KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 16, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Commerce Bancshares, Inc. announced earnings of $1.10 per share for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to $1.09 per share in the same quarter last year and $.96 per share in the first quarter of 2026. Net income for the second quarter of 2026 amounted to $159.8 million, compared to $152.5 million in the second quarter of 2025 and $141.6 million in the prior quarter.
For the six months ended June 30, 2026, earnings per share totaled $2.06 compared to $2.02 for the first six months of 2025. Net income amounted to $301.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, compared to $284.1 million in the comparable period last year. For the year to date, the return on average assets was 1.73%, and the return on average equity was 13.96%.
In making this announcement, John Kemper, Chief Executive Officer, said, "Commerce delivered a strong quarter, with expanding net interest margin, solid loan growth, lower funding costs and excellent credit quality. These results drove a return on average assets of 1.84% and reflect the strength of our business model, our diversified revenue streams and our team's continued focus on long-standing customer relationships."
Mr. Kemper continued, "Revenue growth was broad-based during the quarter. Net interest income increased as margin expanded to 3.77%, and fee revenue grew $8.0 million this quarter, supported by continued strength in trust, bank card and deposit-related businesses. We believe this balanced revenue mix remains a key differentiator for Commerce and supports consistent performance across economic cycles."
"We remained focused on disciplined capital management. During the quarter, we repurchased approximately 2.1 million shares of common stock for $110 million while maintaining a strong capital position. This gives us flexibility to invest in growth, support our customers and continue returning capital to shareholders."
"We also completed the repositioning of a portion of our available for sale securities portfolio, including the sale of our Treasury inflation-protected securities portfolio. This repositioning increases the portfolio's overall yield, improves the consistency of future net interest income, and supports a more durable net interest margin over time. We believe these portfolio changes strengthen Commerce's long-term earnings profile and position us to deliver sustained shareholder value."
Second Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights:
Net interest income was $315.1 million, a $15.2 million increase over the prior quarter. The net yield on interest earning assets increased 18 basis points to 3.77%.