Insider sale details
John W. Kemper, President and Chief Executive Officer of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH), sold 23,397 shares of company stock on February 5, 2026, according to a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The shares were disposed of at a weighted average price of $53.9941, with the individual sale prices recorded between $53.70 and $54.51. The total proceeds from the transaction amounted to $1,263,299.
The filing shows that, after the sale, Kemper retained direct ownership of 206,528 shares. In addition, he continues to hold an indirect stake of 284,092 shares through Tower Properties Co.
The execution of the sale was carried out on Kemper’s behalf by Paul A. Steiner under a power of attorney dated April 17, 2019. The Form 4 discloses the transfer mechanics and the legal authority used to complete the transaction.
Quarterly results and capital return
Commerce Bancshares reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.01 per share, slightly above the analyst consensus of $1.00 per share. Management attributed record quarterly revenue to strong net interest income and performance in fee-based businesses.
The company also announced a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.275 per share, up from the prior $0.262 per share. The newly declared dividend is payable on March 24, 2026.
Executive compensation and governance actions
In governance matters, Commerce Bancshares’ Compensation and Human Resources Committee approved the company’s 2026 executive compensation plan. Under that plan the base salary for President and CEO John W. Kemper is set at $1,050,000. The committee also approved a 2025 performance-based cash bonus for Kemper in the amount of $2,313,108.
The committee indicated that other senior officers, including Chief Financial Officer Charles G. Kim, will receive adjusted base salaries and bonuses under the approved plan. The filing and accompanying disclosures tie these compensation decisions to the company’s broader financial and shareholder-return objectives.
Context provided by company disclosures
Taken together, the insider sale, the quarterly financials, the dividend increase and the executive compensation approvals were presented in company filings and disclosures. These items were reported as specific facts in SEC filings and company announcements; they reflect the actions taken and the figures recorded in those documents.
Where the public filings provide limited detail, the disclosures are reported as presented without additional interpretation.