Business
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Earnings Per Share of $1.05
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Commerce Bancshares, Inc. announced earnings of $1.05 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared
About this update from Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":" KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nCommerce Bancshares, Inc. announced earnings of $1.05 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $1.06 per common share in the same quarter last year and $1.38 per share in the second quarter of 2021. Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (net income) for the third quarter of 2021 amounted to $122.6 million, compared to $132.4 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $162.3 million in the prior quarter. For the quarter, the return on average assets was 1.40%, the return on average equity was 13.74% and the efficiency ratio was 59.9%.\n\nFor the nine months ended September 30, 2021, earnings per common share totaled $3.54 compared to $1.80 for the first nine months of 2020. Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. amounted to $415.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $224.2 million in the comparable period last year. Year to date, the return on average assets was 1.65%, and the return on average equity was 16.14%.\n\nIn announcing these results, John Kemper, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to report solid earnings again this quarter, reflecting continued robust contributions from our fee-based businesses. Trust fees grew 20.1% compared to the same quarter last year and 5.8% compared to the prior quarter. Bank card and deposit account fees continued to rebound strongly from last year’s lows. Although loan demand has been somewhat limited, we did experience increases in construction and consumer loans this quarter and our Company remains well-positioned to benefit from a strengthening economy. Our portfolio of private equity investments also performed well, driving net investment securities gains of $13.1 million. Non-interest expense increased compared to the same quarter last year, as higher incentive compensation reflected our improved financial performance in 2021 and certain business expenses that declined precipitously during the pandemic are rebounding from lows set one year ago. Additionally, other expense was elevated during the quarter, reflecting non-recurring litigation settlement expenses. Compared to the previous quarter, average deposits grew $344.0 million, or 1.2%, while average loan balances declined $731.5 million, or 4.6% (average PPP loan balances declined $689.2 million). As ...