Columbia Bank Reports Continued Growth in Q1 Results
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 23 2026
0mins
Clint Stein, Chair, CEO & President: "Our first quarter results reflect continued execution against the priorities we have previously outlined: delivering sustainable performance, strengthening our balance sheet, and returning excess capital to shareholders," said Clint Stein, Chair, CEO & President. "During the quarter, we increased capital returns, reflecting our confidence in earnings durability and ongoing capital generation. We also made further progress optimizing our balance sheet, as commercial loan growth and muted seasonal deposit trends contributed to the profitable remix of assets and liabilities, positioning Columbia for attractive returns over time. At the same time, our credit performance continues to benefit from disciplined underwriting and our diversified, relationship-based loan portfolio that is performing as designed. With these actions, we remain focused on delivering consistent, repeatable performance and creating long-term value for our shareholders."
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Analyst Views on COLB
Wall Street analysts forecast COLB stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 29.640
Low
30.00
Averages
32.68
High
37.00
Current: 29.640
Low
30.00
Averages
32.68
High
37.00
About COLB
Columbia Banking System, Inc. is the parent company of Columbia Bank (the Bank), a Western United States regional bank. The Bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration (SBA) lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. The Bank’s customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. The Bank offers specialized loans for corporate, middle market, and small business customers, including commercial lines of credit and term loans, accounts receivable and inventory financing, international trade finance, multifamily loans, equipment loans, commercial equipment leases, SBA program financing, and capital markets. The Bank operates at more than 350 locations across eight Western states: Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah and Idaho.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Columbia Banking System Declares Quarterly Dividend
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Columbia Banking System has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 5.08% not only provides shareholders with a substantial return but also reflects the company's robust performance in the current economic environment, helping to bolster market confidence.
- Shareholder Arrangement: The dividend will be payable on June 15, with a record date of May 29 and an ex-dividend date also on May 29, ensuring that shareholders can receive their earnings promptly, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Future Outlook: Columbia Banking System expects its net interest margin to exceed 4% in Q2 while guiding for quarterly buybacks of $150 million to $200 million, demonstrating the company's confidence in future growth and commitment to shareholder value.
See More
Columbia Banking System Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Dividend Announcement: Columbia Banking System's Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per share, payable on June 15, 2026, indicating the company's stable financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is set for May 29, 2026, ensuring that investors holding shares before this date will benefit from the dividend, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Company Background: Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, Columbia Banking System operates as a regional bank providing a full suite of retail and commercial banking services, showcasing its market influence and service capabilities across multiple states.
- Future Outlook: The forward-looking statements mentioned in the announcement suggest that despite market uncertainties, Columbia Banking System remains committed to growth and enhancing shareholder value, reflecting confidence in its future development.
See More
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- Comprehensive Banking Services: The newly formed Franchise Banking Team will offer a full suite of services, including treasury management, credit, derivatives, wealth management, and merchant banking solutions, catering to the needs of restaurant franchisors and independently branded concepts, thus strengthening client banking relationships.
- Rich Industry Experience: Short and Watson bring over 15 years of experience in restaurant banking, with Short previously serving as Senior Vice President at BBVA Compass and Bank of America, while Watson specialized in all product classes of restaurant banking at Bank of America, providing Columbia Bank with deep industry knowledge and client insights.
- Strategic Growth Vision: Short emphasized Columbia Bank's commitment to supporting franchise owners and operators, stating that the team's expertise will help the bank stand out in franchise banking, fostering long-term banking relationships and driving business growth.
See More
Columbia Bank Expands Franchise Banking with New Team Leaders
- Leadership Appointments: Columbia Bank has hired industry leaders James Short and Rich Watson to enhance its franchise banking capabilities, with a particular focus on the restaurant sector, thereby increasing the bank's competitive edge in this market.
- Comprehensive Service Offering: The newly formed Franchise Banking Team will provide dedicated treasury management, credit, derivatives, wealth management, and merchant banking solutions to restaurant franchisors and independently branded concepts, which is expected to significantly improve the quality of banking relationships for clients.
- Accumulated Industry Experience: Short, prior to joining Columbia Bank, held senior vice president roles at BBVA Compass and Bank of America, bringing extensive restaurant finance expertise that will enhance the bank's industry knowledge and client trust.
- Clear Growth Vision: Short emphasized that Columbia Bank's commitment to supporting franchise owners will distinguish it in the market, with expectations to attract more clients from the restaurant industry and drive long-term business growth.
See More
Columbia Banking System Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Strong Financial Performance: Columbia Banking System reported earnings per share of $0.66 and operating earnings per share of $0.72 for Q1, demonstrating the company's ongoing efforts to optimize its balance sheet and return capital to shareholders, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Accelerated Capital Buybacks: The company repurchased $200 million in stock during the first quarter, reflecting its strong capital position and optimistic outlook for future growth, which further enhances shareholder value.
- Significant Loan Origination Growth: New loan origination volume reached $1.2 billion, up 38% year-over-year, indicating strengthened competitiveness in the market and laying a foundation for future revenue growth.
- Successful System Integration: The completion of the Pac Premier systems conversion and consolidation of 9 branches is expected to realize all acquisition-related cost savings by the end of this quarter, enhancing operational efficiency.
See More
Columbia (COLB) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
See More
Columbia Banking System Declares Quarterly Dividend
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Columbia Banking System has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Yield Performance: The forward yield of 5.08% not only provides shareholders with a substantial return but also reflects the company's robust performance in the current economic environment, helping to bolster market confidence.
- Shareholder Arrangement: The dividend will be payable on June 15, with a record date of May 29 and an ex-dividend date also on May 29, ensuring that shareholders can receive their earnings promptly, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Future Outlook: Columbia Banking System expects its net interest margin to exceed 4% in Q2 while guiding for quarterly buybacks of $150 million to $200 million, demonstrating the company's confidence in future growth and commitment to shareholder value.
See More
Columbia Banking System Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend
- Dividend Announcement: Columbia Banking System's Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per share, payable on June 15, 2026, indicating the company's stable financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Record Date for Shareholders: The record date for this dividend is set for May 29, 2026, ensuring that investors holding shares before this date will benefit from the dividend, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Company Background: Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, Columbia Banking System operates as a regional bank providing a full suite of retail and commercial banking services, showcasing its market influence and service capabilities across multiple states.
- Future Outlook: The forward-looking statements mentioned in the announcement suggest that despite market uncertainties, Columbia Banking System remains committed to growth and enhancing shareholder value, reflecting confidence in its future development.
See More
Columbia Bank Expands Franchise Banking with New Team Leaders
- Leadership Appointments: Columbia Bank has hired industry leaders James Short and Rich Watson to expand its franchise banking capabilities, with a particular focus on the restaurant sector, thereby enhancing the bank's competitive edge in this rapidly growing market.
- Comprehensive Banking Services: The newly formed Franchise Banking Team will offer a full suite of services, including treasury management, credit, derivatives, wealth management, and merchant banking solutions, catering to the needs of restaurant franchisors and independently branded concepts, thus strengthening client banking relationships.
- Rich Industry Experience: Short and Watson bring over 15 years of experience in restaurant banking, with Short previously serving as Senior Vice President at BBVA Compass and Bank of America, while Watson specialized in all product classes of restaurant banking at Bank of America, providing Columbia Bank with deep industry knowledge and client insights.
- Strategic Growth Vision: Short emphasized Columbia Bank's commitment to supporting franchise owners and operators, stating that the team's expertise will help the bank stand out in franchise banking, fostering long-term banking relationships and driving business growth.
See More
Columbia Bank Expands Franchise Banking with New Team Leaders
- Leadership Appointments: Columbia Bank has hired industry leaders James Short and Rich Watson to enhance its franchise banking capabilities, with a particular focus on the restaurant sector, thereby increasing the bank's competitive edge in this market.
- Comprehensive Service Offering: The newly formed Franchise Banking Team will provide dedicated treasury management, credit, derivatives, wealth management, and merchant banking solutions to restaurant franchisors and independently branded concepts, which is expected to significantly improve the quality of banking relationships for clients.
- Accumulated Industry Experience: Short, prior to joining Columbia Bank, held senior vice president roles at BBVA Compass and Bank of America, bringing extensive restaurant finance expertise that will enhance the bank's industry knowledge and client trust.
- Clear Growth Vision: Short emphasized that Columbia Bank's commitment to supporting franchise owners will distinguish it in the market, with expectations to attract more clients from the restaurant industry and drive long-term business growth.
See More
Columbia Banking System Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights
- Strong Financial Performance: Columbia Banking System reported earnings per share of $0.66 and operating earnings per share of $0.72 for Q1, demonstrating the company's ongoing efforts to optimize its balance sheet and return capital to shareholders, thereby enhancing investor confidence.
- Accelerated Capital Buybacks: The company repurchased $200 million in stock during the first quarter, reflecting its strong capital position and optimistic outlook for future growth, which further enhances shareholder value.
- Significant Loan Origination Growth: New loan origination volume reached $1.2 billion, up 38% year-over-year, indicating strengthened competitiveness in the market and laying a foundation for future revenue growth.
- Successful System Integration: The completion of the Pac Premier systems conversion and consolidation of 9 branches is expected to realize all acquisition-related cost savings by the end of this quarter, enhancing operational efficiency.
See More
Columbia (COLB) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
See More
