commercenj10q.htm
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, 2007
 
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 reports), 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.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
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
192,863,475
(Title of Class)
(No. of Shares Outstanding
as of August 6, 2007)
 
 
 

 
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)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Assets
Cash and due from banks
  $
1,405,696
    $
1,207,390
 
 
Federal funds sold
   
9,700
     
9,300
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
   
1,415,396
     
1,216,690
 
 
Loans held for sale
   
31,618
     
52,741
 
 
Trading securities
   
77,472
     
106,007
 
 
Securities available for sale
   
13,221,171
     
11,098,113
 
 
Securities held to maturity
   
14,585,714
     
14,884,982
 
 
(market value 06/07-$14,171,224; 12/06-$14,617,765)
               
 
Loans
   
16,367,579
     
15,607,049
 
 
Less allowance for loan and lease losses
   
160,694
     
152,053
 
       
16,206,885
     
15,454,996
 
 
Bank premises and equipment, net
   
1,882,287
     
1,753,670
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
   
145,335
     
141,631
 
 
Other assets
   
609,647
     
562,986
 
 
Total assets
  $
48,175,525
    $
45,271,816
 
                   
Liabilities
Deposits:
               
 
Demand:
               
 
Noninterest-bearing
  $
9,376,914
    $
8,936,824
 
 
Interest-bearing
   
18,859,695
     
16,853,457
 
 
Savings
   
10,524,414
     
10,459,306
 
 
Time
   
5,627,242
     
5,038,624
 
 
Total deposits
   
44,388,265
     
41,288,211
 
 
Other borrowed money
   
545,310
     
777,404
 
 
Other liabilities
   
349,226
     
405,103
 
 
Total liabilities
   
45,282,801
     
42,470,718
 
                   
Stockholders’
Common stock,  194,119,379 shares
               
Equity
issued (189,738,423 shares in 2006)
   
194,119
     
189,738
 
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
1,812,341
     
1,744,691
 
 
Retained earnings
   
1,059,127
     
958,770
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (123,847 )     (65,240 )
       
2,941,740
     
2,827,959
 
                   
 
Less treasury stock, at cost, 1,874,923 shares
               
 
( 1,231,081 shares in 2006)
   
49,016
     
26,861
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
   
2,892,724
     
2,801,098
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $
48,175,525
    $
45,271,816
 

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)
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest
Interest and fees on loans
  $
278,863
    $
236,890
    $
549,633
    $
451,864
 
income
Interest on investments
   
376,245
     
325,022
     
731,553
     
620,098
 
 
Other interest
   
2,000
     
250
     
7,733
     
663
 
 
Total interest income
   
657,108
     
562,162
     
1,288,919
     
1,072,625
 
                                   
Interest
Interest on deposits:
                               
expense
Demand
   
177,289
     
118,085
     
341,031
     
216,025
 
 
Savings
   
72,954
     
64,157
     
145,072
     
118,161
 
 
Time
   
60,521
     
41,174
     
119,384
     
77,435
 
 
Total interest on deposits
   
310,764
     
223,416
     
605,487
     
411,621
 
 
Interest on other borrowed money
   
3,519
     
19,809
     
7,651
     
34,137
 
 
Total interest expense
   
314,283
     
243,225
     
613,138
     
445,758
 
                                   
 
Net interest income
   
342,825
     
318,937
     
675,781
     
626,867
 
 
Provision for credit losses
   
12,550
     
7,500
     
22,550
     
14,001
 
 
Net interest income after provision for
                               
 
credit losses
   
330,275
     
311,437
     
653,231
     
612,866
 
                                   
Noninterest
Deposit charges and service fees
   
116,913
     
91,653
     
222,119
     
173,934
 
income
Other operating income
   
59,659
     
51,303
     
111,025
     
100,024
 
 
Net investment securities gains
                   
2,879
         
 
Total noninterest income
   
176,572
     
142,956
     
336,023
     
273,958
 
                                   
Noninterest
Salaries and benefits
   
171,494
     
150,630
     
339,253
     
295,455
 
expense
Occupancy
   
58,626
     
45,487
     
116,698
     
91,727
 
 
Furniture and equipment
   
45,271
     
39,656
     
88,123
     
75,616
 
 
Office
   
16,808
     
14,398
     
33,111
     
29,871
 
 
Marketing
   
10,694
     
11,699
     
21,127
     
19,510
 
 
Other
   
85,002
     
71,914
     
152,368
     
136,939
 
 
Total noninterest expenses
   
387,895
     
333,784
     
750,680
     
649,118
 
                                   
 
Income before income taxes
   
118,952
     
120,609
     
238,574
     
237,706
 
 
Provision for federal and state income taxes
   
42,049
     
41,089
     
83,735
     
80,889
 
 
Net income
  $
76,903
    $
79,520
    $
154,839
    $
156,817
 
                                   
 
Net income per common and common
                               
 
equivalent share:
                               
 
Basic
  $
0.40
    $
0.43
    $
0.81
    $
0.86
 
 
Diluted
  $
0.39
    $
0.41
    $
0.79
    $
0.82
 
 
Average common and common equivalent
                               
 
shares outstanding:
                               
 
Basic
   
191,552
     
184,437
     
190,421
     
182,686
 
 
Diluted
   
197,462
     
193,842
     
196,987
     
191,914
 
 
Dividends declared, common stock
  $
0.13
    $
0.12
    $
0.26
    $
0.24
 

See accompanying notes.
 
 
2

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

         
     
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2007
   
2006
 
Operating
Net income
$
154,839
 
$
156,817
 
activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
           
 
provided by operating activities:
           
 
Provision for credit losses
 
22,550
   
14,001
 
 
Provision for depreciation, amortization and accretion
 
83,749
   
76,179
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
 
6,458
   
2,733
 
 
Gain on sales of securities
 
(2,879
)
     
 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
 
444,112
   
291,142
 
 
Originations of loans held for sale
 
(422,989
)
 
(304,876
)
 
Net decrease in trading securities
 
28,535
   
51,868
 
 
Increase in other assets, net
 
(4,832
)
 
(49,605
)
 
Decrease in other liabilities
 
(60,973
)
 
(46,437
)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
248,570
   
191,822
 
               
Investing
Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale
 
457,890
       
activities
Proceeds from the maturity of securities available for sale
 
1,519,771
   
969,424
 
 
Proceeds from the maturity of securities held to maturity
 
1,560,172
   
1,096,533
 
 
Purchase of securities available for sale
 
(4,197,095
)
 
(2,681,109
)
 
Purchase of securities held to maturity
 
(1,265,069
)
 
(2,514,270
)
 
Net increase in loans
 
(774,357
)
 
(1,621,793
)
 
Capital expenditures
 
(205,843
)
 
(180,169
)
 
Net cash used by investing activities
 
(2,904,531
)
 
(4,931,384
)
               
Financing
Net increase in demand and savings deposits
 
2,511,436
   
2,895,458
 
activities
Net increase in time deposits
 
588,618
   
427,591
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in other borrowed money
 
(232,094
)
 
1,462,002
 
 
Dividends paid
 
(49,411
)
 
(43,452
)
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under
    dividend reinvestment and other stock plans
 
 
36,118
   
 
167,300
 
 
Other
       
36
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
2,854,667
   
4,908,935
 
               
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
198,706
   
169,373
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
1,216,690
   
1,296,764
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,415,396
 
$
1,466,137
 
               
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
           
 
Cash paid during the period for:
           
 
Interest
$
610,212
 
$
441,040
 
 
Income taxes
 
87,406
   
77,279
 
 
Other noncash activities:
           
 
Fair value of noncash assets and liabilities acquired:
           
 
Assets acquired
 
75
   
680
 
 
Liabilities assumed
 
24
   
10,076
 

See accompanying notes.
 
 
3

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

Six months ended June 30, 2007
                                   
(in thousands)
                                   
         
Capital in
               
Accumulated
       
         
Excess of
               
Other
       
   
Common
   
Par
   
Retained
   
Treasury
   
Comprehensive
       
 
 
Stock
   
Value
   
Earnings
   
Stock
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                                     
Balances at December 31, 2006
  $
189,738
    $
1,744,691
    $
958,770
    $ (26,861 )   $ (65,240 )   $
2,801,098
 
Net income
                   
154,839
                     
154,839
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
                                               
Unrealized loss on securities
           (pre-tax $95,732)
                                    (57,045 )     (57,045 )
Reclassification adjustment
     (pre-tax $2,403)
                                    (1,562 )     (1,562 )
Other comprehensive loss
                                            (58,607 )
Total comprehensive income
                                           
96,232
 
Cash dividends
                    (49,896 )                     (49,896 )
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment
                                               
and compensation and benefit plans
(4,155 shares)
   
4,155
     
54,118
              (22,155 )            
36,118
 
Acquisition of insurance brokerage agency
(226 shares)
   
226
     
7,074
                             
7,300
 
Other
           
6,458
      (4,586 )                     1,872  
Balances at June 30, 2007
  $
194,119
    $
1,812,341
    $
1,059,127
    $ (49,016 )   $ (123,847 )   $
2,892,724
 

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 Commerce Bancorp Inc.’s (“the Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.  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 Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform with 2007 presentation.

B.  
   Income Taxes

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48).  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (FAS 109).  This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  The Company adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $7.1 million increase in its liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a $4.6 million reduction, net of the federal tax benefit, to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. As of January 1, 2007, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits totaled $13.1 million, of which $8.5 million, if recognized, would result in a reduction of the Company’s effective tax rate.  During the first six months of 2007, the gross amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits increased by $5.3 million as a result of tax positions taken during 2007.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to its tax contingencies as income tax expense.  The Company had accrued approximately $1.6 million and $1.0 million at June 30, 2007 and January 1, 2007, respectively, for interest.  No amounts were accrued for penalties.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and numerous state and local jurisdictions.  The Company is no longer subject to Internal Revenue Service examination for periods prior to 2006.  All state and local returns have been concluded and are no longer subject to examination through 2001, with certain returns concluded through 2006.

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, 2007.
 
 
5

 
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 $2.4 million and $47.4 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, total comprehensive income was $96.2 million and $61.9 million, respectively.

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 Banc Insurance Services, Inc. and Commerce Capital Markets, Inc.

Selected segment information is as follows (in thousands):
         
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2007
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2006
 
 
Community
   
Parent/
       
Community
   
Parent/
       
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
 
Net interest income
$
341,600
 
$
1,225
 
$
342,825
 
$
317,861
 
$
1,076
 
$
318,937
 
Provision for credit losses
 
12,550
         
12,550
   
7,500
         
7,500
 
Net interest income after provision
 
329,050
   
1,225
   
330,275
   
310,361
   
1,076
   
311,437
 
Noninterest income
 
139,532
   
37,040
   
176,572
   
112,306
   
30,650
   
142,956
 
Noninterest expense
 
357,018
   
30,877
   
387,895
   
305,867
   
27,917
   
333,784
 
Income before income taxes
 
111,564
   
7,388
   
118,952
   
116,800
   
3,809
   
120,609
 
Income tax expense
 
39,288
   
2,761
   
42,049
   
39,691
   
1,398
   
41,089
 
Net income
$
72,276
 
$
4,627
 
$
76,903
 
$
77,109
 
$
2,411
 
$
79,520
 
                                     
Average assets (in millions)
$
44,118
 
$
3,312
 
$
47,430
 
$
39,080
 
$
2,809
 
$
41,889
 

         
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2007
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2006
 
 
Community
   
Parent/
       
Community
   
Parent/
       
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
 
Net interest income
$
673,517
 
$
2,264
 
$
675,781
 
$
624,918
 
$
1,949
 
$
626,867
 
Provision for credit losses
 
22,550
         
22,550
   
14,001
         
14,001
 
Net interest income after provision
 
650,967
   
2,264
   
653,231
   
610,917
   
1,949
   
612,866
 
Noninterest income
 
269,847
   
66,176
   
336,023
   
212,590
   
61,368
   
273,958
 
Noninterest expense
 
691,893
   
58,787
   
750,680
   
595,751
   
53,367
   
649,118
 
Income before income taxes
 
228,921
   
9,653
   
238,574
   
227,756
   
9,950
   
237,706
 
Income tax expense
 
79,949
   
3,786
   
83,735
   
77,190
   
3,699
   
80,889
 
Net income
$
148,972
 
$
5,867
 
$
154,839
 
$
150,566
 
$
6,251
 
$
156,817
 
                                     
Average assets (in millions)
$
43,373
 
$
3,249
 
$
46,622
 
$
37,846
 
$
2,750
 
$
40,596
 
 
 
 
6


 
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,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
                         
Basic:
                       
Net income available to common shareholders – basic
$
76,903
 
$
79,520
 
$
154,839
 
$
156,817
 
Average common shares outstanding – basic
 
191,552
   
184,437
   
190,421
   
182,686
 
Net income per common share – basic
$
0.40
 
$
0.43
 
$
0.81
 
$
0.86
 
                         
Diluted:
                       
Net income available to common shareholders – diluted
$
76,903
 
$
79,520
 
$
154,839
 
$
156,817
 
                         
Average common shares outstanding
 
191,552
   
184,437
   
190,421
   
182,686
 
Additional shares considered in diluted computation assuming:
                       
Exercise of stock options
 
5,910
   
9,405
   
6,566
   
9,228
 
Average common shares outstanding – diluted
 
197,462
   
193,842
   
196,987
   
191,914
 
                         
Net income per common share – diluted
$
0.39
 
$
0.41
 
$
0.79
 
$
0.82
 
                         

G.  
New Accounting Pronouncement

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (FAS 159).   Under FAS 159, entities are provided with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value, on an instrument-by-instrument basis.  The objective is to improve financial reporting by mitigating volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities under different methods.  FAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement methods for similar types of assets and liabilities.  FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007; however, it provides for early adoption as of January 1, 2007 assuming certain conditions are met.  The Company did not early adopt FAS 159 and is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that it will have on its results of operations.

H.  
Subsequent Event

On June 29, 2007, the Company announced the resignation, effective July 31, 2007, of Vernon W. Hill II (Hill) as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bancorp, Inc.  Under the terms of Hill’s Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (Agreement), Hill is to receive a lump sum severance payment of $11.0 million.  Payment of this amount, as well as certain other benefits under the Agreement, is subject to regulatory approval.  No amounts related to the lump sum severance payment have been recorded as expense in the Company’s financial results, as regulatory approval for payment has not been granted.
 
 
7

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

Executive Summary

During the first six months of 2007, the Company continued its core deposit growth, which is the primary driver of the Company’s success.  Core deposits grew to $43.0 billion, an increase of 17% over June 30, 2006.  Comparable store core deposit growth was 15%.  Total assets increased to $48.2 billion, an increase of 11% over June 30, 2006, while total loans increased $2.1 billion, or 15%, from $14.3 billion at June 30, 2006 to $16.4 billion.   Net income was $76.9 million and $154.8 million and net income per share was $.39 and $.79, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.  These results were impacted by the continued difficult interest rate environment, 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, 2006.  During the first six months of 2007, 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, 2007, stockholders’ equity totaled $2.9 billion or 6.00% of total assets, compared to $2.8 billion or 6.19% of total assets at December 31, 2006.

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, 2007 and 2006 (amounts in thousands):

         
Per Regulatory Guidelines
 
   
Actual
   
Minimum
   
“Well Capitalized”
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
                                     
June 30, 2007:
                                   
Company
                                   
Risk based capital ratios:
                                   
Tier 1
  $
2,871,236
      11.69 %   $
982,701
      4.00 %   $
1,474,051
      6.00 %
Total capital
   
3,045,522
     
12.40
     
1,965,402
     
8.00
     
2,456,752
     
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,871,236
     
6.06
     
1,896,024
     
4.00
     
2,370,031
     
5.00
 
Commerce N.A.
                                               
Risk based capital ratios:
                                               
Tier 1
  $
2,517,264
      11.17 %   $
901,627
      4.00 %   $
1,352,441
      6.00 %
Total capital
   
2,667,255
     
11.83
     
1,803,254
     
8.00
     
2,254,068
     
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
   
2,517,264
     
5.85
     
1,722,225
     
4.00
     
2,152,781
     
5.00
 
                                                 
 
 
 
8


 
               
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
 

At June 30, 2007, the Company 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, 2007, the Company and its subsidiaries meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

Deposits

Total deposits at June 30, 2007 were $44.4 billion, an increase of $6.4 billion, or 17% over total deposits of $38.0 billion at June 30, 2006, and up by $3.1 billion, or 8% from year-end 2006. Year over year deposit growth included core deposit growth in all 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,
2007
   
% of
Total
   
June 30,
2006
   
% of
Total
   
Annual
Growth %
 
                               
Consumer
  $
18,156,197
      42 %   $
15,765,786
      43 %     15 %
                                         
Commercial
   
17,318,606
     
40
     
14,637,257
     
40
     
18
 
                                         
Government
   
7,539,003
     
18
     
6,380,831
     
17
     
18
 
                                         
Total
  $
43,013,806
      100 %   $
36,783,874
      100 %     17 %
                                         

Comparable store core deposit growth is measured as the year over year percentage increase in core deposits for stores open one year or more at the balance sheet date.  At June 30, 2007, the comparable store core deposit growth was 15%.

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.
 
 
 
9


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.

In March 2007, the ALCO Committee of the Board of Directors approved revised guidelines for the Company’s income simulation model.  The revised income simulation guidelines measure interest rate sensitivity by projecting net interest income, as opposed to net income, in alternative interest rate environments.  The revisions were made based on ALCO’s view that the measurement of changes in net interest income in alternative interest rate environments is a more appropriate indicator of the Company’s interest rate risk.

The Company’s income simulation model analyzes interest rate sensitivity by projecting net interest income over the next twelve months in a flat rate scenario, versus net interest 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 over a twelve month period. The Company’s ALCO policy has established that interest income sensitivity will be considered acceptable if net interest income in the above interest rate scenarios are within 10% of forecasted net interest income in the flat rate scenario over the next twelve months.  The following table illustrates the impact on projected net interest income at June 30, 2007 and 2006 of a plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change in interest rates.

             
   
Basis Point Change
 
   
Plus 200
   
Minus 100
 
June 30, 2007:
           
Twelve Months
    (8.1 )%     3.2 %
                 
June 30, 2006:
               
Twelve Months
    (3.4 )%     1.2 %
                 

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 revised ALCO guidelines indicate that the level of interest rate risk is unacceptable if the immediate plus 200 or minus 100 basis point change would result in the loss of 25% or more of the excess of market value over book value in the current rate scenario. At June 30, 2007, the market value of equity model indicates an acceptable level of interest rate risk.
 
 
 
10


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, 2007, the average life of the Company’s core deposit transaction accounts was 17.5 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, 2007 (in millions, except for per share amounts):

             
   
Market Value
       
   
of Equity
   
Per Share
 
             
Plus 200 basis points
  $
9,171
    $
47.24
 
                 
Current Rate
  $
10,317
    $
53.15
 
                 
Minus 100 basis points
  $
9,949
    $
51.25
 

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 the sale of its available for sale investment portfolio.  As of June 30, 2007 the Company had in excess of $16.8 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 2007, deposit growth 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, typically consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, federal funds purchased or lines of credit, and are used to meet short-term funding needs.  At June 30, 2007, short-term borrowings aggregated $545.3 million and had an average rate of 5.22%, as compared to $777.4 million at an average rate of 5.29% at December 31, 2006.

Interest Earning Assets

The Company’s cash flow from deposit growth and repayments from its investment portfolio totaled approximately $6.2 billion for the first six months of 2007.  This significant cash flow provides the Company with ongoing reinvestment opportunities as interest rates change.  For the six month period ended June 30, 2007, interest earning assets increased $2.5 billion from $41.8 billion at December 31, 2006 to $44.3 billion. This increase was primarily in investment securities and the loan portfolio as described below.
 
 
11


Loans

Total loans at June 30, 2007 were $16.4 billion, an increase of $2.1 billion or 15% over total loans of $14.3 billion at June 30, 2006, and up by $760.5 million, or 5% from year-end 2006.  The following table summarizes the loan portfolio of the Company by type of loan as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
 
   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial:
           
Term
  $
2,627,535
    $
2,392,889
 
    Line of credit
   
1,830,054
     
1,843,545
 
     
4,457,589
     
4,236,434
 
                 
Owner-occupied
   
3,000,421
     
2,845,791
 
     
7,458,010
     
7,082,225
 
                 
Consumer:
               
Mortgages (1-4 family residential)
   
2,299,516
     
2,235,247
 
Installment
   
283,717
     
287,151
 
Home equity
   
3,299,510
     
2,958,893
 
Credit lines
   
153,114
     
137,429
 
     
6,035,857
     
5,618,720
 
Commercial real estate:
               
Investor developer
   
2,376,510
     
2,625,628
 
Construction
   
497,202
     
280,476
 
     
2,873,712
     
2,906,104
 
Total loans
  $
16,367,579
    $
15,607,049
 

Investments

Total investments at June 30, 2007 were $27.8 billion, an increase of $2.3 billion, or 9% over total investments of $25.5 billion at June 30, 2006, and up by $1.8 billion, or 7% from year-end 2006. The available for sale portfolio increased $2.1 billion to $13.2 billion at June 30, 2007 from $11.1 billion at December 31, 2006, and the held to maturity portfolio decreased $299.3 million to $14.6 billion at June 30, 2007 from $14.9 billion at year-end 2006.
 
 
12


Detailed below is information regarding the composition and characteristics of the Company’s investment portfolio, excluding trading securities, as of June 30, 2007.

                   
   
Available
   
Held to
       
Product Description
 
For Sale
   
Maturity
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed Securities:
                 
Federal Agencies Pass Through
                 
Certificates (AAA Rated)
  $
1,545,562
    $
1,949,096
    $
3,494,658
 
                         
Collateralized Mortgage
                       
Obligations (AAA Rated)
   
10,518,878
     
10,514,333
     
21,033,211
 
                         
U.S. Government agencies/Other
   
1,156,731
     
2,122,285
     
3,279,016
 
                         
        Total
  $
13,221,171
    $
14,585,714
    $
27,806,885
 
                         
Duration (in years)
   
3.73
     
4.36
     
4.06
 
Average Life (in years)
   
6.42
     
6.44
     
6.43
 
Quarterly Average Yield
    5.74 %     5.42 %     5.57 %

At June 30, 2007, the after tax depreciation of the Company’s available for sale portfolio was $123.8 million.

The Company’s mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio comprises 88% 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.  None of the securities in the investment portfolio are backed by subprime mortgages.

A summary of the amortized cost and market value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity (in thousands) at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 follows:

       
   
At June 30, 2007
 
   
Amortized
 Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Market
Value
 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
  $
13,302,184
    $
11,700
    $ (222,803 )   $
13,091,081
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
54,347
     
5
      (1,721 )    
52,631
 
Equity securities
   
9,679
     
10,726
             
20,405
 
Other
   
57,532
              (478 )    
57,054
 
Securities available for sale
  $
13,423,742
    $
22,431
    $ (225,002 )   $
13,221,171
 
                                 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
  $
14,075,770
    $
6,795
    $ (420,351 )   $
13,662,214
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
368,751
     
483
      (1,417 )    
367,817
 
Other
   
141,193
                     
141,193
 
Securities held to maturity
  $
14,585,714
    $
7,278
    $ (421,768 )   $
14,171,224
 
 

 
13


       
   
At December 31, 2006
 
   
Amortized
 Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Market
Value
 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
  $
11,098,131
    $
16,047
    $ (129,931 )   $
10,984,247
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
54,517
     
229
      (1 )    
54,745
 
Equity securities
   
9,679
     
9,392
             
19,071
 
Other
   
40,221
              (171 )    
40,050
 
Securities available for sale
  $
11,202,548
    $
25,668
    $ (130,103 )   $
11,098,113
 
                                 
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
  $
14,205,534
    $
14,843
    $ (283,519 )   $
13,936,858
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
   
554,189
     
1,881
      (422 )    
555,648
 
Other
   
125,259
                     
125,259
 
Securities held to maturity
  $
14,884,982
    $
16,724
    $ (283,941 )   $
14,617,765
 

There were no securities sold during the second quarter of 2007.  For the first six months of 2007, gross gains and losses on securities sold amounted to $2.9 million and $0, respectively.

During the first six months of 2007, $84.2 million of securities were sold which had unrealized losses at December 31, 2006.  Gross gains and losses on these securities sold were $477 thousand and $0, respectively.

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, 2006, 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, 2007 represents an other-than-temporary impairment.

Net Income

Net income for the second quarter of 2007 was $76.9 million, a $2.6 million, or 3%, decrease from the $79.5 million recorded for the second quarter of 2006.  Net income for the first six months of 2007 totaled $154.8 million, a $2.0 million, or 1%, decrease from the $156.8 million recorded for the first six months of 2006.  On a per share basis, diluted net income for the second quarter and first six months of 2007 was $0.39 and $0.79 per common share compared to $0.41 and $0.82 per common share for the same periods in 2006, respectively.

Return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) for the second quarter of 2007 were 0.65% and 10.57%, respectively, compared to 0.76% and 12.83%, respectively, for the same 2006 period. ROA and ROE for the first six months of 2007 were 0.66% and 10.72%, respectively, compared to 0.77% and 12.92%, respectively, for the same 2006 period.  Both ROA and ROE for the second quarter and first six months of 2007 continue to be impacted by the continued difficult interest rate environment and the resulting impact on the Company’s net interest income.
 
 
14


Net Interest Income

Net interest income totaled $342.8 million for the second quarter of 2007, a 7% increase over the $318.9 million in the second quarter of 2006.  Net interest income for the first six months of 2007 was $675.8 million, up $48.9 million or 8% from $626.9 million for the first six months of 2006.  The increase in net interest income for the second quarter and first six months of 2007 was due to the Company’s continued ability to grow deposits as well as its loan and investment portfolios, offset by rate changes due to the current interest rate environment.

On a tax equivalent basis, the Company recorded $350.1 million in net interest income in the second quarter of 2007, an increase of $25.1 million or 8% over the second quarter of 2006.  For the first six months of 2007, net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was $690.6 million, an increase of $51.8 million or 8% over the first six months of 2006.  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
   
%
 
2007 vs. 2006
 
Increase
   
Change
   
Increase
   
Increase
 
                         
Quarter Ended June 30
  $
44,950
    $ (19,826 )   $
25,124
      8 %
                                 
Six Months Ended June 30
  $
95,718
    $ (43,897 )   $
51,821
      8 %
                                 

The net interest margin for the second quarter of 2007 decreased slightly to 3.22%, compared to 3.27% for the first quarter of 2007, and down 17 basis points from the 3.39% margin for the second quarter of 2006. The year over year compression in net interest margin was primarily caused by the continued difficult interest rate environment.

The following table sets forth balance sheet items on a daily average basis for the three months ended June 30, 2007, March 31, 2007 and June 30, 2006 and presents the daily average interest earned on assets and paid on liabilities for such periods.
 
 
15

Average Balances and Net Interest Income

 
                                                                                    
June 2007
   
March 2007
   
June 2006
 
   
Average
         
Average
   
Average
         
Average
   
Average
         
Average
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Earning Assets
                                                     
Investment securities
                                                     
Taxable
  $
26,645,741
    $
369,794
      5.57 %   $
25,237,398
    $
348,630
      5.60 %   $
23,851,645
    $
319,271
      5.37 %
Tax-exempt
   
571,408
     
8,415
     
5.91
     
611,725
     
8,984
     
5.96
     
559,733
     
7,322
     
5.25
 
Trading
   
105,198
     
1,509
     
5.75
     
96,838
     
1,290
     
5.40
     
113,049
     
1,525
     
5.41
 
Total investment securities
   
27,322,347
     
379,718
     
5.57
     
25,945,961
     
358,904
     
5.61
     
24,524,427
     
328,118
     
5.37
 
Federal funds sold
   
150,675
     
2,000
     
5.32
     
436,031
     
5,733
     
5.33
     
19,898
     
250
     
5.04
 
Loans
                                                                       
Commercial mortgages
   
5,443,872
     
96,125
     
7.08
     
5,447,516
     
95,522
     
7.11
     
4,784,584
     
83,903
     
7.03
 
Commercial
   
4,143,332
     
80,595
     
7.80
     
4,024,615
     
77,457
     
7.81
     
3,492,946
     
66,879
     
7.68
 
Consumer
   
5,947,306
     
95,002
     
6.41
     
5,711,130
     
90,500
     
6.43
     
5,115,609
     
80,560
     
6.32
 
Tax-exempt
   
615,035
     
10,987
     
7.17
     
599,202
     
11,217
     
7.59
     
498,492
     
8,535
     
6.87
 
Total loans
   
16,149,545
     
282,709
     
7.02
     
15,782,463
     
274,696
     
7.06
     
13,891,631
     
239,877
     
6.93
 
Total earning assets
  $
43,622,567
    $
664,427
      6.11 %   $
42,164,455
    $
639,333
      6.14 %   $
38,435,956
    $
568,245
      5.93 %
Sources of Funds
                                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                                                       
Savings
  $
10,455,936
    $
72,954
      2.80 %   $
10,448,840
    $
72,118
      2.80 %   $
10,344,463
    $
64,157
      2.49 %
Interest bearing demand
   
19,173,873
     
177,289
     
3.71
     
17,886,395
     
163,742
     
3.71
     
14,597,277
     
118,085
     
3.24
 
Time deposits
   
4,152,221
     
46,518
     
4.49
     
3,999,233
     
43,284
     
4.39
     
3,088,653
     
25,949
     
3.37
 
Public funds
   
1,079,122
     
14,003
     
5.20
     
1,197,869
     
15,579
     
5.27
     
1,224,298
     
15,225
     
4.99
 
Total deposits
   
34,861,152
     
310,764
     
3.58
     
33,532,337
     
294,723
     
3.56
     
29,254,691
     
223,416
     
3.06
 
                                                                         
Other borrowed money
   
267,542
     
3,519
     
5.28
     
314,552
     
4,132
     
5.33
     
1,624,229
     
19,809
     
4.89
 
Total deposits and interest-bearing
                                                                       
liabilities
   
35,128,694
     
314,283
     
3.59
     
33,846,889
     
298,855
     
3.58
     
30,878,920
     
243,225
     
3.16
 
Noninterest-bearing funds (net)
   
8,493,873
                     
8,317,566
                     
7,557,036
                 
Total sources to fund earning assets
  $
43,622,567
     
314,283
     
2.89
    $
42,164,455
     
298,855
     
2.87
    $
38,435,956
     
243,225
     
2.54
 
                                                                         
Net interest income and
                                                                       
margin tax-equivalent basis
          $
350,144
      3.22 %           $
340,478
      3.27 %           $
325,020
      3.39 %
Other Balances
                                                                       
Cash and due from banks
  $
1,213,084
                    $
1,182,810
                    $
1,278,137
                 
Other assets
   
2,754,125
                     
2,613,080
                     
2,314,307
                 
Total assets
   
47,430,063
                     
45,804,220
                     
41,888,789
                 
Total deposits
   
43,869,934
                     
42,232,192
                     
37,486,585
                 
Demand deposits (noninterest-
bearing)
   
9,008,782
                     
8,699,855
                     
8,231,894
                 
Other liabilities
   
382,676
                     
390,627
                     
299,622
                 
Stockholders’ equity
   
2,909,911
                     
2,866,849
                     
2,478,353
                 

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.
 
 
16


 
Noninterest Income
 
Noninterest income totaled $176.6 million for the second quarter of 2007, an increase of $33.6 million or 24% from $143.0 million in the second quarter of 2006.  Noninterest income for the first six months of 2007 increased to $336.0 million from $274.0 million in the first six months of 2006, a 23% increase.  Deposit charges and service fees increased $25.3 million, or 28%, and $48.2 million, or 28%, during the second quarter and first six months of 2007, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2006, primarily due to growth in customer accounts and transaction volumes.  Other operating income, which includes the Company’s insurance and capital markets divisions, increased $8.4 million, or 16%, and $11.0 million, or 11%, during the second quarter and first six months of 2007, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2006.  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,
 
 
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Other operating income:
                               
Commerce Banc Insurance
  $
23,084
    $
20,573
    $
45,734
    $
42,517
 
Commerce Capital Markets
   
8,037
     
7,263
     
15,305
     
13,498
 
Operating lease revenue
   
4,797
     
3,475
     
10,051
     
6,977
 
Loan brokerage fees
   
2,641
     
2,183
     
5,603
     
4,119
 
 
   
21,100
     
17,809
     
34,332
     
32,913
 
Total other
  $
59,659
    $
51,303
    $
111,025
    $
100,024
 

Included in all other operating income for the second quarter and first six months of 2007 are increased revenues generated by the Company’s eMoney Advisor, credit card and loan divisions.  These increases were offset by net losses of $2.5 million and $7.5 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2007, respectively, related to the Company’s equity method investments.

Noninterest Expense

For the second quarter of 2007, noninterest expense totaled $387.9 million, an increase of $54.1 million, or 16%, over the same period in 2006.  For the first six months of 2007, noninterest expense totaled $750.7 million, an increase of $101.6 million or 16% over $649.1 million for the first six months of 2006.  Contributing to this increase was new store activity over the past twelve months, with the number of stores increasing from 389 at June 30, 2006 to 442 at June 30, 2007. With the addition of these new stores, staff, facilities, and related expenses rose accordingly.

Other noninterest expense increased $13.1 million, or 18%, and $15.4 million, or 11%, over the second quarter and first six months of 2006, 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,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Other noninterest expense:
                       
Business development costs
  $
12,314
    $
14,464
    $
22,187
    $
24,049
 
Bank-card related service charges
   
16,723
     
14,162
     
29,033
     
26,533
 
Professional services/Insurance
   
21,203
     
11,418
     
35,333
     
22,733
 
Provision for non-credit-related losses
   
5,809
     
6,897
     
12,130
     
14,708
 
Other
   
28,953
     
24,973
     
53,685
     
48,916
 
Total other
  $
85,002
    $
71,914
    $
152,368
    $
136,939
 
 
 
17


 
The increase in professional services and insurance expense is primarily attributable to increased FDIC assessments and legal fees.  The Company’s FDIC assessment increased by $6.5 million and $8.4 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2007, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2006.

The provision for non-credit-related losses, which includes fraud and forgery losses on deposit and other non-credit-related items decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, as compared to the prior year periods, as the Company implemented several loss prevention initiatives.  Business development costs and other expenses were impacted by the Company’s continued focus on controlling costs while continuing to execute its growth model.

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 74.3% for the first six months of 2007 as compared to 72.0% for the same 2006 period.  The increase in the operating efficiency ratio is primarily due to the continued difficult interest rate environment and the resulting impact 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, 2007 were $55.9 million, or 0.12% of total assets compared to $51.7 million or 0.11% of total assets at March 31, 2007 and $52.4 million or 0.12% of total assets at June 30, 2006.

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, 2007 were $50.7 million or 0.31% of total loans compared to $46.7 million or 0.29% of total loans at March 31, 2007 and $51.0 million or 0.36% of total loans at June 30, 2006. At June 30, 2007, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest amounted to $965 thousand compared to $658 thousand at March 31, 2007 and $583 thousand at June 30, 2006. Additional loans considered as potential problem loans by the Company’s credit review process ($151.3 million at June 30, 2007, compared to $121.3 million at March 31, 2007 and $80.6 million at June 30, 2006) have been evaluated as to risk exposure in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

Total non-performing loans increased by $4.0 million during the second quarter of 2007, which was primarily due to increases in commercial and mortgage non-accrual loans of $1.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Other real estate/foreclosed assets totaled $5.2 million at June 30, 2007 as compared to $5.0 million at March 31, 2007 and $1.4 million at June 30, 2006.  These properties/assets have been written down to the lower of cost or fair market value less disposition costs.
 
 
18

 
 
The following summary presents information regarding non-performing loans and assets as of June 30, 2007 and the preceding four quarters (dollar amounts in thousands).

   
June 30,
2007
   
March 31,
2007
   
December 31,
2006
   
September 30,
2006
   
June 30,
2006
 
Non-accrual loans:
                             
Commercial
  $
22,381
    $
20,526
    $
33,686
    $
33,658
    $
34,904
 
Consumer
   
15,462
     
15,343
     
11,820
     
9,325
     
8,927
 
Real estate:
                                       
Construction
   
8,509
     
8,575
     
3,531
     
496
     
1,708
 
Mortgage
   
4,328
     
2,277
     
1,565
     
1,828
     
2,523
 
Total non-accrual loans
   
50,680
     
46,721
     
50,602
     
45,307
     
48,062
 
                                         
Restructured loans:
                                       
Commercial
                                   
2,941
 
Total restructured loans
                                   
2,941
 
                                         
Total non-performing loans
   
50,680
     
46,721
     
50,602
     
45,307
     
51,003
 
                                         
Other real estate/foreclosed assets
   
5,235
     
5,000
     
2,610
     
2,022
     
1,369
 
                                         
Total non-performing assets
   
55,915
     
51,721
     
53,212
     
47,329
     
52,372
 
                                         
Loans past due 90 days or more
                                       
and still accruing
   
965
     
658
     
620
     
441
     
583
 
                                         
Total non-performing assets and
                                       
loans past due 90 days or more
  $
56,880
    $
52,379
    $
53,832
    $
47,770
    $
52,955
 
                                         
Total non-performing loans as a
                                       
percentage of total period-end loans
    0.31 %     0.29 %     0.32 %     0.31 %     0.36 %
                                         
Total non-performing assets as a
                                       
percentage of total period-end assets
    0.12 %     0.11 %     0.12 %     0.11 %     0.12 %
                                         
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage
                                       
of total non-performing loans
    334 %     351 %     317 %     341 %     291 %
                                         
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage
                                       
of total period-end loans
    1.04 %     1.03 %     1.03 %     1.05 %     1.04 %
                                         
Total non-performing assets and loans
                                       
past due 90 days or more as a
                                       
percentage of stockholders’ equity and
                                       
allowance for loan losses
    2 %     2 %     2 %     2 %     2 %
 
 
19


 
The Company maintains an allowance for losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio and an allowance for losses on unfunded credit commitments.  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,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2006
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $
164,057
    $
142,913
    $
160,269
    $
141,464
    $
141,464
 
Provisions charged to operating expenses
   
12,550
     
7,500
     
22,550
     
14,001
     
33,700
 
     
176,607
     
150,413
     
182,819
     
155,465
     
175,164
 
                                         
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off:
                                       
Commercial
   
1,065
     
2,095
     
2,186
     
2,628
     
5,987
 
Consumer
   
330
     
624
     
619
     
1,135
     
1,604
 
Commercial real estate
   
62
     
317
     
297
     
318
     
385
 
Total recoveries
   
1,457
     
3,036
     
3,102
     
4,081
     
7,976
 
                                         
Loans charged-off:
                                       
Commercial
    (5,951 )     (3,028 )     (10,245 )     (7,214 )     (14,107 )
Consumer
    (2,570 )     (1,972 )     (5,544 )     (3,684 )     (8,179 )
Commercial real estate
    (84 )     (66 )     (673 )     (265 )     (585 )
Total charge-offs
    (8,605 )     (5,066 )     (16,462 )     (11,163 )     (22,871 )
Net charge-offs
    (7,148 )     (2,030 )     (13,360 )     (7,082 )     (14,895 )
                                         
Balance at end of period
  $
169,459
    $
148,383
    $
169,459
    $
148,383
    $
160,269
 
                                         
Net charge-offs as a percentage of
                                       
average loans outstanding
    0.18 %     0.06 %     0.17 %     0.11 %     0.11 %
                                         
Net reserve additions
  $
5,402
    $
5,470
    $
9,190
    $
6,919
    $
18,805
 
                                         
Components:
                                       
Allowance for loan and lease losses
  $
160,694
    $
140,746
    $
160,694
    $
140,746
    $
152,053
 
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments
   
8,765
     
7,637
     
8,765
     
7,637
     
8,216
 
Total allowance for credit losses
  $
169,459
    $
148,383
    $
169,459
    $
148,383
    $
160,269
 
                                         

During the second quarter of 2007, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding were 0.18%, as compared to 0.06% for the second quarter of 2006.  During the first six months of 2007, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding were 0.17%, as compared to 0.11% for the same period in 2006.  The net reserve additions for the second quarter and first six months of 2007 were reflective of the growth in the Company’s loan portfolio.

The Company considers the allowance for credit losses of $169.5 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.
 
 
20


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 shareholders 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 or other forward looking statements 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; 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 (including those regulatory and other approvals necessary to open new stores); 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 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.

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.

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
 
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

The Company’s management, with the participation of its principal executive officer, or persons performing similar functions, and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) Rule 13a-15(e), as of June 30, 2007.  Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer, or persons performing similar functions, and principal financial officer, concluded that, as of June 30, 2007, 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 (“SEC”) 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.
  
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

The Company’s management, with the participation of its principal executive officer, or persons performing similar functions, 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 2007 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 1.  Legal Proceedings

Three purported shareholder derivative complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on January 22, 2007, May 11, 2007 and July 17, 2007, respectively, by parties identifying themselves as shareholders of Commerce Bancorp, Inc. ("Bancorp") purporting to act on behalf of Bancorp against certain present and former directors and officers of Bancorp and their related interests. Bancorp is also named as a “nominal defendant” in each of the suits.  The suits allege breaches of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment arising from certain related party transactions. The complaints seek monetary damages, disgorgement, and other relief against the defendants on behalf of Bancorp. The complaints do not seek monetary damages from Bancorp but do seek that Bancorp take certain corrective actions.

Bancorp has received three demand letters from law firms, on behalf of purported shareholders, demanding that the Board bring claims on behalf of Bancorp against certain present and former directors and officers of Bancorp and their related interests based on allegations substantially similar to those that were alleged in the proposed shareholder derivative actions described above and, separately, demand that certain records of Bancorp be made available for inspection.  One of the shareholders who served a demand on Bancorp filed one of the derivative actions described above.

In response to the complaints and the demand letters, the Board has established a Special Litigation Committee (made up of independent directors) to independently investigate, review and analyze the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations made in the complaints and demand lettersy.  The Special Litigation Committee has been authorized to engage its own counsel to assist in its investigation.  Pending the outcome of its investigation, the Special Litigation Committee will determine the actions, if any, that Bancorp should take with respect to the matters raised in the complaints and the demand letters.

Regulatory Orders

On June 28, 2007, Commerce Bank, N.A., a national bank subsidiary of Bancorp, agreed to a Consent Order with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), which relates to, among other things, corporate governance, related party transactions and policies and procedures for real estate related transactions. The description of the Consent Order above does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Consent Order included as Exhibit 10.1 hereto, which is incorporated into this report by reference.

The Board of Directors of Commerce Bank, N.A. entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order dated June 28, 2007 with the OCC, which is included as Exhibit 10.2 hereto, which is incorporated into this report by reference.

In addition, on June 28, 2007, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia (the “FRB”) and Bancorp entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”).  Pursuant to the MOU,  Bancorp’s Board of Directors has agreed to, among other things, take all actions necessary to ensure Commerce Bank, N.A. complies fully with the Consent Order.  The description of the MOU above does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the MOU, which is included as Exhibit 10.3 hereto, which is incorporated into this report by reference.
 
 
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Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Except for the additional risk factor set forth below, the risk factors in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K have not materially changed.

Bancorp has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia (“FRB”) and Commerce Bank, N.A.  has entered into a Consent Order with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) .

On June 28, 2007, Bancorp entered into an MOU with the FRB and Commerce Bank, N.A.  entered into a Consent Order with the OCC.  The MOU and the Consent Order (together, the "Regulatory Orders") relate to, among other things, corporate governance, related party transactions and policies and procedures for real estate related transactions.  While the Company cannot predict what the impact of not complying with the Regulatory Orders would be, failure to comply could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.


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

The annual meeting of Bancorp’s shareholders was held on May 15, 2007.  Proxies representing 173,114,516 shares were received (total shares outstanding as of the record date were 196,504,130).  The item of business acted upon at the annual meeting was the election of 13 directors for one year terms.  The number of votes cast for, against, or withheld was as follows:

Election of directors:

   
(Withhold Authority)
Name of Nominee
For
Against
     
Vernon W. Hill, II
156,510,143
16,604,373
Jack R Bershad
148,913,044
24,201,472
Joseph E. Buckelew
157,470,639
15,643,877
Donald T. DiFrancesco
134,449,321
38,665,195
Nicholas A. Giordano
156,179,547
16,934,969
Morton N. Kerr
148,127,530
24,986,986
Steven M. Lewis
157,599,096
15,515,420
John K. Lloyd
158,094,579
15,019,937
George E. Norcross, III
157,067,095
16,047,421
Daniel J. Ragone
154,906,057
18,208,459
William A. Schwartz, Jr.
158,043,816
15,070,700
Joseph T. Tarquini, Jr.
157,621,200
15,493,316
Joseph S. Vassalluzzo
151,508,687
21,605,829

Subsequent to the annual meeting, Vernon W. Hill, II resigned as Chairman, President and CEO of Bancorp effective July 31, 2007.
 
 
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Item 6.                 Exhibits

Exhibits

Exhibit 10.1
Consent Order dated June 28, 2007 issued by the Comptroller of the Currency in the matter of Commerce Bank, N.A.  (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2007 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)
   
Exhibit 10.2
Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of a Consent Order dated June 28, 2007 between the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Directors of Commerce Bank, N.A. on behalf of Commerce Bank, N.A.  (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2007 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)
   
Exhibit 10.3
Memorandum of Understanding, dated June 28, 2007, by and between the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and Commerce Bancorp, Inc.  (Incorporated by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2007 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)
   
   
   


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 8, 2007
 
/s/ DOUGLAS J. PAULS
(Date)
 
DOUGLAS J. PAULS
   
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND
   
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
   
(PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER)

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