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

Commerce Bancshares Inc

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Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2015 Annual Report · Commerce Bancshares Inc
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S T R E N G T H   |   C O M M U N I T Y   |   I N N O V A T I O N

2 0 1 5   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 of "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, payments processing, trust, brokerage and 
capital markets services. 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

NINE KEY M ARKETS

COMME RC IAL OFFI CES

COMME RCE US P RESENCE

1.  St. Louis

2.  Kansas City

3.  Springfield

4.  Central Missouri

 5. Central Illinois

6. Wichita

7.  Tulsa

8. Oklahoma City

 9. Denver

$24.6

billion in assets

37th

 largest U.S. bank based  
on asset size1

387

ATMs

191

branches

360

 thousand active  
online banking customers

176

 thousand mobile customers 

61

 million online banking/mobile  
sessions in 2015

Data as of December 2015 unless otherwise noted.
1 SNL Financial data, September 30, 2015

1.  Cincinnati

2.  Nashville

3. Dallas 

Branch Footprint

 Extended Commercial Market  
Area

 Commercial Payments Services

9

5

2

4

1

3

1

2

6

7

8

3

1 5 0   Y E A R S   O F   B U I L D I N G   C O M M E R C E

Since 1865, the success of Commerce Bank has revolved around three central themes:

Strength – Our financial 
strength has allowed us to 
weather difficult economic 
times and expand over the 
years, all the while maintain-
ing the ability to operate 
independently. From our  
original base in Kansas City, 
we have forged partnerships 
and expanded throughout  
the central part of the  
United States.

Community – Commerce is a 
product of the communities we 
serve, a partnership of our 
customers, employees and 
shareholders. We are proud 
we have continued to bring 
value to our customers, that 
we support our region’s 
economy and that we work 
with others to make our 
communities better places  
to live.

Innovation – Financial 
services is a dynamic and 
constantly changing market.  
At Commerce, we value and 
have been successful in 
applying new ideas, new 
technology and creativity to 
change while maintaining  
our core values of customer 
service and teamwork. 

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

Financial Highlights 1  |  Message to Our Shareholders 2  |  150 Years of Building Commerce 12
Success Stories 14  |  Community Advisors 24  |  Officers and Directors 28

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

For 100 years, the professionals of Black & Veatch have been Building a World of Difference through the design and construction of energy, 
water and telecommunications infrastructure that make life better. But the world they are building requires more than your typical construction 
materials. “We believe it’s important to engage the community in other ways,” says Karen L. Daniel,  Black & Veatch’s chief financial officer 
(center), here with Steven L. Edwards, chairman and chief executive officer (left); and Byron McCallum, vice president and commercial banking 
manager of Commerce Bank (right). “That’s one of many reasons we’ve enjoyed our long partnership with Commerce. We see each other out in 
the community, supporting important initiatives, making a difference in the lives of people where we live and work. That’s what it’s all about.” 

   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

1

(In thousands, except per share data)

O P E R AT I N G   R ES U LT S

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

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

$  

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities gains (losses), net
Non-interest expense
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Net income available to common shareholders
Cash dividends on common stock

 646,070
51,515 
392,917 
10,812 
616,440 
256,343 
256,343 
79,140 

$       639,906
27,287 
399,630 
4,828 
617,598 
269,329 
269,329 
211,6083

$        619,372
20,353
418,386

(4,425) 

628,668
260,961
260,961
82,104

$        620,204
29,531
435,978
14,124 
656,342
261,754
257,704
84,241

$        634,320
28,727
447,555
6,320 
675,903
263,730
254,730
84,961

AT YEAR END

Total assets
Loans, including held for sale
Investment securities
Deposits
Equity
Non-performing assets
Common shares outstanding1
Tier I common risk-based capital ratio2
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
Total risk-based capital ratio
Tier I leverage ratio
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio
Efficiency ratio

$  20,649,367
9,208,554 
9,358,387 
16,799,883 
2,170,361 
93,803 
108,122 
 NA
14.71% 
16.04 
9.55 
9.91 
59.02 

$  22,159,589     $   23,072,036
10,956,836
9,042,997
19,047,348
2,214,397
55,439
105,709
NA
14.06%
15.28
9.43
9.00
60.40

9,840,211 
9,669,735 
18,348,653 
2,171,574 
64,863 
105,823 
 NA
13.60% 
14.93 
9.14 
9.25 
59.18 

$  23,994,280
11,469,238
9,645,792
19,475,778
2,334,246
46,251
101,144
NA
13.74%
14.86
9.36
8.55
61.95

$  24,604,962
12,444,299
9,901,680
19,978,853
2,367,418
29,394
97,226

11.52%
12.33%
13.28
9.23
8.48
62.32

OT HER FIN ANCIAL  DATA  (based on average balances)

Return on total assets  
Return on common equity
Loans to deposits
Equity to assets
Net yield on interest earning assets (T/E)

   1.32%
12.15 
59.15 
10.87 
3.65 

    1.30%
12.00
55.80
10.84
3.41

1.19%

1.15%

1.11%

11.99
57.12
9.95
3.11

11.65
59.91
10.10
3.00

11.43
61.44
10.00
2.94

PER COMMON SHAR E  DATA

Net income - basic1
Net income - diluted1
Market price1
Book value1
Cash dividends1
Cash dividend payout ratio

  $ 

  $ 

2.33 
2.32 
31.36
20.07 
.721 
 30.87% 

2.52   $  
2.51 
30.29 
20.52 
1.9913
 78.57%3

2.47   $                2.50   $                2.56
2.56
2.49
2.46
42.54
41.42
40.73
22.86
21.65
20.95
.857
.816
.777
  33.35%
  32.69%
  31.46%

1 Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed December 2015.
2 New ratio under Basel III capital guidelines effective January 1, 2015.
3 Includes a special dividend paid in the fourth quarter of 2012. 

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

R E T U R N   O N   A V E R A G E   A S S E T S

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%

-5.0%

-10.0%

Source: SNL Financial

Commerce 10-Year Average: 12.2%           Peers’ 10-Year Average: 7.36 %

  06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15

2.00%

1.50%

1.00%

05.0%

00.0%

-05.0%

-1.00%

Source: SNL Financial

Commerce 10-Year Average: 1.2%           Peers’ 10-Year Average: 0.76%

  06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15

Commerce  

Peers 

Large Banks

Commerce  

Peers 

Large Banks

 
  
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

2

To Our Shareholders

Commerce Bancshares celebrated the 150th  
anniversary of Commerce Bank in 2015 with solid 
execution and performance in a challenging banking 
environment. During the year, moderate, steady  
domestic economic expansion continued with the 
Federal Reserve raising interest rates in December for 
the first time in seven years. Record low interest rates 
and regulatory focus on traditional service charges, 
however, continued to put pressure on top-line growth 
industry wide. Today, the banking industry faces two 
big challenges: an overcapacity of traditional bank 
branches and the rapid transition by our customers to 
mobile and electronic solutions for credit, payments 
and information needs. Nimble banks that can  
right-size and reposition distribution channels,  
redeploy resources and personnel, and anticipate how 
their customers want to do business will be rewarded. 
At the same time, a benign credit environment and a 
long economic expansion have increased competition 
for loans of all types. Both secular and cyclical forces 
will reward management teams and their banks that 
are strategic and take a long-term view of customer 
needs and credit risks.

D a vi d  W.   Ke m p e r,   C ha i r ma n

   
   
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

3

In 2015 our Company posted solid results with strong 

totaled $120 million, as we continued to attract new 

loan and deposit growth, while continuing to focus  

clients and build out staffing in expansion markets.  

on repositioning our strategic assets and personnel. 

We expanded our residential mortgage business, 

Over the last five years, we closed 10% of our branches 

adding an outbound sales staff and generating more 

while upgrading and resizing numerous others. We also 

than $3 million in new fees, while growing our existing 

invested heavily in web and mobile solutions and core 

loan portfolio.

IT systems. Although the industry will have to further 

  We operate in a rapidly changing environment 

reduce capacity of banks and branches, we strongly 

where new technologies, competitors and regulations 

feel an organic growth strategy that includes investing 

continue to evolve. Our long-term focus continues to be 

in our people and products will yield superior results. 

on making  

For example, we continue to add commercial personnel 

innovative 

In 2015 loans grew $975 million  

in our Dallas and Denver markets, where we have had 

investments 

success in selling our broad array of commercial 

in people 

products. We are also focused on growing our wealth 

and technol-

management business, which had a record year in  

ogy to grow 

with solid growth in both commercial 

and consumer loans.

new asset management sales and fee income. Our 

the Company and provide shareholder returns.  

payments system businesses have tremendous growth 

We are confident that our principles of strength, 

potential, and we continue a rapid national rollout of 

community and innovation will play an important role 

our accounts payable and hospital patient financing 

in our Company’s future growth and profitability.

solutions. These initiatives are showing immediate 

success and are laying the groundwork for accelerated 

2015 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

future growth.

• 

 Net income attributable to Commerce totaled  

In 2015 loans grew $975 million with solid growth 

$264 million, versus $262 million last year.

in both commercial and consumer loans. Business and 

• 

 Earnings per share totaled $2.56 in 2015 compared 

construction lending were especially strong on the 

to $2.49 in 2014. The return on average assets  

commercial side, while automobile loan demand drove 

was 1.11%, while the return on average equity was 

consumer loan growth. Expansion market loan growth 

11.4%. This compares to our peer bank return on 

continued to outpace overall Company loan growth.  

average assets of .88%* and a return on average 

We are also focused on a number of important “blue 

equity of 7.8%*.

chip” growth initiatives. In our payments system 

• 

 In 2015 we paid a regular cash dividend of $.857 per 

businesses, commercial card fees grew to a record  

share (restated), making this the 47th consecutive year 

$90 million with strong growth prospects, and we  

in which regular cash dividends increased. We also 

have been busy developing new products that offer 

paid a 5% stock dividend for the 22nd year in a row.

opportunities to expand customer relationships and 

• 

 In 2015 the Company purchased $123 million  

grow revenue. Trust fees from our wealth management 

in treasury stock after purchasing $271 million in 

business increased again this year, growing 7% and 

treasury stock in 2014.

*As of September 30, 2015

   
   
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

4

C A S H  D I V I D E N D S  P E R  S H A R E

grew 10% to $13 million. Trust assets totaled  

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

$14.0 

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

B
n
i

$

$ 12.0 

$ 10.0 

$  8.0

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

B
n
i

$

$22

$20

$19

$18

$17

$16

$15

$14

Excludes special dividend of $1.24 per share in 2012.

1 0 - Ye a r   C A G R   =   4 %
1 0 - Ye a r   C A G R   =   4 %

 06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15

T O T A L  L O A N S

  C A G R   =   6 %

5 - Y e a r

$11.0
$11.0

$38.4 billion.

• 

 Total shareholder equity grew to $2.4 billion, and 

the Tier I common risk-based capital ratio totaled 

11.5%. New Basel III capital regulations took 

effect this year, and the Company’s capital ratios 

were well above these new requirements.

• 

 Loan losses remained very low at .28% of total 

loans, compared to .31% in 2014. Non-performing 

assets declined to lows not seen since 2006, and 

delinquencies also remained low.

$12.4
$12.4

COMMERCE VALUE PROPOSITION

$11.5
$11.5

Commerce operates as a super-community bank  

$9 8
$9.8

$9.2

   11 

12 

13 

14 

15

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

  C A G R   =   6 %

5 - Y e a r

$19.0
$19.0

$19.5
$19.5

$20.0
$20.0

$18.3
$18.3

$16.8

  11 

12 

13 

14 

15

that serves business, retail and wealth management 

customers. Our customer promise of “We ask, listen 

and solve” means we are dedicated to servicing  

our customers’ needs with innovative products  

and solutions in a high-touch manner. The culture we  

have created for sales, service and risk management  

is highly refined and updated. We regularly measure 

and obtain high marks in customer satisfaction,  

and our employee engagement surveys continuously 

score above those in the financial services  

industry and are in line with other high-performing 

companies.

Commerce has a long history of consistently 

• 

 Total loans grew $975 million, or 9%, to  

providing our shareholders above-average risk- 

$12.4 billion. Commercial loans grew $716 million 

adjusted returns, with a focus on profitability,  

on strong demand for business, leasing and 

strong capital and a rock-solid balance sheet.  

construction lending, while consumer banking 

While 2015 earnings per share grew 3%, the  

loans grew $259 million due mainly to strong 

10-year shareholder total return at December 31, 

growth in auto lending. Loans in our expansion  

2015 was 6%. In 2014 we issued new 6% preferred 

markets grew 24% to $1.3 billion.

stock that was outstanding for all of 2015.  

• 

 Our wealth management business grew trust fees 

Commerce’s long-term returns on assets and equity 

by 7% to $120 million, while brokerage revenue 

exceed many of its peer banks.

 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

5

2015  E M P L O Y E E  E N G A G E M E N T

of Kansas City. Commerce employees have long been 

involved in community projects as well. In celebration 

of our 150th anniversary, our employees gave back  

more than ever, collectively performing more than  

74%

73%

150 community service acts in 2015. Community 

service committees in each of our markets recognize  

employees each year who volunteer and have gone 

100%

80%

84%

60%

40%

Commerce 

U.S. High-Performing 
Companies Norm 

U.S. Financial 
Services Norm

above and beyond to help those in need.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AND  

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

INNOVATION

Throughout its 150-year history, Commerce has been  

a strong innovator, developing products and services 

Over the years, Commerce has received industry 

to meet customer needs. In the 1920s we became a 

recognition for its strong financial performance, 

major provider of check processing services in the 

innovative products and focus on customer service.  

Midwest. In the 1930s we grew to become the largest 

As of September 30, 2015, Commerce ranked as the 

correspondent bank west of the Mississippi. In 1958 

37th largest among U.S. banks based on assets, as 

we established our private equity business to provide 

reported by SNL Financial, and has a market capitaliza-

credit products to new businesses in hopes of growing 

tion of more than $4 billion. The Commerce Trust 

them into significant bank customers. In the 1960s we 

Company, a specialized division of Commerce Bank, 

entered the credit card business and created a series of 

was ranked by SNL as the 27th largest bank-owned 

new and innovative products, including the industry’s 

trust company in the U.S. In November, Bloomberg 

first combined ATM, debit and credit card. In 2007 we 

Markets named Commerce Family Office as the  

focused on expanding to larger, higher-growth markets 

22nd largest family office in the world. Commerce  

around our main footprint and developed meaningful 

also consistently ranks among the top issuers of  

business in the Denver, Dallas, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, 

credit, debit and commercial cards, according to  

Nashville and Cincinnati expansion markets. With 

The Nilson Report. 

sophisticated products and a strong service culture, 

Commerce’s success is a direct result of the  

our super-community banking model has proven very 

vitality of the communities in which we operate.  

successful in attracting many new commercial  

That is why we not only invest financially in these 

relationships and talented bankers in these  

communities, our employees are also heavily involved 

expansion markets. 

in making them better places to live and work. In 2015  

  We continue to invest in new products to keep pace 

Commerce and its related foundation provided more 

with emerging technologies. Late in 2014 we introduced 

than $3 million in community support. Our ongoing 

Apple Pay™ to many of our mobile customers. This year 

commitment to community reinvestment earned us an 

we introduced a new credit card service called toggle® 

“Outstanding” rating from the Federal Reserve Bank 

that allows users to determine how quickly they pay for 

   
   
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

6

different types of credit card purchases. Our new health 

and Oklahoma markets. We continue to invest in staff 

services financing product generated strong interest from 

dedicated to wealth management, commercial cash 

hospitals dealing with a growing portion of self-pay 

management and commercial banking to grow our 

receivables. A new claims payment product we devel-

customer base in these markets.

oped for the insurance industry enables more efficient 

Healthcare continues to be one of the nation’s 

claims processing, and a new supply chain financing 

fastest growing industries. Today’s healthcare providers 

product provides buyers and suppliers a faster and 

are challenged with improving patient care quality, 

more efficient way to make payments. We continue to 

while also increasing efficiencies and decreasing costs 

look for product opportunities and innovations made 

in their revenue cycle management. Our dedicated 

possible by the intersection of finance and technology.

healthcare bankers perform revenue cycle reviews, 

helping hospitals and medical practices assess their 

UPDATE ON BLUE CHIP INITIATIVES

payment cycle needs and identify opportunities to 

Over the past two years, we actively worked on a 

increase cash flow and gain efficiencies. We continue 

number of initiatives to generate new revenue and 

to invest in products and technologies designed 

deepen customer relationships. We transformed the 

specifically for healthcare providers. RemitConnect® 

way our Commerce Bank Mortgage unit originates new 

and Commerce Point-of-Care® enable providers to 

loans. To better serve our customers, we redesigned 

improve collections, reduce expenses and increase 

our processes and cross-trained our entire staff. 

productivity. Our Health Services Financing program 

We implemented processes to comply with new 

experienced strong growth and attracted significant 

regulations and established a new outbound sales 

interest from hospitals around the country seeking to 

office. We increased new loan originations by 17% 

reduce costs.

and sold $96 million in loans to the secondary market, 

  We continue to transform our retail banking business 

recognizing more than $3 million in new fees.

to become more profitable and to serve our customers in 

As mentioned earlier, loan growth in our expansion 

the ways they want to interact with our bank. We have 

markets has been robust and continues to outpace our 

identified new products and revenue, and we have 

Company’s overall growth rate. Growth in payments 

become more efficient in day-to-day branch operations. 

system fees has been especially strong in our Dallas 

We also developed an innovative branch design that 

L O A N   G R O W T H  -  2015  V E R S U S   2014

Expansion Markets Offering Growth Opportunities

24%

we piloted in a several locations to generate new 

customer interactions and renewed interest.

OVERVIEW OF PAYMENTS SYSTEM BUSINESSES

Our payments system businesses offer solid revenue 

growth opportunities, consistent profitability, good 

profit margins and less volatility from economic and 

interest rate cycles. These businesses offer solutions that 

9%

Expansion Markets 

Total Company

use up-to-date technologies to help our customers 

h
t
w
o
r
G
n
a
o
L
%

30%

20%

10%

0% 

   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

7

become more efficient and effective. Our payments 

and investment real estate loans and direct municipal 

system businesses include products and services for 

lending programs. Our staff includes experienced 

both consumer and business customers, such as 

product specialists who help our customers manage 

deposit processing, commercial cash management, 

risks with interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations. 

bank card 

We also offer a number of payments system solutions, 

We continue to develop new  

activities and 

including cash management products, retail and 

payments products such as claims 

international 

wholesale lockbox services, remote deposit and 

services. 

Positive Pay products. We offer fixed-income investments 

processing, supply chain finance 

Revenue from 

to our business and correspondent bank customers. 

and accounts payable processing —

these businesses 

International services are available to customers  

totaled $282 

active in importing and exporting. These products  

all needed services that deepen our 

million in 2015, 

and solutions are managed by commercial bankers  

customer relationships nationwide.

an increase of 

and product specialists with deep industry knowledge 

3% over the 

and proven experience in helping customers manage 

prior year. 

business cycles.

Revenue from bank card activities alone totaled $179 

Loan demand was especially strong in 2015 as 

million in 2015, up from $176 million in 2014, with 

commercial loans grew to $7.4 billion, an increase of 

half of this revenue coming from commercial card  

11%, or $716 million. Much of this growth came from 

transaction fees. Our commercial cash management 

increases in business, construction, tax-free and 

business, which consists of online banking, remittance 

business real estate loans. Commercial deposits grew 

processing, remote deposit, account reconciliation, 

4% to $7.7 billion as business customers remained 

Positive Pay and other solutions, generated $42 million 

liquid. A  

in customer billings. International services, which 

combination 

Loan demand was especially strong  

include foreign wires, letters of credit and foreign 

of low 

exchange transactions, generated $8 million in revenue. 

interest rates 

in 2015 as commercial loans grew  

We continue to develop new payments products such 

and stiff 

to $7.4 billion, an increase of 11%,  

as claims processing, supply chain finance and 

competition 

accounts payable processing — all needed services 

among banks 

or $716 million.

that deepen our customer relationships nationwide. 

resulted in thin lending margins. To compensate, we 

focused on selling a number of fee-based solutions to 

COMMERCIAL BANKING ACTIVITIES

our customers. Revenue from both commercial cash 

Our commercial banking group offers a wide array of 

management and commercial card activities increased 

lending and payment solutions to business customers. 

$3 million and fees from the sales of interest rate 

Traditional lending products include working capital 

swaps also grew by $3 million. As noted earlier, loan 

loans and lines of credit, equipment financing and 

growth in our expansion markets continued to outpace 

leasing options, construction loans, owner-occupied 

the Company’s overall loan growth, and this year fee 

   
   
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

8

income grew 9% to $11 million in these expansion 

branches, and last year we began offering Apple Pay™ 

markets. We added commercial bankers, especially  

for the iPhone®.

in our Oklahoma and Dallas markets.  

During 2015, consumer deposits grew 4% to  

Capitalizing on payments system innovations, we 

$10 billion. Residential mortgages grew by 2% to  

have enhanced our digital banking offering by adding 

$1.9 billion. We also sold $96 million in loans to the 

features to our commercial online and mobile banking 

secondary market. Direct and indirect consumer loans 

product, Commerce Connections®. We continue to 

totaled $1.5 billion, up 21% or $256 million, on strong 

focus on the growing healthcare industry, offering a 

auto loan demand. While growth was limited this year, 

combination of both lending and fee-based products 

we have more than $1.2 billion in credit card and 

tailored to our customers’ needs. Our proven sales 

revolving home equity loans. Consumer banking fee 

strategies and experienced commercial bankers have 

income increased 5% to $120 million due mainly to 

been successful in targeting specific industries and  

fees on residential mortgage sales and higher bank 

attracting new business.

card income.

  We continue to work on strategic initiatives to 

CONSUMER BANKING ACTIVITIES

generate new customer relationships and revenue and 

Within consumer banking, our goal is to make banking 

to become more efficient. Since 2014, we have opened 

easier and enable our customers to reach their goals. 

three branch locations that incorporate new design 

Customers can interact with us through our network of 

concepts and advanced technologies to improve the 

191 branches 

customer experience. More upgrades are planned. We 

We were among the first banks in our 

in Missouri, 

also continued to enhance our online banking platform 

markets to offer instant-issue debit 

Kansas,  

with new bill pay and self-service features. We are in 

central Illinois,  

the process of reissuing our debit and credit cards with 

and credit cards at our branches,  

Oklahoma  

new chip technology that is safer for our customers and 

and last year we began offering 

and Colorado. 

reduces fraud expense. As mentioned previously, we 

Also at their 

also began offering toggle® service for credit cards and 

Apple PayTM for the iPhone®.

disposal are 

we worked to increase branch productivity by retraining 

our customer 

our branch staff to handle both teller and new account 

support center, more than 300 ATM locations and 

functions. We continue to closely evaluate branch 

robust online and mobile banking platforms. Our retail 

performance and have closed or sold more than 10 

products include checking, savings and certificate of 

underperforming locations in the past 24 months. 

deposit accounts; debit and credit cards; residential 

mortgages; direct and indirect automobile and motor-

WEALTH AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

cycle loans; and home improvement loans. We also 

As one of the nation’s largest bank-owned trust 

offer a number of personal loan options, including lines 

companies, The Commerce Trust Company excels at 

of credit. We were among the first banks in our markets 

providing objective financial advice, exceptional 

to offer instant-issue debit and credit cards at our 

personal service and comprehensive wealth management 

   
   
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

9

T R U S T  A S S E T S  A N D  F E E S

remained low at 5%. Loans to private banking customers 

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

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

$40

$35

$30

$25

$20

$15

$10

$5

$0

11 

12 

13 

14 

15

Trust Assets 

Trust Fees

$120

$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

grew 11% this year. Commerce Brokerage Services 

continued to grow as fees increased 10% to $13 million, 

and managed assets grew 11% to $346 million. 

We continue to see good growth opportunities  

in our Commerce Trust businesses, and we focused 

on a number of initiatives to help ensure this growth 

continues. We expanded our Tulsa office staff in 2015 

and are looking carefully at other markets where we 

can grow staff and add clients. We are expanding  

our marketing resources to increase lead generation 

solutions to individuals, businesses and other 

and are investing in our private banking lending 

institutional clients. In addition to providing trust, 

capabilities. The Commerce Horizons account offered by 

investment management and other advisory and 

Commerce Brokerage continues to attract significant 

wealth management services, our Commerce Family 

interest from clients and has transformed the business 

Office offers highly customized service to families 

toward a managed asset-based revenue model.

needing more specialized assistance, such as  

investment consulting, risk management, family 

COMMERCIAL CARD AND MERCHANT ACTIVITIES

administrative services and advice on family-owned 

Our commercial card payments business is our one  

businesses. Commerce Trust also manages The  

true national business, covering 48 states. It is also  

Commerce Funds, a family of mutual funds with  

the largest of our payments businesses, with combined 

$2.1 billion in assets under management. It also 

revenue of $117 million. Through this business line,  

operates Commerce Brokerage Services, Inc., a retail 

we process accounts payable transactions for our 

brokerage business with more than $3.5 billion in 

customers and enable our merchant customers to 

client investments. Commerce Trust oversees our 

accept and process credit and debit card payments.  

private banking business, which has loans and  

In Nilson’s June 2015 report we were recognized as  

deposits of $1.1 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. 

the U.S.’s 15th largest commercial card provider.

In the June 30, 2015 SNL Financial ranking, Commerce 

Trust was the 27th largest bank-owned trust company 

in the U.S., and in November, Bloomberg Markets 

ranked its Commerce Family Office 22nd largest in  

the world based on client assets.

In 2015 trust revenue grew 7% to $120 million, 

while client assets totaled $38.4 billion. New asset 

management sales generated more than $10 million  

in annualized new revenue, while client attrition 

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

5 - Y e a r   C A G R   =   1 3 %
5 - Y e a r   C A G R   =   1 3 %%

$81

$71

$88

$90

$100

$  75

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

M
n
i

$

$  50

$58

$  25

$  0

  11 

12 

13 

14 

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

10

Processing accounts payable transactions has  

N E T  L O A N   C H A R G E- O F F S

been a fast-growing business over the past 10 years  

as customers adopt new technologies to reduce paper 

and achieve greater efficiencies. We service customers 

in many industries, but have developed specialties  

in healthcare, education and government. Our full-  

service model is unmatched by larger competitors.  

We continue to invest in new products with the 

intent of expanding the service we can provide to  

our customers. Drawing on our work with healthcare 

clients, we introduced several new products in 2015  

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

M
n
i

$

$140

$120

$100

$ 80

$  60

$  40

$  20

$  0

  06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15

for improving hospital and medical practice cash flow 

continued to post solid results as net charge-offs 

and processing efficiencies. Commercial card sales 

totaled $34 million, compared with $35 million the  

volumes grew 2% to $7 billion, while revenue grew 2% 

previous year. Net loan charge-offs were .28% of total 

to $90 million, reflecting slower growth in this maturing 

average loans, compared to .31% last year, the lowest 

business. Our 

loss rate since 2006. Non-performing assets declined 

Drawing on our work with healthcare 

small business 

to $29 million or .24% of loans, again, the lowest level 

clients, we introduced several new 

card product, 

since 2006. 

however, 

Gross commercial loan charge-offs totaled  

products in 2015 for improving  

experienced 

$4.1 million in 2015, a slight decline from the prior 

hospital and medical practice cash 

strong 15% 

sales volume 

year, while recoveries increased slightly to $5.8 million. 

We remained conservative in underwriting energy 

flow and processing efficiencies.

growth. We 

loans, and our exposure to this industry remains  

believe 

low. Consumer net loan losses increased slightly to  

opportunities to add new customers remain strong.

$35.5 million, mostly due to higher losses on auto 

  Our merchant processing business contributed  

loans, reflecting the significant growth that loan 

$27 million in revenue this year. We processed more 

portfolio has experienced in the past three years. 

than $8 billion in transactions from our base of more 

Improved loss rates on credit card and residential 

than 10,000 customers. Once again, we distinguished 

mortgages partly offset these losses. Overall  

ourselves from our competitors by delivering high-touch 

delinquency rates on our entire portfolio remain low.

service and look to add merchant customers in 2016.

OUTLOOK FOR 2016

RISK MANAGEMENT

We feel Commerce Bancshares is well positioned to 

One of Commerce’s hallmarks is its strong under- 

operate in the intensely competitive banking industry 

writing and credit management practices, which have 

that continues to evolve. Our enterprise size allows us 

remained consistent for many years. In 2015 we 

to provide sophisticated financial services to our 

   
   
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

11

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

G R O W T H   I N   E P S  A N D  S T O C K   P R I C E

$ 240

$ 200

$ 160

$ 120

$  80

$  40 

$  0

  2005 

2007 

2009 

2011 

2013 

2015

e
c
i
r
P
k
c
o
t
S

$60

$50

$40

$30

$20

$10

$0

 06  07  08 

09  10 

11  12  13 

14  15

$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

Commerce (CBSH) 

NASDAQ Bank 

S&P 500 

Stock Price  

Earnings per Share

customers through a strong organization-wide service 

needs. We continue to emphasize relationship banking, 

culture. We are focused on enhancing our services, 

providing complete financial solutions that produce 

being responsive to customer needs and adopting new 

greater customer satisfaction, deeper product penetration, 

technologies to address these needs. Despite continued 

long-term relationships and, ultimately, a stronger 

rancor in Washington and overregulation of mid-sized 

 company for customers and shareholders alike.

banks like ours, both politicians and the public are 

  We will continue to build on the very solid platform 

beginning to understand that we are optimally sized  

Commerce Bank has established over the past 150 

to manage risk and serve customer needs. Ironically, 

years. Our Company has survived and prospered 

banking industry consolidation has accelerated  

because our team has been strategic and has always 

since Dodd-Frank was enacted. Mid-sized banks like 

invested for the long run. In February of 2016, we 

Commerce, however, will be the “Main Street” banks  

increased our dividend by 5% — our 48th consecutive 

of the future by providing better service to customers 

annual increase. Our stock has significantly and 

and consistent 

consistently outperformed other bank stocks over  

We will continue to build on the very 

returns to 

the long run as well, with a total return of 6% over the 

solid platform Commerce Bank has 

shareholders.

last 10 years and 10% over the last 20 years. Once 

  We continue 

again, we thank our long-term investors for their 

established over the past 150 years.

to put great 

support and look forward to a successful 2016. 

emphasis on 

culture at 

Commerce — working as a team to deliver the right 

solutions for our customers. We are situated in stable 

D a vi d  W.   Ke m p e r,   C ha i r m a n

and diverse markets with ample growth opportunities 

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 6

and have identified a number of new value-added 

payments and wealth management products that help 

our customers meet their operational and financial 

   
   
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

12

150 YEARS OF BUILDING COMMERCE

Commerce Bank’s history stretches back 
to the time when the American heartland  
was being opened for settlement and 
development, following the introduction 
of railroads and the end of the Civil War. 
Our story over the past 15 decades is 
about how the people who have worked 
for this enterprise served their customers, 
showed leadership in their communities 
and helped this region grow and prosper.

Commerce today remains an independent 
company, one built on traditions of 
financial strength, community orientation 
and innovation, and we are often named 
among the industry’s best.

We encourage you to read the fuller 
history available online as a downloadable 
PDF at www.CommerceBank.com/
Commerce150.

1865
 Kansas City 
Savings
Association 
is organized 
n 
with $10,000 in 
s 
capital. Francis 
ent.
Long is president.

1881
Dr. William S. Woods 
buys control of the  
bank; becomes president. Name 
.
changes to Bank of Commerce.

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >>>> >>>>>>>>> > > > >
>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>> > > >

0> > 
> > > >
> >  > > > >>>>>>
188> > > >
0>>
> > >>>>>> >>>>
1880

1870

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 

1873 
Kansas City 
Savings 
Association  
takes offices 
above the 
Magnolia 
Saloon at 4th 
and Delaware.

1965

Commerce Tower opens at 911 Main in  

Kansas City. 

Commerce purchases Midwestern  
license for BankAmericard –  

predecessor of VISA® bank card. 

1953
1953
Comm
Commerce installs 
landm
landmark clock at corner of 
10th 
10th and Walnut. With a 
weig
weight of approximately 
two
two tons, many terrified 
ped
pedestrians refuse to 
wa
walk under it.

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  

>> > > > 

1195>>> >>
 50>>>  > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> > >>>>   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1950

1960

 > >> > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>   > >>>  > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

>

>

>

>

>

>

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>

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>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>
0
>
7
>
9
>
1
>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>
>

>

>>

1966
y, 
Commerce organizes bank holding company, 
ng 
Commerce Bancshares, and begins acquiring 
banks in Missouri the following year.

1971
Commerce Trust Company changes its name  
to Commerce Bank, NA. Commerce Bancshares 
begins publicly trading on NASDAQ. Assets  
pass $1 billion.
pass $1 billion.

1982
David 
Kemper 
becomes 
president 
and chief 
operating 
officer. 
Jonathan 
Kemper 
joins bank.

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 

1990

1980

1
1983
C
Commerce  
a
acquires County 
T
Tower Corp.  
i
in St. Louis.

1984
Commerce Bank of 
Omaha is established  
for credit card business. 
Later that year, 
Commerce introduces 
“Special Connections”— 
the first card having both 
credit and ATM functions.

>>>> >>>>>> > > 

•
1980

1979
1979
Installation of the first  
Commerce Bank ATM,  
located in Springfield,  
Missouri.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

13

1903 
Future President Harry S Truman starts  
work as a clerk at Commerce. Housemate  
is another Commerce employee,  
Arthur Eisenhower, brother of future  
President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

1900
National Bank 
of Commerce 
is the 12th 
largest bank in 
the U.S., with 
more than 
$36 million in 
deposits. 

1906
 Commerce Trust Company 
is organized. Dr. Woods 
appoints William Thornton 
“W.T.” Kemper vice president. 
Work starts on 15-story 
building at the corner of 
10th and Walnut in Kansas 
City. It is one of the tallest 
buildings west of the 
Mississippi.

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

1900

1910

1890

1914
1914
tem 
Federal Reserve System  
ging 
is formed. With the urging  
ouri
of KC leaders, Missouri  
b
wo 
becomes only state with two 
ks.
Federal Reserve banks.

1
1925
Ja
James Kemper, Sr. named 
p
president of Commerce  
per 
Trust Company. W.T. Kemper  
T
b
buys Kansas City, Mexico  
&
& Orient Railroad.

>

>
>

>>>>>>
>

>>>>>>>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>
>

>>>>>
>

>>>>>>>
>

>
>

>

1946
James Kemper, Jr. begins work at the First National Bank 
of Independence, controlled by the Kemper family. Later 
that year he moves to Commerce Trust Company.

 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 

> >> > >>>>> >>>>> >>> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >>>>>>>> >> >>>>>>>>>

1930

1940

>

1933
Commerce Bank survives run during 
Great Depression. Banking Act of 1933 
creates the FDIC system. 

1921
W.T. Kemper  
becomes chairman  
of newly consolidated 
Commerce Trust.

2003
David Kemper  
rings bell at 
NASDAQ. 
Commerce 
Bancshares was 
among the first 
companies listed  
on NASDAQ.

2013
John 
Woods 
Kemper 
named 
president 
and chief 
operating 
officer.

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >>>> >>>>>>> > >2>>

> > > >
2000

2010 

> 

2007
Commerce acquires banks in Tulsa, 
Oklahoma, and Aurora, Colorado.

2009
Following the 2008 
banking crisis,  
Commerce chooses  
not to receive  
TARP funds from the  
federal government.

2
2015
C
Commerce Bank 
c
commemorates  
1
150th Anniversary;  
h
has $24 billion in 
a
assets; operates in  
n
nine key markets,  
w
with more than 190 
b
branches, plus three 
a
additional commercial 
o
offices in central U.S.; 
employs more than 
4,800 people.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

14

2 0 1 5   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

15 | Building a world of difference  
Black & Veatch has undergone many 
changes on its way to becoming one 
of the world’s largest employee-
owned companies. But one thing 
hasn’t changed over the past 55 
years: The company still banks with 
Commerce.

16 | Distilling success  
Major Brands was founded in  
St. Joseph, Missouri in 1934, shortly 
after the repeal of Prohibition. Today 
it is the largest Missouri-owned 
distributor of premium wine,  
spirits and beer thanks to strong 
relationships like the one it built 
with its bank, Commerce.

17 | A business on a roll  
Golden Aluminum is known in the 
rolled aluminum industry for its  
high-quality products and prompt, 
personalized service. So when the 
privately owned Colorado company 
was introduced to a new bank, it 
expected nothing less.

18 | Investing in community health  
People from four states depend on 
Freeman Health System for their 
healthcare needs. Freeman, in turn, 
depends on Commerce Trust to help 
manage its investments which fund 
needed initiatives.

19 | Keeping the polish on a jewel  
By the 1980s, heavy use and 
deferred maintenance had taken 
their toll on St. Louis’ Forest Park.  
In stepped Forest Park Forever  
with a plan to help restore and 
maintain this community treasure  
for generations to come.

20 | A smokin’ family business  
Building the largest country ham 
business takes more than a 
delicious old family recipe. Just ask 
second-generation owner Morris 
Burger of Burgers' Smokehouse in 
California, Missouri.

21 | Making sport of paying bills  
Inventory is the biggest expense at 
Scheels All Sports’ 26 sports and 
entertainment stores around the 
country. An automated payments 
solution from Commerce has made 
paying many of those bills easier —
and more profitable. 

22 | Banking on a life-saving 
mission  
Growing demand led Midwest 
Transplant Network’s operations  
to become dispersed across the 
Westwood, Kansas area. That is, 
until financing from Commerce 
enabled the growing not-for-profit  
to consolidate with an addition to  
its headquarters.

23 | A place to call home  
For residents of rural communities, 
senior services can be limited. With 
an estate gift from a 102-year-old 
resident and financial guidance from 
Commerce, the leaders of Snyder 
Village in Metamora, Illinois have 
changed all that.

S T R E N G T H ,

C O M M U N I T Y,

I N N O V A T I O N

Few U.S. companies have  
the honor of celebrating 
their 150th birthday. Any 
company that succeeds  
will have navigated civil  
and world wars, The Great 
Depression and the 
invention of the light bulb, 
along with countless  
other cultural shifts and 
technological revolutions. 
  Commerce reached  
this milestone in 2015 by 
remaining true to values 
that date back to our  
earliest days. We have  
long measured our success 
not only by the strength  
of our balance sheet, but 
also by the relationships  
we build in the community 
and the innovations we 
develop to address  
changing customer needs. 
From solutions that 
enable a family-owned 
smokehouse to expand 
nationally, to technologies 
that help a sporting goods 
retailer boost its bottom line, 
to investment strategies 
that allow one of America’s 
great urban parks to be 
maintained into perpetuity, 
we are committed to helping 
our customers succeed.  
We do so by asking good 
questions, listening to 
customer needs and offering 
solutions that address them. 
For 150 years, this has  
been key to their success — 
and ours.

 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

15

Building a world 
of difference

BLACK & VEATCH

OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS

One of the nation’s oldest and largest 

engineering and construction companies 

Back in the late 1920s, N.T. Veatch struck 
up a friendship with the presiding judge 
in Jackson County, Missouri, where the 
engineering company he co-founded was 
designing a road project. The friendship 
continued, even after that judge — Harry 
Truman — moved to the White House. 

“Mr. Veatch set an example of building 
lasting relationships,” says Karen Daniel, 
chief financial officer of that company, 
Black & Veatch. “Just as I imagine the 
founders of Commerce Bank once did.”
Mr. Veatch would undoubtedly be 

pleased with how the company has 
continued to follow his example. Many of 
its business relationships have stood the 
test of time —including one with Commerce 
that began in 1960.

Today, Commerce provides a broad array 
of cash management and treasury services, 
supporting the company’s credit needs 
and offering Benefits Banking services to 
its employee-owners. Karen has personally 
banked with Commerce for more than 
30 years.

“For most of our history, we designed 

energy, water and telecommunications 
infrastructure,” explains Karen. A turning 
point came in the early 1990s when Black & 
Veatch began to evolve into an engineering, 
procurement and construction company. 
Since then, the company’s credit needs 
have grown substantially, and Commerce is 
now one of several banks that serve them 
through a series of financial instruments.
With 10,000 professionals and more 
than 100 offices worldwide, Black & Veatch 
is today one the nation’s largest employee-
owned companies. 

“Commerce is the only local bank that 
has been with us since early in our growth,” 
says Karen. “They have been by our side 
through numerous cycles. We appreciate 
their support in helping us meet our goals.”

“ Commerce is more than a bank to us.  

They are a business partner who helped  

us grow globally.” 

In 2015 Black & Veatch celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding – and its 55th year of banking with Commerce.  
From left: Steven L. Edwards, chairman and chief executive officer; and Karen L. Daniel, chief financial officer.

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

16

the business to St. Louis. Sue’s late 
husband, former Chief Executive Officer 
and Chairman Todd Epsten, helped Major 
Brands expand statewide.

Like Commerce, Major Brands’ Missouri roots run deep  

and are one of its competitive advantages. From left:  
Tom Schawang, chief financial officer; Sue McCollum, 
chairman and CEO; and Kathie Hinkebein, controller.

“Our success comes from our great 
people and from treating all we do business 
with as family,” says Sue. “We have long 
believed that we build our business by 
building the communities we serve.”
It’s also one reason Major Brands 
has long banked with Commerce. “Our 
relationship with Commerce goes way 
back,” says Sue.
“Like us, they take 
the long view of 
their business."

Never was that 
more evident than in 
2012 when the company faced a series 
of challenges, including Todd’s untimely 
death. “Through two acquisitions and 
significant organizational changes, 
Commerce was there, forging a new future 
with us,” she says.

Today, Commerce serves as lead bank 
on the company’s credit line and supports 
its treasury, commercial real estate and 
other business needs.

“Still,” Sue admits, “the Commerce 
relationship I value most is the one I have 

“  One thing I’ve learned in life is that relationships 

matter. Commerce treats every facet of our  

relationship with importance.”

with my private banker, who calls me 
faithfully if she notices unusual account 
activity or anticipates a need. The 
personal service she delivers — that is 
Commerce to me.”

Distilling success 

MAJOR BRANDS, INC.

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

The largest Missouri-owned distributor 

of premium wine, spirits and beer

With more than 9,000 customers and 
400 suppliers, Major Brands is the largest 
Missouri-owned distributor of wine, spirits 
and beer. It carries everything from 
Absolut Vodka and Maker’s Mark, to 
St. James Winery and Schlafly beer.

The third-generation family business is 

also, according to Chief Executive Officer 
Sue McCollum, one of the country’s few 
remaining large, single-state wine and 
spirits distributors. 

Major Brands’ Missouri roots run deep.  

It was founded in St. Joseph in 1934, 
shortly after the repeal of Prohibition. In 
the early 1950s, as the second generation 
entered the business, it expanded into 
Kansas City. The third generation brought 

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

17

A business on a roll

GOLDEN ALUMINUM

FT. LUPTON, COLORADO 

A privately held manufacturer of rolled aluminum 

Jeff Frim and Roy Dillow had two goals in 
2014 when they sought a new financing 
partner for Golden Aluminum, which 
manufactures the rolls of aluminum used 
to make everything from sardine cans and 
beverage tabs to window blinds.

First, they wanted a competitively priced 

way to bundle the financing for inventory, 
accounts receivables and major purchases. 
Second, they wanted a bank that was the 
“right size” for their privately held company.
After soliciting bids from three banks, 
they awarded the business to Commerce. 

“Many banks want to lend to companies 

like ours,” says Jeff, Golden Aluminum’s 
president and chief executive officer. 
“But not all banks understand our business 
like Commerce.”

“Banks presume we want fixed loans 
for our longer-term assets,” explains Roy, 
the company’s vice president of finance 
and business development. “But we prefer 
to roll that debt into our credit line. That 
allows us to scale production up or down 
quickly without restructuring our debt. 
Darren gets that.” 

“Darren” is Darren Lemkau, who 

worked with Golden Aluminum earlier in his 
banking career before joining Commerce 
as its Colorado president.

“Darren took the time to get to know 
how our business works,” says Jeff. “And 
then Commerce structured a financial 
facility around it.” 

Golden Aluminum’s relationship with 
Commerce has since grown to include a 
full range of treasury services. 

“Banks can be intimidating,” says Roy. 
“But we feel we can be open with Commerce 
when we face challenges, and we feel heard.”
“And then they find a solution,” adds 
Jeff. “That’s what happens when you work 
with people you know and trust.” 

“ Any bank can provide an umbrella when it's 

sunny. I want to know I have an umbrella when 

it’s raining. That is the kind of relationship we 

have with Commerce.” 

Golden Aluminum relies on a single line of credit from Commerce to finance inventory, accounts receivables and major purchases. 
From left: Jeff Frim, president and CEO; and Roy Dillow, vice president of finance and business development.

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

18

Investing in 
community health

FREEMAN HEALTH SYSTEMS

JOPLIN, MISSOURI

A locally owned, three-hospital system that serves 

more than 450,000 people in Missouri, Arkansas, 

Oklahoma and Kansas 

Like many not-for-profit healthcare 
organizations, Freeman Health Systems 
depends on income it earns from investing 
its excess capital to help fund important 
needs and initiatives. 

So when the nation’s financial crisis 

hit in 2008, Freeman’s leaders were 
understandably nervous. Some of their 
fixed-income investments, they determined, 
were exposing the system to risks that 
exceeded their comfort level. As they 
looked for help in rebalancing their 

portfolio, they knew one thing for sure:
The partner they chose would need to be 
one they could trust. 

They didn’t have to look far. The 
Commerce Trust Company had been 
successfully managing a bond reserve 
account for Freeman since the 1990s. 

“We are conservative investors,” says 

Steve Graddy, the health system’s chief 
financial officer. “When we named 
Commerce Trust the active manager for 

When the nation’s financial crisis hit, Freeman Health 

Systems turned to Commerce Trust to rebalance and manage 
its fixed-income investments. From left: Paula Baker, chief 
executive officer; and Steve Graddy, chief financial officer. 

Since then, the relationship between 
Freeman and Commerce has deepened, 
with the bank providing financing for 
a number of expansion projects and 
supporting Freeman’s efforts to add beds 
after an EF-5 tornado devastated the 
community in 2011.

“Commerce has always been responsive to our 

needs, receptive to our ideas and invested in 

achieving the goals that are important to us.”

 “Commerce is a great 
partner,” says Paula 
Baker, chief executive 
officer. “They’re 
leaders who make 
things happen.

our fixed-income investments in 2009, 
we described exactly what we hoped to 
achieve. They listened and then balanced 
our portfolio in a way that mitigated our 
risks and made our goals achievable.” 

“When there is a community need, we 

can always depend on Commerce being 
there at the table with us,” she adds. 
“We give them the highest rating for their 
service and their results.” 

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

19

Forever, a private group that has partnered 
with the City of St. Louis ever since. Its 
mission: to restore the 1,300-acre park 
to its former glory and keep it that way, 
forever.

But “forever” is a long time. So the 
group’s leaders have focused recently 
on growing its once-modest endowment 
and finding professionals to manage it 
with care.

“As we narrowed our options, we 
realized how much we valued working 

Commerce Trust serves as master custodian for the  

$100 million endowment Forest Park Forever depends  

on to finance the long-term maintenance of Forest Park.  
From left: John O’Gorman, senior vice president, 
development; Tamara Sheffield, senior vice president, 
finance and operations; and Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., 
president and executive director.

That led them to The Commerce Trust 
Company, which today serves as master 
custodian for the $100 million endowment. 
In addition to that role, it also manages 
fixed-income investments, which represent 
a third of the endowment's funds. 

“ Commerce is tops in the banking field and  

a leader in our community. It’s great to work 

with people who are as invested in your  

project as you are.” 

with strong local partners who understood 
what Forest Park means to St. Louis and 
could grow with us,” says Tamara Sheffield, 
senior vice president, finance and operations.

We have a long history 
with Commerce and great 
trust in their professional 
expertise and their desire 
to do what’s right for our 
community,” says John 
O’Gorman, senior vice 
president, development. 
“The people of Commerce have been 

great advocates for Forest Park,” adds 
Lesley S. Hoffarth, P.E., president and 
executive director. “And that means a lot.”

Keeping the polish 
on a jewel 

FOREST PARK FOREVER

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

A not-for-profit organization dedicated to 

the restoration and maintenance of one of the 

nation’s largest urban parks 

Forest Park isn’t just a city park. It’s the 
crown jewel in the St. Louis park system.
Since opening in 1876, it has hosted 
a World’s Fair and welcomed visitors from 
Helen Keller and Mark Twain to Charles 
Lindbergh and Bob Hope. It is home to 
major cultural institutions, golf courses and 
balloon races, the world’s largest outdoor 
musical theater, countless family reunions 
and much, much more.

By 1986, heavy use — the park gets 

13 million visitors a year — combined 
with decades of deferred maintenance 
had taken their toll. In stepped Forest Park 

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

20
20

A smokin’ family 
business

BURGERS’ SMOKEHOUSE

CALIFORNIA, MISSOURI 

The largest producers of country cured hams 

in the U.S. 

In 1927, using a recipe his mother brought 
with her from Germany, E.M. Burger cured 
six country hams on a farm near California, 
Missouri. 

Today, almost 90 years later, a fourth 
generation of family is still curing hams 
— more than a half million in 2015 — 
along with other specialty meats that their 
company, Burgers’ Smokehouse, sells to 
restaurants, grocers and online customers 
nationwide.

Theirs is an American success story 
built on old world quality and a new world 
entrepreneurial vision. Burgers’ country

hams, for example, were the first in the 
nation to undergo federal inspection, 
setting the stage for the company’s national 
expansion. Later, production increased 300% 
after the family found a way to shorten 
the curing process from 12 months to four 
without compromising quality.

“By the 1970s, we had outgrown our 
local bank,” recalls Morris Burger, Board 
Emeritus, who came back to the family 
business after college and military service. 

For more than 40 years, Commerce has provided the working 

capital that Burgers’ Smokehouse needs to finance its 

inventory during the six-plus-month curing and sales process. 
From left: Steven Burger, president; Ted Rohrbach, corporate 
treasurer; and Philip Burger, corporate vice president.

In addition to a credit line, Commerce 

today provides Burgers’ Smokehouse 
with everything from purchasing cards 
and investment services, to treasury 
services.

“We like long relationships. The fact 

that we have banked with Commerce 

for more than 40 years says a lot 

about what the bank means to us.”

“We enjoy the kind of strong 
relationship you’d expect from a 
small bank, except that Commerce 
has resources many small banks 
can’t offer,” says Steven Burger, 
Morris’ son and current president. 

“Our relationship with Commerce 

“We needed a new, reliable source of 
working capital.”

For the past 40-plus years, that source 

has been Commerce.

is like the relationships we have 

with customers who come back year 
after year,” adds Morris. “High quality 
and strong customer service are traits 
we share.” 

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

21

Making sport of 
paying bills

SCHEELS ALL SPORTS

FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA

A privately owned operator of 26 sporting goods 

and entertainment stores nationwide 

Scheels All Sports may be the only sporting 
goods company in the world where a shopper 
might discover a working Ferris Wheel, a 
16,000-gallon aquarium and a resident 
expert in fly-fishing, all under one roof.

But Scheels is no ordinary retailer. With 

head-turning attractions, knowledgeable 
staff and goods that reflect local interests, 
its 26 stores are each a one-of-a-kind 
shopping and entertainment destination.

They’re also enormous — the largest, in 

Sparks, Nevada, could house six football 
fields — with a vast product selection. And 
that translates into thousands of invoices 
to track and pay, says Michelle Killoran, 
Scheels’ chief financial officer.

So in 2006 when Commerce proposed a 

new automated approach to bill paying, 
Scheels was interested. Instead of cutting 
checks, the company could pay participating 
vendors electronically. The vendors received 
funds quickly, and Scheels received a 
revenue share in return.

“Our inventory is our biggest expense,” 
explains Michelle. “This was an opportunity 
to streamline our operations and increase 
our revenue at the same time.”

After successfully piloting the program 
in 2007, Scheels rolled it out to its entire 
chain. “We’re employee-owned and have 
a unique, decentralized structure where 
each store purchases its own inventory,” 
she explains. “They love the Commerce 
program because the revenue share checks 
go directly to their bottom lines.”

Now in its ninth year, the program is still 
growing. “Vendor enrollment has increased 
every year, and usage has outpaced our 
sales growth,” reports Michelle.

“Commerce has been a true partner,” 
says Bill Nelson, Scheels’ president. “We’re 
dedicated to this program, and that’s 
because Commerce provides such great 
support. We benefit every single day.” 

“The report on our Commerce program is a 

 highlight of our monthly board meetings. Everyone 

looks forward to hearing our revenue share results.” 

The new flagship Scheels All Sports that opened in Overland Park, Kansas in June 2015 is the 26th store in the sports and entertainment 
company to reap the financial benefits of Commerce’s automated payments system. Above: Bill Nelson, president.

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

22

Banking on a life-saving 
mission

MIDWEST TRANSPLANT NETWORK

WESTWOOD, KANSAS

A not-for-profit that procures vital human organs, 

tissues and eyes for transplantation.

When a call comes in to Midwest Transplant 
Network with word of a tragedy, Rob 
Linderer and his staff take a deep breath 
and spring into action, no matter the 
time of day or night.

The Westwood, Kansas-based 

not-for-profit recovers donated organs from 
across Kansas and western Missouri for 
transplantation. Federally certified as an 
Organ Procurement Organization, it has 
been procuring and raising awareness about 
organ and tissue donations since 1972. 
Its 155-person staff today coordinates as 
many as 220 organ donors, 1,200 tissue 
donations and 500 cornea donations a year. 
But Rob, chief executive officer, would 

always like to do more to help donor 

families serve those who await the 
gift of life.

“Our goal is to save the lives of the 
people on the national organ waiting list, 
which is growing,” he says. To keep pace, 
Midwest Transplant needed to expand its 
own facilities which, by 2012, included 
two off-site operating rooms for tissue 
recovery.

And that meant finding a way to 
finance a $13 million headquarters 
expansion, including construction of four 
new surgical suites. “If there was anyone 
who could help us be good stewards of 

With financing help from Commerce, Midwest Transplant 

Network recently completed a $13 million expansion to meet 
growing demand. From left: Rob Linderer, chief executive 
officer; and Jan Finn, chief operating officer, at the 
Celebration of Heroes Wall. 

bank could no longer meet the group’s 
growing needs. Since then, Commerce 
has introduced Rob to everything from 
HIPAA-compliant deposit services, to the 
purchasing cards his team uses to pay 
for charter flights and other transplant-
related expenses.

To finance the bulk of the headquarters 

“ There’s great value in working with bankers 

who absolutely understand our business 

and believe in our mission. That’s the  

benefit of working with Commerce.” 

expansion, Commerce 
offered tax-exempt bonds. 

“They led us through 

the process, and it worked 
fantastically,” says Rob. 
“Commerce meets every 
service expectation we 

our funds and help those awaiting organs, 
it was Commerce,” says Rob.

Midwest Transplant has banked with 
Commerce since 2006, making the move 
after it grew evident that its former local

might have, and not in a superficial 
way. We appreciate how their services 
have improved our financial processes 
and increased our security. They’re an 
important member of our team.”

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

23

A place to call home

SNYDER VILLAGE

METAMORA, ILLINOIS

A full-service, 375-resident retirement community 

serving central Illinois 

When Bertha Snyder died in 1982 at age 
102, she left behind a surprise for the 
small Illinois town she had called home 
since emigrating from Switzerland 97 years 
earlier. It was her estate. Her only request 
was that the funds be used for the 
public good. 

A committee appointed to oversee 
disbursement chose to use a portion as 
seed money for construction of a new 
retirement community.

“Bertha knew our area needed more 
senior services,” says Keith Swartzentruber, 
executive director of Snyder Village, Bertha’s 
legacy. Even with a Certificate of Need 
from the state, however, the venture was 
considered financially risky.

“We even talked to Lloyd’s of London,” 
Keith recalls. Eventually, a community bank 
in nearby Peoria stepped up to make the 
construction loan.

The original 60-bed nursing facility 
opened in 1988 with just two residents. 
But word spread. By the time Commerce 
purchased the bank that made the original 
loan, Snyder Village was ready to grow.
“Retirement living has evolved 
tremendously,” explains Keith. To keep 
pace, Snyder Village added apartments 
and cottages for independent living, built 
a community center and, most recently, 
completed a major expansion of its 
assisted living facilities. 

Most of the projects benefited from 
tax-exempt financing, says Keith. “Commerce 
has been there for us every time with a 
solution that works for our situation.” 
The seniors of central Illinois, as a 

result, now have access to an entire 
continuum of care. 

“Commerce has done a fantastic job 
of supporting us every step of the way,” 
says Keith. “They help us continue what 
Bertha started.” 

“ Commerce isn’t just a lender, but a true  

partner. They’ve helped with everything from 

reorganizing our financing department, to 

figuring out where we should head next.” 

Thanks to a gift from a longtime resident, thoughtful planning and strong management, seniors in central Illinois today have access to 
an entire continuum of care at Synder Village. From left: Keith Swartzentruber, executive director; Angie Pate, assisted living director; 
and Judy Winkler, board president.

We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

24

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- 

the fabric of the market. Local civic and business 

community strategy is the role of our Community  

leaders, serving as Community Advisors, provide 

Advisors. We believe that a deep understanding and  

the insight to local needs that ensures Commerce 

a close relationship with the communities we serve  

delivers on its promise. Following are the names of 

can be achieved only when we are interwoven in 

these ambassadors within each of our markets.

James Schatz
Commerce Bank
Valerie Shaw
Commerce Bank
Steve Sowers
Commerce Bank
Mel Toellner
Gold Crest Distributing 
& Songbird Station
David Townsend
Agents National Title  
Insurance Company
Larry Webber
Webber Pharmacy
Dr. John S. Williams 
Retired, 
Horton Animal Hospital

HANNIBAL

C. Todd Ahrens 
Hannibal Regional  
Healthcare System
David M. Bleigh
Bleigh Construction Company,  
Bleigh Ready Mix Company
Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Jim Humphreys
Luck, Humphreys and 
Associates, CPA, P.C.
Darin D. Redd
Commerce Bank
Mike Scholes
Reliable Termite  
& Pest Control, Inc.

Missouri
BARRY COUNTY

Donald Cupps
Ellis, Cupps & Cole
William A. Easley, Jr.
Retired, 
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
Clive C. Veri
Commerce Bank
Jerry Watley
Able 2 Products Co.

CAPE GIRARDEAU

Alan Gregory
Gregory Construction, Inc.
Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Mike Kasten
Beef Alliance 
Quality Beef by the Numbers
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
Retired, 
Commerce Bank
Allen Toole
Cape Electrical Supply, Inc.
Timothy D. Woodard
Commerce Bank

CENTRAL MISSOURI

Mike Alden
University of Missouri
Dan Atwill
Atwill & Montgomery, 
Attorneys
Brent Beshore
AdVentures, LLC
Brent Bradshaw
Orscheln Management  
Company
Philip Burger
Burgers' Smokehouse
Brad Clay
Commerce Bank
Mark Fenner
MFA Oil
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
Teresa Maledy
Commerce Bank
Dr. Clifford J. Miller
Green Hills Veterinary Clinic
Robby Miller
Mexico Heating Company
Todd Norton 
Commerce Bank
Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  
Commerce Bank

Robert K. Pugh
MBS Textbook Exchange
Jim Rolls
Retired,  
Associated Electric Cooperative

HARRISONVILLE

KANSAS CITY

Aaron Aurand
Crouch, Spangler & Douglas
Connie Aversman
Commerce Bank
Larry Dobson
Real Estate Investments
Mark Hense
Ifil USA, LLC
Scott Milner
Max Ford
Brent Probasco
Cass Regional  
Medical Center, Inc.
Aaron Rains
Commerce Bank
Laurence Smith
Reece & Nichols Smith Realty
Larry Snider
Insight Eyecare Specialties
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

Kevin G. Barth
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank
Clay C. Blair, III
Clay Blair Services Corp.
Ellen Z. Darling
Zimmer Companies
Stephen D. Dunn
J. E. Dunn Construction Co., 
Inc.
Jon Ellis
Paradise Park, Inc.
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
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

LEBANON

Jerry N. Benson
Retired,  
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

   
   
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

25

Missouri Continued

POPLAR BLUFF

ST. LOUIS METRO

ST. LOUIS METRO EAST

ST. LOUIS EAST

SPRINGFIELD

John A. Clark
Attorney at Law
Bob Greer
Retired
Charles R. Hampton, Jr.
Charles R. Hampton & Son 
Construction Co.
Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Richard Landers
Commerce Bank
James P. McLane
McLane Livestock 
Transport, Inc.
Mark Melloy
Briggs & Stratton Corp.
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.

Richard N. DeShon
Civic Leader
Pat Dillon
Heartland Health
Pete Gray
Gray Automotive 
Products Co.
Corky Marquart 
Commerce Bank
Brad McAnally
Hy-Vee Food Store
Todd Meierhoffer
Meierhoffer Funeral Home  
& Crematory
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

Blackford F. Brauer
Hunter Engineering Co.
Kyle Chapman
Forsyth Capital Investors
Charles L. Drury, Jr.
Drury Hotels
Frederick D. Forshaw
Forshaw of St. Louis
James G. Forsyth, III
Moto, Inc.
David S. Grossman
Grossman Iron and Steel
Juanita Hinshaw
H & H Advisors
Robert S. Holmes
Commerce Bank
Donald A. Jubel
Spartan Light Metal Products
David W. Kemper
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
John W. Kemper
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Alois J. Koller, III
Koller Enterprises, Inc.
Kristopher G. Kosup
Buckeye International, Inc.
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.
Thomas H. Stillman
Summit Distributing
Christine  
Taylor-Broughton
Enterprise Holdings
Andrew Thome
J.W. Terrill
Gregory Twardowski
Whelan Security Company
Kelvin R. Westbrook
KRW Advisors, LLC
Patricia D. Whitaker
Arcturis

Thomas Lippert
Liese Lumber Company, Inc.
Robert McClellan 
Retired,
Hortica
James Rauckman
Rauckman High Voltage 
Sales, LLC
Dr. James T. Rosborg
McKendree University
Jack Schmitt
Jack Schmitt Family 
of Dealerships
Kurt Schroeder
Greensfelder, Hemker, & Gale
Joe Wiley
Quest Management  
Consultants
Dr. Charles J. Willey
Innovare Health Advocates

ST. LOUIS SOUTH

Michael D. Allen
Hoya Optical
Phillip J. Amato
Councilman Ward 3,  
City of Arnold
Scott Lively
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Thomas E. Muzzey
Orchard Farm School District
Louis J. Naeger
Semi-retired, 
Crouch, Farley & Heuring, P.C.
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, Hanna et al
Jack Hoffmann
Milestone Solutions
Richard E. Hrabko
Retired
Stuart Krawll
Beam of St. Louis, Inc.
Stephen Mattis
Allied Industrial Equipment 
Corporation
Richard C. Mueller, Jr.
Bopp Funeral Chapel
Greg W. Schmittgens, CPA
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP

Tino DiFranco
Tropicana Bowling Lanes
J. L. (Juggie) Hinduja
Sinclair Industries, Inc.
Myron J. Klevens
Organizational Development  
Strategies
Patrick N. Lawlor
Lawlor Corporation
Lisa D. McLaughlin
Muhm & Reilly, LLC
McGraw Milhaven
Talk Show Host 
KTRS
Sue Prapaisilp
Global Foods Market
Dennis Scharf
Scharf Tax Services

ST. CHARLES COUNTY/NORTH

Ronald D. Chesbrough
St. Charles Community College
Michael D. Shonrock
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.
Lisle J. Wescott
President,  
SSM St. Joseph Hospital West
William J. Zollmann, III
Attorney at Law

Don Zykan
Zykan Properties

Roger Campbell, Jr.
Campbell Ford
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
Jannis Keeling
Keeling Accounting & 
Financial Services
Seth M. Leadbeater
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank
Craig Lehman
Shelter Insurance Agency
Michael Meek
Meek Lumber Yard, Inc.
Alvin D. Meeker
Retired,  
Commerce Bank
James F. Moore
Investments
Robert Moreland
Commerce Bank
David Murray
R.B. Murray Company
Douglas D. Neff
Commerce Bank
Keith Noble
Commerce Bank
Richard Ollis
Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & 
Business Advisors
Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank
B. Glenn Robinson
Grand Country Square
Dr. C. Pat Taylor
Southwest Baptist University

   
   
Kansas 

BUTLER COUNTY 

(EL DORADO)

Vince Haines
Gravity :: Works Architecture
Ryan T. Murry
ICI, Inc.
Marilyn B. Pauly
Commerce Bank
Jeremy Sundgren
Sundgren Realty, Inc.
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

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COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

26

GARDEN CITY

LAWRENCE

MANHATTAN

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.
Craig Duerksen
Commerce Bank
Ronald W. Holt
Sedgwick County
Paul D. Jackson
Vantage Point Properties, Inc.
Gaylyn K. McGregor
Commerce Bank
Glen N. Malan
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.

Thomas D. White
White & Ellis Drilling, Inc.

Richard Harp
Commerce Bank
Dr. Gloria Hopkins
Fry Eye Associates
Gerald Miller
Commerce Bank
Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank

Lee Reeve
Reeve Cattle Company
Patrick Rooney
Rooney Farms
Tamara Roth
Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott & 
Pfeifer L.C.
Pat Sullivan
Sullivan Analytical 
Service, Inc.

HAYS

D.G. Bickle, Jr.
Warehouse, Inc.
Kurt David
Eagle Communications, Inc.
Earnest A. Lehman
Midwest Energy, Inc.
Stuart Lowry
Sunflower Electric Power  
Corporation

Deron O’Connor
Commerce Bank
Marty Patterson
Rome Corporation 
Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank
Kevin Royer
Midland Marketing Co-op
Thomas L. Thomas 
Commerce Bank

Mark Bachamp
Olsson Associates
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. David Pauls
Surgical Associates
Mike Petrie
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank

PITTSBURG

Dr. Thomas W. Bryant
Retired, 
Pittsburg State University
Todd Coleman
Miller’s Professional Imaging
Harvey R. Dean
Pitsco, Inc.
Joe Dellasega
U.S. Awards
Jeff Elliott 
Commerce Bank
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

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.
Allison Vance Moore
Colliers International

LEAVENWORTH

J. Sanford Bushman
DeMaranville & Associate, 
CPAs, LLC

Norman B. Dawson
Retired,  
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Sherry DeMaranville
DeMaranville & Associate, 
CPAs, LLC

Mark Denney
J.F. Denney Plumbing 
& Heating

Jeremy Greenamyre
The Greenamyre Companies
Chris Klimek
Central Bag, Inc.

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. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

27

Colorado 
DENVER
Robert L. Cohen
The IMA Financial Group, Inc.
Thomas A. Cycyota
AlloSource
Joseph Freund, Jr.
Running Creek Ranch
R. Allan Fries
i2 Construction, LLP
Darren Lemkau
Commerce Bank
James C. Lewien
Retired, 
Commerce Bank
Randall H. Lortscher, M.D.
Rocky Mountain Gamma Knife 
Center, LLC

Jason Zickerman
The Alternative Board

Ed Keller
Titan Properties LLC
Teresa Knox
Community Care College
P. Ken Lackey
The NORDAM Group, Inc.
Dr. George Mauerman
Director Emeritus,
Eastern Oklahoma  
Orthopedic Center

Tom Maxwell
Retired, 
Flintco, LLC

Sanjay Meshri
Advanced Research Chemicals
John Neas
Neas Investments
Shannon O’Doherty
Commerce Bank
D. Lindsay Perkins
Lindsay Development
Tracy Poole
Precision Partners LLC
John Turner
First Stuart Corporation
John Williams
John Williams Company

Daryl Woodard
SageNet  

Illinois
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL

Julie Dobski
Little Jewels Learning Center 
McDonald’s

Brent A. Eichelberger
Commerce Bank

Ron Greene
Afni, Inc.

Jared Hall
Commerce Bank

Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Robert S. Holmes
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank

Parker Kemp
Kemp Farms, Inc.

Seth M. Leadbeater
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank

Dennis Myers
Myers, Inc.

Aaron Quick
Farnsworth Group, Inc.

Jay Reece
Mueller, Reece & Hinch, LLC

Alan Sender
Chestnut Health Systems

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA

Mark Arends
Arends Brothers, Inc.
Brian Egeberg
Commerce Bank

Brent A. Eichelberger
Commerce Bank
Tim Harrington
Devonshire Group
Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Kim Martin
Martin, Hood, Friese &  
Associates, LLC

Roger Rhodes 
Horizon Hobby, Inc.

PEORIA

Bruce L. Alkire
Coldwell Banker Commercial 
Devonshire Realty
Daniel J. Altorfer
United Facilities, Inc.
Peter T. Coyle
Gallagher Coyle
Brent A. Eichelberger
Commerce Bank
Gregg E. Hollabaugh
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Robert S. Holmes
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank
Seth M. Leadbeater
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 
Commerce Bank
Dr. James W. Maxey
Great Plains Orthopaedics
Edward J. Scott
Caterpillar, Inc.
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.
Charlie Crouse
Commerce Bank
Zane Fleming
Eagle Drilling Fluids
Mike McDonald
Triad Energy
Reeder Ratliff
Mason Harrison Ratliff  
Enterprises
Kelly Sachs
Commerce Bank
Joe Warren
Cimarron Production

TULSA

Jack Allen
HUB International, Inc.
R. Scott Case
Case & Associates  
Properties, Inc.

Gary Christopher
Christoper Energy

Wade Edmundson
Commerce Bank

Dr. John Frame
Breast Health Specialists 
of Oklahoma
Gip Gibson
Commerce Bank
Kent Harrell
Harrell Energy
Carl Hudgins
Commerce Bank

   
   
 
 
 
 
 
We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES, INC. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

28

Officers
David W. Kemper
Chairman of the Board 

Charles G. Kim
Chief Financial Officer  

and Chief Executive Officer

and Executive Vice President

Jonathan M. Kemper
Vice Chairman

John W. Kemper 
President and  

Chief Operating Officer

Kevin G. Barth
Executive Vice President

Daniel D. Callahan 
Executive Vice President  

and Chief Credit Officer

Sara E. Foster
Executive Vice President

Robert S. Holmes
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

Earl H. Devanny, III
Retired Chairman,  

James B. Hebenstreit*
Chairman of the Board 

Jonathan M. Kemper
Vice Chairman, 

Andrew C. Taylor 
Executive Chairman,  

Executive Officer and President 

Chief Executive Officer  

and Chief Executive Officer, 

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

of Great Plains Energy, KCP&L, 

and President, 

Bartlett and Company

and Greater Missouri Operations

The TriZetto Group, 

John R. Capps*
Vice President,  

BCJ Motors, Inc.

President of Healthcare, 

Nuance Communications, Inc.

W. Thomas Grant, II
President,  

SelectQuote Senior  

Insurance Services

David W. Kemper
Chairman of the Board 

and Chief Executive Officer,  

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

John W. Kemper
President and Chief 

Operating Officer, 

Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

Benjamin F. Rassieur, III* 
President,  

Kimberly G. Walker*
Chief Investment Officer, 

Paulo Products Company

Washington University  

Todd R. Schnuck*
Chairman of the Board and 

Chief Executive Officer, 

Schnuck Markets, Inc.

in St. Louis

* Audit and Risk Committee 

Members

   
   
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, 2015 – 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 
Depository Shares, each representing a 1/1000th interest in a share 
of 6.0% Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock 

Name of exchange on which registered
NASDAQ Global Select Market

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, 2015, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $3,888,000,000. 

As of February 9, 2016, there were 96,744,198 shares of Registrant’s $5 Par Value Common Stock outstanding.

Smaller reporting company 

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2016 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed within 120 days of 
December 31, 2015, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

DOCUMENTS   INCORPORATED  BY  REF ERENCE

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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

8

12

12

12

12

14

15

16

58

58

115

115

117

117

117

117

117

117

118

119

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 private equity investment, securities brokerage, insurance agency, 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, 2015, the Company had consolidated assets of $24.6 billion, loans of $12.4 
billion, deposits of $20.0 billion, and equity of $2.4 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 principal markets, which 
are served by 191 branch 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 Company also has commercial loan production offices in Dallas, Nashville, and Cincinnati, and 
operates a national payments business with sales representatives covering 48 states.

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 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, technology, financial services, aircraft and general manufacturing, health 
care, numerous service industries, and food and agricultural production. 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.  

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.  The Company's latest acquisition 
was Summit Bancshares Inc. (Summit) in 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.  

Employees

The Company employed 4,391 persons on a full-time basis and 468 persons on a part-time basis at December 31, 2015. The 
Company provides a variety of benefit programs including a 401(k) savings plan with a company matching contribution, 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.  None of the Company's employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements.

Competition

The Company faces intense competition from hundreds of financial service providers in its markets and around the United 
States. 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 

3

table of contents

intermediaries such as securities brokers and dealers, personal loan companies, insurance companies, finance companies, and 
certain governmental agencies.  Some of these competitors are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions as domestic banks 
and bank holding companies.  The Company generally competes by providing sophisticated financial products with a strong 
commitment to customer service, convenience of locations, reputation, and price of service, including interest rates on loan and 
deposit products.  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, and consumer debit and credit bank card activities. It provides services through 
a network of 191 full-service branches, a widespread ATM network of 387 machines, and the use of alternative delivery channels 
such as extensive online banking, mobile, and telephone banking services. In 2015, this retail segment contributed 21% 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 2015, the Commercial segment contributed 60% of total segment pre-tax income.  The Wealth segment provides 
traditional trust and estate planning services, brokerage services, and advisory and discretionary investment portfolio management 
services to both personal and institutional corporate customers.    At December 31, 2015, the Trust group managed investments 
with a market value of $22.6 billion and administered an additional $15.8 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 48 and 93.

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, as amended (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. The Bank is subject to a number of federal and 

4

table of contents

state consumer protection laws, including laws designed to protect customers and promote lending to various sectors of the economy 
and population. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, 
the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, and their respective state law counterparts.  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 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 Gramm-
Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (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.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2011 (Dodd-Frank Act)  was sweeping legislation intended 
to overhaul regulation of the financial services industry.   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.  Title VI of the Dodd-Frank Act, commonly known as the Volcker Rule, placed trading restrictions 
on financial institutions and separated investment banking, private equity and proprietary trading (hedge fund) sections of financial 
institutions from their consumer lending arms.  Key provisions restrict banks from simultaneously entering into advisory and 
creditor roles with their clients, such as with private equity firms.  The Volcker Rule also restricts financial institutions from 
investing in and sponsoring certain types of investments, which must be divested by July 21, 2016. The Federal Reserve has 
announced its intention to grant an additional one-year extension to July 21, 2017.  The Company does not believe it will be 
significantly affected by the Volcker Rule provisions. However, the Company was required to develop new policies and procedures 
to ensure ongoing compliance with the Volcker Rule which resulted in additional operating and compliance costs.

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table of contents

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 Deposit 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 Deposit 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.  FDIC insurance expense also includes assessments to fund the interest on outstanding 
bonds issued in the 1980s in connection with the failures in the thrift industry. The Company's FDIC insurance expense was $12.1 
million in 2015, $11.6 million in 2014, and $11.2 million in 2013.    

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 
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, which are based 
on the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action 
regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory 
accounting  practices.    Capital  amounts  and  classifications  are  also  subject  to  judgments  by  regulators  regarding  qualitative 
components, risk weightings, and other factors.

In July 2013, the FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve Board approved a final rule to 
implement in the United States the Basel III regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and 
certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.  A key goal of the Basel III agreement is to strengthen the capital resources of 
banking  organizations  during  normal  and  challenging  business  environments.  The  Basel  III  final  rule  increases  minimum 
requirements for both the quantity and quality of capital held by banking organizations.  The rule includes a new minimum ratio 
of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% and a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% 
of risk-weighted assets.  The capital conservation buffer, which will be phased in during 2016-2019, is intended to absorb losses 
during periods of economic stress.  Failure to maintain the buffer will result in constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and 
executive  compensation.  The  final  rule  also  adjusted  the  methodology  for  calculating  risk-weighted  assets  to  enhance  risk 
sensitivity.  Beginning January 1, 2015, the Company was compliant with revised minimum regulatory capital ratios and began 
the transitional period for definitions of regulatory capital and regulatory capital adjustments and deductions established under 
the final rule.  The Company was also compliant with the required risk-weighted asset calculations effective January 1, 2015.  At 
December 31, 2015, the Company met all capital adequacy requirements under Basel III on a fully phased-in basis as if such 
requirements had been in effect.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA) requires each federal banking agency to take prompt 
corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions, including but not limited to those that fall below one 
or more prescribed minimum capital ratios. Pursuant to FDICIA, the FDIC promulgated regulations defining the following five 
categories  in  which  an  insured  depository  institution  will  be  placed,  based  on  the  level  of  its  capital  ratios:  well-capitalized, 
adequately  capitalized,  undercapitalized,  significantly  undercapitalized,  and  critically  undercapitalized.  Under  the  prompt 
corrective action provisions of FDICIA, an insured depository institution generally will be classified as well-capitalized (under 
the Basel III rules mentioned above) if it has a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8%, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 
6

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6.5%, a Total capital ratio of at least 10% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%.  An institution that, based upon its capital 
levels, is classified as “well-capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” or “undercapitalized,” may be treated as though it were in the 
next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an 
unsafe or unsound condition or an unsafe or unsound practice warrants such treatment.  At each successive lower capital category, 
an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions and prohibitions, including restrictions on growth, restrictions on 
interest rates paid on deposits, restrictions or prohibitions on payment of dividends and restrictions on the acceptance of brokered 
deposits. Furthermore, if a bank is classified in one of the undercapitalized categories, it is required to submit a capital restoration 
plan to the federal bank regulator, and the holding company must guarantee the performance of that plan. The Bank has consistently 
maintained regulatory capital ratios at or above the “well-capitalized” standards.

Stress Testing

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 annual stress tests based on factors provided by the Federal 
Reserve, supplemented by institution-specific factors.  The Company submitted its first regulatory report on its stress test results 
to the Federal Reserve in March 2014, and in June 2015, the Company made its first public disclosure of the results of the 2015 
stress tests performed under the severely adverse scenario.  In 2016, the Company will submit its stress test results to the Federal 
Reserve in July and will disclose the results to the public in October.

Executive and Incentive Compensation

Guidelines adopted by federal banking agencies prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe 
compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive 
officer, employee, director or principal shareholder. The Federal Reserve Board has issued comprehensive guidance on incentive 
compensation intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies do not undermine safety and soundness by encouraging 
excessive risk taking. This guidance covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, 
either individually or as part of a group, based on key principles that (i) incentives do not encourage risk-taking beyond the 
organization's ability to identify and manage risk, (ii) compensation arrangements are compatible with effective internal controls 
and risk management, and (iii) compensation arrangements are supported by strong corporate governance, including active and 
effective board oversight. Deficiencies in compensation practices may affect supervisory ratings and enforcement actions may be 
taken if incentive compensation arrangements pose a risk to safety and soundness. 

Transactions with Affiliates 

The Federal Reserve Board regulates transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries. Generally, the Federal Reserve 
Act and Regulation W, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, limit the Company’s banking subsidiary and its subsidiaries, to lending 
and  other  “covered  transactions”  with  affiliates. The  aggregate  amount  of  covered  transactions  a  banking  subsidiary  or  its 
subsidiaries may enter into with an affiliate may not exceed 10% of the capital stock and surplus of the banking subsidiary. The 
aggregate amount of covered transactions with all affiliates may not exceed 20% of the capital stock and surplus of the banking 
subsidiary.

Covered transactions with affiliates are also subject to collateralization requirements and must be conducted on arm’s length 
terms. Covered transactions include (a) a loan or extension of credit by the banking subsidiary, including derivative contracts, (b) 
a purchase of securities issued to a banking subsidiary, (c) a purchase of assets by the banking subsidiary unless otherwise exempted 
by the Federal Reserve, (d) acceptance of securities issued by an affiliate to the banking subsidiary as collateral for a loan, and 
(e) the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit by the banking subsidiary on behalf of an affiliate. 

Certain transactions with our directors, officers or controlling persons are also subject to conflicts of interest regulations. 
Among other things, these regulations require that loans to such persons and their related interests be made on terms substantially 
the same as for loans to unaffiliated individuals and must not create an abnormal risk of repayment or other unfavorable features 
for the financial institution. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on loans to related 
parties.

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.

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table of contents

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 . .
22, 54-57
Investment Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39, 78-82
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28
28
33-37
31-33
54, 84
17
84

Item 1a.  RISK FACTORS

Making or continuing an investment in securities issued by Commerce Bancshares, Inc., including its common and preferred 
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.

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 current economic conditions are favorable, there remain risks in that environment.

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

• 

• 

• 

• 

In the current national environment, accelerated job growth, lower unemployment levels, high consumer confidence, and 
improving credit conditions are expected to continue.  However, the U.S. economy is also affected by foreign economic 
events and conditions.  Although the Company does not hold foreign debt, the slowing global economy, a strong U.S. 
dollar, and low oil prices may ultimately affect interest rates, business export activity, capital expenditures by businesses, 
and investor confidence.  Unfavorable changes in these factors may result in declines in consumer credit usage, adverse 
changes in payment patterns, reduced loan demand, 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 cause declines in financial services activity, including lower loan demand, 
declines in bank card, corporate cash management and other fee businesses, as well as the fees earned by the Company 
on such transactions.

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. 

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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 in its expansion markets in 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.

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

The Company operates in the financial services industry, and has numerous competitors including other banks and insurance 
companies, securities dealers, brokers, trust and investment companies and mortgage bankers.  Consolidation among financial 
service providers and new changes in technology, product offerings and regulation continue to challenge the Company's marketplace 
position.  As consolidation occurs, larger regional and national banks may enter our markets and add to existing competition.  
Large national financial institutions have substantial capital, technology and marketing resources.  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. They 
may have greater access to capital at a lower cost than the Company, which may adversely affect the Company’s ability to compete 
effectively. 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.

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.

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

 A significant increase in bank regulation has occurred over the past several years and is likely to continue.  These new laws 
and regulations have reduced overdraft fees and credit card revenues, eliminated the guaranteed student loan business and affected 
lending transparency, risk-based FDIC insurance assessments, and derivative clearing processes.  Most recently, the regulatory 
focus has been on stress-testing and Basel III regulatory capital reform. These regulations generally resulted in lower revenues 
and higher compliance burdens.

Future 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.

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 policies determine in large part 
the cost of funds for lending and interest rates 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 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 59% of total revenue for the year ended at December 31, 2015.  The interest rate environment in which 
the Company operates fluctuates in response to general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory 

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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 ensuring 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.  Until its recent initiative to raise rates, 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  approximately  43%  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 been strong, growing 5% on average in 2015, 9% in 2014, and 10% in 2013.  During these years, growth in 
loans was mainly funded by maturities of investment securities, and growth in deposits was mostly reinvested in the securities 
portfolio. At December 31, 2015, the Company's loan to deposit rate was 61.4%, a sign of strong liquidity.

While further loan growth is expected as the economy continues to slowly expand, if demand for loans increases in the future 
while deposit balances decline significantly, the Company may have to take actions to reduce its investment portfolio or obtain 
new borrowings to fund loan growth.  These actions could reduce net interest income and related interest margins. 

The Company’s asset valuation may include methodologies, models, 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 processes the Company uses to estimate the fair value of financial instruments, as well as the processes used to estimate 
the effects of changing interest rates and other market measures on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, 
depend upon the use of analytical and forecasting models. If these models are inadequate or inaccurate due to flaws in their design 
or implementation, the fair value of such financial instruments may not accurately reflect what the Company could realize upon 
sale or settlement of such financial instruments, or the Company may incur increased or unexpected losses upon changes in market 
interest rates or other market measures. Any such failure in the Company's analytical or forecasting models could have a material 
adverse effect on the Company business, financial condition and results of operations.

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.  While the Company maintains rigorous risk management practices 
over bonds issued by municipalities, credit deterioration in these bonds could occur and result in losses. Certain mortgage and 
asset-backed securities (which are collateralized by residential mortgages, credit cards, automobiles, mobile homes or other assets) 
may  decline  in  value  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.

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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 including emergence periods, current 
loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan 
portfolio.  Although the loan losses have been stable in 2015 and 2014, an unforeseen 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 probable loan loss.

The Company’s reputation and future growth prospects could be impaired if cyber-security attacks or other computer 
system breaches occur.

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.  Information security risks for 
financial institutions have increased recently due to new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies 
(including mobile devices) to conduct financial and other business transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of 
organized  crime,  perpetrators  of  fraud,  hackers,  and  others. 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. 

The Company outsources a portion of its information systems, communication, data management and transaction processing 
to third parties.  These third parties are sources of risk associated with operational errors, system interruptions or breaches and 
unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. If the service providers encounter any of these issues, the Company could be 
exposed to disruption of service, damage to reputation and litigation.  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 the 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 continually encounters technological change. 

The  financial  services  industry  is  continually  undergoing  rapid  technological  change  with  frequent  introductions  of  new 
technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions 
to better serve customers and to reduce costs. The Company’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs 
of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create 
additional efficiencies in the Company’s operations. Many of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater resources to 
invest in technological improvements. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products 
and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with 
technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, 
financial condition and results of operations.

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. relies on dividends from its subsidiary bank for most of its revenue. 

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. is a separate and distinct legal entity from its banking and other subsidiaries. It receives substantially 
all  of  its  revenue  from  dividends  from  its  subsidiary  bank.   These  dividends,  which  are  limited  by  various  federal  and  state 
regulations, are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on its preferred and common stock and to meet its other cash needs. 
In the event the subsidiary bank is unable to pay dividends to it, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. may not be able to pay dividends or 
other obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. 

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 

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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

390,000

237,000

178,000

124,000

95%

93%

79

100

100

95

39

98

100

34

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 186 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 110.

Item 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following are the executive officers of the Company as of February 24, 2016, 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, 61

Kevin G. Barth, 55

Jeffrey M. Burik, 57

Daniel D. Callahan, 59

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.

12

table of contents

Name and Age

Sara E. Foster, 55

Robert S. Holmes, 52

Patricia R. Kellerhals, 58

David W. Kemper, 65

John W. Kemper, 38

Jonathan M. Kemper, 62

Charles G. Kim, 55

Michael J. Petrie, 59

Robert J. Rauscher, 58

Positions with Registrant
Executive Vice President of the Company since February 2012 and Senior Vice President of 
the Company prior thereto.  Executive Vice Present of Commerce Bank since January 2016 
and Senior Vice President of Commerce Bank prior thereto.

Executive Vice President of the Company since April 2015 and Executive Vice President of 
Commerce Bank since January 2016.  Prior to his employment with Commerce Bank in March 
2015, he was employed at a Midwest regional bank where he served as managing director and 
head of Regional Banking.

Senior Vice President of the Company since February 2016 and Vice President of the Company 
prior thereto.  Executive Vice President of Commerce Bank since 2005.

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 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. President of 
Commerce Bank since March 2013 and Senior Vice President of Commerce Bank prior thereto. 
Member of Board of Directors since September 2015.  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.

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, 64

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

13

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 2015).

2015

2014

2013

Quarter

High

Low

Cash
Dividends

First

Second

Third

Fourth

First

Second

Third

Fourth

First

Second

Third

Fourth

$

$

$

41.86 $

37.65 $

45.71

46.38

47.10

39.55

40.43

41.40

42.91 $

37.79 $

43.04

43.22

42.19

38.18

40.22

36.29

35.32 $

30.58 $

38.54

41.05

41.51

33.22

36.32

37.01

.214

.214

.214

.214

.204

.204

.204

.204

.194

.194

.194

.194

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

CBSH. The Company had 3,968 common shareholders of record as of December 31, 2015.

14

 
 
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, 2010 with dividends invested on a cumulative total shareholder return basis.

Commerce (CBSH)

100.00

103.15

105.84

145.32

150.67

157.85

NASDAQ OMX Global-Bank

100.00

74.57

100.48

137.27

153.50

156.89

S&P 500

100.00

102.11

118.39

156.72

178.15

180.60

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

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

common stock registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, during the fourth quarter of 2015.

Period

October 1—31, 2015

November 1—30, 2015

December 1—31, 2015

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

45,775

7,907

274,149

327,831

$44.52

$47.27

$42.38

$42.79

45,775

7,907

274,149

327,831

5,000,000

4,992,093

4,717,944

4,717,944

The Company’s stock purchases shown above were made under authorizations by the Board of Directors.  Under the most 
recent authorization in October 2015 of 5,000,000 shares, 4,717,944 shares remained available for purchase at December 31, 2015.  

Item 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The required information is set forth below in Item 7. 

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table of contents

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 346 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 in which it operates, its offering of competitive, 
sophisticated  financial  products,  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 $263.7 million, an 
increase of .8% compared to the previous year.  The return on average assets was 1.11% in 2015, and the return on average 
common equity was 11.43%.  Diluted earnings per share increased 2.8% in 2015 compared to 2014.

Total revenue — Total revenue is comprised of net interest income and non-interest income.  Total revenue in 2015 
increased $25.7 million over 2014, due to growth in non-interest income of $11.6 million and growth in net interest 
income  of  $14.1  million.  Growth  in  non-interest  income  resulted  principally  from  increases  in  trust  fees,  bank  card 
transaction fees, and mortgage banking revenue.  Net interest income increased over 2014 due in part to higher average 
earning assets, including growth of 5.4% in average loans and 4.7% in average investment securities.  Despite this growth, 
continuing low interest rates depressed the net interest margin, which declined to 2.94% in 2015, a 6 basis point decline 
from 2014.  

Non-interest expense — Total non-interest expense grew 3.0% this year compared to 2014, mainly as a result of higher 
costs for salaries and employee benefits and an increase in data processing and software costs.  Costs for occupancy 
declined in 2015, while smaller increases occurred in equipment, supplies and communication, marketing and deposit 
insurance expense.

Asset quality — Net loan charge-offs in 2015 decreased $804 thousand from those recorded in 2014 and averaged .28% 
of loans compared to .31% in the previous year.  Total non-performing assets, which include non-accrual loans and 
foreclosed real estate, amounted to $29.4 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $16.9 million from balances at the 
previous year end, and represented .24% of loans outstanding.  

16

table of contents

• 

Shareholder return — Total shareholder return, including the change in stock price and dividend reinvestment, was 4.8% 
over the past year, compared to the S&P 500 return of 1.4%.  Shareholder return was 9.6% over the past 5 years and 5.6% 
over the past 10 years.  During 2015, the Company paid cash dividends of $.857 per share on its common stock, representing 
an increase of 5% over the previous year, and paid dividends of 6% on its preferred stock.  In 2015, the Company issued 
its 22nd consecutive annual 5% common stock dividend.

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 common 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 common risk-based capital ratio (4)
Tier I risk-based capital ratio (4)
Total risk-based capital ratio (4)
Tier I leverage ratio (4)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (5)
Common cash dividend payout ratio

(1)  Includes loans held for sale.

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

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

1.11%
11.43
10.00
61.44
35.12
2.94

41.37
62.32
11.52
12.33
13.28
9.23
8.48
33.35

1.15%
11.65
10.10
59.91
33.73
3.00

1.19%
11.99
9.95
57.12
33.01
3.11

1.30%
12.00
10.84
55.80
32.82
3.41

1.32%
12.15
10.87
59.15
30.26
3.65

41.28
61.95
        NA
13.74
14.86
9.36
8.55
32.69

40.32
60.40
        NA
14.06
15.28
9.43
9.00
31.46

38.44
59.18
        NA
13.60
14.93
9.14
9.25
78.57

37.82
59.02
        NA
14.71
16.04
9.55
9.91
30.87

(3)  The efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense (excluding intangibles amortization) as a percent of revenue.

(4)  Risk-based capital information at December 31, 2015 was prepared under Basel III requirements, which were effective January 1, 2015.  Risk-based capital 

information for prior years was prepared under Basel I requirements.

(5)  The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is a measurement which management believes is a useful indicator of capital adequacy and utilization.  
It provides a meaningful basis for period to period and company to company comparisons, and also assist regulators, investors and analysts in analyzing the 
financial position of the Company.  Tangible common equity and tangible assets are non-GAAP measures and should not be viewed as substitutes for, or 
superior to, data prepared in accordance with GAAP. 

The following table is a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measures of total equity and total assets to the non-GAAP measures 

of total tangible common equity and total tangible assets.

(Dollars in thousands)
Total equity
Less non-controlling interest
Less preferred stock
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 tangible assets ratio (a)/(b)

2015
$ 2,367,418
5,428
144,784
138,921
5,031
$ 2,073,254
$ 24,604,962
138,921
5,031
$ 24,461,010

2014
$ 2,334,246
4,053
144,784
138,921
6,572
$ 2,039,916
$ 23,994,280
138,921
6,572
$ 23,848,787

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

2012
$ 2,171,574
4,447
—
125,585
4,828
$ 2,036,714
$ 22,159,589
125,585
4,828
$ 22,029,176

2011
$ 2,170,361
4,314
—
125,585
6,970
$ 2,033,492
$ 20,649,367
125,585
6,970
$ 20,516,812

8.48%

8.55%

9.00%

9.25%

9.91%

17

 
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

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$

634,320 $
28,727
447,555
6,320
675,903

620,204 $
29,531
435,978
14,124
656,342

619,372 $
20,353
418,386
(4,425)
628,668

639,906 $
27,287
399,630
4,828
617,598

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

263,730
254,730
2.56
2.56
84,961
.857
42.54
22.86
97,226
24,604,962
12,444,299
9,901,680
19,978,853
103,818
2,367,418
29,394

261,754
257,704
2.50
2.49
84,241
.816
41.42
21.65
101,144
23,994,280
11,469,238
9,645,792
19,475,778
104,058
2,334,246
46,251

260,961
260,961
2.47
2.46
82,104
.777
40.73
20.95
105,709
23,072,036
10,956,836
9,042,997
19,047,348
455,310
2,214,397
55,439

269,329
269,329
2.52
2.51
211,608
1.991
30.29
20.52
105,823
22,159,589
9,840,211
9,669,735
18,348,653
503,710
2,171,574
64,863

*  Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in December 2015. 

646,070
51,515
392,917
10,812
616,440

256,343
256,343
2.33
2.32
79,140
.721
31.36
20.07
108,122
20,649,367
9,208,554
9,358,387
16,799,883
511,817
2,170,361
93,803

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.

Preferred stock dividends
Net income available to common
shareholders

$ Change

% Change

'15-'14

'14-'13

'15-'14

'14-'13

$

2015
634,320 $
(28,727)
447,555
6,320
(675,903)
(116,590)

2014
620,204 $
(29,531)
435,978
14,124
(656,342)
(121,649)

2013
619,372 $
(20,353)
418,386
(4,425)
(628,668)
(123,195)

14,116 $
(804)
11,577
(7,804)
19,561
(5,059)

(3,245)

(1,030)

(156)

2,215

263,730
(9,000)

261,754
(4,050)

260,961
—

1,976
(4,950)

832
9,178
17,592
18,549
27,674
(1,546)

874

793
(4,050)

2.3 %
(2.7)
2.7
(55.3)
3.0
(4.2)

N.M.

.8
N.M.

.1 %

45.1
4.2
N.M.
4.4
(1.3)

N.M.

.3
N.M.

$

254,730 $

257,704 $

260,961 $

(2,974) $

(3,257)

(1.2)%

(1.2)%

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. for 2015 was $263.7 million, an increase of $2.0 million compared to 
$261.8 million in 2014.  Diluted income per common share was $2.56 in 2015 compared to $2.49 in 2014. The increase in net 
income resulted from increases of $14.1 million in net interest income and $11.6 million in non-interest income.  These increases 
in net income were partly offset by a $19.6 million increase in non-interest expense, as well as a $7.8 million decrease in investment 
securities gains.  The return on average assets was 1.11% in 2015 compared to 1.15% in 2014, and the return on average common 
equity was 11.43% in 2015 compared to 11.65% in 2014.  At December 31, 2015, the ratio of tangible common equity to assets 
declined to 8.48%, compared to 8.55% at year end 2014.

During 2015, net interest income increased $14.1 million compared to 2014.  This increase reflected growth of $9.5 million 
in interest on loans and $3.8 million in interest on investment securities.  Both increases were due to higher average balances 
which were partly offset by lower rates earned; however, interest on investment securities also declined due to lower inflation 
income of $7.9 million earned on its portfolio of U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS).  In addition, deposit interest 
expense declined $924 thousand due to slightly lower rates paid.  The provision for loan losses decreased $804 thousand from the 

18

table of contents

previous year, totaling $28.7 million in 2015, and was $5.0 million lower than net loan charge-offs.  Net charge-offs decreased 
by $804 thousand in 2015 compared to 2014, mainly in business, business real estate, and consumer loans.

Non-interest income in 2015 was $447.6 million, an increase of $11.6 million compared to $436.0 million in 2014.  This 
increase resulted mainly from growth in trust fees, loan fees and sales, and bank card fees, which increased $7.6 million, $3.1 
million, and $3.1 million, respectively.  Non-interest expense in 2015 was $675.9 million, an increase of $19.6 million over $656.3 
million in 2014.  The increase in non-interest expense was largely due to a $16.6 million, or 4.3%, increase in salaries and benefits 
expense due to higher full-time salaries, incentives, stock-based compensation and 401(k) expense. 

During 2015, investment securities net gains totaled $6.3 million, compared to $14.1 million during 2014.  Gains  in both years 
resulted mainly from activity in the private equity investment portfolio, and included fair value adjustments and gains/losses 
realized upon sale or disposition. 

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. for 2014 was $261.8 million, an increase of $793 thousand, or .3%, 
compared to $261.0 million in 2013.  Diluted income per common share was $2.49 in 2014 compared to $2.46 in 2013. The 
increase in net income resulted from increases of $17.6 million in non-interest income and $18.5 million in investment securities 
gains.  These increases in net income were partly offset by a $27.7 million increase in non-interest expense, as well as an increase 
of $9.2 million in the provision for loan losses.  The return on average assets was 1.15% in 2014 compared to 1.19% in 2013, and 
the return on average common equity was 11.65% compared to 11.99% in 2013.  At December 31, 2014, the ratio of tangible 
common equity to assets was 8.55% compared to 9.00% at year end 2013.

During 2014, net interest income increased $832 thousand compared to 2013.  This slight increase reflected growth of $8.1 
million in loan interest income, due to higher loan balances which were partly offset by lower rates earned, coupled with a decline 
in deposit interest expense of $3.2 million due to lower rates paid.   These increases were mostly offset by an $8.6 million decline 
in interest income on long-term securities purchased under agreements to resell.  The provision for loan losses increased $9.2 
million over  the previous year, totaling $29.5 million in 2014, and was $5.0 million lower than net loan charge-offs.  Net charge-
offs increased by $3.2 million in 2014 compared to 2013, mainly in consumer, construction and business loans.

Non-interest income during 2014 was $436.0 million, an increase of $17.6 million, or 4.2%, compared to $418.4 million in 
2013.  This increase was mainly due to growth in trust fees and bank card fees, which increased $9.6 million and $9.2 million, 
respectively.  Non-interest expense during 2014 was $656.3 million, an increase of $27.7 million over $628.7 million in 2013.  
Salaries and benefits expense, which grew $17.2 million, was the largest contributor to this increase, mainly due to higher full-
time salaries expense and medical costs. 

During 2014, investment securities net gains totaled $14.1 million, compared to net losses of $4.4 million during 2013.  Gains 
and losses in both years resulted mainly from activity in the private equity investment portfolio, and included fair value adjustments 
and gains/losses realized upon sale or disposition.   Gains in 2014 included $19.6 million related to the sale of a private equity 
investment, partly offset by a loss of $5.2 million on the sale of TIPS. 

In June 2014, the Company issued $150.0 million in perpetual preferred stock with a 6% dividend; its first issuance of preferred 
stock.  During 2015, the Company purchased $123.2 million in shares of its common stock, compared to $271.0 million in 2014.  
The Company also distributed a 5% stock dividend for the 22nd consecutive year on December 14, 2015.  All per share and average 
share data in this report has been restated to reflect the 2015 stock dividend.

19

 
table of contents

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 
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 $9.0 billion, 
or 92.2% of the available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2015, and were classified as Level 2 measurements.  The Company 
also holds $17.2 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.

20

table of contents

At December 31, 2015, certain non-agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $44.0 million were 
identified as other-than-temporarily impaired.  The cumulative credit-related impairment loss  recorded on these securities amounted 
to $14.1 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 $65.6 million at December 31, 2015.  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 
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.

21

table of contents

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:

Business
Real estate- construction and land
Real estate - business
Real estate - personal
Consumer
Revolving home equity
Consumer credit card

Total interest on loans

Loans held for sale
Investment securities:

U.S. government and federal agency obligations
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
State and municipal obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Other securities

Total interest on investment securities

Federal funds sold and short-term securities purchased 
   under agreements to resell
Long-term securities purchased under agreements to 
   resell
Interest earning deposits with banks
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
Net interest income, fully taxable equivalent basis

2015

Change due to

Average
Volume

Average
Rate

 Total

2014

Change due to

Average
Volume

Average
Rate

Total

$

7,569 $
2,216
(269)
3,082
9,004
163
(913)
20,852
191

(862)
2,388
2,540
4,929
(536)
3,324
11,783

(1,905) $
(967)
(2,186)
(470)
(4,813)
(1,089)
777
(10,653)
—

(7,708)
1,720
(1,079)
(4,222)
5,118
(1,215)
(7,386)

5,664 $
1,249
(2,455)
2,612
4,191
(926)
(136)
10,199
191

(8,570)
4,108
1,461
707
4,582
2,109
4,397

17,332 $
1,580
2,044
4,816
8,480
94
226
34,572
(176)

(9,388) $
(790)
(6,393)
(2,115)
(7,345)
(728)
1,229
(25,530)
—

2,105
5,100
3,533
(5,677)
(2,047)
(2,376)
638

2,870
(547)
(462)
(1,617)
(452)
(916)
(1,124)

7,944
790
(4,349)
2,701
1,135
(634)
1,455
9,042
(176)

4,975
4,553
3,071
(7,294)
(2,499)
(3,292)
(486)

(50)

9

(41)

31

(36)

(5)

214
(37)
32,953

485
10
(17,535)

699
(27)
15,418

(3,409)
162
31,818

(5,237)
6
(31,921)

76
324
(430)
(299)

(55)
(493)
(471)
424

323
(36)
(42)
32,995 $

519
126
50
(17,585) $

$

21
(169)
(901)
125

842
90
8

15,410 $

54
442
(530)
688

35
(1,364)
(1,335)
(1,145)

(74)
328
908
30,910 $

284
(208)
(3,733)
(28,188) $

(8,646)
168
(103)

89
(922)
(1,865)
(457)

210
120
(2,825)
2,722

Net interest income totaled $634.3 million in 2015, increasing $14.1 million, or 2.3%, compared to $620.2 million in 2014. 
On a tax equivalent (T/E) basis, net interest income totaled $664.0 million, and increased $15.4 million over 2014.  This increase 
included growth of $10.2 million in loan interest, resulting from higher loan balances offset by lower rates earned.  In addition, 
interest earned on investment securities increased $4.4 million, due to higher average balances that were offset by lower inflation-
adjusted interest on the Company's holdings of TIPS.  Interest expense on deposits and borrowings combined was static at $28.1 
million for both 2015 and 2014. The net yield on earning assets (T/E) was 2.94% in 2015 compared with 3.00% in the previous 
year.  

22

table of contents

  During 2015, loan interest income (T/E) grew $10.2 million over 2014 due to average loan growth of $609.0 million, or 5.4%,  
partly offset by lower rates earned, which declined 12 basis points.  The average tax equivalent rate earned on the loan portfolio 
was 3.92% in 2015 compared to 4.04% in 2014.  The higher average balances contributed interest income of $20.9 million; 
however, the lower rates depressed interest income by $10.7 million, which together resulted in a $10.2 million net increase in 
interest income.  The largest increase occurred in business loan interest, which was higher by $5.7 million as a result of growth 
in average balances of $266.7 million, or 6.8%, partly offset by a decline in rates of 5 basis points. Consumer loan interest grew 
$4.2 million due to a $212.8 million, or 13.2%, increase in average balances coupled with a 26 basis point decrease in average 
rates.  The increase in average consumer loan balances was mainly the result of increases of $181.2 million in loans secured by 
passenger vehicles and $14.3 million in fixed rate home equity loans.  These increases were partially offset by a $55.3 million 
decrease in marine and recreational vehicle (RV) loans as that portfolio continues to pay down.  Higher levels of interest were 
earned on personal real estate and construction and land loans, which increased $2.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively.  These 
increases were due to higher average balances, which increased 4.5% in personal real estate and 14.0% in construction and land 
loans, partly offset by lower average rates earned.   Partially offsetting the increases in interest earned was lower interest on business 
real estate loans.  Interest on these loans decreased $2.5 million due to a decline in average balances of $7.0 million coupled with 
a 9 basis point decline in rates.  In addition, interest on revolving home equity loans decreased $926 thousand due to a 25 basis 
point decrease in average rates, while interest on consumer credit card loans decreased slightly due to lower average balances.

Tax equivalent interest income on total investment securities increased $4.4 million during 2015, as average balances increased 
by $427.5 million, or 4.7%, while the average rate earned declined 6 basis points from 2014.  The average balance of the total 
investment securities portfolio (at amortized cost) was $9.5 billion and the average rate earned was 2.24% in 2015, compared to 
an average balance of $9.1 billion and an average rate earned of 2.30% in 2014.  The increase in interest income was mainly due 
to higher interest earned on most security types, except for a decline of $7.9 million in TIPS inflation-adjusted interest.  Interest 
earned on government-sponsored enterprise obligations grew by $4.1 million, as average balances rose $143.8 million, or 18.1%, 
and the average rate earned increased 19 basis points.  Interest earned on asset-backed securities increased $4.6 million, mainly 
due to an increase of 19 basis points in the average rate earned, partly offset by a decline in the average balance of $60.9 million.  
Interest income on state and municipal obligations increased $1.5 million, mainly due to growth of $70.7 million in average 
balances, partly offset by a rate decline of 6 basis points.  The overall increase in state and municipal interest included $516 
thousand of discount accretion on auction rate securities that were called by the issuer in the fourth quarter of 2015.  In addition, 
interest on corporate debt issues increased $2.9 million due to an increase of $114.3 million in the average balance and higher 
rates earned, while interest on mortgage-backed securities increased $707 thousand, due to higher average balances, partly offset 
by lower rates earned.  However, these overall increases in income were partly offset by the decline in TIPS interest mentioned 
above and a $1.2 million decline in interest on non-marketable investments due to lower rates earned, partly offset by higher 
average balances.  Interest on long-term securities purchased under resell agreements increased $699 thousand in 2015 compared 
to the prior year due to a $16.8 million increase the average balances of these instruments, coupled with an increase in the average 
rate earned from 1.27% in the previous year to 1.31% in 2015.

During 2015, interest expense on deposits declined $924 thousand from 2014.  This decline was largely due to lower interest 
on certificates of deposit of $776 thousand and lower interest expense on money market and interest checking accounts of $169 
thousand. The decline in certificate of deposit expense was largely due to a $251.2 million, or 10.9%, decline in average balances 
from the prior year.  However, this overall decline was partly offset by a $23.3 million increase in long-term jumbo certificates 
of deposit, which carry higher rates.  The decline in money market and interest checking expense resulted from a slight decline 
in average rates paid, partly offset by the effect of higher balances, which increased $274.8 million, or 2.9% over 2014.  The 
overall rate paid on total deposits declined from .19% in 2014 to .18% in the current year.  Interest expense on borrowings increased 
$932 thousand, mainly due to higher average balances and rates paid on repurchase agreements.  The overall average rate incurred 
on all interest bearing liabilities was .20% in both 2015 and 2014.

During 2014, net interest income totaled $620.2 million, increasing slightly compared to $619.4 million in 2013.  On a tax 
equivalent basis, net interest income totaled $648.6 million in 2014 and increased $2.7 million over the previous year.  This increase 
was mainly the result of higher interest earned on loans, due to higher loan balances, and lower rates paid on deposits.  In addition, 
inflation-adjusted interest on TIPS was higher by $4.3 million compared to 2013, while interest earned on long-term securities 
purchased under agreements to resell declined $8.6 million due to lower balances and lower rates earned.  The net yield on earning 
assets (T/E) was 3.00% in 2014 compared with 3.11% in the previous year.

Interest income on loans (T/E) grew $9.0 million over 2013 due to an increase of $948.6 million, or 9.2%, in average balances, 
partly offset by a decrease in average rates earned, which declined from 4.32% in 2013 to 4.04% in 2014.  The higher average 
balances generated interest income of $34.6 million which was offset by a $25.5 million decline in income due to lower rates, 
combining for a $9.0 million net increase in interest income.  The largest increase occurred in business loan interest, which was 
higher by $7.9 million as a result of growth in average balances of $552.9 million, or 16.4%, partly offset by a decline in rates of 
22 basis points.  Interest on personal real estate loans grew $2.7 million due to a $123.2 million increase in average balances 
23

 
table of contents

coupled with an 11 basis point decrease in average rates.  Higher levels of interest were earned on consumer and construction and 
land loans, which increased $1.1 million and $790 thousand, respectively.  These increases were due to higher average balances, 
which increased 12.5% in consumer and 10.5% in construction and land loans, partly offset by lower average rates earned.  Average 
consumer loan balances increased $179.8 million, which was mainly the result of increases of $180.8 million in loans secured by 
passenger vehicles and $33.5 million in fixed rate home equity loans, partly offset by a $67.2 million decrease in marine and RV 
loans.  Interest earned on consumer credit card loans increased by $1.5 million due to a 16 basis point increase in the average rate 
earned and a slight increase in average balances.  Partially offsetting the increases in interest earned was lower interest earned on 
business real estate loans.  Interest on these loans decreased $4.3 million due to a 28 basis point decline in rates, partly offset by 
growth in average balances of $49.7 million, or 2.2%. 

Interest income on total investment securities (T/E) during 2014 was flat compared to 2013, as the total average balance and 
the average rate earned in 2014 were relatively unchanged from 2013.  The average rate earned on the total investment securities 
portfolio was 2.30% and the total portfolio balance averaged $9.1 billion in both 2014 and 2013. Interest income on U.S. government 
securities increased $5.0 million over 2013, largely due to growth of $4.3 million in inflation-adjusted interest earned on TIPS.  
Interest income on state and municipal obligations and government-sponsored enterprise obligations increased $3.1 million and 
$4.6 million, respectively, due to higher average invested balances, partly offset by declines in rates earned.  State and municipal 
average balances rose $97.7 million, or 6.0%, partly offset by a rate decline of 3 basis points.  Average balances of government-
sponsored enterprise obligations rose $294.8 million, or 59.0%, offset by a rate decline of 7 basis points.  Interest income on 
mortgage-backed securities decreased $7.3 million in 2014 mainly due to a $206.4 million, or 6.5%, decline in average balances, 
in addition to a rate decline of 6 basis points.  Interest income on asset-backed securities was down by $2.5 million, largely due 
to a 7.4% decline in average balances.  Other declines occurred in interest on corporate debt issues and non-marketable investments, 
which declined $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, due to lower average balances and lower rates earned.  Interest on 
long-term securities purchased under resell agreements decreased $8.6 million in 2014 compared to the prior year due to a $189.4 
million decrease in average balances, in addition to a decrease in the average rate of 53 basis points.

During 2014, interest expense on deposits declined $3.2 million from 2013.  This was largely due to lower overall rates paid 
on total deposits, which declined 3 basis points in 2014 to .19%   The average rate paid on total certificates of deposit declined 7 
basis points.  Total average certificates of deposit declined $107.1 million, or 4.4%, but included an increase in long-term jumbo 
certificate of deposit balances of $159.4 million.  Average rates paid on money market accounts also declined, partly offset by the 
impact of higher average balances, which increased $371.9 million, or 4.3% over 2013.  Interest expense on borrowings increased 
$330 thousand, as the average rate paid grew by 3 basis points. The average rate paid on total interest bearing liabilities fell to .20% 
in 2014, compared to .23% in 2013.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses totaled $28.7 million in 2015, which represented a decline of $804 thousand from the 2014 
provision of $29.5 million.  Net loan charge-offs for the year totaled $33.7 million; also a decline of $804 thousand compared to 
$34.5 million in 2014.  The decrease in net loan charge-offs from the previous year was mainly the result of lower business, 
business real estate, and consumer loan losses, which decreased $853 thousand, $560 thousand and $527 thousand, respectively.  
These decreases were partly offset by higher losses on revolving home equity, construction, and consumer credit card loans.  The 
allowance for loan losses totaled $151.5 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $5.0 million compared to the prior year, and 
represented 1.22% of outstanding loans at year end 2015 compared to 1.36% at year end 2014.  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.

2015
178,926
119,801
80,416
11,476
13,200
8,228
35,508
447,555

41.4%
226.8

$

$

2014
175,806
112,158
78,680
12,667
12,006
5,108
39,553
435,978

41.3%
222.6

$

$

$

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

40.3%
219.5

$

$

$

% Change

'15-'14

'14-'13

1.8%
6.8
2.2
(9.4)
9.9
61.1
(10.2)

2.7%

5.5%
9.4
(.4)
(10.4)
9.1
(12.9)
.9
4.2%

24

table of contents

Non-interest income totaled $447.6 million, an increase of $11.6 million, or 2.7%, compared to $436.0 million in 2014.  Bank 
card fees increased $3.1 million, or 1.8%, over the prior year, as a result of a $1.8 million, or 2.1%, increase in corporate card fees, 
which totaled $89.6 million this year.  Debit card fees grew $1.1 million, or 3.1%, to $38.3 million, while credit card fees increased 
1.0% over last year and totaled $24.2 million.   The table below is a summary of bank card transaction fees for the last three years.

(Dollars in thousands)

Debit card fees

Credit card fees

Merchant fees

Corporate card fees

2015

2014

2013

'15-'14

'14-'13

% Change

$

38,330 $

37,195 $

24,202

26,784

89,610

23,959

26,862

87,790

35,499

23,424

27,075

80,629

3.1%

1.0

(.3)

2.1

1.8%

4.8%

2.3

(.8)

8.9

5.5%

Total bank card transaction fees

$

178,926 $

175,806 $

166,627

     Trust fee income increased $7.6 million, or 6.8%, as a result of continued growth in both personal (up 7.0%) and institutional 
(up 5.9%) trust fees.  New asset management sales generated $10.5 million in annualized revenue, while client attrition remained 
low at 5%.  The market value of total customer trust assets totaled $38.4 billion at year end 2015, which was a decline of 1.6% 
from year end 2014.  Deposit account fees increased $1.7 million, or 2.2%, partly due to growth in corporate cash management 
fees of $1.2 million, or 3.6%.  In addition, other deposit service charges increased $1.1 million, or 7.0%, while overdraft fees 
declined $540 thousand, or 1.8%.  In 2015, overdraft fees comprised 36.2% of total deposit fees, while corporate cash management 
fees comprised 43.2% of total deposit fees.  Capital market fees declined $1.2 million, or 9.4%, due to continued lower sales 
volumes, while consumer brokerage services revenue increased $1.2 million, or 9.9%, due to growth in advisory and annuity fees.  
Loan fees and sales increased $3.1 million this year mainly due to higher mortgage banking revenue, resulting from sales of newly 
originated residential mortgages, as the Company began a new program of selling longer-term fixed rate mortgages in 2015.  Total 
mortgage banking revenue totaled $3.8 million in 2015 compared to $274 thousand in 2014.  Other non-interest income declined 
$4.0 million, or 10.2%, from the prior year.  This decrease was partly due to a gain of $2.1 million on the sales of three retail 
branches and fee revenue of $885 thousand related to the settlement of previous litigation, which were both recorded in 2014.  In 
addition, lower net gains were recorded in 2015 on bank properties sold or held for sale during the current period, which decreased 
by $2.3 million. These declines in revenue were partly offset by growth of $2.6 million in interest rate swap fees.

During 2014, non-interest income increased $17.6 million, or 4.2%, over 2013 to $436.0 million.  Bank card fees increased 
$9.2 million, or 5.5%, over 2013, as a result of a $7.2 million, or 8.9%, increase in corporate card fees, which totaled $87.8 million 
in 2014.  Debit card fees grew $1.7 million, or 4.8%, to $37.2 million, while credit card fees increased 2.3% over 2013 and totaled 
$24.0 million in 2014.  Trust fee income increased $9.6 million, or 9.4%, as a result of solid growth in both personal and institutional 
trust fees.  The market value of total customer trust assets totaled $39.0 billion at year end 2014 and grew 10.8% over year end 
2013.  Deposit account fees declined $337 thousand, or .4%, due to lower overdraft and return item fees of $1.3 million, mostly 
offset by higher account service charges and corporate cash management fees of $635 thousand and $332 thousand, respectively.  
Capital market fees decreased $1.5 million, or 10.4%, as a result of weak demand, while loan fees and sales declined $757 thousand, 
or 12.9%, due to lower loan commitment fees.  Consumer brokerage services revenue increased $1.0 million, or 9.1%, due to 
growth in advisory fees.   Other income increased $344 thousand, and included the $2.1 million gain on branch sales and litigation-
related fee revenue mentioned above, coupled with higher operating lease revenue.  These increases were partly offset by lower 
net gains on bank properties sold or held for sale during the period, in addition to lower tax credit sales revenue.

25

     
table of contents

Investment Securities Gains (Losses), Net

(In thousands)

Available for sale:

Common stock

U.S. government bonds

Municipal bonds

Corporate bonds

Asset-backed bonds

 OTTI losses on non-agency mortgage-backed bonds

Non-marketable:

Private equity investments

Total investment securities gains (losses), net

2015

2014

2013

$

— $

1,263

1,262

118

282

(483)

1,570 $

(5,197)

—

—

—

1,375

—

126

—

—

(1,365)

(1,284)

3,878

6,320 $

19,116

14,124 $

(4,642)

(4,425)

$

Net gains and losses on investment securities during 2015, 2014 and 2013 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.  The portions of private equity investment gains 
and losses that are attributable to minority interests are reported as non-controlling interest in the consolidated statements of 
income, and resulted in expense of $2.3 million in 2015, expense of $180 thousand in 2014 and income of $1.1 million in 2013. 

Net securities gains of $6.3 million were recorded in 2015, which included $3.9 million in net gains relating to the private 
equity investment portfolio.  In addition, during the first half of 2015, the Company sold $114.6 million of municipal securities, 
$48.1 million of TIPS and $506.4 million of asset-backed bonds, realizing gains of $2.8 million.  Most of these sales were part of 
a plan to extend the duration of the securities portfolio and improve net interest margins.  Credit-related impairment losses of $483 
thousand were recorded during 2015 on certain non-agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities which have been identified 
as other-than-temporarily impaired.  These identified securities had a total fair value of $44.0 million at December 31, 2015, 
compared to $54.6 million at December 31, 2014.  

Net securities gains of $14.1 million were recorded in 2014, compared to net losses of $4.4 million in 2013.  The 2014 gains 
included a gain of $19.6 million relating to the sale of a private equity investment which had been held by the Company for many 
years. In both years, gains were also recorded on the donation of appreciated common stock.

Non-Interest Expense 

(Dollars in thousands)

Salaries

Employee benefits

Net occupancy

Equipment

Supplies and communication

Data processing and software

Marketing

Deposit insurance

Other

2015

2014

2013

'15-'14

'14-'13

% Change

$

340,521

$

322,631

$

310,179

60,180

44,788

19,086

22,970

83,944

16,107

12,146

76,161

61,469

45,825

18,375

22,432

78,980

15,676

11,622

79,332

56,688

45,639

18,425

22,511

78,245

14,176

11,167

71,638

5.5%

(2.1)

(2.3)

3.9

2.4

6.3

2.7

4.5

(4.0)

3.0%

4.0%

8.4

.4

(.3)

(.4)

.9

10.6

4.1

10.7

4.4%

Total non-interest expense

$

675,903

$

656,342

$

628,668

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

62.3%

59.3%

4,770

62.0%

58.5%

4,744

60.4%

58.4%

4,727

       Non-interest expense was $675.9 million in 2015, an increase of $19.6 million, or 3.0%, over the previous year.  Salaries and 
benefits expense increased $16.6 million, or 4.3%, mainly due to higher full-time salaries, incentives, stock-based compensation 
and 401(k) plan corporate contributions, partly offset by lower medical plan costs and pension expense.  Growth in salaries expense 
26

     
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resulted partly from staffing additions in residential lending, commercial banking, trust, information technology and other support 
units.  Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,770 at December 31, 2015, an increase of .5% over 2014.  Occupancy expense 
decreased $1.0 million, mainly due to lower building depreciation, utilities and building services, and real estate tax expense, 
while  equipment  expense  was  higher  by  $711  thousand,  due  to  higher  equipment  depreciation  and  service  contract  expense.  
Supplies and communication expense increased by $538 thousand, or 2.4%, mainly due to reissuance costs for new chip cards 
distributed to customers.  Data processing and software expense increased $5.0 million, or 6.3%, mainly due to higher software 
license costs, online subscription services and bank card processing costs.  Marketing expense increased by $431 thousand, or 
2.7%, while deposit insurance expense was higher by $524 thousand, or 4.5%, mainly due to continuing growth in average assets.  
Other non-interest expense decreased $3.2 million, or 4.0%, from the prior year and included a recovery of $2.8 million in 2015 
related to a letter of credit exposure which had been drawn upon and subsequently paid off.  In addition, lower costs were recorded 
for bank card rewards expense (down $1.2 million), legal fees (down $1.4 million) and impairment losses on surplus branch sites 
(down $1.5 million). These decreases were partly offset by higher bank card fraud losses of $3.7 million in the current year, coupled 
with a loss recovery of $1.7 million in 2014 from the settlement of past litigation.

      In 2014, non-interest expense was $656.3 million, an increase of $27.7 million, or 4.4%, over 2013.  Salaries and benefits 
expense increased $17.2 million, or 4.7%, mainly due to higher full-time salaries expense and medical plan costs.  Full-time 
equivalent employees totaled 4,744 at December 31, 2014, an increase of .4% over 2013.  Occupancy expense increased $186 
thousand, while equipment expense and supplies and communication expense both declined slightly.  Data processing and software 
expense increased $735 thousand mainly due to higher software licensing and bank card processing expense.  Marketing expense 
increased $1.5 million, or 10.6%, mainly due to lower advertising activities during 2013, and deposit insurance expense increased 
$455 thousand, or 4.1% due to higher average assets.  Other non-interest expense increased $7.7 million, or 10.7%, over 2013.  
The increase resulted from a $2.1 million increase in bank card rewards costs and higher costs for operating lease depreciation, 
coupled with a $2.0 million reimbursement from the Company's bank card processor in 2013 and gains of $3.1 million on sales 
of foreclosed properties during 2013.  These effects were partly offset by the 2014 litigation recovery of $1.7 million mentioned 
above and letter of credit provisions in 2013 totaling $2.8 million.  The Summit acquisition in September 2013 also contributed 
to the overall increase in total non-interest expense, as costs relating to those operations rose $1.7 million in 2014 (the first full 
year of such costs) compared to 2013. 

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $116.6 million in 2015, compared to $121.6 million in 2014 and $123.2 million in 2013.  The effective 
tax rate, including the effect of non-controlling interest, was 30.7% in 2015 compared to 31.7% in 2014 and 32.1% in 2013.  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.   Additional information about income tax expense is provided in Note 9 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

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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 54.

(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

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Balance at December 31

$

4,397,893 $

3,969,952 $

3,715,319 $

3,134,801 $ 2,808,265

624,070

2,355,544

403,507

2,288,215

406,197

2,313,550

355,996

386,598

2,214,975

2,180,100

1,915,953

1,924,365

432,981

779,744

6,142

1,883,092

1,705,134

430,873

782,370

6,095

1,787,626

1,512,716

420,589

796,228

4,611

1,584,859

1,428,777

1,289,650

1,114,889

437,567

804,245

9,291

463,587

788,701

6,561

$

12,436,692 $

11,469,238 $

10,956,836 $

9,831,384 $ 9,177,478

The contractual maturities of loan categories at December 31, 2015, 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

Total

$

2,191,233 $

1,832,997 $

373,663 $

4,397,893

300,957

506,783

172,566

253,497

1,387,005

506,758

69,616

461,756

1,236,629

$

3,171,539 $

3,980,257 $

2,141,664

624,070

2,355,544

1,915,953

9,293,460

1,924,365

432,981

779,744

6,142

$

12,436,692

$

$

719,069 $

2,239,212 $

1,241,160 $

4,199,441

2,452,470

1,741,045

900,504

5,094,019

3,171,539 $

3,980,257 $

2,141,664 $

9,293,460

(1)  Consumer loans with floating rates totaled $308.0 million. 

(2)  Revolving home equity loans with floating rates totaled $425.6 million.  

(3)  Consumer credit card loans with floating rates totaled $686.1 million. 

Total loans at December 31, 2015 were $12.4 billion, an increase of $967.5 million, or 8.4%, over balances at December 31, 
2014.  The growth in loans during 2015 occurred in all loan categories, with the exception of consumer credit card loans, which 
declined slightly from the prior year.  Business loans increased $427.9 million, or 10.8%, reflecting growth in commercial and 
industrial loans, lease loans, corporate card loans and tax-advantaged lending.   Business real estate loans increased $67.3 million, 
or 2.9%, due to higher totals of non-owner-occupied loans during 2015.  Construction loans increased $220.6 million, or 54.7% 
due to growth in commercial construction projects.  Personal real estate loans retained by the Company increased $32.9 million, 
or 1.7%, as low rates during the year contributed to a stable market.   However, the Company also sold $95.7 million in 30-year 
fixed rate loans under a new initiative in 2015.  Consumer loans were higher by $219.2 million, or 12.9%, which was largely 

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driven by continued demand for automobile loans, while marine and recreational vehicle loan balances continued to run off during 
the year.   Revolving home equity and consumer credit card loan balances saw only slight changes compared to balances at year 
end 2014.

The Company currently generates approximately 28% of its loan portfolio in the St. Louis market, 30% in the Kansas City 
market, and 42% 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, 2015, the balance of SNC loans totaled 
approximately $656.0 million, with an additional $1.2 billion in unfunded commitments, compared to $508.0 million in loans and 
$1.2 billion in unfunded commitments at December 31, 2014. 

Commercial Loans

Business

Total business loans amounted to $4.4 billion at December 31, 2015 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 $822.9 million at December 31, 2015, which was a $95.4 million, or 13.1%, increase over 
December 31, 2014 balances, and comprised 6.6% of the Company's total loan portfolio. The business loan portfolio also includes 
direct financing and sales type leases totaling $463.1 million, which are used by commercial customers to finance capital purchases 
ranging from computer equipment to office and transportation equipment. These leases increased $50.2 million, or 12.1%, over 
2014 and comprised 3.7% of the Company’s total loan portfolio.  The Company has outstanding energy-related loans totaling 
$136.5 million at December 31, 2015. Also included in this portfolio are corporate card loans, which totaled $223.9 million at 
December 31, 2015.  These loans, which increased by $11.7 million, or 5.5% in 2015, are made in conjunction with the Company’s 
corporate card business.  They are generally for corporate trade purchases and are 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 $388 thousand in 2015, while net loan 
charge-offs of $465 thousand were recorded in 2014.  Non-accrual business loans were $10.9 million (.2% of business loans) at 
December 31, 2015 compared to $11.6 million December 31, 2014.  

Real Estate-Construction and Land

The portfolio of loans in this category amounted to $624.1 million at December 31, 2015, which was an increase of $220.6 
million, or 54.7%, over the prior year and comprised 5.0% of the Company’s total loan portfolio.  These loans are mostly made 
to businesses in and around the Company's local markets. Commercial construction and land development loans totaled $419.5 
million, or 67.2% of total construction loans at December 31, 2015.  These commercial loans increased $206.1 million over 2014 
year end balances; driving the growth in the total construction portfolio. 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, 2015 totaled $204.6 million, or 32.8% of total 
construction loans. A stable market has contributed to improved loss trends, with net loan recoveries of $1.3 million and $1.5 
million recorded in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Construction and land loans on non-accrual status declined to $3.1 million at 
year end 2015 compared to $5.2 million at year end 2014.

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table of contents

Real Estate-Business

Total business real estate loans were $2.4 billion at December 31, 2015 and comprised 18.9% 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  lending  (41.8%  of  this  portfolio),  which  presents  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 35.  At 
December 31, 2015, non-accrual balances amounted to $7.9 million, or .3% of the loans in this category, down from $17.9 million 
at year end 2014.  The Company experienced net recoveries of $133 thousand in 2015 compared to net charge-offs of $427 thousand 
in 2014.  

Personal Banking Loans

Real Estate-Personal

At  December  31,  2015,  there  were  $1.9  billion  in  outstanding  personal  real  estate  loans,  which  comprised  15.4%  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, and at December 31, 2015, 32% of the portfolio was 
comprised of adjustable rate loans and 68% was comprised of fixed rate loans.  The Company  does not purchase any loans from 
outside parties or brokers, and has never maintained or promoted subprime or reduced-document products. The Company retains 
adjustable rate mortgage loans, and until recently has retained fixed rate loans as directed by its Asset/Liability Management 
Committee.  In 2015, an initiative to originate and sell certain long-term fixed rate loans was begun, under which $95.7 million 
were sold during 2015.  Levels of mortgage loan origination activity increased in 2015 compared to 2014, with originations of 
$401 million in 2015 compared with $344 million in 2014.  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 2015 amounted to 
$441 thousand, compared to $527 thousand in the previous year.  The non-accrual balances of loans in this category decreased to 
$4.4 million at December 31, 2015, compared to $6.2 million at year end 2014.  

Consumer

Consumer loans consist of automobile, motorcycle, marine, tractor/trailer, recreational vehicle (RV), fixed rate home equity, 
and other consumer loans.  These loans totaled $1.9 billion at year end 2015.  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 58% of the consumer portfolio consists of loans secured by passenger vehicles, 16% in fixed rate home equity 
loans, and 7% in marine and RV loans.  As mentioned above, total consumer loans increased by $219.2 million in 2015, mainly 
the result of growth in loans collateralized by passenger vehicles (mainly automobiles) of $154.2 million, or 16.1%.  Growth of 
$101.6 million in other consumer loans and $12.6 million in fixed rate home equity loans was offset by the run-off of $49.1 million 
in  marine  and  RV  loans.    Net  charge-offs  on  consumer  loans  were  $8.3  million  in  2015  compared  to  $8.8  million  in  2014, 
averaging .5% of consumer loans in both years.  Consumer loan net charge-offs included marine and RV loan net charge-offs of 
$2.2 million, which were 1.3% of average marine and RV loans in 2015, compared to 1.1% in 2014. 

Revolving Home Equity

Revolving home equity loans, of which 98% are adjustable rate loans, totaled $433.0 million at year end 2015.  An additional 
$668.6 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 $402 thousand in 2015, compared 
to $40 thousand in 2014.

Consumer Credit Card

Total consumer credit card loans amounted to $779.7 million at December 31, 2015 and comprised 6.3% 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 37% of the households that own a Commerce credit card 
product also maintain a deposit relationship with the subsidiary bank.  At December 31, 2015, approximately 88% of the outstanding 
credit card loan balances had a floating interest rate, compared to 85% in the prior year.  Net charge-offs amounted to $25.0 million 
in 2015, an increase of $317 thousand over $24.7 million in 2014.  The ratio of credit card loan net charge-offs to total average 
credit card loans was 3.4% in 2015 compared to 3.3% in 2014. 

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table of contents

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are comprised of certain long-term fixed rate personal real estate loans and loans extended to students while 
attending colleges and universities.  The personal real estate loans are carried at fair value and totaled $5.0 million at December 
31, 2015.  The student loans, carried at the lower of cost or fair value, totaled $2.6 million at December 31, 2015.  Both of these 
portfolios are further discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. 

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 and collateral. 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 for both personal banking and commercial 
loans use methods which consider historical and current loss trends, loss emergence periods, delinquencies, industry concentrations 
and unique risks.  Economic conditions throughout the Company's market place, as monitored by Company credit officers, are 
also considered in the allowance determination process.

The Company’s estimate of the allowance for loan losses and the corresponding provision for loan losses rest upon various 
judgments  and  assumptions  made  by  management.  In  addition  to  past  loan  loss  experience,  various  qualitative  factors  are 
considered, such as current loan portfolio composition and characteristics, trends in delinquencies, portfolio risk ratings, levels 
of non-performing assets, credit concentrations, collateral values, 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, 2015, the allowance for loan losses was $151.5 million compared to $156.5 million at December 31, 2014.  
Total loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing were $16.5 million at December 31, 2015, an increase of $2.8 million 
compared to year end 2014.   Non-accrual loans at December 31, 2015 were $26.6 million, a decrease of $14.2 million (mainly 
in business real estate non-accrual loans) from the prior year.  The 2015 year end balance was comprised of $10.9 million of 
business loans, $7.9 million of business real estate loans, $4.4 million of personal real estate loans, and $3.1 million of construction 
loans.   The percentage of allowance to loans decreased to 1.22% at December 31, 2015 compared to 1.36% at year end 2014 as 
a result of loan growth and a decline of $5.0 million in the allowance.  The percentage of allowance to non-accrual loans was 
570% at December 31, 2015, compared to 384% at December 31, 2014.  

Net loan charge-offs totaled $33.7 million in 2015, representing an $804 thousand decrease compared to net charge-offs of 
$34.5 million in 2014.  Declines in net charge-offs occurred in business, business real estate, and consumer loans.  Business loans 
experienced net recoveries of $388 thousand in 2015, compared to net charge-offs of $465 thousand in 2014.  Net recoveries of 
$133 thousand occurred in business real estate loans in 2015, compared to net charge-offs of $427 thousand in 2014.  Net charge-
offs on consumer loans decreased $527 thousand to $8.3 million in 2015, compared to net charge-offs of $8.8 million in 2014.  
Lower net charge-offs also occurred in personal real estate loans, which declined $86 thousand.  These decreases in net charge-
offs were partly offset by higher charge-offs in other loan categories.  Net recoveries on construction and land loans declined $267 
thousand to $1.3 million in 2015, compared to $1.5 million in 2014.  Net charge-offs on consumer credit card loans increased 
$317 thousand to $25.0 million in 2015, compared to $24.7 million in 2014, and consumer credit card net charge-offs grew to 
3.35% of average consumer credit card loans in 2015 compared to 3.28% in 2014.  Consumer credit card loan net charge-offs as 

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table of contents

a percentage of total net charge-offs increased to 74.2% in 2015 compared to 71.6% in 2014, as slightly higher consumer credit 
card charge-offs offset lower overall net charge-offs in other loan categories.   Revolving home equity loans also experienced 
higher net charge-offs, which increased by $362  thousand over the previous year.  

The ratio of net charge-offs to total average loans outstanding in 2015 was .28% compared to .31% in 2014 and .30% in 2013. 
The provision for loan losses in 2015 was $28.7 million, compared to provisions of $29.5 million in 2014 and $20.4 million in 
2013. 

The Company considers the allowance for loan losses of $151.5 million adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio 

at December 31, 2015.  

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

$

$

$

2015

12,436,692

11,869,276

156,532

28,727

$

$

$

Years Ended December 31

2014

2013

2012

11,469,238

11,260,233

$

$

10,956,836

10,311,654

$

$

9,831,384

9,379,316

$

$

161,532

$

172,532

$

184,532

$

29,531

20,353

27,287

2011

9,177,478

9,222,568

197,538

51,515

2,295

499

1,263

1,037

11,708

722

31,326

2,200

51,050

2,683

1,761

1,396

596

3,430

320

6,287

850

17,323

33,727

2,646

794

1,108

844

12,214

783

32,424

1,960

52,773

2,181

2,323

681

317

3,409

743

7,702

886

18,242

34,531

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

$

151,532

$

156,532

$

161,532

$

172,532

$

184,532

Ratio of allowance to loans at end of year

Ratio of provision to average loans outstanding

1.22%

.24%

1.36%

.26%

1.47%

.20%

1.75%

.29%

2.01%

.56%

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

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table of contents

Years Ended December 31

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

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

(.01)%

(.26)

(.01)

.02

.45

.09

3.35

24.93

.01%

(.37)

(.03)%

(1.24)

(.08)%

(.08)

.02

.03

.54

.01

3.28

21.97

.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

.28 %

.31%

.30 %

.42 %

.17%

1.66

.17

.19

1.09

.36

4.23

11.62

.70%

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)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

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

$

43,617

35.4% $

40,881

34.6% $

43,146

33.9% $

47,729

31.9% $

49,217

30.5%

RE — construction and

land

RE — business

RE — personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

Total

16,312

22,157

6,680

21,717

1,393

38,764

892

$ 151,532

5.0

18.9

15.4

15.5

3.5

6.3

13,584

35,157

7,343

16,822

2,472

39,541

3.5

20.0

16.4

14.9

3.7

6.8

18,617

32,426

4,490

15,440

3,152

43,360

3.7

21.1

16.3

13.8

3.8

7.3

20,555

37,441

3,937

15,165

4,861

41,926

3.6

22.5

16.1

13.1

4.5

8.2

28,280

45,000

3,701

15,369

2,220

39,703

4.2

23.8

15.6

12.1

5.1

8.6

—

732
100.0% $ 156,532

.1

901
100.0% $ 161,532

.1

918
100.0% $ 172,532

.1

1,042
100.0% $ 184,532

.1
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.   

33

 
 
 
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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
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest

December 31

2015
$ 26,575
2,819
$ 29,394

2014
40,775
5,476
46,251

2013
48,814
6,625
55,439

2012
51,410
13,453
64,863

$

$

$

$

$

$

2011
75,482
18,321
93,803

$

$

.24%
.12%

.40%
.19%

.51%
.24%

.66%
.29%

1.02%
.45%

$ 16,467

$

13,658

$

13,966

$

15,347

$

14,958

The table below shows the effect on interest income in 2015 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

$

$

2,335
239
2,096

Non-accrual loans, which are also classified as impaired, totaled $26.6 million at year end 2015, a decrease of $14.2 million 
from the balance at year end 2014.  The decline from December 31, 2014 occurred mainly in business real estate loans, which 
decreased $10.0 million largely due to the payoff of a single loan.  At December 31, 2015, non-accrual loans were comprised 
primarily of business (40.9%), business real estate (29.6%) and personal real estate (16.7%) loans.  Foreclosed real estate totaled 
$2.8 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $2.7 million when compared to December 31, 2014.  Total non-performing assets 
remain low compared to the overall banking industry in 2015, with the non-performing loans to total loans ratio at .21% at December 
31, 2015.  Total loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest were $16.5 million as of December 31, 2015, an increase 
of $2.8 million when compared to December 31, 2014.  Balances by class for non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days and 
still accruing interest are shown in the "Delinquent and non-accrual loans" section 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 $113.1 million at December 31, 2015 compared with $81.2 
million at December 31, 2014, resulting in an increase of $32.0 million, or 39.4%.  The change in potential problem loans was 
largely comprised of an increase of $34.9 million in business loans, mainly due to the downgrade of several large commercial and 
industrial loans.

(In thousands)

Potential problem loans:

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

Total potential problem loans

December 31

2015

2014

$

$

$

58,860
1,159
51,107
1,755
262
113,143 $

23,919
8,654
45,140
3,469
—
81,182

At December 31, 2015, the Company had $53.7 million of loans whose terms have been modified or restructured under a 
troubled debt restructuring.  These loans have been extended to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty and who have 
been granted a concession, as defined by accounting guidance, and are further discussed in the "Troubled debt restructurings" 
section in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.  This balance includes certain commercial loans totaling $21.9 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 
34

 
table of contents

estate loans are subject to higher risk because of the impact that low rates and the economy can have on real estate value, and 
because of the potential volatility of the real estate 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 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 5.0% of total loans outstanding at 

December 31, 2015.  

(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,
2015

% of Total

% of Total Loans

December 31,
2014

% of Total

% of Total Loans

$

72,622
131,943

54,176
365,329

11.6%
21.2

8.7
58.5

.6% $
1.1

.4
2.9

82,072
108,058

62,379
150,998

20.3%
26.8

15.5
37.4

$

624,070

100.0%

5.0% $

403,507

100.0%

.7%
1.0

.5
1.3

3.5%

Total business real estate loans were $2.4 billion at December 31, 2015 and comprised 18.9% 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 42% of these loans were for owner-
occupied real estate properties, which present lower risk profiles. 

(Dollars in thousands)
Owner-occupied

$

Retail

Office

Multi-family

Farm

Hotels

Industrial

Other

Total real estate - business
loans

Real Estate - Personal Loans

December 31,
2015

% of Total

% of Total Loans

December 31,
2014

% of Total

% of Total Loans

983,844

322,644

218,018

196,212

167,344

157,317

112,261

197,904

41.8%

13.7

9.3

8.3

7.1

6.7

4.7

8.4

7.9% $

1,017,099

2.6

1.8

1.6

1.3

1.2

.9

1.6

305,296

230,798

200,295

151,788

158,348

94,266

130,325

44.4%

13.3

10.1

8.8

6.6

6.9

4.2

5.7

8.9%

2.7

2.1

1.7

1.3

1.4

.8

1.1

$

2,355,544

100.0%

18.9% $

2,288,215

100.0%

20.0%

The Company’s $1.9 billion personal real estate loan portfolio is composed mainly of residential first mortgage real estate 
loans.  The majority of this portfolio is comprised of approximately $1.7 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, 4.5% 
of this portfolio has FICO scores of less than 660, and delinquency levels have been low.  Loans of approximately $15.5 million 
in this personal real estate portfolio were structured with interest only payments.  Interest only loans are typically made to high 
net-worth borrowers and generally have low LTV ratios at origination or have additional collateral pledged to secure the loan.  
Therefore, they are not perceived to represent above normal credit risk. Loans originated with interest only payments were not 
made to "qualify" the borrower for a lower payment amount.  A small portion of the total portfolio is comprised of personal real 
estate loans made to commercial customers which totaled $257.8 million at December 31, 2015.

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table of contents

The following table presents information about the retail-based personal real estate loan portfolio for 2015 and 2014.

(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

2015

2014

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

$

15,516

% of Loan
Portfolio

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

% of Loan
Portfolio

.9% $

17,159

1.0%

85,438
28,284
33,119
146,841
1,667,713

5.1
1.7
2.0
8.8

80,897
27,707
35,233
143,837
1,643,227

4.9
1.7
2.1
8.7

The Company also has revolving home equity loans that are generally collateralized by residential real estate. Most of these 
loans (93.5%) are written with terms requiring interest only monthly payments. These loans are offered in three main product 
lines: LTV up to 80%, 80% to 90%, and 90% to 100%.  As shown in the following tables, 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 772.  At maturity, the accounts are re-underwritten and if they qualify 
under the Company's credit, collateral and capacity policies, the borrower is given the option to renew the line of credit or 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 three years, approximately 34% of the Company's current outstanding balances are expected to mature.  
Of these balances, 82% 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,
2015
404,758

$

New Lines
Originated
*
During 2015
93.5% $193,606

*
44.7%

Unused Portion
of Available
Lines at
December 31,
2015
$654,919

Balances
Over 30
Days Past
Due
$4,143

*
151.3%

45,061
23,000
68,061

10.4
5.3
15.7

23,293
6,357
29,650

5.4
1.4
6.8

40,482
9,272
49,754

9.3
2.2
11.5

443
232
675

432,981

206,934

686,976

* Percentage of total principal outstanding of $433.0 million at December 31, 2015.

(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,
2014
405,298

$

New Lines
Originated
*
During 2014
94.1% $156,286

*
36.3%

Unused Portion
of Available
Lines at
December 31,
2014
$664,160

Balances
Over 30
Days Past
Due
$1,798

*
154.1%

40,301
22,799
63,100

9.4
5.2
14.6

18,257
14,353
32,610

4.2
3.4
7.6

38,592
9,246
47,838

9.0
2.1
11.1

238
81
319

430,873

166,397

688,541

* Percentage of total principal outstanding of $430.9 million at December 31, 2014.

Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans

*
1.0%

.1
.1
.2

*

.4%

.1
—
.1

In addition to the residential real estate mortgage and the revolving home equity products mentioned above, the Company 
offers  a  third  choice  to  those  consumers  desiring  a  fixed  rate  home  equity  loan  with  a  fixed  maturity  date  and  a  determined 
amortization schedule. 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.  

36

table of contents

Outstanding balances for these loans were $304.5 million and $291.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  At 
times, these loans are written with interest only monthly payments and a balloon payoff at maturity; however, less than 2% of this 
portfolio was comprised of interest only loans at both December 31, 2015 and 2014.  The delinquency history on this product has 
been low, as balances over 30 days past due totaled only $1.0 million, or .3% of the portfolio, at year end 2015 and $1.3 million, 
or .4% of the portfolio, at year end 2014.  

(Dollars in thousands)

2015

2014

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

*

New Loans
Originated

*

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

*

New Loans
Originated

*

Loans with interest only payments

$

1,905

.6% $3,474

1.1% $

3,400

1.2%

$2,015

.7%

Loans with LTV:

Between 80% and 90%

Over 90%

Over 80% LTV

65,643

21.6

17,402

5.7

83,045

27.3

23,133

6,175

29,308

7.6

2.0

9.6

Total loan portfolio from which above
loans were identified

304,456

20.9

6.6

27.5

23,397

6,129

29,526

8.0

2.1

10.1

60,924

19,472

80,396

291,891

* Percentage of total principal outstanding of $304.5 million and $291.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Management does not believe these loans collateralized by real estate (fixed rate home equity, personal real estate, and revolving 
home equity) represent any unusual concentrations of risk, as evidenced by net charge-offs in 2015 of $112 thousand, $441 thousand 
and $402 thousand, respectively.  The amount of any increased potential loss on high LTV agreements relates mainly to amounts 
advanced that are in excess of the 80% collateral calculation, not the entire approved line.  The Company currently offers no 
subprime first mortgage or home equity loans, which are characterized as new loans to customers with FICO scores below 660.  
The Company does not purchase brokered loans.

Other Consumer Loans

Within the consumer loan portfolio are several direct and indirect product lines comprised mainly of loans secured by passenger 
vehicles  (mainly  automobiles  and  motorcycles),  marine,  and  RVs.    During  2015,  $650.7  million  of  new  vehicle  loans  were 
originated, compared to $617.0 million during 2014.  Marine and RV loan production has been significantly curtailed since 2008 
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 1.1% in 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Balances over 30 days past due for marine and RV loans decreased 
$530 thousand at year end 2015 compared to 2014.  The table below provides the total outstanding principal and other data for 
this group of direct and indirect lending products at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(In thousands)

Passenger vehicles

Marine

RV

Total

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

2015

New Loans
Originated

Balances
Over 30 Days
Past Due

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

2014

New Loans
Originated

Balances
Over 30 Days
Past Due

$

$

1,112,434 $

650,738 $

12,475

$

958,270 $

616,994 $

36,895

106,180

2,173

1,678

1,248

3,883

49,722

142,492

810

1,445

8,801

2,049

3,612

1,255,509 $

654,589 $

17,606

$

1,150,484 $

619,249 $

14,462

Additionally,  the  Company  offers  low  promotional  rates  on  selected  consumer  credit  card  products.  Out  of  a  portfolio  at 
December 31, 2015 of $779.7 million in consumer credit card loans outstanding, approximately $180.3 million, or 23.1%, carried 
a low promotional rate. Within the next six months, $50.3 million of these loans are scheduled to convert to the ongoing higher 
contractual rate.  To mitigate some of the risk involved with this credit card product, the Company performs credit checks and 
detailed analysis of the customer borrowing profile before approving the loan application.  Management believes that the risks in 
the consumer loan portfolio are reasonable and the anticipated loss ratios are within acceptable parameters.

Energy Lending

The company's energy lending portfolio totaled $136.5 million at December 31, 2015. The portfolio was comprised of lending 
to the petroleum and natural gas sectors and included $65.6 million in loans related to extraction, $28.7 million of loans in the 
mid-stream shipping and storage sector, $27.2 million of loans in the downstream distribution and refining sector, and $14.9 million 
of loans for support activities. 

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table of contents

Investment Securities Analysis

Investment securities are comprised of securities which are classified as available for sale, non-marketable, or trading. During 
2015, total investment securities increased $307.6 million, or 3.2%, to $9.8 billion (excluding unrealized gains/losses) compared 
to $9.5 billion at the previous year end.  During 2015, securities of $3.5 billion were purchased in the available for sale and non-
marketable portfolios, which included $1.2 billion in asset-backed securities, $560.9 million in agency mortgage-backed securities 
and $585.6 million in non-agency mortgage-backed securities.  Total sales, maturities and pay downs in these portfolios were $3.2 
billion during 2015.  During 2016, maturities and pay downs of approximately $1.6 billion are expected to occur.  The average 
tax equivalent yield earned on total investment securities was 2.24% in 2015 and 2.30% in 2014.

At December 31, 2015, the fair value of available for sale securities was $9.8 billion, including a net unrealized gain in fair 
value of $85.6 million, compared to a net unrealized gain of $137.3 million at December 31, 2014. The overall unrealized gain in 
fair value at December 31, 2015 included gains of $39.3 million in agency mortgage-backed securities, $35.3 million in state and 
municipal obligations, and $35.3 million in equity securities held by the Parent, partially offset by a loss of $15.8 million in asset-
backed securities.  

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

2015

2014

$

729,846 $

794,912

1,706,635

2,579,031

879,186

2,660,201

335,925

5,678

497,336

968,574

1,789,215

2,523,377

372,911

3,090,174

140,784

3,931

$

$

9,691,414 $

9,386,302

727,076 $

793,023

1,741,957

2,618,281

879,963

2,644,381

331,320

41,003

501,407

963,127

1,813,201

2,593,708

382,744

3,091,993

139,161

38,219

Total available for sale investment securities

$

9,777,004 $

9,523,560

The available for sale portfolio includes 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 $880.0 million, at fair value, at December 31, 2015, and included Alt-A type mortgage-backed securities of $44.0 million 
and prime/jumbo loan type securities of $237.5 million. Certain 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, 2015, U.S. government obligations included $416.8 million in TIPS, and state and municipal obligations 
included $17.2 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 $38.3 million 
at December 31, 2015.

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table of contents

The types of debt securities held in the available for sale security portfolio at year end 2015 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, 2015

Percent of
Total Debt
Securities

Weighted
Average
Yield

Estimated
Average
Maturity*

7.5%

1.29%

4.6 years

8.1

17.9

26.9

9.0

27.2

3.4

1.79

2.46

2.62

2.54

1.33

2.54

4.1

5.5

3.5

3.5

2.4

5.9

Non-marketable securities totaled $112.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $106.9 million at December 31, 2014.  These 
include Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank (Des Moines) stock held by the bank subsidiary in accordance 
with debt and regulatory requirements. These are restricted securities and are carried at cost.  Also included are private equity 
investments, most of which are held by a subsidiary qualified as a Small Business Investment Company.  These investments are 
carried at estimated fair value, but 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. 

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

(In thousands)

Federal Reserve Bank stock
Federal Home Loan Bank stock

Private equity investments in debt securities

Private equity investments in equity securities

Other equity securities

$

December 31

2015

2014

32,634 $
14,191

30,262

35,354

345

32,383
14,203

32,793

27,371

125

Total non-marketable investment securities

$

112,786 $

106,875

In addition to its holdings in the investment securities portfolio, the Company invests in long-term securities purchased under 
agreements to resell, which totaled $875.0 million at December 31, 2015 and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2014.  These investments 
mature in 2016 through 2018 and may have fixed rates, variable rates, or 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 
$906.3 million in marketable investment securities at December 31, 2015.  The average rate earned on these agreements during 
2015 was 1.11%.

The Company also holds offsetting repurchase and resale agreements totaling $550.0 million and $450.0 million at December 
31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are further discussed in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements.  These agreements 
involve  the  exchange  of  collateral  under  simultaneous  repurchase  and  resale  agreements  with  the  same  financial  institution 
counterparty. These repurchase and resale agreements have been offset against each other in the balance sheet, as permitted under 
current accounting guidance. The agreements mature in 2016 through 2019 and earned an average of 52 basis points during 2015.

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table of contents

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 $20.0 billion at December 31, 2015, compared to $19.5 billion last year, 
reflecting an increase of $503.1 million, or 2.6%.  Most of this growth occurred in the fourth quarter of 2015. 

Average deposits grew by $529.9 million, or 2.8%, in 2015 compared to 2014 with most of this growth occurring in business 
demand deposits, which increased $387.7 million, or 8.0%, and in money market deposits, which grew $280.1 million, or 3.1%.  
Total certificates of deposit fell on average by $251.2 million, or 10.9%, but personal demand deposits and savings grew $68.2 
million, or 5.4%, and $58.7 million, or 8.7%, respectively. 

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

2015

2014

35.8%
54.2
3.9
6.1
100.0%

35.0%
54.1
4.5
6.4
100.0%

Core deposits, which include non-interest bearing, interest checking, savings, and money market deposits, supported 76% of 
average earning assets in both 2015 and 2014.  Average balances by major deposit category for the last six years appear on page 
54.  A maturity schedule of time deposits outstanding at December 31, 2015 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.  Total balances of federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2015 
were $2.0 billion, a $101.0 million increase over the $1.9 billion balance outstanding at year end 2014.  On an average basis, these 
borrowings increased $397.2 million, or 31.6%, during 2015, with an increase of $53.1 million in federal funds purchased coupled 
with an increase of $344.1 million in repurchase agreements.  The average rate paid on total federal funds purchased and repurchase 
agreements was .11% during 2015 and .08% during 2014.

The Company’s long-term debt is currently comprised of fixed rate advances from the FHLB.  These borrowings decreased 
to $103.8 million at December 31, 2015, from $104.1 million outstanding at December 31, 2014.  The average rate paid on FHLB 
advances was 3.50% and 3.51% during 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Most of the remaining balance outstanding at December 31, 
2015 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 2015, the Company continued to see more growth in average loans (up 5.4%) than in deposits (up 2.8%).  As a result, 

the Company’s average loans to deposits ratio, one measure of liquidity, increased to 61.4% in 2015 from 59.9% in 2014.  

40

 
 
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. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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

2015

2014

$

9,777,004 $

9,523,560

14,505

875,000

23,803
10,690,312 $

$

32,485

1,050,000

600,744
11,206,789

Federal funds sold are funds lent to the Company’s correspondent bank customers with overnight maturities, and totaled $14.5 
million at December 31, 2015.  At December 31, 2015, the Company had lent funds totaling $875.0 million under long-term resale 
agreements to other large financial institutions.  The agreements mature in years 2016 through 2018.  Under these agreements, 
the Company holds marketable securities, safekept by a third-party custodian, as collateral.  This collateral totaled $906.3 million 
in fair value at December 31, 2015.  Interest earning balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, which have overnight maturities and 
are used for general liquidity purposes, totaled $23.8 million at December 31, 2015.  The Company’s available for sale investment 
portfolio includes scheduled maturities and expected pay downs of approximately $1.6 billion during 2016, 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, 2015 and 2014, total 
investment securities pledged for these purposes were as follows:

(In thousands)

2015

2014

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

$

166,153 $

31,095

2,116,537

1,827,195

4,140,980

3,886,219

1,749,805

362,920

40,978

2,389,093

1,861,001

4,653,992

3,107,968

1,761,600

Total available for sale securities, at fair value

$

9,777,004 $

9,523,560

Liquidity is also available from the Company’s large base of core customer deposits, defined as non-interest bearing, interest 
checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts.  At December 31, 2015, such deposits totaled $18.0 billion and represented 
90.0% 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 $627.6 million at year end 2015 over 2014, with growth of $506.5 million in consumer and $302.0 million in corporate 
core deposits, partially offset by a decline of $103.4 million in private banking.  Much of overall deposit growth tends to occur in 
the fourth quarter, reflecting seasonal patterns.  While the Company considers core consumer and private banking 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 investment security maturities and pay downs of $1.6 billion as noted above.  In addition, as shown on page 42, the Company 
has borrowing capacity of $3.2 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

2015

2014

$

7,146,398 $

6,811,959

1,267,757

9,566,989

1,352,759

9,188,842

$

17,981,144 $

17,353,560

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table of contents

Time open and certificates of deposit of $100,000 or greater totaled $1.2 billion at December 31, 2015. These deposits are 

normally considered more volatile and higher costing, and comprised 6.1% of total deposits at December 31, 2015.

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

2015

2014

$

$

556,970 $

1,406,582
103,818

3,840
1,858,678
104,058

2,067,370 $

1,966,576

Federal funds purchased, which totaled $557.0 million at December 31, 2015, are unsecured overnight borrowings obtained 
mainly  from  upstream  correspondent  banks  with  which  the  Company  maintains  approved  lines  of  credit.    Retail  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.  Repurchase agreements are collateralized by securities in the Company’s 
investment portfolio.  Total repurchase agreements at December 31, 2015 were comprised of non-insured customer funds totaling 
$1.4 billion and securities pledged for these retail agreements totaled  $1.6 billion.  The Company's former longer term structured 
repurchase agreements, borrowed from an upstream financial institution, were repaid in 2014.  The Company also borrows on a 
secured basis through advances from the FHLB, and those borrowings totaled $103.8 million at December 31, 2015.  All of the 
FHLB 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.  Additionally, 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, 2015.

(In thousands)

Total collateral value pledged

Advances outstanding

Letters of credit issued

Available for future advances

December 31, 2015

FHLB

Federal Reserve

Total

2,398,242 $

1,241,990 $

3,640,232

(103,818)

(291,540)

—

—

(103,818)

(291,540)

2,002,884 $

1,241,990 $

3,244,874

$

$

The Company’s average loans to deposits ratio was 61.4% at December 31, 2015, 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

Preferred stock

Commerce Bank

Issuer rating

Rating outlook

42

Standard &
Poor’s

Moody’s

A-

Stable

BBB-

A

Stable

P-1

Stable

Baa1

A2

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.  The Company issued $150.0 million in liquidation value of preferred 
stock in June 2014, which funded, in part, a $200.0 million accelerated repurchase of its common stock in 2014.  Additionally, 
the Company completed a $100.0 million accelerated share repurchase program during 2015.  These transactions are further 
discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

The cash flows from the operating, investing and financing activities of the Company resulted in a net decrease in cash and 
cash equivalents of $598.0 million in 2015, as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows on page 62 of this report. 
Operating activities, consisting mainly of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, provided cash flow of $289.1 million 
and has historically been a stable source of funds. Investing activities used total cash of $1.2 billion in 2015 and consisted mainly 
of purchases, sales, 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 $1.0 
billion, activity in the investment securities portfolio used cash of $338.4 million, and net repayments of long-term resale agreements 
provided cash of $175.0 million. 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 $308.3 million, primarily resulting from a $420.6 million increase in deposits and 
a net increase of $101.0 million in borrowings of federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements.  These increases to cash 
were partly offset by cash dividend payments of $85.0 million and $9.0 million on common and preferred stock, respectively.   
The Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement as mentioned above, resulting in a net outflow of $100.0 
million.  Direct treasury stock purchases during 2015 totaled $23.2 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 and preferred stock were as follows:

(In millions)

Exercise of stock-based awards

Purchases of treasury stock

Accelerated share repurchase agreements

Common cash dividends paid

Issuance of preferred stock

Preferred cash dividends paid

Cash used

2015

2014

2013

$

1.9 $

8.7 $

(23.2)

(100.0)

(85.0)

—

(9.0)

(71.0)

(200.0)

(84.2)

144.8

(4.1)

9.4

(69.4)

—

(82.1)

—

—

$

(215.3) $

(205.8) $

(142.1)

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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

160.0 $
25.7

185.7 $

234.0 $
25.8

259.8 $

200.4
20.7

221.1

These sources of funds are used mainly to pay cash dividends on outstanding stock, pay general operating expenses, and 
purchase treasury stock.  At December 31, 2015, the Parent’s available for sale investment securities totaled $52.1 million at fair 
value, consisting of common and preferred 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 2015 or 2014.  

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table of contents

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.

Capital Management

The new Basel III rules, effective January 1, 2015, changed the components of regulatory capital and changed the way in which 
risk ratings are assigned to various categories of bank assets.  Also, a new Tier I common risk-based ratio was defined.  The new 
rules resulted in only minor changes to the Company's Tier I and Total risk-based capital, and increased risk-weighted assets due 
to higher risk weightings for short-term loan commitments, certain asset-backed securities, and construction loans.  Under the 
Basel III requirements, at December 31, 2015, the Company met all capital adequacy requirements and had regulatory capital 
ratios in excess of the levels established for well-capitalized institutions, as shown in the following table.

(Dollars in thousands)

Risk-adjusted assets

Tier I common risk-based capital

Tier I risk-based capital

Total risk-based capital

2015

$ 17,809,554

2,051,474

2,196,258

2,364,761

Minimum Ratios
under Capital
Adequacy
Guidelines*

Minimum Ratios
for Well-
Capitalized
Banks**

Tier I common risk-based capital ratio

11.52%

7.00%

6.50%

Tier I risk-based capital ratio

Total risk-based capital ratio

Tier I leverage ratio

Tangible common equity to tangible assets

Dividend payout ratio

8.50

10.50

4.00

8.00

10.00

5.00

12.33

13.28

9.23

8.48

33.35

* as of the fully phased-in date of Jan. 1, 2019, including capital conservation buffer  
**under Prompt Corrective Action requirements

At December 31, 2015, the Company’s risk-weighted assets under Basel III increased to $17.8 billion compared to $15.5 billion 
and $14.7 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as calculated under the Basel I capital rules.  Tier I risk-based 
capital was $2.2 billion and Total risk-based capital was $2.4 billion at December 31, 2015 under Basel III rules, and were relatively 
unchanged from the Basel I amounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013.  Tier I and Total risk-based capital ratios at December 31, 
2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

Tier I risk-based capital ratio

Total risk-based capital ratio

2015

2014

2013

12.33%

13.28%

13.74%

14.86%

14.06%

15.28%

The  Company  maintains  a  treasury  stock  buyback  program  under  authorizations  by  its  Board  of  Directors  and  normally 
purchases stock in the open market.  During 2014, the Company purchased 4.7 million shares, including 3.1 million shares purchased 
under an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement.  During 2015, the Company purchased 4.2 million shares, including 3.6 
million purchased under ASRs.  At December 31, 2015, 4.7 million 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.  Per share cash dividends paid by the Company increased 5% in 2015 compared 
with 2014. The Company also distributed its 22nd consecutive annual 5% stock dividend in December 2015. 

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 $10.0 billion (including approximately $4.7 
billion in unused approved credit card lines) and the contractual amount of standby letters of credit totaling $311.8 million at 
December 31, 2015.  As many commitments expire unused or only partially used, these totals do not necessarily reflect future 

44

 
 
table of contents

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.

A table summarizing contractual cash obligations of the Company at December 31, 2015 and the expected timing of these 

payments follows:

(In thousands)
Long-term debt obligations*
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

$

$

3,818 $
5,633
66,706
1,547,305
1,623,462 $

100,000 $
8,874
126,484
338,477
573,835 $

— $

4,605
41,357
107,592
153,554 $

— $

13,023
5,236
4,335
22,594

$

103,818
32,135
239,783
1,997,709
2,373,445

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. No contributions were made to the plan during the last three years, and the Company is not required nor does it expect to 
make a contribution in 2016.

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, 2015, the investments totaled 
$24.0 million and are recorded as other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  Unfunded commitments, which are 
recorded as liabilities, amounted to $18.5 million at December 31, 2015.

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 2015, purchases and sales of tax credits amounted to 
$39.3 million and $21.7 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments 
totaling $67.4 million that it expects to fund in 2016.

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 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.

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table of contents

Additionally, the Company 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.

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

The simulations reflect two different assumptions related to deposit attrition. The Company utilizes these simulations both for 
monitoring interest rate risk and for liquidity planning purposes. While the future effects of rising rates on deposit balances cannot 
be known, the Company maintains a practice of running multiple rate scenarios to better understand interest rate risk and their 
effect on the Company’s performance.  The Company believes that its approach to interest rate risk has appropriately considered 
its susceptibility to both rising rates and falling rates and has adopted strategies which minimize impacts to overall interest rate 
risk.

Simulation A

December 31, 2015

September 30, 2015

 (Dollars in millions)

$ Change in
Net Interest
Income

% Change in
Net Interest
Income

Assumed
Deposit
Attrition

$ Change in
Net Interest
Income

% Change in
Net Interest
Income

Assumed
Deposit
Attrition

300 basis points rising

$

200 basis points rising

100 basis points rising

9.1

10.3

8.4

1.36% $

(375.1)

$

1.54

1.26

(264.8)

(142.7)

8.3

9.1

7.5

1.29% $

(378.9)

1.41

1.17

(269.4)

(148.9)

Simulation B

December 31, 2015

September 30, 2015

 (Dollars in millions)

$ Change in
Net Interest
Income

% Change in
Net Interest
Income

Assumed
Deposit
Attrition

$ Change in
Net Interest
Income

% Change in
Net Interest
Income

Assumed
Deposit
Attrition

300 basis points rising

$

(15.6)

(2.33)% $

(1,543.0)

$

200 basis points rising

100 basis points rising

(7.7)

(2.7)

(1.15)

(.41)

(1,438.4)

(1,323.7)

(9.8)

(3.5)

2.0

(1.53)% $

(1,295.5)

(.54)

.32

(1,190.9)

(825.6)

The difference in these two simulations is the degree to which deposits are modeled to decline as noted in the above table.  
Both simulations assume that a decline in deposits would be offset by increased short-term borrowings, which are more rate 
sensitive and can result in higher interest costs in a rising rate environment.  Under Simulation A, a gradual increase in interest 
rates of 100 basis points is expected to increase net interest income from the base calculation by $8.4 million, while a gradual 
increase in rates of 200 basis points would increase net interest income by $10.3 million.  An increase in rates of 300 basis points 
would result an increase in net interest income of $9.1 million, slightly lower than the 200 basis points scenario because deposit 
attrition is assumed to be higher.  The change in net interest income from the base calculation at December 31, 2015 was higher 
than projections made at September 30, 2015 largely due to an increase in deposits and a decrease in federal funds purchased 
during the fourth quarter of 2015.  Additionally, the Company's forecast at December 31, 2015 includes higher interest income 
earned on loans and investments, due to a Federal Reserve rate increase during the fourth quarter of 2015.

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Under Simulation B, the same assumptions utilized in Simulation A were applied.  However, in Simulation B, deposit attrition 
was accelerated to consider the effects that large deposit outflows might have on net interest income and liquidity planning purposes.  
The effect of higher deposit attrition was that greater reliance was placed on short-term borrowings at higher rates, which are more 
rate sensitive.  As shown in the table, under these assumptions, net interest income in Simulation B was significantly lower than 
in Simulation A, reflecting higher costs for short-term borrowings.

Projecting deposit activity in a historically low interest rate environment is difficult, and the Company cannot predict how 
deposits will react to rising rates.  The comparison provided above provides insight into potential effects of changes in rates and 
deposit levels on net interest income.

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 may be used on a limited basis as part of this strategy.  The Company also sells interest rate 
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.  These paired swap 
contracts comprised the Company's swap portfolio at December 31, 2015 with a total notional amount of $1.0 billion.

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.  

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, 2015 mature within 
six months.

The  Company  began  selling  new  originations  of  certain  long-term  residential  mortgage  loans  in  early  2015.    Derivative 
instruments arising from this activity include mortgage loan commitments and forward loan sale contracts.  Changes in the fair 
values of the loan commitments and funded loans prior to sale that are due to changes in interest rates are economically hedged 
with forward contracts to sell residential mortgage-backed securities in the to-be-announced (TBA) market.  These TBA forward 
contracts, which are settled in cash at the delivery date, are also derivatives.

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, 2015 and 2014. 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. 

(In thousands)

Notional
Amount

Positive Fair
Value

Negative Fair
Value

 Notional
Amount

Positive Fair
Value

Negative Fair
Value

Interest rate swaps

$ 1,020,310

$

11,993

$

(11,993)

$

647,709

$

10,144

$

(10,166)

2015

2014

Interest rate caps
Credit risk participation
agreements
Foreign exchange contracts

Mortgage loan commitments
Mortgage loan forward sale
contracts
Forward TBA contracts
Total at December 31

66,118

62,456

15,535

8,605

642

73

1

437

263

—

(73)

(195)

(430)

—

—

53,587

75,943

19,791

—

—

62

3

248

—

—

(62)

(226)

(494)

—

—

11,000
$ 1,184,666

$

4
12,771

$

47

(38)
(12,729)

—
797,030

$

$

—
10,457

$

—
(10,948)

table of contents

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.  

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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, 2015:

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, 2014:

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Non-interest income

Investment securities gains, net

$

266,328

$

296,466

$

42,653

$

605,447

$

28,873

$

634,320

(34,864)

119,558

—

1,032

194,131

—

75

136,374

—

(33,757)

450,063

—

(273,323)

(267,521)

(108,755)

(649,599)

$

$

77,699

264,974

(34,913)

113,869

—

$

$

224,108

287,244

559

190,538

—

$

$

$

$

70,347

40,128

372

128,238

—

$

$

372,154

592,346

(33,982)

432,645

—

5,030

(2,508)

6,320

(26,304)

11,411

27,858

4,451

3,333

14,124

(39,879)

$

$

(28,727)

447,555

6,320

(675,903)

383,565

620,204

(29,531)

435,978

14,124

(656,342)

Non-interest expense

(263,521)

(254,121)

(98,821)

(616,463)

Income before income taxes

$

80,409

$

224,220

$

69,917

$

374,546

$

9,887

$

384,433

2015 vs 2014
Increase (decrease) in income before
income taxes:
Amount

$

(2,710)

$

(112)

$

430

$

(2,392)

$

1,524

$

(868)

Percent

(3.4)%

— %

.6%

(.6)%

15.4 %

(.2)%

Year ended December 31, 2013:

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Non-interest income

Investment securities losses, net

$

262,579

$

280,121

$

40,185

$

582,885

$

36,487

$

619,372

(33,943)

108,180

—

3,772

186,433

—

(688)

117,322

—

(30,859)

411,935

—

10,506

6,451

(4,425)

(36,420)

(20,353)

418,386

(4,425)

(628,668)

Non-interest expense

(260,336)

(235,382)

(96,530)

(592,248)

Income before income taxes

$

76,480

$

234,944

$

60,289

$

371,713

$

12,599

$

384,312

2014 vs 2013
Increase (decrease) in income before
income taxes:
Amount

Percent

Consumer

$

3,929

$

(10,724)

$

9,628

$

2,833

$

(2,712)

$

121

5.1 %

(4.6 )%

16.0 %

.8 %

(21.5)%

— %

The Consumer segment includes consumer deposits, consumer finance, and consumer debit and credit cards.  During 2015, 
income before income taxes for the Consumer segment decreased $2.7 million, or 3.4%, compared to 2014.  This decrease was 
mainly due to an increase in non-interest expense of $9.8 million, or 3.7%.  The higher expense was partly offset by increases of 
$5.7 million, or 5.0%, in non-interest income and $1.4 million in net interest income.  Net interest income increased due to a $1.2 
million decline in deposit interest expense.  Non-interest income increased mainly due to growth in mortgage banking revenue, 
debit card fees and deposit account service charges.  Non-interest expense increased over the prior year due to higher bank card 
fraud losses, bank card processing expense, and allocated servicing and support costs.  These increases were partly offset by 
declines in occupancy expense and bank card rewards expense.  The provision for loan losses totaled $34.9 million, a slight 
decrease from the prior year, mainly due to lower charge-offs on fixed rate home equity and marine and RV loans, partly offset 
by higher charge-offs in other consumer and consumer credit card loans.  Total average loans in this segment increased $123.7 
million, or 5.2%, in 2015 compared to the prior year due to continued growth in auto loans, partly offset by a decline in marine 
and RV loans.  Average deposits continued to grow and increased $132.0 million, or 1.4%, over the prior year; however, much of 
the growth occurred in personal demand and money market accounts, with lower balances in certificates of deposit.

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table of contents

Pre-tax profitability for 2014 was $80.4 million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 5.1%, over 2013.  This increase was mainly 
due to growth of $2.4 million in net interest income and an increase in non-interest income of $5.7 million.  Net interest income 
increased due to a $2.9 million decrease in deposit interest expense and a $1.3 million increase in loan interest income, partly 
offset by a $1.8 million decline in net allocated funding credits assigned to the Consumer segment's loan and deposit portfolios.  
Non-interest income increased due to growth in mortgage banking revenue and bank card fees (mainly debit and credit card).  
These increases to income were partly offset by growth of $3.2 million in non-interest expense and $970 thousand in the provision 
for loan losses.   Non-interest expense increased over the prior year due to higher bank card rewards expense and higher allocated 
servicing and support costs.  The provision for loan losses totaled $34.9 million, a $970 thousand increase over the prior year, 
which was mainly due to higher net charge-offs on fixed rate home equity and other consumer loans, partly offset by lower marine 
and RV loan net charge-offs.  Total average loans in this segment increased $137.9 million, or 6.2%, in 2014 compared to the prior 
year due to growth in auto lending, partly offset by declines in marine and RV and other consumer loans.  Average deposits increased 
$219.6 million, or 2.4%, over the prior year, resulting from growth in interest checking and money market deposit accounts, partly 
offset by a decline in certificates of deposit less than $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 2015 decreased slightly compared to the prior year, 
mainly due to an increase in non-interest expense, partly offset by growth in net interest income and non-interest income.  Net 
interest income increased $9.2 million, or 3.2%, due to an increase in loan interest income of $6.6 million and higher net allocated 
funding credits of $4.1 million, partly offset by higher borrowings expense of $966 thousand.  Non-interest income increased $3.6 
million, or 1.9%, over 2014 due to growth in swap fees, corporate bank card fees and corporate cash management fees, partly 
offset by lower capital market fees.  Non-interest expense increased $13.4 million, or 5.3%, mainly due to increases in salaries 
and benefits expense and allocated servicing and support costs.  These increases were partly offset by a recovery related to a letter 
of credit exposure.  The provision for loan losses decreased $473 thousand from the prior year, due to higher net recoveries on 
business and business real estate loans of $854 thousand and $560 thousand, respectively.  These recoveries were partly offset by 
higher personal real estate loan net charge-offs of $490 thousand.  Average segment loans increased $341.9 million, or 5.0%, 
compared to 2014, with most of the growth in commercial and industrial, construction and tax-advantaged loans.  Average deposits 
increased $260.0 million, or 3.6%, due to growth in business demand deposit accounts, partly offset by a decline in certificates 
of deposit greater than $100,000.

In 2014, pre-tax income for the Commercial segment decreased $10.7 million, or 4.6%, compared  2013, mainly due to increases 
in non-interest expense and the provision for loan losses, partly offset by higher net interest income and non-interest income.  Net 
interest income increased $7.1 million, or 2.5%, due to growth of $5.3 million in loan interest income.  The provision for loan 
losses increased $3.2 million over last year, as construction and business loan net recoveries were lower by $3.2 million and $1.3 
million, respectively.  Non-interest income increased $4.1 million, or 2.2%, over the previous year due to growth in corporate card 
fees and operating lease income, partly offset by lower capital market fees and tax credit sales income.  Non-interest expense 
increased $18.7 million, or 8.0%, during 2014, mainly due to higher full-time salary costs, foreclosed property expense and lease 
depreciation expense, in addition to bank card processor reimbursements received in the previous year.  Allocated costs for service 
and support functions also rose.  These increases were partly offset by letter of credit provisions recorded in 2013 that did not 
recur in 2014.  Average segment loans increased $658.6 million, or 10.8%, compared to 2013, with most of the growth in commercial 
and industrial loans, lease loans, and tax-advantaged loans.  Average deposits increased $479.6 million, or 7.0.%, due to growth 
in business demand and money market deposit accounts.

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, 2015, the Trust group managed investments with a 
market value of $22.6 billion and administered an additional $15.8 billion in non-managed assets. It also provides investment 
management services to The Commerce Funds, a series of mutual funds with $2.1 billion in total assets at December 31, 2015.  
Wealth segment pre-tax profitability for 2015 was $70.3 million, a slight increase compared to $69.9 million in 2014.  Net interest 
income increased $2.5 million, or 6.3%, mainly due to an increase of $2.4 million in loan interest income.  Non-interest income 
increased $8.1 million, or 6.3%, over 2014 due to higher personal and institutional trust fees, in addition to higher advisory and 
annuity brokerage fees.  Non-interest expense increased $9.9 million, or 10.1%, mainly due to higher full-time salary costs and 
incentive compensation, higher allocated support costs, and loss recoveries recorded in 2014 related to past litigation.  The provision 
for loan losses increased by $297 thousand, mainly due to lower recoveries on revolving home equity loans.  Average assets 
increased $106.7 million, or 11.5%, during 2015 mainly due to higher loan balances (mainly Private Banking consumer loans and 

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table of contents

personal real estate loans) originated in this segment.  Average deposits increased $144.8 million, or 7.6%, due to growth in money 
market and business demand deposit accounts.    

 In 2014, pre-tax income for the wealth segment was $69.9 million, compared to $60.3 million in 2013, an increase of $9.6 
million, or 16.0%.  Net interest income decreased slightly, due to a $1.6 million decline in net allocated funding credits, partly 
offset by an $885 thousand increase in loan interest income and a decline of $622 thousand in deposit interest expense.  Non-
interest income increased $10.9 million, or 9.3%, over the prior year due to growth in personal and institutional trust fees and 
brokerage advisory fees.  Non-interest expense increased $2.3 million, or 2.4%, resulting from higher full-time salary costs and 
incentive compensation, partly offset by recoveries of past litigation.  The provision for loan losses decreased $1.1 million, mainly 
due to lower losses on revolving home equity loans.  Average assets increased $75.7 million, or 8.9%, during 2014 mainly due to 
higher personal real estate and consumer loans.  Average deposits also increased $25.6 million, or 1.4%, due to growth in interest 
checking and business demand deposit accounts, partly offset by a decline in money market deposit 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 2015, the pre-tax 
income in this category was $11.4 million, compared to $9.9 million in 2014.  This increase was due to lower unallocated non-
interest expense of $13.6 million, which was partly offset by lower securities gains of $7.8 million and lower non-interest income 
of $5.8 million. 

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-01, 
"Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects", in January 2014.  These amendments allow investors in 
low income housing tax credit entities to account for the investments using a proportional amortization method, provided that 
certain conditions are met, and recognize amortization of the investment as a component of income tax expense.  In addition, 
disclosures are required that will enable users to understand the nature of the investments, and the effect of the measurement of 
the investments and the related tax credits on the investor's financial statements.  This ASU is effective for interim and annual 
periods beginning January 1, 2015 and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented.  The Company adopted the 
practical  expedient  to  the  proportional  amortization  method  on  January  1,  2015.    The  effect  of  the  adoption,  including  the 
retrospective application to prior periods, was not significant to the 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 and thus when a loan is transferred to foreclosed property.  The 
amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2015.  The adoption did not have a significant effect 
on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

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

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

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table of contents

Revenue from Contracts with Customers The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", in May 
2014.  The ASU supersedes revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific 
revenue recognition guidance in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The core principle of the new guidance is that an 
entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the 
consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The guidance identifies specific 
steps that entities should apply in order to achieve this principle. Under the ASU, the amendments are effective for interim and 
annual periods beginning January 1, 2018 and must be applied retrospectively.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the 
impact of the ASU's adoption on the Company's consolidated financial statements, including potential changes to the Company's 
accounting for brokerage commissions, investment and trust fees, real-estate sales, and credit card loyalty programs.

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

Derivatives  The FASB issued ASU 2014-16, "Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued 
in the Form of a Share is More Akin to Debt or to Equity", in November 2014.  The ASU provides guidance relating to certain 
hybrid financial instruments when determining whether the characteristics of the embedded derivative feature are clearly and 
closely  related  to  the  host  contract.    In  making  that  evaluation,  the  characteristics  of  the  entire  hybrid  instrument  should  be 
considered, including the embedded derivative feature that is being evaluated for separate accounting from the host contract. The 
amendments are  effective  January  1,  2016  and  the  adoption  did  not  have  a  significant effect  on  the  Company's  consolidated 
financial statements.

Consolidation  The  FASB  issued ASU  2015-02,  "Amendments  to  the  Consolidation Analysis",  in  February  2015.    The 
amendments require an evaluation of whether certain legal entities should be consolidated and modify the evaluation of whether 
limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities.  The amendments are effective 
for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2016.  The adoption did not have a significant effect on the Company's 
consolidated financial statements.

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

Financial Instruments  The FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial 
Liabilities", in January 2016.  The amendments require all equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair 
value recognized through net income, other than those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result 
in the consolidation of the investee.  Additionally, these amendments require presentation in other comprehensive income the 
portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk for those 
liabilities measured at fair value.  The amendments also require use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of 
financial instruments for disclosure purposes.  These amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 
1, 2018.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the ASU's adoption on the Company's consolidated financial 
statements, including potential changes to the Company's note disclosure of the fair value of its loan portfolio.

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.

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SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Year ended December 31, 2015

(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

12/31/2015

9/30/2015

6/30/2015

3/31/2015

For the Quarter Ended

$

169,742 $

169,115 $

170,577 $

(7,255)

162,487

115,889

(1,480)

(102,098)

(73,526)

(9,186)

92,086

(27,661)

(715)

(7,077)

162,038

111,148

(378)

(100,874)

(70,388)

(8,364)

93,182

(27,969)

(601)

(6,920)

163,657

114,092

2,143

(99,655)

(65,665)

(6,757)

107,815

(32,492)

(970)

152,982

(6,844)

146,138

106,426

6,035

(98,074)

(65,623)

(4,420)

90,482

(28,468)

(959)

61,055

.58

.58

100,053

100,367

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*

$

$

$

63,710 $

64,612 $

74,353 $

.63 $

.63 $

96,212

96,486

.63 $

.63 $

96,589

96,882

.72 $

.72 $

99,099

99,437

Year ended December 31, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)

12/31/2014

9/30/2014

6/30/2014

3/31/2014

For the Quarter Ended

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

$

158,916 $

161,811 $

167,567 $

(6,987)

151,929

112,302

3,650

(99,526)

(70,461)

(4,664)

93,230

(29,488)

(1,017)

(7,095)

154,716

112,286

2,995

(95,462)

(66,378)

(7,652)

100,505

(31,484)

(836)

(7,074)

160,493

108,763

(2,558)

(94,849)

(67,704)

(7,555)

96,590

(30,690)

631

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*

$

$

$

62,725 $

68,185 $

66,531 $

.60 $

.60 $

99,940

100,301

.66 $

.65 $

99,859

100,292

.63 $

.63 $

103,116

103,540

159,998

(6,932)

153,066

102,627

10,037

(94,263)

(67,699)

(9,660)

94,108

(29,987)

192

64,313

.61

.61

104,487

104,951

Year ended December 31, 2013
(In thousands, except per share data)

12/31/2013

9/30/2013

6/30/2013

3/31/2013

For the Quarter Ended

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*

* Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in 2015.

$

162,141 $

162,144 $

167,255 $

(7,276)

154,865

109,522

(1,342)

(95,012)

(66,045)

(5,543)

96,445

(30,620)

90

(7,438)

154,706

106,311

650

(91,405)

(64,672)

(4,146)

101,444

(32,999)

(221)

(7,797)

159,458

102,676

(1,568)

(89,569)

(67,163)

(7,379)

96,455

(30,416)

(234)

65,915 $

68,224 $

65,805 $

.62 $

.62 $

104,564

105,091

.65 $

.64 $

104,190

104,710

.62 $

.62 $

103,936

104,370

$

$

$

53

158,745

(8,402)

150,343

99,877

(2,165)

(90,881)

(63,921)

(3,285)

89,968

(29,160)

209

61,017

.58

.58

104,431

104,700

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
Federal funds sold and short-term

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

2015

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2014

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2013

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Years Ended December 31

$

4,186,101 $
477,320
2,293,839
1,899,234
1,829,830
431,033
—
746,503
5,416
11,869,276
4,115

116,455
17,075
85,751
71,666
72,625
15,262
—
86,162
—
464,996
191

466,135

5,180

938,589

1,786,235
3,164,447
2,773,069
262,937
20,517
111,380
9,523,309

17,319

63,054
80,936
29,558
7,038
562
9,540
213,187

16,184

60

13,172

528
692,134

876
12,498

3,236

6,051

22,661

1,861

3,574
5,435
28,096

1,002,053

206,115
22,621,052
(152,690)

146,854

378,803
359,773
383,810
$ 23,737,602

$

729,311
9,752,794

832,343

1,224,402

12,538,850

1,654,860

103,884
1,758,744
14,297,594
6,786,741
280,231
2,373,036
$ 23,737,602

2.78% $
3.58
3.74
3.77
3.97
3.54
—
11.54
—
3.92
4.64

3,919,421 $
418,702
2,300,855
1,818,125
1,617,039
426,720
—
754,482
4,889
11,260,233
—

110,791
15,826
88,206
69,054
68,434
16,188
—
86,298
—
454,797
—

2.83% $
3.78
3.83
3.80
4.23
3.79
—
11.44
—
4.04
—

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

497,271

13,750

1.11

1.85

3.53
2.56
1.07
2.68
2.74
8.57
2.24

.37

1.31

.26
3.06

794,752

1,715,493
2,981,225
2,834,013
150,379
18,423
104,211
9,095,767

31,817

985,205

220,876
21,593,898
(160,828)

126,314

382,207
354,899
376,433
$ 22,672,923

.12
.13

.39

.49

.18

$

670,650
9,477,947

935,387

1,372,509

12,456,493

.11

3.44
.31
.20%

1,257,660

104,896
1,362,556
13,819,049
6,339,183
225,554
2,289,137
$ 22,672,923

13,211

61,593
80,229
24,976
3,928
411
10,692
208,790

101

12,473

555
676,716

855
12,667

4,137

5,926

23,585

1,019

3,484
4,503
28,088

2.77

1.66

3.59
2.69
.88
2.61
2.23
10.26
2.30

.32

1.27

.25
3.13

401,162

499,947

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

1,174,589

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

157,910

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

.13
.13

.44

.43

.19

$

625,517
9,059,524

1,034,991

1,380,003

12,100,035

.08

3.32
.33
.20%

1,294,691

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

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

21,119

387
676,819

766
13,589

6,002

6,383

26,740

809

3,364
4,173
30,913

24,669

106

$

664,038

$

648,628

$

645,906

2.94%

2.38%

3.00%

.42%

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

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 %

3.11 %

(2.90) %

(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 

(B) 

origination fees and costs, which are immaterial. Credit card income from merchant discounts and net interchange fees are not included in loan income.
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 $8,332,000 in 2015, $7,640,000 in 2014, $6,673,000 in 2013, $5,803,000 in 2012, $5,538,000 in 2011, and  

54

  
 
table of contents

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS — AVERAGE RATES AND YIELDS

Average
Balance

2012

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2011

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2010

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average Balance Five
Year Compound
Growth Rate

Years Ended December 31

$

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

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

3.44 %
4.25
4.50
4.37
5.62
4.17
—
11.72
—
4.82

9,688

361

3.73

3.69

1.84

3.93
2.79
1.09
4.70
2.54
10.56
2.55

.50

2.15

.25
3.60

.14
.21

.71

.61

.30

.07

3.20
.33
.30 %

332,382

12,260

5,653

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

82

19,174

339
703,277

802
17,880

7,918

7,174

33,774

808

3,481
4,289
38,063

306,676

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

16,393

892,624

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

257,511

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

$

574,336
8,430,559

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

$

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

357,861

17,268

5,781

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

55

13,455

487
721,416

852
25,004

11,352

9,272

46,480

1,741

3,680
5,421
51,901

253,020

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

10,690

768,904

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

162,984

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

$

525,371
7,702,901

1,291,165

1,409,740

10,929,177

1,035,007

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

3.59%
4.48
4.82
4.82
6.27
4.26
—
11.31
—
5.09

2.36

$

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

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%

7.71%
(3.05)
2.48
5.17
7.92
(2.33)
NM
(.36)
(5.76)
4.12

NM

1.20

35.75

13.07
2.32
7.04
7.48
(1.30)
(.35)
7.21

19.86

46.16

3.70
5.74
(4.86)

(.30)

.56
(1.86)
(1.33)
5.41

8.79
7.53

(12.90)

(1.55)

4.12

8.81

(25.51)
2.72
3.94
10.53
(4.15)
3.60
5.41%

3.84%
4.02
5.05
5.18
6.74
4.31
2.35
11.74
—
5.28

1.70

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%

3.89%

1.83%

$

665,214

$

669,515

$

666,143

3.41 %

(.64)%

3.65%

.51%

$4,620,000 in 2010.  Investment securities interest income includes tax equivalent adjustments of  $21,386,000 in 2015, $20,784,000 in 2014, $19,861,000 in 2013, $19,505,000 in 2012, 
$17,907,000 in 2011,and $15,593,000 in 2010 .  These adjustments relate to state and municipal obligations, other marketable securities, trading securities, and non-marketable securities.

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 

(C) 
the terms of the original agreement.

55

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

Federal funds sold and short-term
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, 2015

4,352

584

2,320

1,916

1,909

430

757

6

12,274

6

581

824

1,780

3,336

2,575

337

23

114

9,570

19

902

178

22,949

(151)

130

379

358

383

24,048

737

9,805

797

1,220

12,559

1,707

104

1,811

14,370
6,996

296

2,386

24,048

170

2.78% $

3.41

3.68

3.76

3.91

3.44

11.23

—

3.85

5.40

.17

1.89

3.64

2.54

1.25

2.83

2.65

8.19

2.27

.32

1.40

.28

3.07

.12

.13

.37

.51

.18

.14

3.47

.33
.20%

$

$

$

$

4,222

476

2,285

1,911

1,862

434

746

5

11,941

4

403

888

1,806

3,218

2,547

302

22

114

9,300

21

1,008

161

22,435

(151)

119

367

359

380

23,509

739

9,620

821

1,171

12,351

1,677

104

1,781
14,132

6,782

251

2,344

23,509

170

2.73% $

3.52

3.71

3.73

4.00

3.50

11.59

—

3.89

4.26

4.39

1.77

3.44

2.47

1.15

2.65

2.72

8.28

2.39

.40

1.29

.25

3.12

.13

.13

.38

.53

.18

.11

3.43

.31
.20%

$

$

$

$

4,135

432

2,288

1,891

1,816

430

734

5

11,731

4

425

988

1,799

3,161

2,839

249

20

110

9,591

13

1,050

198

22,587

(153)

170

381

361

394

23,740

739

9,759

845

1,227

12,570

1,675

104

1,779
14,349

6,745

261

2,385

23,740

171

2.79% $

3.65

3.83

3.77

3.92

3.60

11.74

—

3.95

3.94

6.09

1.82

3.49

2.61

1.03

2.61

2.86

8.90

2.45

.47

1.40

.25

3.16

.11

.13

.39

.49

.18

.10

3.44

.30
.19%

$

$

$

$

4,032

415

2,282

1,877

1,731

430

749

6

11,522

2

2.82%

3.81

3.73

3.83

4.05

3.63

11.62

—

3.99

4.65

456

(5.32)

1.90

3.55

2.62

.88

2.50

2.74

8.94

1.84

.30

1.18

.25

2.89

.12

.13

.41

.45

.18

.10

3.43

.30
.19%

1,058

1,759

2,938

3,140

161

17

107

9,636

12

1,050

289

22,511

(156)

169

389

362

377

23,652

702

9,829

868

1,280

12,679

1,558

104

1,662
14,341

6,621

314

2,376

23,652

153

Net yield on interest earning assets

2.94%

3.00%

3.04%

2.76%

(A) 

Includes tax equivalent calculations.

56

 
 
  
 
  
 
table of contents

QUARTERLY AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS — AVERAGE RATES AND YIELDS

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, 2014

(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

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

Federal funds sold and short-term

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)

3,927

401

2,302

1,868

1,685

435

759

5

11,382

2.75% $

3.80

3.77

3.76

4.14

3.65

11.43

—

3.98

499

(.25)

851

1,800

2,873

2,818

151

16

102

9,110

42

949

465

21,948

(161)

149

394

363

370

23,063

672

9,594

890

1,273

12,429

1,321

104

1,425

13,854
6,592
288

2,329

23,063

159

$

$

$

$

1.70

3.83

2.60

.86

3.09

2.12

8.24

2.13

.20

1.13

.25

3.00

.13

.13

.42

.45

.19

.08

3.34

.32
.20%

$

$

$

$

3,964

422

2,286

1,835

1,645

429

755

4

11,340

499

764

1,787

2,954

2,804

148

20

95

9,071

37

924

114

21,486

(161)

150

381

353

373

22,582

675

9,356

923

1,428

12,382

1,329

105

1,434
13,816

6,294
185

2,287

22,582

162

2.81% $

3.78

3.80

3.77

4.16

3.77

11.47

—

4.01

3.10

1.63

3.42

2.68

.89

2.43

2.35

7.74

2.25

.32

1.15

.25

3.12

.14

.13

.43

.42

.19

.09

3.32

.32
.20%

$

$

$

$

3,941

432

2,293

1,791

1,602

420

746

5

11,230

494

790

1,665

3,080

2,860

150

19

110

9,168

24

969

141

21,532

(161)

122

369

352

382

22,596

685

9,488

954

1,450

12,577

1,170

105

1,275
13,852

6,231
230

2,283

22,596

168

2.85% $

3.76

3.86

3.80

4.24

3.93

11.42

—

4.05

6.55

1.66

3.41

2.69

.89

2.42

2.14

18.12

2.56

.40

1.22

.25

3.26

.12

.13

.45

.42

.19

.09

3.34

.36
.20%

$

$

$

$

3,844

420

2,323

1,779

1,533

424

757

5

11,085

497

775

1,606

3,019

2,854

153

19

110

9,033

25

1,102

161

21,406

(161)

83

385

352

381

22,446

649

9,474

976

1,340

12,439

1,209

105

1,314
13,753

6,238
198

2,257

22,446

160

2.90%

3.77

3.90

3.86

4.41

3.82

11.43

—

4.12

1.71

1.66

3.69

2.80

.89

2.50

2.28

6.42

2.24

.43

1.53

.25

3.16

.12

.13

.47

.44

.19

.07

3.28

.33
.20%

Net yield on interest earning assets

2.88%

2.99%

3.13%

3.03%

(A) 

Includes tax equivalent calculations. 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
table of contents

Item 7a.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by this item is set forth on pages 45 through 47 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, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015. 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, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations 
and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, 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, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
- Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and 
our report dated February 24, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting.

Kansas City, Missouri
February 24, 2016

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
table of contents

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

Loans

Allowance for loan losses

Net loans

Loans held for sale, including $4,981,000 of residential mortgage loans carried at fair value

Investment securities:

Available for sale ($568,257,000 and $467,143,000 pledged at December 31, 2015 and
   2014, respectively, to secure swap and repurchase agreements) 

Trading

Non-marketable

Total investment securities

Federal funds sold and short-term 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 2,000,000 shares; issued 6,000 shares
Common stock, $5 par value
   Authorized 120,000,000 shares; issued 97,972,433 shares at December 31, 2015 and 96,830,977 

shares at December 31, 2014

Capital surplus

Retained earnings

Treasury stock of 603,003 shares at December 31, 2015
and 367,487 shares at December 31, 2014, 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. 

59

December 31

2015

2014

(In thousands)

$

12,436,692 $

11,469,238

(151,532)

(156,532)

12,285,160

11,312,706

7,607

—

9,777,004

9,523,560

11,890

112,786

15,357

106,875

9,901,680

9,645,792

14,505

875,000

23,803

464,411

352,581

138,921

6,669

534,625

32,485

1,050,000

600,744

467,488

357,871

138,921

7,450

380,823

$

24,604,962 $

23,994,280

$

7,146,398 $

6,811,959

10,834,746

10,541,601

785,191

1,212,518

878,433

1,243,785

19,978,853

19,475,778

1,963,552

1,862,518

103,818

191,321

104,058

217,680

22,237,544

21,660,034

144,784

144,784

489,862

1,337,677

383,313

484,155

1,229,075

426,648

(26,116)

32,470

(16,562)

62,093

2,361,990

2,330,193

5,428

4,053

2,367,418

2,334,246

$

24,604,962 $

23,994,280

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 federal funds sold and short-term 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-temporarily impaired 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
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.
Less preferred stock dividends
Net income available to common shareholders
Net income per common share - basic
Net income per common share - diluted
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

$
$
$

60

For the Years Ended December 31
2014

2013

2015

$

456,664 $
191
191,801

447,157 $

—
188,006

101
12,473
555
648,292

13,522
4,137
5,926

1,019
3,484
28,088
620,204
29,531
590,673

175,806
112,158
78,680
12,667
12,006
5,108
39,553
435,978

(2,091)
726
(1,365)
15,489
14,124

384,100
45,825
18,375
22,432
78,980
15,676
11,622
79,332
656,342
384,433
121,649
262,784
1,030
261,754
4,050
257,704 $
2.50 $
2.49 $

439,082
176
189,415

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
71,638
628,668
384,312
123,195
261,117
156
260,961
—
260,961
2.47
2.46

60
13,172
528
662,416

13,374
3,236
6,051

1,861
3,574
28,096
634,320
28,727
605,593

178,926
119,801
80,416
11,476
13,200
8,228
35,508
447,555

(1,233)
750
(483)
6,803
6,320

400,701
44,788
19,086
22,970
83,944
16,107
12,146
76,161
675,903
383,565
116,590
266,975
3,245
263,730
9,000
254,730 $
2.56 $
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 (losses) 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

2015

2014

2013

$

266,975 $

262,784 $

261,117

(518)

(31,517)
2,412

(29,623)

237,352

3,245

(412)

60,007

(7,233)

52,362

315,146

1,030

958

(138,960)
11,389

(126,613)

134,504

156

134,348

Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

$

234,107 $

314,116 $

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

61

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, excluding unsettled transactions

Stock-based compensation

(Increase) decrease in interest receivable

Increase (decrease) in interest payable

Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable

Excess 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

Cash paid in sales of branches

Proceeds from sales of investment securities

Proceeds from maturities/pay downs of investment securities

Purchases of investment securities

Net increase 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 in federal funds purchased and short-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Repayment of other long-term borrowings

Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

Purchases of treasury stock

Accelerated share repurchase agreements

Issuance of stock under equity compensation plans

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Cash dividends paid on common stock

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

Increase (decrease) 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

Settlement of accelerated share repurchase agreement and receipt of treasury stock

Loans transferred from held for sale to held for investment category

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

62

For the Years Ended December 31
2014

2013

2015

$

266,975 $

262,784 $

261,117

28,727

42,803

32,618

7,432

(6,320)

(3,076)

97,813

(103,199)

(86,045)

10,147

(4,992)

336

19,165

(2,132)

(11,189)

289,063

—

—

689,031

2,515,113

(3,542,537)

(1,005,657)

—

175,000

(31,897)

5,545

29,531

42,303

23,211

(540)

(14,124)

—

—

—

16,005

8,829

(2,185)

(230)

344

(1,850)

(3,242)

360,836

—

(43,827)

64,442

1,914,105

(2,498,090)

(560,890)

(450,000)

550,000

(43,658)

5,236

(1,195,402)

(1,062,682)

545,147

(124,509)

—

101,034

(240)

—

—

(23,176)

(100,000)

1,914

2,132

(84,961)

(9,000)

308,341

(597,998)

1,100,717

$

$

502,719 $
95,341 $
27,760

3,778

60,000

—

282,276

(57,956)

(350,000)

865,960

(1,252)

(2,000)

144,784

(70,974)

(200,000)

8,652

1,850

(84,241)

(4,050)

533,049

(168,797)

1,269,514
1,100,717 $

120,172 $

28,218

5,074

—

—

20,353

41,944

30,419

9,201

4,425

—

—

—

1,358

6,427

3,234
(1,569)
(1,663)
(1,003)
(12,494)
361,749

47,643

—

16,299

2,542,123
(2,411,153)
(938,223)
(125,000)
175,000
(23,841)
3,492
(713,660)

801,211
(82,013)
(50,000)

313,008

(1,578)
2,000

—
(69,353)
—

9,426

1,003
(82,104)
—

841,600

489,689

779,825
1,269,514

114,336

32,432

8,747

—

8,941

table of contents

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

(In thousands, except per share data)

Balance, December 31, 2012

Net income

Other comprehensive loss

Acquisition of Summit Bancshares Inc.
Distributions to non-controlling interest

Purchases of treasury stock

Cash dividends paid on common stock

($.777 per share)

Excess 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
Net income

Other comprehensive income

Distributions to non-controlling interest

Issuance of preferred stock

Purchases of treasury stock

Accelerated share repurchase agreement

Cash dividends paid on common stock

($.816 per share)

Cash dividends paid on preferred stock

($.675 per depositary share)

Excess 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, 2014

Net income

Other comprehensive loss

Distributions to non-controlling interest

Purchases of treasury stock

Accelerated share repurchase agreements

Cash dividends paid on common stock

($.857 per share)

Cash dividends paid on preferred stock

($1.500 per depositary share)

Excess 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, 2015

             Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Shareholders

Preferred
Stock

Common
Stock

Capital
Surplus

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Stock

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Non-
Controlling
Interest

Total

$

— $ 458,646 $ 1,102,507 $ 477,210 $

(7,580) $

136,344 $

4,447 $ 2,171,574

260,961

156

261,117

1,001

11,125

(82,104)

1,003

6,427

(14,824)

21,577

173,710

(206,231)

—

481,224

1,279,948

449,836
261,754

144,784

(84,241)

(4,050)

(60,000)

1,850

8,829

(14,703)

31,071

(69,353)

25,066

10,699

(10,097)

(70,974)

(140,000)

24,209

2,931

13,151

(196,651)

180,300

(126,613)

(848)

(126,613)

43,197
(848)

(69,353)

(82,104)

1,003

6,427

10,242

(245)

9,731

52,362

3,755
1,030

2,214,397
262,784

(732)

52,362

(732)

144,784

(70,974)

(200,000)

(84,241)

(4,050)

1,850

8,829

9,506

(269)

144,784

484,155

1,229,075

426,648
263,730

(16,562)

62,093

4,053
3,245

2,334,246
266,975

60,000

(23,176)

(160,000)

(84,961)

(9,000)

2,132

10,147

(16,615)

19,503

5,707

52,938

(213,104)

154,119

(29,623)

(1,870)

(29,623)

(1,870)

(23,176)

(100,000)

(84,961)

(9,000)

2,132

10,147

2,888

(340)

$ 144,784 $ 489,862 $ 1,337,677 $ 383,313 $

(26,116) $

32,470 $

5,428 $ 2,367,418

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

63

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  350 
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.  

The Company, in the normal course of business, engages in a variety of activities that involve variable interest entities (VIEs).  
A VIE is a legal entity that lacks equity investors or whose equity investors do not have a controlling financial interest in the entity 
through their equity investments.  The enterprise that has a controlling financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary 
beneficiary and consolidates the VIE.  An enterprise is deemed to have a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary 
of a VIE if it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance 
and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  

The Company’s interests in VIEs are evaluated to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary, both at inception and 
when there is a change in circumstances that requires a reconsideration. This evaluation gives appropriate consideration to the 
design of the entity and the variability that the entity was designed to pass along, the relative power of each party, and to the 
Company’s relative obligation to absorb losses or receive residual returns of the entity, in relation to such obligations and rights 
held by each party.

The Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary in a rabbi trust related to a deferred compensation plan offered to 
certain employees. The assets and liabilities of this trust, which are included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, 
are not significant. The Company also has variable interests in certain entities in which it is not the primary beneficiary.  These 
entities are not consolidated.  These interests include affordable housing limited partnership interests, holdings in its investment 
portfolio of various asset and mortgage-backed bonds that are issued by securitization trusts, and managed discretionary trust 
assets that are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. 

The Company invests in low-income housing partnerships which supply funds for the construction and operation of apartment 
complexes that provide affordable housing to lower income families.  As permitted by ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments 
in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects," issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Company adopted a new 
method of accounting for these investments on January 1, 2015.  The new method is the practical expedient to the proportional 
amortization method, which allows the Company to record the amortization of its investments in income tax expense, rather than 
in non-interest expense.  The Company made this change because it believes that presenting the investment performance net of 
taxes more fairly represents the economics and returns on such investments.  The amortization recognized as a component of 
income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $1.9 million.  As required by the ASU, all prior period information 
in this report has been revised to reflect the adoption, resulting in a decrease to non-interest expense and an increase to income 
tax expense (as originally reported) of $1.4 million and $965 thousand, respectively, for 2014 and 2013. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

64

 
 
 
table of contents

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, 2015 totaled $84.2 million. 

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. 

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.

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

Loans held for sale include 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.  The student loans are 
carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, and their fair value is determined based on sale contract prices.  The mortgage 
loans are carried at fair value, which is based on secondary market prices for loans with similar characteristics, including an 
adjustment for embedded servicing value.  Changes in fair value and gains and losses on sales are included 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. 

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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.  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, loss emergence periods, 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 influenced by several qualitative 
factors  which  include  collateral  valuation,  evaluation  of  performance  and  status,  current  loan  portfolio  composition  and 
characteristics, trends in portfolio risk ratings, levels of non-performing assets, and prevailing regional and national economic and 
business conditions.

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.

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).  

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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 evaluated quarterly 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. 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are a source of funding to the Company and are offered to cash management 
customers as an automated, collateralized investment account.  From time to time, securities sold may also be used by the Bank 
to obtain additional borrowed funds at favorable rates.  These borrowings are secured by a portion of the Company's investment 
security portfolio.

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 are further discussed 
in Note 19, Resale and Repurchase Agreements. 

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, utilizing estimated useful lives; 
generally 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 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 reviewed 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.

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Goodwill is assessed for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently in certain circumstances. When testing for goodwill 
impairment, the Company may initially perform a qualitative assessment. Based on the results of this qualitative assessment, if 
the Company concludes it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative 
analysis is performed. Quantitative valuation methodologies include a combination of formulas using current market multiples, 
based on recent sales of financial institutions within the Company's geographic marketplace.  If the fair value of a reporting unit 
is less than the carrying amount, additional analysis is required to measure the amount of impairment.  The Company has not 
recorded 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 fair value.

Other  intangible  assets  are  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  their  carrying 
amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is indicated if the sum of the undiscounted estimated future net cash flows is less 
than the carrying value of the intangible asset. The Company has not recorded other-than-temporary impairment losses on these 
intangible assets.

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.

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.   At the present time, the Company does not utilize hedge accounting.

All of the derivatives currently held by the Company are free-standing instruments, and gains and losses on these derivatives 
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 2015, the Company began recognizing derivatives related to its origination and sales program of certain 
personal real estate mortgages, which included mortgage loan commitments, forward loan sale contracts, and forward contracts 
to sell certain to-be-announced (TBA) securities.  

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.  

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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 sheets, 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.

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 2015.

2. Acquisition and Disposition

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 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.

On July 25, 2014,  the Company sold banking branches in Farmington, Desloge and Bonne Terre, Missouri.  The sale included 
approximately $13.3 million in loans, $60.3 million in deposits, and various bank premises.  The Company recognized a $2.1 
million gain on the sale.

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3. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Major classifications within the Company’s held to maturity loan portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 2014 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

2015

2014

$

4,397,893 $

3,969,952

624,070

403,507

2,355,544

2,288,215

1,915,953

1,924,365

432,981

779,744

6,142

1,883,092

1,705,134

430,873

782,370

6,095

$

12,436,692 $

11,469,238

Loans to directors and executive officers of the Parent and the Bank, and to their associates, are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2015

Additions

Amounts collected

Amounts written off

Balance, December 31, 2015

$

$

55,273

246,475

(250,581)

—

51,167

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. 
The activity in the table above includes draws and repayments on several lines of credit with business entities. There were no 
outstanding loans at December 31, 2015 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, 2015, unfunded loan 
commitments totaled $10.0 billion (which included $4.7 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, 2015, 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 $1.5 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  $463.1 million and $413.0 million at December 31, 
2015 and 2014, respectively,  which is included in business loans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  This investment 
includes deferred income of $29.4 million and $26.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The net investment 
in operating leases amounted to $16.9 million and $22.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is included in 
other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

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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, 2012

Provision for loan losses

Deductions:

Loans charged off

Less recoveries

Net loans charged off (recoveries)

Balance at December 31, 2013

Provision for loan losses

Deductions:

Loans charged off

Less recoveries

Net loans charged off (recoveries)

Balance at December 31, 2014

Provision for loan losses

Deductions:

Loans charged off

Less recoveries

Net loans charged off (recoveries)

Balance at December 31, 2015

Commercial

Personal
Banking

Total

$

105,725 $

66,807 $

172,532

(16,143)

36,496

20,353

5,170

9,777

(4,607)

94,189

(5,204)

4,548

5,185

(637)

89,622

(9,319)

4,057

5,840

(1,783)

49,029

13,069

35,960

67,343

34,735

48,225

13,057

35,168

66,910

38,046

46,993

11,483

35,510

54,199

22,846

31,353

161,532

29,531

52,773

18,242

34,531

156,532

28,727

51,050

17,323

33,727

$

82,086 $

69,446 $

151,532

The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the related loan balance at December 31, 2015 and 
2014, disaggregated on the basis of impairment methodology.  Impaired loans evaluated under ASC 310-10-35 include loans on 
non-accrual  status  which  are  individually  evaluated  for  impairment  and  other  impaired  loans  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, 2015

Commercial

Personal Banking

Total

December 31, 2014

Commercial

Personal Banking

Total

Impaired Loans

All Other Loans

Allowance for
Loan Losses

Loans
Outstanding

Allowance for
Loan Losses

Loans
Outstanding

1,927 $

1,557

3,484 $

4,527 $

2,314

6,841 $

43,027

22,287

65,314

55,551

25,537

81,088

$

$

$

$

80,159 $

7,334,480

67,889

5,036,898

148,048 $ 12,371,378

85,095 $

6,606,123

64,596

4,782,027

149,691 $ 11,388,150

$

$

$

$

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Impaired loans

The table below shows the Company’s investment in impaired loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014.  These loans consist of 
all  loans  on  non-accrual  status  and  other  restructured  loans  whose  terms  have  been  modified  and  classified  as  troubled  debt 
restructurings under current accounting guidance.  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 76.  

(In thousands)

Non-accrual loans

Restructured loans (accruing)

Total impaired loans

2015

2014

$

$

26,575 $

38,739

65,314 $

40,775

40,313

81,088

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

(In thousands)

December 31, 2015

With no related allowance recorded:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business

Real estate – personal

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, 2014

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

Recorded
Investment

Unpaid Principal
Balance

 Related
Allowance

9,330 $

11,777 $

2,961

4,793

373

8,956

6,264

373

17,457 $

27,370 $

—

—

—

—

—

18,227 $

20,031 $

1,119

1,227

6,489

7,667

5,599

704

7,944

2,804

9,008

10,530

5,599

852

7,944

47,857 $

65,314 $

56,768 $

84,138 $

9,237 $

11,532 $

4,552

13,453

1,227

8,493

17,258

1,384

28,469 $

38,667 $

12,326 $

13,846 $

8,148

7,835

9,096

4,244

529

10,441

52,619 $

81,088 $

9,610

15,025

12,465

4,244

529

10,441

66,160 $

104,827 $

63

745

831

63

67

596

3,484

3,484

—

—

—

—

—

1,844

1,081

1,602

1,441

50

9

814

6,841

6,841

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total average impaired loans during 2015 and 2014 are shown in the table below. 

(In thousands)

Commercial

2015

Personal
Banking

Total

Commercial

2014

Personal
Banking

Total

Average impaired loans:

Non-accrual loans

Restructured loans (accruing)

Total

$

$

24,284 $

5,449 $

16,671

18,395

40,955 $

23,844 $

29,733

35,066

64,799

$

$

38,114 $

7,132 $

33,156

20,040

71,270 $

27,172 $

45,246

53,196

98,442

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The table below shows interest income recognized during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 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

2015

2014

2013

$

495 $

344 $

80

122

187

348

20

750

361

153

208

286

27

993

$

2,002 $

2,372 $

509

758

215

263

346

36

1,116

3,243

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, 2015 and 2014.    

(In thousands)
December 31, 2015
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, 2014
Commercial:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

Real estate – business
Personal Banking:

Real estate – personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

Total

Current or Less
Than 30 Days
Past Due

30 – 89 Days
Past Due

90 Days Past
Due and Still
Accruing

Non-accrual

Total

$

4,384,149

$

2,306 $

564 $

10,874 $

4,397,893

617,838

2,340,919

1,901,330

1,903,389

427,998

762,750

5,834

3,142

6,762

7,117

18,273

2,641

8,894

308

—

—

3,081

2,703

2,019

8,100

—

3,090

7,863

4,425

—

323

—

—

624,070

2,355,544

1,915,953

1,924,365

432,981

779,744

6,142

$

12,344,207

$

49,443 $

16,467 $

26,575 $

12,436,692

$

3,946,144 $

11,152 $

1,096 $

11,560 $

3,969,952

397,488

2,266,688

1,868,606

1,687,285

428,478

764,599

5,721

827

3,661

6,618

16,053

1,552

9,559

374

35

—

1,676

1,796

843

8,212

—

5,157

17,866

6,192

—

—

—

—

403,507

2,288,215

1,883,092

1,705,134

430,873

782,370

6,095

$

11,365,009 $

49,796 $

13,658 $

40,775 $

11,469,238

74

table of contents

Credit quality

The following table provides information about the credit quality of the Commercial loan portfolio, using the Company’s 
internal rating system as an indicator.  The internal rating system is a series of grades reflecting management’s risk assessment, 
based on its analysis of the borrower’s financial condition.  The “pass” category consists of a range of loan grades that reflect 
increasing, though still acceptable, risk.  Movement of risk through the various grade levels in the “pass” category is monitored 
for early identification of credit deterioration.  The “special mention” rating is 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.

(In thousands)

December 31, 2015

Pass

Special mention

Substandard

Non-accrual

Total

December 31, 2014

Pass

Special mention

Substandard

Non-accrual

Total

Commercial Loans

Business

Real Estate -
Construction

Real Estate -
Business

Total

$

4,278,857 $

618,788 $

2,281,565 $

7,179,210

$

$

49,302

58,860

10,874

1,033

1,159

3,090

4,397,893 $

624,070 $

15,009

51,107

7,863
2,355,544 $

65,344

111,126

21,827

7,377,507

3,871,569 $

385,831 $

2,184,541 $

6,441,941

62,904

23,919

11,560

3,865

8,654

5,157

40,668

45,140

17,866

107,437

77,713

34,583

$

3,969,952 $

403,507 $

2,288,215 $

6,661,674

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table of contents

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 "Delinquent 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 personal real estate loans for which FICO scores are not obtained because the loans are related to commercial 
activity.  These loans totaled $257.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $244.3 million at December 31, 2014; less than 6.0% 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, 2015 and 2014 by FICO score.   

December 31, 2015

FICO score:

Under 600

600 – 659

660 – 719

720 – 779

780 and over

Total

December 31, 2014

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

1.5%

4.5%

1.5%

3.9%

3.0

9.1

25.0

61.4

9.7

21.8

26.4

37.6

3.9

13.6

28.4

52.6

12.0

31.7

27.9

24.5

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

1.4 %

5.2 %

1.8 %

4.1 %

3.1

9.9

26.7

58.9

10.2

22.9

28.0

33.7

4.4

13.7

32.8

47.3

11.8

32.4

27.8

23.9

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 $53.7 million at December 31, 2015.  Restructured loans are those extended to borrowers 
who are experiencing financial difficulty and who have been granted a concession. Restructured loans are placed on non-accrual 
status if the Company does not believe it probable that amounts due under the contractual terms will be collected, and those non-
accrual  loans  totaled  $14.9  million  at  December 31,  2015.    Other  performing  restructured  loans  totaled  $38.7  million  at 
December 31, 2015.  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 $21.9 million and $21.8 million at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 $7.9 million at December 31, 2015 and $10.4 million at 
December 31, 2014.  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 $8.5 million and $8.1 million at December 31, 2015 
and 2014, respectively.  Interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis, as the borrowers are continuing to make 
payments.

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table of contents

The table below shows the outstanding balance of loans classified as troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2015, 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, 2015

$

26,248 $

4,116

4,793

4,547

5,623

391

7,944

$

53,662

$

—

1,081

—

27

43

43

586

1,780

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 $1.1 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.

The Company had commitments of $3.5 million at December 31, 2015 to lend additional funds to borrowers with restructured 

loans, compared to $6.9 million at December 31, 2014.

Loans held for sale 

Beginning January 1, 2015, certain long-term fixed rate personal real estate loan originations have been designated as held for 
sale, and the Company has elected the fair value option for these loans.  The election of the fair value option aligns the accounting 
for these loans with the related economic hedges discussed in Note 18.  At December 31, 2015, the fair value of these loans was 
$5.0 million, and the unpaid principal balance was $4.9 million.  The unrealized gain in fair value was recognized in loan fees 
and sales in the consolidated statements of income.  None of these loans were on non-accrual status or past due.  Interest income 
with respect to loans held for sale is accrued based on the principal amount outstanding and the loan's contractual interest rate.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Company has designated certain student loan originations as held for sale. The 
borrowers are credit-worthy students who are attending colleges and universities.  The loans are intended to be sold in the secondary 
market, and the Company maintains contracts with Sallie Mae to sell the loans at various times while the student is attending 
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table of contents

school or shortly after graduation.  At December 31, 2015, the balance of these loans was $2.6 million.  These loans are carried 
at lower of cost or fair value, and none were on non-accrual status or past due.  

Foreclosed real estate/repossessed assets

The  Company’s  holdings  of  foreclosed  real  estate  totaled  $2.8  million  and  $5.5  million  at  December 31,  2015  and  2014, 
respectively.  Personal property acquired in repossession, generally autos and marine and recreational vehicles, totaled $3.3 million 
and  $2.4  million  at  December 31,  2015  and  2014,  respectively.  Upon  acquisition,  these  assets  are  recorded  at  fair  value  less 
estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis.  They are subsequently carried at the lower of this 
cost basis or fair value less estimated selling costs.

4. Investment Securities 

Investment securities, at fair value, consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(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

2015

2014

$

727,076 $
793,023

1,741,957

2,618,281

879,963

2,644,381

331,320

41,003

9,777,004

11,890

112,786

501,407

963,127

1,813,201

2,593,708

382,744

3,091,993

139,161

38,219

9,523,560

15,357

106,875

$

9,901,680 $

9,645,792

Most of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available for sale, and this portfolio is discussed in more detail 
below.  Securities which are classified as non-marketable include Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock and Federal Reserve 
Bank stock held for borrowing and regulatory purposes, which totaled $46.8 million and $46.6 million at December 31, 2015 and 
2014, 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 $65.6 million and $60.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 
2014, 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, 2015 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, 2015. 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.

78

 
 
    
table of contents

(Dollars in thousands)

U.S. government and federal agency obligations:

Within 1 year

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

After 10 years

Total other debt securities

Equity securities

 Amortized Cost

Fair Value

Weighted Average
Yield

1.82*%

1.56*

.63*

.02*

1.29*

2.08

1.62

2.41

2.51

1.79

2.78

2.40

2.43

3.16

2.46

2.62

2.54

1.33

2.05

$

59,506 $

474,370

143,468

52,502

729,846

15,725

619,406

154,151

5,630

794,912

105,233

673,068

870,631

57,703

59,870

476,793

142,759

47,654

727,076

15,818

618,442

153,327

5,436

793,023

105,507

688,528

889,719

58,203

1,706,635

1,741,957

2,579,031

2,618,281

879,186

2,660,201

6,118,418

879,963

2,644,381

6,142,625

9,294

94,871

219,760

12,000

335,925

5,678

9,359

94,140

216,285

11,536

331,320

41,003

Total available for sale investment securities

$

9,691,414 $

9,777,004

* Rate does not reflect inflation adjustment on inflation-protected securities

Investments in U.S. government securities include U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, which totaled $416.8 million, 
at fair value, at December 31, 2015. 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 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.  In December 2015, auction rate 
securities with a par value of $80.8 million were called by the issuer, reducing the Company's holdings to $17.2 million, at fair 
value, at December 31, 2015. Equity securities are primarily comprised of investments in common stock held by the Parent, which 
totaled $38.3 million, at fair value, at December 31, 2015.

79

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, 2015

 Amortized Cost

Gross Unrealized
Gains

Gross Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

$

729,846 $

5,051 $

(7,821) $

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, 2014

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

794,912

1,706,635

2,579,031

879,186

2,660,201

6,118,418

335,925

5,678

2,657

37,061

47,856

8,596

1,287

57,739

377

35,325

(4,546)

(1,739)

(8,606)

(7,819)

(17,107)

(33,532)

(4,982)

—

727,076

793,023

1,741,957

2,618,281

879,963

2,644,381

6,142,625

331,320

41,003

$

$

9,691,414 $

138,210 $

(52,620) $

9,777,004

497,336 $

9,095 $

(5,024) $

968,574

1,789,215

2,523,377

372,911

3,090,174

5,986,462

140,784

3,931

2,593

32,340

75,923

11,061

6,922

93,906

420

34,288

(8,040)

(8,354)

(5,592)

(1,228)

(5,103)

(11,923)

(2,043)

—

501,407

963,127

1,813,201

2,593,708

382,744

3,091,993

6,068,445

139,161

38,219

$

9,386,302 $

172,642 $

(35,384) $

9,523,560

The Company’s impairment policy requires a review of all securities for which fair value is less than amortized cost.  Special 
emphasis and analysis is placed on securities whose credit rating has fallen below A3 (Moody's) or A- (Standard & Poor's), whose 
fair values have fallen more than 20% below purchase price for an extended period of time, or have been identified based on 
management’s judgment.  These securities are placed on a watch list, and for all such securities, detailed cash flow models are 
prepared which use inputs specific to each security. Inputs to these models include factors such as cash flow received, contractual 
payments required, and various other information related to the underlying collateral (including current delinquencies), collateral 
loss severity rates (including loan to values), expected delinquency rates, credit support from other tranches, and prepayment 
speeds.  Stress tests are performed at varying levels of delinquency rates, prepayment speeds and loss severities in order to gauge 
probable ranges of credit loss.  At December 31, 2015, the fair value of securities on this watch list was $95.8 million compared 
to $123.9 million at December 31, 2014. 

 As of December 31, 2015, 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 $44.0 million.  The cumulative credit-related portion of the 
impairment on these securities, which was recorded in earnings, totaled $14.1 million.  The Company does not intend to sell these 
securities and believes it is not likely that it will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of their amortized cost.

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

Significant Inputs
Prepayment CPR

Projected cumulative default

Credit support

Loss severity

80

Range
0% - 25%

17% - 53%

0% - 24%

19% - 63%

table of contents

The following table presents a rollforward of the cumulative OTTI credit losses recognized in earnings on all available for 

sale debt securities.

(In thousands)

Cumulative OTTI credit losses 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

Cumulative OTTI credit losses at December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

$

13,734 $

12,499 $

76

407

(88)

—

1,365

(130)

11,306

—

1,284

(91)

14,129 $

13,734 $

12,499

Securities with unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income are shown in the table below, along 

with the length of the impairment period.  

(In thousands)

December 31, 2015

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

$

491,998

$

3,098

$

31,012 $

4,723

$

523,010

$

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, 2014

157,830

66,998

530,035

653,603

2,207,922

3,391,560

244,452

$ 4,352,838

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

$

90,261

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

224,808

172,980

55,128

141,655

1,424,457

1,621,240

16,434

$

$

1,975

544

2,989

7,059

12,492

22,540

3,687

110,250

31,120

291,902

54,536

223,311

569,749

25,218

2,571

1,195

5,617

760

4,615

268,080

98,118

821,937

708,139

2,431,233

10,992

3,961,309

1,295

269,670

31,844

$

767,349 $

20,776

$ 5,120,187

818

922

646

429

609

2,009

3,047

55

$

32,077 $

224,779

215,702

381,617

43,659

159,098

584,374

80,203

4,206

7,118

7,708

5,163

619

3,094

8,876

1,988

$ 122,338

449,587

388,682

436,745

185,314

1,583,555

2,205,614

96,637

$

$

7,821

4,546

1,739

8,606

7,819

17,107

33,532

4,982

52,620

5,024

8,040

8,354

5,592

1,228

5,103

11,923

2,043

$ 2,125,723 $

5,488

$ 1,137,135 $

29,896

$ 3,262,858 $

35,384

The total available for sale portfolio consisted of approximately 2,000 individual securities at December 31, 2015.  The portfolio 
included 466 securities, having an aggregate fair value of $5.1 billion, that were in a loss position at December 31, 2015, compared 
to 363 securities, with a fair value of $3.3 billion, at December 31, 2014.  The total amount of unrealized loss on these securities 
increased $17.2 million to $52.6 million.  At December 31, 2015, the fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 
months or longer totaled $767.3 million, or 7.8% of the total portfolio value, and included only one security identified as other-
than-temporarily impaired. 

The Company’s holdings of state and municipal obligations included gross unrealized losses of $1.7 million at December 31, 
2015.  Of these losses, $1.2 million related to auction rate securities and $566 thousand related to other state and municipal 
obligations.  The state and municipal portfolio totaled $1.7 billion at fair value, or 17.8% of total available for sale securities.   The 
portfolio is diversified in order to reduce risk, and the Company has processes and procedures in place to monitor its state and 
municipal holdings, identify signs of financial distress and, if necessary, exit its positions in a timely manner.  

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The credit ratings (Moody’s rating or equivalent) at December 31, 2015 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

Not rated

% of Portfolio

6.7%

78.0

14.6

.7

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

Losses 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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

$

675,870 $

13,161

689,031 $

30,998 $
33,444

64,442 $

2,925 $

— $

—

—

(483)

2,516

(40)

1,402

(5,197)

1,570

(1,365)

1,629

(134)

17,621

7,076

9,223

16,299

126

—

1,375

(1,284)

1,808

(2,979)

(3,471)

(4,425)

Investment securities gains (losses), net

$

6,320 $

14,124 $

Investment securities with a fair value of $4.1 billion and $4.7 billion were pledged at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 
$568.3 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, 2015 and 2014:

(In thousands)

Land

Buildings and improvements

Equipment

Total

Less accumulated depreciation

Net land, buildings and equipment

2015

2014

$

105,182 $

541,736

250,193

897,111

544,530

$

352,581 $

106,599

535,039

244,239

885,877

528,006

357,871

Depreciation expense of $30.1 million, $29.8 million and $30.7 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was included 
in occupancy expense and equipment expense in the consolidated statements of income. Repairs and maintenance expense of 
$16.3 million, $16.5 million and $16.8 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was included in occupancy expense and 
equipment expense.  There has been no interest expense capitalized on construction projects in the past three years.

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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, 2015

December 31, 2014

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Valuation
Allowance

 Net
Amount

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Valuation
Allowance

Net
Amount

$ 31,270
4,638
$ 35,908

$

$

(26,239)
(2,971)
(29,210)

$

$

— $ 5,031
1,638
(29)
$ 6,669
(29)

$ 31,270
3,693
$ 34,963

$

$

(24,698)
(2,718)
(27,416)

$

$

— $ 6,572
878
(97)
$ 7,450
(97)

The carrying amount of goodwill and its allocation among segments at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is shown in the table 
below.  As a result of ongoing assessments, no impairment of goodwill was recorded in 2015, 2014 or 2013.  Further, the annual 
assessment of qualitative factors on January 1, 2016 revealed no likelihood of impairment as of that date.  

(In thousands)
Consumer segment
Commercial segment
Wealth segment
Total goodwill

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

$

$

70,721 $
67,454
746
138,921 $

70,721
67,454
746
138,921

Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill and other net intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 

2014 are shown in the following table.

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2013

Originations

Amortization

Impairment 

Balance at December 31, 2014

Originations

Amortization

Impairment reversal

Goodwill

Core Deposit
Premium

Mortgage
Servicing Rights

$

138,921 $

8,489 $

—

—

—

138,921

—

—

—

—

(1,917)

—

6,572

—

(1,541)

—

779

263

(151)

(13)

878

945

(253)

68

1,638

Balance at December 31, 2015

$

138,921 $

5,031 $

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, 2015, temporary impairment of $29 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.8 million, 
$2.1 million and $2.2 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, 2015.  The Company’s actual amortization expense in any 
given period may be different from the estimated amounts depending upon the acquisition of intangible assets, changes in mortgage 
interest rates, prepayment rates and other market conditions.

(In thousands)

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

$

1,412

1,068

817

677

553

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7. Deposits

At December 31, 2015, the scheduled maturities of total time open and certificates of deposit were as follows:

(In thousands)

Due in 2016

Due in 2017

Due in 2018

Due in 2019

Due in 2020

Thereafter

Total

$

1,547,305

212,969

125,508

46,533

61,059

4,335

$

1,997,709

The following table shows a detailed breakdown of the maturities of time open and certificates of deposit, by size category, at 

December 31, 2015.

(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

144,126 $

28,527 $

317,181 $

13,995 $

157,787

234,347

83,037

31,508

46,719

59,140

338,601

182,054

298,460

17,505

34,955

9,767

Total

503,829

545,401

498,075

450,404

619,297 $

165,894 $

1,136,296 $

76,222 $

1,997,709

$

$

The aggregate amount of time open and certificates of deposit that exceeded the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit totaled $922.1 

million at December 31, 2015. 

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:

2015

2014

2013

 Year End
Weighted
Rate

 Average
Weighted
Rate

 Average Balance
Outstanding

Maximum
Outstanding at
any Month End

Balance at
December 31

.2%

.1

.1

.1% $

1,654,860 $

2,193,197 $

1,963,552

.1

.1

1,119,578

914,554

1,862,518

1,479,849

1,862,518

996,558

Short-term  borrowings  consist  primarily  of  federal  funds  purchased  and  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase 
(repurchase agreements), which generally have one day maturities.  Short-term repurchase agreements at December 31, 2015 were 
comprised of non-insured customer funds totaling $1.4 billion, which were secured by a portion of the Company's investment 
portfolio. Additional information about the securities pledged for repurchase agreements is provided in Note 19 on Resale and 
Repurchase Agreements.

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.  At December 31, 2015, total outstanding advances were $103.8 million with a weighted interest 
rate of 3.5% and a remaining maturity of two years.  All of the outstanding advances have fixed interest rates and contain prepayment 
penalties. The FHLB has also issued letters of credit, totaling $291.5 million at December 31, 2015, to secure the Company’s 
obligations to certain depositors of public funds. 

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9. Income Taxes   

The components of income tax expense from operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as 

follows:

(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2015:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total
Year ended December 31, 2014:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total
Year ended December 31, 2013:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total

Current

Deferred

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

102,607 $
6,551
109,158 $

110,552 $
11,637
122,189 $

103,094 $
10,900
113,994 $

7,084 $
348
7,432 $

(679) $
139
(540) $

7,984 $
1,217
9,201 $

109,691
6,899
116,590

109,873
11,776
121,649

111,078
12,117
123,195

The components of income tax (benefit) expense recorded directly to stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 

2015, 2014 and 2013 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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

(19,634) $
1,478

(2,132)
(20,288) $

36,525 $
(4,433)

(1,850)
30,242 $

(84,582)
6,981

(1,003)
(78,604)

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:

(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:

Loans, principally due to allowance for loan losses
Accrued expenses
Equity-based compensation
Private equity investments
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)

2015

2014

$

$

60,885 $
15,080
12,733
8,157
7,751
5,078
5,291
114,975

67,938
32,524
12,186
7,674
5,893
4,129
130,344
(15,369) $

68,014
14,590
12,689
6,001
7,397
5,885
10,172
124,748

67,531
52,158
14,520
7,532
5,919
3,181
150,841
(26,093)

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.

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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 2015, 2014 and 2013 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:

2015

2014

2013

$

133,112 $

134,191 $

134,455

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

(19,083)
4,484
(1,093)
(830)
116,590 $

(17,806)
7,655
(1,116)
(1,275)
121,649 $

(16,612)
7,876
(1,116)
(1,408)
123,195

$

The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $1.3 million at both December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the total amount 
of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  that  would  impact  the  effective  tax  rate,  if  recognized,  was  $830  thousand  and  $852  thousand, 
respectively.  The activity in the accrued liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 
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

2015

2014

$

$

1,312 $
40
—
272
(346)
1,278 $

1,428
20
(5)
299
(430)
1,312

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income tax by federal, state and local government taxing authorities.  Tax 
years 2012 through 2015 remain open to examination for U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in major state taxing 
jurisdictions.

10. Employee Benefit Plans

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

2015

2014

2013

22,235 $
20,659
12,841
1,495
2,950
60,180 $

21,417 $
22,855
12,057
2,555
2,585
61,469 $

21,118
18,490
12,465
1,627
2,988
56,688

$

$

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.

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.  No contributions to 
the defined benefit plan were made in 2015 or 2014, and the minimum required contribution for 2016 is expected to be zero.  The 
Company does not expect to make any further contributions in 2016 other than the necessary funding contributions to the CERP.  

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Contributions to the CERP were $20 thousand, $69 thousand and $69 thousand during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As 
noted in the table below, pension cost in 2014 included a settlement loss of $1.7 million, resulting from a cash-out opportunity 
offered during the year to certain vested inactive participants with deferred benefits. 

The following items are components of the net pension cost for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

(In thousands)

Service cost-benefits earned during the year

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of prior service cost

Amortization of unrecognized net loss

Settlement loss recognized

Net periodic pension cost

2015

2014

2013

$

503 $

430 $

4,762

(6,092)

(271)

2,593

—

5,069

(6,285)

—

1,654

1,687

$

1,495 $

2,555 $

509

4,509

(6,476)

—

3,085

—

1,627

The following table sets forth the pension plans’ funded status, using valuation dates of December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

(In thousands)

Change in projected benefit obligation

Projected benefit obligation at prior valuation date

Service cost

Interest cost

Plan settlements

Plan amendments

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

Plan settlements

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at valuation date

2015

2014

$

125,447 $

113,673

503

4,762

—

(2,619)

(6,400)

(4,131)

430

5,069

(7,163)

—

(5,193)

18,631

117,562

125,447

104,794

107,172

911

20

—

(6,400)

99,325

9,909

69

(7,163)

(5,193)

104,794

(20,653)

Funded status and net amount recognized at valuation date

$

(18,237) $

The accumulated benefit obligation, which represents the liability of a plan using only benefits as of the measurement date, 

was $117.6 million and $125.4 million for the combined plans on December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014 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

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

Prior service cost

Net loss arising during period

Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss

Amortization of prior service credit

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

Total income (expense) recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

2,348 $

(35,602)

(33,254)

15,017

(18,237) $

2,618 $

(1,050)

2,593

(271)

3,890 $

2,395 $

—

(37,145)

(37,145)

16,492

(20,653)

—

(15,007)

3,341

—

(11,666)

(14,221)

The estimated net loss and prior service credit to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic 

pension cost in 2016 is $2.3 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

2015

2014

2013

4.15%

5.00%

3.95%

6.00%

5.00%

3.95%

5.00%

4.55%

6.00%

5.00%

4.55%

5.00%

3.65%

6.50%

5.00%

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The following table shows the fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2015 and 
2014.  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, 2015
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, 2014
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

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

$

2,540 $

2,540 $

— $

1,208

10,478

1,352

5,740

6,965

32,800

15,746

12,960

2,545

3,125

392

—

—

—

—

—

—

15,746

12,960

2,545

3,125

392

1,208

10,478

1,352

5,740

6,965

32,800

—

—

—

—

—

3,474
99,325 $

3,474
40,782 $

—
58,543 $

1,290 $

1,290 $

— $

$

$

1,259

10,638

1,762

5,635

5,776

34,264

20,296

13,362

3,590

3,377

473

—

—

—

—

—

—

20,296

13,362

3,590

3,377

473

1,259

10,638

1,762

5,635

5,776

34,264

—

—

—

—

—

3,072
104,794 $

$

3,072
45,460 $

—
59,334 $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

(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 manufacturing sectors.

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The investment policy of the pension plan is designed for growth in principal, within limits designed to safeguard against 
significant losses within the portfolio. The policy sets guidelines, which may change from time to time, regarding the types and 
percentages of investments held.  Currently, the policy includes guidelines 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, 2015.  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 2015 pension plan expense 
was 6.0%. 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 6.6%.  During 2015, the plan’s rate of return was .6%, compared to 9.1% in 2014.  Returns for any plan year 
may be affected by changes in the stock market and interest rates.  The Company expects to incur pension expense of $1.9 million 
in 2016, compared to $1.5 million in 2015.  The increase in expense expected in 2016 as compared to 2015 is primarily due to 
asset losses that occurred during 2015, partly offset by a higher discount rate and the effect of the new mortality projection scale 
mentioned below.

 The Company utilizes published mortality tables to incorporate mortality assumptions into the measurement of the pension 
benefit obligation.  During 2014, the Society of Actuaries published new mortality tables, which incorporate a greater longevity 
for  people  living  in  the  United  States.   The  Company  utilized  the  updated  mortality  tables  in  measuring  the  pension  benefit 
obligation as of December 31, 2014, which increased the benefit obligation on that date by $11.4 million.  At December 31, 2015, 
the Company incorporated an updated mortality projection scale published by the Society of Actuaries, which decreased the benefit 
obligation on that date by $1.8 million.

The following future benefit payments are expected to be paid: 

(In thousands)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 - 2025

$

6,922
7,102
7,202
7,249
7,419
36,940

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. During the past three years, stock-based compensation has been issued in the form of nonvested stock 
awards and stock appreciation rights.  At December 31, 2015, 3,303,021 shares remained available for issuance under the plan.  
The stock-based compensation expense that was charged against income was $10.1 million,  $8.8 million and $6.4 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement 
for share-based compensation arrangements was $3.8 million, $3.3 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 
2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.   

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Nonvested Restricted 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 of restricted stock awards.  
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested share awards as of  December 31, 2015 and changes during the year then 
ended is presented below.

Nonvested at January 1, 2015

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Shares

1,322,502

233,654

(150,196)

(21,543)

Nonvested at December 31, 2015

1,384,417

$

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
32.77

$

39.85

28.67

34.37

34.38

The total fair value (at vest date) of shares vested during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $6.0 million, $4.5 million and $2.1 million, 

respectively. 

Stock Appreciation Rights and Stock Options

 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 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.  A summary of SAR activity during 2015 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, 2015

Granted

Forfeited

Expired

Exercised

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

Exercisable at December 31, 2015

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015

1,869,224 $

252,149

(7,837)

(1,237)

(523,842)

1,588,457 $

1,078,797 $

1,563,538 $

32.34

39.43

37.46

35.53

31.44

33.74

31.56

33.67

4.3 years $

13,978

2.4 years $

11,845

4.2 years $

13,867

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Non-qualified stock options were granted in 2005 and prior years, vesting ratably over three years of continuous service with 
10-year contractual terms. The last of these was exercised in 2015, as shown in the summary of stock option activity during 2015 
below.

Outstanding at January 1, 2015

72,091 $

27.88

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Shares

Granted

Forfeited

Expired

Exercised

Outstanding, exercisable and vested at December 31, 2015

—

—

—

—

—

—

(72,091)

— $

27.88

—

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 during the 
past three years 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

2015

$7.22

2014

2013

$8.40

$6.18

2.2%

21.3%

1.8%

2.0%

22.1%

2.3%

2.3%

23.2%

1.2%

7.2 years

7.1 years

7.3 years

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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

$

7,541 $

1,914 $

1,041 $

8,068

8,652

1,153

$

$

$

6,580

9,426

335

As of December 31, 2015, there was $19.9 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 2.7 years.

Directors Stock Purchase Plan

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 106,865 at December 31, 2015. In 2015, 23,425 shares were purchased at an average price of $41.60, and in 
2014, 21,122 shares were purchased at an average price of $40.32.

* All share and per share amounts in this note have been restated for the 5% common stock dividend distributed in 2015.

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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.

(In thousands)

Balance January 1, 2015

Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Securities (1)

OTTI

Other

Pension Loss
(2)

Total Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

$

3,791

$

81,310

$

(23,008)

$

62,093

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

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

Balance December 31, 2015

Balance January 1, 2014

$

$

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

(1,319)

483

(836)

318

(518)

43

3,316

4,203

(2,030)

1,365

(665)

253

(412)

$

$

(47,907)

(2,926)

(50,833)

19,316

(31,517)

(43)

49,750

21,303

93,158

3,627

96,785

(36,778)

60,007

$

$

1,568

2,322

3,890

(1,478)

2,412

—

(20,596)

(15,775)

(15,007)

3,341

(11,666)

4,433

(7,233)

$

$

Balance December 31, 2014

$

3,791

$

81,310

$

(23,008)

$

(47,658)

(121)

(47,779)

18,156

(29,623)

—

32,470

9,731

76,121

8,333

84,454

(32,092)

52,362

62,093

(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 prior 
service cost, "amortization of unrecognized net loss" and "settlement loss recognized" (see Note 10), for inclusion in the consolidated statements of income.

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. 

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

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 procedures and methods, which have been developed to reflect the underlying economics of the businesses.  
These methodologies are 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 
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.

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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, 2015:
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, 2014:
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, 2013:
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities losses, net
Non-interest expense
Income before income taxes

Consumer

Commercial

Wealth

Segment Totals

Other/
Elimination

Consolidated
Totals

$

$

$

$

$

266,328 $
(34,864)
119,558
—
(273,323)

77,699 $

264,974 $
(34,913)
113,869
—
(263,521)

80,409 $

262,579 $
(33,943)
108,180
—
(260,336)

$

76,480 $

296,466 $
1,032
194,131
—
(267,521)
224,108 $

287,244 $
559
190,538
—
(254,121)
224,220 $

280,121 $
3,772
186,433
—
(235,382)
234,944 $

42,653 $
75
136,374
—
(108,755)

70,347 $

40,128 $
372
128,238
—
(98,821)
69,917 $

40,185 $
(688)
117,322
—
(96,530)
60,289 $

605,447 $
(33,757)
450,063
—
(649,599)
372,154 $

592,346 $
(33,982)
432,645
—
(616,463)
374,546 $

582,885 $
(30,859)
411,935
—
(592,248)
371,713 $

28,873 $
5,030
(2,508)
6,320
(26,304)
11,411 $

27,858 $
4,451
3,333
14,124
(39,879)

9,887 $

36,487 $
10,506
6,451
(4,425)
(36,420)
12,599 $

634,320
(28,727)
447,555
6,320
(675,903)
383,565

620,204
(29,531)
435,978
14,124
(656,342)
384,433

619,372
(20,353)
418,386
(4,425)
(628,668)
384,312

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.  

Segment Balance Sheet Data

(In thousands)
Average balances for 2015:
Assets
Loans, including held for sale
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Deposits
Average balances for 2014:
Assets
Loans, including held for sale
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Deposits

$

$

Consumer

Commercial

Wealth

Segment Totals

Other/
Elimination

Consolidated
Totals

2,643,094 $
2,500,002
75,964
9,667,972

7,302,671 $
7,125,310
69,246
7,548,925

1,038,119 $
1,029,332
746
2,056,190

10,983,884 $
10,654,644
145,956
19,273,087

12,753,718 $
1,218,747
—
52,504

23,737,602
11,873,391
145,956
19,325,591

2,519,476 $
2,376,275
76,786
9,536,003

6,966,453 $
6,783,404
69,733
7,288,884

931,397 $
922,120
746
1,911,391

10,417,326 $
10,081,799
147,265
18,736,278

12,255,597 $
1,178,434
—
59,398

22,672,923
11,260,233
147,265
18,795,676

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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 and Preferred Stock*

On December 14, 2015, the Company distributed a 5% stock dividend on its $5 par common stock for the 22nd consecutive 

year.  All per common share data in this report has been restated to reflect the stock dividend.

The  Company  applies  the  two-class  method  of  computing  income  per  share,  as  nonvested  share-based  awards  that  pay 
nonforfeitable common stock 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.

Basic income per share is based on 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 common share, which have been restated for all 
stock dividends. 

(In thousands, except per share data)

Basic income per common share:

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Less preferred stock dividends
Net income available to common shareholders
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock
Net income allocated to common stock

Weighted average common shares outstanding

Basic income per common share
Diluted income per common share:

Net income available to common shareholders
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock
Net income allocated to common stock
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

2015

2014

2013

$

$

$

$

$

$

263,730 $
9,000
254,730
3,548
251,182 $
97,974

2.56 $

254,730 $
3,541
251,189 $
97,974

261,754 $
4,050
257,704
3,332
254,372 $
101,833

2.50 $

257,704 $
3,323
254,381 $
101,833

305
98,279

420
102,253

2.56 $

2.49 $

260,961
—
260,961
2,939
258,022
104,280
2.47

260,961
2,931
258,030
104,280

439
104,719
2.46

 Nearly all unexercised stock options and stock appreciation rights were included in the computations of diluted income per 
share for the years ended 2014 and 2013.  Unexercised options and rights of 402 thousand were excluded from the computation 
of diluted income per share for the year ended December 31, 2015 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.                                                     

In June 2014, the Company issued and sold 6,000,000 depositary shares, representing 6,000 shares of 6.00% Series B Non-
Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, having an aggregate liquidation preference of $150.0 million 
(“Series B Preferred Stock”).  Each depositary share has a liquidation preference of $25 per share. Dividends on the Series B 
Preferred Stock, if declared, accrue and are payable quarterly, in arrears, at a rate of 6.00%. The Series B Preferred Stock qualifies 
as Tier 1 capital for the purposes of the regulatory capital calculations.  In the event that the Company does not declare and pay 
dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock for the most recent dividend period, the ability of the Company to declare or pay 

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dividends on, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares of its common stock or any securities of the Company that rank junior 
to the Series B Preferred Stock is subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock. 

The net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Series B Preferred Stock were approximately $144.8 million and were used 
to fund, in part, an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program.  Under this ASR agreement, the Company paid $200.0 million 
to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC (Morgan Stanley) and received from Morgan Stanley 3,368,616 shares of the Company’s common 
stock in June 2014.  Final settlement occurred in June 2015 at which time the remaining shares, totaling 1,554,397 were received 
by the Company. The specific number of shares that the Company ultimately repurchased was based on the volume-weighted-
average price per share of the Company’s common stock during the repurchase period. 

The Company entered into a second ASR agreement in May 2015, under which it paid $100.0 million to Morgan Stanley and 
received from Morgan Stanley 1,893,598 shares of common stock at that time.  Final settlement occurred in August 2015, at which 
time the remaining shares, totaling 369,201, were received by the Company.

The Company accounted for repurchases under each ASR agreement as two separate transactions: (i) as shares of common 
stock  acquired  in  a  treasury  stock  transaction  recorded  on  the  acquisition  date;  and  (ii) as  a  forward  contract  indexed  to  the 
Company’s common stock that is classified as equity and reported as a component of surplus. The shares purchased under the 
ASR agreements are part of the Company's stock repurchase program, as authorized by its board of directors. The most recent 
board  authorization  in  October  2015  approved  future  purchases  of  5,000,000  shares  of  the  Company's  common  stock.   At 
December 31, 2015, 4,717,944 shares of common stock remained available for purchase under the current board authorization. 

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 under accelerated share buyback programs
Other purchases of treasury stock
Other
Shares outstanding at December 31

Years Ended December 31

2015

2014

2013

96,327

95,881

91,414

435
4,641
—
(3,635)
(535)
(7)
97,226

549
4,586
—
(3,055)
(1,626)
(8)
96,327

653
4,565
1,000
—
(1,742)
(9)
95,881

* Except as noted in the above table, all share and per share amounts in this note have been restated for the 5% common stock dividend distributed in 2015.

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.

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The following tables show the capital amounts and ratios for the Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank, together 
with the minimum capital adequacy and well-capitalized capital requirements (under transition provisions, if applicable), at the 
last two year ends.  

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Actual

Minimum Capital
Adequacy Requirement

Well-Capitalized Capital
Requirement

December 31, 2015 (under Basel III)

Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,364,761

13.28% $ 1,424,764

8.00%

N.A.

N.A.

Commerce Bank

2,135,668

12.07

1,415,812

8.00

$ 1,769,765

10.00%

Tier I Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,196,258

12.33% $ 1,068,573

6.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,983,051

11.21

1,061,859

6.00

$ 1,415,812

Tier I Common Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,051,474

11.52% $ 801,430

4.50%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,983,051

11.21

796,394

4.50

$ 1,150,347

Tier I Capital (to adjusted quarterly average assets):

(Leverage Ratio)

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,196,258

9.23% $ 951,370

4.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,983,051

8.37

948,259

4.00

$ 1,185,324

N.A.

8.00%

N.A.

6.50%

N.A.

5.00%

December 31, 2014 (under Basel I)

Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,304,206

14.86% $ 1,240,732

8.00%

N.A.

N.A.

Commerce Bank

2,026,666

13.16

1,232,378

8.00

$ 1,540,472

10.00%

Tier I Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,131,169

13.74% $ 620,366

4.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,869,053

12.13

616,189

4.00

$ 924,283

Tier I Capital (to adjusted quarterly average assets):

(Leverage Ratio)

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,131,169

9.36% $ 910,977

4.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

1,869,053

8.24

907,807

4.00

$ 1,134,759

N.A.

6.00%

N.A.

5.00%

In 2013 and 2014, the U.S. bank regulators approved the final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's  
capital adequacy guidelines, which were effective January 1, 2015. Under the final rules, known as Basel III, minimum requirements 
increased for both the quantity and quality of capital held by the Company. The rules included a new common equity Tier I capital 
to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, raised the minimum ratio of Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 
6.0%, require a minimum ratio of Total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and require a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 
4.0%.  A new capital conservation buffer, comprised of common equity Tier I capital, was also established above the regulatory 
minimum capital requirements. This capital conservation buffer will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at .625% of risk-
weighted assets and increases each subsequent year by an additional .625% until reaching its final level of 2.5% on January 1, 
2019.  Strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments were also implemented under the final rules.  The phase-in period 
for the final rules began for the Company on January 1, 2015, with full compliance with all of the final rule's requirements phased 
in over a multi-year schedule ending January 1, 2019.

The Basel III minimum required ratios for well-capitalized banks (under prompt corrective action provisions) are 6.5% for 
Tier I common capital, 8.0% for Tier I capital, 10.0% for Total capital and 5.0% for the leverage ratio.  These thresholds were 
effective January 1, 2015.

At December 31, 2015, the Company met all capital requirements to which it is subject, and the Bank’s capital position exceeded 

the regulatory definition of well-capitalized.

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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. 

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 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, 2015 and 2014.  There were no transfers among levels during these years.

(In thousands)
December 31, 2015
Assets:

Residential mortgage loans held for sale
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, 2014
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

$

4,981 $

— $

4,981 $

—

727,076
793,023
1,741,957
2,618,281
879,963
2,644,381
331,320
41,003
11,890
63,032
12,771
9,278
9,878,956

727,076
—
—
—
—
—
—
20,263
—
—
—
9,278
756,617

—
793,023
1,724,762
2,618,281
879,963
2,644,381
331,320
20,740
11,890
—
12,507
—
9,041,848

12,729
12,729 $

—
— $

12,534
12,534 $

501,407 $
963,127
1,813,201
2,593,708
382,744
3,091,993
139,161
38,219
15,357
57,581
10,457
8,848
9,615,803

501,407 $

— $

—
—
—
—
—
—
17,975
—
—
—
8,848
528,230

963,127
1,718,058
2,593,708
382,744
3,091,993
139,161
20,244
15,357
—
10,454
—
8,934,846

$

$

10,948
10,948 $

$

—
— $

10,722
10,722 $

—
—
17,195
—
—
—
—
—
—
63,032
264
—
80,491

195
195

—
—
95,143
—
—
—
—
—
—
57,581
3
—
152,727

226
226

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

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

basis:

Residential mortgage loans held for sale

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

Available for sale investment securities

For available for sale securities, changes in fair value, including that portion of other-than-temporary impairment unrelated to 
credit loss, are recorded in other comprehensive income. As mentioned in Note 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 

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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.

•  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, 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 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.

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

Assets held in trust

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

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, 2015:

Balance at January 1, 2015

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 / pay down of private equity securities

Capitalized interest/dividends

Sale of risk participation agreement

Balance at December 31, 2015
Total gains or losses for the year months included in earnings
attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to
assets still held at December 31, 2015
Year ended December 31, 2014:

Balance at January 1, 2014

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 / pay down of private equity securities

Capitalized interest/dividends

Purchase of risk participation agreement

Sale of risk participation agreement
Balance at December 31, 2014
Total gains or losses for the year months included in earnings
attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to
assets still held at December 31, 2014

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

State and
Municipal
Obligations

Private Equity
Investments

Derivatives

Total

$

95,143 $

57,581 $

(223) $

152,501

—

4,169

(82,825)

708

—

—

—

—

1,402

—

—

—

13,112

(9,204)

141

—

17,195 $

63,032 $

320

—

—

—

—

—

—

(28)

69 $

1,722

4,169

(82,825)

708

13,112

(9,204)

141

(28)

80,296

— $

1,127 $

322 $

1,449

127,724 $

56,612 $

(65) $

184,271

—

3,638

(38,225)

2,006

—

—

—

—

—
95,143 $

19,137

122

—

—

—

14,152

(32,464)

144

—

—
57,581 $

—

—

—

—

—

—

41

(321)
(223) $

19,259

3,638

(38,225)

2,006

14,152

(32,464)

144

41

(321)
152,501

— $

718 $

118 $

836

$

$

$

$

$

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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, 2015:

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, 2015
Year ended December 31, 2014:

Total gains or losses included in earnings
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at
December 31, 2014

$

$

$

$

263 $

263 $

— $

— $

57 $

59 $

1,402 $

1,127 $

1,722

1,449

122 $

19,137 $

19,259

118 $

718 $

836

Level 3 Inputs

As  shown  above,  the  Company's  significant  Level  3  measurements  which  employ  unobservable  inputs  that  are  readily 
quantifiable pertain to auction rate securities (ARS) held by the Bank, investments in portfolio concerns held by the Company's 
private equity subsidiaries, and held for sale residential mortgage loan commitments.   ARS are included in state and municipal 
securities and totaled $17.2 million at December 31, 2015, while private equity investments, included in non-marketable securities, 
totaled $63.0 million.

Information about these inputs is presented in the table and discussions below.

Auction rate securities

Private equity investments
Mortgage loan commitments

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Valuation Technique
Discounted cash flow

Unobservable Input
Estimated market recovery period
Estimated market rate

Market comparable companies EBITDA multiple
Discounted cash flow

Probability of funding
Embedded servicing value

Range

Weighted

Average

3.3% -
-
4.0

5 years
3.5%
5.5
64.1% - 100.0% 80.9%
1.0%
1.0%
.9% -

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 successful in recent years, and most secondary transactions 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. 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s derivative commitments to originate 
residential mortgage loans are the percentage of commitments that are actually funded and the mortgage servicing value that is 
inherent in the underlying loan value. A significant increase in the rate of loans that fund would result in a larger derivative asset 
or liability. A significant increase in the inherent mortgage servicing value would result in an increase in the derivative asset or a 

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reduction in the derivative liability. The probability of funding and the inherent mortgage servicing values are directly impacted 
by changes in market rates and will generally move in the same direction as interest rates.

Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during 2015 and 2014, and still held as of December 31, 2015 and 
2014, 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, 2015 and 2014.

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2015

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

$

Mortgage servicing rights

Foreclosed assets

Long-lived assets

Balance at December 31, 2014

5,457 $

1,638

238

822

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

5,457 $

1,638

238

822

Collateral dependent impaired loans

$

11,742 $

— $

— $

11,742 $

Private equity investments

Mortgage servicing rights

Foreclosed assets

Long-lived assets

984

878

2,540

9,895

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

984

878

2,540

9,895

(2,464)

68

(108)

(240)

(1,184)

(1,516)

(13)

(706)

(2,327)

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, 2015 and 2014 are shown in the table above.

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.

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Mortgage servicing rights

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

Foreclosed assets

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

Long-lived assets 

When investments in branch facilities and various office buildings are determined to be impaired, their carrying values 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. 

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 terms.  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”.  
Future cash flows for each individual loan are modeled using current rates and all contractual features, while adjusting for optionality 
such as prepayments.  Loans with potential optionality are modeled under a multiple-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 based on loan type, term and credit score are utilized.  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 cash flows using an estimate of 

the current market rate for similar instruments. 

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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 cash flows 

using an estimate of the current market rate for similar instruments.

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

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

Non-interest bearing deposits

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

Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level

2015

2014

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

Level 3

$ 4,397,893 $ 4,421,237

$ 3,969,952 $ 3,982,531

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 2

Level 3

Level 1

Level 3

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

624,070

633,083

403,507

407,905

2,355,544

2,387,101

2,288,215

2,315,378

1,915,953

1,940,863

1,883,092

1,933,456

1,924,365

1,916,747

1,705,134

1,701,037

432,981

779,744

6,142

7,607

434,607

793,428

6,142

7,607

430,873

782,370

6,095

—

433,508

794,929

6,095

—

747,339

747,339

519,382

519,382

9,012,470

9,012,470

8,909,035

8,909,035

17,195

11,890

112,786

14,505

875,000

23,803

464,411

12,507

264

17,195

11,890

112,786

14,505

879,546

23,803

464,411

12,507

264

95,143

15,357

106,875

32,485

95,143

15,357

106,875

32,485

1,050,000

1,048,866

600,744

467,488

10,454

3

600,744

467,488

10,454

3

Level 1

$ 7,146,398 $ 7,146,398

$ 6,811,959 $ 6,811,959

Level 1

Level 3

Level 1

Level 3

Level 3

Level 2

Level 3

10,834,746

10,834,746

10,541,601

10,541,601

1,997,709

1,993,521

2,122,218

2,121,114

556,970

556,970

3,840

3,840

1,406,582

1,406,670

1,858,678

1,858,731

103,818

12,534

195

108,542

12,534

195

104,058

10,722

226

111,102

10,722

226

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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.

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 Company's derivative instruments are accounted for as free-standing derivatives, and changes in 
their fair value are recorded in current earnings. 

(In thousands)

Interest rate swaps
Interest rate caps
Credit risk participation agreements
Foreign exchange contracts
Mortgage loan commitments
Mortgage loan forward sale contracts
Forward TBA contracts

Total notional amount

    December 31

2015
1,020,310
66,118
62,456
15,535
8,605
642
11,000
1,184,666

$

$

2014

647,709
53,587
75,943
19,791
—
—
—
797,030

$

$

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

Many of the Company’s interest rate swap 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  to  interest  rate  swaps  are  engaged  in  a  variety  of  businesses,  including  real  estate,  
manufacturing, retail product distribution, education, and retirement communities.  At December 31, 2015, the largest loss exposures 
were in the groups related to real estate, retirement communities, and education.  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 $5.5 million (real estate), 
$1.4 million (retirement communities), and $1.3 million (education), based on estimated amounts at December 31, 2015.

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.  

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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. 

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

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.

Asset Derivatives

December 31

Liability Derivatives

December 31

2015

2014

2015

2014

(In thousands) 

Fair Value

Fair Value

Derivative instruments:
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate caps
Credit risk participation
agreements
Foreign exchange contracts
Mortgage loan commitments
Mortgage  loan  forward  sale 
contracts
Forward TBA contracts

$

11,993
73

$

10,144
62

$

(11,993)
(73)

$

(10,166)
(62)

1
437
263

—
4

3
248
—

—
—

(195)
(430)
—

—
(38)

(226)
(494)
—

—
—

Total

$

12,771

$

10,457

$

(12,729)

$

(10,948)

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

(In thousands)

Derivative instruments:

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate caps

Credit risk participation agreements

Foreign exchange contracts:

Mortgage loan commitments

Mortgage loan forward sale contracts

Forward TBA contracts

Total

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

2015

2014

2013

Other non-interest income

$

4,309

$

1,674

$

1,140

Other non-interest income

Other non-interest income

Other non-interest income

Loan fees and sales

Loan fees and sales

Loan fees and sales

32

57

253

263

—

82

33

122

(263)

—

—

—

—

234

81

—

—

—

$

4,996

$

1,566

$

1,455

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

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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, 2015, the Company had a net liability position with dealer bank and clearing agency 
counterparties totaling $11.9 million, and had posted securities with a fair value of $2.4 million and cash totaling $17.9 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. 

(In thousands)

December 31, 2015

Assets:

Derivatives subject to master netting

agreements

Derivatives not subject to master

netting agreements

Total derivatives

Liabilities:

Derivatives subject to master netting

agreements

Derivatives not subject to master

netting agreements

Total derivatives

December 31, 2014

Assets:

Derivatives subject to master netting

agreements

Derivatives not subject to master

netting agreements

Total derivatives

Liabilities:

Derivatives subject to master netting

agreements

Derivatives not subject to master

netting agreements

Total derivatives

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

Collateral
Received/
Pledged

Net Amount

$

12,071 $

— $

12,071 $

(94) $

— $

11,977

700

12,771

12,299

430

12,729

—

—

—

—

—

700

12,771

12,299

430

12,729

(94)

(10,927)

1,278

$

10,209 $

— $

10,209 $

(251) $

— $

9,958

248

10,457

10,454

494

10,948

—

—

—

—

—

248

10,457

10,454

494

10,948

(251)

(8,738)

1,465

19. Resale and Repurchase Agreements

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

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

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The Company is party to several agreements commonly known as collateral swaps.  These agreements involve the exchange 
of collateral under simultaneous repurchase and resale agreements with the same financial institution counterparty. These repurchase 
and resale agreements have the same principal amounts, inception dates, and maturity dates and have been offset against each 
other in the balance sheet, having met the accounting requirements for this treatment.  The collateral swaps totaled $550.0 million 
at December 31, 2015 compared to $450.0 million at December 31, 2014.  At December 31, 2015, the Company had posted 
collateral of $565.8 million in marketable securities, consisting mainly of agency mortgage-backed bonds and treasuries, and had 
accepted $629.6 million in investment grade asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and corporate bonds.

(In thousands)

December 31, 2015

Total resale agreements, subject to
master netting arrangements

Total repurchase agreements, subject to

master netting arrangements

December 31, 2014

Total resale agreements, subject to
master netting arrangements

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

$

1,425,000 $

(550,000) $

875,000 $

— $

(875,000) $

1,956,582

(550,000)

1,406,582

—

(1,406,582)

$

1,500,000 $

(450,000) $

1,050,000 $

— $

(1,049,370) $

2,308,678

(450,000)

1,858,678

—

(1,858,678)

—

—

630

—

The table below shows the remaining contractual maturities of repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2015, in 

addition to the various types of marketable securities that have been pledged as collateral for these borrowings.

(In thousands)
December 31, 2015
Repurchase agreements, secured by:
  U.S. government and federal agency obligations
  Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
  Agency mortgage-backed securities
  Asset-backed securities
   Total repurchase agreements, gross amount recognized

Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements

Overnight and
continuous

Up to 90 days

Greater than 90
days

Total

$

$

210,346 $
356,970
579,974
212,000
1,359,290 $

— $
—
2,292
45,000
47,292 $

300,000 $
24,096
225,904
—

550,000 $

510,346
381,066
808,170
257,000
1,956,582

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 $6.8 million, $6.7 million and $6.5 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  A summary of 
minimum lease commitments follows:

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

After

Total minimum lease payments

Type of Property

Real Property

Equipment

Total

$

5,586 $

47 $

4,912

3,931

2,761

1,844

13,023

20

11

—

—

—

$

5,633

4,932

3,942

2,761

1,844

13,023

32,135

All leases expire prior to 2052. 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 2016.

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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

2015

2014

$

4,705,715 $

3,517,639

5,249,368

4,922,748

311,844

4,935

324,817

7,519

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, 2015, the Company had recorded a liability in the amount of $2.8 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 $311.8 million at December 31, 2015.

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 2015, purchases and sales of tax credits amounted to 
$39.3 million and $21.7 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2015, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments 
totaling $67.4 million that it expects to fund in 2016.

The Company periodically enters into risk participation agreements (RPAs) as a guarantor to other financial institutions, in 
order to mitigate those institutions’ credit risk associated with interest rate swaps with third parties.  The RPA stipulates that, in 
the event of default by the third party on the interest rate swap, the Company will reimburse a portion of the loss borne by the 
financial institution.  These interest rate swaps are normally collateralized (generally with real property, inventories and equipment) 
by the third party, which limits the credit risk associated with the Company’s RPAs.  The third parties usually have other borrowing 
relationships with the Company.  The Company monitors overall borrower collateral, and at December 31, 2015, believes sufficient 
collateral is available to cover potential swap losses. The RPAs are carried at fair value throughout their term, with all changes in 
fair value, including those due to a change in the third party’s creditworthiness, recorded in current earnings.  The terms of the 
RPAs, which correspond to the terms of the underlying swaps, range from 3 to 11 years.  At December 31, 2015, the fair value of 
the Company's guarantee liability RPAs was $195 thousand, and the notional amount of the underlying swaps was $58.5 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.

On August 15, 2014, a customer filed a purported class action complaint against the Bank in the Circuit Court, Jackson County, 
Missouri.  The case is Cassandra Warren, et al v. Commerce Bank (Case No. 1416-CV19197).  In the case, the customer alleges 
violation of the Missouri usury statute in connection with the Bank charging overdraft fees in connection with point-of-sale/debit 
and automated-teller machine cards. The case seeks class-action status for Missouri customers of the Bank who may have been 

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similarly affected.  The Company believes the complaint lacks merit and will defend itself vigorously. The amount of any ultimate 
exposure cannot be determined with certainty at this time.

The Company has various other lawsuits pending at December 31, 2015, arising in the normal course of business.  While some 
matters pending against the Company specify damages claimed by plaintiffs, others do not seek a specified amount of damages 
or are at very early stages of the legal process.  The Company records a loss accrual for all legal matters for which it deems a loss 
is probable and can be reasonably estimated.  Some legal matters, which are at early stages in the legal process, have not yet 
progressed to the point where a loss amount can be determined to be probable and estimable.  

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 71% of the outstanding stock 
of Tower.  At December 31, 2015, Tower owned 245,485 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.   These 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)

Leasing agent fees

Operation of parking garages

Building management fees

Property construction management fees

Dividends paid on Company stock held by Tower

Total

2015

2014

2013

$

$

66 $

75

1,850

322

210

502 $

86

1,824

335

200

2,523 $

2,947 $

50

84

1,799

114

191

2,238

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  line  of  credit  is  collateralized  by  Company  stock  and  based  on  collateral  value  had  a  maximum  borrowing  amount  of 
approximately $8.0 million at December 31, 2015.  The maximum borrowings outstanding under this line during 2015 were $1.3 
million, and there was no balance outstanding at December 31, 2015.  The maximum borrowings outstanding during 2014 and 
2013 were $3.0 million and $2.0 million, and there was $1.3 million balance outstanding at December 31, 2014.  There was no 
balance outstanding at December 31, 2013.  Interest paid on these borrowings during the last three years was not significant.  
Letters of credit may be collateralized under this line of credit; however, there were no letters of credit outstanding during 2015, 
2014 or 2013, 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 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Tower leases office space in the Kansas City bank headquarters building owned by the Company.  Rent paid to the Company 
totaled $69 thousand in both 2015 and 2014 and $67 thousand in 2013, at $15.42, $15.17 and $14.92 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 2015, the Company sold 
state tax credits to its Chief Executive Officer, his father (a former Chief Executive Officer), its Vice Chairman, and its President, 
in the amount of $478 thousand, $40 thousand, $372 thousand, and $65 thousand, respectively, for personal tax planning.  During 
2014, the Company sold state tax credits to its Chief Executive Officer, its Vice Chairman, and its President, in the amount of 
$396 thousand, $155 thousand, and $60 thousand, respectively.  During 2013, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, his father, 
its Vice Chairman, and a member of its Board of Directors purchased state tax credits of $846 thousand, $282 thousand, $456 
thousand, and $200 thousand, respectively.  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.

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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

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

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

Other

Total expense

Income tax benefit

Net income

December 31

2015

2014

$

2,147,284 $

2,069,369

50,223

53

104,440

52,076

1,787

18,560

8,444

17,246

45,600

56

161,650

52,118

1,787

19,731

3,848

16,551

2,400,113 $

2,370,710

$

$

18,237 $

19,886

38,123

2,361,990

$

2,400,113 $

20,653

19,864

40,517

2,330,193

2,370,710

For the Years Ended December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

160,001 $

200,001 $

200,001

—

106,636

2,272

25,713

—

1,422

34,000

32,493

2,501

25,806

204

2,176

390

62,815

4,029

20,701

1,294

2,958

296,044

297,181

292,188

22,167

1,833

3,186

9,265

36,451

(4,137)

26,030

2,363

3,030

10,578

42,001

(6,574)

20,433

3,538

2,775

10,236

36,982

(5,755)

$

263,730 $

261,754 $

260,961

113

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

For the Years Ended December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

263,730 $

261,754 $

260,961

(106,636)

(3,284)

153,810

(32,493)

5,412

234,673

(62,815)

(139)

198,007

(Increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell

57,210

(19,000)

(74,975)

(Increase) decrease in investment in subsidiaries, net

Proceeds from sales of investment securities

Proceeds from maturities/pay downs of investment securities

Purchases of investment securities

(Increase) decrease in advances to subsidiaries, net

Net purchases of building improvements and equipment

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing Activities

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

Purchases of treasury stock

Accelerated share repurchase agreements

Issuance of stock under equity compensation plans

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Cash dividends paid on common stock

Cash dividends paid on preferred 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

(6)

—

3,516

(2,500)

1,171

(113)

59,278

—

(23,176)

(100,000)

1,914

2,132

(84,961)

(9,000)

357

157

5,852

—

(17,959)

(98)

151

866

13,644

—

3,732

(402)

(30,691)

(56,984)

144,784

(70,974)

(200,000)

8,652

1,850

(84,241)

(4,050)

—

(69,353)

—

9,426

1,003

(82,104)

—

(213,091)

(203,979)

(141,028)

(3)

56

53 $

3

53

56 $

(5)

58

53

1,278 $

(8,209) $

(6,933)

$

$

Dividends paid by the Parent to its shareholders were substantially provided from Bank dividends. The Bank may distribute 
common 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 cash advances to its private equity subsidiaries for general short-term cash flow purposes. 
Advances may be made to the Parent by its subsidiary bank holding company for temporary investment of idle funds. 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, 2015, the fair value of available for sale investment securities held by the Parent consisted of investments 
of    $40.9  million  in  common  and  preferred  stock  and  $11.1  million  in  non-agency  mortgage-backed  securities. The  Parent’s 
unrealized net gain in fair value on its investments was $36.0 million at December 31, 2015. The corresponding net of tax unrealized 
gain included in stockholders’ equity was $22.3 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 $30.7 million at December 31, 2015.

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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 (2013) issued by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on our evaluation under the framework in 
Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting 
was effective as of December 31, 2015.   

The  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2015  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. 

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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, 
2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
Integrated Framework (2013) 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, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control  Integrated Framework (2013) 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, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015, and our report dated February 24, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Kansas City, Missouri
February 24, 2016

116

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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 2019 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 2019 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.

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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

59
60
61
62
63
64
53

(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).

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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 2016.

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 2016.

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

John W. Kemper

Jonathan M. Kemper

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:

119

 
 
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 May 7, 2014, 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) 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.

(c) 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.

(d)(1) 2009 Form of Severance Agreement between Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and the persons listed at the end
of such agreement was filed in annual report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated February
24, 2015, and the same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(d)(2) 2015 Form of Severance Agreement between Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and the persons listed at the end
of such agreement was filed in annual report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated February
24, 2015, and the same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(e) 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.

(f) Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 2016 Compensatory Arrangements with CEO and Named Executive Officers
were filed in current report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated February 2, 2016, and the
same is hereby incorporated by reference.

(g) 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.

(h) 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.

(i) 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.

(j) Form of Notice of Grant of Award and Award Agreement for Restricted Stock for Executive Officers, pursuant
to the Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, was filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q
(Commission file number 0-2989) dated May 7, 2014, and the same is hereby incorporated by reference.

E-1

table of contents

(k) Form of Notice of Grant of Award and Award Agreement for Restricted Stock for Employees other than
Executive Officers, pursuant to the Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, was filed in
quarterly report on Form 10-Q (Commission file number 0-2989) dated May 7, 2014, and the same is hereby
incorporated by reference.

(l) Form of Notice of Grant of Award and Award Agreement for Stock Appreciation Rights, pursuant to the
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, was filed in quarterly report on Form 10-Q
(Commission file number 0-2989) dated May 7, 2014, and the same is 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, 2016 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
South Yale Holdings, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tulsa, OK

Oklahoma

CBI Insurance Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Arizona
CFB Partners, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clayton, MO
Delaware
CFB Venture Fund I, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, MO Missouri
Delaware
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. 333-14651, No. 333-186867, and No. 333-188374, each on Form S-8, No. 333-140221 and No. 333-196689 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, 2016, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 
31, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2015, which reports appear in the December 31, 2015 annual report on Form 10-K of Commerce 
Bancshares, Inc.  

KPMG LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
February 24, 2016

 
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, 2015, 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 5th day of February, 2016.

/s/ TERRY D. BASSHAM

/s/ JOHN R. CAPPS

/s/ EARL H. DEVANNY, III

/s/ W. THOMAS GRANT, II

/s/ DAVID W. KEMPER

/s/ JOHN W. KEMPER

/s/ JONATHAN M. KEMPER 

/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, 2016

/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, 2016

/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, 2015 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, 2016

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.

CO R P O R AT E  H E A D Q U A RT 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 CCO U N TA N T S
KPMG LLP 
Kansas City, Missouri

T R A N S F E R   A G E N T,   R EG I ST 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 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
(800) 317-4445
(800) 952-9245 Hearing Impaired/TDD
www.computershare.com/investor

STO C K  E XC H A N G E  L I ST I N G
NASDAQ
Symbol: CBSH 
Preferred Stock: CBSHP

CO M M O N  STO C K  I N F O R M AT 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 2015 5% stock dividend.

F I S C A L   2 0 1 5  

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

H I G H   

L O W

$41.86 
45.71 
46.38 
47.10 

$37.65
39.55
40.43
41.40

A N N UA L  M E E T I N G
The annual meeting of shareholders will be held Wednesday, 
April 20, 2016 at 9:30 a.m., at The Ritz Carlton - St. Louis, 100 
Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO 63105 in the Amphitheater on 
level two.

I N V ESTO R   I N Q U I R I ES 
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

S H A R E H O L D E R S  M AY  R ECE I V E  F U T U R E   

A N N UA L  R E P O RTS  A N D   P R O X Y  M AT E R I A L S   

OV 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-us.computershare.com/investor/contact. 

•  If you have already created a login ID and password at the 
above site, just log in 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. 

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We ask, listen and solve.

COMMERCE BANCSHARES,  INC.

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