COMMERCE BANCSHARES INC current report, Q1 FY2020

Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 8-K was filed by Commerce Bancshares, Inc. on February 3, 2020. The report discloses actions taken by the Compensation and Human Resources Committee regarding executive compensation for the 2020 fiscal year, effective April 1, 2020.

Key Financial Metrics

The filing does not provide operational financial metrics such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. The document focuses exclusively on executive compensation details.

Material Changes and Compensation Details

The Committee approved base salaries, cash bonuses, restricted stock awards, and stock appreciation rights for Named Executive Officers (NEOs). The following table summarizes the approved compensation components:

Executive Officer Title 2020 Base Salary 2020 Performance-Based Bonus Restricted Stock Awards Stock Appreciation Rights
John W. Kemper President & CEO $950,951 $749,100 28,223 —
Charles G. Kim Executive Vice President & CFO $514,778 $263,581 7,174 7,071
David W. Kemper Executive Chairman $400,000 $200,000 14,732 —
Kevin G. Barth Executive Vice President $514,778 $263,581 5,718 7,071
John K. Handy Executive Vice President $422,816 $340,506 5,155 —
Robert S. Holmes Executive Vice President $446,449 $211,011 4,866 —

Guidance, Outlook, and Risks

The filing contains no guidance, outlook, management commentary on business performance, risks, contingencies, or unusual items. The cash bonuses are noted to include performance-based compensation in accordance with the Company's Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Verify the effective date of the new base salaries (April 1, 2020).
  • Review the specific performance metrics tied to the "Performance-Based Bonus" under the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
  • Confirm the vesting schedules and terms for the granted Restricted Stock Awards and Stock Appreciation Rights under the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.
  • Check subsequent filings for actual payout amounts if performance targets were not fully met.