Commerce NJ 10Q 6-30-05

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, 2005

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

Commerce Bancorp Logo

 
(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 an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes X
No __
 
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
164,051,679
(Title of Class)
(No. of Shares Outstanding
as of August 1, 2005)

 
 

 

COMMERCE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX

   
Page
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
 
     
 
 
     
   
   
 
     
 
 
     
   
 
   
 
     
 
 
     
     
     
 
     
     
     
     








PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

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

             
     
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2005
   
2004
 
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$
1,400,346
 
$
1,050,806
 
 
Federal funds sold
 
13,700
       
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
1,414,046
   
1,050,806
 
 
Loans held for sale
 
314,437
   
44,072
 
 
Trading securities
 
183,894
   
169,103
 
 
Securities available for sale
 
7,676,837
   
8,044,150
 
 
Securities held to maturity
 
11,708,266
   
10,463,658
 
 
(market value 06/05-$11,692,632; 12/04-$10,430,451)
           
 
Loans
 
10,688,717
   
9,454,611
 
 
Less allowance for loan losses
 
141,325
   
135,620
 
     
10,547,392
   
9,318,991
 
 
Bank premises and equipment, net
 
1,135,035
   
1,059,519
 
 
Other assets
 
383,029
   
351,346
 
   
$
33,362,936
 
$
30,501,645
 
               
Liabilities
Deposits:
           
 
Demand:
           
 
Noninterest-bearing
$
7,540,381
 
$
6,406,614
 
 
Interest-bearing
 
11,966,515
   
11,604,066
 
 
Savings
 
7,504,035
   
6,490,263
 
 
Time
 
3,508,132
   
3,157,942
 
 
Total deposits
 
30,519,063
   
27,658,885
 
 
Other borrowed money
 
567,346
   
661,195
 
 
Other liabilities
 
227,036
   
315,860
 
 
Long-term debt
 
200,000
   
200,000
 
     
31,513,445
   
28,835,940
 
               
Stockholders’
Common stock, 164,178,009 shares
           
Equity
issued (160,635,618 shares in 2004)
 
164,178
   
160,636
 
 
Capital in excess of par value
 
1,024,851
   
951,476
 
 
Retained earnings
 
664,803
   
543,978
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
8,390
   
20,953
 
     
1,862,222
   
1,677,043
 
               
 
Less treasury stock, at cost, 838,758 shares
           
 
issued (795,610 shares in 2004)
 
12,731
   
11,338
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,849,491
   
1,665,705
 
   
$
33,362,936
 
$
30,501,645
 

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)
 
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
Interest
Interest and fees on loans
$
161,839
 
$
113,947
 
$
307,057
 
$
222,160
 
income
Interest on investments
 
234,970
   
177,929
   
459,916
   
341,428
 
 
Other interest
 
889
   
154
   
1,205
   
494
 
 
Total interest income
 
397,698
   
292,030
   
768,178
   
564,082
 
                           
Interest
Interest on deposits:
                       
expense
Demand
 
53,755
   
18,729
   
100,426
   
34,672
 
 
Savings
 
23,258
   
10,216
   
42,338
   
18,002
 
 
Time
 
22,281
   
14,264
   
40,679
   
28,907
 
 
Total interest on deposits
 
99,294
   
43,209
   
183,443
   
81,581
 
 
Interest on other borrowed money
 
6,917
   
1,052
   
11,327
   
1,500
 
 
Interest on long-term debt
 
3,020
   
3,020
   
6,040
   
6,040
 
 
Total interest expense
 
109,231
   
47,281
   
200,810
   
89,121
 
                           
 
Net interest income
 
288,467
   
244,749
   
567,368
   
474,961
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
4,500
   
10,748
   
10,750
   
20,248
 
 
Net interest income after provision for
                       
 
loan losses
 
283,967
   
234,001
   
556,618
   
454,713
 
                           
Noninterest
Deposit charges and service fees
 
68,802
   
52,717
   
128,766
   
98,198
 
income
Other operating income
 
42,152
   
38,923
   
84,769
   
79,250
 
 
Net investment securities gains
 
4,689
   
635
   
5,797
   
1,059
 
 
Total noninterest income
 
115,643
   
92,275
   
219,332
   
178,507
 
                           
Noninterest
Salaries and benefits
 
127,552
   
104,110
   
246,853
   
201,450
 
expense
Occupancy
 
39,110
   
27,949
   
77,103
   
56,059
 
 
Furniture and equipment
 
28,895
   
27,001
   
57,821
   
51,180
 
 
Office
 
12,577
   
10,920
   
25,254
   
21,840
 
 
Marketing
 
8,456
   
9,278
   
14,257
   
17,974
 
 
Other
 
61,909
   
46,997
   
115,617
   
90,002
 
 
Total noninterest expenses
 
278,499
   
226,255
   
536,905
   
438,505
 
                           
 
Income before income taxes
 
121,111
   
100,021
   
239,045
   
194,715
 
 
Provision for federal and state income taxes
 
41,702
   
33,786
   
82,499
   
66,505
 
 
Net income
$
79,409
 
$
66,235
 
$
156,546
 
$
128,210
 
                           
 
Net income per common and common
                       
 
equivalent share:
                       
 
Basic
$
0.49
 
$
0.42
 
$
0.97
 
$
0.82
 
 
Diluted
$
0.46
 
$
0.40
 
$
0.91
 
$
0.77
 
 
Average common and common equivalent
                       
 
shares outstanding:
                       
 
Basic
 
162,287
   
155,960
   
161,547
   
155,144
 
 
Diluted
 
177,202
   
172,520
   
176,724
   
171,787
 
 
Dividends declared, common stock
$
0.11
 
$
0.10
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.19
 

See accompanying notes.
 
2



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

         
     
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
2005
   
2004
 
Operating
Net income
$
156,546
 
$
128,210
 
activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
           
 
provided by operating activities:
           
 
Provision for loan losses
 
10,750
   
20,248
 
 
Provision for depreciation, amortization and accretion
 
75,851
   
63,429
 
 
Gain on sales of securities
 
(5,797
)
 
(1,059
)
 
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
 
346,381
   
408,006
 
 
Originations of loans held for sale
 
(367,246
)
 
(406,284
)
 
Net increase in trading securities
 
(14,791
)
 
(11,647
)
 
Increase in other assets, net
 
(24,914
)
 
(35,859
)
 
Decrease in other liabilities
 
(89,165
)
 
(14,414
)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
87,615
   
150,630
 
               
Investing
Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale
 
1,751,170
   
1,656,912
 
activities
Proceeds from the maturity of securities available for sale
 
1,462,746
   
2,228,796
 
 
Proceeds from the maturity of securities held to maturity
 
1,184,845
   
407,486
 
 
Purchase of securities available for sale
 
(2,875,296
)
 
(5,569,909
)
 
Purchase of securities held to maturity
 
(2,438,003
)
 
(1,690,817
)
 
Net increase in loans
 
(1,488,651
)
 
(897,497
)
 
Capital expenditures
 
(127,658
)
 
(136,731
)
 
Net cash used by investing activities
 
(2,530,847
)
 
(4,001,760
)
               
Financing
Net increase in demand and savings deposits
 
2,509,988
   
3,481,226
 
activities
Net increase (decrease) in time deposits
 
350,190
   
(120,878
)
 
Net (decrease) increase in other borrowed money
 
(93,849
)
 
632,530
 
 
Dividends paid
 
(35,378
)
 
(29,315
)
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under
dividend reinvestment and other stock plans
 
 
76,914
   
 
69,433
 
 
Other
 
(1,393
)
 
(1,999
)
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
2,806,472
   
4,030,997
 
               
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
363,240
   
179,867
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
1,050,806
   
910,092
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,414,046
 
$
1,089,959
 
               
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
           
 
Cash paid during the period for:
           
 
Interest
$
198,427
 
$
89,705
 
 
Income taxes
 
75,370
   
63,339
 
 
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, 2005
                       
(in thousands)
                       
     
Capital in
         
Accumulated
     
     
Excess of
         
Other
     
 
Common
 
Par
 
Retained
 
Treasury
 
Comprehensive
     
 
Stock
 
Value
 
Earnings
 
Stock
 
Income (Loss)
 
Total
 
                         
Balances at December 31, 2004
$160,636
 
$951,476
 
$543,978
 
$(11,338
)
$20,953
 
$1,665,705
 
Net income
       
156,546
         
156,546
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
                       
Unrealized loss on securities (pre-tax $22,932)
               
(14,711
)
(14,711
)
Reclassification adjustment (pre-tax $3,304)
               
2,148
 
2,148
 
Other comprehensive loss
                   
(12,563
)
Total comprehensive income
                   
143,983
 
Cash dividends
       
(35,718
)
       
(35,718
)
Shares issued under dividend reinvestment
                       
and compensation and benefit plans (3,542 shares)
3,542
 
73,372
             
76,914
 
Other
   
3
 
(3
)
(1,393
)
   
(1,393
)
Balances at June 30, 2005
$164,178
 
$1,024,851
 
$664,803
 
$(12,731
)
$8,390
 
$1,849,491
 

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, 2004. 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, 2004. The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2005.

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 2005 presentation.

Per share data and other appropriate share information for 2004 have been restated for the two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend effective March 7, 2005.

B. Long Term Debt

On March 11, 2002, the Company issued $200.0 million of 5.95% Convertible Trust Capital Securities through Commerce Capital Trust II, a Delaware business trust. The Convertible Trust Capital Securities mature in 2032. All $200.0 million of the Convertible Trust Capital Securities qualify as Tier 1 capital for regulatory capital purposes.

On April 1, 2004, the Convertible Trust Capital Securities became convertible at the option of the holder. Holders of the Convertible Trust Capital Securities may convert each security into 1.8956 shares of Company common stock.

The Company may call the Convertible Trust Capital Securities provided various terms and conditions are met, primarily related to the market price of the Company’s common stock. In summary, the Company’s common stock must trade at a price of $31.65 or higher for 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days in order for the Company to force conversion.

The Company has calculated the effect of these securities on diluted net income per share by using the if-converted method. Under the if-converted method, the related interest charges on the Convertible Trust Capital Securities, adjusted for income taxes, have been added back to the numerator and the common shares to be issued upon conversion (7.6 million common shares) have been added to the denominator. Refer to Note I - Net Income Per Share for illustration of the if-converted method.


5


C.  Bank Premises and Equipment

When capitalizing costs for store construction, the Company includes the costs of purchasing the land, developing the site, constructing the building (or leasehold improvements if the property is leased), and furniture, fixtures and equipment necessary to equip the store. Depreciation charges commence the month in which the store opens. All other pre-opening and post-opening costs related to stores are expensed as incurred. As of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, bank premises and equipment in progress was $128.5 million and $109.6 million, respectively.

D. 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, 2005.

E. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total comprehensive income (loss), which for the Company included net income and changes in unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s available for sale securities, amounted to $123.7 million and $(133.8) million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004. For the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, total comprehensive income was $144.0 million and $9.9 million, respectively.

F. New Accounting Standards

On April 14, 2005 the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) delayed the implementation date of FASB Statement No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (FAS 123R), which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (FAS 123). FAS 123R supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25), and amends FASB Statement No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows”. FAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values and no longer allows pro forma disclosure as an alternative to reflecting the impact of share-based payments on net income and net income per share. FAS 123R permits public companies to adopt its requirements using one of two methods for adoption: modified prospective or modified retrospective. A modified prospective method recognizes compensation cost beginning with the effective date of adoption for all share-based payments granted after the effective date and all unvested awards granted prior to the effective date. A modified retrospective method includes the requirements of the modified prospective method but also permits entities to restate prior period presentations. FAS 123R was originally required to be adopted no later than July 1, 2005; however, due to the SEC’s deferral of the implementation date, the Company must now adopt no later than January 1, 2006. The Company plans to adopt FAS 123R on January 1, 2006 but has yet to decide on a method of adoption.

The Company currently accounts for share-based payments to employees using APB 25’s intrinsic value method and therefore does not recognize compensation expense for employee stock options. Accordingly, the adoption of FAS 123R will impact the Company’s financial results. While the future impact of FAS 123R cannot be predicted, had the Company adopted FAS 123R for the periods presented, the impact would have approximated the impact of FAS 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and pro forma net income per share in Note G - Stock-Based Compensation.

6


G. Stock-Based Compensation

As stated in Note F - New Accounting Standards, the Company continued to follow APB 25 and related Interpretations to account for its stock-based compensation plans through the first six months of 2005. If the Company had accounted for stock options under the fair value provisions of FAS 123, net income and net income per share would have been as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

         
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
Reported net income
$
79,409
 
$
66,235
 
$
156,546
 
$
128,210
 
Less: Stock option compensation expense
                       
determined under fair value method, net of tax
 
(4,031
)
 
(3,090
)
 
(8,062
)
 
(6,510
)
Pro forma net income, basic
$
75,378
 
$
63,145
 
$
148,484
 
$
121,700
 
Add: Interest expense on Convertible Trust
                       
Capital Securities, net of tax
 
1,963
   
1,963
   
3,926
   
3,926
 
Pro forma net income, diluted
$
77,341
 
$
65,108
 
$
152,410
 
$
125,626
 
                         
Reported net income per share:
                       
Basic
$
0.49
 
$
0.42
 
$
0.97
 
$
0.82
 
Diluted
$
0.46
 
$
0.40
 
$
0.91
 
$
0.77
 
                         
Pro forma net income per share:
                       
Basic
$
0.46
 
$
0.40
 
$
0.92
 
$
0.78
 
Diluted
$
0.44
 
$
0.38
 
$
0.86
 
$
0.73
 

The fair value of options granted in 2005 and 2004 was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free interest rates of 4.05% to 3.09%, dividend yields of 1.47% to 1.33%, volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of .267 to .255 and weighted average expected lives of the options of 5.27 years.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company’s stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its stock options.


7



H.  Segment Information

The Company operates one reportable segment of business, Community Banks, which includes all 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, 2005
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2004
 
 
Community
   
Parent/
       
Community
   
Parent/
       
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
 
Net interest income
$
289,859
 
$
( 1,392
)
$
288,467
 
$
246,385
 
$
(1,636
)
$
244,749
 
Provision for loan losses
 
4,500
   
-
   
4,500
   
10,748
   
-
   
10,748
 
Net interest income after provision
 
285,359
   
(1,392
)
 
283,967
   
235,637
   
(1,636
)
 
234,001
 
Noninterest income
 
89,923
   
25,720
   
115,643
   
66,836
   
25,439
   
92,275
 
Noninterest expense
 
257,899
   
20,600
   
278,499
   
203,155
   
23,100
   
226,255
 
Income before income taxes
 
117,383
   
3,728
   
121,111
   
99,318
   
703
   
100,021
 
Income tax expense
 
40,537
   
1,165
   
41,702
   
33,917
   
(131
)
 
33,786
 
Net income
$
76,846
 
$
2,563
 
$
79,409
 
$
65,401
 
$
834
 
$
66,235
 
                                     
Average assets (in millions)
$
30,225
 
$
2,538
 
$
32,763
 
$
23,778
 
$
2,044
 
$
25,822
 


         
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2005
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2004
 
 
Community
   
Parent/
       
Community
   
Parent/
       
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
   
Banks
   
Other
   
Total
 
Net interest income
$
570,814
 
$
( 3,446
)
$
567,368
 
$
478,221
 
$
(3,260
)
$
474,961
 
Provision for loan losses
 
10,750
   
-
   
10,750
   
20,248
         
20,248
 
Net interest income after provision
 
560,064
   
(3,446
)
 
556,618
   
457,973
   
(3,260
)
 
454,713
 
Noninterest income
 
165,219
   
54,113
   
219,332
   
124,969
   
53,538
   
178,507
 
Noninterest expense
 
494,668
   
42,237
   
536,905
   
392,508
   
45,997
   
438,505
 
Income before income taxes
 
230,615
   
8,430
   
239,045
   
190,434
   
4,281
   
194,715
 
Income tax expense
 
79,629
   
2,870
   
82,499
   
65,124
   
1,381
   
66,505
 
Net income
$
150,986
 
$
5,560
 
$
156,546
 
$
125,310
 
$
2,900
 
$
128,210
 
                                     
Average assets (in millions)
$
29,475
 
$
2,460
 
$
31,935
 
$
22,596
 
$
2,060
 
$
24,656
 


8


I. 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,
 
   
2005
   
2004
   
2005
   
2004
 
                         
Basic:
                       
Net income available to common shareholders - basic
$
79,409
 
$
66,235
 
$
156,546
 
$
128,210
 
Average common shares outstanding - basic
 
162,287
   
155,960
   
161,547
   
155,144
 
Net income per common share - basic
$
0.49
 
$
0.42
 
$
0.97
 
$
0.82
 
                         
Diluted:
                       
Net income
$
79,409
 
$
66,235
 
$
156,546
 
$
128,210
 
Add interest expense on Convertible Trust Capital Securities,
                       
net of tax
 
1,963
   
1,963
   
3,926
   
3,926
 
Net income available to common shareholders - diluted
$
81,372
 
$
68,198
 
$
160,472
 
$
132,136
 
                         
                         
Average common shares outstanding
 
162,287
   
155,960
   
161,547
   
155,144
 
Additional shares considered in diluted computation assuming:
                       
Exercise of stock options
 
7,333
   
8,978
   
7,595
   
9,061
 
Conversion of Convertible Trust Capital Securities
 
7,582
   
7,582
   
7,582
   
7,582
 
Average common shares outstanding - diluted
 
177,202
   
172,520
   
176,724
   
171,787
 
                         
Net income per common share - diluted
$
0.46
 
$
0.40
 
$
0.91
 
$
0.77
 
                         

J. Subsequent Event

On July 25, 2005, the Company announced an agreement to acquire Palm Beach County Bank, based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Palm Beach County Bank is privately held with approximately $350.0 million in assets and seven offices. The acquisition price, payable in Commerce Bancorp, Inc. common stock, is approximately $100.0 million. Closing for the acquisition is expected in the fourth quarter of 2005.

9


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

Executive Summary

During the first six months of 2005, the Company experienced strong deposit growth, the primary driver of the Company’s success. Total deposits grew to $30.5 billion, an increase of 27% over June 30, 2004. Total assets increased to $33.4 billion, an increase of 25% over June 30, 2004, while total loans increased $2.4 billion, or 28%, from $8.3 billion to $10.7 billion. Net income increased 20% to $79.4 million and 22% to $156.5 million during the second quarter and first six months, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2004, despite margin compression caused by the existing interest rate environment. Diluted net income per share increased by 15% to $0.46 and 18% to $0.91 during the second quarter and first six months of 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2004.

Per share data and other appropriate share information for 2004 have been restated for the two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend effective March 7, 2005.

The Company has identified the policy related to the allowance for loan 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, 2004. During the first six months of 2005, 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 loan losses.

Capital Resources

At June 30, 2005, stockholders’ equity totaled $1.8 billion or 5.54% of total assets, compared to $1.7 billion or 5.46% of total assets at December 31, 2004.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to risk-based capital standards issued by bank regulatory authorities. Under these standards, Tier 1 capital includes stockholders’ equity, as adjusted for certain items. The Company makes two adjustments in calculating regulatory capital. The first adjustment is to exclude from capital the unrealized appreciation or depreciation in its available for sale securities portfolio. The second adjustment is to add to capital the Convertible Trust Capital Securities. Total capital is comprised of all the components of Tier 1 capital plus the allowance for loan losses.

The table below presents the Company’s and Commerce NJ’s risk-based and leverage ratios at June 30, 2005 and 2004 (amounts in thousands):

     
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 NJ
                 
Risk based capital ratios:
                 
Tier 1
$1,413,674
11.48
%
$492,571
4.00
%
$738,856
6.00
%
Total capital
1,523,793
12.37
 
985,141
8.00
 
1,231,427
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
1,413,674
6.01
 
941,149
4.00
 
1,176,436
5.00
 
                   

10



       
Per Regulatory Guidelines
 
 
Actual
 
Minimum
 
“Well Capitalized”
 
 
Amount
Ratio
 
Amount
Ratio
 
Amount
Ratio
 
                   
June 30, 2004:
                 
Company
                 
Risk based capital ratios:
                 
Tier 1
$1,640,555
12.37
%
$530,388
4.00
%
$795,582
6.00
%
Total capital
1,765,243
13.31
 
1,060,776
8.00
 
1,325,970
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
1,640,555
6.33
 
1,036,022
4.00
 
1,295,028
5.00
 
Commerce NJ
                 
Risk based capital ratios:
                 
Tier 1
$1,109,055
11.18
%
$396,693
4.00
%
$595,039
6.00
%
Total capital
1,206,762
12.17
 
793,385
8.00
 
991,731
10.00
 
Leverage ratio
1,109,055
6.04
 
734,786
4.00
 
918,483
5.00
 

At June 30, 2005, 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, 2005, the Company and its subsidiaries meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

Deposits

Total deposits at June 30, 2005 were $30.5 billion, up $6.5 billion, or 27% over total deposits of $24.1 billion at June 30, 2004, and up by $2.9 billion, or 10% from year-end 2004. Deposit growth during the first six months of 2005 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 millions):

           
 
June 30,
2005
% of
Total
June 30,
2004
% of
Total
Annual
Growth %
           
Consumer
$ 13,250
45%
$ 11,066
48%
20%
           
Commercial
11,179
38
8,402
36
33
           
Government
5,196
17
3,641
16
43
           
Total
$ 29,625
100%
$ 23,109
100%
28%
           

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, 2005, the comparable store core deposit growth for stores open two years or more was 19% and for stores open one year or more was 24%.

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity

The Company’s risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair market 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 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 net income in the flat rate scenario in the first year and within 15% over the two year time frame. Net income in the flat rate scenario is projected to increase by approximately 25% per year. The following table illustrates the impact on projected net income at June 30, 2005 and 2004 of a plus 200 and minus 100 basis point change in interest rates.

           
   
Basis Point Change
 
   
Plus 200
 
Minus 100
 
June 30, 2005:
         
Twelve Months
 
0.60
%
(7.40
)%
Twenty Four Months
 
12.58
%
(7.58
)%
           
June 30, 2004:
         
Twelve Months
 
4.06
%
1.45
%
Twenty Four Months
 
11.38
%
(0.31
)%
           

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. In general, a flattening yield curve would result in reduced net interest income compared to the current flat rate scenario and proportionate rate shift assumptions. 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, 2005, 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 an internal hedge to market value fluctuations in the Company’s fixed rate assets. At June 30, 2005, the average life of the Company’s core deposit transaction accounts was 15.6 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, 2005 (in millions, except for per share amounts):

     
 
Market Value
 
 
Of Equity
Per Share
     
Plus 200 basis points
$7,085
$43.15
     
Current Rate
$6,486
$39.50
     
Minus 100 basis points
$5,242
$31.93

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, 2005 the Company had in excess of $14.0 billion in immediately available liquidity which includes unpledged securities that could be used for collateralized borrowings, cash on hand, and borrowing capacities under existing lines of credit. During the first six months of 2005, 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 2005, the Company reduced its short-term borrowings, primarily through increased deposits. At June 30, 2005, short-term borrowings aggregated $567.3 million and had an average rate of 3.36%, as compared to $661.2 million at an average rate of 2.30% at December 31, 2004.

Interest Earning Assets

The Company’s cash flow from deposit growth and repayments from its investment portfolio totaled approximately $5.5 billion for the first six months of 2005. This significant cash flow provides the Company with ongoing reinvestment opportunities as interest rates change. For the six month period ended June 30, 2005, interest earning assets increased $2.4 billion from $28.2 billion to $30.6 billion. This increase was primarily in investment securities and the loan portfolio as described below.


13


Loans

During the first six months of 2005, loans increased $1.2 billion from $9.5 billion to $10.7 billion. All segments of the loan portfolio experienced growth in the first six months of 2005.

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

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2005
   
2004
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commercial:
           
Term
$
1,505,965
 
$
1,283,476
 
Line of credit
 
1,343,279
   
1,168,542
 
Demand
 
24,000
       
   
2,873,244
   
2,452,018
 
             
Owner-occupied
 
2,229,453
   
1,998,203
 
   
5,102,697
   
4,450,221
 
             
Consumer:
           
Mortgages (1-4 family residential)
 
1,443,602
   
1,340,009
 
Installment
 
167,663
   
132,646
 
Home equity
 
2,024,130
   
1,799,841
 
Credit lines
 
78,370
 
 
69,079
 
   
3,713,765
 
 
3,341,575
 
Commercial real estate:
           
Investor developer
 
1,626,886
   
1,455,891
 
Construction
 
245,369
 
 
206,924
 
   
1,872,255
   
1,662,815
 
Total loans
$
10,688,717
 
$
9,454,611
 

Investments

In total, for the first six months of 2005, securities increased $892.1 million from $18.7 billion to $19.6 billion. The available for sale portfolio decreased $363.7 million to $7.7 billion at June 30, 2005 from $8.0 billion at December 31, 2004, and the held to maturity portfolio increased $1.2 billion to $11.7 billion at June 30, 2005 from $10.5 billion at year-end 2004. The portfolio of trading securities increased $14.8 million from year-end 2004 to $183.9 million at June 30, 2005.


14


Detailed below is information regarding the composition and characteristics of the Company’s investment portfolio, excluding trading securities, as of June 30, 2005.

           
 
Available
 
Held to
   
Product Description
For Sale
 
Maturity
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Mortgage-backed Securities:
         
Federal Agencies Pass Through
         
Certificates (AAA Rated)
$ 1,379
 
$ 2,398
 
$ 3,777
           
Collateralized Mortgage
         
Obligations (AAA Rated)
5,725
 
8,294
 
14,019
           
U.S. Government agencies/Other
573
 
1,016
 
1,589
           
Total
$ 7,677
 
$ 11,708
 
$ 19,385
           
Duration (in years)
2.30
 
3.22
 
2.86
Average Life (in years)
2.68
 
3.95
 
3.45
Quarterly Average Yield
4.94%
 
4.87%
 
4.91%

At June 30, 2005, the after tax appreciation of the Company’s available for sale portfolio was $8.4 million.

The Company’s mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio comprises 91% 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, 2005 and December 31, 2004 follows:

     
   
At June 30, 2005
   
 
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Market
Value
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
 
 
$7,630,209
 
$19,838
 
$(20,491)
 
$7,629,556
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
9,148
123
(5)
9,266
Equity securities
 
9,679
13,693
 
23,372
Other
 
14,438
205
 
14,643
Securities available for sale
 
$7,663,474
$33,859
$(20,496)
$7,676,837
           
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
 
 
$11,254,998
 
$41,255
 
$(60,000)
 
$11,236,253
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
346,391
3,261
(150)
349,502
Other
 
106,877
   
106,877
Securities held to maturity
 
$11,708,266
$44,516
$(60,150)
$11,692,632


15



     
   
At December 31, 2004
   
 
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Market
Value
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
 
 
$ 7,884,113
 
$40,141
 
$(21,438)
 
$ 7,902,816
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
87,605
305
 
87,910
Equity securities
 
10,129
13,174
 
23,303
Other
 
29,312
809
 
30,121
Securities available for sale
 
$ 8,011,159
$54,429
$(21,438)
$ 8,044,150
           
U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed
obligations
 
 
$ 9,967,041
 
$43,982
 
$(81,028)
 
$ 9,929,995
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
398,963
3,867
(28)
402,802
Other
 
97,654
   
97,654
Securities held to maturity
 
$10,463,658
$47,849
$(81,056)
$10,430,451

Gross gains and losses on securities sold during the second quarter of 2005 were $5.6 million and $876 thousand, respectively. For the first six months of 2005, gross gains and losses on securities sold amounted to $6.7 million and $899 thousand, respectively.

During the second quarter of 2005, $193.3 million of securities were sold which had unrealized losses at December 31, 2004. Gross gains and losses on these securities sold were $74 thousand and $393 thousand, respectively. During the first six months of 2005, $262.7 million of securities were sold which had unrealized losses at December 31, 2004. Gross gains and losses on these securities sold were $246 thousand and $416 thousand, respectively.

Net Income

Net income for the second quarter of 2005 was $79.4 million, an increase of $13.2 million or 20% over the $66.2 million recorded for the second quarter of 2004. Net income for the first six months of 2005 totaled $156.5 million, an increase of $28.3 million or 22% from $128.2 million in the first six months of 2004. On a per share basis, diluted net income for the second quarter and first six months of 2005 was $0.46 and $0.91 per common share compared to $0.40 and $0.77 per common share for the same periods in 2004, respectively.

Return on average assets (ROA) and return on average equity (ROE) for the second quarter of 2005 were 0.97% and 17.68%, respectively, compared to 1.03% and 19.86%, respectively, for the same 2004 period. ROA and ROE for the first six months of 2005 were 0.98% and 17.82%, respectively, compared to 1.04% and 18.87%, respectively, for the same 2004 period. The decrease in ROA was primarily due to average asset growth of 27% exceeding net income growth, which was impacted by net interest margin compression due to the flattening yield curve.


16


Net Interest Income

Net interest income totaled $288.5 million for the second quarter of 2005, an increase of $43.7 million or 18% from $244.7 million in the second quarter of 2004. Net interest income for the first six months of 2005 was $567.4 million, up $92.4 million or 19% from $475.0 million for the first six months of 2004. The increases in net interest income for the second quarter and first six months of 2005 were 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 existing interest rate environment.

On a tax equivalent basis, the Company recorded $293.1 million in net interest income in the second quarter of 2005, an increase of $43.9 million or 18% over the second quarter of 2004. For the first six months of 2005, net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was $576.1 million, an increase of $92.5 million or 19% over the first six months of 2004. The increase in net interest income on a tax equivalent basis is shown below (in thousands).

 
Net Interest Income
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
%
2005 vs. 2004
Increase
 
Change
 
Increase
 
Increase
               
Quarter Ended June 30
$ 67,784
 
$(23,902)
 
$43,882
 
18%
               
Six Months Ended June 30
$137,965
 
$(45,492)
 
$92,473
 
19%

The net interest margin for the second quarter of 2005 was 3.93% down 36 basis points from the 4.29% margin for the second quarter of 2004 and down 11 basis points from the margin for the first quarter of 2005. The decrease in the net interest margin was primarily due to the flattening yield curve.

The following table sets forth balance sheet items on a daily average basis for the three months ended June 30, 2005, March 31, 2005 and June 30, 2004 and presents the daily average interest earned on assets and paid on liabilities for such periods.

 




17




Average Balances and Net Interest Income

             
 
June 2005
 
March 2005
 
June 2004
 
 
Average
     
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Earning Assets
                                   
Investment securities
                                   
Taxable
$18,821,647
 
$ 231,275
 
4.93
%
$18,192,721
 
$221,886
 
4.95
%
$14,747,643
 
$173,678
 
4.74
%
Tax-exempt
374,448
 
3,257
 
3.49
 
405,771
 
3,313
 
3.31
 
290,200
 
4,465
 
6.19
 
Trading
178,037
 
2,427
 
5.47
 
111,732
 
1,395
 
5.06
 
174,578
 
2,075
 
4.78
 
Total investment securities
19,374,132
 
236,959
 
4.91
 
18,710,224
 
226,594
 
4.91
 
15,212,421
 
180,218
 
4.76
 
Federal funds sold
117,491
 
889
 
3.03
 
50,311
 
316
 
2.55
 
62,357
 
154
 
0.99
 
Loans
                                   
Commercial mortgages
3,707,963
 
59,684
 
6.46
 
3,527,626
 
55,095
 
6.33
 
3,021,768
 
45,333
 
6.03
 
Commercial
2,569,001
 
41,417
 
6.47
 
2,327,438
 
35,581
 
6.20
 
1,961,351
 
25,477
 
5.22
 
Consumer
3,720,529
 
55,819
 
6.02
 
3,423,574
 
49,974
 
5.92
 
2,767,826
 
39,079
 
5.68
 
Tax-exempt
426,032
 
7,568
 
7.12
 
391,510
 
7,028
 
7.28
 
335,505
 
6,243
 
7.48
 
Total loans
10,423,525
 
164,488
 
6.33
 
9,670,148
 
147,678
 
6.19
 
8,086,450
 
116,132
 
5.78
 
Total earning assets
$29,915,148
 
$ 402,336
 
5.39
%
$28,430,683
 
$374,588
 
5.35
%
$23,361,228
 
$296,504
 
5.10
%
                                     
Sources of Funds
                                   
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                   
Savings
$ 7,082,969
 
$ 23,258
 
1.32
%
$ 6,558,587
 
$ 19,080
 
1.18
%
$ 5,276,657
 
$ 10,216
 
0.78
%
Interest bearing demand
12,094,680
 
53,755
 
1.78
 
11,924,947
 
46,671
 
1.59
 
9,643,771
 
18,729
 
0.78
 
Time deposits
2,668,791
 
16,085
 
2.42
 
2,566,074
 
13,740
 
2.17
 
2,507,526
 
11,378
 
1.82
 
Public funds
828,305
 
6,196
 
3.00
 
781,282
 
4,658
 
2.42
 
856,683
 
2,886
 
1.35
 
Total deposits
22,674,745
 
99,294
 
1.76
 
21,830,890
 
84,149
 
1.56
 
18,284,637
 
43,209
 
0.95
 
                                     
Other borrowed money
845,462
 
6,917
 
3.28
 
703,223
 
4,410
 
2.54
 
523,931
 
1,052
 
0.81
 
Long-term debt
200,000
 
3,020
 
6.06
 
200,000
 
3,020
 
6.12
 
200,000
 
3,020
 
6.07
 
Total deposits and interest-bearing
                                   
liabilities
23,720,207
 
109,231
 
1.85
 
22,734,113
 
91,579
 
1.63
 
19,008,568
 
47,281
 
1.00
 
Noninterest-bearing funds (net)
6,194,941
         
5,696,570
         
4,352,660
         
Total sources to fund earning assets
$29,915,148
 
109,231
 
1.46
 
$28,430,683
 
91,579
 
1.31
 
$23,361,228
 
47,281
 
0.81
 
                                     
Net interest income and
                                   
margin tax-equivalent basis
   
$ 293,105
 
3.93
%
   
$283,009
 
4.04
%
   
$249,223
 
4.29
%
                                     
Other Balances
                                   
Cash and due from banks
$ 1,241,372
         
$ 1,180,375
         
$ 1,163,942
         
Other assets
1,749,133
         
1,625,412
         
1,419,098
         
Total assets
32,763,128
         
31,096,724
         
25,822,157
         
Total deposits
29,661,511
         
28,220,513
         
23,541,453
         
Demand deposits (noninterest-
bearing)
6,986,766
         
6,389,623
         
5,256,816
         
Other liabilities
259,873
         
256,677
         
222,779
         
Stockholders’ equity
1,796,282
         
1,716,311
         
1,333,994
         

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 $115.6 million for the second quarter of 2005, an increase of $23.4 million or 25% from $92.3 million in the second quarter of 2004. Noninterest income for the first six months of 2005 increased to $219.3 million from $178.5 million in the first six months of 2004, a 23% increase. Deposit charges and service fees increased $16.1 million, or 31%, and $30.6 million, or 31%, during the second quarter and first six months of 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2004, primarily due to the Company’s growth in deposits. Other operating income, which includes the Company’s insurance and capital markets divisions, increased $3.2 million, or 8% and $5.5 million, or 7%, during the second quarter and first six months of 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2004. 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,
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
Other operating income:
             
Insurance
$18,750
 
$18,570
 
$38,539
 
$36,906
Capital Markets
7,248
 
6,622
 
13,687
 
16,349
Loan Brokerage Fees
2,949
 
3,725
 
5,708
 
6,778
Other
13,205
 
10,006
 
26,835
 
19,217
Total other
$42,152
 
$38,923
 
$84,769
 
$79,250

Commerce Capital Markets, Inc. (CCMI) revenues decreased $2.7 million, or 16%, during the first six months of 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004, which was related in part to the Company’s decision to exit the negotiated government public finance business during the third quarter of 2004. CCMI revenues increased $626 thousand, or 9%, during the second quarter of 2005 as compared to the second quarter of 2004, as increased investment services fees and municipal trading revenues offset the decline in negotiated government public finance fees. All other operating income increased $3.2 million, or 32%, and $7.6 million, or 40%, during the second quarter and first six months of 2005, respectively, which was primarily due to increased gains on sale of SBA loans, letter of credit fees, revenues generated by the Company’s leasing division and income from other investments.

Noninterest Expense

For the second quarter of 2005, noninterest expense totaled $278.5 million, an increase of $52.2 million, or 23%, over the same period in 2004. For the first six months of 2005, noninterest expense totaled $536.9 million, an increase of $98.4 million or 22% over $438.5 million for the first six months of 2004. Contributing to this increase was new store activity over the past twelve months, with the number of stores increasing from 289 at June 30, 2004 to 326 at June 30, 2005. With the addition of these new offices, staff, facilities, and related expenses rose accordingly.

Other noninterest expense increased $14.9 million, or 32%, and $25.6 million, or 28%, over the second quarter and first six months of 2004, respectively. The increases in other noninterest expense are depicted in the following chart (in thousands).

       
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
Other noninterest expense:
             
Business development costs
$13,655
 
$ 8,245
 
$ 20,770
 
$14,240
Bank-card related service charges
12,309
 
8,422
 
23,224
 
15,945
Professional services/Insurance
9,074
 
9,774
 
18,860
 
17,131
Provision for non-credit-related losses
6,643
 
4,493
 
14,315
 
9,896
Other
20,228
 
16,063
 
38,448
 
32,790
Total other
$61,909
 
$46,997
 
$115,617
 
$90,002


19


The growth in business development costs, bank-card related service charges and non-credit-related losses, which includes fraud and forgery losses on deposit and other non-credit related items, 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 68.8% for the first six months of 2005 as compared to 67.5% for the same 2004 period. The increase in operating efficiency ratio is primarily due to the impact of the flattening 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, 2005 were $36.0 million, or 0.11% of total assets compared to $33.5 million or 0.11% of total assets at December 31, 2004 and $30.4 million or 0.11% of total assets at June 30, 2004.

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, 2005 were $35.7 million or 0.33% of total loans compared to $32.8 million or 0.35% of total loans at December 31, 2004 and $29.7 million or 0.36% of total loans at June 30, 2004. At June 30, 2005, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest amounted to $165 thousand compared to $602 thousand at December 31, 2004 and $318 thousand at June 30, 2004. Additional loans considered as potential problem loans by the Company’s credit review process ($53.5 million at June 30, 2005, compared to $37.7 million at December 31, 2004 and $38.1 million at June 30, 2004) have been evaluated as to risk exposure in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The increase in potential problem loans at June 30, 2005 was primarily due to one credit that was added during the second quarter.

Total non-performing loans increased at June 30, 2005, primarily due to the overall growth in the Company’s loan portfolio. The increase in mortgage non-accrual loans during the second quarter of 2005 was the result of one credit that was moved to non-accrual during the quarter and is in the process of collection. 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, 2005 and the preceding four quarters (dollar amounts in thousands).

   
June 30,
2005
 
March 31,
2005
 
December 31,
2004
 
September 30,
2004
 
June 30,
2004
 
Non-accrual loans:
                     
Commercial
 
 
$20,467
 
 
$18,376
 
 
$17,874
 
 
$22,647
 
 
$17,382
 
Consumer
   
8,641
   
8,723
   
10,138
   
9,784
   
11,675
 
Real estate:
                               
Construction
   
178
   
178
                   
Mortgage
   
3,086
   
1,290
   
1,317
   
1,251
   
675
 
Total non-accrual loans
   
32,372
   
28,567
   
29,329
   
33,682
   
29,732
 
                                 
Restructured loans:
                               
Commercial
   
3,326
   
3,422
   
3,518
   
3,614
   
1
 
Total restructured loans
   
3,326
   
3,422
   
3,518
   
3,614
   
1
 
                                 
Total non-performing loans
   
35,698
   
31,989
   
32,847
   
37,296
   
29,733
 
                                 
Other real estate
   
349
   
777
   
626
   
972
   
653
 
                                 
Total non-performing assets
   
36,047
   
32,766
   
33,473
   
38,268
   
30,386
 
                                 
Loans past due 90 days or more
                               
and still accruing
   
165
   
233
   
602
   
614
   
318
 
                                 
Total non-performing assets and
                               
loans past due 90 days or more
 
 
$36,212
 
 
$32,999
 
 
$34,075
 
 
$38,882
 
 
$30,704
 
                                 
Total non-performing loans as a
                               
percentage of total period-end loans
   
0.33
%
 
0.32
%
 
0.35
%
 
0.42
%
 
0.36
%
                                 
Total non-performing assets as a
                               
percentage of total period-end assets
   
0.11
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.13
%
 
0.11
%
                                 
Total non-performing assets and loans
                               
past due 90 days or more as a
                               
percentage of total period-end assets
   
0.11
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.14
%
 
0.11
%
                                 
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage
                               
of total non-performing loans
   
396
%
 
435
%
 
413
%
 
353
%
 
419
%
                                 
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage
                               
of total period-end loans
   
1.32
%
 
1.40
%
 
1.43
%
 
1.48
%
 
1.50
%
                                 
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
%


21


The following table presents, for the periods indicated, an analysis of the allowance for loan losses and other related data (dollar amounts in thousands).

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
2004
 
Balance at beginning of period
$139,289
 
$117,329
 
$135,620
 
$112,057
 
$112,057
 
Provisions charged to operating expenses
4,500
 
10,748
 
10,750
 
20,248
 
39,238
 
 
143,789
 
128,077
 
146,370
 
132,305
 
151,295
 
                     
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off:
                   
Commercial
339
 
104
 
990
 
260
 
1,000
 
Consumer
254
 
101
 
1,087
 
371
 
1,123
 
Commercial real estate
   
1
 
50
 
48
 
52
 
Total recoveries
593
 
206
 
2,127
 
679
 
2,175
 
                     
Loans charged-off:
                   
Commercial
(1,213
)
(2,675
)
(3,815
)
(4,998
)
(9,416
)
Consumer
(915
)
(916
)
(2,402
)
(1,676
)
(6,733
)
Commercial real estate
(929
)
(4
)
(955
)
(1,622
)
(1,701
)
Total charge-offs
(3,057
)
(3,595
)
(7,172
)
(8,296
)
(17,850
)
Net charge-offs
(2,464
)
(3,389
)
(5,045
)
(7,617
)
(15,675
)
                     
Balance at end of period
$141,325
 
$124,688
 
$141,325
 
$124,688
 
$135,620
 
                     
Net charge-offs as a percentage of
                   
average loans outstanding
0.09
%
0.17
%
0.10
%
0.19
%
0.19
%
                     
Net Reserve Additions
$2,036
 
$7,359
 
$5,705
 
$12,631
 
$23,563
 

During the first six months of 2005, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding decreased to 0.10%, as compared to 0.19% for the same period in 2004. This decrease was attributable to an increase in total recoveries of loans previously charged-off of $1.4 million and a decrease in total charge-offs of $1.1 million. The decrease in total charge-offs is primarily due to one large commercial and commercial real estate credit that was charged-off during the six-month period ending June 30, 2004. The net reserve additions for the second quarter and first six months of 2005 were reflective of the growth and overall credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio.

The Company considers the allowance for loan losses of $141.3 million adequate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at June 30, 2005. The allowance for loan losses is increased by provisions charged to expense and reduced by loan charge-offs net of recoveries. The level of the allowance is based on an evaluation of individual large classified loans and nonaccrual loans, the Company’s historical loss experience and the risk characteristics included in the loan portfolio. While the allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered to be adequate by management for estimated losses in the loan portfolio, determination of the allowance is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.



22


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 or incorporated by reference 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.



23


Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Quarterly evaluation of the Company’s Disclosure Controls and Internal Controls. As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”). This evaluation (“Controls Evaluation”) was done under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).
 
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls. The Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that its Disclosure Controls or its “internal controls and procedures for financial reporting” (“Internal Controls”) will prevent all error and all fraud. 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. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 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 of its internal controls to enhance, where necessary, its procedures and controls.

Conclusions. Based upon the Controls Evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, subject to the limitations noted above, the Disclosure Controls are effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that management is timely alerted to material information relating to the Company during the period when its periodic reports are being prepared.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2005, there has not occurred any change in Internal Controls that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect Internal Controls.
 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

During July and August 2004, six class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against the Company and certain Company (or subsidiary) current and former officers and directors. All class action complaints have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camden Division. As a result of the consolidation, a single consolidated complaint has been filed. It alleges that the defendants violated federal securities laws, specifically Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of the Company’s securities during various periods. The Company believes these class action complaints are without merit and has moved to dismiss the complaints. The motion to dismiss is pending. No accrual for a loss contingency has been recorded, as the risk of loss is considered remote.

Other than routine litigation arising in the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are not parties to any other material litigation.
 
 
24


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

The Annual Meeting of the Registrant’s Shareholders was held on May 17, 2005. Proxies representing 142,910,608 shares were received (total shares outstanding as of the record date were 161,606,325). 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, 2005. 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
   
138,881,216
   
4,029,392
 
Jack R Bershad
   
138,823,961
   
4,086,647
 
Joseph E. Buckelew
   
138,462,794
   
4,447,814
 
Donald T. DiFrancesco
   
122,761,226
   
20,149,382
 
Morton N. Kerr
   
138,843,430
   
4,067,178
 
Steven M. Lewis
   
137,219,259
   
5,691,349
 
John K. Lloyd
   
139,597,930
   
3,312,678
 
George E. Norcross, III
   
137,743,553
   
5,167,055
 
Daniel J. Ragone
   
137,211,525
   
5,699,083
 
William A. Schwartz, Jr.
   
139,545,268
   
3,365,340
 
Joseph T. Tarquini, Jr.
   
138,975,313
   
3,935,295
 
Joseph S. Vassalluzzo
   
139,606,594
   
3,304,014
 

(ii) Ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Bancorp’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005:

 
Broker
   
For
Against
Abstain
Non-Vote
       
142,343,653
313,615
253,340
18,695,717

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


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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 5, 2005
 
/s/ DOUGLAS J. PAULS
(Date)
 
DOUGLAS J. PAULS
   
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND
   
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
   
(PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
 
 
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