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Commerce Bancshares Inc

cbsh · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Ticker cbsh
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Commerce Bancshares Inc
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R I S I N G   T O   T H E   C H A L L E N G E

2 0 1 6   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 

and expense management. Commerce provides a full range  

bank offering an array of sophisticated financial products 

of financial products to consumer and commercial customers, 

delivered with high-quality, personal customer service. The 

including lending, payments processing, trust, brokerage and 

Company’s customer promise of "We ask, listen and solve"

capital markets services. Commerce uses a variety of delivery 

is not just its brand, but also its corporate focus. With this 

platforms, including an expansive ATM network, full-featured 

platform, Commerce is continually building its long-term 

online banking and a central contact center, and has a 

franchise while paying strict attention to asset quality 

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

N I N E   K E Y  M A R K E T S

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

C O M M E R C E   U S   P R E S E N C E

 1.  St. Louis

 2.  Kansas City

3.  Springfield

4. Central Missouri

 5.  Central Illinois

6.  Wichita

 7.   Tulsa

8.  Oklahoma City

 9.  Denver

 1. Cincinnati

 2. Nashville

 3. Dallas

 4. Des Moines

 5. Indianapolis

 6. Grand Rapids

Branch Footprint

 Extended Commercial 
Market Area

 Commercial Payments 
Services

4

3

2

5

4

1

6

5

1

2

9

6

7

8

3

$25.6

billion in assets

39th

 largest U.S. bank based  
on asset size1

$21.1

billion in total deposits

$43.1

billion in Trust assets  
under administration

378

ATMs

184

branches

396

 thousand active  
online banking customers

152

 thousand mobile customers 

Data as of December 31, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

1 SNL Financial data, September 30, 2016

G I V I N G   V O I C E   T O   O U R   V A L U E S

We have 
a long-term  
View

We 
collaborate as 
One team

We act 
with
Integrity

We are 
Customer 
focused

We strive 
for 
Excellence

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

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

Financial Highlights .......................................................... 

To Our Shareholders ........................................................ 

Rising to the Challenge ................................................. 
2016 Customer Success Stories  ............................. 

1

2

4

10 

Community Advisors .......................................................  20

Officers and Directors ....................................................  24

After manufacturing pedal-driven kayaks for nearly 20 years, Hobie Cat Co. released a 
new stand-up “pedal board” last spring. Sales soared after a video of the leg-powered 
watercraft went viral. “It was a great problem to have,” says President Doug Skidmore. 
“But it took far more cash for vendor financing than we anticipated.” So Hobie Cat 
turned to the same place that it had turned for financing many times before: Commerce 
Bank. "Commerce has been our major source of cash for the past 22 years,” says  
Bill Baldwin, Hobie’s senior vice president of finance. "We wouldn’t be where we  
are today without Commerce’s help.” From left, Bill Baldwin; Doug Skidmore; and  
Peter Ouchi, commercial banking relationship manager for Commerce. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
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, 2016 – 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 
Depositary 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, 2016, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $4,160,000,000. 

As of February 8, 2017, there were 101,616,184 shares of Registrant’s $5 Par Value Common Stock outstanding.

Smaller reporting company 

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, which will be filed within 120 days of 
December 31, 2016, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report.

DOCUMENTS  IN CORPORATED  BY  REFERENCE

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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

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, mortgage banking, 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, 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, 2016, the Company had consolidated assets of $25.6 billion, loans of $13.4 
billion, deposits of $21.1 billion, and equity of $2.5 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 184 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, Cincinnati, Des Moines, 
Grand Rapids, and Indianapolis, 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 mainly 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 has not completed  
any significant transactions or sales during the past several years.

Employees

The Company employed 4,482 persons on a full-time basis and 395 persons on a part-time basis at December 31, 2016. 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 
intermediaries such as securities brokers and dealers, personal loan companies, insurance companies, finance companies, and 

3

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.  In its two largest markets, 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 184 full-service branches, a widespread ATM network of 378 machines, and the use of alternative delivery channels 
such as extensive online banking, mobile, and telephone banking services. In 2016, 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 2016, the Commercial segment contributed 59% 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, 2016, the Trust group managed investments 
with a market value of $25.4 billion and administered an additional $17.7 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 46 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 
state consumer protection laws, including laws designed to protect customers and promote lending to various sectors of the economy 

4

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, 2017.  The Company withdrew from 
a private equity fund investment to comply with the Volcker Rule requirement in 2016 and realized a gain of $1.8 million upon 
divestiture. The Company does not hold other significant investments requiring disposal. 

While the Company remains subject to regulation under the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulatory requirements, the current 
presidential administration has instructed federal agencies to consider ways to reduce the impact of federal regulation on financial 
5

institutions.  It is not possible at this time to determine the extent to which this goal will be accomplished nor its impact on the 
Company.

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 $13.3 
million in 2016, $12.1 million in 2015, and $11.6 million in 2014.    

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 is being 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.  At December 31, 2016, 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 

6

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 
6.5%, 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 submitted its stress test report to the Federal 
Reserve in July and publicly disclosed the results 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 2 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.

7

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 . .
21, 54-57
Investment Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-38, 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26
27
32-36
29-32
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.

In addition to the results above, reduced levels of economic activity may cause declines in financial services activity, 
including 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. 

8

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.

The Company is subject to increasingly extensive government regulation and supervision.

As part of the financial services industry, the Company has been subject to increasingly extensive federal and state regulation 
and supervision over the past several years.  While a goal of the Trump administration is to loosen some of these regulations, it is 
not possible at this time to determine the extent to which this goal will be accomplished nor its impact on the Company.  Banking 
regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds, and the banking system as a whole, 
not shareholders. These regulations affect the Company’s lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy, 
and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations, and 
policies  for  possible  changes.  Changes  to  statutes,  regulations,  or  regulatory  policies,  including  changes  in  interpretation  or 
implementation of statutes, regulations, or policies, could affect the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes 
could subject the Company to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products it may offer, and / or increase the 
ability of nonbanks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations, 
or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties, and / or reputation damage, which could have 
a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. While the Company has policies 
and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.

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.

9

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, 2016.  The interest rate environment in which 
the Company operates fluctuates in response to general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory 
agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve Board.  Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence 
loan originations, deposit generation, demand for investments and revenues and costs for earning assets and liabilities.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Federal Reserve Board raised the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, marking the 
second increase in 10 years.  Further rate increases are expected in 2017.  Such increases may result in customer deposit withdrawals 
which, if significant, may affect the Company’s source of funds for future loan growth.  These actions may include reductions in 
its investment portfolio or higher borrowings, and could reduce net interest income and related 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.

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 during the past several years, an unforeseen deterioration of financial market 
10

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.

New lines of business or new products and services may subject the Company to additional risk.

    From time to time, the Company may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing 
lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the 
markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and new products or services, the Company 
may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and 
new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as 
compliance  with  regulations,  competitive  alternatives  and  shifting  market  preferences  may  also  impact  the  successful 
implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business or new product or 
service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal controls. Failure to successfully 
manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business and new products or services could have a 
material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

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’s operations rely on certain external vendors.

The Company relies on third-party vendors to provide products and services necessary to maintain day-to-day operations. For 
example,  the  Company  outsources  a  portion  of  its  information  systems,  communication,  data  management  and  transaction 
processing to third parties.  Accordingly, the Company is exposed to the risk that these vendors might not perform in accordance 
with the contracted arrangements or service level agreements because of changes in the vendor’s organizational structure, financial 
condition,  support  for  existing  products  and  services,  or  strategic  focus.    Such  failure  to  perform  could  be  disruptive  to  the 
Company’s operations, which could have a materially adverse impact on its business, results of operations and financial condition.  
These third parties are also sources of risk associated with operational errors, system interruptions or breaches and unauthorized 
disclosure of confidential information. If the vendors 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, including the entrance of financial technology companies offering new financial service 
products. 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.

11

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 
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 office buildings 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

391,000

237,000

178,000

124,000

95%

93%

80

100

100

96

39

100

100

34

The Company has an additional 179 branch locations in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado which are owned 

or leased, and 152 off-site ATM locations.

Item 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information required by this item is set forth in Item 8 under Note 19, 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 23, 2017, 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.

12

Name and Age

Jeffery D. Aberdeen, 62

Kevin G. Barth, 56

Jeffrey M. Burik, 58

Daniel D. Callahan, 60

Sara E. Foster, 56

Robert S. Holmes, 53

Patricia R. Kellerhals, 59

David W. Kemper, 66

John W. Kemper, 39

Jonathan M. Kemper, 63

Charles G. Kim, 56

Paula S. Petersen, 50

Michael J. Petrie, 60

David L. Roller, 46

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

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

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

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

Executive Vice President of the Company since February 2012 and Senior Vice President of 
the Company 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, and 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 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 President of 
Commerce Bank since March 2013.  Prior thereto, and since October 2010, he was Executive 
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company and Senior Vice President 
of Commerce Bank.  Member of Board of Directors since September 2015.  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 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  July  2016  and  Executive  Vice  President  of 
Commerce Bank since March 2012.

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 July 2016 and Senior Vice President of the Bank 
since September 2010.

V. Raymond Stranghoener, 65

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

13

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

AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

PART II

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 2016).

2016

2015

2014

Quarter

High

Low

Cash
Dividends

First

Second

Third

Fourth

First

Second

Third

Fourth

First

Second

Third

Fourth

$

$

$

43.77 $

35.66 $

47.06

48.86

59.22

40.93

43.56

45.37

39.86 $

35.85 $

43.54

44.17

44.86

37.67

38.50

39.43

40.87 $

35.99 $

40.99

41.16

40.18

36.36

38.30

34.56

.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 3,809 common shareholders of record as of December 31, 2016.  Certain of the Company's shares are 
held in "nominee" or "street" name and the number of beneficial owners of such shares is approximately 45,000.

14

 
 
Performance Graph

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

invested on December 31, 2011 with dividends invested on a cumulative total shareholder return basis.

Commerce (CBSH)

100.00

102.61

140.89

146.08

153.04

222.38

NASDAQ OMX Global-Bank

100.00

134.74

184.08

205.85

210.40

266.24

S&P 500

100.00

115.95

153.48

174.48

176.88

197.96

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

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 2016.

Period

October 1—31, 2016

November 1—30, 2016

December 1—31, 2016

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

552

13,304

1,985

15,841

$49.89

$57.28

$58.03

$57.12

552

13,304

1,985

15,841

3,773,964

3,760,660

3,758,675

3,758,675

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, 3,758,675 shares remained available for purchase at December 31, 2016.  

Item 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The required information is set forth below in Item 7. 

15

 
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 336 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 $275.4 million, an 
increase of 4.4% compared to the previous year.  The return on average assets was 1.12% in 2016, and the return on 
average common equity was 11.33%.  Diluted earnings per share increased 7.4% in 2016 compared to 2015.

Total revenue — Total revenue is comprised of net interest income and non-interest income.  Total revenue in 2016
increased $72.0 million over 2015, due to growth in net interest income of $45.7 million and growth in non-interest 
income of $26.3 million.  Net interest income increased over 2015 due in part to higher average loan balances, which 
grew 9.1%, and higher average rates earned on investment securities, which increased 19 basis points over 2015.  Overall, 
the net interest margin (tax equivalent) increased to 3.04% in 2016, a 10 basis point increase over 2015.  Growth in non-
interest income resulted principally from increases in deposit fees, cash sweep commissions, trust fees, and loan fees and 
sales.  

Non-interest expense — Total non-interest expense grew 6.0% this year compared to 2015, mainly as a result of higher 
costs for salaries and employee benefits and an increase in data processing and software costs.  Smaller increases occurred 
in occupancy, supplies and communication, and deposit insurance expense. 

Asset quality — Net loan charge-offs in 2016 decreased $1.8 million from those recorded in 2015 and averaged .25% of 
loans compared to .28% in the previous year.  Total non-performing assets, which include non-accrual loans and foreclosed 
real estate, amounted to $14.6 million at December 31, 2016, a decrease of $14.7 million from balances at the previous 
year end, and represented .11% of loans outstanding.  

16

• 

Shareholder return — Total shareholder return, including the change in stock price and dividend reinvestment, was 45.3% 
over the past year, compared to the S&P 500 return of 12.0%.  The Company's shareholder return was 17.3% over the 
past 5 years and 9.7% over the past 10 years.  During 2016, 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 2016, the Company issued its 23rd consecutive annual 5% common stock dividend, and in February 2017, the Company's 
Board of Directors authorized a 5% increase in the common cash dividend, which is its 49th consecutive annual increase.

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.

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

1.12%
11.33
10.16
63.71
34.67
3.04

41.09
61.98
11.62
12.38
13.32
9.55
8.66
32.69

1.11%
11.43
10.00
61.44
35.12
2.94

41.40
62.34
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

41.31
61.96
        NA
13.74
14.86
9.36
8.55
32.69

40.34
60.42
        NA
14.06
15.28
9.43
9.00
31.46

38.47
59.19
        NA
13.60
14.93
9.14
9.25
78.57

(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, 2016 and 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)

2016
$ 2,501,132
5,349
144,784
138,921
3,841
$ 2,208,237
$ 25,641,424
138,921
3,841
$ 25,498,662

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

8.66%

8.48%

8.55%

9.00%

9.25%

17

 
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

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

680,049 $
36,318
474,392
(53)
717,065

634,320 $
28,727
448,139
6,320
676,487

620,204 $
29,531
436,506
14,124
656,870

619,372 $
20,353
418,865
(4,425)
629,147

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

275,391
266,391
2.62
2.61
87,070
.857
57.81
23.22
101,461
25,641,424
13,427,192
9,770,986
21,101,095
102,049
2,501,132
14,649

263,730
254,730
2.44
2.43
84,961
.816
40.51
21.77
102,087
24,604,962
12,444,299
9,901,680
19,978,853
103,818
2,367,418
29,394

261,754
257,704
2.38
2.37
84,241
.777
39.45
20.62
106,201
23,994,280
11,469,238
9,645,792
19,475,778
104,058
2,334,246
46,251

260,961
260,961
2.36
2.35
82,104
.740
38.79
19.95
110,994
23,072,036
10,956,836
9,042,997
19,047,348
455,310
2,214,397
55,439

*  Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in December 2016. 

639,906
27,287
400,047
4,828
618,015

269,329
269,329
2.40
2.39
211,608
1.896
28.84
19.54
111,115
22,159,589
9,840,211
9,669,735
18,348,653
503,710
2,171,574
64,863

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

'16-'15

'15-'14

'16-'15

'15-'14

$

2016
680,049 $
(36,318)
474,392
(53)
(717,065)
(124,151)

2015
634,320 $
(28,727)
448,139
6,320
(676,487)
(116,590)

2014
620,204 $
(29,531)
436,506
14,124
(656,870)
(121,649)

45,729 $
7,591
26,253
(6,373)
40,578
7,561

(1,463)

(3,245)

(1,030)

(1,782)

275,391
(9,000)

263,730
(9,000)

261,754
(4,050)

11,661
—

14,116
(804)
11,633
(7,804)
19,617
(5,059)

2,215

1,976
(4,950)

7.2%
26.4
5.9
N.M.
6.0
6.5

(54.9)

4.4
N.M.

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

N.M.

.8
N.M.

$

266,391 $

254,730 $

257,704 $

11,661 $

(2,974)

4.6%

(1.2)%

Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. for 2016 was $275.4 million, an increase of $11.7 million, or 4.4%, 
compared to $263.7 million in 2015.  Diluted income per common share increased 4.7% to $2.61 in 2016, compared to $2.43 in 
2015. The increase in net income resulted from increases of $45.7 million in net interest income and $26.3 million in non-interest 
income.  These increases in net income were partly offset by increases of $40.6 million in non-interest expense, $7.6 million in 
the provision for loan losses, and $7.6 million in income tax expense, as well as a decrease of $6.4 million in investment securities 
gains.  The return on average assets was 1.12% in 2016 compared to 1.11% in 2015, and the return on average common equity 
was 11.33% in 2016 compared to 11.43% in 2015.  At December 31, 2016, the ratio of tangible common equity to assets increased 
to 8.66%, compared to 8.48% at year end 2015.

During 2016, net interest income increased $45.7 million compared to 2015.  This increase reflected growth of $33.3 million 
in interest on loans, resulting from higher average balances.  In addition, interest on investment securities grew by $15.4 million 
due to higher rates earned, which included $6.4 million in additional inflation income earned on the Company's portfolio of  U.S. 
Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS).  Interest expense on deposits rose by $3.1 million due to higher balances and a 

18

slight increase in overall rates paid. The provision for loan losses increased $7.6 million over the previous year, totaling $36.3 
million in 2016, and was $4.4 million higher than net loan charge-offs.  Net charge-offs decreased by $1.8 million in 2016 compared 
to 2015, mainly due to higher recoveries in construction and business real estate loans.

Non-interest income in 2016 was $474.4 million, an increase of $26.3 million, or 5.9%, compared to $448.1 million in 2015.  
This increase resulted mainly from growth in deposit account fees, trust fees, loan fees and sales, and bank card fees, which 
increased  $6.0 million, $3.4 million, $3.2 million, and $3.0 million, respectively.  Non-interest expense in 2016 was $717.1 
million, an increase of $40.6 million over $676.5 million in 2015.  The increase in non-interest expense included a $26.6 million, 
or 6.6%, increase in salaries and benefits expense due to higher full-time salaries, incentives, and medical plan costs.  The net loss 
on investment securities transactions in 2016 was minimal, while a net gain of $6.3 million was recorded in 2015 that resulted 
from sales of available for sale securities and fair value adjustments and dispositions of private equity investments.

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 $2.43 in 2015 compared to $2.37 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 TIPS interest 
income of $7.9 million.  In addition, deposit interest expense declined $924 thousand due to slightly lower rates paid.  The provision 
for loan losses decreased $804 thousand from 2014, 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 $448.1 million, an increase of $11.6 million compared to $436.5 million in 2014.  This 
increase resulted mainly from growth in trust fees, loan fees and sales, and bank card fees, which increased $7.2 million, $3.1 
million, and $3.1 million, respectively.  Non-interest expense in 2015 was $676.5 million, an increase of $19.6 million over $656.9 
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, largely due to higher full-time salaries and incentive expense.  Net gains on investment securities transactions declined 
to $6.3 million in 2015, compared to net gains of $14.1 million in 2014 which included a $19.6 million gain recorded upon the 
sale of a private equity investment.

The Company distributed a 5% stock dividend for the 23rd consecutive year on December 19, 2016.  All per share and average 

share data in this report has been restated for the 2016 stock dividend.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the application of certain accounting policies, the most 
significant of which are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.  Certain of these policies require numerous 
estimates and strategic or economic assumptions that may prove inaccurate or be subject to variations which may significantly 
affect  the  Company's  reported  results  and  financial  position  for  the  current  period  or  future  periods.  The  use  of  estimates, 
assumptions, and judgments are necessary when financial assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at, or adjusted to reflect, 
fair value.  Current economic conditions may require the use of additional estimates, and some estimates may be subject to a 
greater degree of uncertainty due to the current instability of the economy. The Company has identified several policies as being 
critical because they require management to make particularly difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that 
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, 
19

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 15 on Fair Value Measurements. 
Most of the available for sale investment portfolio is priced utilizing industry-standard models that consider various assumptions 
observable in the marketplace or which can be derived from observable data.  Such securities totaled approximately $8.7 billion, 
or 90.0%, of the available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2016, and were classified as Level 2 measurements.  The Company 
also holds $16.7 million in auction rate securities.  These were classified as Level 3 measurements, as no liquid market currently 
exists  for  these  securities,  and  fair  values  were  derived  from  internally  generated  cash  flow  valuation  models  which  used 
unobservable inputs significant to the overall measurement.

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

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

At December 31, 2016, certain non-agency guaranteed mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $31.2 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 $52.3 million at December 31, 2016.  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 
20

changes,  as  well  as  any  changes  that  may  result  from  the  resolution  of  income  tax  examinations  by  federal  and  state  taxing 
authorities, may impact the estimate of accrued income taxes and could materially impact the Company’s financial position and 
results of operations.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the largest source of revenue, results from the Company’s lending, investing, borrowing, and deposit 
gathering activities. It is affected by both changes in the level of interest rates and changes in the amounts and mix of interest 
earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The following table summarizes the changes in net interest income on a fully taxable 
equivalent basis, by major category of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, identifying changes related to volumes 
and rates. Changes not solely due to volume or rate changes are allocated to rate.

(In thousands)
Interest income, fully taxable equivalent basis
Loans:

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

2016

Change due to

Average
Volume

Average
Rate

 Total

2015

Change due to

Average
Volume

Average
Rate

Total

$

13,067 $
10,794
5,502
1,402
4,661
(479)
356
35,303
1,175

2,985
(6,416)
(1,148)
7,587
(3,798)
1,993
1,203

4,916 $
(417)
(1,948)
(651)
(2,210)
14
(510)
(806)
(49)

7,463
2,270
1,355
(5,635)
9,586
(398)
14,641

17,983 $
10,377
3,554
751
2,451
(465)
(154)
34,497
1,126

10,448
(4,146)
207
1,952
5,788
1,595
15,844

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

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

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

(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

(13)

31

18

(50)

9

(41)

(2,760)
(46)
34,862

3,132
491
17,440

372
445
52,302

214
(37)
32,953

485
10
(17,535)

699
(27)
15,418

55
546
(318)
264

(8)
399
(109)
2,230

47
945
(427)
2,494

76
324
(430)
(299)

(55)
(493)
(471)
424

21
(169)
(901)
125

(447)
2,347
2,447
32,415 $

1,901
(1,953)
2,460
14,980 $

1,454
394
4,907
47,395 $

323
(36)
(42)
32,995 $

519
126
50
(17,585) $

842
90
8
15,410

$

21

Net interest income totaled $680.0 million in 2016, increasing $45.7 million, or 7.2%, compared to $634.3 million in 2015. 
On a tax equivalent (T/E) basis, net interest income totaled $711.4 million, and increased $47.4 million over 2015.  This increase 
included growth of $34.5 million in loan interest, resulting from higher loan balances.  In addition, interest earned on investment 
securities increased $15.8 million, due mainly to higher average rates earned.  Interest expense on deposits and borrowings combined 
was $33.0 million in 2016, an increase of $4.9 million over 2015. The net yield on earning assets (T/E) was 3.04% in 2016 compared 
with 2.94% in the previous year.  

  During 2016, loan interest income (T/E) grew $34.5 million over 2015 due to average loan growth of $1.1 billion, or 8.9%.  
The average tax equivalent rate earned on the loan portfolio was 3.86% in 2016 compared to 3.92% in 2015.  The largest increase 
in loan interest occurred in business loans, which was higher by $18.0 million as a result of growth in average balances of $466.4 
million, or 11.1%, further increased by higher average rates of 11 basis points.  Business loan growth occurred in commercial and 
industrial, tax-free, and lease loans.  Construction and land loan interest grew $10.4 million due to a $301.5 million, or 63.2%, 
increase in average balances, partly offset by a six basis point decline in average rates. Business real estate interest was higher by 
$3.6 million as a result of an increase in average balances of $147.1 million, or 6.4%, partly offset by a decrease in average rates 
of eight basis points. Higher levels of interest were earned on consumer and personal real estate loans, which increased $2.5 million 
and $751 thousand, respectively.  These increases were due to higher average balances, which increased 6.4% in consumer loans 
and 2.0% in personal real estate loans, partly offset by lower average rates earned.   Partially offsetting the increases in interest 
earned, interest on revolving home equity loans decreased $465 thousand due to lower average balances, while interest on consumer 
credit card loans decreased slightly due to a seven basis point decline in rates.

Tax equivalent interest income on total investment securities increased $15.8 million during 2016, as the average rate earned 
increased 19 basis points, while average balances declined $91.3 million, or 1.0%, from 2015.  The average balance of the total 
investment securities portfolio (at amortized cost) was $9.4 billion and the average rate earned was 2.43% in 2016, compared to 
an average balance of $9.5 billion and an average rate earned of 2.24% in 2015.  The increase in interest income was mainly due 
to higher interest earned on most security types, except for a decline of $4.1 million in interest on government-sponsored enterprise 
(GSE) obligations.  Interest earned on U.S. government and federal agency securities grew by $10.4 million, which included 
growth of $6.4 million in inflation-adjusted interest on the Company's holdings of TIPS.  In addition, average balances rose $268.9 
million, or 57.7%s.  Interest earned on asset-backed securities increased $5.8 million, mainly due to an increase of 39 basis points 
in the average rate earned, partly offset by a decline in the average balance of $355.0 million.  Interest income on corporate debt 
securities increased $2.2 million, mainly due to growth of $75.7 million in average balances.  Interest income on mortgage-backed 
securities increased $2.0 million, due to an increase in average  balances of $296.4 million, partly offset by a decline of 16 basis 
points in average rates. Partly offsetting these increases in interest was the decline in GSE interest, resulting from a $346.8 million 
decline in average balances, but partly offset by a rate increase of 38 basis points.  Interest earned on deposits with banks increased 
$445 thousand mainly due to a 26 basis point increase in average rates earned.  Interest on long-term securities purchased under 
resell agreements increased $372 thousand in 2016 compared to the prior year due to an increase in the average rate of 40 basis 
points, partly offset by a $210.7 million decrease the average balances of these instruments.   

During 2016, interest expense on deposits increased $3.1 million over 2015.  This growth was largely due to higher interest 
on certificates of deposit of $2.1 million and higher interest expense on money market and interest checking accounts of $945 
thousand. The growth in certificate of deposit interest expense was largely due to a higher rates paid on certificates of deposit over 
$100,000, which increased nine basis points. The increase in money market and interest checking interest expense resulted from 
both higher balances and rates paid.  The overall rate paid on total deposits increased from .18% in 2015 to .19% in the current 
year.  Interest expense on borrowings increased $1.8 million, due to higher average rates paid on repurchase agreements during 
2016 and higher FHLB borrowings during the first quarter of 2016.  The overall average rate incurred on all interest bearing 
liabilities was .22% in 2016, compared to .20% in 2015.

During 2015, net interest income totaled $634.3 million, 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 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 2014.  

  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 
22

 
$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 in auto loans and fixed rate home equity 
loans, partly offset by a decrease in marine and RV loans.  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 in 2015 compared to 2014, as average 
balances increased by $427.5 million, or 4.7%, while the average rate earned declined 6 basis points.  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 GSE 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  higher  balances  and  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 2014, due to higher balances and rates earned.

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 2014.  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 2015.  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.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses totaled $36.3 million in 2016, an increase of $7.6 million over the 2015 provision of $28.7 million.    

The increase in the provision resulted mainly from a higher allowance for loan losses associated with loan portfolio growth, partly 
offset by an increase in net recoveries compared to the prior year.

 Net loan charge-offs for the year totaled $31.9 million and declined $1.8 million compared to net loan charge-offs of $33.7 
million in 2015.  The decrease in net loan charge-offs from the previous year was mainly the result of higher net recoveries on 
construction and business real estate loans, which increased $2.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively.  These were partly offset 
by higher losses on business and consumer loans.  The allowance for loan losses totaled $155.9 million at December 31, 2016, an 
increase of $4.4 million compared to the prior year, and represented 1.16% of outstanding loans at year end 2016, compared to 
1.22% at year end 2015.  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.

23

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

$

$

$

2016
181,879
121,795
86,394
10,655
13,784
11,412
48,473
474,392

41.1%
241.3

$

$

$

2015
178,926
118,437
80,416
11,476
13,784
8,228
36,872
448,139

41.4%
226.9

$

$

$

2014
175,806
111,254
78,680
12,667
12,534
5,108
40,457
436,506

41.3%
222.7

*  Total revenue is calculated as net interest income plus non-interest income.

% Change

'16-'15

'15-'14

1.7%
2.8
7.4
(7.2)
—
38.7
31.5
5.9%

1.8%
6.5
2.2
(9.4)
10.0
61.1
(8.9)
2.7%

Non-interest income totaled $474.4 million, an increase of $26.3 million, or 5.9%, compared to $448.1 million in 2015.  Bank 
card fees increased $3.0 million, or 1.7%, over the prior year, as a result of growth in debit card fees of $1.1 million, merchant 
fees of $1.1 million, credit card fees of $448 thousand, and corporate card fees of $349 thousand.  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

2016

2015

2014

'16-'15

'15-'14

% Change

$

39,430 $

38,330 $

24,650

27,840

89,959

24,202

26,784

89,610

37,195

23,959

26,862

87,790

2.9%

1.9

3.9

.4

Total bank card transaction fees

$

181,879 $

178,926 $

175,806

1.7%

3.1%

1.0

(.3)

2.1

1.8%

     Trust fee income increased $3.4 million, or 2.8%, as a result of continued growth in both personal (up 2.0%) and institutional 
(up 3.7%) trust fees.  The market value of total customer trust assets totaled $43.1 billion at year end 2016, which was an increase 
of 12.2% over year end 2015 balances.  Deposit account fees increased $6.0 million, or 7.4%, mainly due to growth in service 
charges on deposits of $4.4 million, or 26.3%.  In addition, corporate cash management fees increased $1.4 million, or 4.1%, and 
overdraft fees increased $206 thousand.  In 2016, overdraft fees comprised 34.0% of total deposit fees, while corporate cash 
management fees comprised 41.8% of total deposit fees.  Capital market fees declined $821 thousand, or 7.2%, due to continued 
lower sales volumes, while consumer brokerage services revenue was unchanged.  Loan fees and sales increased $3.2 million this 
year mainly due to higher mortgage banking revenue related to the Company's fixed rate residential mortgage sale program, 
initiated in early 2015.  Total mortgage banking revenue totaled $6.6 million in 2016 compared to $3.8 million in 2015.  Other 
non-interest income increased $11.6 million, or 31.5%, over the prior year.  This increase was due in part to a gain of $3.3 million 
on the sale of a former branch property recorded in the first quarter of 2016. In addition, an accrual for a trust related settlement 
of $897 thousand was recorded in the second quarter of 2016.  Cash sweep commissions, interest rate swap fees, and fees from 
sales of tax credits increased $4.8 million, $1.5 million, and $942 thousand, respectively, over the previous year. The increases in 
current income were partly offset by lower operating lease revenue of $1.1 million. 

During 2015, non-interest income increased $11.6 million, or 2.7%, compared to $436.5 million in 2014.  Bank card fees 
increased $3.1 million, or 1.8%, over 2014, as a result of a $1.8 million, or 2.1%, increase in corporate card fees, which totaled 
$89.6 million in 2014.  Debit card fees grew $1.1 million, or 3.1%, to $38.3 million, while credit card fees increased 1.0% over 
2014 and totaled $24.2 million during 2015.  Trust fee income increased $7.2 million, or 6.5%, as a result of growth in both 
personal (up 6.7%) and institutional (up 5.8%) trust fees.  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 account service charges 
increased $1.1 million, or 7.0%, while overdraft fees declined $540 thousand, or 1.8%.  Capital market fees declined $1.2 million, 
or 9.4%, due to lower sales volumes, while consumer brokerage services revenue increased $1.3 million, or 10.0%, due to growth 
in advisory and annuity fees.  Loan fees and sales increased $3.1 million in 2015 compared to 2014, mainly due to $3.6 million 
in higher mortgage banking revenue resulting from the mortgage sale program.  Other non-interest income declined $3.6 million, 
or 8.9%, from 2014.  This decrease was partly due to a gain of $2.1 million on the sales of three retail branches and fee revenue 

24

     
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.

Investment Securities Gains (Losses), Net

(In thousands)

Available for sale

Non-marketable

Total investment securities gains (losses), net

2016

2015

2014

$

$

(161) $

108

(53) $

2,442 $

3,878

6,320 $

(4,992)

19,116

14,124

Net gains and losses on investment securities during 2016, 2015 and 2014 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 $573 thousand, $2.3 million and $180 thousand in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

Net securities losses of $53 thousand were recorded in 2016, which included $3.8 million in gains realized upon dispositions 
of private equity investments, including a $1.8 million gain resulting from the Parent's withdrawal from a private equity fund as 
required under the Volcker Rule investment prohibitions.  These gains were offset by net losses in fair value totaling $3.7 million.  
Credit-related impairment losses of $270 thousand were recorded during 2016 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 $31.2 
million at December 31, 2016, compared to $44.0 million at December 31, 2015.  

Net securities gains of $6.3 million were recorded in 2015, compared to net gains of $14.1 million in 2014.  In 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.  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.

Non-Interest Expense 

(Dollars in thousands)

Salaries

Employee benefits

Net occupancy

Equipment

Supplies and communication

Data processing and software

Marketing

Deposit insurance

Other

2016

2015

2014

'16-'15

'15-'14

% Change

$

360,840

$

340,521

$

322,631

66,470

46,290

19,141

24,135

92,722

16,032

13,327

78,108

60,180

44,788

19,086

22,970

83,944

16,107

12,146

76,745

61,469

45,825

18,375

22,432

78,980

15,676

11,622

79,860

6.0%

10.5

3.4

.3

5.1

10.5

(.5)

9.7

1.8

6.0%

5.5%

(2.1)

(2.3)

3.9

2.4

6.3

2.7

4.5

(3.9)

3.0%

Total non-interest expense

$

717,065

$

676,487

$

656,870

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

62.0%

59.6%

4,784

62.3%

59.2%

4,770

62.0%

58.5%

4,744

       Non-interest expense was $717.1 million in 2016, an increase of $40.6 million, or 6.0%, over the previous year.  Salaries and 
benefits expense increased $26.6 million, or 6.6%, mainly due to higher full-time salaries, incentives, stock-based compensation,  
payroll  taxes, and medical plan costs.  Growth in salaries expense resulted partly from staffing additions in commercial banking, 
commercial card, residential mortgage, trust, and other support units.  Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,784 at December 
31, 2016, an increase of .3% over 2015.  Occupancy expense increased $1.5 million, mainly due to lower net rental income and 
the demolition costs associated with a branch location which is currently being replaced.  Supplies and communication expense 

25

     
increased by $1.2 million, or 5.1%, mainly due to reissuance costs for new chip cards distributed to customers and higher data 
network expense.  Data processing and software expense increased $8.8 million, or 10.5%, mainly due to higher software license 
costs, outsourced data provider fees, online subscription services, and bank card processing costs.  Deposit insurance expense was 
higher by $1.2 million, or 9.7%, due to higher average assets and higher insurance rates that were effective July 1, 2016.  Costs 
for marketing and equipment were relatively flat compared to the prior year.  Other non-interest expense increased $1.4 million, 
or 1.8%, over the prior year mainly due to 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, higher costs were recorded for bank card rewards expense (up $2.4 million), 
loan collection fees (up $1.8 million), and legal and professional fees (up $1.2 million). These increases were partly offset by 
lower bank card fraud losses (down $3.8 million), lease asset depreciation expense (down $1.3 million), and higher deferred 
origination costs (up $2.6 million) in the current year.

      In 2015, non-interest expense was $676.5 million, an increase of $19.6 million, or 3.0%, over 2014.  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 resulted 
partly from adding staff to support operations for residential lending, commercial banking, trust, and information technology.  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 chip card reissuance costs.  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 growth in average assets.  Other non-interest expense decreased $3.1 million, or 3.9%, 
in 2015 compared to 2014, partly due to the $2.8 million letter of credit recovery mentioned above.  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 2015, 
coupled with a loss recovery of $1.7 million in 2014 from the settlement of past litigation.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $124.2 million in 2016, compared to $116.6 million in 2015 and $121.6 million in 2014.  The effective 
tax rate, including the effect of non-controlling interest, was 31.1% in 2016 compared to 30.7% in 2015 and 31.7% in 2014.  The 
increase in the effective tax rate for 2016 as compared to 2015 was primarily driven by higher state and local taxes.   Additional 
information about income tax expense is provided in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

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

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Balance at December 31

$

4,776,365 $

4,397,893 $

3,969,952 $

3,715,319 $ 3,134,801

791,236

2,643,374

624,070

2,355,544

403,507

2,288,215

406,197

355,996

2,313,550

2,214,975

2,010,397

1,990,801

413,634

776,465

10,464

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

1,584,859

1,512,716

1,289,650

420,589

796,228

4,611

437,567

804,245

9,291

$

13,412,736 $

12,436,692 $

11,469,238 $

10,956,836 $ 9,831,384

26

    
     
The contractual maturities of loan categories at December 31, 2016, 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

Business and real estate 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

$

2,416,840 $

1,934,778 $

424,747 $

4,776,365

393,975

517,843

175,861

356,066

1,529,993

507,811

41,195

595,538

1,326,725

791,236

2,643,374

2,010,397

$

3,504,519 $

4,328,648 $

2,388,205

10,221,372

1,990,801

413,634

776,465

10,464

$

13,412,736

$

$

819,983 $

2,262,148 $

1,385,482 $

4,467,613

2,684,536

2,066,500

1,002,723

5,753,759

3,504,519 $

4,328,648 $

2,388,205 $

10,221,372

(1)  Consumer loans with floating rates totaled $407.5 million. 

(2)  Revolving home equity loans with floating rates totaled $406.4 million.  

(3)  Consumer credit card loans with floating rates totaled $696.5 million. 

Total loans at December 31, 2016 were $13.4 billion, an increase of $976.0 million, or 7.8%, over balances at December 31, 
2015.  The growth in loans during 2016 occurred in all loan categories, with the exception of revolving home equity and consumer 
credit card loans, which declined from the prior year.  Business loans increased $378.5 million, or 8.6%, reflecting growth in 
commercial and industrial loans, lease loans and tax-advantaged lending.   Business real estate loans increased $287.8 million, or 
12.2%, due to increased originations of commercial real estate loans during 2016.  Construction loans increased $167.2 million, 
or 26.8% due to continued growth in commercial construction projects.  Personal real estate loans retained by the Company 
increased $94.4 million, or 4.9%, on strong origination growth.  The Company sells certain long term fixed rate mortgage loans 
to the secondary market, and these loan sales totaled $149.6 million in 2016.  Consumer loans were higher by $66.4 million, or 
3.5%, which was largely driven by growth in motorcycle, fixed rate home equity and other consumer loans, while automobile 
loans declined due to a mid-year sale and marine and recreational vehicle loan balances continued to run off during the year.   
Revolving home equity and consumer credit card loan balances declined $19.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively, compared 
to balances at year end 2015.

The Company currently holds approximately 28% of its loan portfolio in the St. Louis market, 32% in the Kansas City market, 
and 40% in other regional markets. The portfolio is diversified from a business and retail standpoint, with 61% in loans to businesses 
and 39% 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, 2016, the balance of SNC loans totaled 
approximately $836.1 million, with an additional $1.4 billion in unfunded commitments, compared to $656.0 million in loans and 
$1.2 billion in unfunded commitments at December 31, 2015. 

Commercial Loans

Business

Total business loans amounted to $4.8 billion at December 31, 2016 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 
27

free interest rates.  These loans totaled $876.8 million at December 31, 2016, which was a $53.9 million, or 6.6%, increase over 
December 31, 2015 balances, and comprised 6.5% of the Company's total loan portfolio. The business loan portfolio also includes 
direct financing and sales type leases totaling $523.9 million, which are used by commercial customers to finance capital purchases 
ranging from computer equipment to office and transportation equipment. These leases increased $60.7 million, or 13.1%, over 
2015 and comprised 3.9% of the Company’s total loan portfolio.  The Company has outstanding energy-related loans totaling 
$171.5 million at December 31, 2016, which are further discussed on page 36.  Also included in the business portfolio are corporate 
card loans, which totaled $224.2 million at December 31, 2016.  These loans 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 30 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, Texas 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 charge-offs in this category totaled $616 thousand in 2016, while 
net loan recoveries of $388 thousand were recorded in 2015.  Non-accrual business loans were $8.7 million (.2% of business loans) 
at December 31, 2016 compared to $10.9 million at December 31, 2015.  

Real Estate-Construction and Land

The portfolio of loans in this category amounted to $791.2 million at December 31, 2016, which was an increase of $167.2 
million, or 26.8%, over the prior year and comprised 5.9% of the Company’s total loan portfolio.  Commercial construction and 
land development loans totaled $572.5 million, or 72.4% of total construction loans at December 31, 2016.  These loans increased 
$153.0 million over 2015 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.  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, 2016 totaled $218.7 million, or 27.6% of total construction loans. A stable construction 
market has contributed to improved loss trends, with net loan recoveries of $3.7 million and $1.3 million recorded in 2016 and 
2015, respectively.  Construction and land loans on non-accrual status declined to $564 thousand at year end 2016 compared to 
$3.1 million at year end 2015.

Real Estate-Business

Total business real estate loans were $2.6 billion at December 31, 2016 and comprised 19.7% 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  (38.0%  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 34.  At 
December 31, 2016, non-accrual balances amounted to $1.6 million, or .1% of the loans in this category, down from $7.9 million 
at year end 2015.  The Company experienced net loan recoveries of $1.3 million in 2016, compared to net loan recoveries of $133 
thousand in 2015. 

Personal Banking Loans

Real Estate-Personal

At  December  31,  2016,  there  were  $2.0  billion  in  outstanding  personal  real  estate  loans,  which  comprised  15.0%  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, 2016, 29% of the portfolio was 
comprised of adjustable rate loans and 71% 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. Levels of mortgage 
loan origination activity increased in 2016 compared to 2015, with originations of $574.7 million in 2016 compared with $401.5 
million in 2015.  As a result, net loans retained by the Company increased $94.4 million and loans sold to the secondary market 
increased $53.9 million.  The loan sales were made under a 2015 initiative to originate and sell certain long term fixed rate loans, 
resulting in sales of  $95.7 million in 2015 and $149.6 million in 2016.  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 recoveries for 2016 amounted 

28

to $6 thousand, compared to net loan charge-offs of $441 thousand in the previous year.  The non-accrual balances of loans in this 
category decreased to $3.4 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $4.4 million at year end 2015.  

Consumer

Consumer loans consist of automobile, motorcycle, marine, tractor/trailer, recreational vehicle (RV), fixed rate home equity, 
and other types of consumer loans.  These loans totaled $2.0 billion at year end 2016.  Approximately 49% of the consumer 
portfolio consists of automobile loans, 7% in motorcycle loans, 16% in fixed rate home equity loans, and 5% in marine and RV 
loans.  Total consumer loans increased by $66.4 million at year end in 2016 compared to year end 2015.  Growth of $16.9 million 
in motorcycle loans and $14.3 million in fixed rate home equity loans was offset by the run-off of $40.6 million in marine and 
RV loans and lower automobile loan originations of $66.2 million.  In addition, $33.6 million in auto loans were sold during the 
second and third quarters of 2016, in order to limit risk in that sector.  Loans for other general consumer purposes increased $99.2 
million over year end 2015.  Net charge-offs on total consumer loans were $9.0 million in 2016, compared to $8.3 million in 2015, 
averaging .5% of consumer loans in both years.  Consumer loan net charge-offs included marine and RV loan net charge-offs of 
$1.1 million, which were .9% of average marine and RV loans in 2016, compared to 1.3% in 2015. 

Revolving Home Equity

Revolving home equity loans, of which 98% are adjustable rate loans, totaled $413.6 million at year end 2016.  An additional 
$685.3 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 $485 thousand in 2016, compared 
to $402 thousand in 2015.

Consumer Credit Card

Total consumer credit card loans amounted to $776.5 million at December 31, 2016 and comprised 5.8% 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 42% of the households that own a Commerce credit card 
product also maintain a deposit relationship with the subsidiary bank.  At December 31, 2016, approximately 90% of the outstanding 
credit card loan balances had a floating interest rate, compared to 88% in the prior year.  Net charge-offs amounted to $25.4 million 
in 2016, an increase of $391 thousand over $25.0 million in 2015.  The ratio of credit card loan net charge-offs to total average 
credit card loans was 3.4% in both 2016 and 2015. 

Loans Held for Sale

At December 31, 2016, loans held for sale were 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 
$9.3 million at December 31, 2016.  The student loans, carried at the lower of cost or fair value, totaled $5.2 million at December 
31, 2016.  Both of these portfolios are further discussed in Note 2 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 

29

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, 2016, the allowance for loan losses was $155.9 million compared to $151.5 million at December 31, 2015.  
Total loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing were $16.4 million at December 31, 2016, a decrease of $71 thousand 
compared to year end 2015.   Non-accrual loans at December 31, 2016 were $14.3 million, a decrease of $12.3 million from the 
prior year (mainly due to pay offs of business real estate non-accrual loans).  The 2016 year end balance was comprised of $8.7 
million of business loans, $1.6 million of business real estate loans, $3.4 million of personal real estate loans, and $564 thousand 
of construction loans.   The percentage of allowance to loans decreased to 1.16% at December 31, 2016 compared to 1.22% at 
year end 2015 as a result of loan growth.   

Net loan charge-offs totaled $31.9 million in 2016, representing a $1.8 million decrease compared to net charge-offs of $33.7 
million in 2015.  The decrease was largely due to higher net recoveries in construction loans and business real estate loans, which 
increased $2.5 million and $1.1 million respectively.  Partly offsetting was a $1.0 million decline in net recoveries on business 
loans, in addition to a $769 thousand increase in net charge-offs on consumer loans. Smaller changes occurred in consumer credit 
card loan net charge-offs, which increased $391 thousand, and personal real estate loan net charge-offs, which declined $447 
thousand. Consumer credit card net charge-offs were 3.39% of average consumer credit card loans in 2016 compared to 3.35% 
in 2015.  Consumer credit card loan net charge-offs as a percentage of total net charge-offs increased to 79.7% in 2016 compared 
to 74.2% in 2015, as slightly higher consumer credit card charge-offs offset lower overall net charge-offs in other loan categories. 

The ratio of net charge-offs to total average loans outstanding in 2016 was .25% compared to .28% in 2015 and .31% in 2014. 
The provision for loan losses in 2016 was $36.3 million, compared to provisions of $28.7 million in 2015 and $29.5 million in 
2014. 

The Company considers the allowance for loan losses of $155.9 million adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio 

at December 31, 2016.  

30

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

$

$

$

2016

13,412,736

12,927,778

151,532

36,318

$

$

$

Years Ended December 31

2015

2014

2013

12,436,692

11,869,276

$

$

11,469,238

11,260,233

$

$

10,956,836

10,311,654

$

$

156,532

$

161,532

$

172,532

$

28,727

29,531

20,353

2012

9,831,384

9,379,316

184,532

27,287

2,549

515

194

556

12,711

860

31,616

1,977

50,978

1,933

4,227

1,475

562

3,664

375

6,186

638

19,060

31,918

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

$

155,932

$

151,532

$

156,532

$

161,532

$

172,532

Ratio of allowance to loans at end of year

Ratio of provision to average loans outstanding

1.16%

.28%

1.22%

.24%

1.36%

.26%

1.47%

.20%

1.75%

.29%

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

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

Years Ended December 31

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

.01%

(.01)%

(.48)

(.05)

—

.46

.12

3.39

28.42

(.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

.25%

.28 %

.31%

.30 %

.42 %

31

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

loan category to total loans outstanding at year end.

(Dollars in thousands)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

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

$

43,910

35.6% $

43,617

35.4% $

40,881

34.6% $

43,146

33.9% $

47,729

31.9%

RE — construction and

land

RE — business

RE — personal

Consumer

Revolving home equity

Consumer credit card

Overdrafts

Total

21,841

25,610

4,110

18,935

1,164

39,530

832

$ 155,932

5.9

19.7

15.0

14.8

3.1

5.8

16,312

22,157

6,680

21,717

1,393

38,764

.1

892
100.0% $ 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

732

3.5

20.0

16.4

14.9

3.7

6.8

.1

18,617

32,426

4,490

15,440

3,152

43,360

901

3.7

21.1

16.3

13.8

3.8

7.3

.1

20,555

37,441

3,937

15,165

4,861

41,926

918

3.6

22.5

16.1

13.1

4.5

8.2

.1

100.0% $ 156,532

100.0% $ 161,532

100.0% $ 172,532

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.   

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

2016
$ 14,283
366
$ 14,649

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

.11%
.06%

.24%
.12%

.40%
.19%

.51%
.24%

.66%
.29%

$ 16,396

$

16,467

$

13,658

$

13,966

$

15,347

The table below shows the effect on interest income in 2016 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

$

$

1,365
98
1,267

Non-accrual loans, which are also classified as impaired, totaled $14.3 million at year end 2016, a decrease of $12.3 million 
from the balance at year end 2015.  The decline from December 31, 2015 occurred mainly in business real estate loans, construction 
loans, and business loans, which decreased $6.2 million, $2.5 million, and $2.2 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2016, non-
accrual loans were comprised primarily of business (60.8%) and personal real estate (23.8%) loans.  Foreclosed real estate totaled 
$366 thousand at December 31, 2016, a decrease of $2.5 million when compared to December 31, 2015.  Total non-performing 
assets remain low compared to the overall banking industry in 2016, with the non-performing loans to total loans ratio at .11% at 

32

 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016.  Total loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest were $16.4 million as of December 31, 2016, 
a decrease of $71 thousand when compared to December 31, 2015.  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 2 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

In addition to the non-performing and past due loans mentioned above, the Company also has identified loans for which 
management has concerns about the ability of the borrowers to meet existing repayment terms.  They are classified as substandard 
under the Company’s internal rating system.  The loans are generally secured by either real estate or other borrower assets, reducing 
the potential for loss should they become non-performing.  Although these loans are generally identified as potential problem 
loans, they may never become non-performing.  Such loans totaled $99.5 million at December 31, 2016, compared with $113.1 
million at December 31, 2015, resulting in a decrease of $13.7 million, or 12.1%.  The change in potential problem loans was 
largely comprised of a decrease of $15.4 million in business loans, mainly due to the payoff of several large commercial and 
industrial and lease 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

2016

2015

$

$

$

43,438
1,172
52,913
1,955
—
99,478 $

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

At December 31, 2016, the Company had $59.1 million of loans whose terms have been modified or restructured under a 
troubled debt restructuring.  These loans have been extended to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty and who have 
been granted a concession, as defined by accounting guidance, and are further discussed in the "Troubled debt restructurings"
section in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.  This balance includes certain commercial loans totaling $34.5 million 
which are classified as substandard and included in the table above because of this classification.  

Loans with Special Risk Characteristics

Management relies primarily on an internal risk rating system, in addition to delinquency status, to assess risk in the loan 
portfolio, and these statistics are presented in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.  However, certain types of loans are 
considered at high risk of loss due to their terms, location, or special conditions.  Construction and land loans and business real 
estate loans are subject to higher risk because of the impact that volatile interest rates and a changing 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 5.9% of total loans outstanding at 
December 31, 2016.  The largest component of construction and land loans was commercial construction, which grew $138.1 
million during the year ended December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, multi-family residential construction loans totaled 
approximately $199.2 million, or 40%, of the commercial construction loan portfolio.

33

December 31,
2016

% of Total

% of Total Loans

December 31,
2015

% of Total

% of Total Loans

$

86,373
132,334

69,057
503,472

10.9%
16.8

8.7
63.6

.6% $
1.0

.5
3.8

72,622
131,943

54,176
365,329

11.6%
21.2

8.7
58.5

$

791,236

100.0%

5.9% $

624,070

100.0%

.6%
1.1

.4
2.9

5.0%

(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

Total business real estate loans were $2.6 billion at December 31, 2016 and comprised 19.7% of the Company’s total loan 
portfolio. These loans include properties such as manufacturing and warehouse buildings, small office and medical buildings, 
churches, hotels and motels, shopping centers, and other commercial properties. Approximately 38.0% of these loans were for 
owner-occupied real estate properties, which present lower risk profiles. 

(Dollars in thousands)
Owner-occupied

December 31,
2016

$

1,004,238

Retail

Office

Multi-family

Hotels

Farm

Industrial

Other

Total real estate - business
loans

Real Estate - Personal Loans

% of Total

% of Total Loans

December 31,
2015

% of Total

% of Total Loans

38.0%

13.0

12.1

9.7

6.6

6.6

4.6

9.4

7.5% $

2.5

2.4

1.9

1.3

1.3

.9

1.9

983,844

322,644

218,018

196,212

157,317

167,344

112,261

197,904

41.8%

13.7

9.3

8.3

6.7

7.1

4.7

8.4

7.9%

2.6

1.8

1.6

1.2

1.3

.9

1.6

344,221

319,638

255,369

174,207

173,210

122,940

249,551

$

2,643,374

100.0%

19.7% $

2,355,544

100.0%

18.9%

The Company’s $2.0 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 $1.8 billion of loans made to the retail customer base and 
includes both adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans.  As shown in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, 3.9% 
of this portfolio has FICO scores of less than 660, and delinquency levels have been low.  Loans of approximately $22.2 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 individuals employed by commercial customers which totaled $237.2 million at December 31, 2016.

The following table presents information about the retail-based personal real estate loan portfolio for 2016 and 2015.

(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

2016

2015

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

$

22,185

% of Loan
Portfolio

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

% of Loan
Portfolio

1.2% $

15,516

.9%

95,708
29,323
33,778
158,809
1,783,674

5.4
1.6
1.9
8.9

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

5.1
1.7
2.0
8.8

34

Revolving Home Equity Loans

The Company also has revolving home equity loans that are generally collateralized by residential real estate. Most of these 
loans (93.2%) 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 794.  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 22% of the Company's current outstanding balances are expected to mature.  
Of these balances, 89% 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,
2016
385,617

$

New Lines
Originated
*
During 2016
93.2% $174,892

*
42.3%

Unused Portion
of Available
Lines at
December 31,
2016
$663,594

Balances
Over 30
Days Past
Due
$1,912

*
160.4%

46,633
8,443
55,076

11.3
2.0
13.3

21,263
2,036
23,299

5.1
.5
5.6

39,069
7,251
46,320

9.4
1.8
11.2

540
106
646

413,634

184,250

694,767

* Percentage of total principal outstanding of $413.6 million at December 31, 2016.

(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.

*

.5%

.1
.1
.2

*
1.0%

.1
.1
.2

35

Other Consumer Loans

Within  the  consumer  loan  portfolio  are  several  direct  and  indirect  product  lines  comprised  mainly  of  loans  secured  by 
automobiles, marine, and RVs.  Outstanding balances for auto loans were $972.5 million and $996.0 million at December 31, 
2016 and 2015, respectively,  The balances over 30 days past due amounted to $13.8 million at December 31, 2016, compared to 
$10.8 million at the end of 2015, and comprised 1.4% of the outstanding balances of these loans at December 31, 2016 compared 
to 1.1% at December 31, 2015.  For the year ended December 31, 2016, $431.0 million of new auto loans were originated, compared 
to $497.2 million during 2015.  At December 31, 2016, the automobile loan portfolio had a weighted average FICO score of 743.  

Marine and RV loan production has been significantly curtailed since 2008 with few new originations.  While they have declined 
over the last three years, the loss ratios experienced for marine and RV loans have been higher than for other consumer loan 
products, at .9% and 1.3% in 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Balances over 30 days past due for marine and RV loans decreased 
$871 thousand at year end 2016 compared to 2015.  The table below provides the total outstanding principal and other data for 
this group of direct and indirect lending products at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

(In thousands)

Automobiles

Marine

RV

Total

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

2016

New Loans
Originated

Balances
Over 30 Days
Past Due

Principal
Outstanding at
December 31

2015

New Loans
Originated

Balances
Over 30 Days
Past Due

$

$

972,536 $

431,048 $

13,839

$

995,965 $

497,219 $

10,776

26,187

76,254

1,629

1,187

953

3,307

36,895

106,180

2,173

1,678

1,248

3,883

1,074,977 $

433,864 $

18,099

$

1,139,040 $

501,070 $

15,907

Additionally,  the  Company  offers  low  promotional  rates  on  selected  consumer  credit  card  products.  Out  of  a  portfolio  at
December 31, 2016 of $776.5 million in consumer credit card loans outstanding, approximately $171.2 million, or 22.1%, carried 
a low promotional rate. Within the next six months, $53.7 million of these loans are scheduled to convert to the ongoing higher 
contractual rate.  To mitigate some of the risk involved with this credit card product, the Company performs credit checks and 
detailed analysis of the customer borrowing profile before approving the loan application.  Management believes that the risks in 
the consumer loan portfolio are reasonable and the anticipated loss ratios are within acceptable parameters.

Energy Lending

The Company's energy lending portfolio was comprised of lending to the petroleum and natural gas sectors and totaled $171.5 
million at December 31, 2016, as shown in the table below.  As of December 31, 2016, there were $8.0 million of energy loans, 
or 4.6% of the energy portfolio, with a "substandard" rating or on non-accrual status, compared to $4.4 million, or 3.2% of the 
energy portfolio, at December 31, 2015.  Of these amounts, non-accrual loans in the energy portfolio totaled $847 thousand at 
December 31, 2016, compared to $114 thousand at December 31, 2015.  There were no energy loans 90 days past due and still 
accruing interest at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

(In thousands)
Extraction
Downstream distribution and refining
Mid-stream shipping and storage
Support activities
Total energy lending portfolio

$

December 31,
2016
103,011 $
30,231
22,985
15,296
171,523 $

$

December 31,
2015

65,649
27,246
28,678
14,946
136,519

Unfunded
commitments at
December 31, 2016
35,303
$
22,526
54,174
17,569
129,572

$

Investment Securities Analysis

Investment securities are comprised of securities which are classified as available for sale, non-marketable, or trading. Total 
investment securities (excluding unrealized gains/losses in fair value) decreased 1.0% during 2016 to $9.7 billion at year end 2016.  
During 2016, securities of $2.0 billion were purchased in the available for sale and non-marketable portfolios, which included 
$467.2 million in asset-backed securities, $664.9 million in agency mortgage-backed securities and $321.9 million in non-agency 
mortgage-backed securities.  Total sales, maturities and pay downs in these portfolios were $2.1 billion during 2016.  During 2017, 
maturities and pay downs of approximately $1.7 billion are expected to occur.  The average tax equivalent yield earned on total 
investment securities was 2.43% in 2016 and 2.24% in 2015.

36

  At December 31, 2016, the fair value of available for sale securities was $9.6 billion, including a net unrealized gain in fair value 
of $48.9 million, compared to a net unrealized gain of $85.6 million at December 31, 2015. The overall unrealized gain in fair 
value at December 31, 2016 included gains of $11.0 million in agency mortgage-backed securities and $45.5 million in equity 
securities held by the Parent, partially offset by a loss of $7.9 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

2016

2015

$

919,904 $

450,448

1,778,684

2,674,964

1,054,446

2,389,176

327,030

5,678

729,846

794,912

1,706,635

2,579,031

879,186

2,660,201

335,925

5,678

$

$

9,600,330 $

9,691,414

920,904 $

449,998

1,778,214

2,685,931

1,055,639

2,381,301

325,953

51,263

727,076

793,023

1,741,957

2,618,281

879,963

2,644,381

331,320

41,003

Total available for sale investment securities

$

9,649,203 $

9,777,004

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 $1.1 billion, at fair value, at December 31, 2016, and included $719.2 million collateralized by commercial mortgages and 
$336.5 million collateralized by residential mortgages. 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 3 to the consolidated financial 
statements.  

At December 31, 2016, U.S. government obligations included $461.9 million in TIPS, and state and municipal obligations 
included $16.7 million in auction rate securities, at fair value. Other debt securities include corporate bonds, notes and commercial 
paper.  Available for sale equity securities are mainly comprised of common stock held by the Parent which totaled $48.5 million 
at December 31, 2016.

37

The types of debt securities held in the available for sale security portfolio at year end 2016 are presented in the table below.  

Additional detail by maturity category is provided in Note 3 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, 2016

Percent of
Total Debt
Securities

Weighted
Average
Yield

Estimated
Average
Maturity*

9.6%

1.24%

4.6 years

4.7

18.5

28.0

11.0

24.8

3.4

1.56

2.40

2.53

2.40

1.57

2.53

2.9

5.2

3.8

3.1

2.1

5.1

Non-marketable securities totaled $99.6 million at December 31, 2016 and $112.8 million at December 31, 2015.  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

2016

2015

32,929 $
14,000

27,258

25,076

295

32,634
14,191

30,262

35,354

345

Total non-marketable investment securities

$

99,558 $

112,786

In addition to its holdings in the investment securities portfolio, the Company invests in long-term securities purchased under 
agreements  to  resell,  which  totaled  $725.0  million  at  December  31,  2016  and  $875.0  million  at  December  31,  2015.   These 
investments  mature  in  2017  through  2018  and  have  fixed  rates  or  variable  rates  that  fluctuate  with  published  indices.    The 
counterparties to these agreements are other financial institutions from whom the Company has accepted collateral of $780.9 
million in marketable investment securities at December 31, 2016.  The average rate earned on these agreements during 2016 was 
1.34%.

The Company also holds offsetting repurchase and resale agreements totaling $550.0 million at both December 31, 2016 and 
December 31, 2015, which are further discussed in Note 18 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 2017 through 2019 and earned an average of 54 basis points during 2016.

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 $21.1 billion at December 31, 2016, compared to $20.0 billion last year, 
reflecting an increase of $1.1 billion, or 5.6%.  Most of this growth occurred in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

Average deposits grew by $1.0 billion, or 5.2%, in 2016 compared to 2015 with most of this growth occurring in money market 
deposits, which grew $523.7 million, or 5.6%.  Total certificates of deposit increased on average by $164.1 million, or 8.0%, while 
government and business demand deposits grew $226.0 million, or 4.3%. 

38

             
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

2016

2015

35.2%
54.2
3.4
7.2
100.0%

35.8%
54.2
3.9
6.1
100.0%

Core deposits, which include non-interest bearing, interest checking, savings, and money market deposits, supported 77% and 
76% of average earning assets in 2016 and 2015, respectively.  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, 2016 is included in Note 6 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, 2016 
were $1.7 billion, a $239.6 million decrease from the $2.0 billion balance outstanding at year end 2015.  On an average basis, 
these borrowings decreased $388.8 million, or 23.5%, during 2016, with a decrease of $50.2 million in federal funds purchased 
coupled with a decrease of $338.6 million in repurchase agreements.  The average rate paid on total federal funds purchased and 
repurchase agreements was .26% during 2016 and .11% during 2015.

The Company’s long-term debt is currently comprised of fixed rate advances from the FHLB.  These borrowings decreased 
to $100.0 million at December 31, 2016, from $103.8 million outstanding at December 31, 2015.  The average rate paid on FHLB 
advances was 2.32% and 3.50% during 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The remaining balance outstanding at December 31, 2016 
is due in late 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. 

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, 2016 and 2015, 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

2016

2015

$

9,649,203 $

9,777,004

15,470

725,000

14,505

875,000

272,275
10,661,948 $

23,803
10,690,312

$

39

 
 
Federal funds sold are funds lent to the Company’s correspondent bank customers with overnight maturities, and totaled $15.5 
million at December 31, 2016.  At December 31, 2016, the Company had lent funds totaling $725.0 million under long-term resale 
agreements to other large financial institutions.  The agreements mature in years 2017 through 2018.  Under these agreements, 
the Company holds marketable securities, safekept by a third-party custodian, as collateral.  This collateral totaled $780.9 million 
in fair value at December 31, 2016.  Interest earning balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, which have overnight maturities and 
are used for general liquidity purposes, totaled $272.3 million at December 31, 2016.  The Company’s available for sale investment 
portfolio includes scheduled maturities and expected pay downs of approximately $1.7 billion during 2017, 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, 2016 and 2015, total 
investment securities pledged for these purposes were as follows:

(In thousands)

2016

2015

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

$

115,858 $

17,781

2,447,835

1,773,017

4,354,491

3,516,648

1,778,064

166,153

31,095

2,116,537

1,827,195

4,140,980

3,886,219

1,749,805

Total available for sale securities, at fair value

$

9,649,203 $

9,777,004

* Includes securities pledged for collateral swaps, as discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements

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, 2016, such deposits totaled $18.9 billion and represented 
89.4% 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 $879.0 million at year end 2016 over 2015, with growth of $370.3 million in consumer deposits, $309.8 million in 
corporate core deposits, and $163.8 million in private banking deposits.  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 $1.7 billion as noted above.  In addition, as shown on page 41, the Company has 
borrowing capacity of $3.3 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

2016

2015

$

7,429,398 $

7,146,398

1,275,899

10,154,890

1,267,757

9,566,989

$

18,860,187 $

17,981,144

Time open and certificates of deposit of $100,000 or greater totaled $1.5 billion at December 31, 2016. These deposits are 

normally considered more volatile and higher costing, and comprised 7.2% of total deposits at December 31, 2016.

40

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
Other long-term debt

Total

2016

2015

$

52,840 $

1,671,065
100,000
2,049

556,970
1,406,582
103,818
—

$

1,825,954 $

2,067,370

Federal funds purchased, which totaled $52.8 million at December 31, 2016, 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, 2016 were comprised of non-insured customer funds totaling 
$1.7 billion, and securities pledged for these retail agreements totaled  $1.9 billion.  The Company also borrows on a secured basis 
through advances from the FHLB, and those borrowings totaled $100.0 million at December 31, 2016.  The FHLB advances have 
fixed interest rates and mature 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, 2016.

(In thousands)

Total collateral value pledged

Advances outstanding

Letters of credit issued

Available for future advances

December 31, 2016

FHLB

Federal Reserve

Total

2,649,445 $

1,318,436 $

3,967,881

(100,000)

(552,300)

—

—

(100,000)

(552,300)

1,997,145 $

1,318,436 $

3,315,581

$

$

The Company’s average loans to deposits ratio was 63.7% at December 31, 2016, 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

Preferred stock

Rating outlook

Commerce Bank

Issuer rating

Baseline credit assessment

Short-term rating

Rating outlook

41

Standard &
Poor’s

Moody’s

A-

BBB-

Stable

A

A-1

Stable

Baa1

Stable

A2

a1

P-1

Stable

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 cash flows from the operating, investing and financing activities of the Company resulted in a net increase in cash and 
cash equivalents of $279.7 million in 2016, 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 $432.4 million 
and has historically been a stable source of funds. Investing activities used total cash of $805.2 million in 2016 and consisted 
mainly of purchases and maturities of available for sale investment securities, changes in long-term securities purchased under 
agreements to resell, and changes in the level of the Company’s loan portfolio.  Growth in the loan portfolio used cash of $1.0 
billion, activity in the investment securities portfolio provided cash of $68.7 million, and net repayments of long-term resale 
agreements provided cash of $150.0 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 $652.6 million, primarily resulting from a $1.0 billion increase in deposits.  This 
increase was partly offset by a net decrease of $239.6 million in borrowings of federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements 
and  cash  dividend  payments  of  $87.1  million  and  $9.0  million  on  common  and  preferred  stock,  respectively. Treasury  stock 
purchases during 2016 totaled $39.4 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

2016

2015

2014

$

— $

1.9 $

(39.4)

—

(87.1)

—

(9.0)

(23.2)

(100.0)

(85.0)

—

(9.0)

$

(135.5) $

(215.3) $

8.7

(71.0)

(200.0)

(84.2)

144.8

(4.1)

(205.8)

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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

160.0 $
31.0

191.0 $

160.0 $
25.7

185.7 $

234.0
25.8

259.8

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, 2016, the Parent’s available for sale investment securities totaled $58.1 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 2016 or 2015.  

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.

42

Capital Management

Under Basel III capital guidelines, at December 31, 2016 and 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

2016

2015

$ 18,994,730

$

17,809,554

2,207,370

2,352,154

2,529,675

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

11.62%

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

12.38

13.32

9.55

8.66

32.69

12.33

13.28

9.23

8.48

33.35

8.50

10.50

4.00

8.00

10.00

5.00

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

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, comprised of 
3.6 million shares purchased under ASRs and 535 thousand shares acquired through market purchases.  During 2016, the Company 
purchased 959 thousand shares through market purchases.  At December 31, 2016, 3.8 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 2016 compared 
with 2015. The Company also distributed its 23rd consecutive annual 5% stock dividend in December 2016. 

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 $10.4 billion (including approximately $4.9 
billion in unused approved credit card lines) and the contractual amount of standby letters of credit totaling $391.9 million at 
December 31, 2016.  As many commitments expire unused or only partially used, these totals do not necessarily reflect future 
cash requirements. Management does not anticipate any material losses arising from commitments or contingent liabilities and 
believes there are no material commitments to extend credit that represent risks of an unusual nature.

A table summarizing contractual cash obligations of the Company at December 31, 2016 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

$

$

100,291 $
5,496
69,847
1,773,566
1,949,200 $

610 $

7,763
75,255
364,242
447,870 $

657 $

3,754
16,719
98,688
119,818 $

After Five Years
491
11,373
3,723
4,412
19,999

Total

102,049
28,386
165,544
2,240,908
2,536,887

$

$

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 

43

 
 
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 2017.

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, 2016, the investments totaled 
$34.5 million and are recorded as other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  Unfunded commitments, which are 
recorded as liabilities, amounted to $26.7 million at December 31, 2016.

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 2016, purchases and sales of tax credits amounted to 
$45.4 million and $25.5 million, respectively.  Fees from the sales of tax credits were $3.1 million, $2.2 million and $2.4 million 
in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  At December 31, 2016, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments totaling $98.0 
million that it expects to fund in 2017.

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.

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.  

44

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, 2016

September 30, 2016

 (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

15.2

14.9

10.3

2.18% $

(385.4)

$

2.13

1.48

(272.5)

(144.9)

22.3

19.6

12.8

3.32% $

(376.6)

2.92

1.91

(265.1)

(141.1)

Simulation B

December 31, 2016

September 30, 2016

 (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

(5.1)

(2.0)

(2.9)

(.74)% $

(1,297.5)

$

(1.9)

(.28)% $

(1,589.0)

(.29)

(.42)

(1,190.3)

(1,071.0)

.1

(1.9)

.01

(.28)

(1,482.2)

(1,364.7)

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 $10.3 million, while a gradual 
increase in rates of 200 basis points would increase net interest income by $14.9 million.  An increase in rates of 300 basis points 
would result an increase in net interest income of $15.2 million, slightly higher 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, 2016 was lower 
than projections made at September 30, 2016 largely due to increases in money market deposits, certificates of deposit greater 
than $100,000 and short-term borrowings at higher rates during the fourth quarter of 2016.  These increases partly offset the 
Company's forecast at December 31, 2016 of higher interest income earned on loans and investments, due to a Federal Reserve 
rate increase during the fourth quarter of 2016.

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 

45

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, 2016 with a total notional amount of $1.7 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, 2016 mature within 
90 days, and the longest period to maturity is nine 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, 2016 and 2015. 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

$ 1,685,099

$

12,987

$

(12,987)

$ 1,020,310

$

11,993

$

(11,993)

2016

2015

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

Operating Segments

59,379

121,514

4,046

12,429

6,626

78

65

66

355

—

(78)

(156)

(4)

(6)

(63)

66,118

62,456

15,535

8,605

642

73

1

437

263

—

(73)

(195)

(430)

—

—

15,000
$ 1,904,093

$

15
13,566

$

(45)
(13,339)

11,000
$ 1,184,666

$

4
12,771

$

(38)
(12,729)

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 12 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 

46

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.  

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, 2016:

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Non-interest income

Investment securities losses, net

Non-interest expense

Income before income taxes

Year ended December 31, 2015:

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Non-interest income

Investment securities gains, net

$

268,654

$

311,688

$

44,113

$

624,455

$

55,594

$

680,049

(36,042)

131,987

—

4,378

199,380

—

(122)

144,660

—

(31,786)

476,027

—

(282,048)

(284,686)

(113,711)

(680,445)

$

$

$

$

$

$

82,551

266,328

(34,864)

119,561

—

230,760

296,490

1,032

194,133

—

$

$

74,940

42,653

75

136,374

—

$

$

388,251

605,471

(33,757)

450,068

—

(4,532)

(1,635)

(53)

(36,620)

12,754

28,849

5,030

(1,929)

6,320

$

$

(36,318)

474,392

(53)

(717,065)

401,005

634,320

(28,727)

448,139

6,320

Non-interest expense

(273,316)

(267,225)

(108,755)

(649,296)

(27,191)

(676,487)

Income before income taxes

$

77,709

$

224,430

$

70,347

$

372,486

$

11,079

$

383,565

2016 vs 2015
Increase in income before income
taxes:
Amount

$

4,842

$

6,330

$

4,593

$

15,765

$

1,675

$

17,440

Percent

6.2 %

2.8 %

6.5%

4.2 %

15.1%

4.5 %

Year ended December 31, 2014:

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

Non-interest income

Investment securities gains, net

$

264,974

$

287,273

$

40,128

$

592,375

$

27,829

$

620,204

(34,913)

113,870

—

559

190,538

—

372

128,238

—

(33,982)

432,646

—

4,451

3,860

14,124

(40,764)

(29,531)

436,506

14,124

(656,870)

Non-interest expense

(263,691)

(253,594)

(98,821)

(616,106)

Income before income taxes

$

80,240

$

224,776

$

69,917

$

374,933

$

9,500

$

384,433

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

$

(2,531)

$

(346)

$

430

$

(2,447)

$

1,579

$

(868)

Percent

(3.2)%

(.2)%

.6 %

(.7)%

16.6 %

(.2)%

47

Consumer

The Consumer segment includes consumer deposits, consumer finance, and consumer debit and credit cards.  During 2016, 
income before income taxes for the Consumer segment increased $4.8 million, or 6.2%, compared to 2015.  This increase was 
mainly due to growth of $2.3 million in net interest income and an increase in non-interest income of $12.4 million, or 10.4%.  
Net interest income increased due to a $4.3 million increase in net allocated funding credits assigned to the Consumer segment's 
loan and deposit portfolios, partly offset by a $2.2 million decline in loan interest income.  Non-interest income increased due to 
growth in mortgage banking revenue, deposit account service fees and bank card fees.  These increases to income were partly 
offset by growth of $8.7 million, or 3.2%, in non-interest expense and $1.2 million in the provision for loan losses.   Non-interest 
expense increased over the prior year due to higher bank card processing costs, bank card rewards expense, and supplies and 
communication expense.  Supplies and communication expense increased over the prior year largely due to higher reissuance 
costs for new chip cards distributed to customers.  In addition, higher costs were incurred for allocated support and servicing, 
while bank card fraud losses declined from the prior year.  The provision for loan losses totaled $36.0 million, a $1.2 million 
increase over the prior year, which was mainly due to higher net charge-offs on credit card and other consumer loans, partly offset 
by lower marine and RV loan net charge-offs.  Total average loans in this segment increased $33.5 million, or 1.3%, in 2016 
compared to the prior year due to growth in auto lending, partly offset by declines in marine and RV loans.  Average deposits 
increased $288.4 million, or 3.0%, over the prior year, resulting from growth in money market deposit accounts, partly offset by 
a decline in certificate of deposit balances.

Pre-tax profitability for  2015 was $77.7 million, a decrease of $2.5 million, or 3.2%, compared to 2014.  This decrease was 
mainly due to an increase in non-interest expense of $9.6 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 2014 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 
2014, mainly due to lower charge-offs on fixed rate home equity and marine and RV loans, partly offset by higher charge-offs in 
consumer credit card and other consumer loans.  Total average loans in this segment increased $123.7 million, or 5.2%, in 2015 
compared to 2014 due to growth in auto loans, partly offset by a decline in marine and RV loans.  Average deposits grew $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.

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 2016 increased $6.3 million, or 2.8%, compared  to 
2015, mainly due to increases in net interest income and non-interest income, partly offset by higher non-interest expense.  Net 
interest income increased $15.2 million, or 5.1%, due to growth of $34.6 million in loan interest income, partly offset by a decrease 
of $14.3 million in net allocated funding credits and higher deposit interest expense of $3.7 million.  The provision for loan losses 
decreased $3.3 million from last year, as construction and business real estate loan net recoveries were higher by $2.5 million and 
$1.1 million, respectively, while business loan net charge-offs increased $1.0 million.  Non-interest income increased $5.2 million, 
or 2.7%, over the previous year due to growth in bank card fees, corporate cash management fees, swap fees, and cash sweep 
commissions.  These increases were partly offset by declines in operating lease revenue and capital market fees.  Non-interest 
expense increased $17.5 million, or 6.5%, during 2016, mainly due to higher full-time and incentive salary costs and allocated 
support costs.  Also contributing to higher non-interest expense was a recovery of $2.8 million in 2015 related to a letter of credit 
exposure which had been drawn upon and subsequently paid off.  These increases were partly offset by a decline in operating 
lease asset depreciation.  Average segment loans increased $947.2 million, or 13.3%, compared to 2015, with most of the growth 
in commercial and industrial, construction, business real estate and tax-advantaged loans.  Average deposits increased $692.8 
million, or 9.2.%, due to growth in business and governmental demand deposit accounts, money market deposit accounts and 
certificates of deposit greater than $100,000.

In 2015, pre-tax income for the Commercial segment decreased slightly compared to 2014, 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 $13.6 million, or 5.4%, mainly due to increases in salaries and benefits expense and allocated 

48

  
servicing and support costs.  These increases were partly offset by a recovery related to the letter of credit exposure mentioned 
above.  The provision for loan losses decreased $473 thousand from 2014, 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.

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, 2016, the Trust group managed investments with a 
market value of $25.4 billion and administered an additional $17.7 billion in non-managed assets. It also provides investment 
management services to The Commerce Funds, a series of mutual funds with $2.4 billion in total assets at December 31, 2016.   
In 2016, pre-tax income for the Wealth segment was $74.9 million, compared to $70.3 million in 2015, an increase of $4.6 million, 
or 6.5%.  Net interest income increased $1.5 million, or 3.4%, due to a $2.5 million increase in loan interest income and a decline 
of $412 thousand in deposit interest expense, partly offset by a $1.4 million decline in net allocated funding credits.  Non-interest 
income increased $8.3 million, or 6.1%, over the prior year largely due to higher personal and institutional trust fees, cash sweep 
fees and a trust related settlement.  Non-interest expense increased $5.0 million, or 4.6%, resulting from higher full-time salary 
costs and incentive compensation.  The provision for loan losses increased $197 thousand, mainly due to higher charge-offs on 
revolving home equity loans.  Average assets increased $78.9 million, or 7.6%, during 2016 mainly due to higher personal real 
estate and consumer loans.  Average deposits also increased $28.8 million, or 1.4%, due to growth in money market deposit 
accounts, partly offset by a decline in long term certificates of deposit over $100,000.

In 2015, pre-tax income for the Wealth segment 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 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.    

     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 2016, the pre-tax 
income in this category was $12.8 million, compared to $11.1 million in 2015.  This increase was due to higher unallocated net 
interest income of $26.7 million, which was partly offset by higher unallocated non-interest expense of $9.4 million. Unallocated 
securities losses were $53 thousand in 2016, compared to securities gains of $6.3 million in 2015.  Also, the unallocated loan loss 
provision increased $9.6 million, as the provision was $5.0 million less than charge-offs in 2015 compared to $4.4 million in 
excess of charge-offs in 2016. 

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

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. The FASB continues to issue additional ASU's clarifying 
the revenue recognition guidance for certain implementation issues.  Under the ASU and related amendments, the guidance is 
effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2018 and must be applied retrospectively, whether through a full 
restatement of prior periods or a cumulative adjustment upon adoption of the ASU.  The Company formed a working group to 
address the new requirements and develop a project plan for evaluating the impact of the ASU's adoption on the Company's 
consolidated  financial  statements,  with  a  focus  on  the  Company's  accounting  for  brokerage  commissions,  trust  fees,  cash 

49

management  fees,  real-estate  sales,  and  credit  card  revenue.    During  2017,  the  Company  will  assess  whether  changes  in  its 
accounting for revenue recognition are needed and determine its planned adoption approach.

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 were effective January 1, 2016, and the adoption did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated 
financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, "Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting 
Relationships", which clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instruments that has been designated as the hedging 
instrument does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting 
criteria continue to be met.  The amendments were effective January 1, 2017 and did not have a significant effect on the Company's 
consolidated financial statements.

The FASB issued ASU 2016-06, "Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments", in March 2016.  The ASU clarifies 
the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments 
are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts.  Under the new guidance, the embedded options should be assessed solely in 
accordance with a four-step decision sequence, with no additional assessment of whether the triggering event is indexed to interest 
rates or credit risk.  The amendments were effective January 1, 2017 and 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 were 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.

The FASB issued ASU 2016-17, "Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control", in October 2016.  
The ASU amends current guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity (VIE) 
should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity 
when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. Current GAAP requires a single decision maker to attribute 
indirect interests held by certain of its related parties entirely to itself, while the amendments require inclusion of those interests 
on a proportionate basis consistent with indirect interests held through other related parties.  The amendments were effective 
January 1, 2017 and did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes  The FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory", in October 2016.  
Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has 
been sold to an outside party.  The amendments require the recognition of income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of 
an  asset  (other  than  inventory)  when  the  transfer  occurs.    This  change  removes  the  current  exception  to  the  principal  of 
comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP (except for inventory).  These amendments are effective 
for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 and are not expected to 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 were 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. 

The FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment", in January 2017.  Under current guidance, 
a goodwill impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount 
of that goodwill by following procedures that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed in a business combination.  Under the new amendments, the goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a 
reporting unit with its carrying amount and an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds 

50

the reporting unit's fair value. The amendments are effective for impairment tests beginning January 1, 2020 and are not expected 
to 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 has formed a working group to evaluate 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.

ASU 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments", was issued in June 2016.  Its implementation will 
result in a new loan loss accounting framework, also known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model.  CECL requires 
credit losses expected throughout the life of the asset portfolio on loans and held-to-maturity securities to be recorded at the time 
of origination.  Under the current incurred loss model, losses are recorded when it is probable that a loss event has occurred.   The 
new standard will require significant operational changes, especially in data collection and analysis.  The ASU is effective for 
interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2020, and is expected to increase the allowance upon adoption.  The Company 
has formed a working group to assess the standard and is in the process of reviewing the capability of its systems and processes 
to support the data collection and retention required to implement the new standard. 

Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases", in order to increase transparency and comparability by 
recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements.  The 
ASU primarily affects lessee accounting, which requires the lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a liability to make lease 
payments for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP.  For leases with a term of 12 months or less, an 
election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities is permitted.  The ASU also provides additional 
guidance as to the definition of a lease, identification of lease components, and sale and leaseback transactions.  The amendments 
in the ASU are effective for interim and annual periods beginning January 1, 2019.  The Company has formed a working group 
to evaluate the impact of the ASU's adoption on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 

Liabilities  The FASB issued ASU 2016-04, "Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products", in March 
2016, in order to address current and potential future diversity in practice related to the derecognition of a prepaid stored-value 
product liability.  Such products include prepaid gift cards issued on a specific payment network and redeemable at network-
accepting merchant locations, prepaid telecommunication cards, and traveler's checks. The amendments require that the portion 
of the dollar value of prepaid stored-value products that is ultimately unredeemed (that is, the breakage) be accounted for consistent 
with the breakage guidance for stored-value product transactions provided in ASC Topic 606 - Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers.  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.

Investments The  FASB  issued ASU  2016-07,  "Equity  Method  and  Joint Ventures",  in  March  2016,  which  eliminates  the 
requirement that an entity retroactively adopt the equity method of accounting if an investment qualifies for use of the equity 
method as a result of an increase in ownership or influence.  Instead, the cost of acquiring the additional interest should be added 
to the current basis of the previously held interest, and equity method accounting applied prospectively.  The amendments were 
effective January 1, 2017 and did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Stock Compensation The FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting", in 
March 2016, in order to reduce complexity in this area and improve the usefulness of information provided to users.  Amendments 
which will affect public companies include the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies in income tax expense or benefit 
in the income statement, guidance as to the classification of excess tax benefits on the the statement of cash flows, an election to 
account for award forfeitures as they occur, and the ability to withhold taxes up to the maximum statutory rate in the applicable 
jurisdictions without triggering liability classification of the award.  The amendments were effective January 1, 2017.  As further 
discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company elected to account for forfeitures as they occur.  The 
effect of this election and other amendments did not have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows The FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments", in 
August 2016.  The ASU addresses the presentation and classification in the Statement of Cash Flows of several specific cash flow 
issues.  These include cash payments for debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, 
distributions received from equity method investees, and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance 
51

 
principle.  The amendments are effective January 1, 2018 and are not expected to have a significant effect on the Company's 
consolidated financial statements.

The  FASB  issued ASU  2016-18,  "Restricted  Cash",  in  November  2016.   The ASU  addresses  the  current  diversity  in  the 
classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows.  The ASU requires that amounts 
described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the 
beginning and end of period amounts shown on the statement of cash flows.  Disclosures are to be provided on the nature of 
restrictions on cash and cash equivalents.  When presented in more than one line item within the statement of financial position, 
the entity shall disclose the amounts, disaggregated by line item, of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash 
equivalents reported within the statement of financial position.  The amendments are effective January 1, 2018 and are not expected 
to have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Corporate Governance

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

52

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Year ended December 31, 2016

(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

12/31/2016

9/30/2016

6/30/2016

3/31/2016

For the Quarter Ended

$

181,498 $

179,361 $

180,065 $

(8,296)

173,202

119,479

3,651

(108,639)

(72,622)

(10,400)

104,671

(32,297)

(795)

(8,118)

171,243

119,319

(1,965)

(107,004)

(74,238)

(7,263)

100,092

(30,942)

(605)

(8,236)

171,829

116,570

(744)

(104,808)

(72,281)

(9,216)

101,350

(31,542)

85

172,128

(8,353)

163,775

119,024

(995)

(106,859)

(70,614)

(9,439)

94,892

(29,370)

(148)

65,374

.62

.62

100,344

100,571

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*

$

$

$

71,579 $

68,545 $

69,893 $

.68 $

.68 $

100,233

100,558

.65 $

.65 $

100,198

100,453

.67 $

.66 $

100,151

100,412

Year ended December 31, 2015
(In thousands, except per share data)

12/31/2015

9/30/2015

6/30/2015

3/31/2015

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

$

169,742 $

169,115 $

170,577 $

(7,255)

162,487

116,042

(1,480)

(102,098)

(73,679)

(9,186)

92,086

(27,661)

(715)

(7,077)

162,038

111,288

(378)

(100,874)

(70,528)

(8,364)

93,182

(27,969)

(601)

(6,920)

163,657

114,235

2,143

(99,655)

(65,808)

(6,757)

107,815

(32,492)

(970)

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 $

.60 $

.60 $

101,022

101,310

.61 $

.60 $

101,418

101,726

.68 $

.68 $

104,054

104,409

152,982

(6,844)

146,138

106,574

6,035

(98,074)

(65,771)

(4,420)

90,482

(28,468)

(959)

61,055

.55

.55

105,056

105,386

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

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 2016.

$

158,916 $

161,811 $

167,567 $

(6,987)

151,929

112,446

3,650

(99,526)

(70,605)

(4,664)

93,230

(29,488)

(1,017)

(7,095)

154,716

112,430

2,995

(95,462)

(66,522)

(7,652)

100,505

(31,484)

(836)

(7,074)

160,493

108,886

(2,558)

(94,849)

(67,827)

(7,555)

96,590

(30,690)

631

62,725 $

68,185 $

66,531 $

.57 $

.57 $

104,937

105,316

.62 $

.62 $

104,852

105,306

.61 $

.60 $

108,272

108,717

$

$

$

53

159,998

(6,932)

153,066

102,744

10,037

(94,263)

(67,816)

(9,660)

94,108

(29,987)

192

64,313

.58

.58

109,711

110,199

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
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

2016

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2015

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2014

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Years Ended December 31

$

4,652,526 $
778,822
2,440,955
1,936,420
1,947,240
417,514
749,589
4,712
12,927,778
25,710

134,438
27,452
89,305
72,417
75,076
14,797
86,008
—
499,493
1,317

735,081

15,628

13,173

63,261
82,888
35,346
9,481
489
8,765
229,031

78

13,544

973
744,436

923
13,443

2,809

8,545

25,720

3,315

3,968
7,283
33,003

591,785

1,753,727
3,460,821
2,418,118
336,968
19,722
115,778
9,432,000

12,660

791,392

188,581
23,378,121
(152,628)

183,036

381,822
350,443
415,677
$ 24,556,471

$

775,121
10,285,288

749,261

1,471,610

13,281,280

1,266,093

171,255
1,437,348
14,718,628
7,049,633
292,145
2,496,065
$ 24,556,471

2.89% $
3.52
3.66
3.74
3.86
3.54
11.47
—
3.86
5.12

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

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
—

497,271

13,750

2.13

2.23

3.61
2.40
1.46
2.81
2.48
7.57
2.43

.62

1.71

.52
3.18

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

.12
.13

.37

.58

.19

$

729,311
9,752,794

832,343

1,224,402

12,538,850

.26

2.32
.51
.22%

1,654,860

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

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

$

711,433

$

664,038

$

648,628

3.04%

7.14%

2.94%

2.38%

2.83 %
3.78
3.83
3.80
4.23
3.79
11.44
—
4.04
—

2.77

1.66

3.59
2.69
.88
2.61
2.23
10.26
2.30

.32

1.27

.25
3.13

.13
.13

.44

.43

.19

.08

3.32
.33
.20 %

3.00 %

.42 %

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

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

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS — AVERAGE RATES AND YIELDS

54

  
 
Average
Balance

2013

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2012

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average
Balance

2011

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average Rates
Earned/Paid

Average Balance Five
Year Compound
Growth Rate

Years Ended December 31

$

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

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

3.05 %
3.97
4.11
3.91
4.68
3.96
11.28
—
4.32

$

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

4,488

176

3.92

9,688

361

3.73

401,162

499,947

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

8,775

8,658

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

24,669

106

21,119

387
676,819

766
13,589

6,002

6,383

26,740

809

3,364
4,173
30,913

1,174,589

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

157,910

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

$

625,517
9,059,524

1,034,991

1,380,003

12,100,035

1,294,691

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

2.19

1.73

3.62
2.75
.90
3.09
2.25
10.49
2.30

.43

1.80

.25
3.26

.12
.15

.58

.46

.22

.06

3.24
.30
.23 %

332,382

12,260

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

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 %

$

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

$

645,906

$

665,214

$

669,515

3.11 %

(2.90)%

3.41 %

(.64)%

3.59%
4.48
4.82
4.82
6.27
4.26
11.31
—
5.09

2.36

4.83

2.28

4.43
3.22
1.25
4.93
2.76
7.71
2.93

.51

1.75

.25
3.94

.16
.32

.88

.66

.43

.17

3.28
.47
.43%

3.65%

.51%

9.83%
13.15
2.89
6.19
11.72
(2.29)
.08
(7.49)
6.99

(11.45)

15.48

18.52

8.34
(.54)
(.21)
14.48
(.29)
1.49
3.13

3.44

.58

(.58)
4.99
(4.42)

2.35

1.82
(1.46)
1.88
4.82

8.09
5.95

(10.31)

.86

3.98

4.11

8.84
4.61
4.04
8.25
(9.31)
3.42
4.82%

(B) 

Interest income and yields are presented on a fully-taxable equivalent basis using the Federal statutory income tax rate. Loan interest income includes tax free loan income (categorized 
as business loan income) which includes tax equivalent adjustments of $9,537,000 in 2016, $8,332,000 in 2015, $7,640,000 in 2014, $6,673,000 in 2013, $5,803,000 in 2012, and 
$5,538,000 in 2011.  Investment securities interest income includes tax equivalent adjustments of  $21,847,000 in 2016, $21,386,000 in 2015, $20,784,000 in 2014, $19,861,000 in 2013, 
$19,505,000 in 2012, and $17,907,000 in 2011 .  These adjustments relate to state and municipal obligations, other marketable securities, trading securities, and non-marketable securities.

55

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, 2016

4,731

821

2,559

1,986

1,978

415

758

6

13,254

11

812

446

1,784

3,657

2,417

333

22

105

9,576

8

725

201

23,775

(154)

156

372

346

436

24,931

773

10,512

723

1,334

13,342

1,285

101

1,386

14,728
7,308
347

2,548

24,931

181

2.91% $

3.64

3.61

3.69

3.85

3.50

11.38

—

3.85

5.77

2.18

1.54

3.57

2.40

1.52

2.95

2.40

5.42

2.39

.72

1.86

.56

3.17

.12

.13

.37

.60

.19

.30

3.54

.54
.22%

$

$

$

$

4,695

821

2,432

1,944

1,948

412

750

5

13,007

27

726

482

1,748

3,366

2,341

335

18

114

9,130

13

766

208

23,151

(154)

235

362

348

442

24,384

779

10,211

741

1,434

13,165

1,164

103

1,267
14,432

7,096
306

2,550

24,384

179

2.87% $

3.48

3.63

3.73

3.91

3.56

11.56

—

3.86

5.00

2.43

2.24

3.60

2.38

1.48

2.74

2.42

10.24

2.49

.61

1.73

.51

3.22

.12

.13

.37

.61

.20

.25

3.51

.51
.22%

$

$

$

$

4,692

789

2,389

1,906

1,928

413

738

4

12,859

56

698

666

1,764

3,394

2,378

338

21

116

9,375

12

825

125

23,252

(152)

192

372

351

390

24,405

787

10,288

759

1,636

13,470

1,212

105

1,317
14,787

6,886
260

2,472

24,405

180

2.90% $

3.46

3.69

3.76

3.80

3.59

11.54

—

3.86

4.95

3.48

3.03

3.60

2.36

1.45

2.77

2.27

8.03

2.58

.64

1.64

.49

3.25

.11

.13

.38

.58

.20

.24

3.49

.50
.22%

$

$

$

$

4,492

683

2,382

1,909

1,935

429

752

5

12,587

9

703

777

1,719

3,425

2,537

342

18

128

9,649

17

850

220

23,332

(151)

149

421

357

395

24,503

761

10,129

775

1,484

13,149

1,404

378

1,782
14,931

6,906
254

2,412

24,503

171

2.87%

3.51

3.70

3.77

3.87

3.52

11.42

—

3.89

5.80

.40

1.93

3.66

2.45

1.39

2.79

2.87

6.54

2.26

.56

1.64

.49

3.10

.12

.13

.38

.54

.19

.25

1.33

.48
.23%

Net yield on interest earning assets

3.03%

3.08%

3.11%

2.95%

(A) 

Includes tax equivalent calculations.

56

 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7a.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by this item is set forth on pages 44 through 45 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, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016. 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, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations 
and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, 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, 2016, 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 23, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting.

Kansas City, Missouri
February 23, 2017 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS
Loans

Allowance for loan losses

Net loans
Loans held for sale (including $9,263,000 and $4,981,000 of residential mortgage loans carried at fair

value at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)

Investment securities:

Available for sale ($568,553,000 and $568,257,000 pledged at December 31, 2016 and
   2015, 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 102,003,046 shares at December 31, 2016 and 97,972,433 

shares at December 31, 2015

Capital surplus
Retained earnings
Treasury stock of 364,711 shares at December 31, 2016
and 603,003 shares at December 31, 2015, 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. 

December 31

2016

2015

(In thousands)

$

13,412,736 $
(155,932)
13,256,804

12,436,692
(151,532)
12,285,160

14,456

7,607

9,649,203
22,225
99,558
9,770,986
15,470
725,000
272,275
494,690
337,705
138,921
6,709
608,408
25,641,424 $

7,429,398 $
11,430,789
713,075
1,527,833
21,101,095
1,723,905
102,049
213,243
23,140,292

9,777,004
11,890
112,786
9,901,680
14,505
875,000
23,803
464,411
352,581
138,921
6,669
534,625
24,604,962

7,146,398
10,834,746
785,191
1,212,518
19,978,853
1,963,552
103,818
191,321
22,237,544

144,784

144,784

510,015
1,552,454
292,849

(15,294)
10,975
2,495,783
5,349
2,501,132
25,641,424 $

489,862
1,337,677
383,313

(26,116)
32,470
2,361,990
5,428
2,367,418
24,604,962

$

$

$

59

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
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
2015

2014

2016

$

489,956 $
1,317
207,184

456,664 $
191
191,801

78
13,544
973
713,052

14,366
2,809
8,545

3,315
3,968
33,003
680,049
36,318
643,731

181,879
121,795
86,394
10,655
13,784
11,412
48,473
474,392
(53)

427,310
46,290
19,141
24,135
92,722
16,032
13,327
78,108
717,065
401,005
124,151
276,854
1,463
275,391
9,000
266,391 $
2.62 $
2.61 $

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
118,437
80,416
11,476
13,784
8,228
36,872
448,139
6,320

400,701
44,788
19,086
22,970
83,944
16,107
12,146
76,745
676,487
383,565
116,590
266,975
3,245
263,730
9,000
254,730 $
2.44 $
2.43 $

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
111,254
78,680
12,667
12,534
5,108
40,457
436,506
14,124

384,100
45,825
18,375
22,432
78,980
15,676
11,622
79,860
656,870
384,433
121,649
262,784
1,030
261,754
4,050
257,704
2.38
2.37

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

(In thousands)
Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Net unrealized 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

2016

2015

2014

$

276,854 $

266,975 $

262,784

(341)

(22,422)
1,268

(21,495)

255,359

1,463

(518)

(31,517)

2,412

(29,623)

237,352

3,245

(412)

60,007
(7,233)

52,362

315,146

1,030

314,116

Comprehensive income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.

$

253,896 $

234,107 $

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

61

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 in interest receivable

Increase (decrease) in interest payable

Increase in income taxes payable

Excess tax benefit related to equity compensation plans

Other changes, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

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 increase (decrease) in time open and C.D.’s

Repayment of long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase

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

repurchase

Net decrease in other 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 investment to held for sale, net

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

62

For the Years Ended December 31

2016

2015

2014

$

276,854 $

266,975 $

262,784

36,318

40,929

31,493

(2,059)

53

(5,850)

160,875

(163,469)

73,780

11,525

(3,642)

1,107

4,509

(3,390)

(26,666)

432,367

—

24,380

2,032,397

(1,988,101)

(1,009,523)

(250,000)

400,000

(24,478)

10,112

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

29,531

42,303

23,211

(540)

(14,124)

—

—

—

16,005

8,829

(2,185)

(230)

344

(1,850)

(3,242)

360,836

—

689,031

2,515,113

(43,827)

64,442

1,914,105

(3,542,537)

(2,498,090)

(1,005,657)

—

175,000

(31,897)

5,545

(560,890)

(450,000)

550,000

(43,658)

5,236

(805,213)

(1,195,402)

(1,062,682)

782,846

243,199

—

(239,647)

(1,769)

—

(39,381)

—

(6)

3,390

(87,070)

(9,000)

652,562

279,716

502,719
782,435 $
119,596 $
31,896

1,122

—

42,688

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

(3,252)

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

—

—

$

$

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

(In thousands, except per share data)

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 forward contract
Cash dividends paid on common stock

($.777 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 agreement

Cash dividends paid on common stock

($.816 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

Net income

Other comprehensive loss

Distributions to non-controlling interest

Purchases of treasury stock

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, 2016

             Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Shareholders

Preferred
Stock

Common
Stock

Capital
Surplus

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Stock

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Non-
Controlling
Interest

Total

$

— $ 481,224 $ 1,279,948 $ 449,836 $

(10,097) $

9,731 $

3,755 $ 2,214,397

144,784

261,754

(84,241)

(4,050)

(70,974)

(140,000)

24,209

(60,000)

1,850

8,829

(14,703)

2,931

13,151

(196,651)

180,300

52,362

1,030

262,784

52,362

(732)

(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

(84,961)

(9,000)

60,000

2,132

10,147

(16,615)

(23,176)

(160,000)

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
275,391

(26,116)

32,470

5,428
1,463

2,367,418
276,854

(87,070)

(9,000)

3,390

11,525

(15,810)

20,153

215,672

(269,785)

(39,381)

16,721

33,482

(21,495)

(1,542)

(21,495)

(1,542)

(39,381)

(87,070)

(9,000)

3,390

11,525

911

(478)

$ 144,784 $ 510,015 $ 1,552,454 $ 292,849 $

(15,294) $

10,975 $

5,349 $ 2,501,132

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

63

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  340
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 prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  Such reclassifications 
had no effect on net income or total assets.  Management has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure 
through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.

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.  However, 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.  An 
enterprise that is the primary beneficiary must consolidate 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. 

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. 

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.

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, 2016 totaled $112.7 million, while cash 
held at the Federal Reserve Bank totaled $272.3 million.  Additionally, as of December 31, 2016, the Company had $19.2 million
in cash collateral on deposit with another financial institution relating to interest rate swap transactions.

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 

64

 
 
 
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 under the elected fair value option.  Their fair value 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. Interest income related to loans held for sale is accrued based on the 
principal amount outstanding and the loan's contractual interest rate.

Occasionally, other types of loans may be held for sale in order to manage credit concentration.  These loans are carried at the 

lower of cost or fair value with gains and losses on sales recognized in loan fees and sales.

Allowance/Provision for Loan Losses

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

65

 
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 delinquencies, 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).    
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.  Purchase premiums and discounts are amortized 
to interest income using a level yield method over the estimated lives of the securities. For mortgage and asset-backed 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 

66

income.  Other non-marketable securities acquired for debt and regulatory purposes are carried at cost and periodically evaluated 
for other-than-temporary impairment.

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

   Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are treated as collateralized 
financing transactions, not as purchases and sales of the underlying securities.  The agreements are recorded at the amount of cash 
advanced or received.  

  The  Company  periodically  enters  into  securities  purchased  under  agreements  to  resell  with  large  financial  institutions.     

Securities pledged by the counterparties to secure these agreements are delivered to a third party custodian. 

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 and delivered either to the dealer custody account at the FRB or to the applicable counterparty.

The fair value of collateral either received from or provided to a counterparty is monitored daily, and additional collateral is 

obtained,  returned, or provided by the Company in order to maintain full collateralization for these transactions.

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 18, 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 10 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, establishing a new cost basis.  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.  Declines in fair value below cost are recognized through 
valuation allowances which may be reversed when supported by future increases in fair value.  These valuation adjustments, in 
addition to gains and losses realized on sales and net operating expenses, are recorded in other non-interest expense.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is not amortized but 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.

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 

67

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.  Core  deposit  intangibles  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. Mortgage 
servicing rights, while initially recorded at fair value, are subsequently amortized and carried at the lower of the initial capitalized 
amount (net of accumulated accumulated amortization), or estimated fair value.  The Company evaluates its mortgage servicing 
rights for impairment on a quarterly basis, using estimated prepayment speeds of  the underlying mortgage loans serviced and 
stratifications based on the risk characteristics of the underlying loans. A valuation allowance has been established, through a 
charge to earnings, to the extent the amortized cost exceeds the estimated fair value.  However, the Company has not recorded 
other-than-temporary impairment losses on either of these types of 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

While the Company’s interest rate risk management policy permits the use of hedge accounting for derivatives, all of the 
derivatives  held by the Company during the past several years have been accounted for as free-standing instruments.  These 
instruments are carried at fair value, and changes in fair value are recognized in current earnings.  They 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  an 
origination and sales program of certain personal real estate mortgages.  Derivative instruments under this program include 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 15, Fair 

Value Measurements and Note 17, Derivative Instruments.  

Pension Plan

The Company’s pension plan is described in Note 9, 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.

68

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based employee compensation plan is described in Note 10, 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, 
which is generally the vesting period. The fair value of an option award is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model 
while the fair value of a nonvested stock award is the common stock (CBSH) market price.  The expense recognized is reduced 
for estimated forfeitures over the vesting period and adjusted for actual forfeitures as they occur, and is included in salaries and 
employee benefits in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  As further discussed in Note 10, effective January 1, 
2017, the Company will recognize forfeitures as a reduction to expense only when they occur, as allowed under the provisions of 
ASU 2016-09.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders’ equity during a period, except those resulting from transactions 
with stockholders. In addition to net income, other components of the Company’s comprehensive income include the after tax 
effect of changes in net unrealized gain / loss on securities available for sale and changes in net actuarial gain / loss on defined 
benefit post-retirement plans. Comprehensive income is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive 
income. See Note 11 for additional information on accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

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 nonvested stock 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 2016.

2. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Major classifications within the Company’s held to maturity loan portfolio at December 31, 2016 and 2015 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

2016

2015

$

4,776,365 $

4,397,893

791,236

624,070

2,643,374

2,355,544

2,010,397

1,990,801

413,634

776,465

10,464

1,915,953

1,924,365

432,981

779,744

6,142

$

13,412,736 $

12,436,692

69

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, 2016

Additions

Amounts collected

Amounts written off

Balance, December 31, 2016

$

$

63,737

547,001

(547,864)

—

62,874

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, 2016 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, Texas, 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, 2016, unfunded 
loan commitments totaled $10.4 billion (which included $4.9 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, 2016, loans 
totaling $3.8 billion were pledged at the FHLB as collateral for borrowings and letters of credit obtained to secure public deposits. 
Additional loans of $1.7 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  $523.9 million and $463.1 million at December 
31, 2016 and 2015, respectively,  which is included in business loans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  This investment 
includes deferred income of $33.3 million and $29.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The net investment 
in operating leases amounted to $19.0 million and $16.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in 
other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

70

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, 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

Provision for loan losses

Deductions:

Loans charged off

Less recoveries

Net loans charged off (recoveries)

Balance at December 31, 2016

Commercial

Personal
Banking

Total

$

94,189 $

67,343 $

161,532

(5,204)

34,735

29,531

4,548

5,185

(637)

89,622

(9,319)

4,057

5,840

(1,783)

82,086

4,898

3,258

7,635

(4,377)

48,225

13,057

35,168

66,910

38,046

46,993

11,483

35,510

69,446

31,420

47,720

11,425

36,295

52,773

18,242

34,531

156,532

28,727

51,050

17,323

33,727

151,532

36,318

50,978

19,060

31,918

$

91,361 $

64,571 $

155,932

The following table shows the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the related loan balance at December 31, 2016 and 
2015, disaggregated on the basis of impairment methodology.  Impaired loans evaluated under ASC 310-10-35 include loans on 
non-accrual  status  which  are  individually  evaluated  for  impairment  and  other  impaired  loans  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, 2016

Commercial

Personal Banking

Total

December 31, 2015

Commercial

Personal Banking

Total

Impaired Loans

All Other Loans

Allowance for
Loan Losses

Loans
Outstanding

Allowance for
Loan Losses

Loans
Outstanding

1,817 $

1,292

3,109 $

1,927 $

1,557

3,484 $

44,795

19,737

64,532

43,027

22,287

65,314

$

$

$

$

89,544 $

8,166,180

63,279

5,182,024

152,823 $ 13,348,204

80,159 $

7,334,480

67,889

5,036,898

148,048 $ 12,371,378

$

$

$

$

71

Impaired loans

The table below shows the Company’s investment in impaired loans at December 31, 2016 and 2015.  These loans consist of 
all  loans  on  non-accrual  status  and  other  restructured  loans  whose  terms  have  been  modified  and  classified  as  troubled  debt 
restructurings 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

2016

2015

$

$

14,283 $

50,249

64,532 $

26,575

38,739

65,314

72

The following table provides additional information about impaired loans held by the Company at December 31, 2016 and 
2015, segregated between loans for which an allowance for credit losses has been provided and loans for which no allowance has 
been provided.

(In thousands)

December 31, 2016

With no related allowance recorded:

Business

Real estate – construction and land

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, 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

Recorded
Investment

Unpaid Principal
Balance

 Related
Allowance

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

7,375 $

10,470 $

557

752

7,932 $

11,222 $

—

—

—

29,924 $

31,795 $

1,318

69

6,870

6,394

5,281

584

7,478

72

8,072

9,199

5,281

584

7,478

56,600 $

64,532 $

62,481 $

73,703 $

9,330 $

11,777 $

2,961

4,793

373

8,956

6,264

373

17,457 $

27,370 $

3

496

642

57

1

592

3,109

3,109

—

—

—

—

—

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 $

63

745

831

63

67

596

3,484

3,484

Total average impaired loans during 2016 and 2015 are shown in the table below. 

(In thousands)

Commercial

2016

Personal
Banking

Total

Commercial

2015

Personal
Banking

Total

Average impaired loans:

Non-accrual loans

Restructured loans (accruing)

Total

$

$

17,294 $

4,135 $

32,295

17,058

49,589 $

21,193 $

21,429

49,353

70,782

$

$

24,284 $

5,449 $

16,671

18,395

40,955 $

23,844 $

29,733

35,066

64,799

73

The table below shows interest income recognized during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 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

Years Ended December 31

2016

2015

2014

$

1,064 $

495 $

2

171

152

339

31

722

80

122

187

348

20

750

344

361

153

208

286

27

993

$

2,481 $

2,002 $

2,372

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, 2016 and 2015.    

(In thousands)
December 31, 2016
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, 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

Current or Less
Than 30 Days
Past Due

30 – 89 Days
Past Due

90 Days Past
Due and Still
Accruing

Non-accrual

Total

$

4,763,274

$

3,735 $

674 $

8,682 $

4,776,365

789,633

2,639,586

1,995,724

1,957,358

411,483

757,443

10,014

1,039

2,154

9,162

29,783

1,032

10,187

450

—

—

2,108

3,660

1,119

8,835

—

564

1,634

3,403

—

—

—

—

791,236

2,643,374

2,010,397

1,990,801

413,634

776,465

10,464

$

13,324,515

$

57,542 $

16,396 $

14,283 $

13,412,736

$

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

74

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, 2016

Pass

Special mention

Substandard

Non-accrual

Total

December 31, 2015

Pass

Special mention

Substandard

Non-accrual

Total

Commercial Loans

Business

Real Estate -
Construction

Real Estate -
Business

Total

$

$

$

4,607,553 $

788,778 $

2,543,348 $

116,642

43,488

8,682

722

1,172

564

4,776,365 $

791,236 $

45,479

52,913

1,634
2,643,374 $

7,939,679

162,843

97,573

10,880

8,210,975

4,278,857 $

618,788 $

2,281,565 $

7,179,210

49,302

58,860

10,874

1,033

1,159

3,090

15,009

51,107

7,863

65,344

111,126

21,827

$

4,397,893 $

624,070 $

2,355,544 $

7,377,507

75

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 $237.2 million at December 31, 2016 and $257.8 million at December 31, 2015; less than 6% of the 
Personal Banking portfolio.  For the remainder of loans in the Personal Banking portfolio, the table below shows the percentage 
of balances outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 by FICO score.   

December 31, 2016

FICO score:

Under 600

600 – 659

660 – 719

720 – 779

780 and over

Total

December 31, 2015

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

1.3%

3.4%

1.0%

4.9%

2.6

10.4

25.4

60.3

6.4

19.7

26.3

44.2

1.8

9.7

21.1

66.4

15.5

34.9

25.1

19.6

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

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 %

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 $59.1 million and $53.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  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 $8.8 million at December 31, 2016.  Other performing 
restructured loans totaled $50.2 million at December 31, 2016.  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 
$34.5 million at December 31, 2016. These restructured loans are performing in accordance with their modified terms, and because 
the Company believes it probable that all amounts due under the modified terms of the agreements will be collected, interest on 
these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis.  Troubled debt restructurings also include certain credit card loans under 
various debt management and assistance programs, which totaled $7.5 million at December 31, 2016.  Modifications to credit 
card loans generally involve removing the available line of credit, placing loans on amortizing status, and lowering the contractual 
interest rate.  The Company 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 $7.9 million at December 31, 2016.  Interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis, as the borrowers 
are continuing to make payments.

76

The table below shows the outstanding balance of loans classified as troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2016, 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, 2016

$

35,648 $

557

5,236

4,230

5,342

583

7,478

$

59,074

$

—

557

—

426

44

—

613

1,640

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 $870 thousand on an annual, pre-tax 
basis, compared to amounts contractually owed.

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

If a troubled debt restructuring defaults and is already on non-accrual status, the allowance for loan losses continues to be 
based on individual evaluation, using discounted expected cash flows or the fair value of collateral.  If an accruing, troubled debt 
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 $10.3 million at December 31, 2016 to lend additional funds to borrowers with restructured 

loans, compared to $3.5 million at December 31, 2015.

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 17.  At December 31, 2016, the fair value of these loans was 
$9.3 million, and the unpaid principal balance was $9.2 million.  None of these loans were on non-accrual status or past due.  

Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Company has designated certain student loan originations as held for sale. The 
borrowers are credit-worthy students who are attending colleges and universities.  The loans are intended to be sold in the secondary 
market, and the Company maintains contracts with Sallie Mae to sell the loans at various times while the student is attending 
school or shortly after graduation.  At December 31, 2016, the balance of these loans was $5.2 million.  These loans are carried 
at lower of cost or fair value, and none were on non-accrual status.  

77

Foreclosed real estate/repossessed assets

The Company’s holdings of foreclosed real estate totaled $366 thousand and $2.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively.  Personal property acquired in repossession, generally autos and marine and recreational vehicles, totaled $2.2 million
and  $3.3  million  at  December 31,  2016  and  2015,  respectively.  Upon  acquisition,  these  assets  are  recorded  at  fair  value  less 
estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis.  They are subsequently carried at the lower of this 
cost basis or fair value less estimated selling costs.

3. Investment Securities 

Investment securities, at fair value, consisted of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

(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

2016

2015

$

920,904 $
449,998

1,778,214

2,685,931

1,055,639

2,381,301

325,953

51,263

9,649,203

22,225

99,558

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

$

9,770,986 $

9,901,680

Most of the Company’s investment securities are classified as available for sale, and this portfolio is discussed in more detail 
below.  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 $46.9 million and $46.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 
2015, 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 $52.3 million and $65.6 million at December 31, 2016 and 
2015, 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, 2016 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, 2016. 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 and commercial 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

 
 
    
(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

1.89*%

1.33*

1.29*

(.10)*

1.24*

1.13

1.53

2.30

2.25

1.56

2.64

2.29

2.40

2.84

2.40

2.53

2.40

1.57

2.14

$

59,407 $

501,141

286,939

72,417

919,904

6,990

419,174

14,989

9,295

450,448

195,581

592,883

923,792

66,428

59,989

506,131

287,396

67,388

920,904

7,003

418,662

15,032

9,301

449,998

197,041

597,391

919,725

64,057

1,778,684

1,778,214

2,674,964

1,054,446

2,389,176

6,118,586

8,998

100,557

205,887

11,588

327,030

5,678

2,685,931

1,055,639

2,381,301

6,122,871

9,015

100,601

205,200

11,137

325,953

51,263

Total available for sale investment securities

$

9,600,330 $

9,649,203

* 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 $461.9 million, 
at fair value, at December 31, 2016. 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 $16.7 million, at fair value, of auction rate securities, which 
were purchased from bank customers in 2008.  Interest on these bonds is currently being paid at the maximum failed auction rates.  
Equity securities are primarily comprised of investments in common stock held by the Parent, which totaled $48.5 million, at fair 
value, at December 31, 2016.

79

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, 2016

 Amortized Cost

Gross Unrealized
Gains

Gross Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

$

919,904 $

7,312 $

(6,312) $

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, 2015

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

450,448

1,778,684

2,674,964

1,054,446

2,389,176

6,118,586

327,030

5,678

1,126

12,223

31,610

7,686

3,338

42,634

935

45,585

(1,576)

(12,693)

(20,643)

(6,493)

(11,213)

(38,349)

(2,012)

—

920,904

449,998

1,778,214

2,685,931

1,055,639

2,381,301

6,122,871

325,953

51,263

$

$

9,600,330 $

109,815 $

(60,942) $

9,649,203

729,846 $

5,051 $

(7,821) $

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

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 Baa3 (Moody's) or BBB- (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, 2016, the fair value of securities on this watch list was $79.6 million compared 
to $95.8 million at December 31, 2015. 

 As of December 31, 2016, 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 $31.2 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
4% - 25%

17% - 51%

0% - 34%

17% - 63%

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

2016

2015

2014

14,129 $

13,734 $

12,499

—

270

(319)

76

407

(88)

—

1,365

(130)

14,080 $

14,129 $

13,734

$

$

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, 2016

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

$

349,538

$

2,823

$

32,208 $

3,489

$

381,746

$

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, 2015

190,441

700,779

1,147,416

688,131

780,209

2,615,756

179,639

$ 4,036,153

U.S. government and federal agency obligations

$ 491,998

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

157,830

66,998

530,035

653,603

2,207,922

3,391,560

244,452

$

$

1,576

12,164

20,638

6,373

5,277

32,288

1,986

—

15,195

2,150

34,946

358,778

395,874

975

—

529

5

120

5,936

6,061

26

190,441

715,974

1,149,566

723,077

1,138,987

3,011,630

180,614

50,837

$

444,252 $

10,105

$ 4,480,405

3,098

1,975

544

2,989

7,059

12,492

22,540

3,687

$

31,012 $

110,250

31,120

291,902

54,536

223,311

569,749

25,218

4,723

2,571

1,195

5,617

760

4,615

$ 523,010

268,080

98,118

821,937

708,139

2,431,233

10,992

3,961,309

1,295

269,670

$

$

6,312

1,576

12,693

20,643

6,493

11,213

38,349

2,012

60,942

7,821

4,546

1,739

8,606

7,819

17,107

33,532

4,982

$ 4,352,838 $

31,844

$

767,349 $

20,776

$ 5,120,187 $

52,620

The total available for sale portfolio consisted of approximately 2,000 individual securities at December 31, 2016.  The portfolio 
included 771 securities, having an aggregate fair value of $4.5 billion, that were in a loss position at December 31, 2016, compared 
to 466 securities, with a fair value of $5.1 billion, at December 31, 2015.  The total amount of unrealized loss on these securities 
was $60.9 million at December 31, 2016, an increase of $8.3 million compared to the loss at December 31, 2015.  The rise in 
unrealized  losses  resulted  largely  from  the  Federal  Reserve  Board's  benchmark  interest  rate  increase  in  December  2016.   At 
December 31, 2016, the fair value of securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer totaled $444.3 million, or 
4.6% of the total portfolio value. 

The Company’s holdings of state and municipal obligations included gross unrealized losses of $12.7 million at December 31, 
2016, of which $600 thousand related to auction rate securities.  The state and municipal portfolio totaled $1.8 billion at fair value, 
or 18.4% 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.  

81

 
 
 
 
The credit ratings (Moody’s rating or equivalent) at December 31, 2016 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

6.2%

79.5

13.8

.5

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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

2,049 $

22,331

675,870 $
13,161

24,380 $

689,031 $

109 $

2,925 $

—

—

(270)

4,349

(502)

(3,739)

—

—

(483)

2,516

(40)

1,402

30,998

33,444

64,442

—

(5,197)

1,570

(1,365)

1,629

(134)

17,621

14,124

Investment securities gains (losses), net

$

(53) $

6,320 $

Investment securities with a fair value of $4.4 billion and $4.1 billion were pledged at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 
$568.6 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.

4. Land, Buildings and Equipment

Land, buildings and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015:

(In thousands)

Land

Buildings and improvements

Equipment

Total

Less accumulated depreciation

Net land, buildings and equipment

2016

2015

$

98,221 $

530,489

258,030

886,740

549,035

$

337,705 $

105,182

541,736

250,193

897,111

544,530

352,581

Depreciation expense of $30.1 million in both 2016 and 2015 and $29.8 million in 2014, was included in occupancy expense 
and equipment expense in the consolidated statements of income. Repairs and maintenance expense of $16.2 million, $16.3 million
and $16.5 million for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, was included in occupancy expense and equipment expense.  There has 
been no interest expense capitalized on construction projects in the past three years.

82

5. 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, 2016

December 31, 2015

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Valuation
Allowance

 Net
Amount

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Valuation
Allowance

Net
Amount

$ 31,270
5,672
$ 36,942

$

$

(27,429)
(2,782)
(30,211)

$

$

— $ 3,841
2,868
(22)
$ 6,709
(22)

$ 31,270
4,638
$ 35,908

$

$

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

$

$

— $ 5,031
1,638
(29)
$ 6,669
(29)

The carrying amount of goodwill and its allocation among segments at December 31, 2016 and 2015 is shown in the table 
below.  As a result of ongoing assessments, no impairment of goodwill was recorded in 2016, 2015 or 2014.  Further, the annual 
assessment of qualitative factors on January 1, 2017 revealed no likelihood of impairment as of that date.  

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

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

$

$

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, 2016 and 

2015 are shown in the following table.

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2014

Originations

Amortization

Impairment 

Balance at December 31, 2015

Originations

Amortization

Impairment reversal

Goodwill

Core Deposit
Premium

Mortgage
Servicing Rights

$

138,921 $

6,572 $

—

—

—

138,921

—

—

—

—

(1,541)

—

5,031

—

(1,190)

—

878

945

(253)

68

1,638

1,539

(316)

7

2,868

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

138,921 $

3,841 $

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, 2016, temporary impairment of $22 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 15 on Fair Value Measurements.

 Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $1.5 million, 
$1.8 million and $2.1 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, 2016.  The Company’s actual amortization expense in any 
given period may be different from the estimated amounts depending upon the acquisition of intangible assets, changes in mortgage 
interest rates, prepayment rates and other market conditions.

(In thousands)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

$

1,204

943

793

661

562

83

6. Deposits

At December 31, 2016, the scheduled maturities of total time open and certificates of deposit were as follows:

(In thousands)

Due in 2017

Due in 2018

Due in 2019

Due in 2020

Due in 2021

Thereafter

Total

$

1,773,566

273,278

90,964

50,616

48,072

4,412

$

2,240,908

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

December 31, 2016.

(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

127,958 $

24,461 $

568,920 $

5,095 $

138,385

204,516

89,599

26,894

40,782

60,480

389,874

228,341

306,176

6,606

11,734

11,087

Total

726,434

561,759

485,373

467,342

560,458 $

152,617 $

1,493,311 $

34,522 $

2,240,908

$

$

The aggregate amount of time open and certificates of deposit that exceeded the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit totaled $1.3 

billion at December 31, 2016. 

7. 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:

2016

2015

2014

 Year End
Weighted
Rate

 Average
Weighted
Rate

 Average Balance
Outstanding

Maximum
Outstanding at
any Month End

Balance at
December 31

.4%

.2

.1

.3% $

1,266,093 $

1,723,905 $

1,723,905

.1

.1

1,654,860

1,119,578

2,193,197

1,862,518

1,963,552

1,862,518

Short-term  borrowings  consist  primarily  of  federal  funds  purchased  and  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase 
(repurchase agreements), which generally have one day maturities.  At December 31, 2016, nearly all of these borrowings were 
short-term repurchase agreements comprised of non-insured customer funds, 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 18 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, 2016, total outstanding advances were $100.0 million with a weighted interest 
rate of 3.5% and a remaining maturity of one year.  All of the outstanding advances have fixed interest rates and contain prepayment 
penalties. The FHLB has also issued letters of credit, totaling $552.3 million at December 31, 2016, to secure the Company’s 
obligations to certain depositors of public funds. 

84

8. Income Taxes   

The components of income tax expense from operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as 

follows:

(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2016:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total
Year ended December 31, 2015:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total
Year ended December 31, 2014:

U.S. federal
State and local

Total

Current

Deferred

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

116,753 $
9,457
126,210 $

102,607 $
6,551
109,158 $

110,552 $
11,637
122,189 $

(2,036) $
(23)
(2,059) $

7,084 $
348
7,432 $

(679) $
139
(540) $

114,717
9,434
124,151

109,691
6,899
116,590

109,873
11,776
121,649

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

2016, 2015 and 2014 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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

(13,952) $
778

(19,634) $
1,478

(3,390)
(16,564) $

(2,132)
(20,288) $

36,525
(4,433)

(1,850)
30,242

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 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 liabilities

2016

2015

$

61,233 $
16,638
12,633
9,667
7,998
4,447
5,443
118,059

71,355
18,572
10,375
9,105
5,000
3,788
118,195

$

(136) $

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)

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.

85

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 2016, 2015 and 2014 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:

2016

2015

2014

$

139,840 $

133,112 $

134,191

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

(20,033)
6,132
(1,044)
(744)
124,151 $

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

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

$

The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $1.2 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, 
and the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized, was $798 thousand and 
$830 thousand, respectively.  The activity in the accrued liability for unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 
2016 and 2015 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

2016

2015

$

$

1,278 $
—
(1)
269
(318)
1,228 $

1,312
40
—
272
(346)
1,278

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to income tax by federal, state and local government taxing authorities.  Tax 
years 2013 through 2016 remain open to examination for U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in major state taxing 
jurisdictions.

9. 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

2016

2015

2014

23,210 $
25,497
13,562
987
3,214
66,470 $

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

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

$

$

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 2016 or 2015, and the minimum required contribution for 2017 is expected to be zero.  The 
Company does not expect to make any further contributions in 2017 other than the necessary funding contributions to the CERP.  

86

Contributions to the CERP were $21 thousand, $20 thousand and $69 thousand during 2016, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

(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

2016

2015

2014

500 $

503 $

3,944

(5,751)

(271)

2,565

—

987 $

4,762

(6,092)

(271)

2,593

—

1,495 $

430

5,069

(6,285)

—

1,654

1,687

2,555

$

$

The following table sets forth the pension plans’ funded status, using valuation dates of December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

(In thousands)

Change in projected benefit obligation

Projected benefit obligation at prior valuation date

Service cost

Interest cost

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

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at valuation date

2016

2015

$

117,562 $

125,447

500

3,944

—

(6,322)

1,011

503

4,762

(2,619)

(6,400)

(4,131)

116,695

117,562

99,325

6,513

21

(6,322)

99,537

104,794

911

20

(6,400)

99,325

(18,237)

Funded status and net amount recognized at valuation date

$

(17,158) $

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

was $116.7 million and $117.6 million for the combined plans on December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

87

 
 
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at 
December 31, 2016 and 2015 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 recognized in net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income

2016

2015

$

$

$

$

$

2,077 $

(33,285)

(31,208)

14,050

(17,158) $

— $

(248)

2,565

(271)

2,046 $

1,059 $

2,348

(35,602)

(33,254)

15,017

(18,237)

2,618

(1,050)

2,593

(271)

3,890

2,395

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

pension cost in 2017 is $2.2 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

2016

2015

2014

4.05%

5.00%

4.16%

6.00%

5.00%

4.15%

5.00%

3.95%

6.00%

5.00%

3.95%

5.00%

4.55%

6.00%

5.00%

88

The following table shows the fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets by asset category at December 31, 2016 and 
2015.  Information about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value are provided in Note 15 on Fair Value 
Measurements.

(In thousands)
December 31, 2016
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, 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

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

$

3,621 $

3,621 $

— $

1,215

9,148

4,073

5,437

5,275

34,037

12,885

10,875

2,447

5,100

1,097

—

—

—

—

—

—

12,885

10,875

2,447

5,100

1,097

1,215

9,148

4,073

5,437

5,275

34,037

—

—

—

—

—

4,327
99,537 $

4,327
40,352 $

—
59,185 $

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 $

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

(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, electronic technology and technology services.

89

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, 2016.  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.

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

The assumed overall expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets used in calculating 2016 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 6.0%.  During 2016, the plan’s rate of return was 7.2%, compared to .6% in 2015.  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 $851 thousand 
in 2017, compared to $987 thousand in 2016. 

 The Company utilizes mortality tables published by the Society of Actuaries to incorporate mortality assumptions into the 
measurement of the pension benefit obligation.  At December 31, 2015, the Company utilized an updated mortality projection 
scale, which decreased the pension benefit obligation on that date by $1.8 million.  A further update was published in 2016 and 
at December 31, 2016, the Company utilized this projection scale, which decreased the pension benefit obligation on that date by 
$1.5 million.

The following future benefit payments are expected to be paid: 

(In thousands)
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 - 2026

$

7,150
7,237
7,309
7,512
7,530
37,041

10. 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, 2016, 3,018,432 shares remained available for issuance under the plan.  
The stock-based compensation expense that was charged against income was $11.5 million,  $10.1 million and $8.8 million for 
the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement 
for share-based compensation arrangements was $4.3 million, $3.8 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.   

The Company adopted ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," on January 1, 2017.  
The Company elected to change its method of accounting for forfeitures, as allowed by this guidance.  In 2016 and prior years, 
accruals of compensation cost were reduced by an estimate of awards not expected to vest and further adjusted when actual 
forfeitures occurred.  In future years, forfeitures will be accounted for when they occur and recognized in compensation cost at 
that time.  The effect of this change, which will be recognized as a  cumulative-effect adjustment on January 1, 2017, is expected 
to increase equity and increase deferred tax assets by approximately $1.3 million.

90

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, 2016 and changes during the year then 
ended is presented below.

Nonvested at January 1, 2016

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Canceled

Shares

1,453,404

236,830

(264,988)

(32,795)

—

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
32.74

$

40.41

29.13

35.46

—

Nonvested at December 31, 2016

1,392,451

$

34.67

The total fair value (at vest date) of shares vested during 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $10.9 million, $6.0 million and $4.5 million, 

respectively. 

Stock Appreciation Rights 

 Stock appreciation rights (SARs) 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 2016 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, 2016

Granted

Forfeited

Expired

Exercised

Outstanding at December 31, 2016

Exercisable at December 31, 2016

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2016

1,667,452 $

264,499

(16,172)

(1,444)

(589,381)

1,324,954 $

722,339 $

1,294,377 $

32.13

39.38

37.03

35.43

29.85

34.53

31.69

34.46

5.6 years $

30,846

3.4 years $

18,871

5.5 years $

30,230

In determining compensation cost, the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of 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 SARs, which represents the period of time that the 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

91

2016

$7.13

2015

2014

$6.88

$8.00

2.2%

21.2%

1.8%

2.2%

21.3%

1.8%

2.0%

22.1%

2.3%

7.2 years

7.2 years

7.1 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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

8,854 $

— $

1,781 $

7,541

1,914

1,041

$

$

$

8,068

8,652

1,153

As of December 31, 2016, there was $18.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related 

to unvested SARs and stock awards.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 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 91,667 at December 31, 2016. In 2016, 20,541 shares were purchased at an average price of $44.63, and in 
2015, 24,596 shares were purchased at an average price of $39.62.

* All share and per share amounts in this note have been restated for the 5% common stock dividend distributed in 2016.

11. 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, 2016

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

Current period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax

Income tax (expense) benefit

Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Balance December 31, 2016

Balance January 1, 2015

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

Unrealized Gains (Losses)
on Securities (1)

OTTI

Other

Pension Loss
(2)

Total Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

$

3,316

$

49,750

$

(20,596)

$

32,470

(820)

270

(550)

209

(341)

(36,057)

(108)

(36,165)

13,743

(22,422)

(248)

2,294

2,046

(778)

1,268

2,975

3,791

$

$

27,328

81,310

$

$

(19,328)

(23,008)

$

$

(1,319)

483

(836)

318

(518)

(47,907)

(2,926)

(50,833)

19,316

(31,517)

1,568

2,322

3,890

(1,478)

2,412

(37,125)

2,456

(34,669)

13,174

(21,495)

10,975

62,093

(47,658)

(121)

(47,779)

18,156

(29,623)

43

3,316

$

$

(43) $

—

49,750

$

(20,596)

$

$

—

32,470

$

$

$

$

(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 9), for inclusion in the consolidated statements of income.

92

12. Segments

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

The Company’s business line reporting system derives segment information from the internal profitability reporting system 
used by management to monitor and manage the financial performance of the Company.  This information is based on internal 
management accounting 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.

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, 2016:
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Investment securities losses, net
Non-interest expense
Income before income taxes
Year ended December 31, 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

Consumer

Commercial

Wealth

Segment Totals

Other/
Elimination

Consolidated
Totals

$

$

$

$

$

268,654 $
(36,042)
131,987
—
(282,048)

82,551 $

266,328 $
(34,864)
119,561
—
(273,316)

77,709 $

264,974 $
(34,913)
113,870
—
(263,691)

$

80,240 $

311,688 $
4,378
199,380
—
(284,686)
230,760 $

296,490 $
1,032
194,133
—
(267,225)
224,430 $

287,273 $
559
190,538
—
(253,594)
224,776 $

93

44,113 $
(122)
144,660
—
(113,711)

74,940 $

42,653 $
75
136,374
—
(108,755)

70,347 $

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

624,455 $
(31,786)
476,027
—
(680,445)
388,251 $

605,471 $
(33,757)
450,068
—
(649,296)
372,486 $

592,375 $
(33,982)
432,646
—
(616,106)
374,933 $

55,594 $
(4,532)
(1,635)
(53)
(36,620)
12,754 $

28,849 $
5,030
(1,929)
6,320
(27,191)
11,079 $

27,829 $
4,451
3,860
14,124
(40,764)

9,500 $

680,049
(36,318)
474,392
(53)
(717,065)
401,005

634,320
(28,727)
448,139
6,320
(676,487)
383,565

620,204
(29,531)
436,506
14,124
(656,870)
384,433

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 2016:
Assets
Loans, including held for sale
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Deposits
Average balances for 2015:
Assets
Loans, including held for sale
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Deposits

$

$

Consumer

Commercial

Wealth

Segment Totals

Other/
Elimination

Consolidated
Totals

2,673,915 $
2,533,528
75,971
9,956,327

8,268,648 $
8,072,534
68,848
8,243,394

1,116,969 $
1,108,211
746
2,084,940

12,059,532 $
11,714,273
145,565
20,284,661

12,496,939 $
1,239,215
—
46,252

24,556,471
12,953,488
145,565
20,330,913

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

7,302,671 $
7,125,310
69,246
7,550,567

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

10,983,884 $
10,654,644
145,956
19,274,729

12,753,718 $
1,218,747
—
50,862

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

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.

13. Common and Preferred Stock*

On December 19, 2016, the Company distributed a 5% stock dividend on its $5 par common stock for the 23rd 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 10 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. 

94

(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

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

275,391 $
9,000
266,391
3,698
262,693 $
100,231

2.62 $

266,391 $
3,692
262,699 $
100,231

263,730 $
9,000
254,730
3,548
251,182 $
102,873

2.44 $

254,730 $
3,541
251,189 $
102,873

268
100,499

320
103,193

2.61 $

2.43 $

261,754
4,050
257,704
3,332
254,372
106,924
2.38

257,704
3,323
254,381
106,924

441
107,365
2.37

 Unexercised stock options and stock appreciation rights of 94 thousand, 422 thousand  and 175 thousand were excluded from 
the computation of diluted income per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, 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 
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 Company entered into accelerated share repurchase (ASR) programs in 2014 and 2015 for $200.0 million and $100.0 
million, respectively.  Final settlement of the programs occurred in mid-2015, and a total of 7,545,103 shares of common stock 
were received by the Company under the programs. Shares purchased under these programs were part of the Company's stock 
repurchase program, as authorized by its Board of Directors.  The most recent authorization in October 2015 approved future 
purchases  of  5,000,000  shares  of  the  Company's  common  stock. At  December 31,  2016,  3,758,675  shares  of  common  stock 
remained available for purchase under the current 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

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

Years Ended December 31

2016

2015

2014

97,226

96,327

95,881

397
4,831
—
(959)
(34)
101,461

435
4,641
(3,635)
(535)
(7)
97,226

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

* 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 2016.

95

14. 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.

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 Basel III transition provisions, if applicable), 
at the last two year ends.  

(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2016

Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Actual

Minimum Capital
Adequacy Requirement

Well-Capitalized Capital
Requirement

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,529,675

13.32% $ 1,519,578

8.00%

N.A.

N.A.

Commerce Bank

2,268,845

12.00

1,512,471

8.00

$ 1,890,589

10.00%

Tier I Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,352,154

12.38% $ 1,139,684

6.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

2,111,797

11.17

1,134,353

6.00

$ 1,512,471

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

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,207,370

11.62% $ 854,763

4.50%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

2,111,797

11.17

850,765

4.50

$ 1,228,883

Tier I Capital (to adjusted quarterly average assets):

(Leverage Ratio)

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (consolidated)

$ 2,352,154

9.55% $ 985,698

4.00%

N.A.

Commerce Bank

December 31, 2015

Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets):

2,111,797

8.59

983,081

4.00

$ 1,228,851

N.A.

8.00%

N.A.

6.50%

N.A.

5.00%

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%

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, 2016 and 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.

96

15. 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. 

97

 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, 2016 and 2015.  There were no transfers among levels during these years.

(In thousands)
December 31, 2016
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 for deferred compensation plan
Total assets

Liabilities:

Derivatives *
Liabilities held in trust for deferred compensation plan
Total liabilities
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 for deferred compensation plan
Total assets

Liabilities:

Derivatives *
Liabilities held in trust for deferred compensation plan
Total liabilities

*   The fair value of each class of derivative is shown in Note 17.
.

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

$

9,263 $

— $

9,263 $

—

920,904
449,998
1,778,214
2,685,931
1,055,639
2,381,301
325,953
51,263
22,225
50,820
13,566
10,261
9,755,338

920,904
—
—
—
—
—
—
24,967
—
—
—
10,261
956,132

—
449,998
1,761,532
2,685,931
1,055,639
2,381,301
325,953
26,296
22,225
—
13,146
—
8,731,284

13,339
10,261
23,600 $

—
10,261
10,261 $

13,177
—
13,177 $

—
—
16,682
—
—
—
—
—
—
50,820
420
—
67,922

162
—
162

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
9,278
22,007 $

—
9,278
9,278 $

12,534
—
12,534 $

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

195
—
195

$

$

$

98

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

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

basis:

Residential mortgage loans held for sale

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

Available for sale investment securities

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

99

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.

100

•  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 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:

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)

State and
Municipal
Obligations

Private Equity
Investments

Derivatives

Total

$

17,195 $

63,032 $

69 $

80,296

—

583

(1,200)

104

—

—

—

—

—

(3,739)

—

—

—

9,906

(18,471)

92

—

—

43

—

—

—

—

—

—

404

(258)

(3,696)

583

(1,200)

104

9,906

(18,471)

92

404

(258)

$

$

$

16,682 $

50,820 $

258 $

67,760

— $

(5,914) $

306 $

(5,608)

95,143 $

57,581 $

(223) $

152,501

—

4,169

(82,825)

708

—

—

—

—
17,195 $

1,402

—

—

—

13,112

(9,204)

141

—
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

(In thousands)

Year ended December 31, 2016:

Balance at January 1, 2016

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, 2016
Total gains or losses for the year included in earnings attributable
to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still
held at December 31, 2016
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 included in earnings attributable to
the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held
at December 31, 2015

$

$

101

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, 2016:

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, 2016
Year ended December 31, 2015:

Total gains or losses included in earnings
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at
December 31, 2015

$

$

$

$

87 $

350 $

263 $

263 $

(44) $

(44) $

57 $

59 $

(3,739) $

(3,696)

(5,914) $

(5,608)

1,402 $

1,127 $

1,722

1,449

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 $16.7 million at December 31, 2016, while private equity investments, included in non-marketable securities, 
totaled $50.8 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

3.1% -
-
4.0

5 years
3.8%
5.5
54.5% - 98.9% 80.1%
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 

102

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 2016 and 2015, and still held as of December 31, 2016 and 
2015, 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, 2016 and 2015.

(In thousands)

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)

Balance at December 31, 2016

Collateral dependent impaired loans

Mortgage servicing rights

Foreclosed assets

Long-lived assets

Balance at December 31, 2015

Collateral dependent impaired loans

Mortgage servicing rights

Foreclosed assets

Long-lived assets

$

$

1,331 $

— $

— $

1,331 $

(1,700)

2,868

18

2,408

5,457 $

1,638

238

822

—

—

—

—

—

—

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,868

18

2,408

5,457 $

1,638

238

822

7

(20)

(1,054)

(2,464)

68

(108)

(240)

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, 2016 and 2015 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.

103

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. 

16. 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 15 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. 

104

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

Assets held in trust for deferred compensation plan

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

Liabilities held in trust for deferred compensation plan

Fair Value
Hierarchy
Level

2016

2015

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

Level 3

$ 4,776,365 $ 4,787,469

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

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

Level 1

791,236

800,426

624,070

633,083

2,643,374

2,658,093

2,355,544

2,387,101

2,010,397

2,005,227

1,915,953

1,940,863

1,990,801

1,974,784

1,924,365

1,916,747

413,634

776,465

10,464

14,456

414,499

794,856

10,464

14,456

432,981

779,744

6,142

7,607

434,607

793,428

6,142

7,607

945,871

945,871

747,339

747,339

8,686,650

8,686,650

9,012,470

9,012,470

16,682

22,225

99,558

15,470

725,000

272,275

494,690

13,146

420

10,261

16,682

22,225

99,558

15,470

728,179

272,275

494,690

13,146

420

10,261

17,195

11,890

112,786

14,505

875,000

23,803

464,411

12,507

264

9,278

17,195

11,890

112,786

14,505

879,546

23,803

464,411

12,507

264

9,278

Level 1

$ 7,429,398 $ 7,429,398

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

Level 1

Level 3

Level 1

Level 3

Level 3

Level 2

Level 3

Level 1

11,430,789

11,430,789

10,834,746

10,834,746

2,240,908

2,235,218

1,997,709

1,993,521

52,840

52,840

556,970

556,970

1,671,065

1,671,227

1,406,582

1,406,670

102,049

13,177

162

10,261

104,298

13,177

162

10,261

103,818

12,534

195

9,278

108,542

12,534

195

9,278

105

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 19 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.

17. 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

2016
1,685,099
59,379
121,514
4,046
12,429
6,626
15,000
1,904,093

$

$

$

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

The largest group of notional amounts relate to interest rate swap contracts sold to commercial customers who wish to modify 
their interest rate sensitivity.  The customers are engaged in a variety of businesses, including real estate,  manufacturing, retail 
product distribution, education, and retirement communities. These customer 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 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.  

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 19 on Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees. 

106

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 15 on Fair Value Measurements.  Derivatives instruments with a positive fair value 
(asset derivatives) are reported in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets while derivative instruments with a negative fair 
value (liability derivatives) are reported in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

(In thousands) 

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

Asset Derivatives

December 31

Liability Derivatives

December 31

2016

2015

2016

2015

Fair Value

Fair Value

$

12,987
78

$

11,993
73

$

(12,987)
(78)

$

(11,993)
(73)

65
66
355

—
15

1
437
263

—
4

(156)
(4)
(6)

(63)
(45)

(195)
(430)
—

—
(38)

$

13,566

$

12,771

$

(13,339)

$

(12,729)

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

2016

2015

2014

Other non-interest income

$

5,927

$

4,309

$

1,674

Other non-interest income

Other non-interest income

Other non-interest income

Loan fees and sales

Loan fees and sales

Loan fees and sales

—

(44)

55

87

(63)

79

32

57

253

263

—

82

33

122

(263)

—

—

—

$

6,041

$

4,996

$

1,566

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.

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 

107

 
 
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, 2016, the Company had a net liability position with dealer bank and clearing agency 
counterparties totaling $6.3 million, and had posted securities with a fair value of $1.1 million and cash totaling $19.2 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, 2016

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, 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

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

$

13,111 $

— $

13,111 $

(3,391) $

— $

9,720

455

13,566

13,124

215

13,339

—

—

—

—

—

455

13,566

13,124

(3,391)

(5,292)

4,441

215

13,339

$

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

18. Resale and Repurchase Agreements

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

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

The Company is party to several agreements commonly known as collateral swaps.  These agreements involve the exchange 
of collateral under simultaneous repurchase and resale agreements with the same financial institution counterparty. These repurchase 
and resale agreements have the same principal amounts, inception dates, and maturity dates and have been offset against each 

108

other in the balance sheet, having met the accounting requirements for this treatment.  The collateral swaps totaled $550.0 million
at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  At December 31, 2016, the Company had posted collateral of $567.5 million
in marketable securities, consisting of agency mortgage-backed bonds and treasuries, and had accepted $554.6 million in investment 
grade asset-backed, commercial mortgage-backed, and corporate bonds.

(In thousands)

December 31, 2016

Total resale agreements, subject to
master netting arrangements

Total repurchase agreements, subject to

master netting arrangements

December 31, 2015

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

$

1,275,000 $

(550,000) $

725,000 $

— $

(725,000) $

2,221,065

(550,000)

1,671,065

—

(1,671,065)

$

1,425,000 $

(550,000) $

875,000 $

— $

(875,000) $

1,956,582

(550,000)

1,406,582

—

(1,406,582)

—

—

—

—

The table below shows the remaining contractual maturities of repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 

2015, in addition to the various types of marketable securities that have been pledged as collateral for these borrowings.

(In thousands)
December 31, 2016
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
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

$

$

$

$

294,600 $
147,694
693,851
474,830
1,610,975 $

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

— $
—
24,380
30,000
54,380 $

— $
—
2,292
45,000
47,292 $

300,000 $
3,237
252,473
—

555,710 $

300,000 $
24,096
225,904
—

550,000 $

594,600
150,931
970,704
504,830
2,221,065

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

109

19. 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 $7.1 million, $6.8 million and $6.7 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  A summary of 
minimum lease commitments follows:

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

After

Total minimum lease payments

Type of Property

Real Property

Equipment

Total

$

5,411 $

85 $

4,447

3,186

2,191

1,529

11,373

77

53

20

14

—

$

5,496

4,524

3,239

2,211

1,543

11,373

28,386

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 2017.

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

2016

2015

$

4,932,955 $

4,705,715

5,508,686

5,249,368

391,899

2,962

311,844

4,935

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 2 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, 2016, the Company had recorded a liability in the amount of $2.9 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 $391.9 million at December 31, 2016.

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 2016, purchases and sales of tax credits amounted to 

110

$45.4 million and $25.5 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2016, the Company had outstanding purchase commitments 
totaling $98.0 million that it expects to fund in 2017.

The Company periodically enters into risk participation agreements (RPAs) as a guarantor to other financial institutions, in 
order to mitigate those institutions’ credit risk associated with interest rate swaps with third parties.  The RPA stipulates that, in 
the event of default by the third party on the interest rate swap, the Company will reimburse a portion of the loss borne by the 
financial institution.  These interest rate swaps are normally collateralized (generally with real property, inventories and equipment) 
by the third party, which limits the credit risk associated with the Company’s RPAs.  The third parties usually have other borrowing 
relationships with the Company.  The Company monitors overall borrower collateral, and at December 31, 2016, believes sufficient 
collateral is available to cover potential swap losses. The RPAs are carried at fair value throughout their term, with all changes in 
fair value, including those due to a change in the third party’s creditworthiness, recorded in current earnings.  The terms of the 
RPAs, which correspond to the terms of the underlying swaps, range from 4 to 11 years.  At December 31, 2016, the fair value of 
the Company's guarantee liability RPAs was $156 thousand, and the notional amount of the underlying swaps was $81.2 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 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 class was certified and consists of Missouri customers of the Bank who may have been similarly affected. 
The case has been stayed pending the final outcome of a similar case in which a ruling has been made in favor of the bank defendant. 
The Company believes that the stay will remain in effect until any appeals in the similar case have run their course. The Company 
believes the Warren complaint lacks merit and will defend itself vigorously. The amount of any ultimate exposure cannot be 
determined with certainty at this time.

The Company is in ongoing discussions with the U.S. Department of Labor concerning an investigation involving ERISA 
regulations related to a managed trust account. Currently, no assurances can be given as to the timing for the resolution of the 
investigation or its outcome, including any ultimate liability.

The Company has various other lawsuits pending at December 31, 2016, 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.  

20. 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 67% of the outstanding stock 
of Tower.  At December 31, 2016, Tower owned 257,759 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 three 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

2016

2015

2014

101 $

184

1,832

147

221

66 $

75

1,850

322

210

2,485 $

2,523 $

502

86

1,824

335

200

2,947

$

$

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 real estate property.  There were no borrowings outstanding under this 
line during 2016.  The maximum borrowings outstanding during 2015 and 2014 were $1.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively, 
and there was no balance outstanding at December 31, 2015.  There was a balance of $1.3 million outstanding at December 31, 

111

2014.  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 2016, 2015 or 2014, 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 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Tower leases office space in the Kansas City bank headquarters building owned by the Company.  Rent paid to the Company 
totaled $72 thousand in 2016 and $69 thousand in both 2015 and 2014, at $15.67, $15.42 and $15.17 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 19 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 2016, 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 $549 thousand, $191 thousand, $244 thousand, and $72 thousand, respectively, for personal tax planning.  During 
2015, the Company sold state tax credits to its Chief Executive Officer, his father, its Vice Chairman, and its President, in the 
amount of $478 thousand, $40 thousand, $372 thousand, and $65 thousand, respectively.  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.  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.

112

21. 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

2016

2015

$

2,246,060 $

2,147,284

51,816

51

155,775

58,051

718

5,053

524

17,716

50,223

53

104,440

52,076

1,787

18,560

8,444

17,246

2,535,764 $

2,400,113

$

$

17,158 $

22,823

39,981

2,495,783

$

2,535,764 $

18,237

19,886

38,123

2,361,990

2,400,113

For the Years Ended December 31

2016

2015

2014

$

160,002 $

160,001 $

200,001

—

—

118,704

106,636

2,364

30,965

1,880

2,720

2,272

25,713

—

1,422

34,000

32,493

2,501

25,806

204

2,176

316,635

296,044

297,181

29,116

1,951

3,226

11,448

45,741

(4,497)

22,167

1,833

3,186

9,265

36,451

(4,137)

26,030

2,363

3,030

10,578

42,001

(6,574)

$

275,391 $

263,730 $

261,754

113

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

2016

2015

2014

$

275,391 $

263,730 $

261,754

(118,704)

(106,636)

6,151

162,838

(3,284)

153,810

(32,493)

5,412

234,673

(Increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell

(51,335)

57,210

(19,000)

(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

4

2,949

4,105

—

13,507

(3)

(30,773)

—

(39,381)

—

(6)

3,390

(87,070)

(9,000)

(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)

(30,691)

144,784

(70,974)

(200,000)

8,652

1,850

(84,241)

(4,050)

(132,067)

(213,091)

(203,979)

(2)

53

51 $

(3)

56

53 $

3

53

56

(8,958) $

1,278 $

(8,209)

$

$

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, 2016, the fair value of available for sale investment securities held by the Parent consisted of investments 
of  $51.1 million in common and preferred stock and $6.9 million in non-agency mortgage-backed securities. The Parent’s unrealized 
net gain in fair value on its investments was $45.8 million at December 31, 2016. The corresponding net of tax unrealized gain 
included in stockholders’ equity was $28.4 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 $1.9 million at December 31, 2016.

114

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, 2016.   

The  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2016  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. 

115

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, 
2016, 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, 2016, 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, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016, and our report dated February 23, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Kansas City, Missouri
February 23, 2017 

116

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2020 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 2020 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.

117

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).

118

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 23rd day of February 2017.

SIGNATURES

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 23rd day of February 2017.

By:

By:

/s/ CHARLES G. KIM
Charles G. Kim

Chief Financial Officer

/s/ JEFFERY D. ABERDEEN
Jeffery D. Aberdeen

Controller

(Chief Accounting Officer)

A majority of the Board of Directors*

David W. Kemper

(Chief Executive Officer)

Terry D. Bassham

John R. Capps

Earl H. Devanny, III

W. Thomas Grant, II

James B. Hebenstreit

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

 
 
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. 2017 Compensatory Arrangements with CEO and Named Executive Officers
were filed in current report on Form 8-K (Commission file number 0-2989) dated February 6, 2017, 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

(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, 2017 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, No. 333-188374, and No. 333-214495, each on Form S-8, and No. 333-140221 and 
No. 333-196689, each on Form S-3ASR of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. of our reports dated February 23, 2017, with respect to 
the consolidated balance sheets of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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, 2016, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, 
which reports appear in the December 31, 2016 annual report on Form 10-K of Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  

KPMG LLP

Kansas City, Missouri
February 23, 2017

 
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, 2016, 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 3rd day of February, 2017.

/s/ TERRY D. BASSHAM

/s/ JOHN R. CAPPS

/s/ EARL H. DEVANNY, III

/s/ W. THOMAS GRANT, II

/s/ JAMES B. HEBENSTREIT

/s/ DAVID W. KEMPER

/s/ 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 23, 2017

/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 23, 2017

/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, 2016 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 23, 2017

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.

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

C O R P O R AT E   H E A D Q U A R T E R S

I N V E S T O R   I N Q U I R I E S

1000 Walnut

P.O. Box 419248

Kansas City, MO 64141-6248

(816) 234-2000

www.commercebank.com

I N D E P E N D E N T A C C O U N TA N T S

KPMG LLP 

Kansas City, Missouri

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

A N D   D I V I D E N D   D I S B U R S I N G  A G E N T

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 30170

College Station, TX 77842-3170
(800) 317-4445
(800) 952-9245 Hearing Impaired/TDD
www.computershare.com/investor

S T O C K   E X C H A N G E   L I S T I N G

NASDAQ

Symbol-Common Stock: CBSH 

Symbol-Preferred Stock: CBSHP

C O M M O N   S T O 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 — 
adjusted for the December 2016 5% stock dividend — 
which is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

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 E C E I V E   F U T U R E  A N N U A L   

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

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  

www.computershare.com/investor

•  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  

F I S C A L   2 0 16  

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

H I G H   

L O W

or not you elect to receive your materials electronically.

$43.77 
47.06 
48.86 
59.22 

$35.66
40.93
43.56
45.37

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.

A N N U A L  M E E T I N G
The annual meeting of shareholders will be held  
Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., in the Kemper 
Auditorium on the 15th floor of the Commerce Trust 
Company Building at 922 Walnut Street, Kansas City,  
MO 64106 

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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K

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

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