Commerce Bancorp 10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q

(X)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006
 
OR
 
( )
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
 
Commission File #1-12069
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
New Jersey
22-2433468
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer Identification
incorporation or organization)
Number)

Commerce Atrium, 1701 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034-5400
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
 
(856) 751-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
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 report(s)), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes X
No __ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Large accelerated filer X
Accelerated filer __
Non-accelerated filer __

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes __
No X
 
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Common Stock
186,497,629
(Title of Class)
(No. of Shares Outstanding
as of July 31, 2006)



COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX

   
Page
 
     
 
     
   
 
     
   
   
 
     
   
 
     
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
     








PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)

             
     
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2006
   
2005
 
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$
1,409,537
 
$
1,284,064
 
 
Federal funds sold
 
56,600
   
12,700
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,466,137
   
1,296,764
 
 
Loans held for sale
 
43,825
   
30,091
 
 
Trading securities
 
91,148
   
143,016
 
 
Securities available for sale
 
11,074,128
   
9,518,821
 
 
Securities held to maturity
 
14,415,921
   
13,005,364
 
 
(market value 06/06-$13,904,538; 12/05-$12,758,552)
           
 
Loans
 
14,273,526
   
12,658,652
 
 
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
 
140,746
   
133,664
 
     
14,132,780
   
12,524,988
 
 
Bank premises and equipment, net
 
1,494,333
   
1,378,786
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
148,846
   
106,926
 
 
Other assets
 
569,181
   
461,281
 
 
Total assets
$
43,436,299
 
$
38,466,037
 
               
Liabilities
Deposits:
           
 
Demand:
           
 
Noninterest-bearing
$
8,653,739
 
$
8,019,878
 
 
Interest-bearing
 
14,269,002
   
13,286,678
 
 
Savings
 
10,765,985
   
9,486,712
 
 
Time
 
4,361,036
   
3,933,445
 
 
Total deposits
 
38,049,762
   
34,726,713
 
 
Other borrowed money
 
2,568,445
   
1,106,443
 
 
Other liabilities
 
291,732
   
323,708
 
 
Total liabilities
 
40,909,939
   
36,156,864
 
               
Stockholders’
Common stock, 186,661,589 shares
           
Equity
issued (179,498,717 shares in 2005)
 
186,662
   
179,499
 
 
Capital in excess of par value
 
1,646,984
   
1,450,843
 
 
Retained earnings
 
863,229
   
750,710
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(154,043
)
 
(59,169
)
     
2,542,832
   
2,321,883
 
               
 
Less treasury stock, at cost, 946,626 shares
           
 
(837,338 shares in 2005)
 
16,472
   
12,710
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
2,526,360
   
2,309,173
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
43,436,299
 
$
38,466,037
 

See accompanying notes.


1


COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
             
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2006
   
2005
   
2006
   
2005
 
Interest
Interest and fees on loans
$
236,890
 
$
161,839
 
$
451,864
 
$
307,057
 
income
Interest on investments
 
325,022
   
234,970
   
620,098
   
459,916
 
 
Other interest
 
250
   
889
   
663
   
1,205
 
 
Total interest income
 
562,162
   
397,698
   
1,072,625
   
768,178
 
                           
Interest
Interest on deposits:
                       
expense
Demand
 
118,085
   
53,755
   
216,025
   
100,426
 
 
Savings
 
64,157
   
23,258
   
118,161
   
42,338
 
 
Time
 
41,174
   
22,281
   
77,435
   
40,679
 
 
Total interest on deposits
 
223,416
   
99,294
   
411,621
   
183,443
 
 
Interest on other borrowed money
 
19,809
   
6,917
   
34,137
   
11,327
 
 
Interest on long-term debt
       
3,020
         
6,040
 
 
Total interest expense
 
243,225
   
109,231
   
445,758
   
200,810
 
                           
 
Net interest income
 
318,937
   
288,467
   
626,867
   
567,368
 
 
Provision for credit losses
 
7,500
   
4,500
   
14,001
   
10,750
 
 
Net interest income after provision for
                       
 
credit losses
 
311,437
   
283,967
   
612,866
   
556,618
 
                           
Noninterest
Deposit charges and service fees
 
91,653
   
68,802
   
173,934
   
128,766
 
income
Other operating income
 
51,303
   
42,152
   
100,024
   
84,769
 
 
Net investment securities gains
       
4,689
         
5,797
 
 
Total noninterest income
 
142,956
   
115,643
   
273,958
   
219,332
 
                           
Noninterest
Salaries and benefits
 
150,630
   
127,552
   
295,455
   
246,853
 
expense
Occupancy
 
45,487
   
39,110
   
91,727
   
77,103
 
 
Furniture and equipment
 
39,656
   
28,895
   
75,616
   
57,821
 
 
Office
 
14,398
   
12,577
   
29,871
   
25,254
 
 
Marketing
 
11,699
   
8,456
   
19,510
   
14,257
 
 
Other
 
71,914
   
61,909
   
136,939
   
115,617
 
 
Total noninterest expenses
 
333,784
   
278,499
   
649,118
   
536,905
 
                           
 
Income before income taxes
 
120,609
   
121,111
   
237,706
   
239,045
 
 
Provision for federal and state income taxes
 
41,089
   
41,702
   
80,889
   
82,499
 
 
Net income
$
79,520
 
$
79,409
 
$
156,817
 
$
156,546
 
                           
 
Net income per common and common
                       
 
equivalent share:
                       
 
Basic
$
0.43
 
$
0.49
 
$
0.86
 
$
0.97
 
 
Diluted
$
0.41
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.82
 
$
0.91
 
 
Average common and common equivalent
                       
 
shares outstanding:
                       
 
Basic
 
184,437
   
162,287
   
182,686
   
161,547
 
 
Diluted
 
193,842
   
177,202
   
191,914
   
176,724
 
 
Dividends declared, common stock
$
0.12
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.24
 
$
0.22
 

See accompanying notes.

2


COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

         
     
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2006
   
2005
 
Operating
Net income
$
156,817
 
$
156,546
 
activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
           
 
provided by operating activities:
           
 
Provision for credit losses
 
14,001
   
10,750
 
 
Provision for depreciation, amortization and accretion
 
76,179
   
75,851
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
 
2,733
       
 
Gain on sales of securities
       
(5,797
)
 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
 
291,142
   
346,381
 
 
Originations of loans held for sale
 
(304,876
)
 
(367,246
)
 
Net decrease (increase) in trading securities
 
51,868
   
(14,791
)
 
Increase in other assets, net
 
(49,605
)
 
(24,914
)
 
Decrease in other liabilities
 
(46,437
)
 
(89,165
)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
191,822
   
87,615
 
               
Investing
Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale
       
1,751,170
 
activities
Proceeds from the maturity of securities available for sale
 
969,424
   
1,462,746
 
 
Proceeds from the maturity of securities held to maturity
 
1,096,533
   
1,184,845
 
 
Purchase of securities available for sale
 
(2,681,109
)
 
(2,875,296
)
 
Purchase of securities held to maturity
 
(2,514,270
)
 
(2,438,003
)
 
Net increase in loans
 
(1,621,793
)
 
(1,488,651
)
 
Capital expenditures
 
(180,169
)
 
(127,658
)
 
Net cash used by investing activities
 
(4,931,384
)
 
(2,530,847
)
               
Financing
Net increase in demand and savings deposits
 
2,895,458
   
2,509,988
 
activities
Net increase in time deposits
 
427,591
   
350,190
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in other borrowed money
 
1,462,002
   
(93,849
)
 
Dividends paid
 
(43,452
)
 
(35,378
)
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under
dividend reinvestment and other stock plans
 
 
167,300
   
 
76,914
 
 
Other
 
36
   
(1,393
)
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
4,908,935
   
2,806,472
 
               
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
169,373
   
363,240
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
1,296,764
   
1,050,806
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,466,137
 
$
1,414,046
 
               
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
           
 
Cash paid during the period for:
           
 
Interest
$
441,040
 
$
198,427
 
 
Income taxes
 
77,279
   
75,370
 
 
Other noncash activities:
           
 
Transfer of loans to held for sale
       
249,500
 

See accompanying notes.

3


COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)

Six months ended June 30, 2006
                       
(in thousands)
                       
     
Capital in
         
Accumulated
     
     
Excess of
         
Other
     
 
Common
 
Par
 
Retained
 
Treasury
 
Comprehensive
     
 
Stock
 
Value
 
Earnings
 
Stock
 
Loss
 
Total
 
                         
Balances at December 31, 2005
$179,499
 
$1,450,843
 
$750,710
 
$(12,710
)
$(59,169
)
$2,309,173
 
Net income
       
156,817
         
156,817
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
                       
Unrealized loss on securities (pre-tax $152,964)
               
(94,874
)
(94,874
)
Total comprehensive income
                   
61,943
 
Cash dividends
       
(44,297
)
       
(44,297
)
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment
                       
and compensation and benefit plans (6,303 shares)
6,303
 
164,758
             
171,061
 
Acquisition of eMoney Advisor, Inc. (860 shares)
860
 
28,140
             
29,000
 
Other
   
3,243
 
(1
)
(3,762
)
   
(520
)
Balances at June 30, 2006
$186,662
 
$1,646,984
 
$863,229
 
$(16,472
)
$(154,043
)
$2,526,360
 

See accompanying notes.


4


COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

A. Consolidated Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These consolidated financial statements were compiled in accordance with the accounting policies set forth in Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to reflect a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. The results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2006.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Commerce Bancorp, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform with 2006 presentation.

B.  
Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has one stock-based employee compensation plan, the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan, which is described more fully in Note 15 - Benefit Plans of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for this plan in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) and related Interpretations. The Company also has a plan for its non-employee directors, which was also accounted for under APB 25. No stock-based compensation was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2005, as all options granted under the Company’s option plans had an exercise price equal to the market value on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (FAS 123R), which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (FAS 123). FAS 123R was adopted using the modified prospective method. Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 included (a) compensation cost for all share-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value net of estimated forfeitures, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value net of estimated forfeitures. Results for prior periods have not been restated.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate an option’s fair value. The fair value of options included in the compensation charge recorded in the first six months of 2006 were estimated using the following assumption ranges: risk-free interest rates of 3.00% to 4.68%, dividend yields of 1.32% to 2.50%, expected volatility of 25.4% to 30.4%, and weighted average expected lives of 4.63 to 5.27 years. The risk-free interest rate is based on the 5-year U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of grant. The dividend yields reflect the Company’s actual dividend yield at the date of grant. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock over the 5-year period prior to the grant date. The weighted average expected lives represents the weighted average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules and the Company’s historical exercise patterns. All options vest evenly over four years from the date of grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Compensation cost is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, over the vesting period of the options on a straight-line basis.
 
 
5

 
On December 8, 2005, the Company’s board of directors approved the acceleration of vesting of all outstanding unvested stock options awarded prior to July 1, 2005 to employees and directors. This acceleration was effective as of December 16, 2005. As a result of the acceleration, options to purchase approximately 10.6 million shares of common stock became immediately exercisable. The purpose of the acceleration was to eliminate future compensation expense that otherwise would have been recognized under FAS 123R.

As a result of adopting FAS 123R on January 1, 2006, the Company recorded compensation expense of approximately $2.3 million and $2.7 million during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006, respectively. Adopting FAS 123R decreased net income per share by $.01 for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. There was no material impact to cash flows resulting from the adoption of FAS 123R as compared to what would have been recorded under APB 25. As of June 30, 2006, the total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under the Company’s plans was $34.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 3.7 years.

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2006:

               
 
Shares Under
Option
 
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average Remaining
 Contractual Life
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2006
   
26,894,076
 
$
19.88
       
Options granted
   
4,050,577
   
36.41
       
Options exercised
   
2,950,939
   
19.12
       
Options canceled
   
85,436
   
33.60
       
Outstanding at June 30, 2006
   
27,908,278
 
$
22.26
   
6.1
 
Exercisable at June 30, 2006
   
23,968,656
 
$
19.95
   
5.5
 

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $9.57.

Cash received from option exercises for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was approximately $54.9 million. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2006 was approximately $48.4 million. The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2006 was $374.2 million and $376.7 million, respectively.


6


For the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with APB 25. The following table provides the pro forma effect on net income and net income per share as if the Company had recorded stock-based compensation expense for share based awards in accordance with FAS 123 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

           
   
Three Months
 
Six Months
 
   
Ended
 
Ended
 
   
June 30, 2005
 
June 30, 2005
 
Reported net income
 
$
79,409
 
$
156,546
 
Less: Stock option compensation expense
             
determined under fair value method, net of tax
   
(4,031
)
 
(8,062
)
Pro forma net income, basic
 
$
75,378
 
$
148,484
 
Add: Interest expense on Convertible Trust
             
Capital Securities, net of tax
   
1,963
   
3,926
 
Pro forma net income, diluted
 
$
77,341
 
$
152,410
 
               
Reported net income per share:
             
Basic
 
$
0.49
 
$
0.97
 
Diluted
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.91
 
               
Pro forma net income per share:
             
Basic
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.92
 
Diluted
 
$
0.44
 
$
0.86
 
               

C. Commitments

In the normal course of business, there are various outstanding commitments to extend credit, such as letters of credit and unadvanced loan commitments. Management does not anticipate any material losses as a result of these transactions. Fees associated with standby letters of credit have been deferred and recorded in “Other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These fees are immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2006.

D. Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income, which for the Company included net income and changes in unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s available for sale securities, amounted to $47.4 million and $123.7 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. For the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, total comprehensive income was $61.9 million and $144.0 million, respectively.


7


E. Segment Information

The Company operates one reportable segment of business, Community Banks, which includes both of the Company’s banking subsidiaries. Through its Community Banks, the Company provides a broad range of retail and commercial banking services, and corporate trust services. Parent/Other includes the holding company, Commerce Insurance Services, Inc. and Commerce Capital Markets, Inc.

Selected segment information is as follows (in thousands):
         
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2006
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2005
 
 
Community
   
Parent/
       
Community
   
Parent/
       
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
 
Net interest income
$
317,861
 
$
1,076
 
$
318,937
 
$
289,859
 
$
(1,392
)
$
288,467
 
Provision for credit losses
 
7,500
         
7,500
   
4,500
         
4,500
 
Net interest income after provision
 
310,361
   
1,076
   
311,437
   
285,359
   
(1,392
)
 
283,967
 
Noninterest income
 
112,306
   
30,650
   
142,956
   
89,923
   
25,720
   
115,643
 
Noninterest expense
 
305,867
   
27,917
   
333,784
   
257,899
   
20,600
   
278,499
 
Income before income taxes
 
116,800
   
3,809
   
120,609
   
117,383
   
3,728
   
121,111
 
Income tax expense
 
39,691
   
1,398
   
41,089
   
40,537
   
1,165
   
41,702
 
Net income
$
77,109
 
$
2,411
 
$
79,520
 
$
76,846
 
$
2,563
 
$
79,409
 
                                     
Average assets (in millions)
$
39,080
 
$
2,809
 
$
41,889
 
$
30,225
 
$
2,538
 
$
32,763
 


         
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2006
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2005
 
 
Community
   
Parent/
       
Community
   
Parent/
       
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
 
Net interest income
$
624,918
 
$
1,949
 
$
626,867
 
$
570,814
 
$
(3,446
)
$
567,368
 
Provision for credit losses
 
14,001
         
14,001
   
10,750
         
10,750
 
Net interest income after provision
 
610,917
   
1,949
   
612,866
   
560,064
   
(3,446
)
 
556,618
 
Noninterest income
 
212,590
   
61,368
   
273,958
   
165,219
   
54,113
   
219,332
 
Noninterest expense
 
595,751
   
53,367
   
649,118
   
494,668
   
42,237
   
536,905
 
Income before income taxes
 
227,756
   
9,950
   
237,706
   
230,615
   
8,430
   
239,045
 
Income tax expense
 
77,190
   
3,699
   
80,889
   
79,629
   
2,870
   
82,499
 
Net income
$
150,566
 
$
6,251
 
$
156,817
 
$
150,986
 
$
5,560
 
$
156,546
 
                                     
Average assets (in millions)
$
37,846
 
$
2,750
 
$
40,596
 
$
29,475
 
$
2,460
 
$
31,935
 
 
 
8


 
F.  
Net Income Per Share
 
The calculation of net income per share follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

         
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2006
   
2005
   
2006
   
2005
 
                         
Basic:
                       
Net income available to common shareholders - basic
$
79,520
 
$
79,409
 
$
156,817
 
$
156,546
 
Average common shares outstanding - basic
 
184,437
   
162,287
   
182,686
   
161,547
 
Net income per common share - basic
$
0.43
 
$
0.49
 
$
0.86
 
$
0.97
 
                         
Diluted:
                       
Net income
$
79,520
 
$
79,409
 
$
156,817
 
$
156,546
 
Add interest expense on Convertible Trust Capital Securities,
                       
net of tax
       
1,963
         
3,926
 
Net income available to common shareholders - diluted
$
79,520
 
$
81,372
 
$
156,817
 
$
160,472
 
                         
                         
Average common shares outstanding
 
184,437
   
162,287
   
182,686
   
161,547
 
Additional shares considered in diluted computation assuming:
                       
Exercise of stock options
 
9,405
   
7,333
   
9,228
   
7,595
 
Conversion of Convertible Trust Capital Securities
       
7,582
         
7,582
 
Average common shares outstanding - diluted
 
193,842
   
177,202
   
191,914
   
176,724
 
                         
Net income per common share - diluted
$
0.41
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.82
 
$
0.91
 
                         

G.  
New Accounting Pronouncement

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). FIN 48 is an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, and seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes. In addition, FIN 48 requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes and is effective as of January 1, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that FIN 48 will have on the Company’s financial statements.
 

9


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

Executive Summary

During the first six months of 2006, the Company experienced strong core deposit growth, which is the primary driver of the Company’s success. Core deposits grew to $36.8 billion, an increase of 24% over June 30, 2005. Comparable store core deposit growth per store was 17% for stores open two years or more and 20% for stores open one year or more. Total assets increased to $43.4 billion, an increase of 30% over June 30, 2005, while total loans increased $3.6 billion, or 34%, from $10.7 billion to $14.3 billion. Net income was $79.5 and $156.8 million and net income per share was $.41 and $.82, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006. These results were impacted by the continued flat yield curve, which has impeded the Company’s historical net interest income growth.

Critical Accounting Policy

The Company has identified the policy related to the allowance for credit losses as being critical. The foregoing critical accounting policy is more fully described in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. During the first six months of 2006, there were no material changes to the estimates or methods by which estimates are derived with regard to the policy related to the allowance for credit losses.

Capital Resources

At June 30, 2006, stockholders’ equity totaled $2.5 billion or 5.82% of total assets, compared to $2.3 billion or 6.00% of total assets at December 31, 2005.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital standards issued by bank regulatory authorities. Under these standards, the Company is required to have Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) of at least 4% and total capital (as defined in the regulations) of at least 8% of risk-adjusted assets (as defined in the regulations). Bank regulatory authorities have also issued leverage ratio requirements. The leverage ratio requirement is measured as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets (as defined in the regulations).

The table below presents the Company’s and Commerce N.A.’s risk-based and leverage ratios at June 30, 2006 and 2005 (amounts in thousands):

       
Per Regulatory Guidelines
 
   
Actual
 
Minimum
 
“Well Capitalized”
 
   
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
                                       
June 30, 2006:
                                     
Company
                                     
Risk based capital ratios:
                                     
Tier 1
 
$
2,531,557
   
11.81
%
$
857,391
   
4.00
%
$
1,286,086
   
6.00
%
Total capital
   
2,685,877
   
12.53
   
1,714,781
   
8.00
   
2,143,477
   
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,531,557
   
6.03
   
1,678,616
   
4.00
   
2,098,270
   
5.00
 
Commerce N.A.
                                     
Risk based capital ratios:
                                     
Tier 1
 
$
2,287,048
   
11.62
%
$
787,446
   
4.00
%
$
1,181,169
   
6.00
%
Total capital
   
2,417,485
   
12.28
   
1,574,892
   
8.00
   
1,968,616
   
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,287,048
   
6.00
   
1,524,734
   
4.00
   
1,905,918
   
5.00
 
                                       

10



           
Per Regulatory Guidelines
 
   
Actual
 
Minimum
 
“Well Capitalized”
 
   
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
                                       
June 30, 2005:
                                     
Company
                                     
Risk based capital ratios:
                                     
Tier 1
 
$
2,032,129
   
12.39
%
$
656,250
   
4.00
%
$
984,375
   
6.00
%
Total capital
   
2,179,616
   
13.29
   
1,312,500
   
8.00
   
1,640,626
   
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,032,129
   
6.20
   
1,310,297
   
4.00
   
1,637,871
   
5.00
 
Commerce N.A.
                                     
Risk based capital ratios:
                                     
Tier 1
 
$
1,780,808
   
11.95
%
$
595,863
   
4.00
%
$
893,794
   
6.00
%
Total capital
   
1,908,240
   
12.81
   
1,191,725
   
8.00
   
1,489,656
   
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
1,780,808
   
6.05
   
1,177,297
   
4.00
   
1,471,622
   
5.00
 

At June 30, 2006, the Company’s consolidated capital levels and each of the Company’s bank subsidiaries met the regulatory definition of a “well capitalized” financial institution, i.e., a leverage capital ratio exceeding 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio exceeding 6%, and a total risk-based capital ratio exceeding 10%. Management believes that as of June 30, 2006, the Company and its subsidiaries meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

Deposits

Total deposits at June 30, 2006 were $38.0 billion, up $7.5 billion, or 25% over total deposits of $30.5 billion at June 30, 2005, and up by $3.3 billion, or 10% from year-end 2005. Deposit growth during the first six months of 2006 included core deposit growth in all product and customer categories. The Company regards core deposits as all deposits other than public certificates of deposit. Core deposit growth by type of customer is as follows (in thousands):

                       
   
June 30,
2006
 
% of
Total
 
June 30,
2005
 
% of
Total
 
Annual
Growth %
 
                                 
Consumer
 
$
15,765,786
   
43
%
$
13,249,720
   
45
%
 
19
%
                                 
Commercial
   
14,637,257
   
40
   
11,179,385
   
38
   
31
 
                                 
Government
   
6,380,831
   
17
   
5,195,726
   
17
   
23
 
                                 
Total
 
$
36,783,874
   
100
%
$
29,624,831
   
100
%
 
24
%
                                 

Comparable store core deposit growth is measured as the year over year percentage increase in core deposits at the balance sheet date. At June 30, 2006, the comparable store core deposit growth for stores open two years or more was 17% and for stores open one year or more was 20%.

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity

The Company’s risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments, or market risk, is composed primarily of interest rate risk. The primary objective of the Company’s asset/liability management activities is to maximize net interest income, while maintaining acceptable levels of interest rate risk. The Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) is responsible for establishing policies to limit exposure to interest rate risk, and to ensure procedures are established to monitor compliance with these policies. The guidelines established by ALCO are reviewed and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors.
 
 
11


Management believes that the simulation of net interest income in different interest rate environments provides the most meaningful measure of the Company’s interest rate risk. Income simulation analysis captures not only the potential of all assets and liabilities to mature or reprice, but also the probability that they will do so. Income simulation also attends to the relative interest rate sensitivities of these items, and projects their behavior over an extended period of time. Finally, income simulation permits management to assess the probable effects on the balance sheet not only of changes in interest rates, but also of proposed strategies for responding to them.

The Company’s income simulation model analyzes interest rate sensitivity by projecting net income over the next 24 months in a flat rate scenario versus net income in alternative interest rate scenarios. Management continually reviews and refines its interest rate risk management process in response to the changing economic climate. Currently, the Company’s model projects a proportionate plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change during the next year, with rates remaining constant in the second year. The Company’s ALCO policy has established that interest income sensitivity will be considered acceptable if net income in the above interest rate scenario is within 10% of forecasted net income in the flat rate scenario in the first year and within 15% over the two year time frame. The following table illustrates the impact on projected net income at June 30, 2006 and 2005 of a plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change in interest rates.

           
   
Basis Point Change
 
   
Plus 200
 
Minus 100
 
June 30, 2006:
         
Twelve Months
 
(9.8
)%
3.3
%
Twenty Four Months
 
(5.4
)%
1.1
%
           
June 30, 2005:
         
Twelve Months
 
0.6
%
(7.4
)%
Twenty Four Months
 
12.6
%
(7.6
)%
           

All of these forecasts are within an acceptable level of interest rate risk per the policies established by ALCO. In the event the model indicates an unacceptable level of risk, the Company could undertake a number of actions that would reduce this risk, including the sale of a portion of its available for sale investment portfolio, the use of risk management strategies such as interest rate swaps and caps, or fixing the cost of its short-term borrowings.

Many assumptions were used by the Company to calculate the impact of changes in interest rates, including the proportionate shift in rates. Actual results may not be similar to the Company’s projections due to several factors including the timing and frequency of rate changes, market conditions and the shape of the yield curve. Actual results may also differ due to the Company’s actions, if any, in response to the changing rates.

Management also monitors interest rate risk by utilizing a market value of equity model. The model assesses the impact of a change in interest rates on the market value of all the Company’s assets and liabilities, as well as any off balance sheet items. The model calculates the market value of the Company’s assets and liabilities in excess of book value in the current rate scenario, and then compares the excess of market value over book value given an immediate plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change in rates. The Company’s ALCO policy indicates that the level of interest rate risk is unacceptable if the immediate plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change would result in the loss of 45% or more of the excess of market value over book value in the current rate scenario. At June 30, 2006, the market value of equity model indicates an acceptable level of interest rate risk.


12


The market value of equity model reflects certain estimates and assumptions regarding the impact on the market value of the Company’s assets and liabilities given an immediate plus 200 or minus 100 basis point change in interest rates. One of the key assumptions is the market value assigned to the Company’s core deposits, or the core deposit premium. Utilizing an independent consultant, the Company has completed and updated comprehensive core deposit studies in order to assign its own core deposit premiums. The studies have consistently confirmed management’s assertion that the Company’s core deposits have stable balances over long periods of time, are generally insensitive to changes in interest rates and have significantly longer average lives and durations than the Company’s loans and investment securities. Thus, these core deposit balances provide a natural hedge to market value fluctuations in the Company’s fixed rate assets. At June 30, 2006, the average life of the Company’s core deposit transaction accounts was 16.8 years.
 
The market value of equity model analyzes both sides of the balance sheet and, as indicated below, demonstrates the inherent value of the Company’s core deposits in a rising rate environment. As rates rise, the value of the Company’s core deposits increases which helps offset the decrease in value of the Company’s fixed rate assets. The following table summarizes the market value of equity at June 30, 2006 (in millions, except for per share amounts):

           
   
Market Value
     
   
of Equity
 
Per Share
 
           
Plus 200 basis points
 
$
8,263
 
$
44.27
 
               
Current Rate
 
$
9,134
 
$
48.93
 
               
Minus 100 basis points
 
$
8,777
 
$
47.02
 

Liquidity involves the Company’s ability to raise funds to support asset growth or reduce assets to meet deposit withdrawals and other borrowing needs, to maintain reserve requirements and to otherwise operate the Company on an ongoing basis. The Company’s liquidity needs are primarily met by growth in core deposits, its cash position and cash flow from its amortizing investment and loan portfolios. If necessary, the Company has the ability to raise liquidity through collateralized borrowings, FHLB advances or other means. As of June 30, 2006 the Company had in excess of $14.5 billion in available liquidity which includes securities that could be sold or used for collateralized borrowings, cash on hand, and borrowing capacities under existing lines of credit. During the first six months of 2006, deposit growth, short-term borrowings and maturing investment securities were used to fund growth in the loan portfolio and purchase additional investment securities.

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings, or other borrowed money, consist primarily of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and overnight lines of credit, and are used to meet short-term funding needs. During the first six months of 2006, the Company’s short-term borrowings increased and at June 30, 2006 aggregated $2.6 billion at an average rate of 5.35%, as compared to $1.1 billion at an average rate of 4.32% at December 31, 2005.

Interest Earning Assets

The Company’s cash flow from deposit growth and repayments from its investment portfolio totaled approximately $5.4 billion for the first six months of 2006. This significant cash flow provides the Company with ongoing reinvestment opportunities as interest rates change. For the six month period ended June 30, 2006, interest earning assets increased $4.5 billion from $35.4 billion to $39.9 billion. This increase was primarily in investment securities and the loan portfolio as described below.


13


Loans

During the first six months of 2006, loans increased $1.6 billion from $12.7 billion to $14.3 billion. All segments of the loan portfolio experienced growth in the first six months of 2006.

The following table summarizes the loan portfolio of the Company by type of loan as of the dates shown.

   
June 30,
 
 December 31,
 
   
2006
 
 2005
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial:
          
Term
 
$
2,028,761
 
$
1,781,148
 
Line of credit
   
1,702,539
   
1,517,347
 
     
3,731,300
   
3,298,495
 
               
Owner-occupied
   
2,613,555
   
2,402,300
 
     
6,344,855
   
5,700,795
 
               
Consumer:
             
Mortgages (1-4 family residential)
   
2,198,114
   
2,000,309
 
Installment
   
265,639
   
211,332
 
Home equity
   
2,714,150
   
2,353,581
 
Credit lines
   
100,544
   
100,431
 
     
5,278,447
   
4,665,653
 
Commercial real estate:
             
Investor developer
   
2,329,475
   
2,001,674
 
Construction
   
320,749
   
290,530
 
     
2,650,224
   
2,292,204
 
Total loans
 
$
14,273,526
 
$
12,658,652
 

Investments

In total, for the first six months of 2006, securities increased $2.9 billion from $22.7 billion to $25.6 billion. The available for sale portfolio increased $1.6 billion to $11.1 billion at June 30, 2006 from $9.5 billion at December 31, 2005, and the held to maturity portfolio increased $1.4 billion to $14.4 billion at June 30, 2006 from $13.0 billion at year-end 2005. The portfolio of trading securities decreased $51.9 million from year-end 2005 to $91.1 million at June 30, 2006.


14


Detailed below is information regarding the composition and characteristics of the Company’s investment portfolio, excluding trading securities, as of June 30, 2006.

               
   
Available
 
Held to
     
Product Description
 
For Sale
 
Maturity
 
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                   
Federal Agencies Pass Through
                   
Certificates (AAA Rated)
 
$
1,803,892
 
$
2,172,732
 
$
3,976,624
 
                     
Collateralized Mortgage
                   
Obligations (AAA Rated)
   
8,467,838
   
10,420,970
   
18,888,808
 
                     
U.S. Government agencies/Other
   
802,398
   
1,822,219
   
2,624,617
 
                     
Total
 
$
11,074,128
 
$
14,415,921
 
$
25,490,049
 
                     
Duration (in years)
   
3.87
   
4.38
   
4.16
 
Average Life (in years)
   
6.58
   
6.51
   
6.54
 
Quarterly Average Yield
   
5.60
%
 
5.19
%
 
5.37
%

At June 30, 2006, the after tax depreciation of the Company’s available for sale portfolio was $154.0 million.

The Company’s mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio comprises 89% of the total investment portfolio. The MBS portfolio consists of Federal Agencies Pass-Through Certificates and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMO’s) which are issued by federal agencies and other private sponsors. The Company’s investment policy does not permit investments in inverse floaters, IO’s, PO’s and other similar issues.

A summary of the amortized cost and market value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity (in thousands) at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 follows:

       
   
At June 30, 2006
 
   
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Market
Value
 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
 
$
11,240,485
 
$
6,704
 
$
(264,711
)
$
10,982,478
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
56,967
   
7
   
(2,388
)
 
54,586
 
Equity securities
   
9,679
   
13,193
         
22,872
 
Other
   
14,312
         
(120
)
 
14,192
 
Securities available for sale
 
$
11,321,443
 
$
19,904
 
$
(267,219
)
$
11,074,128
 
                           
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
 
$
13,876,344
 
$
3,996
 
$
(512,957
)
$
13,367,383
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
410,695
   
261
   
(2,683
)
 
408,273
 
Other
   
128,882
               
128,882
 
Securities held to maturity
 
$
14,415,921
 
$
4,257
 
$
(515,640
)
$
13,904,538
 


15



   
At December 31, 2005
 
   
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
 
Market
Value
 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
 
$
9,529,645
 
$
5,779
 
$
(112,946
)
$
9,422,478
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
59,517
   
41
   
(431
)
 
59,127
 
Equity securities
   
9,679
   
13,093
         
22,772
 
Other
   
14,330
   
116
   
(2
)
 
14,444
 
Securities available for sale
 
$
9,613,171
 
$
19,029
 
$
(113,379
)
$
9,518,821
 
                           
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
 
$
12,415,587
 
$
5,191
 
$
(252,231
)
$
12,168,547
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
490,257
   
1,216
   
(988
)
 
490,485
 
Other
   
99,520
               
99,520
 
Securities held to maturity
 
$
13,005,364
 
$
6,407
 
$
(253,219
)
$
12,758,552
 

There were no securities sold during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006.

As described in Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company reviews the investment portfolio to determine if other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss as of June 30, 2006 represents an other-than-temporary impairment.

Net Income

Net income for the second quarter of 2006 was $79.5 million, a slight increase over the $79.4 million recorded for the second quarter of 2005. Net income for the first six months of 2006 totaled $156.8 million, also a slight increase over the $156.5 million recorded for the first six months of 2005. On a per share basis, diluted net income for the second quarter and first six months of 2006 was $0.41 and $0.82 per common share compared to $0.46 and $0.91 per common share for the same periods in 2005, respectively. The decrease in net income per share was primarily due to the increase in average common shares outstanding as well as the impact of the continued flat yield curve, which impeded the Company’s historical net interest income growth.

Return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) for the second quarter of 2006 were 0.76% and 12.83%, respectively, compared to 0.97% and 17.68%, respectively, for the same 2005 period. ROA and ROE for the first six months of 2006 were 0.77% and 12.92%, respectively, compared to 0.98% and 17.82%, respectively, for the same 2005 period. Both ROA and ROE for the second quarter and first six months of 2006 continue to be impacted by the flat yield curve and the resulting impact on the Company’s net income.


16


Net Interest Income

Net interest income totaled $318.9 million for the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $30.5 million or 11% from $288.5 million in the second quarter of 2005. Net interest income for the first six months of 2006 was $626.9 million, up $59.5 million or 10% from $567.4 million for the first six months of 2005. The increase in net interest income for the second quarter and first six months of 2006 was due to the Company’s continued ability to grow deposits, which fund its loan and investment portfolios, offset by rate changes due to the existing interest rate environment.

On a tax equivalent basis, the Company recorded $325.0 million in net interest income in the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $31.9 million or 11% over the second quarter of 2005. For the first six months of 2006, net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was $638.8 million, an increase of $62.7 million or 11% over the first six months of 2005. As shown below, the increase in net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was due to volume increases in the Company’s earning assets, which were fueled by the Company’s continued growth of core deposits (in thousands).

   
Net Interest Income
 
   
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
%
 
2006 vs. 2005
 
Increase
 
Change
 
Increase
 
Increase
 
                           
Quarter Ended June 30
 
$
69,010
 
$
(37,095
)
$
31,915
   
11%
 
                           
Six Months Ended June 30
 
$
137,932
 
$
(75,245
)
$
62,687
   
11%
 
                           

The net interest margin for the second quarter of 2006 decreased 14 basis points to 3.39%, compared to 3.53% for the first quarter of 2006, and down 54 basis points from the 3.93% margin for the second quarter of 2005. The compression in net interest margin was caused by the ongoing increase in short-term rates and the continuing flat yield curve.

The following table sets forth balance sheet items on a daily average basis for the three months ended June 30, 2006, March 31, 2006 and June 30, 2005 and presents the daily average interest earned on assets and paid on liabilities for such periods.

17


Average Balances and Net Interest Income

               
   
June 2006
 
March 2006
 
June 2005
 
   
Average
     
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Earning Assets
                                     
Investment securities
                                                       
Taxable
 
$
23,851,645
 
$
319,271
   
5.37
%
$
22,325,450
 
$
289,739
   
5.26
%
$
18,821,647
 
$
231,275
   
4.93
%
Tax-exempt
   
559,733
   
7,322
   
5.25
   
549,794
   
6,956
   
5.13
   
374,448
   
3,257
   
3.49
 
Trading
   
113,049
   
1,525
   
5.41
   
108,670
   
1,255
   
4.69
   
178,037
   
2,427
   
5.47
 
Total investment securities
   
24,524,427
   
328,118
   
5.37
   
22,983,914
   
297,950
   
5.26
   
19,374,132
   
236,959
   
4.91
 
Federal funds sold
   
19,898
   
250
   
5.04
   
36,594
   
413
   
4.58
   
117,491
   
889
   
3.03
 
Loans
                                                       
Commercial mortgages
   
4,784,584
   
83,903
   
7.03
   
4,491,557
   
76,193
   
6.88
   
3,707,963
   
59,684
   
6.46
 
Commercial
   
3,492,946
   
66,879
   
7.68
   
3,221,996
   
59,125
   
7.44
   
2,569,001
   
41,417
   
6.47
 
Consumer
   
5,115,609
   
80,560
   
6.32
   
4,817,562
   
74,127
   
6.24
   
3,720,529
   
55,819
   
6.02
 
Tax-exempt
   
498,492
   
8,535
   
6.87
   
492,283
   
8,506
   
7.01
   
426,032
   
7,568
   
7.12
 
Total loans
   
13,891,631
   
239,877
   
6.93
   
13,023,398
   
217,951
   
6.79
   
10,423,525
   
164,488
   
6.33
 
Total earning assets
 
$
38,435,956
 
$
568,245
   
5.93
%
$
36,043,906
 
$
516,314
   
5.81
%
$
29,915,148
 
$
402,336
   
5.39
%
Sources of Funds
                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                                       
Savings
 
$
10,344,463
 
$
64,157
   
2.49
%
$
9,712,691
 
$
54,004
   
2.25
%
$
7,082,969
 
$
23,258
   
1.32
%
Interest bearing demand
   
14,597,277
   
118,085
   
3.24
   
13,584,371
   
97,940
   
2.92
   
12,094,680
   
53,755
   
1.78
 
Time deposits
   
3,088,653
   
25,949
   
3.37
   
3,131,039
   
25,850
   
3.35
   
2,668,791
   
16,085
   
2.42
 
Public funds
   
1,224,298
   
15,225
   
4.99
   
952,132
   
10,411
   
4.43
   
828,305
   
6,196
   
3.00
 
Total deposits
   
29,254,691
   
223,416
   
3.06
   
27,380,233
   
188,205
   
2.79
   
22,674,745
   
99,294
   
1.76
 
                                                         
Other borrowed money
   
1,624,229
   
19,809
   
4.89
   
1,316,437
   
14,328
   
4.41
   
845,462
   
6,917
   
3.28
 
Long-term debt
                                       
200,000
   
3,020
   
6.06
 
Total deposits and interest-bearing
                                                       
liabilities
   
30,878,920
   
243,225
   
3.16
   
28,696,670
   
202,533
   
2.86
   
23,720,207
   
109,231
   
1.85
 
Noninterest-bearing funds (net)
   
7,557,036
               
7,347,236
               
6,194,941
             
Total sources to fund earning assets
 
$
38,435,956
   
243,225
   
2.54
 
$
36,043,906
   
202,533
   
2.28
 
$
29,915,148
   
109,231
   
1.46
 
                                                         
Net interest income and
                                                       
margin tax-equivalent basis
       
$
325,020
   
3.39
%
     
$
313,781
   
3.53
%
     
$
293,105
   
3.93
%
Other Balances
                                                       
Cash and due from banks
 
$
1,278,137
             
$
1,286,259
             
$
1,241,372
             
Other assets
   
2,314,307
               
2,094,400
               
1,749,133
             
Total assets
   
41,888,789
               
39,288,182
               
32,763,128
             
Total deposits
   
37,486,585
               
35,295,835
               
29,661,511
             
Demand deposits (noninterest-
bearing)
   
8,231,894
               
7,915,602
               
6,986,766
             
Other liabilities
   
299,622
               
298,278
               
259,873
             
Stockholders’ equity
   
2,478,353
               
2,377,632
               
1,796,282
             

Notes
-
Weighted average yields on tax-exempt obligations have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 35%.
 
-
Non-accrual loans have been included in the average loan balance.
 



18



Noninterest Income
 
Noninterest income totaled $143.0 million for the second quarter of 2006, an increase of $27.4 million or 24% from $115.6 million in the second quarter of 2005. Noninterest income for the first six months of 2006 increased to $274.0 million from $219.3 million in the first six months of 2005, a 25% increase. Deposit charges and service fees increased $22.9 million, or 33%, and $45.2 million, or 35%, during the second quarter and first six months of 2006, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2005, primarily due to growth in customer accounts and transaction volumes. Other operating income, which includes the Company’s insurance and capital markets divisions, increased $9.2 million, or 22%, and $15.3 million, or 18%, during the second quarter and first six months of 2006, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2005. The increase in other operating income is more fully depicted in the following chart (in thousands):

                
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Other operating income:
                 
Insurance
 
$
20,573
 
$
18,750
 
$
42,517
 
$
38,539
 
Capital Markets
   
7,263
   
7,248
   
13,498
   
13,687
 
Loan Brokerage Fees
   
2,183
   
2,949
   
4,119
   
5,708
 
Other
   
21,284
   
13,205
   
39,890
   
26,835
 
Total other
 
$
51,303
 
$
42,152
 
$
100,024
 
$
84,769
 

All other operating income increased $8.1 million, or 61%, and $13.1 million, or 49%, during the second quarter and first six months of 2006, respectively, primarily due to increased revenues generated by the Company’s leasing division, income from other investments and revenues from eMoney Advisor, all of which were partially offset by a decrease in gains on SBA loans sales. The Company completed its acquisition of eMoney Advisor on February 1, 2006.

Noninterest Expense

For the second quarter of 2006, noninterest expense totaled $333.8 million, an increase of $55.3 million, or 20%, over the same period in 2005. For the first six months of 2006, noninterest expense totaled $649.1 million, an increase of $112.2 million or 21% over $536.9 million for the first six months of 2005. Contributing to this increase was new store activity over the past twelve months, with the number of stores increasing from 326 at June 30, 2005 to 389 at June 30, 2006. With the addition of these new stores, staff, facilities, and related expenses rose accordingly.

Other noninterest expense increased $10.0 million, or 16%, and $21.3 million, or 18%, over the second quarter and first six months of 2005, respectively. The increase in other noninterest expense is more fully depicted in the following chart (in thousands):

               
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Other noninterest expense:
                 
Business development costs
 
$
13,459
 
$
13,655
 
$
22,269
 
$
20,770
 
Bank-card related service charges
   
14,162
   
12,309
   
26,533
   
23,224
 
Professional services/Insurance
   
10,732
   
9,074
   
21,402
   
18,860
 
Provision for non-credit-related losses
   
6,897
   
6,643
   
14,708
   
14,315
 
Other
   
26,664
   
20,228
   
52,027
   
38,448
 
Total other
 
$
71,914
 
$
61,909
 
$
136,939
 
$
115,617
 


19


The growth in business development costs, bank-card related service charges, non-credit-related losses, which includes fraud and forgery losses on deposit and other non-credit related items, and other expenses was due to the Company’s growth in new stores and customer accounts.

The Company’s operating efficiency ratio (noninterest expenses, less other real estate expense, divided by net interest income plus noninterest income excluding non-recurring gains) was 72.0% for the first six months of 2006 as compared to 68.8% for the same 2005 period. The increase in operating efficiency ratio is primarily due to the impact of the flat yield curve on the Company’s net interest income. The Company’s efficiency ratio remains above its peer group primarily due to its aggressive growth expansion activities.

Loan and Asset Quality

Total non-performing assets (non-performing loans and other real estate, excluding loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest) at June 30, 2006 were $52.4 million, or 0.12% of total assets compared to $33.6 million or 0.08% of total assets at March 31, 2006 and $36.0 million or 0.11% of total assets at June 30, 2005.

Total non-performing loans (non-accrual loans and restructured loans, excluding loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest) at June 30, 2006 were $51.0 million or 0.36% of total loans compared to $33.1 million or 0.25% of total loans at March 31, 2006 and $35.7 million or 0.33% of total loans at June 30, 2005. At June 30, 2006, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest amounted to $583 thousand compared to $332 thousand at March 31, 2006 and $165 thousand at June 30, 2005. Additional loans considered as potential problem loans by the Company’s credit review process ($80.6 million at June 30, 2006, compared to $79.4 million at March 31, 2006 and $53.5 million at June 30, 2005) have been evaluated as to risk exposure in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

Total non-performing loans increased by $17.9 million during the second quarter of 2006. The increase is primarily due to the addition of one not-for-profit healthcare credit, which has been determined to be adequately secured. The overall asset quality of the Company, as measured in terms of non-performing assets to total assets, coverage ratios and non-performing assets to stockholders’ equity, remained strong.

20


The following summary presents information regarding non-performing loans and assets as of June 30, 2006 and the preceding four quarters (dollar amounts in thousands).

   
June 30,
2006
 
March 31,
2006
 
December 31,
2005
 
September 30,
2005
 
June 30,
2005
 
Non-accrual loans:
                               
Commercial
 
$
34,904
 
$
16,975
 
$
16,712
 
$
16,926
 
$
20,467
 
Consumer
   
8,927
   
9,285
   
8,834
   
8,559
   
8,641
 
Real estate:
                               
Construction
   
1,708
   
1,726
   
1,763
   
1,882
   
178
 
Mortgage
   
2,523
   
2,096
   
4,329
   
3,353
   
3,086
 
Total non-accrual loans
   
48,062
   
30,082
   
31,638
   
30,720
   
32,372
 
                                 
Restructured loans:
                               
Commercial
   
2,941
   
3,037
   
3,133
   
3,230
   
3,326
 
Total restructured loans
   
2,941
   
3,037
   
3,133
   
3,230
   
3,326
 
                                 
Total non-performing loans
   
51,003
   
33,119
   
34,771
   
33,950
   
35,698
 
                                 
Other real estate/foreclosed assets
   
1,369
   
435
   
279
   
310
   
349
 
                                 
Total non-performing assets
   
52,372
   
33,554
   
35,050
   
34,260
   
36,047
 
                                 
Loans past due 90 days or more
                               
and still accruing
   
583
   
332
   
248
   
177
   
165
 
                                 
Total non-performing assets and
                               
loans past due 90 days or more
 
$
52,955
 
$
33,886
 
$
35,298
 
$
34,437
 
$
36,212
 
                                 
Total non-performing loans as a
                               
percentage of total period-end loans
   
0.36
%
 
0.25
%
 
0.27
%
 
0.30
%
 
0.33
%
                                 
Total non-performing assets as a
                               
percentage of total period-end assets
   
0.12
%
 
0.08
%
 
0.09
%
 
0.09
%
 
0.11
%
                                 
Total non-performing assets and loans
                               
past due 90 days or more as a
                               
percentage of total period-end assets
   
0.12
%
 
0.08
%
 
0.09
%
 
0.09
%
 
0.11
%
                                 
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage
                               
of total non-performing loans
   
291
%
 
432
%
 
407
%
 
409
%
 
396
%
                                 
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage
                               
of total period-end loans
   
1.04
%
 
1.06
%
 
1.12
%
 
1.23
%
 
1.32
%
                                 
Total non-performing assets and loans
                               
past due 90 days or more as a
                               
percentage of stockholders’ equity and
                               
allowance for loan losses
   
2
%
 
1
%
 
1
%
 
2
%
 
2
%


21


The Company maintains an allowance for losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio and an allowance for losses on unfunded credit commitments. During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company reclassified the allowance related to losses on unfunded credit commitments out of the allowance for loan and lease losses to other liabilities. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company included the portion of the allowance related to unfunded credit commitments in its allowance for loan and lease losses. The following table presents, for the periods indicated, an analysis of the allowance for credit losses and other related data (dollar amounts in thousands).

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
2005
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
142,913
 
$
139,289
 
$
141,464
 
$
135,620
 
$
135,620
 
Provisions charged to operating expenses
   
7,500
   
4,500
   
14,001
   
10,750
   
19,150
 
     
150,413
   
143,789
   
155,465
   
146,370
   
154,770
 
                                 
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off:
                               
Commercial
   
2,095
   
339
   
2,628
   
990
   
2,546
 
Consumer
   
624
   
254
   
1,135
   
1,087
   
2,566
 
Commercial real estate
   
317
         
318
   
50
   
80
 
Total recoveries
   
3,036
   
593
   
4,081
   
2,127
   
5,192
 
                                 
Loans charged-off:
                               
Commercial
   
(3,028
)
 
(1,213
)
 
(7,214
)
 
(3,815
)
 
(13,944
)
Consumer
   
(1,972
)
 
(915
)
 
(3,684
)
 
(2,402
)
 
(5,912
)
Commercial real estate
   
(66
)
 
(929
)
 
(265
)
 
(955
)
 
(1,136
)
Total charge-offs
   
(5,066
)
 
(3,057
)
 
(11,163
)
 
(7,172
)
 
(20,992
)
Net charge-offs
   
(2,030
)
 
(2,464
)
 
(7,082
)
 
(5,045
)
 
(15,800
)
                                 
Allowance for credit loss acquired bank
                           
2,494
 
                                 
Balance at end of period
 
$
148,383
 
$
141,325
 
$
148,383
 
$
141,325
 
$
141,464
 
                                 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of
                               
average loans outstanding
   
0.06
%
 
0.09
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.15
%
                                 
Net Reserve Additions
 
$
5,470
 
$
2,036
 
$
6,919
 
$
5,705
 
$
5,844
 
                                 
Components:
                               
Allowance for loan and lease losses
 
$
140,746
 
$
141,325
 
$
140,746
 
$
141,325
 
$
133,664
 
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments (1)
   
7,637
         
7,637
         
7,800
 
Total allowance for credit losses
 
$
148,383
 
$
141,325
 
$
148,383
 
$
141,325
 
$
141,464
 
                                 
(1) During the fourth quarter of 2005, the allowance for unfunded credit commitments was reclassified from the allowance for loan and lease losses to other liabilities.

During the first six months of 2006, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding were 0.11%, as compared to 0.10% for the same period in 2005.


22


The Company considers the allowance for credit losses of $148.4 million adequate to cover probable credit losses in the loan and lease portfolio and on unfunded credit commitments. The allowance for credit losses is increased by provisions charged to expense and reduced by charge-offs net of recoveries. The level of the allowance for loan and lease losses is based on an evaluation of individual large classified loans and nonaccrual loans, estimated losses based on risk characteristics of loans in the portfolio and other qualitative factors. The level of the allowance for losses on unfunded credit commitments is based on a risk characteristic methodology similar to that used in determining the allowance for loan and lease losses, taking into consideration the probability of funding these commitments. While the allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level considered to be adequate by management for estimated credit losses, determination of the allowance is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements”, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including this Form 10-Q), in its reports to stockholders and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions, that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control). The words “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause the Company’s financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in such forward-looking statements: the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which the Company conducts operations; the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”); inflation; interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations; the timely development of competitive new products and services by the Company and the acceptance of such products and services by customers; the willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for the Company’s products and services and vice versa; the impact of changes in financial services’ laws and regulations (including laws concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance); technological changes; future acquisitions; the expense savings and revenue enhancements from acquisitions being less than expected; the growth and profitability of the Company’s noninterest or fee income being less than expected; the ability to maintain the growth and further development of the Company’s community-based retail branching network; unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings; changes in consumer spending and saving habits; and the success of the Company at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. The Company cautions that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements the Company has anticipated in such forward-looking statements. You should note that many factors, some of which are discussed in this Form 10-Q could affect the Company’s future financial results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the Company’s forward-looking statements contained in this document. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation, Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity.



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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s management, with the participation of its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of June 30, 2006. Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2006, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a - 15(e), were effective, at the reasonable assurance level, to ensure that (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
The Company’s management, with the participation of its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, also conducted an evaluation of changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management determined that no changes were made to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a - 15(f), during the second quarter of 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. The Company conducts periodic evaluations to enhance, where necessary its procedures and controls.
 


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Annual Meeting of the Registrant’s Shareholders was held on May 16, 2006. Proxies representing 168,276,996 shares were received (total shares outstanding as of the record date were 183,110,276). The items of business acted upon at the Annual Meeting were (i) the election of 12 directors for one year terms; and (ii) ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Bancorp’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006. The number of votes cast for, against, or withheld, as well as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes was as follows:

(i)  Election of directors:

   
(Withhold Authority)
Name of Nominee
For
Against
     
Vernon W. Hill, II
154,393,163
13,883,833
Jack R Bershad
153,294,625
14,982,371
Joseph E. Buckelew
154,979,723
13,297,273
Donald T. DiFrancesco
150,046,580
18,230,416
Morton N. Kerr
152,625,809
15,651,187
Steven M. Lewis
155,042,253
13,234,743
John K. Lloyd
154,803,894
13,473,102
George E. Norcross, III
154,479,741
13,797,255
Daniel J. Ragone
154,951,420
13,325,576
William A. Schwartz, Jr.
155,541,113
12,735,883
Joseph T. Tarquini, Jr.
155,093,503
13,183,493
Joseph S. Vassalluzzo
155,554,793
12,722,203

(ii) Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Bancorp’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006:

   
Broker
         
For
 
Against
 
Abstain
 
Non-Vote
 
               
167,742,525
   
394,201
   
140,270
   
14,833,280
 


Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

   
   



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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.



   
COMMERCE BANCORP, INC.
   
(Registrant)
     
     
     
     
AUGUST 4, 2006
 
/s/ DOUGLAS J. PAULS
(Date)
 
DOUGLAS J. PAULS
   
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
   
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
   
(PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
 
 
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