s family of proprietary mutual funds, which are available for sale to both trust and general retail 
customers. Additional information relating to operating segments can be found on pages 44 and 88.

Government Policies

The Company's operations are affected by federal and state legislative changes, by the United States government, and by 
policies of various regulatory authorities, including those of the numerous states in which they operate.  These include, for example, 
the statutory minimum legal lending rates, domestic monetary policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 
United States fiscal policy, international currency regulations and monetary policies, the U.S. Patriot Act, and capital adequacy 
and liquidity constraints imposed by federal and state bank regulatory agencies.

Supervision and Regulation

The following information summarizes existing laws and regulations that materially affect the Company's operations.  It does 
not discuss all provisions of these laws and regulations and it does not include all laws and regulations that affect the Company 
presently or may affect the Company in the future.

General

The Company, as a bank holding company, is primarily regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHC Act). Under the BHC Act, the Federal Reserve Board’s prior approval is 
required in any case in which the Company proposes to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any bank, acquire direct or 
indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank, or merge or consolidate with any other bank 
holding company. With certain exceptions, the BHC Act also prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership 
or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares of any non-banking company. Under the BHC Act, the Company may 
not engage in any business other than managing and controlling banks or furnishing certain specified services to subsidiaries and 
may not acquire voting control of non-banking companies unless the Federal Reserve Board determines such businesses and 
services to be closely related to banking.  When reviewing bank acquisition applications for approval, the Federal Reserve Board 
considers, among other things, the Bank’s record in meeting the credit needs of the communities it serves in accordance with the 
Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended (CRA). Under the terms of the CRA, banks have a continuing obligation, 
consistent with safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including providing credit to individuals 
residing in low- and moderate-income areas.  The Bank has a current CRA rating of “outstanding”.

The Company is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board various reports and additional information the Federal Reserve 
Board  may  require.  The  Federal  Reserve  Board  also  makes  regular  examinations  of  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries.  The 
Company’s banking subsidiary is a state chartered Federal Reserve member bank and is subject to regulation, supervision and 
examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the State of Missouri Division of Finance. The Bank is also subject 
to regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). In addition, there are numerous other federal and state laws 
and regulations which control the activities of the Company and the Bank, including requirements and limitations relating to capital 
and reserve requirements, permissible investments and lines of business, transactions with affiliates, loan limits, mergers and 
acquisitions, issuance of securities, dividend payments, and extensions of credit. If the Company fails to comply with these or 
other applicable laws and regulations, it may be subject to civil monetary penalties, imposition of cease and desist orders or other 
written directives, removal of management and, in certain circumstances, criminal penalties. This regulatory framework is intended 

4

Table of Contents

primarily for the protection of depositors and the preservation of the federal deposit insurance funds, not for the protection of 
security holders. Statutory and regulatory controls increase a bank holding company’s cost of doing business and limit the options 
of its management to employ assets and maximize income. 

In addition to its regulatory powers, the Federal Reserve Bank affects the conditions under which the Company operates by 
its influence over the national supply of bank credit. The Federal Reserve Board employs open market operations in U.S. government 
securities and oversees changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings, changes in the federal funds rate on overnight inter-bank 
borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements on bank deposits in implementing its monetary policy objectives. These methods 
are used in varying combinations to influence the overall level of the interest rates charged on loans and paid for deposits, the 
price of the dollar in foreign exchange markets, and the level of inflation. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve have a 
significant effect on the operating results of financial institutions, most notably on the interest rate environment. In view of changing 
conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, as well as the effect of credit policies of monetary and fiscal 
authorities, no prediction can be made as to possible future changes in interest rates, deposit levels or loan demand, or their effect 
on the financial statements of the Company.

The financial industry operates under laws and regulations that are under constant review by various agencies and legislatures 
and are subject to sweeping change. The Company currently operates as a bank holding company, as defined by the GLB Act, and 
the Bank qualifies as a financial subsidiary under the Act, which allows it to engage in investment banking, insurance agency, 
brokerage, and underwriting activities that were not available to banks prior to the GLB Act.  The GLB Act also included privacy 
provisions that limit banks’ abilities to disclose non-public information about customers to non-affiliated entities. 

The Company must also comply with the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).  The BSA is designed to help fight 
drug trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes.  Compliance is monitored by the Federal Reserve.  The BSA was enacted 
to prevent banks and other financial service providers from being used as intermediaries for, or to hide the transfer or deposit of 
money derived from, criminal activity.  Since its passage, the BSA has been amended several times.  These amendments include 
the Money Laundering Control Act of 1986. which made money laundering a criminal act, as well as the Money Laundering 
Suppression Act of 1994 which required regulators to develop enhanced examination procedures and increased examiner training 
to improve the identification of money laundering schemes in financial institutions.  

The  USA  PATRIOT Act,  established  in  2001,  substantially  broadened  the  scope  of  U.S.  anti-money  laundering  laws  and 
regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding 
the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States.  The regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain 
appropriate  policies,  procedures  and  controls  to  detect,  prevent,  and  report  money  laundering  and  terrorist  financing.    The 
regulations include significant penalties for non-compliance.

Subsidiary Bank

Under Federal Reserve policy, the bank holding company, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (the "Parent"), is expected to act as a 
source of financial strength to its bank subsidiary and to commit resources to support it in circumstances when it might not otherwise 
do so. In addition, loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits 
and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary banks. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment 
by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by 
the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

Deposit Insurance

Substantially all of the deposits of the Bank are insured up to the applicable limits by the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC, 
generally up to $250,000 per depositor, for each account ownership category.  The Bank pays deposit insurance premiums to the 
FDIC based on an assessment rate established by the FDIC for Bank Insurance Fund member institutions.  The FDIC classifies 
institutions under a risk-based assessment system based on their perceived risk to the federal deposit insurance funds.  The current 
assessment base is defined as average total assets minus average tangible equity, with other adjustments for heavy use of unsecured 
liabilities, secured liabilities, brokered deposits, and holdings of unsecured bank debt.  For banks with more than $10 billion in 
assets, the FDIC uses a scorecard designed to measure financial performance and ability to withstand stress, in addition to measuring 
the FDIC’s exposure should the bank fail.  The Company's FDIC insurance expense was $11.2 million in 2013, $10.4 million in 
2012, and $13.1 million in 2011.    

Payment of Dividends

The Federal Reserve Board may prohibit the payment of cash dividends to shareholders by bank holding companies if their 
actions constitute unsafe or unsound practices.  The principal source of the Parent's cash revenues is cash dividends paid by the 

5

Table of Contents

Bank. The amount of dividends paid by the Bank in any calendar year is limited to the net profit of the current year combined 
with the retained net profits of the preceding two years, and permission must be obtained from the Federal Reserve Board for 
dividends exceeding these amounts. The payment of dividends by the Bank may also be affected by factors such as the maintenance 
of adequate capital.

Capital Adequacy

The Company is required to comply with the capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve. These capital 
adequacy guidelines generally require bank holding companies to maintain minimum total capital equal to 8% of total risk-adjusted 
assets and off-balance sheet items (the “Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio”), with at least one-half of that amount consisting of Tier 
I, or core capital, and the remaining amount consisting of Tier II, or supplementary capital. Tier I capital for bank holding companies 
generally consists of the sum of common shareholders’ equity, qualifying non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, a limited 
amount of qualifying cumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, 
less goodwill and other non-qualifying intangible assets. Tier II capital generally consists of hybrid capital instruments, term 
subordinated debt and, subject to limitations, general allowances for loan losses. Assets are adjusted under the risk-based guidelines 
to take into account different risk characteristics.

In addition, the Federal Reserve also requires bank holding companies to comply with minimum leverage ratio requirements. 
The leverage ratio is the ratio of a banking organization’s Tier I capital to its total consolidated quarterly average assets (as defined 
for regulatory purposes), net of the allowance for loan losses, goodwill and certain other intangible assets. The minimum leverage 
ratio for bank holding companies is 4%.  At December 31, 2013, the Company was “well-capitalized” under regulatory capital 
adequacy standards, as further discussed on page 91.

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 Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (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 must 
be compliant with revised minimum regulatory capital ratios and will begin the transitional period for definitions of regulatory 
capital and regulatory capital adjustments and deductions established under the final rule.  Compliance with the risk-weighted 
asset calculations is also required on January 1, 2015.  Management believes that as of December 31, 2013, the Company's capital 
levels would remain "well-capitalized" under the new rules.

Significant Legislation Affecting the Company

In  July  2010,  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  was  signed  into  law.  The  Dodd-Frank  Act  is  sweeping  legislation  intended  to 
overhaul regulation of the financial services industry.  Its implementation requires continuous new rulemaking and reporting over 
the foreseeable future.  Among its many provisions, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new council of “systemic risk” regulators, 
empowers the Federal Reserve to supervise the largest, most complex financial companies, allows the government to seize and 
liquidate failing financial companies, and gives regulators new powers to oversee the derivatives market.    

The Dodd-Frank Act also established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and authorized it to supervise certain 
consumer financial services companies and large depository institutions and their affiliates for consumer protection purposes.  
Subject to the provisions of the Act, the CFPB has responsibility to implement, examine for compliance with, and enforce “Federal 
consumer financial law.”  As a depository institution, the Company is subject to examinations by the CFPB, which focus on the 
Company’s ability to detect, prevent, and correct practices that present a significant risk of violating the law and causing consumer 
harm.

In 2011, the Federal Reserve, under the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, approved a final debit card interchange rule that 
significantly limited the amount of debit card interchange fees charged by banks.  The rule capped an issuer’s base fee at 21 cents 
per transaction and allowed additional fees to help cover fraud losses.  The pricing was a reduction of approximately 45% when 
compared to previous market rates.  The rule also limited network exclusivity, requiring issuers to ensure that a debit card transaction 
can be carried on two unaffiliated networks: one signature-based and one PIN-based.  The rules applied to bank issuers with more 
than $10 billion in assets and took effect in phases, with the base fee cap effective in October 2011 and the network exclusivity 
rule effective in April 2012.  On July 31, 2013, a Federal District Court judge ruled that the Federal Reserve inflated debit interchange 
fees when implementing the Dodd-Frank provision in 2011.  The judge ruled that the Federal Reserve erred in using criteria outside 
of the scope Congress intended to determine the fee cap.  The judge also ruled that the network options for both signature and PIN 
6

Table of Contents

transactions were not set appropriately in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act.  The Federal Reserve appealed this decision on 
August 21, and the decision has been stayed during the appeal process.  If not overturned on appeal, this ruling could significantly 
affect debit fees for the banking industry and for the Company.  However, these developments are preliminary and the impact on 
the Company is not determinable at this time.

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 stress tests will have an as-
of date of September 30, 2013 using scenarios provided by the Federal Reserve in November 2013 (projected nine months out).  
The Company is required to submit regulatory reports on its stress test results to the Federal Reserve by March 31, 2014.  By June 
30, 2015, the Company will be required to make public disclosures of the results of the 2015 stress tests performed under the 
severely adverse scenario. 

In December 2013, the Volcker Rule of the Dodd-Frank Act was approved by all five of the necessary financial regulatory 
agencies, and becomes effective on April 1, 2014.  The rule 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, 2015.  The Company does not believe it will be significantly affected by the 
Volcker Rule provisions. 

Available Information

The Company’s principal offices are located at 1000 Walnut, Kansas City, Missouri (telephone number 816-234-2000). The 
Company makes available free of charge, through its Web site at www.commercebank.com, reports filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission as soon as reasonably practicable after the electronic filing. These filings include the annual report on 
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports.

Statistical Disclosure

The information required by Securities Act Guide 3 — “Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies” is located on the 

pages noted below.

Page

I.
II.
III.

IV.
V.
VI.
VII.

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differential . .
20, 50-53
Investment Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-36, 73-78
Loan Portfolio
Types of Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of Loan Loss Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return on Equity and Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short-Term Borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25
25
30-34
28-30
50, 79-80
16
80

Item 1a.  RISK FACTORS

Making or continuing an investment in securities issued by Commerce Bancshares, Inc., including its common stock, involves 
certain risks that you should carefully consider.  If any of the following risks actually occur, its business, financial condition or 
results of operations could be negatively affected, the market price for your securities could decline, and you could lose all or a 
part of your investment.  Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes 
forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could 
cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on 
behalf of Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

7

Table of Contents

Difficult market conditions may affect the Company’s industry. 

The concentration of the Company’s banking business in the United States particularly exposes it to downturns in the U.S. 
economy. While  economic  conditions  have  improved  significantly  over  the  past  several  years,  there  remain  risks  that  could 
undermine these recent improvements.

In particular, the Company may face the following risks in connection with these market conditions:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

High unemployment levels and weak economic activity may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause declines 
in consumer credit usage, adverse changes in payment patterns, and higher loan delinquencies and default rates.  These 
could impact the Company’s future loan losses and provision for loan losses, as a significant part of the Company’s 
business includes consumer and credit card lending.

Reduced  levels  of  economic  activity  may  also  cause  declines  in  financial  service  transactions,  including  bank  card, 
corporate cash management and other fee businesses, as well as the fees earned by the Company on such transactions.

The Company’s ability to assess the creditworthiness of its customers may be impaired if the models and approaches it 
uses to select, manage, and underwrite its customers become less predictive of future behaviors, causing higher future 
credit losses. 

The process used to estimate losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio requires difficult, subjective, and complex 
judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions and how these economic predictions might impair the ability of 
its borrowers to repay their loans.  If an instance occurs that renders these predictions no longer capable of accurate 
estimation, this may in turn impact the reliability of the process. 

Competition in the industry could intensify as a result of the increasing consolidation of financial services companies in 
connection with current market conditions, thereby reducing market prices for various products and services which could 
in turn reduce Company revenues. 

If the level of bank failures rise, the Company may be required to pay high levels of  FDIC premiums for extended periods 
of time.  

The U.S. economy is also affected by foreign economic events.  Although the Company does not hold foreign debt, global 
conditions affecting interest rates, business export activity, capital expenditures by businesses, and investor confidence 
may negatively affect the Company by means of reduced loan demand or reduced transaction volume with the Company.

Significant changes in banking laws and regulations could materially affect the Company’s business.

 As a result of the 2008 banking crisis, a significant increase in bank regulation has occurred.  A number of new laws and 
regulations have been implemented, including those which reduce overdraft fees, credit card revenues, and revenues from student 
lending activities.  These regulations have resulted in lower revenues and higher operating costs.  As discussed in Item 1, the Dodd-
Frank Act passed in July 2010 contains significant complex regulations for all financial institutions.  Among its many provisions 
are rules which established a new council of “systemic risk” regulators, created a new consumer protection division within the 
Federal Reserve, empower the Federal Reserve to supervise the largest, most complex financial companies, allow the government 
to seize and liquidate failing financial companies, and give regulators new powers to oversee the derivatives market.  

Because the Company has maintained a strong balance sheet and has not offered many of the complex financial products that 
were prevalent in the marketplace, there are a number of provisions within the Dodd-Frank Act, including higher capital standards, 
improved lending transparency and risk-based FDIC insurance assessments, that management does not expect to negatively affect 
the Company’s future financial results.  However, the Company has already been significantly affected by enacted regulation on 
debit cards, and a number of provisions within the law include the potential for higher costs due to increased regulatory and 
compliance burdens, which will result in lower revenues or increasing costs for the Company.  In addition to these and other new 
regulations which are already in place and are discussed above, the Company will likely face increased regulation of the industry.  
Increased regulation, along with possible changes in tax laws and accounting rules, may have a significant impact on the way the 
Company conducts business, implements strategic initiatives, engages in tax planning and makes financial disclosures.  Compliance 
with such regulation may divert resources from other areas of the business and limit the ability to pursue other opportunities.  

8

Table of Contents

The performance of the Company is dependent on the economic conditions of the markets in which the Company operates.

The Company’s success is heavily influenced by the general economic conditions of the specific markets in which it operates.  
Unlike larger national or other regional banks that are more geographically diversified, the Company provides financial services 
primarily throughout the states of Missouri, Kansas, and central Illinois, and has recently expanded into Oklahoma, Colorado and 
other surrounding states.  As the Company does not have a significant banking presence in other parts of the country, a prolonged 
economic downturn in these markets could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of 
operations.

Significant changes in federal monetary policy could materially affect the Company’s business.

The Federal Reserve System regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States.  Its polices determine in large part 
the cost of funds for lending and investing by influencing the interest rate earned on loans and paid on borrowings and interest 
bearing deposits.  Credit conditions are influenced by its open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the 
member bank discount rate, and bank reserve requirements.  Changes in Federal Reserve Board policies are beyond the Company’s 
control and difficult to predict, and such changes may result in lower interest margins and a continued lack of demand for credit 
products. 

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect the Company. 

The Company’s ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial 
soundness of other financial institution counterparties. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, 
counterparty or other relationships. The Company has exposure to many different industries and counterparties and routinely 
executes transactions with counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment 
banks, mutual funds, and other institutional clients. Transactions with these institutions include overnight and term borrowings, 
interest rate swap agreements, securities purchased and sold, short-term investments, and other such transactions.  As a result of 
this exposure, defaults by, or rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions or the financial services industry 
in general, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and defaults by other institutions. Many of these transactions expose the 
Company to credit risk in the event of default of its counterparty or client, while other transactions expose the Company to liquidity 
risks should funding sources quickly disappear.  In addition, the Company’s credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral 
held cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the exposure due to the Company.  
Any such losses could materially and adversely affect results of operations. 

The Company’s asset valuation may include methodologies, estimations and assumptions which are subject to differing 
interpretations and could result in changes to asset valuations that may materially adversely affect its results of operations 
or financial condition.

The Company uses estimates, assumptions, and judgments when certain financial assets and liabilities are measured and reported 
at fair value. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value inherently result in a higher degree of financial statement volatility. Fair 
values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based on quoted market prices 
and/or other observable inputs provided by independent third-party sources, when available. When such third-party information 
is not available, fair value is estimated primarily by using cash flow and other financial modeling techniques utilizing assumptions 
such as credit quality, liquidity, interest rates and other relevant inputs. Changes in underlying factors, assumptions, or estimates 
in any of these areas could materially impact the Company’s future financial condition and results of operations.

During periods of market disruption, including periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, rapidly widening credit 
spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain assets if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less 
observable. There may be certain asset classes in active markets with significant observable data that become illiquid due to the 
current financial environment. In such cases, certain asset valuations may require more subjectivity and management judgment. 
As such, valuations may include inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater estimation.  Further, rapidly 
changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of assets as reported within 
the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases 
in value may have a material adverse effect on results of operations or financial condition.

The Company’s investment portfolio values may be adversely impacted by deterioration in the credit quality of underlying 
collateral within the various categories of investment securities it owns.

The Company generally invests in securities issued by municipal entities, government-backed agencies or privately issued 
securities that are highly rated and evaluated at the time of purchase, however, these securities are subject to changes in market 
value due to changing interest rates and implied credit spreads. Over the past several years, budget deficits and other financial 

9

Table of Contents

problems in a number of states and political subdivisions have occurred.  While the Company maintains rigorous risk management 
practices over bonds issued by municipalities, further credit deterioration in these bonds could occur and result in losses. Certain 
mortgage and asset-backed securities represent beneficial interests which are collateralized by residential mortgages, credit cards, 
automobiles, mobile homes or other assets. While these investment securities are highly rated at the time of initial investment, the 
value of these securities may decline significantly due to actual or expected deterioration in the underlying collateral. Under 
accounting rules, when the impairment is due to declining expected cash flows, some portion of the impairment, depending on 
the Company’s intent to sell and the likelihood of being required to sell before recovery, must be recognized in current earnings.  
This could result in significant non-cash losses.  

Future loan losses could increase.

The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have 
been incurred at the balance sheet date within the existing portfolio of loans.  The level of the allowance reflects management’s 
continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present 
economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio.  Although the loan 
losses have declined significantly in 2013 and 2012, a deterioration of financial market conditions could result in larger loan losses, 
which may negatively affect the Company's results of operations and could further increase levels of its allowance.  In addition, 
the Company’s allowance level is subject to review by regulatory agencies, and that review could result in adjustments to the 
allowance.  See the section captioned “Allowance for Loan Losses” in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations, of this report for further discussion related to the Company’s process for determining the 
appropriate level of the allowance for possible loan loss.

The Company is subject to both interest rate and liquidity risk.

With oversight from its Asset-Liability Management Committee, the Company devotes substantial resources to monitoring its 
liquidity and interest rate risk on a monthly basis.  The Company's net interest income is the largest source of overall revenue to 
the Company, representing 60% of total revenue.  The interest rate environment in which the Company operates fluctuates in 
response to general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies, particularly the Federal 
Reserve Board.  Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence loan originations, deposit generation, 
demand for investments and revenues and costs for earning assets and liabilities.

Additionally the Company manages its balance sheet in order to maximize its net interest income from its net earning assets 
while insuring that there is ample liquidity to meet fluctuating cash flows coming from either funding sources or its earning assets. 

Since the financial crisis of 2008, there has been significant growth in deposits from both consumers and businesses, and much 
of this growth has been invested in the investment securities portfolio, as loan demand has been relatively weak during much of 
this time.  For the past several years, the Federal Reserve has maintained interest rates at unprecedented low levels, and as the 
securities portfolio has grown, interest margins have been pressured. The securities portfolio, which has averaged 45% of total 
earning assets over the past three years, generally carries lower rates than loans,  Furthermore the Company attempts to diversify 
its securities portfolio while keeping duration short, in order to ensure it is always able to meet liquidity needs for future changes 
in loans or deposit balances.  Loan demand has recently strengthened, growing 2% on average in 2012 and 10% in 2013.  During 
2013, growth in loans was mainly funded by maturities of investment securities, and growth in deposits were mostly reinvested 
in the securities portfolio. At December 31, 2013, the Company's loan to deposit rate was 57%, a sign of strong liquidity.   

While further loan growth is expected to accompany a strengthening economy, it is expected that interest margins will continue 
to be pressured if rates remain low.  Should the demand for loans increase in the future while deposit balances decline significantly, 
the Company's liquidity risk could change, as it is dependent on the Company's ability to manage maturities within its investment 
portfolio to fund these changing cash flows.

The Company operates in a highly competitive industry and market area.

The Company operates in the financial services industry, which is facing a rapidly changing environment having numerous 
competitors  including  other  banks  and  insurance  companies,  securities  dealers,  brokers,  trust  and  investment  companies  and 
mortgage  bankers.    Consolidation  among  financial  service  providers  is  likely  to  occur,  and  there  are  many  new  changes  in 
technology, product offerings and regulation. As consolidation occurs, larger regional banks may acquire smaller banks in our 
market and add to existing competition.  These new banks may lower fees in an effort to grow market share, which could result 
in a loss of customers and lower fee revenue for the Company. The Company must continue to make investments in its products 
and delivery systems to stay competitive with the industry as a whole, or its financial performance may suffer.

10

Table of Contents

The Company’s reputation and future growth prospects could be impaired if events occur which breach its customers’ 
privacy.

The Company relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business, and as part of its business, 
the Company maintains significant amounts of data about its customers and the products they use.  Additionally, customers rely 
on online bank products.  While the Company has policies and procedures and safeguards designed to prevent or limit the effect 
of failure, interruption or security breach of its information systems, there can be no assurances that any such failures, interruptions 
or security breaches will not occur; or if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed.  In addition to unauthorized access, 
denial-of-service attacks could overwhelm Company Web sites and prevent the Company from adequately serving customers.  
Should any of the Company's systems become compromised, the reputation of the Company could be damaged, relationships with 
existing customers may be impaired, the compromise could result in lost business, and as a result, the Company could incur 
significant expenses trying to remedy the incident.  Similarly, because the Company is an issuer of both debit and credit cards, it 
is periodically exposed to losses related to security breaches which occur at retailers that are unaffiliated with Company (e.g., 
customer card data being compromised at retail stores).  These include, but are not limited to, costs and expenses for card reissuance 
as well as losses resulting from fraudulent card transactions.

The Company may not attract and retain skilled employees.

The Company’s success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract and retain key people.  Competition for the best people 
can be intense, and the Company spends considerable time and resources attracting and hiring qualified people for its various 
business lines and support units. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of the Company’s key personnel could have 
a material adverse impact on the Company’s business because of their skills, knowledge of the Company’s market, and years of 
industry experience, as well as the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.

Item 1b.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

The main offices of the Bank are located in the larger metropolitan areas of its markets in various multi-story office buildings. 

The Bank owns its main offices and leases unoccupied premises to the public. The larger offices include:

Building

922 Walnut 
Kansas City, MO

1000 Walnut
Kansas City, MO

811 Main
Kansas City, MO

8000 Forsyth
Clayton, MO

1551 N. Waterfront Pkwy
Wichita, KS

Net rentable
square footage

% occupied in
total

% occupied by
bank

256,000

403,000

237,000

178,000

120,000

95%

93%

84

100

97

97

39

100

97

32

Various installment loan, credit card, trust and safe deposit functions operate out of leased offices in downtown Kansas City, 
Missouri.  The Company has an additional 197 branch locations in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado which are 
owned or leased, and 156 off-site ATM locations.

Item 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this item is set forth in Item 8 under Note 20, Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees on 

page 106.

Item 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable 

11

Table of Contents

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following are the executive officers of the Company as of February 24, 2014, each of whom is designated annually.  There 
are no arrangements or understandings between any of the persons so named and any other person pursuant to which such person 
was designated an executive officer.

Name and Age

Jeffery D. Aberdeen, 59

Kevin G. Barth, 53

Jeffrey M. Burik, 55

Daniel D. Callahan, 57

Sara E. Foster, 53

David W. Kemper, 63

John W. Kemper, 36

Jonathan M. Kemper, 60

Charles G. Kim, 53

Seth M. Leadbeater, 63

Michael J. Petrie, 57

Robert J. Rauscher, 56

Positions with Registrant
Controller of the Company since December 1995.  He is also Controller of the Company's 
subsidiary bank, Commerce Bank.

Executive Vice President of the Company since April 2005 and Executive Vice President of 
Commerce Bank since October 1998.  Senior Vice President of the Company and Officer of 
Commerce Bank prior thereto.

Senior  Vice  President  of  the  Company  since  February  2013.  Executive  Vice  President  of 
Commerce Bank since November 2007.

Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Company since December 2010 and 
Senior Vice President of the Company prior thereto.  Executive Vice President of Commerce 
Bank since May 2003.

Executive Vice President of the Company since February 2012 and Senior Vice President of 
the Company since February 1998.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company since November 1991, Chief Executive 
Officer of the Company since June 1986.  He was President of the Company from April 1982 
until February 2013. He is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of 
Commerce  Bank.    He  is  the  son  of  James  M.  Kemper,  Jr.  (a  former  Director  and  former 
Chairman of the Board of the Company), the brother of Jonathan M. Kemper, Vice Chairman 
of the Company, and father of John W. Kemper, President and Chief Operating Officer of the 
Company.

President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since February 2013, and Executive 
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company prior thereto. Senior Vice 
President of Commerce Bank since January 2009. Prior to his employment with Commerce 
Bank in August 2007, he was employed as an engagement manager with a global management 
consulting firm, managing strategy and operations projects primarily focused in the financial 
service industry.  He is the son of David W. Kemper, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
of the Company and nephew of Jonathan M. Kemper, Vice Chairman of the Company.

Vice Chairman of the Company since November 1991 and Vice Chairman of Commerce Bank 
since December 1997. Prior thereto, he was Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, 
and President of Commerce Bank. He is the son of James M. Kemper, Jr. (a former Director 
and former Chairman of the Board of the Company), the brother of David W. Kemper, Chairman 
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and uncle of John W. Kemper, President and 
Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 2009.  Executive Vice President of the 
Company since April 1995 and Executive Vice President of Commerce Bank since January 
2004. Prior thereto, he was Senior Vice President of Commerce Bank.

Vice  Chairman  of  the  Company  since  January  2004.  Prior  thereto  he  was  Executive Vice 
President of the Company. Vice Chairman of Commerce Bank since September 2004. Prior 
thereto he was Executive Vice President of Commerce Bank.

Senior Vice President of the Company since April 1995. Prior thereto, he was Vice President 
of the Company.

Senior Vice President of the Company since October 1997. Senior Vice President of Commerce 
Bank prior thereto.

V. Raymond Stranghoener, 62

Executive Vice President of the Company since July 2005 and Senior Vice President of the 
Company prior thereto.

12

Table of Contents

PART II

Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 

AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Common Stock Data

The following table sets forth the high and low prices of actual transactions in the Company’s common stock and cash dividends 

paid for the periods indicated (restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in December 2013).

2013

2012

2011

Quarter

High

Low

Cash
Dividends

First

Second

Third

Fourth

First

Second

Third

Fourth

First

Second

Third

Fourth

$

$

$

38.94 $

33.71 $

42.50

45.26

45.77

36.63

40.04

40.80

37.44 $

34.08 $

37.19

38.77

36.86

32.81

34.20

33.04

36.86 $

33.29 $

37.92

38.01

35.07

34.60

28.71

28.56

.214

.214

.214

.214

.209

.209

.209

1.569*

.199

.199

.199

.199

* Includes a special dividend of $1.360 per share

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. common shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol 

CBSH. The Company had 4,116 shareholders of record as of December 31, 2013.

13

 
 
Table of Contents

Performance Graph

The following graph presents a comparison of Company (CBSH) performance to the indices named below.  It assumes $100 

invested on December 31, 2008 with dividends invested on a cumulative total shareholder return basis.

Commerce (CBSH)

NASDAQ OMX Global-Bank

NASDAQ Bank

S&P 500

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

100.00

100.00

100.00

94.96

98.65

84.30

104.78

108.07

110.90

152.26

109.85

100.68

81.92

90.16

110.37

150.79

105.38

150.84

100.00

126.46

145.50

148.59

172.37

228.19

As a result of a change in the total return data made available to us through our vendor provider, our performance graphs going 
forward will be using an index provided by NASDAQ OMX Global Indexes which is comparable to the NASDAQ Bank Stock 
Index.  Please note, information for the NASDAQ Bank Stock Index is provided only from December 31, 2008 through December 
31, 2013, the last day this data was available by our third-party provider. 

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s purchases of its $5 par value common stock, its only class of 

stock registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Period

October 1—31, 2013

November 1—30, 2013

December 1—31, 2013

Total

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

—

2,606

862

3,468

$—

$45.75

$44.96

$45.55

—

2,606

862

3,468

3,495,733

3,493,127

3,492,265

3,492,265

The Company’s stock purchases shown above were made under authorizations by the Board of Directors.  Under the most 
recent authorization in July 2013 of 4,000,000 shares, 3,492,265 shares remained available for purchase at December 31, 2013.  

14

                    
Table of Contents

Item 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The required information is set forth below in Item 7. 

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

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 Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (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 which 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 
the risk factors identified in Item 1a Risk Factors and the following: 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; failure of litigation settlement agreements to become final in accordance with their terms; and competition 
with other entities that offer financial services.

Overview

The Company operates as a super-community bank and offers a broad range of financial products to consumer and commercial 
customers, delivered with a focus on high-quality, personalized service. It is the largest bank holding company headquartered in 
Missouri, with its principal offices in Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. Customers are served from approximately 360 locations 
in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma and Colorado and commercial offices throughout the nation's midsection.  A variety of 
delivery platforms are utilized, including an extensive network of branches and ATM machines, full-featured online banking, and 
a central contact center.

The core of the Company’s competitive advantage is its focus on the local markets it services and its concentration on relationship 
banking and high touch service. In order to enhance shareholder value, the Company targets core revenue growth.  To achieve 
this growth, the Company focuses on strategies that will expand new and existing customer relationships, offer opportunities for 
controlled expansion in additional markets, utilize improved technology, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Various indicators are used by management in evaluating the Company’s financial condition and operating performance. Among 

these indicators are the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Net income and earnings per share — Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. was $261.0 million, a 
decrease of 3.1% compared to the previous year.  The return on average assets was 1.19% in 2013, and the return an 
average equity was 11.99%.  Diluted earnings per share decreased 1.4% in 2013 compared to 2012.

Total revenue — Total revenue is comprised of net interest income and non-interest income.  Total revenue in 2013 
decreased slightly from 2012, as non-interest income grew $18.8 million and net interest income fell $20.5 million. Non-
interest income saw increases in bank card transaction fees, trust fees, and brokerage fees, partly offset by a decline in 
capital  market  fees.   Although  average  loan  growth  of  nearly  10%  was  achieved,  the  low  interest  rate  environment 
pressured net interest income and the net interest margin declined to 3.11% in 2013, a 30 basis point decline from 2012.  

Expense control — Total non-interest expense increased 1.8% this year compared to 2012.  Salaries and employee benefits, 
the largest expense component, increased by $6.0 million, or 1.7%, due to higher salaries, which were partly offset by 
lower incentive compensation and medical costs.  Data processing and software expense increased $4.4 million, or 6.0%, 
driven by growth in bank card processing costs.

Asset quality — Net loan charge-offs in 2013 decreased $7.9 million from those recorded in 2012 and averaged .30% of 
loans compared to .42% in the previous year.  Total non-performing assets, which include non-accrual loans and foreclosed 

15

Table of Contents

real estate, amounted to $55.4 million at December 31, 2013, a decrease of $9.4 million from balances at the previous 
year end, and represented .51% of loans outstanding.  

• 

Shareholder return — Total shareholder return, including the change in stock price and dividend reinvestment, was 37.3% 
over the past year, largely due to strong performance in the national stock markets during 2013.  Shareholder return over 
the past 10 years was 6.8%.  

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related 
notes. The historical trends reflected in the financial information presented below are not necessarily reflective of anticipated 
future results.

Key Ratios 

(Based on average balances)
Return on total assets
Return on total equity
Equity to total assets
Loans to deposits (1)
Non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits
Net yield on interest earning assets (tax equivalent basis)
(Based on end of period data)
Non-interest income to revenue (2)
Efficiency ratio (3)
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
Total risk-based capital ratio
Tier I leverage ratio
Tangible common equity to assets ratio (4)
Cash dividend payout ratio

(1)  Includes loans held for sale.

(2)  Revenue includes net interest income and non-interest income.

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

1.19%
11.99
9.95
57.12
33.01
3.11

40.32
60.49
14.06
15.28
9.43
9.00
31.51

1.30%
12.00
10.84
55.80
32.82
3.41

38.44
59.26
13.60
14.93
9.14
9.25
79.48

1.32%
12.15
10.87
59.15
30.26
3.65

37.82
59.10
14.71
16.04
9.55
9.91
31.06

1.22%

11.15
10.91
70.02
28.65
3.89

38.54
59.71
14.38
15.75
10.17
10.27
35.52

.96%
9.76
9.83
79.79
26.48
3.93

38.41
59.88
13.04
14.39
9.58
9.71
44.15

(3)  The efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense (excluding intangibles amortization) as a percent of revenue.
(4) The tangible common equity to 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 is a non-GAAP measure and represents common equity less goodwill, core deposit premium and non-controlling 
interest in subsidiaries.  Tangible assets, also a non-GAAP measure, represents total assets less goodwill and core deposit premium. 

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.

(Dollars in thousands)
Total equity
Less non-controlling interest
Less goodwill
Less core deposit premium
Total tangible common equity (a)
Total assets
Less goodwill
Less core deposit premium
Total tangible assets (b)
Tangible common equity to assets ratio (a)/(b)

2013
$ 2,214,397
3,755
138,921
8,489
$ 2,063,232
$ 23,072,036
138,921
8,489
$ 22,924,626

2012

2011

2010

2009

$

2,171,574
4,447
125,585
4,828
$
2,036,714
$ 22,159,589
125,585
4,828
$ 22,029,176

$

2,170,361
4,314
125,585
6,970
$
2,033,492
$ 20,649,367
125,585
6,970
$ 20,516,812

$

2,023,464
1,477
125,585
9,612
$
1,886,790
$ 18,502,339
125,585
9,612
$ 18,367,142

$

1,885,905
1,677
125,585
12,754
$
1,745,889
$ 18,120,189
125,585
12,754
$ 17,981,850

9.00%

9.25%

9.91%

10.27%

9.71%

16

 
Table of Contents

Selected Financial Data

(In thousands, except per share data)
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities gains (losses), net
Non-interest expense

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

$

619,372 $
20,353
418,386
(4,425)
629,633

639,906 $
27,287
399,630
4,828
618,469

646,070 $
51,515
392,917
10,812
617,249

645,932 $
100,000
405,111
(1,785)
631,134

635,502
160,697
396,259
(7,195)
621,737

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Net income per common share-basic*
Net income per common share-diluted*
Cash dividends
Cash dividends per share*
Market price per share*
Book value per share*
Common shares outstanding*
Total assets
Loans, including held for sale
Investment securities
Deposits
Long-term debt
Equity
Non-performing assets

260,961
2.73
2.72
82,104
.857
44.91
23.10
95,881
23,072,036
10,956,836
9,042,997
19,047,348
455,310
2,214,397
55,439

269,329
2.77
2.76
211,608
2.195
33.39
22.62
95,985
22,159,589
9,840,211
9,669,735
18,348,653
503,710
2,171,574
64,863

256,343
2.57
2.56
79,140
.795
34.58
22.13
98,070
20,649,367
9,208,554
9,358,387
16,799,883
511,817
2,170,361
93,803

221,710
2.19
2.18
78,231
.773
34.32
20.18
100,278
18,502,339
9,474,733
7,409,534
15,085,021
512,273
2,023,464
97,320

169,075
1.71
1.70
74,720
.752
31.86
18.69
100,897
18,120,189
10,490,327
6,473,388
14,210,451
1,236,062
1,885,905
116,670

*  Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in December 2013. 

Results of Operations

(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities gains (losses), net
Non-interest expense
Income taxes

Non-controlling interest expense
Net income attributable to Commerce
Bancshares, Inc.

$ Change

% Change

'13-'12

'12-'11

'13-'12

'12-'11

$

2013
619,372 $
(20,353)
418,386
(4,425)
(629,633)
(122,230)

2012
639,906 $
(27,287)
399,630
4,828
(618,469)
(127,169)

2011
646,070 $
(51,515)
392,917
10,812
(617,249)
(121,412)

(20,534) $
(6,934)
18,756
(9,253)
11,164
(4,939)

(156)

(2,110)

(3,280)

(1,954)

(6,164)
(24,228)
6,713
(5,984)
1,220
5,757

(1,170)

(3.2)%
(25.4)
4.7
N.M.
1.8
(3.9)

(92.6)

(1.0)%
(47.0)
1.7
(55.3)
.2
4.7

(35.7)

$

260,961 $

269,329 $

256,343 $

(8,368) $

12,986

(3.1)%

5.1 %

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. for 2013 was $261.0 million, a decrease of $8.4 million, or 3.1%, 
compared to $269.3 million in 2012.  Diluted income per share was $2.72 in 2013 compared to $2.76 in 2012. The decrease in 
net income resulted from a $20.5 million decrease in net interest income, as well as an increase of $11.2 million in non-interest 
expense and a decrease of $9.3 million in net securities gains.  These decreases in net income were partly offset by an increase in 
non-interest income of $18.8 million and a decline of $6.9 million in the provision for loan losses.  The return on average assets 
was 1.19% in 2013 compared to 1.30% in 2012, and the return on average equity was 11.99% compared to 12.00% in 2012.  At 
December 31, 2013, the ratio of tangible common equity to assets was 9.00% compared to 9.25% at year end 2012.

During 2013, net interest income decreased $20.5 million, or 3.2%, compared to 2012.  This decrease continued the trend noted 
in the previous year of lower rates earned on investment securities and loans, partly offset by higher loan balances and lower rates 
paid on deposits.  The provision for loan losses decreased $6.9 million from the previous year, totaling $20.4 million in 2013, and 
was $11.0 million lower than net loan charge-offs in 2013.  Net charge-offs declined by $7.9 million in 2013 compared to 2012, 
mainly in construction, business real estate, consumer, and revolving home equity loans.

Non-interest income for 2013 was $418.4 million, an increase of $18.8 million, or 4.7%, compared to $399.6 million in 2012.  
This increase resulted mainly from increases of $7.9 million in trust fees and $12.4 million in bank card fees.  Bank card fees 
included a $9.9 million increase in corporate card fees, a product line upon which the Company has placed significant focus during 
17

Table of Contents

the past few years and which continues to show strong growth.  Capital market fees declined $6.9 million due to weak demand 
from correspondent and commercial customers.   

During 2013, investment securities net losses of $4.4 million were incurred, compared to net gains of $4.8 million during 2012.  
Gains and losses in both years resulted from activity in the private equity investment portfolio, and include fair value adjustments 
and gains/losses realized upon sale or disposition. 

Non-interest expense for 2013 was $629.6 million, an increase of $11.2 million over $618.5 million in 2012.  The increase in 
non-interest expense included a $6.0 million increase in salaries and benefits expense, as well as a $4.4 million increase in data 
processing and software expense.  Occupancy, supplies and communications, marketing and deposit insurance expense increased 
on a combined basis by only $94 thousand.  Partly offsetting these increases in non-interest expense during 2013 was a $1.7 million 
decrease in equipment expense.  Income tax expense was $122.2 million in 2013 compared to $127.2 million in 2012, resulting 
in an effective tax rate of 31.9% in 2013 and 32.1% in 2012.

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. for 2012 was $269.3 million, an increase of $13.0 million, or 5.1%, 
compared to $256.3 million in 2011.  Diluted income per share was $2.76 in 2012 compared to $2.56 in 2011. The increase in net 
income largely resulted from a $24.2 million decrease in the provision for loan losses coupled with an increase of $6.7 million in 
non-interest income.  These increases to net income were partly offset by a decline of $6.2 million in net interest income, $6.0 
million in lower net securities gains, and a $5.8 million increase in income tax expense.    The return on average assets was 1.30% 
in 2012 compared to 1.32% in 2011, and the return on average equity was 12.00% compared to 12.15% in 2011.  At December 
31, 2012, the ratio of tangible common equity to assets was 9.25% compared to 9.91% at year end 2011.

During 2012, net interest income decreased $6.2 million to $639.9 million, as compared to $646.1 million in 2011.  This decline 
was due to lower rates earned on investment securities and loans, partly offset by higher balances in these assets and lower rates 
paid on deposits.  The provision for loan losses totaled $27.3 million in 2012, a decrease of $24.2 million from the prior year.  Net 
loan charge-offs declined by $25.2 million in 2012 compared to 2011, mainly in business, construction, consumer, and consumer 
credit card loans.

Non-interest income for 2012 was $399.6 million, an increase of $6.7 million, or 1.7%, compared to 2011.  This increase 
resulted mainly from higher trust fees and capital market fees, and a $13.0 million increase in corporate card revenue.  Debit card 
interchange income, which was limited by rules adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act effective in the fourth quarter of 2011, declined 
$19.3 million.  Deposit fees decreased $3.2 million, as declines in overdraft and return items fees were partly offset by increases 
in other types of deposit fees.  Loan fees and sales declined $1.5 million, as sales of home mortgages in the secondary market 
were discontinued in late 2011. 

Non-interest expense for 2012 was $618.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million over 2011.  This slight increase included a $15.6 
million increase in salaries and benefits expense, as well as a $5.7 million increase in data processing and software expense.  During 
2012, non-interest expense included a $5.2 million charge related to Visa interchange litigation, which is discussed further in Note 
20 to the consolidated financial statements.  Offsetting these increases in non-interest expense during 2012 was $18.3 million 
expensed during 2011 related to debit card overdraft litigation, also discussed further in Note 20.  Income tax expense was $127.2 
million in 2012 compared to $121.4 million in 2011, resulting in an effective tax rate of 32.1% in both years.

In September 2013, the Company acquired Summit Bancshares, Inc., an Oklahoma-based franchise with $261.6 million in 
assets and branch locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The acquisition is further discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial 
statements.

The Company distributed a 5% stock dividend for the twentieth consecutive year on December 16, 2013. All per share and 

average share data in this report has been restated to reflect the 2013 stock dividend.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the application of certain accounting policies, the most 
significant of which are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.  Certain of these policies require numerous 
estimates and strategic or economic assumptions that may prove inaccurate or be subject to variations which may significantly 
affect  the  Company's  reported  results  and  financial  position  for  the  current  period  or  future  periods.  The  use  of  estimates, 
assumptions, and judgments are necessary when financial assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at, or adjusted to reflect, 
fair value.  Current economic conditions may require the use of additional estimates, and some estimates may be subject to a 
greater degree of uncertainty due to the current instability of the economy. 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 

18

Table of Contents

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.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company performs periodic and systematic detailed reviews of its loan portfolio to assess overall collectability.  The level 
of the allowance for loan losses reflects the Company's estimate of the losses inherent in the loan portfolio at any point in time. 
While these estimates are based on substantive methods for determining allowance requirements, actual outcomes may differ 
significantly from estimated results, especially when determining allowances for business, construction and business real estate 
loans.  These loans are normally larger and more complex, and their collection rates are harder to predict.  Personal banking loans, 
including personal real estate, credit card and consumer loans, are individually smaller and perform in a more homogenous manner, 
making loss estimates more predictable. Further discussion of the methodology used in establishing the allowance is provided in 
the Allowance for Loan Losses section of Item 7 and in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

Valuation of Investment Securities

The Company carries its investment securities at fair value and employs valuation techniques which utilize observable inputs 
when those inputs are available.  These observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing the security 
and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.  When such information is not 
available, the Company employs valuation techniques which utilize unobservable inputs, or those which reflect the Company’s 
own assumptions about market participants, based on the best information available in the circumstances.  These valuation methods 
typically involve cash flow and other financial modeling techniques.  Changes in underlying factors, assumptions, estimates, or 
other inputs to the valuation techniques could have a material impact on the Company's future financial condition and results of 
operations.  Assets and liabilities carried at fair value inherently result in more financial statement volatility.  Under the fair value 
measurement hierarchy, fair value measurements are classified as Level 1 (quoted prices), Level 2 (based on observable inputs) 
or Level 3 (based on unobservable, internally-derived inputs), as discussed in more detail in Note 16 on Fair Value Measurements. 
Most of the available for sale investment portfolio is priced utilizing industry-standard models that consider various assumptions 
observable in the marketplace or which can be derived from observable data.  Such securities totaled approximately $8.3 billion, 
or 92.6% of the available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2013, and were classified as Level 2 measurements.  The Company 
also holds $127.7 million in auction rate securities.  These were classified as Level 3 measurements, as no liquid market currently 
exists  for  these  securities,  and  fair  values  were  derived  from  internally  generated  cash  flow  valuation  models  which  used 
unobservable inputs significant to the overall measurement.

Changes in the fair value of available for sale securities, excluding credit losses relating to other-than-temporary impairment, 
are reported in other comprehensive income. The Company periodically evaluates the available for sale portfolio for other-than-
temporary impairment. Evaluation for other-than-temporary impairment is based on the Company’s intent to sell the security and 
whether it is likely that it will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery of its amortized cost basis.  If either 
of these conditions is met, the entire loss (the amount by which the amortized cost exceeds the fair value) must be recognized in 
current earnings.  If neither condition is met, but the Company does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis, the Company 
must determine whether a credit loss has occurred.  This credit loss is the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the 
present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security.  The credit loss, if any, must be recognized in current 
earnings, while the remainder of the loss, related to all other factors, is recognized in other comprehensive income.

The estimation of whether a credit loss exists and the period over which the security is expected to recover requires significant 
judgment.  The Company must consider available information about the collectability of the security, including information about 
past events, current conditions, and reasonable forecasts, which includes payment structure, prepayment speeds, expected defaults, 
and collateral values.  Changes in these factors could result in additional impairment, recorded in current earnings, in future periods.

At December 31, 2013, certain non-agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $70.4 million were 
identified as other-than-temporarily impaired.  The cumulative credit-related impairment loss initially recorded on these securities 
amounted to $12.8 million, which was recorded in the consolidated statements of income.   

The  Company,  through  its  direct  holdings  and  its  private  equity  subsidiaries,  has  numerous  private  equity  investments, 
categorized as non-marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  These investments are reported at fair 
value and totaled $60.7 million at December 31, 2013.  Changes in fair value are reflected in current earnings and reported in 
investment securities gains (losses), net, in the consolidated statements of income.  Because there is no observable market data 
for these securities, fair values are internally developed using available information and management’s judgment, and the securities 
are classified as Level 3 measurements.  Although management believes its estimates of fair value reasonably reflect the fair value 
of these securities, key assumptions regarding the projected financial performance of these companies, the evaluation of the investee 
19

Table of Contents

company’s management team, and other economic and market factors may affect the amounts that will ultimately be realized from 
these investments.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Accrued income taxes represent the net amount of current income taxes which are expected to be paid attributable to operations 
as of the balance sheet date.  Deferred income taxes represent the expected future tax consequences of events that have been 
recognized in the financial statements or income tax returns.  Current and deferred income taxes are reported as either a component 
of other assets or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, depending on whether the balances are assets or liabilities.  
Judgment is required in applying generally accepted accounting principles in accounting for income taxes.  The Company regularly 
monitors taxing authorities for changes in laws and regulations and their interpretations by the judicial systems.  The aforementioned 
changes,  as  well  as  any  changes  that  may  result  from  the  resolution  of  income  tax  examinations  by  federal  and  state  taxing 
authorities, may impact the estimate of accrued income taxes and could materially impact the Company’s financial position and 
results of operations.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the largest source of revenue, results from the Company’s lending, investing, borrowing, and deposit 
gathering activities. It is affected by both changes in the level of interest rates and changes in the amounts and mix of interest 
earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. 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.

(In thousands)

Interest income, fully taxable equivalent basis

Loans

Loans held for sale

Investment securities:

2013

Change due to

Average
Volume

Average
Rate

 Total

2012

Change due to

Average
Volume

Average
Rate

Total

$

42,759 $

(49,138) $

(6,379) $

7,898 $

(24,813) $

(16,915)

(194)

9

(185)

(882)

128

(754)

(3,485)

(1,231)

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Other securities

Short-term federal funds sold and securities purchased 
   under agreements to resell
Long-term securities purchased under agreements to 
   resell
Interest earning deposits with banks

2,538

3,556

9,459

(18,553)

1,484

1,671

41

6,062

51

(6,023)

(551)

(4,993)

(1,451)

(5,949)

(3,099)

(17)

(4,117)

(3)

3,005

4,466

(20,004)

(4,465)

(1,428)

24

1,945

48

(3,777)

(1,351)

(6,877)

(16,426)

(4,600)

3,016

(5,008)

(128)

2,068

(6,878)

1,417

2,461

1,223

8,945

9,548

6,017

(555)

30

(3)

27

2,165

(147)

3,554

(1)

5,719

(148)

Total interest income

Interest expense

Interest bearing deposits:

Savings

Interest checking and money market

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

Time open and C.D.’s of $100,000 and over
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
agreements to repurchase
Other borrowings

Total interest expense

48,874

(75,332)

(26,458)

33,011

(51,150)

(18,139)

72

1,245

(557)

571

144

(160)

1,315

(108)

(5,536)

(1,359)

(1,362)

(143)

43

(8,465)

(36)

(4,291)

(1,916)

(791)

1

(117)

(7,150)

78

2,273

(1,445)

(766)

219

7

366

(128)

(9,397)

(1,989)

(1,332)

(1,152)

(206)

(50)

(7,124)

(3,434)

(2,098)

(933)

(199)

(14,204)

(13,838)

Net interest income, fully taxable equivalent basis

$

47,559 $

(66,867) $

(19,308) $

32,645 $

(36,946) $

(4,301)

20

Table of Contents

Net interest income totaled $619.4 million in 2013 compared to $639.9 million in 2012.  On a tax equivalent basis, net interest 
income totaled $645.9 million in 2013 and decreased $19.3 million from the previous year.  This decrease was mainly the result 
of lower yields on loans and investment securities, partially offset by higher loan balances and lower rates paid on deposits.  The 
net yield on earning assets (tax equivalent) was 3.11% in 2013 compared with 3.41% in the previous year.

During 2013, tax equivalent interest income on loans declined $6.4 million from 2012 due to a 50 basis point decrease in 
average rates earned, offset by a $932.3 million, or 9.9%, increase in average loan balances.  The average tax equivalent rate earned 
on the loan portfolio was 4.32% in 2013 compared to 4.82% in 2012.  The lower rates depressed interest income by $49.1 million; 
however, the higher average balances contributed interest income of $42.8 million, which together resulted in a $6.4 million net 
decrease in interest income.  The largest decline occurred in business real estate loan interest, which decreased $6.1 million as a 
result of a decline in rates of 39 basis points, partly offset by a $57.8 million, or 2.6% increase in average balances.  Interest on 
revolving home equity loans decreased $1.8 million due to a $21.8 million decline in average balances coupled with a 21 basis 
point decrease in average rates.  Higher levels of interest were earned on business, personal real estate and consumer loans, which 
increased $834 thousand, $711 thousand, and $897 thousand, respectively.  These increases were due to higher average balances, 
which increased 13.6% in business, 12.7% in personal real estate and 21.7% in consumer loans, partly offset by lower average 
rates earned.  Average consumer loan balances increased $256.7 million, which was mainly the result of increases of $196.2 million 
in auto loans and $88.7 million in fixed rate home equity loans.  These increases were partially offset by an $82.9 million decrease 
in marine and recreational vehicle (RV) loans as that portfolio continues to pay down.  Interest earned on consumer credit card 
loans decreased by $809 thousand due to a 44 basis point decrease in the average rate earned, partly offset by the impact of a $21.8 
million increase in average balances.  

Tax equivalent interest income on investment securities decreased by $21.9 million in 2013 due to a 25 basis point decrease 
in average rates earned on these investments, while total average balances increased only slightly.  The average rate earned on the 
total investment securities portfolio declined from 2.55% in 2012 to 2.30% in 2013.  Interest income on mortgage-backed securities 
decreased $20.0 million in 2013 mainly due to a $665.0 million, or 17.3%, decline in average balances.  Other declines occurred 
in interest on asset-backed securities (down  $4.5 million) and U.S. government and federal agency obligations (down $3.5 million)
due to rate declines, partly offset by higher average balances.  The rate decline in U.S. government obligations was largely due to 
a decrease in interest of $3.2 million on inflation-protected securities.  Interest income on state and municipal obligations and 
government-sponsored enterprise obligations increased $4.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively, due to higher average invested 
balances, partly offset by declines in rates earned.  State and municipal average balances rose $240.9 million, or 17.5%, offset by 
a rate decline of 31 basis points.  Government-sponsored enterprise obligations rose $193.3 million, or 63.0%, offset by a rate 
decline of 11 basis points.  Interest on long-term resell agreements increased $1.9 million in 2013 compared to the prior year due 
to a $282.0 million increase in the average balances of these instruments, partly offset by a decrease in the average rate earned 
from 2.15% in the previous year to 1.80% in 2013.

During 2013, interest expense on deposits decreased $7.0 million compared to 2012.  This was the result of lower overall rates 
paid on total deposits, which declined 8 basis points in 2013 to .22%.   Average rates paid on money market accounts declined 7 
basis points, and rates paid on certificates of deposit declined 15 basis points.  The resulting declines in interest expense were 
partly offset by the impact of higher average balances of money market accounts, which increased $579.1 million, or 7.1% over 
2012.  Interest expense on borrowings declined slightly, as the average rate paid fell 3 basis points. The average rate paid on total 
interest bearing liabilities decreased to .23% compared to .30% in 2012.

During 2012, tax equivalent interest income on loans declined $16.9 million compared to 2011 due to a 27 basis point decrease 
in average rates earned, partly offset by a $156.7 million increase in average balances.  The average tax equivalent rate earned on 
the loan portfolio was 4.82% compared to 5.09% in the previous year.  Interest earned on business loans decreased $2.6 million 
as a result of a decline in rates of 15 basis points and was partially offset by a 1.8% increase in average balances.  Interest on 
construction loans decreased $3.7 million due to a $63.5 million decline in average balances coupled with a 23 basis point decrease 
in average rates.  Business real estate average loan balances increased $76.2 million, or 3.6%, while average rates earned decreased 
by 32 basis points, which together resulted in a net $3.3 million decrease in interest income.  Interest income on personal real 
estate loans and consumer loans declined $3.4 million and $3.7 million, respectively, due to lower rates partially offset by higher 
average loan balances.  Average consumer loan balances increased $61.8 million, due to increases in auto loans and fixed rate 
home equity loans, but partly offset by declines in marine and RV loans.  Consumer credit card loan interest increased $1.2 million 
due to a 41 basis point increase in the average rate earned, partly offset by a decline in the average balance outstanding of $16.0 
million.  

Tax equivalent interest income on investment securities decreased by $6.1 million in 2012 due to a 38 basis point decrease in 
average rates earned, partially offset by a $992.7 million, or 12.3%, increase in average balances outstanding.  The average rate 
earned on the total investment securities portfolio declined from 2.93% in 2011 to 2.55% in 2012.  Interest income on mortgage-
backed securities decreased $6.9 million in 2012 due to a 43 basis point decrease in rates earned on these securities, offset by an 

21

Table of Contents

increase of 8.3%, or $296.5 million, in average balances.  Interest on asset-backed securities increased slightly due to an increase 
in average balances of $481.3 million partially offset by a decline in rates of 16 basis points.  Interest on municipal securities 
increased $2.1 million due to higher average balances, which increased $202.1 million in 2012, partially offset by the impact of 
a 50 basis point decrease in average rates earned.  Interest on U.S. government and federal agency securities decreased by $5.0 
million in 2012, which was mostly due to a decrease in interest on inflation-protected securities.  Interest on long-term resell 
agreements increased $5.7 million in 2012 over the prior year due to a $123.7 million increase in average balances, coupled with 
an increase of 40 basis points in the average rate earned.

During 2012, interest expense on deposits decreased $12.7 million compared to 2011.  This was the result of lower rates on 
all deposit products coupled with a $402.2 million decline in average certificate of deposit balances, but partly offset by the effects 
of higher average balances of money market and interest checking accounts, which grew by $727.7 million.  Average rates paid 
on deposit balances declined 13 basis points in 2012 to .30%.  Interest expense on borrowings declined $1.1 million, mainly the 
result of average rates declining by 14 basis points to .33%, but partly offset by an increase of $151.0 million, or 14.6% in the 
average balances of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.  The average rate paid on total 
interest bearing liabilities decreased to .30% compared to .43% in 2011.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses totaled $20.4 million in 2013, which represented a decrease of $6.9 million from the 2012 provision 
of $27.3 million.  Net loan charge-offs for the year totaled $31.4 million compared with $39.3 million in 2012, or a decrease of 
$7.9 million.  The decrease in net loan charge-offs from the previous year was mainly the result of lower construction and business 
real estate losses, which declined $4.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively, partly offset by higher business loan losses, which 
increased $1.6 million.  The allowance for loan losses totaled $161.5 million at December 31, 2013, a decrease of $11.0 million 
compared to the prior year, and represented 1.47% of outstanding loans.  The provision for loan losses is recorded to bring the 
allowance for loan losses to a level deemed adequate by management based on the factors mentioned in the following “Allowance 
for Loan Losses” section of this discussion.

Non-Interest Income

$

(Dollars in thousands)
Bank card transaction fees
Trust fees
Deposit account charges and other fees
Capital market fees
Consumer brokerage services
Loan fees and sales
Other
Total non-interest income
Non-interest income as a % of total revenue*
Total revenue per full-time equivalent employee
*  Total revenue is calculated as net interest income plus non-interest income.

2013
166,627
102,529
79,017
14,133
11,006
5,865
39,209
418,386

40.3%
219.5

$

$

2012
154,197
94,679
79,485
21,066
10,162
6,037
34,004
399,630

38.4%
220.8

$

$

$

2011
157,077
88,313
82,651
19,846
10,018
7,580
27,432
392,917

37.8%
219.0

$

$

$

% Change

'13-'12

'12-'11

8.1%
8.3
(.6)
(32.9)
8.3
(2.8)
15.3
4.7%

(1.8)%
7.2
(3.8)
6.1
1.4
(20.4)
24.0
1.7 %

Non-interest income totaled $418.4 million, an increase of $18.8 million, or 4.7%, compared to $399.6 million in 2012.  Bank 
card fees increased $12.4 million, or 8.1%, over last year, as a result of continued growth in corporate card fees of $9.9 million, 
or 13.9%.  In addition, higher transaction volumes resulted in growth of 3.3% in merchant fees, while credit card fees also increased 
by 3.8%.  Corporate card, merchant card and credit card fees for 2013 totaled $80.6 million, $27.1 million and $23.4 million, 
respectively. Trust fee income increased $7.9 million, or 8.3%, resulting mainly from growth in personal and institutional trust 
fees.  The market value of total customer trust assets (on which fees are charged) totaled $35.2 billion at year end 2013 and grew 
16.4% over year end 2012.  Deposit account fees decreased $468 thousand, or .6%, primarily due to a decline in overdraft and 
return item fees of $3.4 million. This decline was mainly the result of a new posting routine on debit card transactions which took 
effect in February 2013.  Partly offsetting this effect was an increase in various other deposit fees and cash management fees of 
$3.0 million.  Overdraft fees comprised 39.2% of total deposit account fees in 2013, down from 43.3% in 2012, while corporate 
cash management fees comprised 42.0% of total deposit account fees in 2013, compared to 40.3% in 2012.  Capital market fees 
decreased $6.9 million, or 32.9%, compared to last year as customer demand for fixed income securities was weak this year.  
Consumer brokerage services revenue increased $844 thousand, or 8.3%, due to growth in advisory fees, while loan fees and sales 
revenue decreased $172 thousand, or 2.8%, due to a decline in loan commitment fees.  Other non-interest income increased by 
$5.2 million, or 15.3%, as a result of a $3.0 million fair value loss recorded last year on an office building which was held for sale 

22

Table of Contents

and net gains of $1.4 million recorded this year in sales of five retail branch facilities no longer in use.  In addition, higher swap 
and foreign exchange fees were recorded in 2013.

During 2012, non-interest income increased $6.7 million, or 1.7%, over 2011 to $399.6 million.  Bank card fees declined $2.9 
million, or 1.8%, from 2011, due to a decline in debit card interchange fees of $19.3 million, or 35.7% (mainly the effect of new 
pricing regulations effective in the fourth quarter of 2011), which was partly offset by growth in corporate card fees of $13.0 
million, or 22.4%.  Corporate card and debit card fees for 2012 totaled $70.8 million and $34.6 million, respectively.  Merchant 
fees grew by 8.9% due to higher transaction volumes and totaled $26.2 million for the year, while credit card fees grew 5.9% and 
totaled $22.6 million.  Trust fee income increased $6.4 million, or 7.2%.  The market value of total customer trust assets totaled 
$30.2 billion at year end 2012 and grew 10.7% over year end 2011.  Deposit account fees decreased $3.2 million, or 3.8%, due 
to lower overdraft and return item fees of $6.5 million, while other deposit fees increased $3.4 million.  Overdraft fees comprised 
43.3% of total deposit account fees in 2012, down from 49.5% in 2011.  Corporate cash management fees comprised 40.3% of 
total deposit account fees in 2012 and were flat compared to 2011. Capital market fees increased $1.2 million, or 6.1%.  Consumer 
brokerage services revenue increased $144 thousand, or 1.4%, due to growth in advisory fees, mostly offset by lower life insurance 
revenue.  Loan fees and sales revenue was down $1.5 million, or 20.4%, due to a decline in mortgage banking revenue (mainly 
because late in 2011 the Company adopted a policy of retaining all first mortgage loan originations).  Other non-interest income 
increased by $6.6 million, or 24.0%, mainly due to higher tax credit sales income, leasing revenue and net gains related to banking 
properties in 2012.

Investment Securities Gains (Losses), Net

(In thousands)

Available for sale:

Common stock

Municipal bonds

Agency mortgage-backed bonds

 OTTI losses on non-agency mortgage-backed bonds

Non-marketable:

Private equity investments

Total investment securities gains (losses), net

2013

2012

2011

$

$

1,375 $
126
—

(1,284)

(4,642)

(4,425) $

— $

16

342

—

177

—

(1,490)

(2,537)

5,960

4,828 $

13,172

10,812

Net gains and losses on investment securities during 2013, 2012 and 2011 are shown in the table above.  Included in these 
amounts are gains and losses arising from sales of bonds from the Company’s available for sale portfolio, including credit-related 
losses on debt securities identified as other-than-temporarily impaired.  Also shown are 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, in addition to gains and losses realized upon disposition.  Portions of the fair value adjustments attributable 
to minority interests are reported as non-controlling interest in the consolidated statements of income, and resulted in income of 
$1.1 million in 2013 and expense of $1.3 million and $2.6 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

Net securities losses of $4.4 million were recorded in 2013, which included $4.6 million in losses resulting mainly from fair 
value adjustments on private equity investments, partly offset by a gain of $1.4 million relating to the donation of appreciated 
stock by the Company.  Also included in net losses were credit-related impairment losses of $1.3 million on certain non-agency 
guaranteed mortgage-backed securities which have been identified as other-than-temporarily impaired.  The cumulative credit-
related impairment on these bonds totaled $12.8 million.  These identified securities had a total fair value of $70.4 million at 
December 31, 2013, compared to $101.7 million at December 31, 2012.  

Net securities gains of $4.8 million were recorded in 2012, compared to net gains of $10.8 million in 2011.  In both years, 
these gains and losses were comprised mainly of fair value adjustments in the private equity investment portfolio, coupled with 
losses in the available for sale portfolio relating to other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI). 

23

Table of Contents

Non-Interest Expense 

(Dollars in thousands)

Salaries

Employee benefits

Net occupancy

Equipment

Supplies and communication

Data processing and software

Marketing

Deposit insurance

Debit overdraft litigation

Other

2013

2012

2011

'13-'12

'12-'11

$

310,179

$

302,675

$

293,318

2.5%

3.2%

% Change

56,688

45,639

18,425

22,511

78,245

14,176

11,167

—

72,603

58,224

45,534

20,147

22,321

73,798

15,106

10,438

—

70,226

52,007

46,434

22,252

22,448

68,103

16,767

13,123

18,300

64,497

(2.6)

.2

(8.5)

.9

6.0

(6.2)

7.0

NM

3.4

1.8%

12.0

(1.9)

(9.5)

(.6)

8.4

(9.9)

(20.5)

(100.0)

8.9

.2%

Total non-interest expense

$

629,633

$

618,469

$

617,249

Efficiency ratio
Salaries and benefits as a % of total non-interest 
expense
Number of full-time equivalent employees

60.5%

58.3%

4,727

59.3%

58.4%

4,708

59.1%

55.9%

4,745

     Non-interest expense was $629.6 million in 2013, an increase of $11.2 million, or 1.8%, over the previous year.  Salaries and 
benefits expense increased by $6.0 million, or 1.7%, mainly due to higher full-time salaries expense, partly offset by lower medical 
and incentives expense.  Growth in salaries expense resulted partly from staffing costs associated with the Summit acquisition, 
coupled with staffing additions in commercial banking, wealth and commercial card.  Full-time equivalent employees totaled 
4,727  at  December  31,  2013,  an  increase  of  .4%.    Occupancy  expense  increased  $105  thousand,  or  .2%,  while  supplies  and 
communication expense increased $190 thousand, or .9%.  Equipment expense decreased $1.7 million, or 8.5%, due to lower 
depreciation expense.  Data processing and software expense increased $4.4 million, or 6.0%, mainly due to higher bank card 
processing expense and data processing termination fees relating to the Summit acquisition.  Marketing expense declined $930 
thousand, or 6.2%, while deposit insurance increased $729 thousand, or 7.0%.  Other non-interest expense increased $2.4 million, 
or 3.4%, over the prior year, resulting mainly from an increase of $4.0 million in legal and professional fees, provisions of $2.8 
million on letter of credit exposures, contribution expense of $1.5 million on appreciated stock, and higher travel and entertainment 
expense.  These expense increases were partly offset by gains of $3.1 million on sales of foreclosed property in 2013, in addition 
to a 2012 charge of $5.2 million related to certain Visa-related interchange litigation that did not reoccur in 2013.

     In 2012, non-interest expense was $618.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or .2%, over 2011.   Salaries and benefits expense 
increased by $15.6 million, or 4.5%, largely due to higher salaries, incentive compensation, medical and retirement expense.  Full-
time equivalent employees totaled 4,708 at December 31, 2012, a decline of .8% from 2011.  Occupancy expense declined $900 
thousand, or 1.9%, primarily resulting from lower depreciation and outside services expense, partly offset by a decline in rent 
income.  Equipment expense decreased $2.1 million, or 9.5%, also due to lower depreciation expense.  Supplies and communication 
expense decreased slightly, while marketing expense was lower by $1.7 million, or 9.9%.  Data processing and software expense 
increased $5.7 million, or 8.4%, mainly due to higher bank card processing expense.  Deposit insurance expense declined $2.7 
million, or 20.5%,  as a result of new FDIC assessment rules which became effective in the second quarter of  2011.  Other non-
interest expense increased $5.7 million, or 8.9%, mainly due to the accrual in 2012 of $5.2 million as mentioned above.  Also, 
during 2011, the Company's indemnification obligation related to certain Visa litigation was reduced by $4.4 million, and further 
adjustments were not reoccurring.  Partly offsetting these increases to other non-interest expense in 2012 were reductions of $853 
thousand in regulatory examination fees and $788 thousand in intangible asset amortization, in addition to an increase of $1.7 
million in deferred loan origination costs.  In addition, results for 2011 included a non-recurring charge of $18.3 million relating 
to the settlement of a class-wide debit card overdraft suit, discussed further in Note 20.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $122.2 million in 2013, compared to $127.2 million in 2012 and $121.4 million in 2011.  The decrease 
in income tax expense in 2013 over 2012 was proportional to the decrease in pre-tax income.  The effective tax rate, including the 
effect of non-controlling interest, was 31.9% in 2013 compared to 32.1% in 2012 and 2011.  The Company’s effective tax rates 
in the years noted above were lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% mainly due to tax-exempt interest on state and local 
municipal obligations. 

24

     
     
Table of Contents

Financial Condition 

Loan Portfolio Analysis

Classifications of consolidated loans by major category at December 31 for each of the past five years are shown in the table 
below.  This portfolio consists of loans which were acquired or originated with the intent of holding to their maturity.  Loans held 
for sale are separately discussed in a following section.  A schedule of average balances invested in each loan category below 
appears on page 50.

(In thousands)

Commercial:
Business
Real estate — construction and land
Real estate — business
Personal banking:
Real estate — personal
Consumer
Revolving home equity
Student
Consumer credit card
Overdrafts
Total loans

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Balance at December 31

$

3,715,319 $
406,197
2,313,550

3,134,801 $
355,996
2,214,975

2,808,265 $
386,598
2,180,100

2,957,043 $ 2,877,936
665,110
2,104,030

460,853
2,065,837

1,787,626
1,512,716
420,589
—
796,228
4,611

$

10,956,836 $

1,584,859
1,289,650
437,567
—
804,245
9,291
9,831,384 $

1,428,777
1,114,889
463,587
—
788,701
6,561
9,177,478 $

1,440,386
1,164,327
477,518
—
831,035
13,983

1,537,687
1,333,763
489,517
331,698
799,503
6,080
9,410,982 $ 10,145,324

The contractual maturities of loan categories at December 31, 2013, and a breakdown of those loans between fixed rate and 

floating rate loans are as follows:

(In thousands)
Business
Real estate — construction and land
Real estate — business
Real estate — personal
Total business and real estate loans
Consumer (1)
Revolving home equity (2)
Consumer credit card (3)
Overdrafts
Total loans
Loans with fixed rates
Loans with floating rates
Total business and real estate loans

Principal Payments Due

In
One Year
or Less

After One
Year Through
Five Years

After
Five
Years

1,742,479 $
237,992
551,360
147,777
2,679,608 $

1,389,715 $
156,726
1,466,073
492,884
3,505,398 $

583,125 $
11,479
296,117
1,146,965
2,037,686

647,771 $

2,031,837
2,679,608 $

2,103,755 $
1,401,643
3,505,398 $

$
1,032,580 $
1,005,106
2,037,686 $

$

$

$

$

Total
3,715,319
406,197
2,313,550
1,787,626
8,222,692

1,512,716

420,589
796,228
4,611
10,956,836
3,784,106
4,438,586
8,222,692

(1)  Consumer loans with floating rates totaled $177.4 million. 

(2)  Revolving home equity loans with floating rates totaled $420.4 million.  

(3)  Consumer credit card loans with floating rates totaled $654.1 million. 

Total loans at December 31, 2013 were $11.0 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion, or 11.4%, over balances at December 31, 
2012.  This increase included loan balances of $207.4 million acquired in the Summit transaction on September 1, 2013.  On an 
overall basis, the growth in loans during 2013 occurred in all loan categories except in revolving home equity loans and consumer 
credit card loans, which experienced small declines.  Business loans increased $580.5 million, or 18.5%, reflecting growth in tax-
advantaged lending, aircraft lending, leasing, and dealer floor plan loans.   Business real estate loans increased $98.6 million, or 
4.5%, largely due to loans acquired in the Summit transaction.  Construction loans increased $50.2 million, or 14.1%, and resulted 
from increased activity in residential construction as housing began to recover in 2012 and 2013 and the demand for new construction 
reduced available housing supplies.  Personal real estate loans increased $202.8 million, or 12.8%, as lending activity continued 
to strengthen in 2013.  The growth in personal real estate loans was mainly due to the Company's current practice of retaining all 

25

      
Table of Contents

new loan production, instead of selling the loans in the secondary market, during the recent housing recovery.   Consumer loans 
were higher by $223.1 million, or 17.3%, primarily due to strong demand for consumer automobile and fixed rate home equity 
lending, while marine and recreational vehicle lending continued to run off during the year.  Revolving home equity loans decreased 
$17.0 million, or 3.9%, as borrowers continue to prefer fixed rate home equity loans with pre-determined payments and amortization 
schedules.  The balance of these fixed rate loans grew $74.8 million.  Consumer credit card loans decreased by $8.0 million, or 
1.0%, as competition for new card customers remained intense and consumer card borrowers remained conservative in their use 
of revolving card plans.

The Company currently generates approximately 32% of its loan portfolio in the St. Louis market, 29% in the Kansas City 
market, and 39% in other regional markets. The portfolio is diversified from a business and retail standpoint, with 59% in loans 
to businesses and 41% in loans to consumers. A balanced approach to loan portfolio management and an historical aversion toward 
credit concentrations, from an industry, geographic and product perspective, have contributed to low levels of problem loans and 
loan losses.

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. At December 31, 2013, the balance of SNC loans totaled 
approximately $406.3 million, with an additional $1.2 billion in unfunded commitments, compared to $483.1 million in loans and 
$1.1 billion in commitments at December 31, 2012. 

Commercial Loans

Business

Total business loans amounted to $3.7 billion at December 31, 2013 and include loans used mainly to fund customer accounts 
receivable, inventories, and capital expenditures. The business loan portfolio includes tax advantaged financings which carry tax 
free interest rates.  These loans totaled $705.0 million at December 31, 2013, which was a 62.0% increase over December 31, 
2012 balances, and comprised 6.4% of the Company's total loan portfolio. The portfolio also includes direct financing and sales 
type leases totaling $368.8 million, which are used by commercial customers to finance capital purchases ranging from computer 
equipment to office and transportation equipment. These leases increased $57.3 million, or 18.4%, over 2012 and comprised 3.4% 
of the Company’s total loan portfolio.  Also included in this portfolio are corporate card loans, which totaled $189.5 million at 
December 31, 2013.  These loans, which decreased by 9.5% in 2013, are made in conjunction with the Company’s corporate card 
business,  and  assist  businesses  in  shifting  from  paper  checks  to  a  credit  card  payment  system  in  order  to  automate  payment 
processes.  These loans are generally short-term, with outstanding balances averaging between 7 to 13 days in duration, which 
helps to limit risk in these loans.

Business loans, excluding corporate card loans, are made primarily to customers in the regional trade area of the Company, 
generally the central Midwest, encompassing the states of Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and nearby Midwestern markets, including 
Iowa, Oklahoma, Colorado and Ohio. This portfolio is diversified from an industry standpoint and includes businesses engaged 
in manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, agribusiness, insurance, financial services, public utilities, healthcare, and other service 
businesses. Emphasis is upon middle-market and community businesses with known local management and financial stability. 
Consistent with management’s strategy and emphasis upon relationship banking, most borrowing customers also maintain deposit 
accounts and utilize other banking services. Net loan recoveries in this category totaled $867 thousand in 2013, while net loan 
recoveries of $2.5 million were recorded in 2012.  Non-accrual business loans were $11.6 million (.3% of business loans) at 
December 31, 2013 compared to $13.1 million at December 31, 2012.  

Real Estate-Construction and Land

The portfolio of loans in this category amounted to $406.2 million at December 31, 2013 and comprised 3.7% of the Company’s 
total loan portfolio.  These loans are predominantly made to businesses in the local markets of the Company’s banking subsidiary. 
Commercial construction and land development loans totaled $240.9 million, or 59.3% of total construction loans at December 
31, 2013.  Commercial construction loans are made during the construction phase for small and medium-sized office and medical 
buildings,  manufacturing  and  warehouse  facilities,  apartment  complexes,  shopping  centers,  hotels  and  motels,  and  other 
commercial properties. Exposure to larger, speculative commercial properties remains low.  Commercial land development loans 
relate to land owned or developed for use in conjunction with business properties. Residential construction and land development 
loans at December 31, 2013 totaled $165.3 million, or 40.7% of total construction loans. The largest percentage of residential 
construction and land development loans are for projects located in the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas.  Recent 
market stabilization has resulted in 14.1% growth in total construction and land loans during 2013.  While credit risk in this sector 
has been high over the last few years, loss trends continue to improve, with net loan recoveries of $4.7 million and $283 thousand 

26

Table of Contents

recorded in 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Construction and land loans on non-accrual status declined to $10.2 million at year end 
2013 compared to $13.7 million at year end 2012.

Real Estate-Business

Total business real estate loans were $2.3 billion at December 31, 2013 and comprised 21.1% of the Company’s total loan 
portfolio. This category includes mortgage loans for small and medium-sized office and medical buildings, manufacturing and 
warehouse facilities, shopping centers, hotels and motels, churches, and other commercial properties.  Emphasis is placed on 
owner-occupied (46.4% of this portfolio) and income producing commercial real estate properties, which present lower risk levels. 
The borrowers and/or the properties are generally located in local and regional markets.  Additional information about loans by 
category is presented on page 32.  At December 31, 2013, non-accrual balances amounted to $19.8 million, or .9%, of the loans 
in this category, up from $17.3 million at year end 2012.  The Company experienced net charge-offs of $952 thousand in 2013 
compared to net charge-offs of $5.1 million in 2012.  

Personal Banking Loans

Real Estate-Personal

At  December  31,  2013,  there  were  $1.8  billion  in  outstanding  personal  real  estate  loans,  which  comprised  16.3%  of  the 
Company’s total loan portfolio. The mortgage loans in this category are mainly for owner-occupied residential properties. The 
Company originates both adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans. The Company retains adjustable rate mortgage loans, and 
in 2012 and 2013 retained all fixed rate loans as directed by its Asset/Liability Management Committee, given the low concentrations 
of these loans. The Company originates its loans and does not purchase any from outside parties or brokers.  Further, it has never 
maintained or promoted subprime or reduced document products.  At December 31, 2013, 34% of the portfolio was comprised of 
adjustable rate loans while 66% was comprised of fixed rate loans. Levels of mortgage loan origination activity decreased slightly 
in 2013 compared to 2012, with originations of $410 million in 2013 compared with $414 million in 2012.  Interest rates remained 
at  historic  lows  through  mid-year  and  this  resulted  in  higher  mortgage  originations  from  refinancing,  however,  rates  rose 
significantly mid-year, which reduced new origination volumes.  The Company has experienced lower loan losses in this category 
than many others in the industry and believes this is partly because of its conservative underwriting culture, stable markets, and 
the fact that it does not offer subprime lending products or purchase loans from brokers.  Net loan charge-offs for 2013 amounted 
to $1.2 million, compared to $1.4 million in the previous year.  The non-accrual balances of loans in this category decreased to 
$5.1 million at December 31, 2013, compared to $6.9 million at year end 2012.  

Consumer

Consumer loans consist of auto, marine, tractor/trailer, recreational vehicle (RV), fixed rate home equity, and other consumer 
installment loans.  These loans totaled $1.5 billion at year end 2013.  Approximately 59% of consumer loans outstanding were 
originated indirectly from auto and other dealers, while the remaining 41% were direct loans made to consumers.  Approximately 
50% of the consumer portfolio consists of automobile loans, 19% in fixed rate home equity loans, and 17% in marine and RV 
loans.  As mentioned above, total consumer loans increased by $223.1 million in 2013, mainly the result of growth in auto lending 
of $180.4 million, or 32%.  Growth of $74.8 million in fixed rate home equity loans was offset by the run-off of $74.7 million in 
marine and RV loans.  Net charge-offs on consumer loans were $7.5 million in 2013 compared to $8.1 million in 2012.  Net charge-
offs decreased to .5% of average consumer loans in 2013 compared to .7% in 2012.  Consumer loan net charge-offs included 
marine and RV loan net charge-offs of $3.9 million, which were 1.3% of average marine and RV loans in 2013, compared to 1.8% 
in 2012. 

Revolving Home Equity

Revolving home equity loans, of which 99% are adjustable rate loans, totaled $420.6 million at year end 2013.  An additional 
$682.9 million was available in unused lines of credit, which can be drawn at the discretion of the borrower. Home equity loans 
are  secured  mainly  by  second  mortgages  (and  less  frequently,  first  mortgages)  on  residential  property  of  the  borrower.  The 
underwriting terms for the home equity line product permit borrowing availability, in the aggregate, generally up to 80% or 90% 
of the appraised value of the collateral property at the time of origination.  Net charge-offs totaled $986 thousand, or .2% of average 
revolving home equity loans, compared to $1.8 million in 2012.

Consumer Credit Card

Total consumer credit card loans amounted to $796.2 million at December 31, 2013 and comprised 7.3% of the Company’s 
total loan portfolio. The credit card portfolio is concentrated within regional markets served by the Company. The Company offers 
a variety of credit card products, including affinity cards, rewards cards, and standard and premium credit cards, and emphasizes 
its credit card relationship product, Special Connections.  Approximately 61% of the households in Missouri that own a Commerce 
credit card product also maintain a deposit relationship with the subsidiary bank.  At December 31, 2013, approximately 82% of 
27

Table of Contents

the outstanding credit card loan balances had a floating interest rate, compared to 77% in the prior year.  Net charge-offs amounted 
to $25.1 million in 2013, an increase of $646 thousand over $24.5 million in 2012.  The ratio of credit card loan net charge-offs 
to total average credit card loans totaled 3.3% in both 2013 and 2012.  These ratios remain below national loss averages in those 
years.  

Allowance for Loan Losses

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 reserves needed 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, delinquencies and current economic conditions. Allowances for commercial type loans, which are generally larger 
and more complex in structure with more unpredictable loss characteristics, use methods which consider historical and current 
loss trends, current loan grades, delinquencies, industry concentrations, economic conditions throughout the Company's markets 
as monitored by Company credit officers, and general economic conditions.

The Company’s estimate of the allowance for loan losses and the corresponding provision for loan losses rests 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 
staffs 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.  Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion on the allowance and charge-off policies.

At December 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses was $161.5 million compared to a balance at year end 2012 of $172.5 
million. Total loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing were $14.0 million at December 31, 2013, a decrease of $1.4 
million compared to year end 2012.   Non-accrual loans at December 31, 2013 were $48.8 million, a decrease of $2.6 million from 
the prior year, and were mainly comprised of $19.8 million of business real estate loans, $10.2 million of construction loans and 
$11.6 million of business loans.  As the result of improving credit trends noted in the Company's analysis of the allowance, the 
provision for loan losses was $11.0 million less than net charge-offs for the year, thereby reducing the allowance for loan losses 
to $161.5 million.  The percentage of allowance to loans, excluding loans held for sale, decreased to 1.47% at December 31, 2013 
compared to 1.75% at year end 2012 as a result of the decrease in the allowance balance, in addition to loan growth.  The percentage 
of allowance to non-accrual loans was 331% at December 31, 2013, compared to 336% at December 31, 2012.  

Net loan charge-offs totaled $31.4 million in 2013, representing a $7.9 million decrease compared to net charge-offs of $39.3 
million in 2012. Net recoveries on construction and land loans were $4.7 million in 2013, compared to $283 thousand in 2012.  
Business loans also remained in a net recovery position in 2013, with net recoveries of $867 thousand in 2013 compared to $2.5 
million in 2012.  Net charge-offs on business real estate loans decreased $4.2 million to $952 thousand in 2013, compared to net 
charge-offs of $5.1 million in 2012.  Net charge-offs on consumer credit cards increased $646 thousand to $25.1 million in 2013, 
compared  to  $24.5  million  in  2012;  however,  net  consumer  credit  card  charge-offs  remained  consistent  at  3.34%  of  average 
consumer credit card loans in 2013 compared to 3.35% in 2012, as a result of a stabilizing economy.  Consumer credit card loan 
charge-offs as a percentage of total net charge-offs rose to 80.1% in 2013 compared to 62.3% in 2012, as lower overall net charge-
offs in other loan categories offset the slight rise in consumer credit card charge-offs.     

28

Table of Contents

The ratio of net charge-offs to total average loans outstanding in 2013 was .30% compared to .42% in 2012 and .70% in 2011. 
The provision for loan losses in 2013 was $20.4 million, compared to provisions of $27.3 million in 2012 and $51.5 million in 
2011. 

The Company considers the allowance for loan losses of $161.5 million adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio 

at December 31, 2013.  

The schedules which follow summarize the relationship between loan balances and activity in the allowance for loan losses:

(Dollars in thousands)
Loans outstanding at end of year(A)
Average loans outstanding(A)

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance at beginning of year

Additions to allowance through charges to expense

Loans charged off:

Business

Real estate — construction and land

Real estate — business

Real estate — personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

Total loans charged off

Recoveries of loans previously charged off:

Business

Real estate — construction and land

Real estate — business

Real estate — personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

Total recoveries

Net loans charged off

Balance at end of year

$

$

$

2013

10,956,836

10,311,654

172,532

20,353

$

$

$

Years Ended December 31

2012

2011

2010

2009

9,831,384

9,379,316

$

$

9,177,478

9,222,568

$

$

9,410,982

9,698,670

$

$

10,145,324

10,629,867

184,532

$

197,538

$

194,480

$

27,287

51,515

100,000

1,869

621

2,680

1,570

11,029

1,200

33,206

2,024

54,199

2,736

5,313

1,728

343

3,489

214

8,085

938

22,846

31,353

2,809

1,244

7,041

2,416

12,288

2,044

33,098

2,221

63,161

5,306

1,527

1,933

990

4,161

240

8,623

1,094

23,874

39,287

6,749

7,893

4,176

3,217

16,052

1,802

39,242

2,254

81,385

1,761

943

613

445

3,896

135

7,625

1,446

16,864

64,521

8,550

15,199

4,780

2,484

24,587

2,014

54,287

2,672

3,964

193

722

428

4,108

39

6,556

1,621

17,631

96,942

114,573

154,410

172,619

160,697

15,762

34,812

5,957

3,150

35,979

1,197

54,060

3,493

2,925

720

709

363

3,772

7

4,785

2,293

15,574

138,836

194,480

1.92%

1.51%

$

161,532

$

172,532

$

184,532

$

197,538

$

Ratio of allowance to loans at end of year

Ratio of provision to average loans outstanding

1.47%

.20%

1.75%

.29%

2.01%

.56%

2.10%

1.03%

(A)  Net of unearned income, before deducting allowance for loan losses, excluding loans held for sale.

29

Table of Contents

Years Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding, by loan
category:

Business

Real estate — construction and land

Real estate — business

Real estate — personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

(.03)%

(1.24)

(.08)%

(.08)

.04

.07

.52

.23

3.34

18.04

.23

.09

.69

.40

3.35

18.40

Ratio of total net charge-offs to total average loans outstanding

.30 %

.42 %

.17%

.16%

.41%

1.66

.17

.19

1.09

.36

4.23

2.69

.20

.14

1.64

.41

6.28

4.61

.24

.18

2.20

.24

6.77

11.62

.70%

14.42

1.00%

12.27

1.31%

The following schedule provides a breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category and the percentage of each 

loan category to total loans outstanding at year end:

(Dollars in thousands)

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Loan Loss
Allowance
Allocation

% of Loans
to Total
Loans

Loan Loss
Allowance
Allocation

% of Loans
to Total
Loans

Loan Loss
Allowance
Allocation

% of Loans
to Total
Loans

Loan Loss
Allowance
Allocation

% of Loans
to Total
Loans

Loan Loss
Allowance
Allocation

% of Loans
to Total
Loans

Business

$

43,146

33.9% $

47,729

31.9% $

49,217

30.5% $

47,534

31.4% $

40,455

28.4%

RE — construction and

land

RE — business

RE — personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Student

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

Total

18,617

32,426

4,490

15,440

3,152

—

43,360

901

$ 161,532

3.7

21.1

16.3

13.8

3.8

—

7.3

20,555

37,441

3,937

15,165

4,861

—

41,926

.1

918
100.0% $ 172,532

3.6

22.5

16.1

13.1

4.5

—

8.2

.1

28,280

45,000

3,701

15,369

2,220

—

39,703

1,042

4.2

23.8

15.6

12.1

5.1

—

8.6

.1

21,316

51,096

4,016

19,449

2,502

—

50,532

1,093

4.9

22.0

15.3

12.4

5.1

—

8.8

.1

33,659

31,515

5,435

30,257

1,737

229

49,923

1,270

6.6

20.7

15.2

13.1

4.8

3.3

7.9

—

100.0% $ 184,532

100.0% $ 197,538

100.0% $ 194,480

100.0%

Risk Elements of Loan Portfolio  

Management reviews the loan portfolio continuously for evidence of problem loans.  During the ordinary course of business, 
management becomes aware of borrowers that may not be able to meet the contractual requirements of loan agreements.  Such 
loans  are  placed  under  close  supervision  with  consideration  given  to  placing  the  loan  on  non-accrual  status,  the  need  for  an 
additional allowance for loan loss, and (if appropriate) partial or full loan charge-off. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when 
management does not expect to collect payments consistent with acceptable and agreed upon terms of repayment.  After a loan is 
placed on non-accrual status, any interest previously accrued but not yet collected is reversed against current income.  Interest is 
included in income only as received and only after all previous loan charge-offs have been recovered, so long as management is 
satisfied there is no impairment of collateral values.  The loan is returned to accrual status only when the borrower has brought 
all past due principal and interest payments current, and, in the opinion of management, the borrower has demonstrated the ability 
to make future payments of principal and interest as scheduled. 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 
comprised of those personal banking loans that are exempt under regulatory rules from being classified as non-accrual.  Consumer 
installment loans and related accrued interest are normally charged down to the fair value of related collateral (or are charged off 
in full if no collateral) once the loans are more than 120 days delinquent. Credit card loans and the related accrued interest are 
charged off when the receivable is more than 180 days past due.   

30

 
 
 
Table of Contents

The following schedule shows non-performing assets and loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest.  

(Dollars in thousands)
Total non-accrual loans
Real estate acquired in foreclosure
Total non-performing assets

Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
Total past due 90 days and still accruing interest

December 31

2013
$ 48,814
6,625
$ 55,439

2012
51,410
13,453
64,863

$

$

2011
75,482
18,321
93,803

2010
85,275
12,045
97,320

2009
$ 106,613
10,057
$ 116,670

$

$

$

$

.51%
.24%

.66%
.29%

1.02%
.45%

1.03%
.53%

1.15%
.64%

$ 13,966

$

15,347

$

14,958

$

20,466

$

42,632

The table below shows the effect on interest income in 2013 of loans on non-accrual status at year end.

(In thousands)
Gross amount of interest that would have been recorded at original rate
Interest that was reflected in income
Interest income not recognized

$

$

3,496
283
3,213

Non-accrual loans, which are also classified as impaired, totaled $48.8 million at year end 2013, a decrease of $2.6 million 
from the balance at year end 2012.  At December 31, 2013, non-accrual loans were comprised primarily of business real estate 
loans (40.5%), business loans (23.7%), and construction and land real estate loans (20.8%).  Foreclosed real estate decreased $6.8 
million to a total of $6.6 million at year end 2013.  The decline was mainly due to the sell-off of a large 1-4 family development.  
Total non-performing assets remain low compared to the overall banking industry in 2013, with the non-performing loans to total 
loans ratio at .45% at December 31, 2013.  Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest decreased $1.4 million at year end 
2013 compared to 2012.  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 of Note 3 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 $98.3 million at December 31, 2013 compared with $141.9 
million at December 31, 2012, resulting in a decrease of $43.6 million, or 30.7%.  The change in potential problem loans was 
largely due to decreases of $21.2 million in business loans, and $12.0 million in construction and land real estate loans.  

(In thousands)

Potential problem loans:

Business
Real estate – construction and land
Real estate – business
Real estate – personal

Total potential problem loans

December 31

2013

2012

$

$

$

23,691
21,812
50,349
2,486
98,338 $

44,881
33,762
55,362
7,891
141,896

At  December 31,  2013,  there  were  approximately  $83.2  million  loans  outstanding  whose  terms  had  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 3 to the consolidated financial statements.  This balance includes certain commercial loans 
totaling $38.2 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 3 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.  Construction and land loans and business real 
estate loans are subject to higher risk as a result of the current weak economic climate and issues in the housing industry. Certain 
personal real estate products (residential first mortgages and home equity loans) have contractual features that could increase 
credit exposure in a market of declining real estate prices, when interest rates are steadily increasing, or when a geographic area 

31

 
Table of Contents

experiences an economic downturn. For these personal real estate loans, higher risks could exist when 1) loan terms require a 
minimum monthly payment that covers only interest, or 2) loan-to-collateral value (LTV) ratios at origination are above 80%, 
with no private mortgage insurance.  Information presented below for personal real estate and home equity loans is based on LTV 
ratios which were 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.  For credit monitoring 
purposes, the Company relies on delinquency monitoring along with obtaining refreshed FICO scores, and in the case of home 
equity loans, reviewing line utilization and credit bureau information annually.  This has remained an effective means of evaluating 
credit trends and identifying problem loans, partly because the Company offers standard, conservative lending products.

Real Estate - Construction and Land Loans

The Company’s portfolio of construction loans, as shown in the table below, amounted to 3.7% of total loans outstanding at 

December 31, 2013.  

(Dollars in thousands)
Residential land
 and land development
Residential construction
Commercial land
 and land development
Commercial construction
Total real estate –
construction and land loans

Real Estate – Business Loans

December 31,
2013

% of Total

% of Total Loans

December 31,
2012

% of Total

% of Total Loans

$

79,273
86,043

77,444
163,437

19.5%
21.2

19.1
40.2

.7% $
.8

.7
1.5

61,794
68,590

83,491
142,121

17.4%
19.2

23.5
39.9

$

406,197

100.0%

3.7% $

355,996

100.0%

.6%
.7

.9
1.4

3.6%

Total business real estate loans were $2.3 billion at December 31, 2013 and comprised 21.1% 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. Approximately 46% of these loans were for owner-
occupied real estate properties, which present lower risk profiles. 

(Dollars in thousands)
Owner-occupied

December 31,
2013

$

1,074,074

Retail

Office

Multi-family

Hotels

Farm

Industrial

Other

Total real estate - business
loans

Real Estate - Personal Loans

% of Total

% of Total Loans

December 31,
2012

% of Total

% of Total Loans

46.4%

11.7

11.5

7.7

6.5

6.0

3.9

6.3

9.8% $

1,035,407

2.5

2.4

1.6

1.4

1.3

.8

1.3

245,021

269,756

184,208

155,392

123,613

110,645

90,933

46.7%

11.1

12.2

8.3

7.0

5.6

5.0

4.1

10.5%

2.5

2.7

1.9

1.6

1.3

1.1

.9

271,228

265,352

178,524

151,483

138,842

89,045

145,002

$

2,313,550

100.0%

21.1% $

2,214,975

100.0%

22.5%

The Company’s $1.8 billion personal real estate loan portfolio is composed of first mortgages on residential real estate.     The 
majority of this portfolio is comprised of approximately $1.5 billion of loans made to the retail customer base and includes both 
adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans.  As shown in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, 5.0% of the retail-
based portfolio has FICO scores of less than 660, and delinquency levels have been low.  Loans of approximately $15.8 million 
in this portfolio were structured with interest only payments. Interest only loans are typically made to high net-worth borrowers 
and generally have low LTV ratios or have additional collateral pledged to secure the loan, and, 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.  A small portion of the total portfolio is composed of personal real estate loans made to commercial 
customers, which totaled $244.3 million at December 31, 2013.

32

Table of Contents

The following table presents information about the retail-based personal real estate loan portfolio for 2013 and 2012.

(Dollars in thousands)
Loans with interest only payments
Loans with no insurance and LTV:

Between 80% and 90%
Between 90% and 95%
Over 95%

Over 80% LTV with no insurance

Total loan portfolio from which above loans were identified

Revolving Home Equity Loans

2013

2012

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

$

15,849

% of Loan
Portfolio

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

% of Loan
Portfolio

1.0% $

12,730

.9%

80,431
27,158
38,518
146,107
1,546,768

5.2
1.8
2.5
9.5

76,023
26,871
33,290
136,184
1,360,194

5.6
2.0
2.4
10.0

The Company also has revolving home equity loans that are generally collateralized by residential real estate. Most of these 
loans (93.8%) 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 shown in the tables below, the percentage of loans with LTV ratios 
greater than 80% has remained a small segment of this portfolio, and delinquencies have been low and stable.  The weighted 
average FICO score for the total current portfolio balance is 740.  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 to 
convert the outstanding balance to an amortizing loan.  If criteria are not met, amortization is required, or the borrower may pay 
off the loan.  Over the next four years, approximately 57% of the Company's current outstanding balances are expected to mature.  
Of these balances, 79% have a FICO score above 700.  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.  

(Dollars in thousands)
Loans with interest only payments
Loans with LTV:

Between 80% and 90%
Over 90%

Over 80% LTV

Total loan portfolio from which above
loans were identified

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31,
2013
394,714

$

New Lines
Originated
During 2013
$44,348

*
93.8%

*
10.5%

Unused Portion
of Available
Lines at
December 31,
2013
$656,679

Balances
Over 30
Days Past
Due
$4,284

*
156.1%

42,162
12,212
54,374

10.0
2.9
12.9

10,767
1,941
12,708

2.6
.4
3.0

36,274
10,312
46,586

8.6
2.5
11.1

284
163
447

420,589

157,197

686,105

* Percentage of total principal outstanding of $420.6 million at December 31, 2013.

(Dollars in thousands)
Loans with interest only payments
Loans with LTV:
Between 80% and 90%
Over 90%
Over 80% LTV

Total loan portfolio from which above
loans were identified

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31,
2012
409,593

$

New Lines
Originated
During 2012
$60,673

*
93.6%

*
13.9%

Unused Portion
of Available
Lines at
December 31,
2012
$637,677

Balances
Over 30
Days Past
Due
$4,011

*
145.7%

45,698
15,310
61,008

10.4
3.5
13.9

9,747
1,528
11,275

2.2
.4
2.6

36,568
11,320
47,888

8.4
2.5
10.9

462
358
820

437,567

135,657

649,963

* Percentage of total principal outstanding of $437.6 million at December 31, 2012.

*
1.0%

.1
—
.1

*

.9%

.1
.1
.2

33

Table of Contents

Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans

In  addition  to  the  residential  real  estate  mortgage  loans  and  the  revolving  floating  rate  line  product  discussed  above,  the 
Company offers a third choice to those consumers desiring a fixed rate loan and a fixed maturity date. This fixed rate home equity 
loan, typically for home repair or remodeling, is an alternative for individuals who want to finance a specific project or purchase 
and decide to lock in a specific monthly payment over a defined period.  Outstanding balances for these loans were $284.9 million 
and $210.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  At times, these loans are written with interest only monthly 
payments  and  a  balloon  payoff  at  maturity;  however,  only  2%  of  this  portfolio  was  comprised  of  interest  only  loans  at  both 
December 31, 2013 and 2012.  The delinquency history on this product has been low, as balances over 30 days past due totaled 
only $3.5 million, or 1.2% of the portfolio, at year end 2013 and $2.0 million, or .9% of the portfolio, at year end 2012.  

(Dollars in thousands)

2013

2012

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

*

New Loans
Originated

*

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

*

New Loans
Originated

*

Loans with interest only payments

$

5,246

1.8% $6,530

2.3% $

4,128

2.0%

$5,464

2.6%

Loans with LTV:

Between 80% and 90%

Over 90%

Over 80% LTV

52,355

18.4

20,589

7.2

72,944

25.6

30,893

11,652

42,545

10.8

4.1

14.9

Total loan portfolio from which above
loans were identified

284,867

17.3

8.4

25.7

26,438

6,628

33,066

12.6

3.1

15.7

36,427

17,561

53,988

210,064

* Percentage of total principal outstanding of $284.9 million and $210.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Management does not believe these loans collateralized by real estate (revolving home equity, personal real estate, and fixed 
rate home equity) represent any unusual concentrations of risk, as evidenced by net charge-offs in 2013 of $986 thousand, $1.2 
million and $318 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 
automobiles, marine, and RVs.  During 2013, $507.7 million of new automobile loans were originated, compared to $440.2 million 
during 2012.  Marine and RV loan production has been significantly curtailed in recent years with few new originations.  The loss 
ratios experienced for marine and RV loans have been higher than for other consumer loan products, at 1.3% and 1.8% in 2013 
and 2012, respectively.  Balances over 30 days past due are relatively unchanged at year end 2013 compared to 2012.  The table 
below provides the total outstanding principal and other data for this group of direct and indirect lending products at December 
31, 2013 and 2012.

(In thousands)

Automobiles

Marine

RV

Total

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

2013

New Loans
Originated

Balances
Over 30 Days
Past Due

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

2012

New Loans
Originated

Balances
Over 30 Days
Past Due

$

$

749,970 $

507,678 $

7,220

$

569,616 $

440,206 $

68,162

184,969

2,765

11

2,860

4,317

88,858

238,991

1,450

—

4,454

2,948

4,443

1,003,101 $

510,454 $

14,397

$

897,465 $

441,656 $

11,845

Additionally,  the  Company  offers  low  introductory  rates  on  selected  consumer  credit  card  products.  Out  of  a  portfolio  at 
December 31, 2013 of $796.2 million in consumer credit card loans outstanding, approximately $167.8 million, or 21.1%, carried 
a low introductory rate. Within the next six months, $46.4 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.

34

Table of Contents

Investment Securities Analysis

Investment securities are comprised of securities which are classified as available for sale, non-marketable, or trading. During 
2013, total investment securities decreased $404.2 million, or 4.3%, to $9.0 billion (excluding unrealized gains/losses) compared 
to $9.4 billion at the previous year end.  During 2013, securities of $2.2 billion were purchased in the available for sale and non-
marketable portfolios, which included $1.0 billion in asset-backed securities.  Total sales, maturities and pay downs in these 
portfolios were $2.6 billion during 2013.  During 2014, maturities and pay downs of approximately $1.6 billion are expected to 
occur.  The average tax equivalent yield earned on total investment securities was 2.30% in 2013 and 2.55% in 2012.

At December 31, 2013, the fair value of available for sale securities was $8.9 billion, including a net unrealized gain in fair 
value of $41.1 million, compared to a net unrealized gain of $263.7 million at December 31, 2012. The overall unrealized gain in 
fair value at December 31, 2013 included gains of $28.5 million in agency mortgage-backed securities, $10.4 million in non-
agency mortgage-backed securities, and $33.9 million in equity securities held by the Parent.  These gains were partially offset 
by unrealized losses of $25.0 million in government-sponsored enterprise obligations.

Available for sale investment securities at year end for the past two years are shown below:

(In thousands)

Amortized Cost

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Other debt securities

Equity securities

Total available for sale investment securities

Fair Value

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Other debt securities

Equity securities

December 31

2013

2012

$

498,226 $

766,802

1,624,195

2,743,803

236,595

2,847,368

147,581

9,970

399,971

467,063

1,585,926

3,248,007

224,223

3,152,913

174,727

5,695

$

$

8,874,540 $

9,258,525

505,696 $

741,766

1,619,171

2,772,338

246,983

2,844,071

141,757

43,898

438,759

471,574

1,615,707

3,380,955

237,011

3,167,394

177,752

33,096

Total available for sale investment securities

$

8,915,680 $

9,522,248

The  available  for  sale  portfolio  consists  of  agency  mortgage-backed  securities,  which  are  collateralized  bonds  issued  by 
agencies, including FNMA, GNMA, FHLMC, FHLB, Federal Farm Credit Banks and FDIC.  Non-agency mortgage-backed 
securities totaled $247.0 million, at fair value, at December 31, 2013, and included Alt-A type mortgage-backed securities of $79.7 
million and prime/jumbo loan type securities of $84.4 million. Certain of the non-agency mortgage-backed securities are other-
than-temporarily impaired, and the processes for determining impairment and the related losses are discussed in Note 4 to the 
consolidated financial statements.  

At December 31, 2013, U.S. government obligations included $505.6 million in U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, 
and state and municipal obligations included $127.7 million in auction rate securities, at fair value. Other debt securities include 
corporate bonds, notes and commercial paper.  Available for sale equity securities are mainly comprised of common stock held 
by the Parent which totaled $37.2 million at December 31, 2013.

35

  
Table of Contents

The types of debt securities in the available for sale security portfolio are presented in the table below.  Additional detail by 

maturity category is provided in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

Available for sale debt securities:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Other debt securities

                 *Based on call provisions and estimated prepayment speeds.

December 31, 2013

Percent of
Total Debt
Securities

Weighted
Average
Yield

Estimated
Average
Maturity*

5.7%

1.05%

5.3 years

8.4

18.2

31.2

2.8

32.1

1.6

1.65

2.42

2.74

4.51

.88

2.40

6.2

6.2

3.9

4.4

2.4

5.9

Non-marketable securities, which totaled $107.3 million at December 31, 2013, included $32.2 million in Federal Reserve 
Bank stock and $14.3 million in Federal Home Loan Bank (Des Moines) stock held by the bank subsidiary in accordance with 
debt and regulatory requirements. These are restricted securities which, lacking a market, are carried at cost. Other non-marketable 
securities also include private equity securities which are carried at estimated fair value.

The Company engages in private equity activities primarily through several private equity subsidiaries.  These subsidiaries 
hold investments in various business entities, which are carried at fair value and totaled $56.6 million at December 31, 2013.  In 
addition to investments held by its private equity subsidiaries, the Parent directly holds investments in several private equity 
concerns, which totaled $3.3 million at year end 2013. Most of the private equity investments are not readily marketable. While 
the nature of these investments carries a higher degree of risk than the normal lending portfolio, this risk is mitigated by the overall 
size of the investments and oversight provided by management, and management believes the potential for long-term gains in 
these investments outweighs the potential risks.  Most of the private equity investments are held by a subsidiary qualified as a 
Small Business Investment Company.

Non-marketable securities at year end for the past two years are shown below:

(In thousands)
Debt securities
Equity securities
Total non-marketable investment securities

December 31

2013

2012

$

$

28,485 $
78,839
107,324 $

32,068
86,582
118,650

In addition to its holdings in the investment securities portfolio, the Company holds long-term securities purchased under 
agreements to resell, which totaled $1.2 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012.  These investments mature in 2014 through 2016, 
and most have rates that fluctuate with published indices within a fixed range.  The counterparties to these agreements are other 
financial  institutions  from  whom  the  Company  has  accepted  collateral  of  $1.2  billion  in  marketable  investment  securities  at 
December 31, 2013.  The average rate earned on these agreements during 2013 was 1.60%.

The Company also holds $300.0 million in offsetting repurchase and resell agreements at December 31, 2013, which are further 
discussed  in  Note  19  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements.    These  agreements  involve  the  exchange  of  collateral  under 
simultaneous  repurchase  and  resell  agreements  with  the  same  financial  institution  counterparty. These  repurchase  and  resell 
agreements have been offset against each other in the balance sheet, as permitted under current accounting guidance. The agreements 
mature in 2014 through 2015 and earned an average of 78 basis points during 2013.

Deposits and Borrowings

Deposits are the primary funding source for the Bank and are acquired from a broad base of local markets, including both 
individual and corporate customers.  Total deposits were $19.0 billion at December 31, 2013, compared to $18.3 billion last year, 
reflecting an increase of $698.7 million, or 3.8%.  Most of this growth occurred in the fourth quarter of 2013.  Included in the 
increase are balances of $232.3 million acquired in the Summit transaction.  Excluding these balances, total deposits grew 2.6% 
year over year and reflect a stabilization of the higher growth activity in 2012 and 2011.

36

             
Table of Contents

Average deposits grew by $1.2 billion, or 7.3%, in 2013 compared to 2012 with most of this growth occurring in business 
demand deposits, which grew $402.4 million, or 9.9%, and in money market deposits, which increased $579.1 million, or 7.1%.  
Certificates of deposit with balances under $100,000 fell on average by $82.2 million, or 7.4%, while  certificates of deposit over 
$100,000 increased by $198.6 million, or 16.8%. 

The following table shows year end deposits by type as a percentage of total deposits.

Non-interest bearing
Savings, interest checking and money market
Time open and C.D.’s of less than $100,000
Time open and C.D.’s of $100,000 and over
Total deposits

December 31

2013

2012

35.4%
53.1
5.2
6.3
100.0%

34.3%
53.5
5.9
6.3
100.0%

Core deposits, which include non-interest bearing, interest checking, savings, and money market deposits, supported 75% of 
average earning assets in 2013 and 74% in 2012.  Average balances by major deposit category for the last six years appear on page 
50.  A maturity schedule of time deposits outstanding at December 31, 2013 is included in Note 7 on Deposits in the consolidated 
financial statements.

The Company’s primary sources of overnight borrowings are federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to 
repurchase (repurchase agreements).  Balances in these accounts can fluctuate significantly on a day-to-day basis and generally 
have one day maturities.  These short-term balances totaled $996.6 million at December 31, 2013.  The Company also holds $350.0 
million in long-term structured repurchase agreements that will mature throughout 2014.  Total balances of federal funds purchased 
and repurchase agreements outstanding at year end 2013 were $1.3 billion, a $263.0 million increase over the $1.1 billion balance 
outstanding at year end 2012.  On an average basis, these borrowings increased $108.7 million, or 9.2%, during 2013, with increases 
of $97.8 million in federal funds purchased and $10.9 million in repurchase agreements.  The average rate paid on total federal 
funds purchased and repurchase agreements was .06% during 2013 and .07% during 2012.

Most of the Company’s long-term debt is comprised of fixed rate advances from the FHLB.  These borrowings increased to 
$105.3 million at December 31, 2013, from $103.7 million outstanding at December 31, 2012.  The average rate paid on FHLB 
advances was 3.56% and 3.60% during 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Most of the remaining balance outstanding at December 31, 
2013 is due in 2017.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity Management

Liquidity is managed within the Company in order to satisfy cash flow requirements of deposit and borrowing customers while 
at the same time meeting its own cash flow needs. The Company has taken numerous steps to address liquidity risk and has 
developed a variety of liquidity sources which it believes will provide the necessary funds for future growth.  The Company 
manages its liquidity position through a variety of sources including:

•  A portfolio of liquid assets including marketable investment securities and overnight investments,

•  A large customer deposit base and limited exposure to large, volatile certificates of deposit,

•  Lower long-term borrowings that might place demands on Company cash flow,

•  Relatively low loan to deposit ratio promoting strong liquidity, 

•  Excellent debt ratings from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s national rating services, and

•  Available borrowing capacity from outside sources. 

During 2013, the Company saw faster growth in average loans (up 9.9%) than in deposits (up 7.3%), and maturities of marketable 
securities were largely used to fund loan growth, rather than reinvested in the portfolio.  As a result, the Company’s average loans 
to deposits ratio, one measure of liquidity, increased to 57.1% in 2013 from 55.8% in 2012.  

37

 
 
Table of Contents

The Company’s most liquid assets include available for sale marketable investment securities, federal funds sold, balances at 
the Federal Reserve Bank, and securities purchased under agreements to resell (resell agreements). At December 31, 2013 and 
2012, such assets were as follows:

(In thousands)

Available for sale investment securities

Federal funds sold

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

Balances at the Federal Reserve Bank
Total

2013

2012

$

8,915,680 $

9,522,248

43,845

1,150,000

707,249
10,816,774 $

$

27,595

1,200,000

179,164
10,929,007

Federal funds sold are funds lent to the Company’s correspondent bank customers with overnight maturities, and totaled $43.8 
million at December 31, 2013.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had lent funds totaling $1.2 billion under long-term resell 
agreements to other large financial institutions.  The agreements mature in 2014 through 2016.  Under these agreements, the 
Company holds marketable securities, safekept by a third-party custodian, as collateral, which totaled $1.2 billion in fair value at 
December 31, 2013.  Interest earning balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, which have overnight maturities and are used for 
general liquidity purposes, totaled $707.2 million at December 31, 2013.  The Company’s available for sale investment portfolio 
includes scheduled maturities and expected pay downs of approximately $1.6 billion during 2014, and these funds offer substantial 
resources to meet either 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, repurchase agreements, trust funds, letters of credit 
issued by the FHLB, and borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, total investment 
securities pledged for these purposes were as follows:

(In thousands)

2013

2012

Investment securities pledged for the purpose of securing:

Federal Reserve Bank borrowings

FHLB borrowings and letters of credit

Repurchase agreements

Other deposits

Total pledged securities

Unpledged and available for pledging

Ineligible for pledging

$

505,690 $

58,445

2,814,597

1,646,562

5,025,294

2,339,549

1,550,837

604,121

46,732

2,105,867

1,550,114

4,306,834

3,428,781

1,786,633

Total available for sale securities, at fair value

$

8,915,680 $

9,522,248

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 December 31, 2013, such deposits totaled $16.9 billion and represented 
88.5% of the Company’s total deposits.  These core deposits are normally less volatile, often with customer relationships tied to 
other products offered by the Company promoting long lasting relationships and stable funding sources.  Total core deposits 
increased $741.1 million in 2013, with growth of $609.2 million in corporate core deposits and $131.9 million in consumer core 
deposits.  Much of this growth occurred in the fourth quarter of 2013, reflecting seasonal patterns.   While the Company considers 
core consumer deposits less volatile, corporate deposits could decline if interest rates increase significantly or if corporate customers 
increase investing activities and reduce deposit balances.  If these corporate deposits decline, the Company's funding needs can 
be met by liquidity supplied by the investment security portfolio, totaling $1.6 billion as noted above.  In addition, as shown on 
page 39, the Company has borrowing capacity of $3.4 billion through advances from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve.

(In thousands)

Core deposit base:

Non-interest bearing

Interest checking

Savings and money market

Total

2013

2012

$

6,750,674 $

6,299,903

1,113,110

8,995,126

976,144

8,841,799

$

16,858,910 $

16,117,846

38

Table of Contents

Time open and certificates of deposit of $100,000 or greater totaled $1.2 billion at December 31, 2013. These deposits are 

normally considered more volatile and higher costing and comprised 6.3% of total deposits at December 31, 2013.

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, repurchase agreements, and advances 
from the FHLB, as follows:

(In thousands)
Borrowings:

Federal funds purchased
Repurchase agreements
FHLB advances

Total

2013

2012

$

$

24,795 $

1,321,763
105,310

24,510
1,059,040
103,710

1,451,868 $

1,187,260

Federal funds purchased, which totaled $24.8 million at December 31, 2013, are unsecured overnight borrowings obtained 
mainly from upstream correspondent banks with which the Company maintains approved lines of credit.  Repurchase agreements 
are secured by a portion of the Company’s investment portfolio and are comprised of both non-insured customer funds, totaling 
$971.8 million at December 31, 2013, and structured repurchase agreements of $350.0 million.  Customer repurchase agreements 
are offered to customers wishing to earn interest in highly liquid balances and are used by the Company as a funding source 
considered to be stable, but short-term in nature. The structured repurchase agreements were borrowed from an upstream financial 
institution and are due in 2014. The Company also borrows on a secured basis through advances from the FHLB, which totaled 
$105.3 million at December 31, 2013.  All of these advances have fixed interest rates, with the majority maturing in 2017.   The 
overall long-term debt position of the Company is small relative to its overall liability position.

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 and permits 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 December 31, 2013.

(In thousands)

Total collateral value pledged

Advances outstanding

Letters of credit issued

Available for future advances

December 31, 2013

FHLB

Federal Reserve

Total

2,382,076 $

1,507,280 $

3,889,356

(105,310)

(353,010)

—

—

(105,310)

(353,010)

1,923,756 $

1,507,280 $

3,431,036

$

$

The Company’s average loans to deposits ratio was 57.1% at December 31, 2013, which is considered in the banking industry 
to be a measure of strong liquidity. Also, the Company receives outside ratings from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s on both 
the consolidated company and its subsidiary bank, Commerce Bank.  These ratings are as follows:

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Issuer rating

Commercial paper rating

Rating outlook

Commerce Bank

Issuer rating

Bank financial strength rating

Rating outlook

39

Standard &
Poor’s

Moody’s

A-

Stable

A

Stable

P-1

Stable

Aa3

B

Stable

Table of Contents

The Company considers these ratings to be indications of a sound capital base and strong liquidity and believes that these 
ratings would help ensure the ready marketability of its commercial paper, should the need arise. No commercial paper has been 
outstanding during the past ten years.  The Company has no subordinated or hybrid debt instruments which would affect future 
borrowing capacity.  Because of its lack of significant long-term debt, the Company believes that, through its Capital Markets 
Group or in other public debt markets, it could generate additional liquidity from sources such as jumbo certificates of deposit, 
privately-placed corporate notes or other forms of debt.  Future financing could also include the issuance of common or preferred 
stock.

The cash flows from the operating, investing and financing activities of the Company resulted in a net increase in cash and 
cash equivalents of $489.7 million in 2013, as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows on page 58 of this report. 
Operating activities, consisting mainly of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, provided cash flow of $360.9 million 
and has historically been a stable source of funds. Investing activities used total cash of $713.7 million in 2013 and consisted 
mainly of purchases and maturities of available for sale investment securities, changes in long-term securities purchased under 
agreements to resell, and changes in the level of the Company’s loan portfolio.  Growth in the loan portfolio used cash of $938.2 
million. Net sales, pay downs and maturities in the investment securities portfolio provided cash of $147.3 million, net repayments 
of long-term resell agreements provided cash of $50.0 million, and cash of $47.6 million was acquired in the Summit Bancshares, 
Inc. transaction.  Investing activities are somewhat unique to financial institutions in that, while large sums of cash flow are 
normally used to fund growth in investment securities, loans, or other bank assets, they are normally dependent on the financing 
activities described below.

Financing activities provided total cash of $842.4 million, primarily resulting from a $719.2 million increase in deposits and 
a net increase of $263.0 million in borrowings of federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements.  This increase to cash was 
partly offset by purchases of treasury stock of $69.4 million and cash dividend payments of $82.1 million.  Future short-term 
liquidity needs for daily operations are not expected to vary significantly, and the Company maintains adequate liquidity to meet 
these cash flows. The Company’s sound equity base, along with its low debt level, common and preferred stock availability, and 
excellent debt ratings, provide several alternatives for future financing.  Future acquisitions may utilize partial funding through 
one or more of these options.

Cash flows resulting from the Company’s transactions in its common stock were as follows:

(In millions)

Exercise of stock-based awards and sales to affiliate non-employee directors

Purchases of treasury stock

Cash dividends paid

Cash used

2013

2012

2011

$

$

10.2 $

(69.4)

(82.1)

15.6 $

(104.9)

(211.6)

(141.3) $

(300.9) $

15.3

(101.2)

(79.1)

(165.0)

The Parent faces unique liquidity constraints due to legal limitations on its ability to borrow funds from its bank subsidiary. 
The Parent obtains funding to meet its obligations from two main sources: dividends received from bank and non-bank subsidiaries 
(within regulatory limitations) and management fees charged to subsidiaries as reimbursement for services provided by the Parent, 
as presented below:

(In millions)

Dividends received from subsidiaries

Management fees

Total

2013

2012

2011

$

$

200.4 $
20.7

221.1 $

235.0 $
23.7

258.7 $

180.1
19.3

199.4

These sources of funds are used mainly to pay cash dividends on outstanding common stock, pay general operating expenses, 
and purchase treasury stock.  At December 31, 2013, the Parent’s available for sale investment securities totaled $57.8 million at 
fair value, consisting of common stock and non-agency backed collateralized mortgage obligations.  To support its various funding 
commitments, the Parent maintains a $20.0 million line of credit with its subsidiary bank.  There were no borrowings outstanding 
under the line during 2013 or 2012.  

Company senior management is responsible for measuring and monitoring the liquidity profile of the organization with oversight 
by the Company’s Asset/Liability Committee. This is done through a series of controls, including a written Contingency Funding 
Policy and risk monitoring procedures, which include daily, weekly and monthly reporting. In addition, the Company prepares 
forecasts to project changes in the balance sheet affecting liquidity and to allow the Company to better plan for forecasted changes.

40

Table of Contents

Capital Management

The Company maintains strong regulatory capital ratios, including those of its banking subsidiary, in excess of the “well-
capitalized” guidelines under federal banking regulations. The Company’s capital ratios at the end of the last three years are as 
follows:

Regulatory risk-based capital ratios:

Tier I capital

Total capital

Leverage ratio

Tangible common equity to assets

Dividend payout ratio

2013

2012

2011

14.06%

13.60%

14.71%

15.28

9.43

9.00

31.51

14.93

9.14

9.25

79.48

16.04

9.55

9.91

31.06

Well-Capitalized
Regulatory
Guidelines

6.00%

10.00

5.00

The Company’s regulatory risked-based capital amounts and risk-weighted assets at the end of the last three years are as 

follows:

(In thousands)

Regulatory risk-based capital:

Tier I capital

Tier II capital

Total capital

Total risk-weighted assets

2013

2012

2011

$

2,061,761

$

1,906,203 $

1,928,690

177,875

2,239,636

185,938

2,092,141

174,711

2,103,401

14,660,536

14,015,648

13,115,261

The Company maintains a stock buyback program and purchases stock in the market under authorizations by its Board of 
Directors. At a July 2013 meeting, the Board of Directors approved the purchase of additional shares, bringing the total shares 
authorized for future purchase to 4,000,000 shares. During 2013 the Company purchased 1,741,806 shares of stock at an average 
cost of $39.82 per share.  At December 31, 2013, 3,492,265 shares remained available for purchase under the current Board 
authorization. 

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 special cash dividend of $1.36 per share in the fourth 
quarter of 2012, and the regular per share cash dividends increased 2.7% in 2013 compared with 2012.  The Company also paid 
its twentieth consecutive annual 5% stock dividend in December 2013.  The Board of Directors approved a 5% increase in the 
first quarter 2014 cash dividend.

Commitments, Contractual Obligations, and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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 totaling $8.4 billion (including approximately $3.8 
billion in unused approved credit card lines) and the contractual amount of standby letters of credit totaling $325.6 million at 
December 31, 2013.  As many commitments expire unused or only partially used, these totals do not necessarily reflect future 
cash requirements. Management does not anticipate any material losses arising from commitments or contingent liabilities and 
believes there are no material commitments to extend credit that represent risks of an unusual nature.

41

 
 
 
Table of Contents

A table summarizing contractual cash obligations of the Company at December 31, 2013 and the expected timing of these 

payments follows:

(In thousands)
Long-term debt obligations, including structured
repurchase agreements*
Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations
Time open and C.D.’s *
Total

$

$

* Includes principal payments only.

Payments Due by Period

In One Year or
Less

After One Year
Through Three
Years

After Three Years
Through Five
Years

After Five Years

Total

351,178 $
5,850
59,232
1,740,247
2,156,507 $

4,132 $
8,984
106,843
362,024
481,983 $

100,000 $
6,172
98,929
84,400
289,501 $

— $

16,300
12,272
1,767
30,339

$

455,310
37,306
277,276
2,188,438
2,958,330

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $1.4 million. This liability for unrecognized tax 
benefits represents an estimate of tax positions that the Company has taken in its tax returns which may not be sustained upon 
examination by taxing authorities. Since the ultimate amount and timing of any future cash settlements cannot be predicted with 
reasonable certainty, this estimated liability has been excluded from the table above.  Further information about these benefits is 
located in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements. 

The Company funds a defined benefit pension plan for a portion of its employees.  Under the funding policy for the plan, 
contributions are made as necessary to provide for current service and for any unfunded accrued actuarial liabilities over a reasonable 
period.  During 2012, the Company made a discretionary contribution of $1.5 million to its defined benefit pension plan in order 
to reduce pension guarantee premiums.  No contributions were made to the plan in 2013, and the Company is not required nor 
does it expect to make a contribution in 2014.

The Company has investments in several low-income housing partnerships within the areas it serves.  These partnerships 
supply funds for the construction and operation of apartment complexes that provide affordable housing to that segment of the 
population with lower family income. If these developments successfully attract a specified percentage of residents falling in that 
lower income range, federal (and sometimes state) income tax credits are made available to the partners. The tax credits are 
normally recognized over ten years, and they play an important part in the anticipated yield from these investments. In order to 
continue receiving the tax credits each year over the life of the partnership, the low-income residency targets must be maintained. 
Under the terms of the partnership agreements, the Company has a commitment to fund a specified amount that will be due in 
installments over the life of the agreements, which ranges from 10 to 15 years. At December 31, 2013, the funded investments 
totaled  $13.9  million  and  are  recorded  as  other  assets  in  the  Company’s  consolidated  balance  sheet.   Additional  unfunded 
commitments, which are recorded as liabilities, amounted to $11.8 million at December 31, 2013.

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 2013, purchases and sales of tax credits amounted to 
$65.1 million and $59.6 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments 
totaling $181.8 million.

Interest Rate Sensitivity 

The Company’s Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO) measures and manages the Company’s interest rate risk on 
a monthly basis to identify trends and establish strategies to maintain stability in net interest income throughout various rate 
environments.  Analytical modeling techniques provide management insight into the Company’s exposure to changing rates. These 
techniques include net interest income simulations and market value analysis.  Management has set guidelines specifying acceptable 
limits within which net interest income and market value may change under various rate change scenarios. These measurement 
tools indicate that the Company is currently within acceptable risk guidelines as set by management.

The Company’s main interest rate measurement tool, income simulations, projects net interest income under various rate change 
scenarios in order to quantify the magnitude and timing of potential rate-related changes. Income simulations are able to capture 
option risks within the balance sheet where expected cash flows may be altered under various rate environments. Modeled rate 
movements include “shocks, ramps and twists”. Shocks are intended to capture interest rate risk under extreme conditions by 
immediately shifting rates up and down, while ramps measure the impact of gradual changes and twists measure yield curve risk. 
The size of the balance sheet is assumed to remain constant so that results are not influenced by growth predictions. The following 
table shows the expected effect that gradual basis point shifts in the swap curve over a twelve month period would have on the 
Company’s net interest income, given a static balance sheet.

42

(Dollars in millions)
300 basis points rising
200 basis points rising
100 basis points rising

December 31, 2013

September 30, 2013

December 31, 2012

$ Change in
Net Interest
Income

% Change in
Net Interest
Income

$ Change in
Net Interest
Income

% Change in
Net Interest
Income

$ Change in
Net Interest
Income

% Change in
Net Interest
Income

($5.0)
1.0
3.4

(.81)%
.17
.56

($6.7)
(.8)
1.8

(1.12)%
(.13)
.30

($2.1)
3.1
4.9

(.36)%
.51
.82

The Company also employs a sophisticated simulation technique known as a stochastic income simulation. This technique 
allows management to see a range of results from hundreds of income simulations. The stochastic simulation creates a vector of 
potential rate paths around the market’s best guess (forward rates) concerning the future path of interest rates and allows rates to 
randomly follow paths throughout the vector.  This allows for the modeling of non-biased rate forecasts around the market consensus. 
Results give management insight into a likely range of rate-related risk as well as worst and best-case rate scenarios.

The Company also uses market value analyses to help identify longer-term risks that may reside on the balance sheet. This is 
considered a secondary risk measurement tool by management. The Company measures the market value of equity as the net 
present value of all asset and liability cash flows discounted along the current swap curve plus appropriate market risk spreads. It 
is the change in the market value of equity under different rate environments, or effective duration that gives insight into the 
magnitude  of  risk  to  future  earnings  due  to  rate  changes.  Market  value  analyses  also  help  management  understand  the  price 
sensitivity of non-marketable bank products under different rate environments.

Under the above scenarios at December 31, 2013, a gradual increase in interest rates of 100 basis points is expected to increase 
net interest income from the base calculation by $3.4 million, or .56%, and a rise of 200 basis points is expected to increase net 
interest income by $1.0 million, or .17%. Under a 300 basis points rising rate scenario, net interest income would decrease by 
$5.0 million, or .81%. Due to the already low interest rate environment, the Company did not model falling rate scenarios. The 
change in net interest income from the base calculation at December 31, 2013 for the three scenarios shown was higher than 
projections made at September 30, 2013, largely due to a change in the mix of interest bearing liabilities.  Short-term borrowings 
of federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements, in addition to short-term certificates of deposit, are generally more rate-
sensitive, and these balances declined from the previous quarter.  They were replaced by higher balances of demand and money 
market deposits, which are less rate-sensitive.  This change resulted in a more asset-sensitive risk pattern and improving income 
projections.  As shown in the above scenarios, as rates rise from 100 to 300 basis points, the effect on projected net interest income 
generally becomes more negative.  This occurs because, in the higher rate scenarios, the non-contractual deposits are modeled to 
become more rate sensitive, resulting in margin compression.  Also, these scenarios project deposit run-off which is replaced by 
higher costing short-term borrowings.  Rising rates also tend to slow prepayments of both residential mortgage loans and mortgage-
backed securities, which also negatively affects net interest income.  

 Through review and oversight by the ALCO, the Company attempts to engage in strategies that neutralize interest rate risk as 
much as possible.  The Company’s balance sheet remains well-diversified with moderate interest rate risk and is well-positioned 
for future growth. The use of derivative products is limited and the deposit base is strong and stable. The loan to deposit ratio is 
still at relatively low levels, which should present the Company with opportunities to fund future loan growth at reasonable costs.  
The Company believes that its approach to interest rate risk has appropriately considered its susceptibility to both rising and falling 
rates and has adopted strategies which minimize impacts of interest rate risk.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company maintains an overall interest rate risk management strategy that permits the use of derivative instruments to 
modify exposure to interest rate risk. The Company’s interest rate risk management strategy includes the ability to modify the re-
pricing characteristics of certain assets and liabilities so that changes in interest rates do not adversely affect the net interest margin 
and cash flows. Interest rate swaps are used on a limited basis as part of this strategy. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had 
entered into two interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $12.2 million which are designated as fair value hedges of certain 
fixed rate loans.  The Company also sells swap contracts to customers who wish to modify their interest rate sensitivity.  The 
Company offsets the interest rate risk of these swaps by purchasing matching contracts with offsetting pay/receive rates from other 
financial institutions.  The notional amount of these types of swaps at December 31, 2013 was $584.8 million.

Credit risk participation agreements arise when the Company contracts, as a guarantor or beneficiary, with other financial 
institutions to share credit risk associated with certain interest rate swaps.  These agreements provide for reimbursement of losses 
resulting from a third party default on the underlying swap.  

43

Table of Contents

The Company enters into foreign exchange derivative instruments as an accommodation to customers and offsets the related 
foreign exchange risk by entering into offsetting third-party forward contracts with approved, reputable counterparties.  In addition, 
the Company takes proprietary positions in such contracts based on market expectations.  This trading activity is managed within 
a policy of specific controls and limits. Most of the foreign exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013 mature within 
six months.

In all of these contracts, the Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties, who may be 
bank  customers  or  other  financial  institutions. The  Company  controls  the  credit  risk  of  its  financial  contracts  through  credit 
approvals,  limits and  monitoring procedures.  Because  the  Company generally  enters into  transactions  only  with high  quality 
counterparties, there have been no losses associated with counterparty nonperformance on derivative financial instruments.

The following table summarizes the notional amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments at 
December 31, 2013 and 2012. Notional amount, along with the other terms of the derivative, is used to determine the amounts to 
be exchanged between the counterparties. Because the notional amount does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties, it 
is not a measure of loss exposure related to the use of derivatives nor of exposure to liquidity risk. 

2013

2012

(In thousands)

Notional
Amount

Positive Fair
Value

Negative Fair
Value

 Notional
Amount

Positive Fair
Value

Negative Fair
Value

Interest rate swaps

$

596,933

$

11,428

$

(11,729)

$

435,542

$

16,334

$

(17,060)

Interest rate caps
Credit risk participation
agreements
Foreign exchange contracts
Total at December 31

9,736

52,456

81,207
740,332

$

1

4

(1)

(69)

1,547
12,980

$

(1,530)
(13,329)

$

$

27,736

43,243

47,897
554,418

1

9

396
16,740

$

$

(1)

(196)

(461)
(17,718)

Operating Segments

The Company segregates financial information for use in assessing its performance and allocating resources among three 
operating segments. The results are determined based on the Company’s management accounting process, which assigns balance 
sheet and income statement items to each responsible segment. These segments are defined by customer base and product type. 
The management process measures the performance of the operating segments based on the management structure of the Company 
and  is  not  necessarily  comparable  with  similar  information  for  any  other  financial  institution.  Each  segment  is  managed  by 
executives who, in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, make strategic business decisions regarding that segment. The 
three reportable operating segments are Consumer, Commercial and Wealth.  Additional information is presented in Note 13 on 
Segments in the consolidated financial statements.

The Company uses a funds transfer pricing method to value funds used (e.g., loans, fixed assets, cash, etc.) and funds provided 
(deposits, borrowings, and equity) by the business segments and their components. This process assigns a specific value to each 
new source or use of funds with a maturity, based on current swap rates, thus determining an interest spread at the time of the 
transaction.  Non-maturity  assets  and  liabilities  are  valued  using  weighted  average  pools.   The  funds  transfer  pricing  process 
attempts to remove interest rate risk from valuation, allowing management to compare profitability under various rate environments. 
The Company also assigns loan charge-offs and recoveries (labeled in the table below as “provision for loan losses”) directly to 
each operating segment instead of allocating an estimated loan loss provision.  The operating segments also include a number of 
allocations of income and expense from various support and overhead centers within the Company.  

44

Table of Contents

The table below is a summary of segment pre-tax income results for the past three years.

(Dollars in thousands)

Consumer

Commercial

Wealth

Segment Totals

Other/
Elimination

Consolidated
Totals

Year ended December 31, 2013:

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Non-interest income

Investment securities losses, net

Non-interest expense

Income before income taxes

Year ended December 31, 2012:

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Non-interest income

Investment securities gains, net

$

268,283

$

288,722

$

40,194

$

597,199

$

(34,277)

113,377

—

(270,209)

77,174

274,844

(35,496)

114,307

—

$

$

3,772

186,446

—

(235,346)

243,594

290,968

(2,824)

179,824

—

$

$

(688)

116,765

—

(31,193)

416,588

—

(96,530)

(602,085)

$

$

59,741

39,498

(695)

108,472

—

380,509

605,310

(39,015)

402,603

—

$

$

$

$

22,173

10,840

1,798

(4,425)

(27,548)

2,838

34,596

11,728

(2,973)

4,828

$

619,372

(20,353)

418,386

(4,425)

(629,633)

383,347

639,906

(27,287)

399,630

4,828

$

$

Non-interest expense

(266,740)

(226,935)

(90,659)

(584,334)

(34,135)

(618,469)

Income before income taxes

$

86,915

$

241,033

$

56,616

$

384,564

$

14,044

$

398,608

2013 vs 2012
Increase (decrease) in income before
income taxes:
Amount

$

(9,741)

$

2,561

$

3,125

$

(4,055)

$

(11,206)

$

(15,261)

Percent

(11.2)%

1.1%

5.5%

(1.1)%

(79.8)%

(3.8)%

Year ended December 31, 2011:

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Non-interest income

Investment securities gains, net

$

283,555

$

283,790

$

38,862

$

606,207

$

(47,273)

131,253

—

(16,195)

162,533

—

(712)

101,836

—

(64,180)

395,622

—

39,863

12,665

(2,705)

10,812

$

646,070

(51,515)

392,917

10,812

Non-interest expense

(269,435)

(221,273)

(89,108)

(579,816)

(37,433)

(617,249)

Income before income taxes

$

98,100

$

208,855

$

50,878

$

357,833

$

23,202

$

381,035

2012 vs 2011
Increase (decrease) in income before
income taxes:
Amount

Percent

Consumer

$

(11,185)

$

32,178

$

5,738

$

26,731

$

(9,158)

$

17,573

(11.4 )%

15.4 %

11.3 %

7.5 %

(39.5 )%

4.6 %

The  Consumer  segment  includes  consumer  deposits,  consumer  finance,  and  consumer  debit  and  credit  cards.    Pre-tax 
profitability for 2013 was $77.2 million, a decrease of $9.7 million, or 11.2%, from 2012.  This decrease was mainly due to a 
decline of $6.6 million, or 2.4%, in net interest income, coupled with an increase of $3.5 million, or 1.3%, in non-interest expense.  
In addition, non-interest income decreased $930 thousand, while the provision for loan losses decreased $1.2 million, or 3.4%.  
Net interest income declined due to a $4.7 million decrease in loan interest income and a $7.3 million decrease in net allocated 
funding credits assigned to the Consumer segment's loan and deposit portfolios, partly offset by a decline of $5.3 million in deposit 
interest  expense.    Non-interest  income  decreased  mainly  due  to  declines  in  deposit  account  fees  (mainly  overdraft  charges), 
mortgage banking revenue, and ATM fees, but the declines were partly offset by growth in bank card fees.  Non-interest expense 
increased over the prior year due to higher corporate management fees, bank card related expense, building rent expense and credit 
card fraud losses, partly offset by lower incentive compensation expense and allocated building security expense.  The provision 
for loan losses totaled $34.3 million, a $1.2 million decrease from 2012, which was mainly due to lower losses on marine and RV 
loans.  Total average loans in this segment increased $170.8 million, or 7.1%, in 2013 compared to the prior year due to growth 
in auto loan originations, partly offset by repayments of marine and RV loans.  Average deposits increased 5.7% over the prior 
year, resulting mainly from growth in interest checking and money market deposit accounts, partly offset by a decline in certificates 
of deposit under $100,000.

45

Table of Contents

Pre-tax profitability for 2012 was $86.9 million, a decrease of $11.2 million, or 11.4%, from 2011.  This decrease was mainly 
due to a decline of $8.7 million, or 3.1%, in net interest income, coupled with a decline of $16.9 million, or 12.9%, in non-interest 
income.  These income reductions were partly offset by a decrease of $11.8 million in the provision for loan losses and a $2.7 
million decrease in non-interest expense.  Net interest income declined due to a $7.9 million decrease in loan interest income and 
a $9.8 million decrease in net allocated funding credits, partly offset by a decline of $9.0 million in deposit interest expense.  Non-
interest income decreased mainly due to declines in bank card fee income (primarily debit card fees) and deposit account fees 
(mainly overdraft charges).  Non-interest expense declined from the same period in the previous year due to lower FDIC insurance 
expense and corporate management fees, partly offset by higher salaries expense.  The provision for loan losses totaled $35.5 
million, an $11.8 million decrease from 2011, which was due mainly to lower losses on consumer credit card loans and marine 
and RV loans.  Total average loans decreased 3.0% in 2012 compared to the prior year due to declines in held for sale student 
loans and personal real estate loans.  Consumer loans grew, however, due to auto loan growth, which was partly offset by declining 
marine and RV loans.  Average deposits increased 4.2% over the prior period, due mainly to money market and interest checking 
account growth, partly offset by lower balances of certificates of deposit under $100,000.

Commercial

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 segment includes the Capital Markets Group, which sells fixed-
income securities to individuals, corporations, correspondent banks, public institutions, and municipalities, and also provides 
investment safekeeping and bond accounting services.  Pre-tax income for 2013 increased $2.6 million, or 1.1%, compared to the 
prior year, mainly due to higher non-interest income and a decline in the provision for loan losses, partly offset by higher non-
interest expense and a decline in net interest income.  Net interest income decreased $2.2 million, due to a $5.7 million decline in 
loan interest income, partly offset by higher net allocated funding credits of $3.0 million.  Non-interest income increased by $6.6 
million, or 3.7%, over the previous year due to growth in bank card fees (mainly corporate card), partly offset by lower capital 
market fees.  Growth was also seen in corporate cash management fees and tax credit sales fees.  Non-interest expense increased 
$8.4 million, or 3.7%, over the previous year, mainly due to higher full-time salaries expense, a provision recorded on a letter of 
credit exposure, and higher bank card related expense.  These expense increases were partly offset by higher gains on sales of 
foreclosed property, lower incentive compensation, and lower processing costs.  The provision for loan losses declined $6.6 million 
from last year, as business real estate loan net charge-offs declined $4.2 million and construction and land loan net recoveries 
increased $4.4 million, while business loan recoveries decreased by $1.6 million.  Average segment loans increased $476.0 million, 
or 8.4%, compared to 2012 as a result of growth in all commercial loan categories.  Average deposits increased $542.7 million, 
or 8.7%, due to growth in non-interest bearing accounts and certificates of deposit over $100,000.

In 2012, pre-tax profitability for the Commercial segment increased $32.2 million, or 15.4%, compared to the prior year, mainly 
due to a lower provision for loan losses and growth in net interest income and non-interest income.  Net interest income increased 
$7.2 million, or 2.5%, due to higher net allocated funding credits of $15.4 million (related to higher average deposit balances), 
partly offset by a $10.1 million decline in loan interest income.  The provision for loan losses in the segment totaled $2.8 million 
in 2012, a decrease of $13.4 million from 2011.  During 2012, net recoveries of $2.5 million were recorded on business loans, 
compared to net charge-offs of $4.7 million in 2011.  This decline in net charge-offs was partly due to recoveries of $3.6 million 
on two non-performing loans in 2012.  In addition, net charge-offs on construction loans decreased $7.2 million.  Non-interest 
income increased by $17.3 million, or 10.6.%, over the previous year due to growth in bank card fees (mainly corporate card), 
capital market fees and tax credit sales revenue.  Non-interest expense increased $5.7 million, or 2.6%, over 2011, mainly due to 
higher salaries expense and bank card related expenses, partly offset by lower corporate management fees.  Average segment loans 
increased 1.0% compared to 2011 as a result of a growth in business real estate, lease and tax-free loans, partly offset by a decline 
in construction loans.  Average deposits increased 11.5% due to growth in non-interest bearing accounts, money market deposit 
accounts and interest checking accounts, partly offset by a decline in certificates of deposit over $100,000.

Wealth

The Wealth segment provides traditional trust and estate planning, advisory and discretionary investment management services, 
brokerage services, and includes Private Banking accounts.  At December 31, 2013, the Trust group managed investments with a 
market value of $20.4 billion and administered an additional $14.8 billion in non-managed assets. It also provides investment 
management services to The Commerce Funds, a series of mutual funds with $1.8 billion in total assets at December 31, 2013.   
Wealth segment pre-tax profitability for 2013 was $59.7 million, compared to $56.6 million in 2012, an increase of $3.1 million, 
or 5.5%.  Net interest income increased $696 thousand, or 1.8%, mainly due to a $1.2 million decline in deposit interest expense 
and an increase of $529 thousand in loan interest income, which were partly offset by a $1.1 million decrease in net allocated 
funding credits.  Non-interest income increased $8.3 million, or 7.6%, over the prior year due to higher personal and institutional 
trust fees and brokerage advisory fees.  Non-interest expense increased $5.9 million, or 6.5%, mainly due to higher full-time salary 
costs, incentive compensation and processing costs.  Average assets increased  $112.4 million, or 15.1%, during 2013 mainly due 

46

Table of Contents

to higher loan balances (mainly consumer and personal real estate loans) originated in this segment.  Average deposits also increased 
$195.9 million, or 11.6%, due to growth in money market and interest checking deposit accounts.

In 2012, pre-tax income for the Wealth segment was $56.6 million compared to $50.9 million in 2011, an increase of $5.7 
million, or 11.3%.  Net interest income increased $636 thousand, or 1.6%, and was impacted by a $1.8 million decline in deposit 
interest expense, partly offset by a $1.0 million decrease in net allocated funding credits.  Non-interest income increased $6.6 
million, or 6.5%, over the prior year due to higher personal and institutional trust fees.  Non-interest expense increased $1.6 million, 
or 1.7%, mainly due to higher salary and benefit costs, partly offset by lower fraud losses and legal and professional fees.  Average 
assets increased $62.9 million, or 9.2%, during 2012 mainly due to higher loan balances, while average deposits increased $158.5 
million, or 10.3%, on higher money market and interest checking accounts.

     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 certain administrative functions, the investment securities portfolio, and the 
effect of certain expense allocations to the segments.  Also included in this category is the difference between the Company’s 
provision for loan losses and net loan charge-offs, which are generally assigned directly to the segments.  In 2013, the pre-tax 
income in this category was $2.8 million, compared to $14.0 million in 2012.  This decrease occurred partly due to a $12.4 million 
decline in net interest income in this category, related to the earnings of the investment portfolio and interest expense on borrowings 
not allocated to a segment.  In addition, unallocated securities gains declined $9.3 million, while unallocated non-interest expense 
was lower by $6.6 million.  

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Other Comprehensive Income In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2013-02, 
"Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income".   The amendments require an entity to 
present, either in the income statement or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive 
income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified 
to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified 
in their entirety, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. 
This ASU was effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2013.  Adoption of the ASU did not have a significant 
effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements (see Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements).

     Balance Sheet In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, "Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities".  The 
ASU is a joint requirement by the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board to enhance current disclosures and increase 
comparability of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) financial statements.  Under the ASU, an entity 
is required to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet, 
as well as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting agreement.  ASU 2013-01, "Clarifying 
the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities" was issued in January 2013, and amended ASU 2011-11 to 
specifically include only derivatives accounted for under Topic 815, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities 
borrowing and lending transactions that are either offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement.  Both ASUs 
were  effective  for  annual  and  interim  periods  beginning  January  1,  2013,  and  their  required  disclosures  are  included  in  the 
accompanying Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements. 

     Investment Companies In June 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-08, "Amendments to the Scope, Measurement, and Disclosure 
Requirements" for investment companies.  The amendments changed the assessment of whether an entity is an investment company 
by  requiring  an  entity  to  possess  certain  fundamental  characteristics,  while  allowing  judgment  in  assessing  other  typical 
characteristics.  The ASU was effective January 1, 2014, and the Company did not change the status of any subsidiary or the 
accounting applied to a subsidiary under the new guidelines.

    Derivatives The FASB issued ASU 2013-10, "Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) 
as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes", in July 2013.  These amendments allow the Fed Funds Effective 
Swap Rate (OIS) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to the current benchmark 
rates of UST (the rate on direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government) and LIBOR (the London Interbank Offered Rate on 
swaps).  The amendments were effective on a prospective basis for new or redesignated hedging relationships on July 17, 2013.  
The adoption did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 

    Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures The 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 

47

 
Table of Contents

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 adoption is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company's 
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.  The amendments are effective for interim and annual periods 
beginning January 1, 2015.  The adoption is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial 
statements. 

Corporate Governance

The Company has adopted a number of corporate governance measures. These include corporate governance guidelines, a code 
of ethics that applies to its senior financial officers and the charters for its audit committee, its committee on compensation and 
human  resources,  and  its  committee  on  governance/directors.    This  information  is  available  on  the  Company’s  Web  site 
www.commercebank.com under Investor Relations.

48

Table of Contents

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Year ended December 31, 2013

(In thousands, except per share data)

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Non-interest income

Investment securities gains (losses), net

Salaries and employee benefits

Other expense

Provision for loan losses

Income before income taxes

Income taxes

Non-controlling interest

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Net income per common share — basic*

Net income per common share — diluted*

Weighted average shares — basic*

Weighted average shares — diluted*

Year ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands, except per share data)

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Non-interest income

Investment securities gains (losses), net

Salaries and employee benefits

Other expense

Provision for loan losses

Income before income taxes

Income taxes

Non-controlling interest

12/31/2013

9/30/2013

6/30/2013

3/31/2013

For the Quarter Ended

$

162,141 $

162,144 $

167,255 $

(7,276)

154,865

109,522

(1,342)

(95,012)

(66,306)

(5,543)

96,184

(30,359)

90

(7,438)

154,706

106,311

650

(91,405)

(64,907)

(4,146)

101,209

(32,764)

(221)

(7,797)

159,458

102,676

(1,568)

(89,569)

(67,397)

(7,379)

96,221

(30,182)

(234)

$

$

$

65,915 $

68,224 $

65,805 $

.69 $

.69 $

94,843

95,321

.71 $

.71 $

94,504

94,975

.69 $

.69 $

94,273

94,667

158,745

(8,402)

150,343

99,877

(2,165)

(90,881)

(64,156)

(3,285)

89,733

(28,925)

209

61,017

.64

.63

94,722

94,966

12/31/2012

9/30/2012

6/30/2012

3/31/2012

For the Quarter Ended

$

170,185 $

163,194 $

174,624 $

(8,932)

161,253

103,309

(3,728)

(94,553)

(63,724)

(8,326)

94,231

(27,628)

188

(9,383)

153,811

100,922

3,180

(89,292)

(64,099)

(5,581)

98,941

(32,155)

(780)

(9,519)

165,105

100,816

1,336

(87,511)

(68,829)

(5,215)

105,702

(34,466)

(503)

169,966

(10,229)

159,737

94,583

4,040

(89,543)

(60,918)

(8,165)

99,734

(32,920)

(1,015)

65,799

.67

.67

97,264

97,633

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Net income per common share — basic*

Net income per common share — diluted*

Weighted average shares — basic*

Weighted average shares — diluted*

$

$

$

66,791 $

66,006 $

70,733 $

.69 $

.69 $

95,366

95,549

.68 $

.68 $

95,801

96,130

.73 $

.72 $

96,363

96,658

Year ended December 31, 2011
(In thousands, except per share data)

12/31/2011

9/30/2011

6/30/2011

3/31/2011

For the Quarter Ended

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Non-interest income

Investment securities gains, net

Salaries and employee benefits

Other expense

Provision for loan losses

Income before income taxes

Income taxes
Non-controlling interest

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Net income per common share — basic*

Net income per common share — diluted*

Weighted average shares — basic*

Weighted average shares — diluted*

* Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in 2013.

$

173,223 $

(11,466)

161,757

94,035

4,942

(88,010)

(68,020)

(12,143)

92,561

(29,514)
(1,543)

170,835 $

(12,205)

158,630

101,632

2,587

(85,700)

(68,046)

(11,395)

97,708

(31,699)
(657)

178,087 $

(13,377)

164,710

101,344

1,956

(84,223)

(69,290)

(12,188)

102,309

(32,692)
(583)

61,504 $

65,352 $

69,034 $

.63 $

.63 $

97,455

97,740

.66 $

.65 $

98,648

98,935

.68 $

.68 $

100,180

100,629

$

$

$

49

175,826

(14,853)

160,973

95,906

1,327

(87,392)

(66,568)

(15,789)

88,457

(27,507)
(497)

60,453

.60

.60

100,097

100,524

Table of Contents

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS — AVERAGE RATES AND YIELDS

(Dollars in thousands)

ASSETS
Loans:(A)

Business(B)
Real estate – construction and land
Real estate – business
Real estate – personal
Consumer
Revolving home equity
Student(C)
Consumer credit card
Overdrafts

Total loans
Loans held for sale
Investment securities:

U.S. government & federal agency

obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise

obligations
State & municipal obligations(B)
Mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Other marketable securities(B)
Trading securities(B)
Non-marketable securities(B)

Total investment securities
Short-term federal funds sold and

securities purchased under
agreements to resell

Long-term securities purchased under

agreements to resell

Interest earning deposits with banks
Total interest earning assets
Allowance for loan losses
Unrealized gain on investment

securities

Cash and due from banks
Land, buildings and equipment - net
Other assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Interest bearing deposits:

Savings
Interest checking and money

market

Time open & C.D.’s of less than

$100,000

Time open & C.D.’s of $100,000

and over

Total interest bearing deposits
Borrowings:

Federal funds purchased and

securities sold under agreements
to repurchase
Other borrowings

Total borrowings
Total interest bearing liabilities
Non-interest bearing deposits
Other liabilities
Equity
Total liabilities and equity
Net interest margin (T/E)

Net yield on interest earning assets

Percentage increase (decrease) in

net interest margin (T/E)
compared to the prior year

Average
Balance

2013

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2012

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2011

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Years Ended December 31

$

3,366,564 $
378,896
2,251,113
1,694,955
1,437,270
424,358
—
752,478
6,020
10,311,654
4,488

401,162

499,947

1,617,814
3,187,648
3,061,415
182,323
20,986
116,557
9,087,852

102,847
15,036
92,555
66,353
67,299
16,822
—
84,843
—
445,755
176

8,775

8,658

58,522
87,523
27,475
5,625
472
12,226
209,276

24,669

106

21,119

387
676,819

1,174,589

155,885
20,759,137
(166,846)

157,910

382,500
357,544
383,739
$ 21,873,984

$

625,517

766

9,059,524

13,589

6,002

6,383

26,740

809

3,364
4,173
30,913

1,034,991

1,380,003

12,100,035

1,294,691

103,901
1,398,592
13,498,627
5,961,116
237,130
2,177,111
$ 21,873,984

3.05 % $
3.97
4.11
3.91
4.68
3.96
—
11.28
—
4.32
3.92

2,962,699 $
356,425
2,193,271
1,503,357
1,180,538
446,204
—
730,697
6,125
9,379,316
9,688

102,013
15,146
98,693
65,642
66,402
18,586
—
85,652
—
452,134
361

3.44 % $
4.25
4.50
4.37
5.62
4.17
—
11.72
—
4.82
3.73

2,910,668 $
419,905
2,117,031
1,433,869
1,118,700
468,718
—
746,724
6,953
9,222,568
47,227

104,624
18,831
101,988
69,048
70,127
19,952
—
84,479
—
469,049
1,115

2.19

1.73

3.62
2.75
.90
3.09
2.25
10.49
2.30

.43

1.80

.25
3.26

.12

.15

.58

.46

.22

.06

3.24
.30
.23 %

332,382

12,260

306,676

1,376,872
3,852,616
2,925,249
139,499
25,107
118,879
9,077,280

5,653

54,056
107,527
31,940
6,556
637
12,558
231,187

16,393

82

19,174

339
703,277

892,624

135,319
19,510,620
(178,934)

257,511

369,020
357,336
385,125
$ 20,700,678

$

574,336

802

8,430,559

17,880

7,918

7,174

33,774

808

3,481
4,289
38,063

1,117,236

1,181,426

11,303,557

1,185,978

108,916
1,294,894
12,598,451
5,522,991
334,684
2,244,552
$ 20,700,678

3.69

1.84

3.93
2.79
1.09
4.70
2.54
10.56
2.55

.50

2.15

.25
3.60

357,861

17,268

253,020

1,174,751
3,556,106
2,443,901
171,409
20,011
107,501
8,084,560

5,781

51,988
114,405
30,523
8,455
552
8,283
237,255

10,690

55

13,455

487
721,416

852

25,004

11,352

9,272

46,480

1,741

3,680
5,421
51,901

768,904

194,176
18,328,125
(191,311)

162,984

348,875
377,200
378,642
$ 19,404,515

.14

.21

.71

.61

.30

$

525,371

7,702,901

1,291,165

1,409,740

10,929,177

.07

3.20
.33
.30 %

1,035,007

112,107
1,147,114
12,076,291
4,742,033
476,249
2,109,942
$ 19,404,515

$

645,906

$

665,214

$

669,515

3.11 %

(2.90)%

3.41 %

(.64)%

3.59%
4.48
4.82
4.82
6.27
4.26
—
11.31
—
5.09
2.36

4.83

2.28

4.43
3.22
1.25
4.93
2.76
7.71
2.93

.51

1.75

.25
3.94

.16

.32

.88

.66

.43

.17

3.28
.47
.43%

3.65%

.51%

(A)  Loans on non-accrual status are included in the computation of average balances. Included in interest income above are loan fees and late charges, net of amortization of deferred loan 

origination fees and costs, which are immaterial. Credit card income from merchant discounts and net interchange fees are not included in loan income.

(B) 

Interest income and yields are presented on a fully-taxable equivalent basis using the Federal statutory income tax rate. Loan interest income includes tax free loan income (categorized 
as business loan income) which includes tax equivalent adjustments of $6,673,000 in 2013, $5,803,000 in 2012, $5,538,000 in 2011, $4,620,000 in 2010, $3,922,000 in 2009 and  

50

  
 
Table of Contents

Average
Balance

2010

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2009

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2008

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average Balance
Five Year Compound
Growth Rate

Years Ended December 31

$

2,887,427 $
557,282
2,029,214
1,476,031
1,250,076
484,878
246,395
760,079
7,288
9,698,670
358,492

439,073

203,593

966,694
2,821,485
1,973,734
183,328
21,899
113,326
6,723,132

110,792
22,384
102,451
76,531
84,204
20,916
5,783
89,225
—
512,286
6,091

9,673

4,591

45,469
113,222
38,559
8,889
671
7,216
228,290

6,542

48

2,549

427
749,691

622

28,676

22,871

13,847

66,016

2,584

14,948
17,532
83,548

150,235

171,883
17,108,954
(195,870)

149,106

368,340
395,108
410,361
$ 18,235,999

$

478,592

6,785,299

1,660,462

1,323,952

10,248,305

1,085,121

452,810
1,537,931
11,786,236
4,114,664
346,312
1,988,787
$ 18,235,999

116,686
26,746
108,107
87,085
101,761
21,456
9,440
89,045
—
560,326
8,219

6,754

4,219

43,882
136,921
30,166
9,793
506
6,398
238,639

222

—

807
808,213

642

30,789

51,982

35,371

118,784

3,699

31,527
35,226
154,010

3.84% $
4.02
5.05
5.18
6.74
4.31
2.35
11.74
—
5.28
1.70

3,119,778 $
739,896
2,143,675
1,585,273
1,464,170
495,629
344,243
727,422
9,781
10,629,867
397,583

2.20

2.25

4.70
4.01
1.95
4.85
3.06
6.37
3.40

.73

1.70

.25
4.38

.13

.42

1.38

1.05

.64

.24

3.30
1.14
.71%

169,214

137,928

873,607
2,802,532
937,435
179,847
16,927
136,911
5,254,401

43,811

—

325,744
16,651,406
(181,417)

24,105

364,579
411,366
349,164
$ 17,619,203

$

438,748

5,807,753

2,055,952

1,858,543

10,160,996

968,643

920,467
1,889,110
12,050,106
3,660,166
176,676
1,732,255
$ 17,619,203

3.74% $
3.61
5.04
5.49
6.95
4.33
2.74
12.24
—
5.27
2.07

3,478,927 $
701,519
2,281,664
1,522,172
1,674,497
474,635
13,708
776,810
11,926
10,935,858
347,441

170,620
34,445
136,955
88,322
119,837
23,960
287
83,972
—
658,398
14,968

3.99

3.06

5.02
4.89
3.22
5.45
2.99
4.67
4.54

.51

—

.25
4.85

.15

.53

2.53

1.90

1.17

.38

3.43
1.86
1.28%

7,065

364

7,075

37,770
112,184
13,185
4,243
1,355
7,730
183,906

8,287

—

198
865,757

1,186

59,947

77,322

55,665

194,120

25,085

37,905
62,990
257,110

176,018

695,542
2,203,921
265,546
98,650
28,840
133,996
3,609,578

425,273

—

46,670
15,364,820
(145,176)

27,068

451,105
412,852
343,664
$ 16,454,333

$

400,948

5,123,709

2,149,119

1,629,500

9,303,276

1,373,625

1,092,746
2,466,371
11,769,647
2,946,534
140,333
1,597,819
$ 16,454,333

$

666,143

$

654,203

$

608,647

3.89%

1.83%

3.93%

7.48%

4.90%
4.91
6.00
5.80
7.16
5.05
2.10
10.81
—
6.02
4.31

5.15

4.02

5.43
5.09
4.97
4.30
4.70
5.77
5.09

1.95

—

.42
5.63

.30

1.17

3.60

3.42

2.09

1.83

3.47
2.55
2.18%

3.96%

9.85%

(.65)%

(11.59)
(.27)
2.17
(3.01)
(2.21)
NM
(.63)
(12.78)
(1.17)
(58.10)

124.31

23.22

18.39
7.66
63.06
13.07
(6.16)
(2.75)
20.28

(43.42)

NM

27.28
6.20
2.82

42.30

(3.25)
(2.84)
2.23
5.86

9.30

12.07

(13.60)

(3.27)

5.40

(1.18)

(37.54)
(10.73)
2.78
15.13
11.06
6.38
5.86 %

$3,553,000 in 2008.  Investment securities interest income include tax equivalent adjustments of  $19,861,000 in 2013, $19,505,000 in 2012, $17,907,000 in 2011, $15,593,000 in 2010, 
$14,779,000 in 2009  and $12,355,000 in 2008.  These adjustments relate to state and municipal obligations, other marketable securities, trading securities, and non-marketable securities.

(C) 

In December 2008, the Company purchased $358,451,000 of student loans with the intent to hold to maturity.  In October 2010, the seller elected to repurchase the loans under the terms 
of the original agreement.

51

Table of Contents

QUARTERLY AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS — AVERAGE RATES AND YIELDS

(Dollars in millions)

ASSETS

Loans:

Business(A)
Real estate – construction and land

$

Real estate – business

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts
Total loans

Loans held for sale

Investment securities:

U.S. government & federal agency

obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise

obligations
State & municipal obligations(A)
Mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities
Other marketable securities(A)
Trading securities(A)
Non-marketable securities(A)
Total investment securities

Short-term federal funds sold and
securities purchased under agreements
to resell

Long-term securities purchased under
agreements to resell
Interest earning deposits with banks
Total interest earning assets

Allowance for loan losses

Unrealized gain  on investment securities

Cash and due from banks

Land, buildings and equipment – net

Other assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Interest bearing deposits:

Savings

Interest checking and money market

Time open & C.D.’s under $100,000

Time open & C.D.’s $100,000 & over

Total interest bearing deposits

Borrowings:

Federal funds purchased and securities
sold under agreements to repurchase

Other borrowings
Total borrowings

Total interest bearing liabilities

Non-interest bearing deposits

Other liabilities

Equity
Total liabilities and equity
Net interest margin (T/E)

$

$

$
$

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

Average
Balance

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

 Average
Balance

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Year ended December 31, 2013

3,635

391

2,300

1,783

1,500

421

760

7

10,797

—

405

663

1,629

2,944

2,844

168

18

114

8,785

35

1,150

260

21,027

(163)

89

404

353

389

22,099

628

9,199

998

1,287

12,112

1,186

106

1,292

13,404
6,271

210

2,214
22,099

162

3.04% $

3.98

4.02

3.80

4.52

3.88

11.20

—

4.22

—

1.12

1.63

3.53

2.78

.87

3.25

2.44

11.65

2.26

.39

1.51

.25

3.20

.12

.14

.48

.46

.20

.05

3.27

.31

.22%

$

$

$

$

3,415

399

2,257

1,729

1,472

422

753

6

10,453

—

402

427

1,605

3,028

3,000

180

16

114

8,772

32

1,170

115

20,542

(165)

60

384

357

374

21,552

631

8,964

1,021

1,432

12,048

1,248

104

1,352

13,400
5,873

145

2,134
21,552

161

2.96% $

4.07

4.12

3.83

4.53

3.94

11.33

—

4.26

—

3.04

1.74

3.54

2.86

.87

2.92

2.41

7.10

2.31

.44

1.73

.24

3.25

.14

.15

.54

.43

.21

.05

3.27

.30

.22%

$

$

$

$

3,253

373

2,217

1,665

1,431

426

742

6

10,113

9

400

439

1,634

3,273

3,200

188

22

119

9,275

23

1,200

117

20,737

(167)

229

366

359

397

21,921

640

8,933

1,053

1,464

12,090

1,544

103

1,647

13,737
5,768

229

2,187
21,921

166

3.07% $

3.94

4.14

3.97

4.69

3.96

11.20

—

4.34

4.05

5.15

1.74

3.61

2.77

.91

2.97

2.40

16.92

2.52

.48

1.94

.26

3.36

.11

.14

.63

.46

.22

.07

3.23

.27

.23%

$

$

$

$

3,157

352

2,230

1,600

1,343

429

755

5

9,871

9

3.17%

3.87

4.17

4.08

5.03

4.08

11.38

—

4.49

3.79

398

(.59)

1.86

3.79

2.59

.93

3.21

1.90

6.20

2.12

.42

2.01

.24

3.23

.12

.17

.66

.52

.25

.07

3.19

.32

.25%

469

1,603

3,514

3,207

194

28

119

9,532

9

1,178

130

20,729

(172)

256

376

361

375

21,925

604

9,142

1,069

1,337

12,152

1,201

103

1,304

13,456
5,929

366

2,174
21,925

157

Net yield on interest earning assets

3.06%

3.11%

3.21%

3.07%

(A) 

Includes tax equivalent calculations.

52

  
  
 
  
 
Table of Contents

(Dollars in millions)

ASSETS

Loans:

Business(A)
Real estate – construction and land

$

Real estate – business

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts
Total loans

Loans held for sale

Investment securities:

U.S. government & federal agency

obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise

obligations

State & municipal obligations(A)
Mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities
Other marketable securities(A)
Trading securities(A)
Non-marketable securities(A)
Total investment securities

Short-term federal funds sold and

securities purchased under agreements
to resell

Long-term securities purchased under

agreements to resell

Interest earning deposits with banks
Total interest earning assets

Allowance for loan losses

Unrealized gain  on investment securities

Cash and due from banks

Land, buildings and equipment – net

Other assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Interest bearing deposits:

Savings

Interest checking and money market

Time open & C.D.’s under $100,000

Time open & C.D.’s $100,000 & over

Total interest bearing deposits

Borrowings:

Federal funds purchased and securities
sold under agreements to repurchase

Other borrowings
Total borrowings

Total interest bearing liabilities

Non-interest bearing deposits

Other liabilities

Equity
Total liabilities and equity
Net interest margin (T/E)

$

$

$
$

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

Average
Balance

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Year ended December 31, 2012

3,042

346

2,200

1,572

1,273

436

749

6

9,624

9

341

400

1,532

3,448

3,158

138

21

119

9,157

10

1,022

209

20,031

(174)

282

385

359

382

21,265

581

8,638

1,084

1,030

11,333

1,130

104

1,234

12,567
6,013

399

2,286
21,265

168

3.29% $

4.11

4.33

4.15

5.35

4.13

11.42

—

4.64

3.74

5.11

1.72

3.67

2.79

.99

5.35

2.01

17.51

2.59

.46

2.10

.25

3.52

.13

.19

.68

.65

.28

.07

3.25

.33

.28%

$

$

$

$

3,019

340

2,183

1,523

1,205

444

730

5

9,449

9

3.39% $

4.30

4.39

4.31

5.54

4.17

11.83

—

4.76

3.86

329

(.07)

276

1,388

3,767

2,879

122

24

117

8,902

19

848

81

19,308

(177)

275

366

353

392

20,517

582

8,401

1,101

1,005

11,089

1,217

109

1,326

12,415
5,536

296

2,270
20,517

160

1.65

3.89

2.62

1.10

4.50

2.34

7.54

2.29

.49

2.31

.20

3.49

.15

.21

.70

.69

.30

.07

3.11

.32

.30%

$

$

$

$

2,895

360

2,206

1,476

1,135

449

713

6

9,240

9

331

265

1,323

4,010

2,900

136

23

123

9,111

22

850

163

19,395

(181)

243

358

356

378

20,549

584

8,369

1,129

1,250

11,332

1,110

111

1,221

12,553
5,405

368

2,223
20,549

171

3.58% $

4.24

4.71

4.46

5.73

4.17

11.87

—

4.95

3.91

7.58

2.06

4.03

2.89

1.13

4.92

2.65

8.60

2.75

.53

2.17

.28

3.75

.12

.21

.71

.59

.30

.06

3.16

.35

.30%

$

$

$

$

2,894

380

2,185

1,441

1,108

455

731

8

9,202

12

328

283

1,263

4,191

2,762

163

33

117

9,140

14

850

88

19,306

(184)

230

367

361

387

20,467

550

8,312

1,156

1,444

11,462

1,287

112

1,399

12,861
5,132

276

2,198
20,467

166

3.52%

4.34

4.57

4.58

5.93

4.18

11.78

—

4.95

3.48

2.08

2.01

4.17

2.85

1.16

4.11

2.95

8.55

2.56

.50

2.02

.25

3.66

.15

.24

.73

.53

.32

.07

3.26

.33

.32%

Net yield on interest earning assets

3.35%

3.30%

3.55%

3.45%

(A) 

Includes tax equivalent calculations. 

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

Item 7a.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by this item is set forth on pages 42 through 44 of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations.

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.: 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) 
as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and 
changes in equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements 
are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial 
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 
are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations 
and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally 
accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
- Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and 
our report dated February 24, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting.

Kansas City, Missouri
February 24, 2014

54

Table of Contents

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

Loans

Allowance for loan losses

Net loans

Loans held for sale

Investment securities:

Available for sale ($687,680,000 and $736,183,000 pledged in 2013 and

2012, respectively, to secure swap and repurchase agreements)

Trading

Non-marketable

Total investment securities

Short-term federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

Interest earning deposits with banks

Cash and due from banks

Land, buildings and equipment – net

Goodwill

Other intangible assets – net

Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Deposits:

Non-interest bearing

Savings, interest checking and money market

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

Time open and C.D.’s of $100,000 and over

Total deposits

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Other borrowings

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, $1 par value
   Authorized and unissued 2,000,000 shares
Common stock, $5 par value
   Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 96,244,762 and 91,729,235 shares in 2013 and 2012, 

respectively
Capital surplus

Retained earnings

Treasury stock of 235,986 and 196,922 shares in 2013 and 2012, respectively, at cost

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders’ equity

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

55

December 31

2013

2012

(In thousands)

$

10,956,836 $

9,831,384

(161,532)

10,795,304

—

(172,532)

9,658,852

8,827

8,915,680

9,522,248

19,993

107,324

28,837

118,650

9,042,997

9,669,735

43,845

27,595

1,150,000

1,200,000

707,249

518,420

349,654

138,921

9,268

316,378

179,164

573,066

357,612

125,585

5,300

353,853

$

23,072,036 $

22,159,589

$

6,750,674 $

6,299,903

10,108,236

983,689

1,204,749

9,817,943

1,074,618

1,156,189

19,047,348

18,348,653

1,346,558

1,083,550

107,310

356,423

103,710

452,102

20,857,639

19,988,015

—

—

481,224

1,279,948

449,836

(10,097)

9,731

2,210,642

3,755

458,646

1,102,507

477,210

(7,580)

136,344

2,167,127

4,447

2,214,397

2,171,574

$

23,072,036 $

22,159,589

Table of Contents

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans
Interest on loans held for sale
Interest on investment securities
Interest on short-term federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements

to resell

Interest on long-term  securities purchased under agreements to resell
Interest on deposits with banks
Total interest income
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest on deposits:

Savings, interest checking and money market
Time open and C.D.’s of less than $100,000
Time open and C.D.’s of $100,000 and over

Interest on federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to

repurchase

Interest on other borrowings
Total interest expense
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Bank card transaction fees
Trust fees
Deposit account charges and other fees
Capital market fees
Consumer brokerage services
Loan fees and sales
Other
Total non-interest income
INVESTMENT SECURITIES GAINS (LOSSES), NET
Change in fair value of other-than-temporary impairment securities
Portion recognized in other comprehensive income
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
Realized gains (losses) on sales and fair value adjustments
Investment securities gains (losses),  net
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits
Net occupancy
Equipment
Supplies and communication
Data processing and software
Marketing
Deposit insurance
Debit overdraft litigation
Other
Total non-interest expense
Income before income taxes
Less income taxes
Net income
Less non-controlling interest expense
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.
Net income per common share - basic
Net income per common share - diluted
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

56

For the Years Ended December 31
2012

2011

2013

$

439,082 $
176
189,415

446,331 $
361
211,682

106
21,119
387
650,285

14,355
6,002
6,383

809
3,364
30,913
619,372
20,353
599,019

166,627
102,529
79,017
14,133
11,006
5,865
39,209
418,386

278
(1,562)
(1,284)
(3,141)
(4,425)

366,867
45,639
18,425
22,511
78,245
14,176
11,167
—
72,603
629,633
383,347
122,230
261,117
156
260,961 $
2.73 $
2.72 $

82
19,174
339
677,969

18,682
7,918
7,174

808
3,481
38,063
639,906
27,287
612,619

154,197
94,679
79,485
21,066
10,162
6,037
34,004
399,630

11,223
(12,713)
(1,490)
6,318
4,828

360,899
45,534
20,147
22,321
73,798
15,106
10,438
—
70,226
618,469
398,608
127,169
271,439
2,110
269,329 $
2.77 $
2.76 $

$
$
$

463,511
1,115
219,348

55
13,455
487
697,971

25,856
11,352
9,272

1,741
3,680
51,901
646,070
51,515
594,555

157,077
88,313
82,651
19,846
10,018
7,580
27,432
392,917

2,190
(4,727)
(2,537)
13,349
10,812

345,325
46,434
22,252
22,448
68,103
16,767
13,123
18,300
64,497
617,249
381,035
121,412
259,623
3,280
256,343
2.57
2.56

Table of Contents

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)
Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Net unrealized gains on securities for which a portion of an other-

than-temporary impairment has been recorded in earnings

Net unrealized gains (losses) on other securities
Change in pension loss

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income

Less non-controlling interest expense

For the Years Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

$

261,117 $

271,439 $

259,623

958

(138,960)
11,389

(126,613)

134,504

156

7,566

24,126

(5,886)

25,806

297,245

2,110

3,214

48,287
(4,308)

47,193

306,816

3,280

303,536

Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

$

134,348 $

295,135 $

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

57

Table of Contents

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  

(In thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Provision for loan losses

Provision for depreciation and amortization

Amortization of investment security premiums, net

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

Investment securities (gains) losses, net

Net gains on sales of loans held for sale

Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale

Originations of loans held for sale

Net (increase) decrease in trading securities

Stock-based compensation

(Increase) decrease in interest receivable

Decrease in interest payable

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable

Net tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Other changes, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Cash and cash equivalents received in acquisition

Proceeds from sales of investment securities

Proceeds from maturities/pay downs of investment securities

Purchases of investment securities

Net (increase) decrease in loans

Long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

Repayments of long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell

Purchases of land, buildings and equipment

Sales of land, buildings and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Net increase in non-interest bearing, savings, interest checking and money market deposits

Net decrease in time open and C.D.’s

Repayment of long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Net increase (decrease) in short-term federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements

to repurchase

Repayment of other long-term borrowings

Net increase in short-term borrowings

Purchases of treasury stock

Issuance of stock under stock purchase and equity compensation plans

Net tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Cash dividends paid on common stock
Net cash provided by financing activities

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Income tax payments, net

Interest paid on deposits and borrowings
Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate

Loans transferred from held for sale to held for investment category

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

58

For the Years Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

$

261,117 $

271,439 $

259,623

20,353

41,944

30,419

9,201

4,425

—

—

—

1,358

6,427

3,234

(1,569)

(1,663)

(1,003)

(13,310)

360,933

47,643

16,299

2,542,123

(2,411,153)

(938,223)

(125,000)

175,000

(23,841)

3,492

27,287

43,448

36,238

16,234

(4,828)

(376)

22,720

—

(9,645)

5,001

3,149

(1,272)

(13,395)

(2,094)

(10,794)

383,112

—

16,875

51,515

46,743

18,972

(2,836)

(10,812)

(2,040)

87,732

(52,995)

2,354

4,731

(2,010)

(4,598)

14,519

(1,065)

(2,472)

407,361

—

19,833

3,080,664

2,562,551

(3,182,857)

(4,517,463)

(693,193)

(575,000)

225,000

(34,969)

2,643

168,983

(500,000)

100,000

(21,332)

2,593

(713,660)

(1,160,837)

(2,184,835)

801,211

(82,013)

(50,000)

313,008

(1,578)

2,000

(69,353)

10,242

1,003

(82,104)

842,416

489,689

779,825
1,269,514 $
114,336 $
32,432 $
8,747 $
8,941 $

$

$

$
$

$

1,777,058

(257,586)

—

(172,531)

(8,107)

—

1,981,201

(255,769)

—

273,254

(456)

—

(104,909)

(101,154)

15,588

2,094

(211,608)

1,039,999

262,274

517,551

779,825 $

119,166 $

39,335 $
8,167 $

— $

15,349

1,065

(79,140)

1,834,350

56,876

460,675

517,551

106,653

56,499
22,957

—

Table of Contents

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

(In thousands, except per share data)

Balance, December 31, 2010

Net income

Other comprehensive income

Distributions to non-controlling interest

Purchase of treasury stock

Cash dividends paid ($.795 per share)

Net tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Stock-based compensation

Issuance under stock purchase and equity

compensation plans, net

5% stock dividend, net
Balance, December 31, 2011
Net income

Other comprehensive income

Distributions to non-controlling interest

Purchase of treasury stock

Cash dividends paid ($2.195 per share)

Net tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Stock-based compensation

Issuance under stock purchase and equity

compensation plans, net

5% stock dividend, net
Balance, December 31, 2012

Net income

Other comprehensive loss

Acquisition of Summit Bancshares Inc.

Distributions to non-controlling interest

Purchase of treasury stock

Cash dividends paid ($.857 per share)

Net tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Stock-based compensation

Issuance under stock purchase and equity

compensation plans, net

5% stock dividend, net
Balance, December 31, 2013

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Shareholders

Common
Stock

Capital
Surplus

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Stock

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Non-
Controlling
Interest

Total

$

433,942 $

971,293 $

555,778 $

(2,371) $

63,345 $

1,477 $ 2,023,464

1,065

4,731

4,061

60,915

2,539

9,906

446,387

1,042,065

256,343

(101,154)

(79,140)

8,749

86,414

(8,362)

(157,562)

575,419
269,329

(104,909)

(211,608)

2,094

5,001

(16,905)

12,259

70,252

(155,930)

458,646

1,102,507

477,210
260,961

1,001

11,125

(82,104)

1,003

6,427

(14,824)

21,577

173,710

(206,231)

32,493

73,198

(7,580)

31,071

(69,353)

25,066

10,699

47,193

3,280

259,623

47,193

(443)

(443)

110,538

25,806

136,344

(126,613)

(101,154)

(79,140)

1,065

4,731

15,349

(327)

4,314
2,110

2,170,361
271,439

(1,977)

4,447
156

(848)

25,806

(1,977)

(104,909)

(211,608)

2,094

5,001

15,588

(221)

2,171,574
261,117

(126,613)

43,197

(848)

(69,353)

(82,104)

1,003

6,427

10,242

(245)

$

481,224 $ 1,279,948 $

449,836 $

(10,097) $

9,731 $

3,755 $ 2,214,397

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

59

Table of Contents

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Commerce  Bancshares,  Inc.  and  its  subsidiaries  (the  Company)  conducts  its  principal  activities  from  approximately  360 
locations  throughout  Missouri,  Illinois,  Kansas,  Oklahoma  and  Colorado.  Principal  activities  include  retail  and  commercial 
banking, investment management, securities brokerage, mortgage banking, credit related insurance and private equity investment 
activities.   

Basis of Presentation

The Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and reporting practices 
applicable to the banking industry. The preparation of financial statements under GAAP requires management to make estimates 
and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and notes. These estimates are based on information 
available to management at the time the estimates are made.  While the consolidated financial statements reflect management’s 
best estimates and judgments, actual results could differ from those estimates. The consolidated financial statements include the 
accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  majority-owned  subsidiaries  (after  elimination  of  all  material  intercompany  balances  and 
transactions).  Certain  amounts  for  prior  years  have  been  reclassified  to  conform  to  the  current  year  presentation.    Such 
reclassifications had no effect on net income or total assets.  

Cash and Cash Equivalents

In the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include “Cash and due from banks”, 
“Short-term federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell”, and “Interest earning deposits with banks” 
as segregated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Loans and Related Earnings

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at 
their outstanding principal balances, net of undisbursed loan proceeds, the allowance for loan losses, and any deferred fees and 
costs  on  originated  loans.  Origination  fee  income  received  on  loans  and  amounts  representing  the  estimated  direct  costs  of 
origination are deferred and amortized to interest income over the life of the loan using the interest method. Prepayment premium 
or yield maintenance agreements are generally required on all term commercial loans with fixed rate intervals of 3 years or more.

Interest on loans is accrued based upon the principal amount outstanding. Interest income is recognized primarily on the level 
yield  method.  Loan  and  commitment  fees,  net  of  costs,  are  deferred  and  recognized  in  income  over  the  term  of  the  loan  or 
commitment as an adjustment of yield. Annual fees charged on credit card loans are capitalized to principal and amortized over 
12 months to loan fees and sales.  Other credit card fees, such as cash advance fees and late payment fees, are recognized in income 
as an adjustment of yield when charged to the cardholder’s account.

Non-Accrual Loans

Loans are placed on non-accrual status when management does not expect to collect payments consistent with acceptable and 
agreed upon terms of repayment. Business, construction real estate, business real estate, and personal real estate loans that are 
contractually 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.  Consumer, revolving home equity and credit card loans are exempt under regulatory 
rules from being classified as non-accrual.  When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any interest previously accrued but not 
collected is reversed against current income, and the loan is charged off to the extent uncollectible.  Principal and interest payments 
received on non-accrual loans are generally applied to principal.  Interest is included in income only after all previous loan charge-
offs have been recovered and is recorded only as received. The loan is returned to accrual status only when the borrower has 
brought all past due principal and interest payments current, and, in the opinion of management, the borrower has demonstrated 
the ability to make future payments of principal and interest as scheduled.  A six month history of sustained payment performance 
is generally required before reinstatement of accrual status.

60

 
 
Table of Contents

Restructured Loans

A loan is accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring if the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrowers’ 
financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. A troubled debt restructuring typically 
involves (1) modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate, loan principal, or accrued interest, (2) a loan 
renewal at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, or (3) debt that was not reaffirmed 
in bankruptcy.  Business, business real estate, construction real estate and personal real estate troubled debt restructurings with 
impairment charges are placed on non-accrual status.  The Company measures the impairment loss of a troubled debt restructuring 
in the same manner as described below. Troubled debt restructurings which are performing under their contractual terms continue 
to accrue interest which is recognized in current earnings.  

Impaired Loans

Loans are evaluated regularly by management for impairment.  Included in impaired loans are all non-accrual loans, as well 
as loans that have been classified as troubled debt restructurings.  Once a loan has been identified as impaired, impairment is 
measured based on either the present value of the expected future cash flows at the loan’s initial effective interest rate or the fair 
value of the collateral if collateral dependent.  Factors considered in determining impairment include delinquency status, cash 
flow analysis, credit analysis, and collateral value and availability.

Loans Held for Sale

In prior periods, loans held for sale included student loans and certain fixed rate residential mortgage loans. These loans are 
typically classified as held for sale upon origination based upon management’s intent to sell the production of these loans.  They 
are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Fair value is determined based on prevailing market prices for loans with 
similar  characteristics,  sale  contract  prices,  or,  for  those  portfolios  for  which  management  has  concerns  about  contractual 
performance, discounted cash flow analyses.  Declines in fair value below cost (and subsequent recoveries) are recognized in loan 
fees and sales. Deferred fees and costs related to these loans are not amortized but are recognized as part of the cost basis of the 
loan at the time it is sold. Gains or losses on sales are recognized upon delivery and included in loan fees and sales.

Allowance/Provision for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed to be appropriate by management to provide for probable loan 
losses inherent in the portfolio as of the balance sheet date, including losses on known or anticipated problem loans as well as for 
loans which are not currently known to require specific allowances.  Management has established a process to determine the 
amount of the allowance for loan losses which assesses the risks and losses inherent in its portfolio. Business, construction real 
estate and business real estate loans are normally larger and more complex, and their collection rates are harder to predict. These 
loans are more likely to be collateral dependent and are allocated a larger reserve, due to their potential volatility.  Personal real 
estate, credit card, consumer and revolving home equity loans are individually smaller and perform in a more homogenous manner, 
making loss estimates more predictable. Management’s process provides an allowance consisting of a specific allowance component 
based on certain individually evaluated loans and a general component based on estimates of reserves needed for pools of loans. 

Loans subject to individual evaluation generally consist of business, construction real estate, business real estate and personal 
real estate loans on non-accrual status.  These impaired loans are evaluated individually for the impairment of repayment potential 
and collateral adequacy, and in conjunction with current economic conditions and loss experience, allowances are estimated.  Other 
impaired loans identified as performing troubled debt restructurings are collectively evaluated because they have similar risk 
characteristics.  Loans which have not been identified as impaired are segregated by loan type and sub-type and are collectively 
evaluated.  Reserves calculated for these loan pools are estimated using a consistent methodology that considers historical loan 
loss experience by loan type, delinquencies, current economic factors, loan risk ratings and industry concentrations. 

The Company’s estimate of the allowance for loan losses and the corresponding provision for loan losses is based on various 
judgments  and  assumptions  made  by  management.  The  amount  of  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  is  highly  dependent  on 
management’s estimates affecting valuation, appraisal of collateral, evaluation of performance and status, and the amount and 
timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans.  Factors that influence these judgments include past loan 
loss experience, current loan portfolio composition and characteristics, trends in portfolio risk ratings, levels of non-performing 
assets, prevailing regional and national economic conditions, and the Company’s ongoing loan review process. 

The estimates, appraisals, evaluations, and cash flows utilized by management may be subject to frequent adjustments due to 
changing economic prospects of borrowers or properties. These estimates are reviewed periodically and adjustments, if necessary, 
are recorded in the provision for loan losses in the periods in which they become known.

61

 
Table of Contents

Loans, or portions of loans, are charged off to the extent deemed uncollectible. Loan charge-offs reduce the allowance for loan 
losses, and recoveries of loans previously charged off are added back to the allowance.  Business, business real estate, construction 
real estate and personal real estate loans are generally charged down to estimated collectible balances when they are placed on 
non-accrual status.  Consumer loans and related accrued interest are normally charged down to the fair value of related collateral 
(or are charged off in full if no collateral) once the loans are more than 120 days delinquent.  Credit card loans are charged off 
against the allowance for loan losses when the receivable is more than 180 days past due.  The interest and fee income previously 
capitalized but not collected on credit card charge-offs is reversed against interest income.

Operating, Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases

The net investment in direct financing and sales type leases is included in loans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets 
and consists of the present values of the sum of the future minimum lease payments and estimated residual value of the leased 
asset. Revenue consists of interest earned on the net investment and is recognized over the lease term as a constant percentage 
return thereon. The net investment in operating leases is included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  
It is carried at cost, less the amount depreciated to date. Depreciation is recognized, on the straight-line basis, over the lease term 
to the estimated residual value.  Operating lease revenue consists of the contractual lease payments and is recognized over the 
lease term in other non-interest income. Estimated residual values are established at lease inception utilizing contract terms, past 
customer experience, and general market data and are reviewed and adjusted, if necessary, on an annual basis.

Investments in Debt and Equity Securities

The Company has classified the majority of its investment portfolio as available for sale.  From time to time, the Company 
sells securities and utilizes the proceeds to reduce borrowings, fund loan growth, or modify its interest rate profile. Securities 
classified as available for sale are carried at fair value. Changes in fair value, excluding certain losses associated with other-than-
temporary impairment (OTTI), are reported in other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity.  Securities 
are periodically evaluated for OTTI in accordance with guidance provided in ASC 320-10-35.  For securities with OTTI, the entire 
loss in fair value is required to be recognized in current earnings if the Company intends to sell the securities or believes it likely 
that it will be required to sell the security before the anticipated recovery.  If neither condition is met, but the Company does not 
expect  to  recover  the  amortized  cost  basis,  the  Company  determines  whether  a  credit  loss  has  occurred,  and  the  loss  is  then 
recognized in current earnings.  The noncredit-related portion of the overall loss is reported in other comprehensive income (loss).  
Mortgage and asset-backed securities whose credit ratings are below AA at their purchase date are evaluated for OTTI under ASC 
325-40-35, which requires evaluations for OTTI at purchase date and in subsequent periods.  Gains and losses realized upon sales 
of securities are calculated using the specific identification method and are included in Investment securities gains (losses), net, 
in the consolidated statements of income.  Premiums and discounts are amortized to interest income over the estimated lives of 
the securities. Prepayment experience is continually evaluated to determine the appropriate estimate of the future rate of prepayment. 
When a change in a bond's estimated remaining life is necessary, a corresponding adjustment is made in the related amortization 
of premium or discount accretion.     

Non-marketable securities include certain private equity investments, consisting of both debt and equity instruments.  These 
securities are carried at fair value in accordance with ASC 946-10-15, with changes in fair value reported in current earnings.  In 
the absence of readily ascertainable market values, fair value is estimated using internally developed models.  Changes in fair 
value and gains and losses from sales are included in Investment securities gains (losses), net in the consolidated statements of 
income.  Other non-marketable securities acquired for debt and regulatory purposes are accounted for at cost.

Trading account securities, which are bought and held principally for the purpose of resale in the near term, are carried at fair 

value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are recorded in non-interest income.

Purchases and sales of securities are recognized on a trade date basis.  A receivable or payable is recognized for pending 

transaction settlements. 

Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase

The Company periodically enters into investments of securities under agreements to resell with large financial institutions.  
These agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions.   Securities pledged by the counterparties to secure 
these agreements are delivered to a third party custodian. Collateral is valued daily, and the Company may require counterparties 
to deposit additional collateral, or the Company may return collateral pledged when appropriate to maintain full collateralization 
for these transactions.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had entered into $1.2 billion of long-term agreements to resell and 
had accepted securities valued at $1.2 billion as collateral.

62

Table of Contents

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are offered to cash management customers as an automated, collateralized 
investment account and totaled $971.8 million at December 31, 2013. Securities sold are also used by the Bank to obtain additional 
borrowed funds at favorable rates, and at December 31, 2013, such securities sold totaled $350.0 million of long-term structured 
repurchase agreements.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company had pledged $2.8 billion of available for sale securities as collateral 
for repurchase agreements.

As permitted by current accounting guidance, the Company offsets certain securities purchased under agreements to resell 
against securities sold under agreements to repurchase in its balance sheet presentation.  These agreements, which are not included 
in the balance sheet amounts above, are further discussed in Note 19, Balance Sheet Offsetting. 

Land, Buildings and Equipment

Land is stated at cost, and buildings and equipment are stated at cost, including capitalized interest when appropriate, less 
accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using straight-line and accelerated methods. The Company generally assigns 
depreciable  lives  of  30  years  for  buildings,  10  years  for  building  improvements,  and  3  to  8  years  for  equipment.  Leasehold 
improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or remaining lease terms. Maintenance and repairs are 
charged to non-interest expense as incurred.

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed assets consist of property that has been repossessed and is comprised of commercial and residential real estate and 
other non-real estate property, including auto and recreational and marine vehicles. The assets are initially recorded at the lower 
of the loan balance or fair value less estimated selling costs.  Initial valuation adjustments are charged to the allowance for loan 
losses.  Fair values are estimated primarily based on appraisals, third-party price opinions, or internally developed pricing models. 
After initial recognition, fair value estimates are updated periodically, and the assets may be marked down further, reflecting a 
new cost basis.  These valuation adjustments, in addition to gains and losses realized on sales and net operating expenses, are 
recorded in other non-interest expense.  

Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested annually for impairment. 
Intangible assets that have finite useful lives, such as core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing rights, are amortized over 
their estimated useful lives. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over periods of 8 to 14 years, representing their estimated lives, 
using accelerated methods. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing 
income, considering appropriate prepayment assumptions.

When  facts  and  circumstances  indicate  potential  impairment  of  amortizable  intangible  assets,  the  Company  evaluates  the 
recoverability of the asset carrying value, using estimates of undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining asset life. Any 
impairment loss is measured by the excess of carrying value over fair value. Goodwill impairment tests are performed on an annual 
basis or when events or circumstances dictate. In these tests, the fair value of each reporting unit, or segment, is compared to the 
carrying amount of that reporting unit in order to determine if impairment is indicated. If so, the implied fair value of the reporting 
unit’s goodwill is compared to its carrying amount, and the impairment loss is measured by the excess of the carrying value over 
fair value.  There has been no impairment resulting from goodwill impairment tests.  However, adverse changes in the economic 
environment, operations of the reporting unit, or other factors could result in a decline in the implied fair value.

Income Taxes

Amounts provided for income tax expense are based on income reported for financial statement purposes and do not necessarily 
represent amounts currently payable under tax laws. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the 
financial  reporting  bases  and  income  tax  bases  of  the  Company’s  assets  and  liabilities,  net  operating  losses,  and  tax  credit 
carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable 
income when such assets and liabilities are anticipated to be settled or realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of 
a change in tax rates is recognized as tax expense or benefit in the period that includes the enactment date of the change. In 
determining the amount of deferred tax assets to recognize in the financial statements, the Company evaluates the likelihood of 
realizing such benefits in future periods.  A valuation allowance is established if it is more likely than not that all or some portion 
of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income taxes within income 
tax expense in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.  State and local income tax returns are 

filed on a combined, consolidated or separate return basis based upon each jurisdiction’s laws and regulations.

63

Table of Contents

Derivatives

As required by current accounting guidance, all derivatives are carried at fair value on the balance sheet.  Accounting for 
changes in the fair value of derivatives (gains and losses) differs depending on whether a qualifying hedge relationship has been 
designated and on the type of hedge relationship. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to change in the fair value of an asset, 
liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk are considered fair value hedges.  Under the fair value hedging model, 
gains or losses attributable to the change in fair value of the derivative, as well as gains and losses attributable to the change in 
fair value of the hedged item, are recognized in current earnings. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected 
future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.  Under the cash flow hedging model, 
the effective portion of the gain or loss related to the derivative is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and 
reclassified to earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion is recognized 
in current earnings.  For derivatives that are not part of a hedging relationship, any gain or loss is recognized immediately in current 
earnings. 

The Company formally documents all hedging relationships between hedging instruments and the hedged item, as well as its 
risk management objective. At December 31, 2013, the Company had two interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges. The 
Company performs quarterly assessments, using the regression method, to determine whether the hedging relationship has been 
highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values.   

Other derivatives held by the Company do not qualify for hedge accounting, and gains and losses on these derivatives, as 
mentioned above, are recognized in current earnings.  These include interest rate swaps and caps, which  are offered to customers 
to assist in managing their risks of adverse changes in interest rates.  Each contract between the Company and a customer is offset 
by a contract between the Company and an institutional counterparty, thus minimizing the Company's exposure to rate changes.    
The Company also enters into certain contracts, known as credit risk participation agreements, to buy or sell credit protection on 
specific interest rate swaps.  It also purchases and sells forward foreign exchange contracts, either in connection with customer 
transactions, or for its own trading purposes.  In addition, in previous years the Company's general practice was to sell fixed rate 
mortgage loans in the secondary market.  Both the mortgage loan commitments and the related sales contracts were accounted for 
as derivatives.   

The Company has master netting arrangements with various counterparties but does not offset derivative assets and liabilities 

under these arrangements in its consolidated balance sheets.  

Additional information about derivatives held by the Company and valuation methods employed is provided in Note 16, Fair 

Value Measurements and Note 18, Derivative Instruments.  

Pension Plan

The Company’s pension plan is described in Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans.  The funded status of the plan is recognized as 
an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheet, and changes in that funded status are recognized in the year in which the 
changes occur through other comprehensive income.  Plan assets and benefit obligations are measured as of fiscal year end. The 
measurement of the projected benefit obligation and pension expense involve actuarial valuation methods and the use of various 
actuarial and economic assumptions. The Company monitors the assumptions and updates them periodically.  Due to the long-
term nature of the pension plan obligation, actual results may differ significantly from estimations.   Such differences are adjusted 
over time as the assumptions are replaced by facts and values are recalculated.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based employee compensation plan is described in Note 11, Stock-Based Compensation and Directors 
Stock Purchase Plan.  In accordance with the requirements of ASC 718-10-30-3 and 35-2, the Company measures the cost of 
stock-based compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the award, recognizing the cost over the requisite service period. 
The fair value of an award is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  The expense recognized is based on an 
estimation of the number of awards for which the requisite service is expected to be rendered and is included in salaries and 
employee benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Treasury Stock

Purchases of the Company’s common stock are recorded at cost. Upon re-issuance for acquisitions, exercises of stock-based 

awards or other corporate purposes, treasury stock is reduced based upon the average cost basis of shares held.

64

Table of Contents

Income per Share

Basic income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year.  
Diluted income per share includes the effect of all dilutive potential common shares (primarily stock options and stock appreciation 
rights) outstanding during each year. The Company applies the two-class method of computing income per share. The two-class 
method is an earnings allocation formula that determines income per share for common stock and for participating securities, 
according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s restricted share awards are 
considered to be a class of participating security.  All per share data has been restated to reflect the 5% stock dividend distributed 
in December 2013.

2. Acquisition

On September 1, 2013, the Company acquired Summit Bancshares Inc. (Summit).  Summit's results of operations are included 
in the Company's consolidated financial results beginning on that date.  The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition 
method of accounting, and as such, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at their estimated 
fair value on the acquisition date.  In this transaction, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Summit in exchange 
for shares of Company stock valued at $43.2 million.  The valuation of Company stock was determined on the basis of the closing 
market price of the Company's common shares on August 30, 2013.  The Company's acquisition of Summit added $261.6 million 
in assets (including $207.4 million in loans), $232.3 million in deposits and two branch locations in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, 
Oklahoma.  Intangible assets recognized as a result of the transaction consisted of approximately $13.3 million in goodwill and 
$5.6 million in core deposit premium.  Most of the goodwill was assigned to the Company's Commercial segment.  None of the 
goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes.

The fair value of core deposit premium was estimated by a third party using an after-tax cost savings method.  This methodology 
calculates the present value of the estimated after-tax cost savings attributable to the core deposit base, relative to alternative costs 
of funds and tax benefit, if applicable, over the expected remaining economic life of the depositors.  Based on an estimation of 
the expected remaining economic life of the depositors, the core deposit premium is being amortized over a 14 year period, using 
an accelerated method.

Historical pro forma information for the acquisition has not been presented because the effect on the Company's financial 
statements was not material.  Acquired loans with evidence of deterioration in credit quality were not material to the consolidated 
financial statements of the Company.  Accordingly, the provisions of ASC 310-30, which require special accounting for such loans, 
were not applied.  

On September 3, 2013, the Company granted nonvested restricted stock awards of 42,674 shares of Company stock to various 
former Summit officers, which are included in the activity shown in Note 11 on Stock-Based Compensation.  These awards vest 
over periods of 3 to 4 years and the Company expects to recognize compensation expense of approximately $1.3 million in future 
periods.

3. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Major classifications within the Company’s held to maturity loan portfolio at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

(In thousands)
Commercial:
Business
Real estate — construction and land
Real estate — business
Personal Banking:
Real estate — personal
Consumer
Revolving home equity
Consumer credit card
Overdrafts
Total loans

65

2013

2012

$

3,715,319 $
406,197
2,313,550

1,787,626
1,512,716
420,589
796,228
4,611

$

10,956,836 $

3,134,801
355,996
2,214,975

1,584,859
1,289,650
437,567
804,245
9,291
9,831,384

Table of Contents

Loans to directors and executive officers of the Parent and its significant subsidiaries, and to their associates, are summarized 

as follows:

(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2013
Additions
Amounts collected
Amounts written off
Balance, December 31, 2013

$

$

61,614
257,690
(274,981)
—
44,323

Management believes all loans to directors and executive officers have been made in the ordinary course of business with 
normal credit terms, including interest rate and collateral considerations, and do not represent more than a normal risk of collection. 
There were no outstanding loans at December 31, 2013 to principal holders (over 10% ownership) of the Company’s common 
stock.

The Company’s lending activity is generally centered in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and other nearby states including Oklahoma, 
Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, and others. The Company maintains a diversified portfolio with limited industry concentrations of credit 
risk. Loans and loan commitments are extended under the Company’s normal credit standards, controls, and monitoring features. 
Most loan commitments are short or intermediate term in nature. Commercial loan maturities generally range from three to seven 
years. Collateral is commonly required and would include such assets as marketable securities and cash equivalent assets, accounts 
receivable and inventory, equipment, other forms of personal property, and real estate. At December 31, 2013, unfunded loan 
commitments  totaled  $8.4  billion  (which  included  $3.8  billion  in  unused  approved  lines  of  credit  related  to  credit  card  loan 
agreements) which could be drawn by customers subject to certain review and terms of agreement. At December 31, 2013, loans 
totaling $3.6 billion were pledged at the FHLB 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. 

The Company has a net investment in direct financing and sales type leases of  $368.8 million and $311.6 million at December 31, 
2013 and 2012, respectively, which is included in business loans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  This investment 
includes deferred income of $25.1 million and $23.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The net investment 
in operating leases amounted to $24.4 million and $21.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in 
other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Allowance for loan losses

A summary of the activity in the allowance for losses during the previous three years follows:

(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2010

Provision for loan losses

Deductions:

Loans charged off

Less recoveries

Net loans charged off
Balance at December 31, 2011
Provision for loan losses
Deductions:

Loans charged off
Less recoveries

Net loans charged off
Balance at December 31, 2012
Provision for loan losses
Deductions:

Loans charged off
Less recoveries

Net loans charged off (recoveries)
Balance at December 31, 2013

Commercial

Personal
Banking

$

119,946 $

77,592 $

18,052

33,463

Total
197,538

51,515

18,818

3,317

15,501
122,497
(14,444)

11,094
8,766
2,328
105,725
(16,143)

62,567

13,547

49,020
62,035
41,731

52,067
15,108
36,959
66,807
36,496

5,170
9,777
(4,607)
94,189 $

49,029
13,069
35,960
67,343 $

81,385

16,864

64,521
184,532
27,287

63,161
23,874
39,287
172,532
20,353

54,199
22,846
31,353
161,532

$

66

Table of Contents

The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the related loan balance at December 31, 2013 and 
2012, 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  deemed  to  have  similar  risk 
characteristics, which are collectively evaluated.  All other loans are collectively evaluated for impairment under ASC 450-20.  

(In thousands)
December 31, 2013
Commercial
Personal Banking

Total
December 31, 2012
Commercial
Personal Banking
Total

Impaired loans

Impaired Loans

All Other Loans

Allowance for
Loan Losses

Loans
Outstanding

Allowance for
Loan Losses

Loans
Outstanding

$

$

$

$

8,476 $
2,424

78,516
29,120

10,900 $

107,636

5,434 $
2,051
7,485 $

80,807
36,111
116,918

$

$

$

$

85,713 $
64,919

6,356,550
4,492,650

150,632 $ 10,849,200

100,291 $
64,756
165,047 $

5,624,965
4,089,501
9,714,466

The table below shows the Company’s investment in impaired loans at December 31, 2013 and 2012.  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 71.  

(In thousands)

Non-accrual loans

Restructured loans (accruing)

Total impaired loans

2013

2012

48,814 $

58,822

51,410

65,508

107,636 $

116,918

$

$

67

Table of Contents

The following table provides additional information about impaired loans held by the Company at December 31, 2013 and 
2012, segregated between loans for which an allowance for credit losses has been provided and loans for which no allowance has 
been provided.

(In thousands)

December 31, 2013

With no related allowance recorded:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business

Revolving home equity

With an allowance recorded:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Total

December 31, 2012

With no related allowance recorded:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business

Real estate – personal

Revolving home equity

With an allowance recorded:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Total

Recorded
Investment

Unpaid Principal
Balance

 Related
Allowance

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

7,969 $

9,000 $

8,766

4,089

2,191

16,067

6,417

2,741

23,015 $

34,225 $

19,266 $

22,597 $

17,632

20,794

10,425

4,025

666

11,813

19,708

29,287

13,576

4,025

666

11,813

84,621 $

107,636 $

101,672 $

135,897 $

9,964 $

12,697 $

8,440

5,484

1,166

510

15,102

8,200

1,380

843

25,564 $

38,222 $

19,358 $

22,513 $

20,446

17,115

14,157

4,779

779

14,720

25,808

23,888

17,304

4,779

779

14,720

91,354 $

109,791 $

116,918 $

148,013 $

—

—

—

—

—

3,037

2,174

3,265

1,361

85

2

976

10,900

10,900

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,888

1,762

1,784

857

93

18

1,083

7,485

7,485

68

Table of Contents

Total average impaired loans during 2013 and 2012 are shown in the table below. 

(In thousands)
Average impaired loans:
Non-accrual loans
Restructured loans (accruing)
Total

2013

Personal
Banking

Commercial

Total

Commercial

2012

Personal
Banking

Total

$

$

35,900 $
40,251
76,151 $

5,329 $
24,134
29,463 $

41,229
64,385
105,614

$

$

55,994 $
43,181
99,175 $

7,343 $
22,520
29,863 $

63,337
65,701
129,038

The  table below shows interest income recognized during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 for impaired 

loans held at the end of each respective period.  This interest relates to accruing restructured loans, as discussed previously. 

(In thousands)

Interest income recognized on impaired loans:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Total

For the Year Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

$

509 $

1,184 $

758

215

263

346

36

655

246

376

415

37

1,116

1,341

$

3,243 $

4,254 $

284

947

327

37

—

—

2,016

3,611

69

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 December 31, 2013 and 2012.    

(In thousands)
December 31, 2013
Commercial:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business
Personal Banking:

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

Total
December 31, 2012
Commercial:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business
Personal Banking:

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

Total

Credit quality

Current or Less
Than 30 Days
Past Due

30 – 89 Days
Past Due

90 Days Past
Due and Still
Accruing

Non-accrual

Total

$

3,697,589

$

5,467 $

671 $

11,592 $

3,715,319

386,423

2,292,385

1,771,231

1,492,960

416,614

777,564

4,315

9,601

1,340

9,755

17,482

1,082

9,952

296

—

47

1,560

2,274

702

8,712

—

10,173

19,778

5,080

—

2,191

—

—

406,197

2,313,550

1,787,626

1,512,716

420,589

796,228

4,611

$

10,839,081

$

54,975 $

13,966 $

48,814 $

10,956,836

$

3,110,403 $

10,054 $

1,288 $

13,056 $

3,134,801

325,541

2,194,395

1,564,281

1,273,581

433,437

786,081

8,925

16,721

3,276

10,862

13,926

2,121

10,657

366

56

—

2,854

2,143

1,499

7,507

—

13,678

17,304

6,862

—

510

—

—

355,996

2,214,975

1,584,859

1,289,650

437,567

804,245

9,291

$

9,696,644 $

67,983 $

15,347 $

51,410 $

9,831,384

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 attached to loans where the borrower exhibits 
material 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, as discussed in Note 1.

70

Table of Contents

(In thousands)

December 31, 2013

Pass

Special mention

Substandard

Non-accrual

Total

December 31, 2012

Pass

Special mention

Substandard

Non-accrual

Total

Commercial Loans

Business

Real Estate -
Construction

Real Estate -
Business

Total

$

3,618,120 $

372,515 $

2,190,344 $

61,916

23,691

11,592

1,697

21,812

10,173

3,715,319 $

406,197 $

53,079

50,349

19,778
2,313,550 $

6,180,979

116,692

95,852

41,543

6,435,066

3,018,062 $

297,156 $

2,103,913 $

5,419,131

58,793

44,890

13,056

11,400

33,762

13,678

38,396

55,362

17,304

108,589

134,014

44,038

$

3,134,801 $

355,996 $

2,214,975 $

5,705,772

$

$

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 section on "Delinquency and non-accrual loans".  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 person'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 loans for which FICO scores are not obtained because the loans are related to commercial activity.  At December 
31, 2013, these were comprised of  $244.3 million in personal real estate loans and $47.5 million in consumer loans, or 6.5% of 
the Personal Banking portfolio. At  December 31, 2012, these were comprised of $224.5 million in personal real estate loans and 
$87.4 million in consumer loans,  or 7.6% of the Personal Banking portfolio.  For the remainder of loans in the Personal Banking 
portfolio, the table below shows the percentage of balances outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012 by FICO score.   

December 31, 2013

FICO score:

Under 600

600 – 659

660 – 719

720 – 779

780 and over

Total

December 31, 2012

FICO score:

Under 600

600 – 659

660 – 719

720 – 779

780 and over

Total

Personal Banking Loans

% of Loan Category

Real Estate -
Personal

Consumer

Revolving Home
Equity

Consumer Credit
Card

1.7%

5.4%

2.1%

4.1%

3.3

10.3

25.8

58.9

10.1

23.4

28.3

32.8

7.3

15.0

28.5

47.1

11.7

32.9

27.9

23.4

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

2.3 %

6.7 %

2.6 %

4.4 %

3.2

10.4

26.6

57.5

11.3

24.4

26.4

31.2

5.3

15.2

30.0

46.9

11.7

32.1

28.2

23.6

100.0 %

100.0 %

100.0 %

100.0 %

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 $83.2 million at December 31, 2013.  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-
71

Table of Contents

accrual  loans  totaled  $24.4  million  at  December 31,  2013.    Other  performing  restructured  loans  totaled  $58.8  million  at 
December 31, 2013.  These are partly comprised of 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 were classified as troubled debt restructurings.  These commercial loans totaled $38.2 million and $40.3 million at 
December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 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 $11.8 million at December 31, 2013 and $14.7 million at 
December 31, 2012.  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  also  classifies  certain  loans  as  troubled  debt 
restructurings because they were not reaffirmed by the borrower in bankruptcy proceedings.  These loans, which are comprised 
of personal real estate, revolving home equity and consumer loans, totaled $8.8 million and $10.4 million  at December 31, 2013 
and 2012, respectively.  Interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis, as the borrowers are continuing to make 
payments.

The table below shows the outstanding balance of loans classified as troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2013, in 
addition to the period end balances of 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)

Commercial:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business

Personal Banking:

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Total restructured loans

Balance 90 days past
due at any time
during previous 12
months

December 31, 2013

$

23,612 $

25,640

10,629

6,821

4,025

666

11,813

7,969

4,268

3,126

60

138

—

870

$

83,206

$

16,431

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 . However, the effects of modifications 
to consumer credit card loans were estimated to decrease interest income by approximately $1.3 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. 

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 begin.

72

Table of Contents

The Company had commitments of $11.2 million at December 31, 2013 to lend additional funds to borrowers with restructured 

loans.

The Company’s holdings of foreclosed real estate totaled $6.6 million and $13.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, 
respectively.  Personal property acquired in repossession, generally autos and marine and recreational vehicles, totaled $2.8 million 
and $3.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  These assets are carried at the lower of the amount recorded at 
acquisition date or the current fair value less estimated selling costs.

4. Investment Securities 

Investment securities, at fair value, consisted of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

(In thousands)

Available for sale:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Other debt securities

Equity securities

 Total available for sale

Trading

Non-marketable

Total investment securities

2013

2012

$

505,696 $
741,766

1,619,171

2,772,338

246,983

2,844,071

141,757

43,898

8,915,680

19,993

107,324

438,759

471,574

1,615,707

3,380,955

237,011

3,167,394

177,752

33,096

9,522,248

28,837

118,650

$

9,042,997 $

9,669,735

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 borrowing and regulatory purposes, which totaled $46.5 million and $45.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 
December 31, 2012, respectively. Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock is based on the capital structure of the investing bank, 
and investment in FHLB stock is mainly 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 $60.7 million and $73.2 million at December 31, 
2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, these securities are carried at 
estimated fair value.

A summary of the available for sale investment securities by maturity groupings as of December 31, 2013 is shown in the 
following table. The weighted average yield for each range of maturities was calculated using the yield on each security within 
that range weighted by the amortized cost of each security at December 31, 2013. Yields on tax exempt securities have not been 
adjusted for tax exempt status. The investment portfolio includes agency mortgage-backed securities, which are guaranteed by 
agencies  such  as  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,  primarily 
collateralized by credit cards, automobiles and commercial loans.  The Company does not have exposure to subprime originated 
mortgage-backed or collateralized debt obligation instruments, and does not hold any trust preferred securities.

73

 
 
    
Table of Contents

(Dollars in thousands)

U.S. government and federal agency obligations:

After 1 but within 5 years

After 5 but within 10 years

After 10 years

Total U.S. government and federal agency obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations:

Within 1 year

After 1 but within 5 years

After 5 but within 10 years

After 10 years

Total government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations:

Within 1 year

After 1 but within 5 years

After 5 but within 10 years

After 10 years

Total state and municipal obligations

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities

Other debt securities:

Within 1 year

After 1 but within 5 years

After 5 but within 10 years

Total other debt securities

Equity securities

 Amortized Cost

Fair Value

Weighted Average
Yield

1.71*%

.51*

(.31)*

1.05*

1.58

1.57

1.59

1.97

1.65

2.70

2.64

2.21

1.94

2.42

2.74

4.51

.88

1.90

$

274,859 $

150,790

72,577

498,226

30,159

446,124

143,535

146,984

766,802

141,912

734,238

562,959

185,086

293,742

152,277

59,677

505,696

30,437

444,504

132,930

133,895

741,766

143,357

756,570

543,749

175,495

1,624,195

1,619,171

2,743,803

2,772,338

236,595

2,847,368

5,827,766

246,983

2,844,071

5,863,392

7,695

49,697

90,189

147,581

9,970

7,719

50,125

83,913

141,757

43,898

Total available for sale investment securities

$

8,874,540 $

8,915,680

* Rate does not reflect inflation adjustment on inflation-protected securities

Investments in U.S. government securities are comprised mainly of U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, which totaled 
$505.6 million, at fair value, at December 31, 2013. Interest paid on these securities increases with inflation and decreases with 
deflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index.  At maturity, the principal paid is the greater of an inflation-adjusted principal 
or the original principal. Included in state and municipal obligations are $127.7 million, at fair value, of auction rate securities, 
which were purchased from bank customers in 2008.  Interest on these bonds is currently being paid at the maximum failed auction 
rates.  Equity securities are primarily comprised of investments in common stock held by the Parent, which totaled $37.2 million, 
at fair value, at December 31, 2013.

74

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)

December 31, 2013

 Amortized Cost

Gross Unrealized
Gains

Gross Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

$

498,226 $

20,614 $

(13,144) $

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities

Other debt securities

Equity securities

Total

December 31, 2012

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities

Other debt securities

Equity securities

Total

766,802

1,624,195

2,743,803

236,595

2,847,368

5,827,766

147,581

9,970

2,245

28,321

54,659

12,008

6,872

73,539

671

33,928

(27,281)

(33,345)

(26,124)

(1,620)

(10,169)

(37,913)

(6,495)

—

505,696

741,766

1,619,171

2,772,338

246,983

2,844,071

5,863,392

141,757

43,898

$

$

8,874,540 $

159,318 $

(118,178) $

8,915,680

399,971 $

40,395 $

(1,607) $

467,063

1,585,926

3,248,007

224,223

3,152,913

6,625,143

174,727

5,695

5,188

46,076

132,953

12,906

15,848

161,707

3,127

27,401

(677)

438,759

471,574

(16,295)

1,615,707

(5)

(118)

(1,367)

(1,490)

(102)

—

3,380,955

237,011

3,167,394

6,785,360

177,752

33,096

$

9,258,525 $

283,894 $

(20,171) $

9,522,248

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 December 31, 2013, the fair value of securities on this watch list was $188.8 million compared 
to $220.7 million at December 31, 2012. 

 As of December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded OTTI on certain non-agency mortgage-backed securities, part of the 
watch list mentioned above, which had an aggregate fair value of $70.4 million.  The cumulative credit-related portion of the 
impairment initially recorded on these securities totaled $12.8 million and was recorded in earnings.  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.

75

Table of Contents

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 included the following: 

Significant Inputs
Prepayment CPR

Projected cumulative default

Credit support

Loss severity

Range
0% - 25%

16% - 52%

0% - 14%

18% - 81%

The following table shows changes in the credit losses recorded in current earnings, for which a portion of an OTTI was 

recognized in other comprehensive income.

(In thousands)

Balance at January 1

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

Credit losses on debt securities for which impairment was previously recognized

Increase in expected cash flows that are recognized over remaining life of security

Balance at December 31

2013

2012

2011

11,306 $

9,931 $

—

1,284

(91)

—

1,490

(115)

12,499 $

11,306 $

7,542

170

2,368

(149)

9,931

$

$

Securities with unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are shown in the table below, along 
with the length of the impairment period. The table includes securities for which a portion of an OTTI has been recognized in 
other comprehensive income. 

(In thousands)

December 31, 2013

Less than 12 months

12 months or longer

Total

  Fair Value 

  Unrealized
  Losses 

  Fair Value 

  Unrealized
  Losses 

  Fair Value 

  Unrealized
  Losses 

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

$

96,172

$

243

$

59,677 $

12,901

$

155,849

$

13,144

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities

Other debt securities

Total

December 31, 2012

487,317

478,818

717,778

53,454

1,088,556

1,859,788

90,028

$ 3,012,123

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

$

71,464

$

$

18,155

15,520

26,124

918

9,072

36,114

5,604

93,654

178,150

9,126

17,825

580,971

656,968

—

22,289

58,398

80,687

9,034

—

702

1,097

1,799

891

717,778

75,743

1,146,954

1,940,475

99,062

27,281

33,345

26,124

1,620

10,169

37,913

6,495

75,636

$

421,202 $

42,542

$ 3,433,325

$ 118,178

Government-sponsored enterprise obligations

State and municipal obligations

Mortgage and asset-backed securities:

Agency mortgage-backed securities

Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Total mortgage and asset-backed securities

Other debt securities

Total

— $

71,464

$

1,607

102,082

173,600

5,874

—

338,007

343,881

39,032

1,607

$

677

2,107

— $

—

—

80,530

14,188

5

—

976

981

102

—

12,609

78,684

91,293

—

—

118

391

509

—

102,082

254,130

5,874

12,609

416,691

435,174

39,032

677

16,295

5

118

1,367

1,490

102

$ 730,059 $

5,474

$

171,823 $

14,697

$

901,882 $

20,171

The total available for sale portfolio consisted of approximately 1,800 individual securities at December 31, 2013.  The portfolio 
included 507 securities, having an aggregate fair value of $3.4 billion, that were in a loss position at December 31, 2013, compared 
to 144 securities, with a fair value of $901.9 million, at December 31, 2012.  The total amount of unrealized loss on these securities 

76

 
 
 
 
Table of Contents

increased $98.0 million to $118.2 million, mainly due to higher interest rates in the second half of 2013. At December 31, 2013, 
the fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer totaled $421.2 million, or 4.7% of the total 
portfolio value, and did not include any securities identified as other-than-temporarily impaired. 

The Company’s holdings of state and municipal obligations included gross unrealized losses of $33.3 million at December 31, 
2013.  Of these losses, $10.0 million related to auction rate securities and $23.3 million related to other state and municipal 
obligations.  This portfolio, excluding auction rate securities, totaled $1.5 billion at fair value, or 16.7% of total available for sale 
securities.  The Company does not have exposure to obligations of municipalities which have filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy.  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. 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 following table.

At December 31, 2013

Texas

Florida

Ohio

New York

Washington

General obligation

Lease

Housing

Transportation

Limited tax

% of
Portfolio

Average Life
(in years)

Average Rating
(Moody’s)

9.9%

9.3

6.0

5.5

5.4

30.6%

16.2

15.4

13.9

5.6

4.1

4.6

4.9

6.3

5.0

4.6

4.6

4.4

4.2

5.4

      Aa1

      Aa3

      Aa2

      Aa2

      Aa2

      Aa2

      Aa2

      Aa1

        A1

      Aa1

The credit ratings (Moody’s rating or equivalent) at December 31, 2013 in the state and municipal bond portfolio (excluding 

auction rate securities) are shown in the following table. The average credit quality of the portfolio is Aa2 as rated by Moody’s.

Aaa

Aa

A

Baa

Not rated

% of Portfolio

11.3%

67.5

19.1

1.3

.8

100.0%

The following table presents proceeds from sales of securities and the components of investment securities gains and losses 

which have been recognized in earnings.  

(In thousands)

Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities

Proceeds from sales of non-marketable securities

Total proceeds

Available for sale:

Gains realized on sales

Gain realized on donation

Other-than-temporary impairment recognized on debt securities

Non-marketable:

Gains realized on sales

Losses realized on sales

Fair value adjustments, net

2013

2012

2011

$

$

$

7,076 $

9,223

16,299 $

126 $

1,375

(1,284)

1,808

(2,979)

(3,471)

5,231 $
11,644

16,875 $

358 $

—

11,202

8,631

19,833

177

—

(1,490)

(2,537)

1,655

(200)

4,505

2,388

—

10,784

10,812

Investment securities gains (losses), net

$

(4,425) $

4,828 $

77

Table of Contents

Investment securities with a fair value of $5.0 billion and $4.3 billion were pledged at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 
to secure public deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements, trust funds, and borrowings at the Federal Reserve Bank. 
Securities pledged under agreements pursuant to which the collateral may be sold or re-pledged by the secured parties approximated 
$687.7 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 exceeds 10% of stockholders’ equity.

5. Land, Buildings and Equipment

Land, buildings and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012:

(In thousands)

Land

Buildings and improvements

Equipment

Total

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

Net land, buildings and equipment

2013

2012

$

106,005 $

529,842

227,467

863,314

513,660

$

349,654 $

107,540

523,662

229,370

860,572

502,960

357,612

Depreciation expense of $30.7 million, $32.2 million and $34.5 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was included 
in occupancy expense and equipment expense in the consolidated income statements. Repairs and maintenance expense of $16.8 
million, $17.3 million and $17.7 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was included in occupancy expense and equipment 
expense.  There has been no interest expense capitalized on construction projects in the past three years.

6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following table presents information about the Company's intangible assets which have estimable useful lives. 

(In thousands)
Amortizable intangible

assets:
Core deposit premium
Mortgage servicing rights

Total

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Valuation
Allowance

 Net
Amount

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Valuation
Allowance

Net
Amount

$ 31,270
3,430
$ 34,700

$

$

(22,781)
(2,567)
(25,348)

$

$

— $ 8,489
779
(84)
$ 9,268
(84)

$ 25,720
3,132
$ 28,852

$

$

(20,892)
(2,267)
(23,159)

$

$

— $ 4,828
472
$ 5,300

(393)
(393)

As discussed in Note 2 on Acquisition, the Company acquired Summit Bancshares, Inc. on September 1, 2013.  As a result of 
the acquisition, goodwill of $13.3 million and a core deposit intangible asset of $5.6 million were recorded.  Based on an estimation 
of the expected remaining economic life of the depositors, the core deposit premium is being amortized over a 14 year period 
using an accelerated method.

The carrying amount of goodwill and its allocation among segments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is shown in the table 
below.  As a result of ongoing assessments, no impairment of goodwill was recorded in 2013, 2012 or 2011.  Further, the regular 
annual review on January 1, 2014 revealed no impairment as of that date.  

(In thousands)
Consumer segment
Commercial segment
Wealth segment
Total goodwill

December 31,
2013

December 31,
2012

$

$

70,721 $
67,454
746
138,921 $

67,765
57,074
746
125,585

78

Table of Contents

Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill and other net intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 

2012 are shown in the following table.

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2011

Originations

Amortization

Impairment reversal

Balance at December 31, 2012

Summit acquisition

Originations

Amortization

Impairment reversal

Goodwill

Core Deposit
Premium

Mortgage
Servicing Rights

$

125,585 $

6,970 $

—

—

—

125,585

13,336

—

—

—

—

(2,142)

—

4,828

5,550

—

(1,889)

—

744

35

(341)

34

472

—

298

(300)

309

779

Balance at December 31, 2013

$

138,921 $

8,489 $

Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently amortized over the period of estimated 
servicing  income.   They  are  periodically  reviewed  for  impairment and  if  impairment is  indicated,  recorded  at  fair  value.   At 
December 31, 2013, temporary impairment of $84 thousand had been recognized.  Temporary impairment, including impairment 
recovery, is effected through a change in a valuation allowance. The fair value of the MSRs is based on the present value of 
expected future cash flows, as further discussed in Note 16 on Fair Value Measurements.

 Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2.2 million, 
$2.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively.  The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense based on existing 
asset balances and the interest rate environment as of December 31, 2013.  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)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

$

1,999

1,609

1,246

921

688

7. Deposits

At December 31, 2013, the scheduled maturities of total time open and certificates of deposit were as follows:

(In thousands)

Due in 2014

Due in 2015

Due in 2016

Due in 2017

Due in 2018

Thereafter

Total

$

1,740,247

235,401

126,623

35,402

48,998

1,767

$

2,188,438

79

Table of Contents

The following table shows a detailed breakdown of the maturities of time open and certificates of deposit, by size category, at 

December 31, 2013.

(In thousands)

Due in 3 months or less

Due in over 3 through 6 months

Due in over 6 through 12 months

Due in over 12 months

Total

Certificates of
Deposit under
$100,000

Other Time
Deposits under
$100,000

Certificates of
Deposit over
$100,000

Other Time
Deposits over
$100,000

159,550 $

33,313 $

314,206 $

19,086 $

179,266

308,582

135,935

38,196

55,173

73,674

249,528

280,247

221,906

32,052

71,048

16,676

Total

526,155

499,042

715,050

448,191

783,333 $

200,356 $

1,065,887 $

138,862 $

2,188,438

$

$

Regulations of the Federal Reserve System require cash balances to be maintained at the Federal Reserve Bank, based on 

certain deposit levels. The minimum reserve requirement for the Bank at December 31, 2013 totaled $49.2 million. 

8. Borrowings

The following table sets forth selected information for short-term borrowings (borrowings with an original maturity of less 

than one year).  

(Dollars in thousands)

Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements:

2013

2012

2011

 Year End
Weighted
Rate

 Average
Weighted
Rate

 Average Balance
Outstanding

Maximum
Outstanding at
any Month End

Balance at
December 31

.1%

.1% $

914,554 $

1,479,849 $

.1

.1

.1

.1

785,978

635,009

1,149,156

1,002,092

996,558

683,550

856,081

Short-term  borrowings  consist  primarily  of  federal  funds  purchased  and  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase 
(repurchase agreements), which generally mature within 90 days.  Short-term repurchase agreements at December 31, 2013 were 
comprised of non-insured customer funds totaling $971.8 million, which were secured by a portion of the Company’s investment 
portfolio.

Long-term borrowings of the Company consisted of the following at December 31, 2013:

(Dollars in thousands)
FHLB advances

Structured repurchase agreements
Total

Borrower

Subsidiary bank

Subsidiary bank

Maturity Date
2014
2015-17
2014

Year End
Weighted Rate

 Year End
Balance

4.8 % $
3.5
.0

$

1,178
104,132
350,000
455,310

The Bank is a member of the Des Moines FHLB and has access to term financing from the FHLB. These borrowings are 
secured under a blanket collateral agreement including primarily residential mortgages as well as all unencumbered assets and 
stock of the borrowing bank.  Total outstanding advances at December 31, 2013 were $105.3 million. All of the outstanding 
advances have fixed interest rates and contain prepayment penalties.  The FHLB has also issued letters of credit, totaling $353.0 
million at December 31, 2013, to secure the Company’s obligations to certain depositors of public funds. 

Structured repurchase agreements totaled $350.0 million at December 31, 2013.  These borrowings have floating interest rates 
based upon various published constant maturity swap (CMS) rates and will mature in 2014.  They are secured by agency mortgage-
backed and U.S. government securities in the Company's investment portfolio, which totaled $366.5 million at December 31, 
2013.  As of year end, these agreements did not bear interest because of low CMS rates.

80

            
Table of Contents

9. Income Taxes   

The components of income tax expense from operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as 

follows:

(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2013:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total
Year ended December 31, 2012:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total
Year ended December 31, 2011:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total

Current

Deferred

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

102,191 $
10,838
113,029 $

100,210 $
10,725
110,935 $

113,920 $
10,328
124,248 $

7,984 $
1,217
9,201 $

15,125 $
1,109
16,234 $

(2,720) $
(116)
(2,836) $

110,175
12,055
122,230

115,335
11,834
127,169

111,200
10,212
121,412

The components of income tax (benefit) expense recorded directly to stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 

2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

(In thousands)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale
Accumulated pension (benefit) loss

Compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for

financial reporting purposes

Income tax (benefit) expense allocated to stockholders’ equity

2013

2012

2011

$

$

(84,582) $
6,981

(1,003)
(78,604) $

19,425 $
(3,608)

(2,094)
13,723 $

31,565
(2,641)

(1,065)
27,859

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:

Loans, principally due to allowance for loan losses
Accrued expenses
Equity-based compensation
Deferred compensation
Pension
Other

Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:

Equipment lease financing
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale
Land, buildings and equipment
Intangibles
Accretion on investment securities
Other

Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

2013

2012

$

70,154 $
15,740
12,407
6,980
728
14,740
120,749

64,320
15,633
14,757
7,282
5,972
7,325
115,289

$

5,460 $

75,710
15,528
12,469
6,280
7,840
11,799
129,626

54,980
100,215
16,433
4,867
6,613
8,399
191,507
(61,881)

The Company acquired a federal net operating loss (NOL) carryforward of approximately $4.3 million in connection with a 
2003 acquisition.  At December 31, 2013, the NOL had been fully utilized.  Management believes it is more likely than not that 
the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the total deferred tax assets.

81

Table of Contents

A reconciliation between the expected federal income tax expense using the federal statutory tax rate of 35% and the Company’s 
actual income tax expense for 2013, 2012 and 2011 is provided in the table below.  The effective tax rate is calculated by dividing 
income taxes by income before income taxes less the non-controlling interest expense.

(In thousands)
Computed “expected” tax expense
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:

2013

2012

2011

$

134,117 $

138,774 $

132,214

Tax-exempt interest, net of cost to carry
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
Tax deductible dividends on allocated shares held by the Company’s ESOP
Other

Total income tax expense

(16,612)
7,836
(1,116)
(1,995)
122,230 $

(15,516)
7,692
(2,991)
(790)
127,169 $

(14,815)
6,638
(1,058)
(1,567)
121,412

$

It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.  The Company 
recorded tax benefits related to interest and penalties of $5 thousand, $81 thousand and $1 thousand in 2013, 2012 and 2011, 
respectively.   At  December 31,  2013  and  2012,  liabilities  for  interest  and  penalties  were  $172  thousand  and  $176  thousand, 
respectively.

As  of  December 31,  2013  and  2012,  the  gross  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  was  $1.4  million  and  $1.6  million, 
respectively, and the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $1.0 
million and $1.1 million, respectively.  

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income tax by federal, state and local government taxing authorities.  Tax 
years 2010 through 2013 remain open to examination for U.S. federal income tax.  Tax years 2009 through 2013 remain open to 
examination in major state taxing jurisdictions.

The activity in the accrued liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as 

follows:

(In thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year
Gross increases – tax positions in prior period
Gross decreases – tax positions in prior period
Gross increases – current-period tax positions
Lapse of statute of limitations
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year

10. Employee Benefit Plans

2013

2012

$

$

1,581 $
70
(2)
282
(503)
1,428 $

1,584
417
(25)
219
(614)
1,581

Employee  benefits  charged  to  operating  expenses  are  summarized  in  the  table  below.  Substantially  all  of  the  Company’s 

employees are covered by a defined contribution (401(k)) plan, under which the Company makes matching contributions.

(In thousands)
Payroll taxes
Medical plans
401(k) plan
Pension plans
Other
Total employee benefits

2013

2012

2011

21,705 $
18,393
12,465
1,627
2,498
56,688 $

21,247 $
19,861
12,613
2,441
2,062
58,224 $

20,703
16,350
11,728
994
2,232
52,007

$

$

A portion of the Company’s employees are covered by a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, however, participation 
in the pension plan is not available to employees hired after June 30, 2003. All participants are fully vested in their  benefit payable 
upon normal retirement date, which is based on years of participation and compensation.  Certain key executives also participate 
in a supplemental executive retirement plan (the CERP) that the Company funds only as retirement benefits are disbursed. The 
CERP carries no segregated assets. Since January 2011, all benefits accrued under the pension plan have been frozen.  However, 
the accounts continue to accrue interest at a stated annual rate.  The CERP continues to provide credits based on hypothetical 
contributions in excess of those permitted under the 401(k) plan.  In the tables presented below, the pension plan and the CERP 
are presented on a combined basis.

82

Table of Contents

Under the Company’s funding policy for the defined benefit pension plan, contributions are made to a trust as necessary to 
satisfy the statutory minimum required contribution as defined by the Pension Protection Act, which is intended to provide for 
current  service  accruals  and  for  any  unfunded  accrued  actuarial  liabilities  over  a  reasonable  period. To  the  extent  that  these 
requirements are fully covered by assets in the trust, a contribution might not be made in a particular year.  The Company made 
a  discretionary contribution of $1.5 million to its defined benefit pension plan in 2012 in order to reduce pension guarantee 
premiums.  No contributions to the defined plan were made in 2013 and the minimum required contribution for 2014 is expected 
to be zero.  The Company does not expect to make any further contributions in 2014 other than the necessary funding contributions 
to  the  CERP.    Contributions  to  the  CERP  were  $69  thousand,  $65  thousand  and  $18  thousand  during  2013,  2012  and  2011, 
respectively.

The following items are components of the net pension cost for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

(In thousands)

Service cost-benefits earned during the year

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of unrecognized net loss

Net periodic pension cost

2013

2012

2011

509 $

504 $

4,509

(6,476)

3,085

5,162

(6,178)

2,953

1,627 $

2,441 $

406

5,366

(6,727)

1,949

994

$

$

The following table sets forth the pension plans’ funded status, using valuation dates of December 31, 2013 and 2012. 

(In thousands)

Change in projected benefit obligation

Projected benefit obligation at prior valuation date

Service cost

Interest cost

Benefits paid

Actuarial (gain) loss

Projected benefit obligation at valuation date

Change in plan assets

Fair value of plan assets at prior valuation date

Actual return on plan assets

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at valuation date

2013

2012

$

125,147 $

110,186

509

4,509

(5,904)

(10,588)

113,673

101,834

11,173

69

(5,904)

107,172

504

5,162

(5,248)

14,543

125,147

97,228

8,274

1,580

(5,248)

101,834

(23,313)

Funded status and net amount recognized at valuation date

$

(6,501) $

The accumulated benefit obligation, which represents the liability of a plan using only benefits as of the measurement date, 

was $113.7 million and $125.1 million for the combined plans on December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

83

 
Table of Contents

Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at 
December 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown below, including amounts recognized in other comprehensive income during the periods. 
All amounts are shown on a pre-tax basis.

(In thousands)

Prior service credit (cost)

Accumulated loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Cumulative employer contributions in excess of net periodic benefit cost

Net amount recognized as an accrued benefit liability on the December 31 balance sheet

Net gain (loss) arising during period

Amortization of net loss

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

Total income (expense) recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income

2013

2012

$

$

$

$

$

— $

(25,479)

(25,479)

18,978

(6,501) $

15,285 $

3,085

18,370 $

16,743 $

—

(43,849)

(43,849)

20,536

(23,313)

(12,447)

2,953

(9,494)

(11,935)

The estimated net loss to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost in 2014 

is $1.4 million.   

The following assumptions, on a weighted average basis, were used in accounting for the plans.

Determination of benefit obligation at year end:

Discount rate

Assumed credit on cash balance accounts

Determination of net periodic benefit cost for year ended:

Discount rate

Long-term rate of return on assets

Assumed credit on cash balance accounts

2013

2012

2011

4.55%

5.00%

3.65%

6.50%

5.00%

3.65%

5.00%

4.80%

6.50%

5.00%

4.80%

5.00%

5.40%

7.00%

5.00%

84

Table of Contents

The following table shows the fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2013 and 
2012.  Information about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value are provided in Note 16 on Fair Value 
Measurements.

(In thousands)
December 31, 2013
Assets:

U.S. government obligations
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations (a)
State and municipal obligations
Agency mortgage-backed securities (b)
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities
Corporate bonds (c)
Equity securities and mutual funds: (d)

U.S. large-cap

U.S. mid-cap

U.S. small-cap

International developed markets

Emerging markets

Money market funds
Total
December 31, 2012
Assets:

Cash

U.S. government obligations
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations (a)
State and municipal obligations
Agency mortgage-backed securities (b)
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities

Asset-backed securities
Corporate bonds (c)
Equity securities and mutual funds: (d)

U.S. large-cap

U.S. mid-cap

U.S. small-cap

International developed markets

Emerging markets

Money market funds
Total

Fair Value Measurements

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
for Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

Total Fair Value

$

901 $

901 $

— $

$

$

2,512

7,270

1,744

6,156

5,985

36,345

23,677

13,864

4,331

857

659

—

—

—

—

—

—

23,677

13,864

4,331

857

659

2,512

7,270

1,744

6,156

5,985

36,345

—

—

—

—

—

2,871
107,172 $

2,871
47,160 $

—
60,012 $

31 $

343

6,930

5,700

3,000

6,936

7,125

27,653

22,400

12,600

3,792

908

916

31 $

343

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

22,400

12,600

3,792

908

916

6,930

5,700

3,000

6,936

7,125

27,653

—

—

—

—

—

3,500
101,834 $

$

3,500
44,490 $

—
57,344 $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

(a)  This category represents bonds (excluding mortgage-backed securities) issued by agencies such as the Federal Home Loan Bank, the 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp and the Federal National Mortgage Association.

(b)  This category represents mortgage-backed securities issued by the agencies mentioned in (a). 

(c)  This category represents investment grade bonds issued in the U.S., primarily by domestic issuers, representing diverse industries.

(d)  This category represents investments in individual common stocks and equity funds.  These holdings are diversified, largely across the 

financial services, consumer goods, healthcare, technology, and energy sectors.

85

Table of Contents

The investment policy of the pension plan is designed for growth in value within limits designed to safeguard against significant 
losses within the portfolio. The policy sets guidelines regarding the types of investments held that may change from time to time, 
currently including items such as holding bonds rated investment grade or better and prohibiting investment in Company stock.  
The plan does not utilize derivatives. Management believes there are no significant concentrations of risk within the plan asset 
portfolio at December 31, 2013.  Under the current policy, the long-term investment target mix for the plan is 35% equity securities 
and 65% fixed income securities. The Company regularly reviews its policies on investment mix and may make changes depending 
on economic conditions and perceived investment risk.

The discount rate  is based on matching the Company's estimated plan cash flows to a yield curve derived from a portfolio of 

corporate bonds rated AA by either Moody's or Standard and Poor's.  

The assumed overall expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets used in calculating 2013 pension plan expense 
was 6.5%. Determination of the plan’s expected rate of return is based upon historical and anticipated returns of the asset classes 
invested in by the pension plan and the allocation strategy currently in place among those classes. The rate used in plan calculations 
may be adjusted by management for current trends in the economic environment. The 10-year annualized return for the Company’s 
pension plan was 7.2%.  During 2013, the plan’s rate of return was 11.1%, compared to 8.4% in 2012. Because a portion of the 
plan’s investments are equity securities, the actual return for any one plan year is affected by changes in the stock market.  Due 
to positive investment returns experienced in 2013 and an increase in the discount rate, the Company expects to incur pension 
expense of $773 thousand in 2014, compared to $1.6 million in 2013.

The following future benefit payments are expected to be paid: 

(In thousands)
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 - 2023

$

5,958
6,234
6,551
6,731
6,940
36,258

11. Stock-Based Compensation and Directors Stock Purchase Plan* 

The Company’s stock-based compensation is provided under a stockholder-approved plan which allows for issuance of various 
types of awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance awards 
and stock-based awards.  At December 31, 2013, 3,729,477 shares remained available for issuance under the plan.  The stock-
based compensation expense that was charged against income was $6.4 million,  $5.0 million and $4.7 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based 
compensation arrangements was $2.4 million, $1.9 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 
2011, respectively.   

During 2013, stock-based compensation was issued in the form of nonvested stock awards and stock appreciation rights, while 
in 2012, stock-based compensation was issued solely in the form of nonvested stock awards. Nonvested stock is awarded to key 
employees, by action of the Company's Compensation and Human Resources Committee and Board of Directors.  These awards 
generally vest after 4 to 7 years of continued employment, but vesting terms may vary according to the specifics of the individual 
grant agreement.  There are 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  December 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.

Nonvested at January 1, 2013
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Canceled
Nonvested at December 31, 2013

Shares

926,871
421,803
(54,922)
(28,729)
(121,268)
1,143,755

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
32.97
36.67
32.72
33.03
33.64
34.27

The total fair value (at vest date) of shares vested during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2.1 million, $2.1 million and $1.6 million, 

respectively. 

86

  
Table of Contents

 Stock appreciation rights (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, which the Company granted in 2006 through 2009, and again in 2013, vest ratably over four 
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 were granted in 2005 and previous years, vested ratably over three years of continuous service, and also 
have 10-year contractual terms.  

In determining compensation cost, the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of options and 
SARs on date of grant.  The Black-Scholes model is a closed-end model that uses various assumptions as shown in the following 
table.  Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock.  The Company uses historical exercise behavior 
and other factors to estimate the expected term of the options and SARs, which represents the period of time that the options and 
SARs granted are expected to be outstanding.  The risk-free rate for the expected term is based on the U.S. Treasury zero coupon 
spot rates in effect at the time of grant.   The per share average fair value and the model assumptions for SARs granted in 2013 
are shown in the table below.

Weighted per share average fair value at grant date

Assumptions:

Dividend yield

Volatility

Risk-free interest rate

Expected term

$6.82

2.3%

23.2%

1.2%

7.3 years

A summary of option activity during 2013 is presented below.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Shares

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2013

807,121 $

30.01

Granted

Forfeited

Expired

Exercised

Outstanding, exercisable and vested at December 31, 2013

A summary of SAR activity during 2013 is presented below.

—

—

—

—

—

—

(354,798)

452,323 $

29.32

30.55

0.8 years $

6,494

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Shares

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2013

Granted

Forfeited

Expired

Exercised

Outstanding at December 31, 2013

Exercisable at December 31, 2013

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013

1,876,523 $

224,282

(2,954)

—

(339,597)

1,758,254 $

1,535,329 $

1,748,676 $

34.35

37.17

33.19

—

34.54

34.68

34.32

34.66

4.0 years $

17,993

3.2 years $

16,267

4.0 years $

17,919

Additional information about stock options and SARs exercised is presented below.  

(In thousands)

Intrinsic value of options and SARs exercised

Cash received from options and SARs exercised

Tax benefit realized from options and SARs exercised

2013

2012

2011

$

$

$

6,580 $

9,426 $

335 $

7,769

14,820

1,269

$

$

$

6,722

14,604

847

87

Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2013, there was $20.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related 

to unvested SARs and stock awards.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.4 years.

The Company has a directors stock purchase plan whereby outside directors of the Company and its subsidiaries may elect to 
use their directors’ fees to purchase Company stock at market value each month end. Remaining shares available for issuance 
under this plan were 137,337 at December 31, 2013. In 2013, 20,222 shares were purchased at an average price of $40.39 and in 
2012, 21,751 shares were purchased at an average price of $35.32.

* All share and per share amounts in this note have been restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in 2013.

12. 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 amortization from other comprehensive income of losses associated with pension benefits, which occurs as 
the amortization is included in current net periodic benefit cost.

Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Securities (1)

OTTI

Other

Pension Loss
(2)

Total Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

(In thousands)

Balance January 1, 2013

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

Current period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

Income tax (expense) benefit

Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Balance December 31, 2013

Balance January 1, 2012

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

Current period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

Income tax (expense) benefit

Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

$

3,245 $

160,263 $

(27,164) $

261

1,284

1,545

(587)

958

(222,628)

(1,501)

(224,129)

85,169

(138,960)

15,285

3,085

18,370

(6,981)

11,389

$

$

4,203 $

21,303 $

(15,775) $

(4,321) $

136,137 $

(21,278) $

10,713

1,490

12,203

(4,637)

7,566

39,271

(357)

38,914

(14,788)

24,126

(12,447)

2,953

(9,494)

3,608

(5,886)

136,344

(207,082)

2,868

(204,214)

77,601

(126,613)

9,731

110,538

37,537

4,086

41,623

(15,817)

25,806

136,344

Balance December 31, 2012

$

3,245 $

160,263 $

(27,164) $

(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 10).

13. 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 also 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. 

The Company’s business line reporting system derives segment information 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.  Income and expense that 

88

 
Table of Contents

directly relate to segment operations are recorded in the segment when incurred. Expenses that indirectly support the segments 
are allocated based on the most appropriate method available.

The Company uses a funds transfer pricing method to value funds used (e.g., loans, fixed assets, and cash) and funds provided 
(e.g., deposits, borrowings, and equity) by the business segments and their components. This process assigns a specific value to 
each new source or use of funds with a maturity, based on current swap rates, thus determining an interest spread at the time of 
the transaction. Non-maturity assets and liabilities are valued using weighted average pools.  The funds transfer pricing process 
attempts to remove interest rate risk from valuation, allowing management to compare profitability under various rate environments.  

The following tables present selected financial information by segment and reconciliations of combined segment totals to 
consolidated totals. There were no material intersegment revenues between the three segments.  Management periodically makes 
changes to methods of assigning costs and income to its business segments to better reflect operating results.  If appropriate, these 
changes are reflected in prior year information presented below.

Segment Income Statement Data

(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2013:
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities losses, net
Non-interest expense
Income before income taxes
Year ended December 31, 2012:
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities gains, net
Non-interest expense
Income before income taxes
Year ended December 31, 2011:
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities gains, net
Non-interest expense
Income before income taxes

Consumer

Commercial

Wealth

Segment Totals

Other/
Elimination

Consolidated
Totals

$

$

$

$

$

268,283 $
(34,277)
113,377
—
(270,209)

77,174 $

274,844 $
(35,496)
114,307
—
(266,740)

86,915 $

283,555 $
(47,273)
131,253
—
(269,435)

$

98,100 $

288,722 $
3,772
186,446
—
(235,346)
243,594 $

290,968 $
(2,824)
179,824
—
(226,935)
241,033 $

283,790 $
(16,195)
162,533
—
(221,273)
208,855 $

40,194 $
(688)
116,765
—
(96,530)
59,741 $

39,498 $
(695)
108,472
—
(90,659)
56,616 $

38,862 $
(712)
101,836
—
(89,108)
50,878 $

597,199 $
(31,193)
416,588
—
(602,085)
380,509 $

605,310 $
(39,015)
402,603
—
(584,334)
384,564 $

606,207 $
(64,180)
395,622
—
(579,816)
357,833 $

22,173 $
10,840
1,798
(4,425)
(27,548)

2,838 $

34,596 $
11,728
(2,973)
4,828
(34,135)
14,044 $

39,863 $
12,665
(2,705)
10,812
(37,433)
23,202 $

619,372
(20,353)
418,386
(4,425)
(629,633)
383,347

639,906
(27,287)
399,630
4,828
(618,469)
398,608

646,070
(51,515)
392,917
10,812
(617,249)
381,035

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.  

89

Table of Contents

Segment Balance Sheet Data

(In thousands)
Average balances for 2013:
Assets
Loans, including held for sale
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Deposits
Average balances for 2012:
Assets
Loans, including held for sale
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Deposits

$

$

Consumer

Commercial

Wealth

Segment Totals

Other/
Elimination

Consolidated
Totals

2,674,136 $
2,589,179
73,340
9,317,525

6,321,153 $
6,124,902
61,925
6,809,265

855,721 $
845,918
746
1,885,807

9,851,010 $
9,559,999
136,011
18,012,597

12,022,974 $
756,143
—
48,554

21,873,984
10,316,142
136,011
18,061,151

2,503,503 $
2,418,428
72,765
8,816,905

5,834,512 $
5,648,923
58,573
6,266,569

743,312 $
735,153
746
1,689,937

9,081,327 $
8,802,504
132,084
16,773,411

11,619,351 $
586,500
—
53,137

20,700,678
9,389,004
132,084
16,826,548

The above segment balances include only those items directly associated with the segment. The “Other/Elimination” column 
includes unallocated bank balances not associated with a segment (such as investment securities and federal funds sold), balances 
relating to certain other administrative and corporate functions, and eliminations between segment and non-segment balances. 
This column also includes the resulting effect of allocating such items as float, deposit reserve and capital for the purpose of 
computing the cost or credit for funds used/provided.

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic lines of business that offer different products and services. They are managed 
separately  because  each  line  services  a  specific  customer  need,  requiring  different  performance  measurement  analyses  and 
marketing strategies.  The performance measurement of the 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.

14. Common Stock

On December 16, 2013, the Company distributed a 5% stock dividend on its $5 par common stock for the twentieth consecutive 

year.  All per share data in this report has been restated to reflect the stock dividend.

Basic income per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number 
of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted income per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares that 
were outstanding during the year.  Presented below is a summary of the components used to calculate basic and diluted income 
per share, which have been restated for all stock dividends. 

The Company applies the two-class method of computing income per share.  Under current guidance, 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 following table.  Nonvested 
share-based awards are further discussed in Note 11 on Stock-Based Compensation.

90

Table of Contents

(In thousands, except per share data)

Basic income per common share:

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stockholders
Net income available to common stockholders

Weighted average common shares outstanding

Basic income per common share
Diluted income per common share:

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stockholders
Net income available to common stockholders
Weighted average common shares outstanding

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

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
Diluted income per common share

2013

2012

2011

$

$

$

$

$

$

260,961 $
2,939
258,022 $
94,585

2.73 $

260,961 $
2,931
258,030 $
94,585

269,329 $
2,563
266,766 $
96,195

2.77 $

269,329 $
2,562
266,767 $
96,195

398
94,983

294
96,489

2.72 $

2.76 $

256,343
1,846
254,497
99,086
2.57

256,343
1,842
254,501
99,086

362
99,448
2.56

Nearly all unexercised stock options and stock appreciation rights were included in the computations of diluted income per 
share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.  Unexercised options and rights of 1.2 million were excluded from the 
computation of diluted income per share for the year ended December 31, 2011, because their inclusion would have been anti-
dilutive.  

The table below shows activity in the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock during the past three years. Shares 

in the table below are presented on an historical basis and have not been restated for the annual 5% stock dividends.

(In thousands)
Shares outstanding at January 1
Issuance of stock:

Awards and sales under employee and director plans
5% stock dividend
Summit acquisition

Purchases of treasury stock
Other
Shares outstanding at December 31

Years Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

91,414

88,952

86,624

653
4,565
1,000
(1,742)
(9)
95,881

837
4,352
—
(2,716)
(11)
91,414

724
4,231
—
(2,622)
(5)
88,952

The Company maintains a treasury stock buyback program authorized by its Board of Directors.  At December 31, 2013, 

3,492,265 shares were available for purchase under the current Board authorization.  

15. Regulatory Capital Requirements 

The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to 
meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and additional discretionary actions by regulators that could 
have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. The regulations require the Company to meet specific capital 
adequacy guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as 
calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital classification is also subject to qualitative judgments by 
the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain 
minimum amounts and ratios of Tier I capital to total average assets (leverage ratio), and minimum ratios of Tier I and Total capital 
to risk-weighted assets (as defined). To meet minimum, adequately capitalized regulatory requirements, an institution must maintain 
a Tier I capital ratio of 4.00%, a Total capital ratio of 8.00% and a leverage ratio of 4.00%. The minimum required ratios for well-
capitalized banks (under prompt corrective action provisions) are 6.00% for Tier I capital, 10.00% for Total capital and 5.00% for 
the leverage ratio.

91

Table of Contents

The following tables show the capital amounts and ratios for the Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank, together 

with the minimum and well-capitalized capital requirements, at the last two year ends.  

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2013

Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Actual

Minimum Capital
Requirement

Well-Capitalized Capital
Requirement

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,239,636

15.28% $ 1,172,843

8.00%

N.A.

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,971,850

13.55

1,164,469

8.00

$ 1,455,586

10.00%

Tier I Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,061,761

14.06% $ 586,421

4.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,809,231

12.43

582,234

4.00

$ 873,351

Tier I Capital (to adjusted quarterly average assets):

(Leverage Ratio)

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,061,761

9.43% $ 874,673

4.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

December 31, 2012

Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

1,809,231

8.31

871,050

4.00

$ 1,088,812

N.A.

6.00%

N.A.

5.00%

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,092,141

14.93% $ 1,121,252

8.00%

N.A.

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,887,251

13.60

1,110,330

8.00

$ 1,387,912

10.00%

Tier I Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 1,906,203

13.60% $ 560,626

4.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,713,752

12.35

555,165

4.00

$ 832,747

Tier I Capital (to adjusted quarterly average assets):

(Leverage Ratio)

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 1,906,203

9.14% $ 834,171

4.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,713,752

8.26

829,711

4.00

$ 1,037,139

N.A.

6.00%

N.A.

5.00%

At December 31, 2013, the Company met all capital requirements to which it is subject, and the Bank’s capital position exceeded 

the regulatory definition of well-capitalized.

92

Table of Contents

16. 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 loans held for sale, 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. 

93

Table of Contents

 Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents the carrying values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 

31, 2013 and 2012.  There were no transfers among levels during these years.

(In thousands)
December 31, 2013
Assets:

Available for sale securities:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
State and municipal obligations
Agency mortgage-backed securities
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Other debt securities
Equity securities
Trading securities
Private equity investments
Derivatives *
Assets held in trust
Total assets

Liabilities:

Derivatives *
Total liabilities
December 31, 2012
Assets:

Available for sale securities:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
State and municipal obligations
Agency mortgage-backed securities
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Other debt securities
Equity securities
Trading securities
Private equity investments
Derivatives *
Assets held in trust
Total assets

Liabilities:

Derivatives *
Total liabilities

*   The fair value of each class of derivative is shown in Note 18.

Fair Value Measurements Using

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
for Identical 
Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs
 (Level 3)

Total Fair Value

$

$

$

505,696 $
741,766
1,619,171
2,772,338
246,983
2,844,071
141,757
43,898
19,993
56,612
12,980
7,511
9,012,776

505,696 $

— $

—
—
—
—
—
—
24,646
—
—
—
7,511
537,853

741,766
1,491,447
2,772,338
246,983
2,844,071
141,757
19,252
19,993
—
12,976
—
8,290,583

13,329
13,329 $

—
— $

13,260
13,260 $

438,759 $
471,574
1,615,707
3,380,955
237,011
3,167,394
177,752
33,096
28,837
68,167
16,740
5,440
9,641,432

438,759 $

— $

—
—
—
—
—
—
17,835
—
—
—
5,440
462,034

471,574
1,489,293
3,380,955
237,011
3,167,394
177,752
15,261
28,837
—
16,731
—
8,984,808

17,718
17,718 $

$

—
— $

17,522
17,522 $

—
—
127,724
—
—
—
—
—
—
56,612
4
—
184,340

69
69

—
—
126,414
—
—
—
—
—
—
68,167
9
—
194,590

196
196

94

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:

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 4 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 equity 
securities 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-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, are used in conjunction with other indices to compute a price based on discounted cash flow 
models.

95

Table of Contents

•  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 
(e.g., call or put options and redemption features).

•  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 the 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 these securities are estimated using a discounted cash flows 
analysis which is discussed more fully in the Level 3 Inputs section of this note.  Because many 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, commitments and sales 
contracts related to personal mortgage loan origination activity, and certain credit risk guarantee agreements. 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.  

•  The fair values of mortgage loan commitments and forward sales contracts on the associated loans are based on quoted 
prices for similar loans in the secondary market.  These prices include the value of loan servicing rights.  However, these 
prices are adjusted by a factor which considers the likelihood that a commitment will ultimately result in a closed loan.  
This estimate is based on the Company’s historical data and its judgment about future economic trends.  Based on the 
unobservable nature of this adjustment, these measurements are classified as Level 3.

•  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.

96

Table of Contents

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. 

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)

Year ended December 31, 2013:

Balance at January 1, 2013

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

Included in earnings

Included in other comprehensive income

Investment securities called

Discount accretion

Purchases of private equity securities

Sale / paydown of private equity securities

Capitalized interest/dividends

Sale of risk participation agreement

Balance at December 31, 2013
Total gains or losses for the annual period included in earnings
attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to
assets still held at December 31, 2013
Year ended December 31, 2012:

Balance at January 1, 2012

Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):

Included in earnings

Included in other comprehensive income

Investment securities called

Discount accretion

Purchases of private equity securities

Sale / paydown of private equity securities

Capitalized interest/dividends

Purchase of risk participation agreement

Sale of risk participation agreement
Balance at December 31, 2012
Total gains or losses for the annual period included in earnings
attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to
assets still held at December 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

State and
Municipal
Obligations

Private Equity
Investments

Derivatives

Total

$

126,414 $

68,167 $

(187) $

194,394

—

3,253

(2,150)

207

—

—

—

—

(2,971)

—

—

—

3,950

(12,865)

331

—

234

—

—

—

—

—

—

(112)

(2,737)

3,253

(2,150)

207

3,950

(12,865)

331

(112)

127,724 $

56,612 $

(65) $

184,271

— $

(5,297) $

234 $

(5,063)

135,621 $

66,978 $

(123) $

202,476

—

(1,368)

(8,275)

436

—

—

—

—

—

126,414 $

4,505

—

—

—

8,910

(12,751)

525

—

16

—

—

—

—

—

—

28

—
68,167 $

(108)
(187 ) $

4,521

(1,368)

(8,275)

436

8,910

(12,751)

525

28

(108)
194,394

— $

3,080 $

(21) $

3,059

$

$

$

$

$

97

Table of Contents

Gains and losses on the Level 3 assets and liabilities in the table above are reported in the following income categories: 

(In thousands)

Year ended December 31, 2013:

Loan Fees and
Sales

Other Non-
Interest Income

Investment
Securities Gains
(Losses), Net

Total

Total gains or losses included in earnings
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at
December 31, 2013
Year ended December 31, 2012:

Total gains or losses included in earnings
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at
December 31, 2012

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

(9) $

— $

234 $

(2,971) $

(2,737)

234 $

(5,297) $

(5,063)

25 $

(21) $

4,505 $

3,080 $

4,521

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 and investments in portfolio concerns held by the Company's 
private equity subsidiaries.   ARS are included in state and municipal securities and totaled $127.7 million at December 31, 2013, 
while private equity investments, included in non-marketable securities, totaled $56.6 million.

Information about these inputs is presented in the table and discussions below.

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Auction rate securities

Valuation Technique
Discounted cash flow

Private equity investments

Market comparable companies

Unobservable Input
Estimated market recovery period
Estimated market rate
EBITDA multiple

Range
4 - 5 years
4.1%
5.5

1.9% -
-
4.0

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 have been held since 2008, and most sales have been 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 
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. 

98

Table of Contents

Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during 2013 and 2012, and still held as of December 31, 2013 and 
2012, the following table provides the adjustments to fair value recognized during the respective periods, the level of valuation 
assumptions used to determine each adjustment, and the carrying value of the related individual assets or portfolios at December 
31, 2013 and 2012.

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2013

Fair Value

Fair Value Measurements Using

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
for Identical 
Assets
 (Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs
 (Level 3)

Total Gains
(Losses)

Collateral dependent impaired loans

$

23,654 $

— $

— $

23,654 $

(8,406)

Private equity investments

Mortgage servicing rights

Foreclosed assets

Balance at December 31, 2012

500

779

1,287

—

—

—

—

—

—

500

779

1,287

Collateral dependent impaired loans

$

24,572 $

— $

— $

24,572 $

Mortgage servicing rights

Foreclosed assets

Long-lived assets

472

297

5,617

—

—

—

—

—

—

472

297

5,617

(500)

309

(430)

(8,411)

34

(170)

(3,428)

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 
December 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown in the table above.

Loans held for sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value.  In recent periods, this portfolio consisted of student loans.  
Most of the portfolio was under contract to an agency which was unable to consistently purchase loans under existing contractual 
terms.  Such loans were evaluated using a fair value measurement method based on a discounted cash flows analysis, which was 
classified as Level 3.  

99

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 which 
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.

Goodwill and core deposit premium

Valuation of goodwill to determine impairment is performed on an annual basis, or more frequently if there is an event or 
circumstance that would indicate impairment may have occurred.  The process involves calculations to determine the fair value 
of each reporting unit on a stand-alone basis.  A combination of formulas using current market multiples, based on recent sales of 
financial institutions within the Company’s geographic marketplace, is used to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit.  That 
fair value is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including its recorded goodwill.  Impairment is considered to 
have occurred if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than the carrying amount of the reporting unit.  The fair value of the 
Company’s common stock relative to its computed book value per share is also considered as part of the overall evaluation. These 
measurements are classified as Level 3.

Core deposit premiums are recognized at the time a portfolio of deposits is acquired, using valuation techniques which calculate 
the present value of the estimated net cost savings attributable to the core deposit base, relative to alternative costs of funds and 
tax benefits, if applicable, over the expected remaining economic life of the depositors.  Subsequent evaluations are made when 
facts or circumstances indicate potential impairment may have occurred.  The Company uses estimates of discounted future cash 
flows, comparisons with alternative sources for deposits, consideration of income potential generated in other product lines by 
current customers, geographic parameters, and other demographics to estimate a current fair value of a specific deposit base.  If 
the calculated fair value is less than the carrying value, impairment is considered to have occurred. This measurement is 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.

100

Table of Contents

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 estimated fair value less cost to sell if the property is held for sale.  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 loss recognized in 2012 resulted primarily from the Company's decision to market certain property adjacent to a downtown 
Kansas City office building, also held for sale, which required a write-down to fair value less selling costs.

17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments held by the Company, in addition to a discussion of 

the methods used and assumptions made in computing those estimates, are set forth below.

Loans

The fair values of loans are estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current rates at which similar 
loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.  This method of estimating 
fair  value  does  not  incorporate  the  exit-price  concept  of  fair  value  prescribed  by ASC  820  “Fair  Value  Measurements  and 
Disclosures”.  Expected future cash flows for each individual loan are based on contractual features, and for loans with optionality, 
such as variable rates and prepayment features, are based on a multi-rate path process.  Each loan's expected future cash flows are 
discounted using the LIBOR/swap curve plus an appropriate spread.  For business, construction and business real estate loans, 
internally-developed pricing spreads are developed which are based on loan type, term and credit score.  The spread for personal 
real estate loans is generally based on newly originated loans with similar characteristics.  For consumer loans, the spread is 
calculated at loan origination as part of the Bank's funds transfer pricing process, which is indicative of individual borrower 
creditworthiness.  All consumer credit card loans are discounted at the same spread, depending on whether the rate is variable or 
fixed.  

Loans Held for Sale, Investment Securities and Derivative Instruments

Detailed descriptions of the fair value measurements of these instruments are provided in Note 16 on Fair Value Measurements.   

Federal Funds Purchased and Sold, Interest Earning Deposits With Banks and Cash and Due From Banks

The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased and sold, interest earning deposits with banks, and cash and due from banks 

approximates fair value, as these instruments are payable on demand or mature overnight.

Securities Purchased/Sold under Agreements to Resell/Repurchase

The fair values of these investments and borrowings are estimated by discounting contractual maturities using an estimate of 

the current market rate for similar instruments. 

Deposits

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity is equal to the amount payable on demand. Such deposits include savings 
and interest and non-interest bearing demand deposits. These fair value estimates do not recognize any benefit the Company 
receives as a result of being able to administer, or control, the pricing of these accounts. Because they are payable on demand, 
they are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of time open and certificates of deposit is based on the 
discounted value of cash flows, taking early withdrawal optionality into account. Discount rates are based on the Company’s 
approximate cost of obtaining similar maturity funding in the market.  Their fair value measurement is classified as Level 3.

Other Borrowings

The fair value of other borrowings, which consists mainly of long-term debt, is estimated by discounting contractual maturities 

using an estimate of the current market rate for similar instruments.

101

Table of Contents

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

(In thousands)

Financial Assets

Loans:

     Business

     Real estate - construction and  land

     Real estate - business

     Real estate - personal

     Consumer

     Revolving home equity

     Consumer credit card

     Overdrafts

Loans held for sale

Loans held for sale

Investment securities:

     Available for sale

     Available for sale

     Available for sale

     Trading

     Non-marketable

Federal funds sold

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

Interest earning deposits with banks

Cash and due from banks

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments

Financial Liabilities

Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level

2013

2012

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

Level 3

$ 3,715,319 $ 3,723,263

$ 3,134,801 $ 3,144,989

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 2

Level 3

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 2

Level 3

Level 1

Level 3

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

406,197

410,022

355,996

352,547

2,313,550

2,345,124

2,214,975

2,240,796

1,787,626

1,802,364

1,584,859

1,642,820

1,512,716

1,519,830

1,289,650

1,309,403

420,589

796,228

4,611

—

—

424,811

811,550

4,611

—

—

437,567

804,245

9,291

3,017

5,810

441,651

823,560

9,291

3,030

5,810

530,342

530,342

456,594

456,594

8,257,614

8,257,614

8,939,240

8,939,240

127,724

19,993

107,324

43,845

127,724

19,993

107,324

43,845

126,414

28,837

118,650

27,595

126,414

28,837

118,650

27,595

1,150,000

1,149,625

1,200,000

1,215,234

707,249

518,420

12,976

4

707,249

518,420

12,976

4

179,164

573,066

16,731

9

179,164

573,066

16,731

9

Non-interest bearing deposits

Level 1

$ 6,750,674 $ 6,750,674

$ 6,299,903 $ 6,299,903

Savings, interest checking and money market deposits

Time open and certificates of deposit

Federal funds purchased

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Other borrowings

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments

Level 1

Level 3

Level 1

Level 3

Level 3

Level 2

Level 3

10,108,236

10,108,236

9,817,943

9,817,943

2,188,438

2,190,610

2,230,807

2,239,595

24,795

24,795

24,510

24,510

1,321,763

1,321,633

1,059,040

1,057,462

107,310

13,260

69

116,843

13,260

69

103,710

17,522

196

117,527

17,522

196

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

The fair value of letters of credit and commitments to extend credit is based on the fees currently charged to enter into similar 
agreements. The aggregate of these fees is not material. These instruments are also referenced in Note 20 on Commitments, 
Contingencies and Guarantees.

Limitations

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.

102

Table of Contents

18. 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 largest group of notional amounts relate to interest rate swaps, which are discussed in more detail 
below. 

(In thousands)

Interest rate swaps
Interest rate caps
Credit risk participation agreements
Foreign exchange contracts

Total notional amount

    December 31

2013

2012

596,933
9,736
52,456
81,207
740,332

$

$

435,542
27,736
43,243
47,897
554,418

$

$

The Company’s foreign exchange activity involves the purchase and sale of forward foreign exchange contracts, which are 
commitments to purchase or deliver a specified amount of foreign currency at a specific future date. This activity enables customers 
involved in international business to hedge their exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company minimizes 
its related exposure arising from these customer transactions with offsetting contracts for the same currency and time frame. In 
addition, the Company uses foreign exchange contracts, to a limited extent, for trading purposes, including taking proprietary 
positions. Risk arises from changes in the currency exchange rate and from the potential for counterparty nonperformance. These 
risks are controlled by adherence to a foreign exchange trading policy which contains control limits on currency amounts, open 
positions, maturities and losses, and procedures for approvals, record-keeping, monitoring and reporting. Hedge accounting has 
not been applied to these foreign exchange activities.  

The Company’s mortgage banking operation makes commitments to extend fixed rate loans secured by 1-4 family residential 
properties.   The  Company’s  general  practice  in  previous  years  was  to  sell  such  loans  in  the  secondary  market.   The  related 
commitments were considered to be derivative instruments. These commitments were recognized on the balance sheet at fair value 
from their inception through their expiration or funding and had an average term of 60 to 90 days.  The Company obtained forward 
sale contracts with investors in the secondary market in order to manage these risk positions. Most of the contracts were matched 
to a specific loan on a “best efforts” basis, in which the Company was obligated to deliver the loan only if the loan closed. The 
sale contracts were also accounted for as derivatives.  Hedge accounting was not applied to these activities.  In late 2011, the 
Company curtailed the sales of these types of loans, and did not hold any such loans for sale at December 31, 2013 or December 
31, 2012.

Credit risk participation agreements arise when the Company contracts, as a guarantor or beneficiary, with other financial 
institutions to share credit risk associated with certain interest rate swaps.  The Company’s risks and responsibilities as guarantor 
are further discussed in Note 20 on Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees. 

The Company’s interest rate risk management strategy includes the ability to modify the repricing characteristics of certain 
assets and liabilities so that changes in interest rates do not adversely affect the net interest margin and cash flows.  Interest rate 
swaps are used on a limited basis as part of this strategy. At December 31, 2013, the Company had entered into two interest rate 
swaps with a notional amount of $12.2 million, which are designated as fair value hedges of certain fixed rate loans.  Gains and 
losses on these derivative instruments, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged loans attributable to the hedged risk, 
are recognized in current earnings.  These gains and losses are reported in interest and fees on loans in the accompanying consolidated 
statements of income.  The table below shows gains and losses related to fair value hedges.

(In thousands)
Gain on interest rate swaps

Loss on loans

Amount of hedge ineffectiveness

For the Years
Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

$

$

422

(408)
14

$

$

331

(324)
7

$

$

106

(95)
11

The Company’s other derivative instruments are accounted for as free-standing derivatives, and changes in their fair value are 
recorded in current earnings.  These instruments include 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 (generally, transactions occurring after June 10, 2013) are 

103

Table of Contents

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.  The notional amount of these free-standing swaps at December 31, 2013 was 
$584.8 million.  

Many of the Company’s interest rate swap arrangements 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 can require 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,  building  materials, 
communications, consumer products, education, and manufacturing. At December 31, 2013, the largest loss exposures were in 
the groups related to education, real estate and building materials, and manufacturing.  If the counterparties in these groups failed 
to perform, and if the underlying collateral proved to be of no value, the Company would incur losses of $2.4 million (real estate 
and building materials), $2.4 million (education), and $1.5 million (manufacturing), based on estimated amounts at December 31, 
2013.

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments are shown in the table below. Information about the valuation methods 
used to measure fair value is provided in Note 16 on Fair Value Measurements.  Derivatives 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.

(In thousands) 
Derivatives designated as
hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps
Total derivatives designated
as hedging instruments
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate caps
Credit risk participation
agreements
Foreign exchange contracts
Total derivatives not
designated as hedging
instruments
Total derivatives

$

$

$

$
$

Asset Derivatives

December 31

Liability Derivatives

December 31

2013

2012

2013

2012

Fair Value

Fair Value

— $

— $

— $

— $

(300)

(300)

$

$

$

(723)

(723)

(16,337)
(1)

(196)
(461)

(11,429)
(1)

(69)
(1,530)

(13,029)
(13,329)

$
$

(16,995)
(17,718)

11,428
1

4
1,547

12,980
12,980

$

$
$

16,334
1

9
396

16,740
16,740

$

$
$

104

 
 
Table of Contents

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 Derivative

Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative

For the Years
Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

Interest and fees on loans

$

$

422

422

Other non-interest income

$

1,140

Other non-interest income

Other non-interest income

Loan fees and sales

Loan fees and sales

234

81

—

—

$

$

$

$

1,455

$

331

331

743

25

(161)

(20)

11

598

$

$

$

$

106

106

797

270

(36)

(51)

(422)

558

(In thousands)

Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships:

Interest rate swaps

Total

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate swaps

Credit risk participation agreements

Foreign exchange contracts

Mortgage loan commitments

Mortgage loan forward sale contracts

Total

19. Balance Sheet Offsetting

The following tables show the extent to which assets and liabilities relating to derivative instruments, securities purchased 
under agreements to resell (resell agreements), and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) 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 are generally 
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 assets and liabilities 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 December 31, 2013, the Company had a net liability position with dealer bank and clearing agency 
counterparties totaling $8.8 million, and had posted securities with a fair value of $10.2 million and cash totaling $1.8 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.  

Resell 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  resell  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 resell agreements with the same financial institution counterparty. These repurchase 
and resell 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 $300.0 million at 
both December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had posted collateral consisting of $311.0 
million in agency mortgage-backed securities and accepted $331.3 million in investment grade asset-backed, commercial mortgage-
backed, and corporate bonds.

105

Table of Contents

(In thousands)

December 31, 2013

Assets:

Derivatives subject to master netting

agreements

Derivatives not subject to master

netting agreements

Total derivatives

Total resell agreements, subject to
master netting arrangements

Liabilities:

Derivatives subject to master netting

agreements

Derivatives not subject to master

netting agreements

Total derivatives

Total repurchase agreements, subject to

master netting arrangements

December 31, 2012

Assets:

Derivatives subject to master netting

agreements

Derivatives not subject to master

netting agreements

Total derivatives

Total resell agreements, subject to
master netting arrangements

Liabilities:

Derivatives subject to master netting

agreements

Derivatives not subject to master

netting agreements

Total derivatives

Total repurchase agreements, subject to

master netting arrangements

Gross Amount
Recognized

Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts
Presented in the
Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Balance Sheet

Financial
Instruments
Available for
Offset

Securities
Collateral
Received/
Pledged

Net Amount

$

11,579 $

— $

11,579 $

(1,299) $

(338) $

9,942

1,401

12,980

—

—

1,401

12,980

1,450,000

(300,000)

1,150,000

—

(1,150,000)

—

12,962

367

13,329

—

—

—

12,962

(1,299)

(9,063)

2,600

367

13,329

1,621,763

(300,000)

1,321,763

—

(1,321,763)

—

$

16,475 $

— $

16,475 $

(603) $

— $

15,872

265

16,740

—

—

265

16,740

1,500,000

(300,000)

1,200,000

—

(1,200,000)

—

17,315

403

17,718

—

—

—

17,315

403

17,718

(603)

(16,017)

695

1,359,040

(300,000)

1,059,040

—

(1,059,040)

—

20. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees    

The Company leases certain premises and equipment, all of which were classified as operating leases.  The rent expense under 
such arrangements amounted to $6.5 million, $6.9 million and $7.4 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  A summary of 
minimum lease commitments follows:

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

After

Total minimum lease payments

Type of Property

Real Property

Equipment

Total

$

5,811 $

39 $

4,896

4,033

3,541

2,629

16,300

29

26

2

—

—

$

5,850

4,925

4,059

3,543

2,629

16,300

37,306

106

Table of Contents

All leases expire prior to 2051. It is expected that in the normal course of business, leases that expire will be renewed or replaced 
by leases on other properties; thus, the future minimum lease commitments are not expected to be less than the amounts shown 
for 2014.

The Company engages in various transactions and commitments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business 
to  meet  customer financing  needs.   The  Company  uses  the  same  credit policies  in  making  the  commitments and  conditional 
obligations described below as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.  The following table summarizes these commitments at 
December 31:

(In thousands)

Commitments to extend credit:

Credit card

Other

Standby letters of credit, net of participations

Commercial letters of credit

2013

2012

$

3,835,323 $

3,878,468

4,591,468

4,500,352

325,623

11,771

359,765

12,582

Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a borrower providing there are no violations of any 
conditions established in the contract.  As many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total 
commitment does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  Refer to Note 3 on Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses 
for further discussion.

Commercial letters of credit act as a means of ensuring payment to a seller upon shipment of goods to a buyer.  The majority 
of commercial letters of credit issued are used to settle payments in international trade.  Typically, letters of credit require presentation 
of documents which describe the commercial transaction, evidence shipment, and transfer title.

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 the customer, the Company has rights to the underlying collateral, which could 
include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and marketable securities.

At December 31, 2013, the Company had recorded a liability in the amount of $3.8 million, representing the carrying value 
of the guarantee obligations associated with the standby letters of credit.  This amount will be accreted into income over the 
remaining life of the respective commitments.  Commitments outstanding under these letters of credit, which represent the maximum 
potential future payments guaranteed by the Company, were $325.6 million at December 31, 2013.

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 2013, purchases and sales of tax credits amounted to 
$65.1 million and $59.6 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments 
totaling $181.8 million.  The commitments are expected to be funded in 2014 through 2017.

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 December 31, 2013, 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 10 years.  At December 31, 2013, the fair value of 
the Company's guarantee liability RPAs was $69 thousand, and the notional amount of the underlying swaps was $50.1 million.  
The maximum potential future payment guaranteed by the Company cannot be readily estimated and is dependent upon the fair 
value of the interest rate swaps at the time of default.

107

Table of Contents

In December 2013, the settlement of a multi-district interchange suit against Visa, MasterCard and credit-card issuing major 
banks was approved in federal court.  The settlement, as proposed in 2012, included a provision to reduce credit card interchange 
income by 10 basis points over an eight month period.  In 2012, the Company established a liability for the estimated cost of this 
reduction in interchange income, which totaled $5.2 million.  The Company's payments to Visa related to the reduction began in 
September  2013  and  totaled  $2.3  million  during  2013.    The  Company's  adjusted  remaining  liability  totaled  $2.5  million  at 
December 31, 2013.

In December 2011, the Bank reached a class-wide settlement in a class action lawsuit captioned Wolfgeher v. Commerce Bank, 
Case No. 1:10-cv-22017 (MDL 2036) which alleged that the Bank had improperly charged overdraft fees on certain debit card 
transactions and claimed refunds for the plaintiff individually and on behalf of other customers as a class.   The settlement provided 
for a payment of $18.3 million, which was expensed by the Company in 2011, into a class settlement fund, the proceeds of which 
have been used to issue refunds to class members and to pay attorneys' fees, administrative and other costs.  The Bank also agreed 
to post debit card transactions in chronological order, which was implemented on February 21, 2013.  As a result of the change 
in the posting order of debit card transactions, the Company currently estimates that overdraft income will be reduced on an annual 
basis by $3.5 million to $5.5 million.  A formal Settlement Agreement and Release related to this lawsuit was signed by the Bank 
on July 26, 2012.  A second suit alleging the same facts and also seeking class-action status was filed on June 4, 2010 in Missouri 
state court; however, the second suit was resolved by agreement on July 18, 2013 and was subsequently dismissed. 

On January 4, 2013, the Company was named in a petition by Patrick J. Malloy III, Bankruptcy Trustee for the Bankruptcy 
Estate of George David Gordon Jr. (“Gordon”). The petition was filed in the District Court in and for Tulsa County, State of 
Oklahoma and removed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and subsequently remanded 
back to the District Court on May 7, 2013. On May 10, 2013, the Company was served with an amended petition in the case. The 
amended petition alleges that Gordon  was involved in securities fraud and that Bank South, an Oklahoma bank that was subsequently 
acquired by the Company, together with a lending officer employed by Bank South, are jointly and severally liable, as aiders and 
abettors of the fraudulent scheme, for losses suffered by defrauded investors.  The losses suffered by investors who have assigned 
their claims to the Trustee are alleged to be in excess of $9.0 million.  The claim alleges that the Bank is liable as a successor by 
merger to Bank South.  Based on facts available to the Company and after discussion with outside counsel handling the matter, 
the Company believes it has substantial defenses to this matter but has established a liability of $1.0 million. This matter will 
continue to be evaluated on an ongoing basis. 

The Company has various other lawsuits pending at December 31, 2013, 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.  

21. Related Parties 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, its Vice Chairman, and its President are directors of Tower Properties Company 
(Tower) and, together with members of their immediate families, beneficially own approximately 72% of the outstanding stock 
of Tower.  At December 31, 2013, Tower owned 222,663 shares of Company stock.  Tower is primarily engaged in the business 
of owning, developing, leasing and managing real property.  

Payments from the Company and its affiliates to Tower are summarized below.  During 2012 and 2011, the Company leased 
several surface parking lots in downtown Kansas City, owned by Tower, for employee use. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the 
Company purchased these lots from Tower for $7.1 million.  Other payments, with the exception of dividend payments, relate to 
property management services, including construction oversight, on four Company-owned office buildings and related parking 
garages in downtown Kansas City.   

(In thousands)

Rent on leased parking lots

Leasing agent fees

Operation of parking garages

Building management fees

Property construction management fees

Dividends paid on Company stock held by Tower

Total

2013

2012

2011

$

— $

50

84

1,799

114

191

294 $

63

75

1,774

231

489

$

2,238 $

2,926 $

353

57

83

1,615

118

177

2,403

108

Table of Contents

Tower has a $13.5 million line of credit with the Bank which is subject to normal credit terms and has a variable interest rate.  
The maximum borrowings outstanding under this line during 2013 was $2.0 million, and there was no balance outstanding at 
December 31, 2013.  The maximum borrowings outstanding during 2012 and 2011 were $5.0 million  and $3.0 million, respectively, 
and the balance outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $2.0 million and zero, respectively.  Interest of $12 thousand,  
$51 thousand, and $22 thousand was paid during 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.   Letters of credit may be collateralized under 
this line of credit; however, there were no letters of credit outstanding during 2013, 2012 or 2011, and thus, no fees were received 
during these periods.  From time to time, the Bank extends additional credit to Tower for construction and development projects.  
No construction loans were outstanding during 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Tower leases office space in the Kansas City bank headquarters building owned by the Company.  Rent paid to the Company 
totaled $67 thousand in 2013, $66 thousand in 2012 and $75 thousand in 2011, at $14.92, $15.08 and $15.67 per square foot, 
respectively. 

Directors of the Company and their beneficial interests have deposit accounts with the Bank and may be provided with cash 
management and other banking services, including loans, in the ordinary course of business.  Such loans were made on substantially 
the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other 
unrelated persons and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability.

As discussed in Note 20 on Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees, the Company regularly purchases various state tax 
credits arising from third-party property redevelopment and resells the credits to third parties.   During 2013, the Company sold 
state tax credits to its Chief Executive Officer, his father (a former Chief Executive Officer), its Vice Chairman, and a member of 
its Board of Directors, in the amount of $846 thousand, $282 thousand, $456 thousand, and $200 thousand, respectively, for 
personal tax planning.  During 2012 and 2011, the Company's Chief Executive Officer purchased state tax credits of $465 thousand  
and $1.0 million, respectively.  In 2011, his father purchased state tax credits in the amount of $920 thousand.  The terms of the 
sales and the amounts paid were the same as the terms and amounts paid for similar tax credits by persons not related to the 
Company.

109

 
Table of Contents

22. Parent Company Condensed Financial Statements

Following are the condensed financial statements of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (Parent only) for the periods indicated:

Condensed Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

Assets

Investment in consolidated subsidiaries:

Banks

Non-banks

Cash

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

Investment securities:

Available for sale

Non-marketable

Advances to subsidiaries, net of borrowings

Income tax benefits

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Pension obligation

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Stockholders’ equity

December 31

2013

2012

$

1,952,179 $

1,983,751

63,134

53

142,650

57,754

3,326

1,772

470

15,201

61,217

58

67,675

65,189

4,272

5,504

10,236

13,051

2,236,539 $

2,210,953

6,501 $

19,396

25,897

2,210,642

23,313

20,513

43,826

2,167,127

2,210,953

$

$

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

2,236,539 $

Condensed Statements of Income

(In thousands)

Income

Dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries:

Banks

Non-banks

Earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net of dividends

Interest and dividends on investment securities

Management fees charged subsidiaries

Investment securities gains

Other

Total income

Expense

Salaries and employee benefits

Professional fees

Data processing fees paid to affiliates

Indemnification obligation

Other

Total expense

Income tax benefit

Net income

110

For the Years Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

$

200,001 $

235,000 $

180,001

390

62,815

4,029

20,701

1,294

2,958

—

34,467

5,074

23,658

346

2,067

115

74,260

7,997

19,318

—

1,560

292,188

300,612

283,251

20,433

3,538

2,775

—

10,236

36,982

(5,755)

24,188

1,950

2,664

—

7,582

36,384

(5,101)

21,572

1,826

3,351

(4,432)

5,975

28,292

(1,384)

$

260,961 $

269,329 $

256,343

Table of Contents

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

Operating Activities

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Earnings of consolidated subsidiaries, net of dividends

Other adjustments, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing Activities

(Increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell

Decrease in investment in subsidiaries, net

Proceeds from sales of investment securities

Proceeds from maturities/pay downs of investment securities

Purchases of investment securities

Decrease in advances to subsidiaries, net

Net purchases of building improvements and equipment

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing Activities

Purchases of treasury stock

Issuance under stock purchase and equity compensation plans

Net tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Cash dividends paid on common stock

Net cash used in financing activities

Increase (decrease) in cash

Cash at beginning of year

Cash at end of year

Income tax payments (receipts), net

For the Years Ended December 31

2013

2012

2011

$

260,961 $

269,329 $

256,343

(62,815)

(955)

197,191

(74,975)

151

866

13,644

—

3,732

(402)

(56,984)

(34,467)

(7,078)

227,784

50,400

1,195

346

17,063

(2,000)

4,136

(92)

71,048

(74,260)

(1,144)

180,939

(40,375)

116

—

22,233

—

1,658

(685)

(17,053)

(69,353)

(104,909)

(101,154)

10,242

1,003

(82,104)

(140,212)

(5)

58

53 $

(6,933) $

15,588

2,094

(211,608)

(298,835)

(3)

61

58 $

523 $

15,349

1,065

(79,140)

(163,880)

6

55

61

(2,700)

$

$

Dividends paid by the Parent to its shareholders were substantially provided from Bank dividends. The Bank may distribute 
dividends without prior regulatory approval, provided that the dividends do not exceed the sum of net income for the current year 
and retained net income for the preceding two years, subject to maintenance of minimum capital requirements. The Parent charges 
fees to its subsidiaries for management services provided, which are allocated to the subsidiaries based primarily on total average 
assets. The Parent makes advances to non-banking subsidiaries and its subsidiary bank holding company. Advances are made to 
the Parent by its subsidiary bank holding company for investment in temporary liquid securities. Interest on such advances is based 
on market rates.

For the past several years, the Parent has maintained a $20.0 million line of credit for general corporate purposes with the 
Bank.  The line of credit is secured by investment securities.  The Parent has not borrowed under this line during the past three 
years.  

At December 31, 2013, the fair value of available for sale investment securities held by the Parent consisted of investments 
of  $37.2 million in common stock and $20.6 million in non-agency mortgage-backed securities. The Parent’s unrealized net gain 
in fair value on its investments was $35.5 million at December 31, 2013. The corresponding net of tax unrealized gain included 
in stockholders’ equity was $22.0 million.  Also included in stockholders’ equity was an unrealized net of tax gain in fair value of 
investment securities held by subsidiaries, which amounted to $3.5 million at December 31, 2013.

111

Table of Contents

Item 9.  CHANGES  IN  AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING  AND 

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.

Item 9a.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal 
financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15
(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our 
principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered 
by this annual report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such 
term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, 
including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our 
internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on our evaluation under the framework in 
Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting 
was effective as of December 31, 2013.

The  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2013  has  been  audited  by  KPMG  LLP,  an 

independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which follows.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred that has materially affected, or is reasonably 

likely to materially affect, such controls during the last quarter of the period covered by this report. 

112

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.: 

We have audited Commerce Bancshares, Inc.'s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal 
control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in 
the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control 
over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 
of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control  Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee 
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of 
income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 
31, 2013, and our report dated February 24, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Kansas City, Missouri
February 24, 2014

113

Table of Contents

Item 9b.  OTHER INFORMATION

None 

PART III

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by Items 401, 405 and 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K regarding executive officers 
is included at the end of Part I of this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” and under the captions 
“Proposal One - Election of the 2017 Class of Directors”, “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, “Audit 
Committee  Report”, “Committees of the Board - Audit Committee  and Committee on Governance/Directors” in the definitive 
proxy statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company’s financial officer code of ethics for the chief executive officer and senior financial officers of the Company, 
including the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, is available 
at www.commercebank.com. Amendments to, and waivers of, the code of ethics are posted on this Web site.

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by Items 402 and 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of Regulation S-K regarding executive compensation is included 
under  the  captions  “Compensation  Discussion  and  Analysis”,  “Executive  Compensation”,  “Director  Compensation”, 
“Compensation and Human Resources Committee Report”, and “Compensation and Human Resources Committee Interlocks and 
Insider Participation” in the definitive proxy statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  SECURITY  OWNERSHIP  OF  CERTAIN  BENEFICIAL  OWNERS AND  MANAGEMENT AND 

RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by Items 201(d) and 403 of Regulation S-K is included under the captions “Equity Compensation 
Plan Information” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the definitive proxy statement, 
which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  CERTAIN  RELATIONSHIPS  AND  RELATED  TRANSACTIONS,  AND  DIRECTOR 

INDEPENDENCE

The information required by Items 404 and 407(a) of Regulation S-K is covered under the captions “Proposal One - Election 
of the 2017 Class of Directors” and “Corporate Governance” in the definitive proxy statement, which is incorporated herein by 
reference.

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A is included under the captions “Pre-approval of Services by the External 

Auditor” and “Fees Paid to KPMG LLP” in the definitive proxy statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

114

Table of Contents

Item 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

PART IV

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

(1)

(2)

Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Summary of Quarterly Statements of Income
Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules are omitted as such information is inapplicable or is included in the financial 
statements.

Page

55
56
57
58
59
60
49

(b) The exhibits filed as part of this report and exhibits incorporated herein by reference to other documents are listed
in the Index to Exhibits (pages E-1 through E-2).

115

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 this 24th day of February 2014.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC.

By:

/s/ THOMAS J. NOACK
Thomas J. Noack

Vice President and Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons 

on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 24th day of February 2014.

By:

By:

/s/ CHARLES G. KIM
Charles G. Kim

Chief Financial Officer

/s/ JEFFERY D. ABERDEEN
Jeffery D. Aberdeen

Controller

(Chief Accounting Officer)

A majority of the Board of Directors*

David W. Kemper

(Chief Executive Officer)

Terry D. Bassham

John R. Capps

Earl H. Devanny, III

W. Thomas Grant, II

James B. Hebenstreit

Jonathan M. Kemper

Terry O. Meek

Benjamin F. Rassieur, III

Todd R. Schnuck

Andrew C. Taylor

Kimberly G. Walker

____________
*  David W. Kemper, Director and Chief Executive Officer, and the other Directors of Registrant listed, executed a power of 

attorney authorizing Thomas J. Noack, their attorney-in-fact, to sign this report on their behalf.

/s/ THOMAS J. NOACK
Thomas J. Noack

Attorney-in-Fact

By:

116

 
 
Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

3 —Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws:

(a) Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, were filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file
number 0-2989) dated August 10, 1999, and the same are hereby incorporated by reference.

(b) Restated By-Laws, as amended, were filed in current report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989)
dated February 14, 2013, and the same are hereby incorporated by reference.

4 — Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures:

(a) Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(iii) of Item 601 Regulation S-K, Registrant will furnish to the Commission upon
request copies of long-term debt instruments.

10 — Material Contracts (Each of the following is a management contract or compensatory plan arrangement):

(a) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Executive Incentive Compensation Plan amended and restated as of January 1,
2009 was filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989) dated August 7, 2009, and
the same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(b)(1) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 1987 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan amended and restated as of July 24,
2009 was filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989) dated August 7, 2009, and
the same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(b)(2) An amendment to the Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 1987 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan was filed in
current report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated February 16, 2012, and the same is hereby
incorporated by reference.

(c) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Stock Purchase Plan for Non-Employee Directors amended and restated as of
April 17, 2013 was filed in current report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated April 23, 2013,
and the same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(d)(1) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan amended and restated as of April 2001 was
filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989) dated May 8, 2001, and the same is
hereby incorporated by reference.

(d)(2) An amendment to the Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan was filed in current
report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated February 16, 2012, and the same is hereby
incorporated by reference.

(e) Commerce Executive Retirement Plan amended and restated as of January 28, 2011 was filed in annual report
on Form 10-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated February 25, 2011, and the same is hereby incorporated
by reference.

(f) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Restricted Stock Plan amended and restated as of July 24, 2009 was filed in
quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989) dated August 7, 2009, and the same is hereby
incorporated by reference.

(g) Form of Severance Agreement between Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and certain of its executive officers
entered into as of October 4, 1996 was filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989)
dated November 8, 1996, and the same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(h) Trust Agreement for the Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Executive Incentive Compensation Plan amended and
restated as of January 1, 2001 was filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989)
dated May 8, 2001, and the same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(i) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 2014 Compensatory Arrangements with CEO and Named Executive Officers
were filed in current report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated January 30, 2014, and the
same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(j) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan amended and restated as of April 17, 2013 was filed
in current report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated April 23, 2013, and the same is hereby
incorporated by reference.

(k) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement was filed in quarterly
report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989) dated August 5, 2005, and the same is hereby
incorporated by reference.

(l) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Restricted Stock Award Agreement, pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan, was
filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989) dated August 5, 2005, and the same is
hereby incorporated by reference.

E-1

Table of Contents

(m) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement and Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Restricted Stock Award Agreement, pursuant to the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, were filed in current report on
Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated February 23, 2006, and the same are hereby incorporated by
reference.

(n) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement and Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Restricted Stock Award Agreements, pursuant to the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, were filed in quarterly report on
Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989) dated May 6, 2013, and the same are hereby incorporated by
reference.

21 — Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23 — Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

24 — Power of Attorney

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

E-2

The consolidated subsidiaries of the Registrant at February 1, 2014 were as follows:

Exhibit 21

Name
CBI-Kansas, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Kansas

Location

State or Other
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

Clayton Financial Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton, MO
Clayton Realty Corp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton, MO

Commerce Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
Commerce Brokerage Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton, MO
Missouri
Clayton Holdings, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
Missouri
Missouri
Delaware
Illinois Financial, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peoria, IL
Delaware
Illinois Realty, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peoria, IL
Commerce Insurance Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fenton, MO
Missouri
Commerce Investment Advisors, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
       Commerce Mortgage Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
CBI Equipment Finance, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
Mid-Am Acquisition, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton, MO
Missouri
Tower Redevelopment Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
CBI Insurance Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Arizona
CFB Partners II, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
CFB Partners, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton, MO
Delaware
CFB Venture Fund I, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
Delaware
CFB Venture Fund II, L.P.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
Capital for Business, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri

CFB Venture Fund, L.P.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton, MO

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Exhibit 23

The Board of Directors
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements No. 33-28294, No. 33-82692, No. 33-8075, No. 
33-78344, No. 33-61499, No. 33-61501, No. 333-14651, No. 333-186867, and No. 333-188374, each on Form S-8, No. 333-140221 
on Form S-3ASR, and No. 333-140475 and No. 333-189535 on Form S-4 of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. of our reports dated 
February 24, 2014, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 
31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity 
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2013, which reports appear in the December 31, 2013 annual report on Form 10-K of Commerce 
Bancshares, Inc.  

KPMG LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
February 24, 2014

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Exhibit 24

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned do hereby appoint Thomas J. Noack and Jeffery D. Aberdeen, 
or either of them, attorney for the undersigned to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Commerce Bancshares, Inc., for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, together with any and all amendments which might be required from time to time with 
respect thereto, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, with respect 
to Commerce Bancshares, Inc., with full power and authority in either of said attorneys to do and perform in the name of and on 
behalf of the undersigned every act whatsoever necessary or desirable to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and 
purposes as the undersigned might or could do in person.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed these presents as of this 31st day of January, 2014.

/s/ TERRY D. BASSHAM

/s/ JOHN R. CAPPS

/s/ EARL H. DEVANNY, III

/s/ W. THOMAS GRANT, II

/s/ JAMES B. HEBENSTREIT

/s/ DAVID W. KEMPER

/s/ JONATHAN M. KEMPER

/s/ TERRY O. MEEK

/s/ BENJAMIN F. RASSIEUR, III

/s/  TODD R. SCHNUCK

/s/ ANDREW C. TAYLOR  

/s/ KIMBERLY G. WALKER

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31.1

I, David W. Kemper, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Commerce Bancshares, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading 
with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in 
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented 
in this report;

4. The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

(a) Designed  such  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  or  caused  such  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  to  be 
designed  under  our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its  consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is 
being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting 
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report 
based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 
the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing 
the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report 
financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 

the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

February 24, 2014

/s/ DAVID W. KEMPER
David W. Kemper
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2

I, Charles G. Kim, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Commerce Bancshares, Inc.;

CERTIFICATION

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading 
with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in 
all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented 
in this report;

4. The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined 
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

(a) Designed  such  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,  or  caused  such  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  to  be 
designed  under  our  supervision,  to  ensure  that  material  information  relating  to  the  registrant,  including  its  consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is 
being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting 
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report 
based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 
the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing 
the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report 
financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 

the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

February 24, 2014

/s/ CHARLES G. KIM
Charles G. Kim
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

Exhibit 32

In connection with the Annual Report of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, David W. Kemper 
and Charles G. Kim, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant 
to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of our knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 

operations of the Company.

/s/ DAVID W. KEMPER
David W. Kemper
Chief Executive Officer

/s/ CHARLES G. KIM
Charles G. Kim
Chief Financial Officer

February 24, 2014

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the 
Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

C O M P A N Y   P R O F I L E

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. operates as a super-community 
bank offering an array of sophisticated financial products 
delivered with high-quality, personal customer service. The 
Company’s customer promise we ask, listen and solve is not 
just its brand, but also its corporate focus. With this 
platform, Commerce is continually building its long-term 
franchise while paying strict attention to asset quality and 
expense management. Commerce provides a full range of 
financial products to consumer and commercial customers, 

including lending, payment processing, trust, brokerage 
and capital markets services. Serving its customers  
from 358 locations in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma  
and Colorado and commercial offices throughout the 
nation’s midsection, Commerce uses a variety of delivery 
platforms, including an expansive ATM network, full- 
featured online banking, and a central contact center,  
and has a nationwide presence in the commercial  
payments industry.

C O M M E R C E   B A N C S H A R E S   A T   A   G L A N C E

• $23.1 billion in assets 
•  4,727 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
•  The Commerce Trust Company administers $35 billion in 

total client assets

•  The Board of Directors approved a 5% increase in the  

2014 cash dividend, marking the 46th consecutive year  
of regular cash dividend increases

• Commercial Payments Services offered in 48 states

8

5

2

4

1

3

1

2

6

7

3

E I G H T   K E Y   M A R K E T S

  1.  St. Louis 
  2.  Kansas City 
  3.  Springfield 
  4.  Central Missouri 

5. Central Illinois 
6. Wichita
7. Tulsa 
8. Denver 

C O M M E R C I A L   O F F I C E S

  1.  Cincinnati 
  2.  Nashville

3. Dallas 

Branch Footprint

Extended Commercial Market Area

Commercial Payments Services

Community Bank Front End

• Flat organization; quick decisions

• Employees embrace strong culture

• Award-winning customer service

•  Customer and market knowledge  

reduces risk

Super-Community Approach
•  Relationship-based sales strategy driven by  
our customer promise to ask, listen and solve
•  High-performing teams supported by a commit-
a co ns istent s t ra te gy wi th  a lo ng-t er m vie w

ment to talent development

• Investment in distinctive, high-return businesses
• Long history of top-quartile credit quality metrics
• Disciplined approach to acquisitions
•  Ongoing focus on improvement in operational 

efficiency

A B O U T   T H E   C O V E R

Super-Regional Back End

•  Sophisticated payment processing 

systems

• Broad consumer product offerings

•  Private banking; trust; capital markets

• Competitive on unit costs

Denver’s historic Union Station neighborhood is currently being 
redeveloped into a world-class, transit-oriented retail, office and 
residential complex. Commerce Bank provided the construction 
financing for the the new home of IMA Financial Group, a 
diversified financial services company, which  
moved into its new headquarters there this past December. 

“Commerce is the right size bank for us — big enough to  
have the market clout and resources to do the job, but small 
enough that our business truly matters to them,” says Robert 
Cohen, chairman and CEO of IMA Financial (right), here with Dan 
Sheehan, manager, Colorado Commercial Real Estate Banking 
(left).

T A B L E   O F   C O N T E N T S

Financial Highlights 1  |  Message to Our Shareholders 2  |  Partnering for Growth 10
Success Stories 11  |  Community Advisors 19  |  Officers and Directors 24

S H A R E H O L D E R S   M A Y   R E C E I V E   F U T U R E   

A N N U A L   R E P O R T S   A N D   P R O X Y   M A T E R I A L S   

O V E R   T H E   I N T E R N E T
To take advantage of the opportunity to receive materials  
electronically, rather than by mail, individuals who hold  
stock in their name may enroll for electronic delivery at  
Computershare’s investor website https://www.computershare.
com/us/investor. 

•  If you have already created a log in ID and password at the 
above site, just login and follow the prompts to “Enroll in 
Electronic Delivery.”

•  If you have not created a login ID and password on the 

above site, choose “Create Login.” You will need the Social 
Security number or tax ID number associated with your 
Commerce stock account to create the login. After you 
have created your login, follow the prompts to “Enroll in 
Electronic Delivery.”

Please note:

• Your consent is entirely revocable.

•   You can always vote your proxy on the Internet whether  
or not you elect to receive your materials electronically.

Shareholders who hold their Commerce stock through a 
bank, broker or other holder of record should refer to the 
information provided by that entity for instructions on how to 
elect to view future annual reports and proxy statements over 
the Internet.

Employee PIP (401(k)) shareholders who have a Company 
email address and online access, will automatically be  
enrolled to receive the Annual Report, Proxy Statement  
and proxy card over the Internet unless they choose to opt  
out by emailing the Corporate Secretary at thomas.noack@ 
commercebank.com. 

C O R P O R A T E   H E A D Q U A R T E R S
1000 Walnut
P.O. Box 419248
Kansas City, MO 64141-6248
(816) 234-2000
www.commercebank.com

I N D E P E N D E N T   A C C O U N T A N T S
KPMG LLP 
Kansas City, Missouri

T R A N S F E R   A G E N T ,   R E G I S T R A R   

A N D   D I V I D E N D   D I S B U R S I N G   A G E N T
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
(800) 317-4445
(800) 952-9245 Hearing Impaired/TDD
www.computershare.com/investor

S T O C K   E X C H A N G E   L I S T I N G
NASDAQ
Symbol: CBSH

C O M M O N   S T O C K   I N F O R M A T I O N
The table below sets forth the high and the low prices of  
actual transactions for the Company’s common stock, which  
is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market, adjusted for 
the December 2013 5% stock dividend.

F I S C A L   2 0 13  

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

H I G H   

L O W

$38.94 
42.50 
45.26 
45.77 

$33.71
36.63
40.04
40.80

A N N U A L   M E E T I N G
The annual meeting of shareholders will be held Wednesday, 
April 16, 2014 at 9:30 a.m., at The Ritz Carlton – St. Louis,  
100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO  63105 in the Amphithe-
ater on level two. 

I N V E S T O R   I N Q U I R I E S 
Shareholders, analysts and investors seeking information 
about the Company should direct their inquiries to:

Jeffery D. Aberdeen, Controller
1000 Walnut 
P.O. Box 419248
Kansas City, MO 64141-6248
(800) 892-7100
mymoney@commercebank.com

i
r
u
o
s
s
i
M

,
s
i
u
o
L

.
t
S

,
n
o
s
i
r
r
a
H
k
l
a
F

y
b
d
e
n
g
i
s
e
D

A CONSISTENT STRATEGY WITH A LONG-TERM VIEW 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C
O
M
M
E
R
C
E

B
A
N
C
S
H
A
R
E
S

,

I

N
C
.

2
0
1
3

A
N
N
U
A
L

R
E
P
O
R
T

A
N
D

F
O
R
M
1
0
-
K

COMM ER CE B ANCS HARES, I NC.

1000 WALNUT 
P.O. BOX 419248
KANSAS CITY, MO 64141-6248

Phone: 

(816) 234-2000 
(800) 892-7100

Email: mymoney@commercebank.com
Website: www.commercebank.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer MK2913

P A R T N E R I N G   F O R   G R O W T H

2 0 1 3   A N N U A L   R E P O R T   A N D   F O R M   1 0 - K