COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2026 RESULTS

TACOMA, Wash., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Organizational Update

Columbia Banking System, Inc. ("Columbia," the "Company," "we," or "our") closed its acquisition of Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. ("Pacific Premier") on August 31, 2025, and completed the systems conversion and nine branch consolidations during the first quarter of 2026. We continue to expect to realize all previously disclosed related cost savings by June 30, 2026.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income was $594 million for the first quarter of 2026, down $33 million from the prior quarter, which included $5 million in interest income related to an accelerated loan repayment and a $12 million reduction to interest expense related to the amortization of a premium related to Pacific Premier's time deposits, neither of which repeated in the current quarter. The remaining decrease in net interest income between periods largely reflects lower average interest-earning asset balances, partially offset by an improved mix of higher-yielding loans and investment securities.

Columbia's net interest margin was 3.96% for the first quarter of 2026, down 10 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2025. The fourth quarter's net interest margin included an 8-basis point benefit related to the amortization of a premium on acquired time deposits and a 3-basis point benefit related to an accelerated loan repayment. Net interest margin was otherwise consistent between periods, as lower yields on loans and cash following reductions to the federal funds rate during the fourth quarter were offset by lower deposit costs.

The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased 4 basis points from the prior quarter to 2.04% for the first quarter of 2026, compared to 2.08% for the fourth quarter of 2025. During the fourth quarter, we recorded a $12 million benefit to interest expense related to the amortization of a premium on acquired time deposits, which favorably impacted the cost of interest-bearing deposits by 12 basis points. The decrease during the first quarter reflects our active management of deposit rates ahead of and following reductions to the federal funds rate, as well as a lower mix of higher-cost brokered deposits. The cost of interest-bearing deposits was 2.02% for the month of March and 1.98% as of March 31, 2026.

Columbia's cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 3 basis points from the prior quarter to 2.24% for the first quarter of 2026, compared to 2.27% for the fourth quarter of 2025. The previously discussed premium amortization favorably impacted the cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the fourth quarter of 2025 by 11 basis points. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.23% for the month of March and 2.19% as of March 31, 2026. Please refer to the Q1 2026 Earnings Presentation for additional net interest margin change details and interest rate sensitivity information.

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income was $83 million for the first quarter of 2026, down $7 million from the prior quarter. Quarterly changes in fair value adjustments and mortgage servicing rights ("MSR") hedging activity, which reflect interest rate fluctuations during the quarter, collectively resulted in a net fair value gain of $2 million for the first quarter, unchanged from the fourth quarter, as detailed in our non-GAAP disclosures. Excluding these items, non-interest income was $81 million² for the first quarter of 2026, down $7 million between periods, due to lower swap, syndication, and international banking revenue following strong performance in the prior quarter, as well as an expected slowdown in customer activity that is typical for the first quarter.

Non-interest Expense

Non-interest expense was $394 million for the first quarter of 2026, down $18 million from the prior quarter, due to lower merger expense. Excluding merger and restructuring expense, exit and disposal costs, reversals of prior FDIC assessment expense, and other non-operating expense, as detailed in our non-GAAP disclosures, non-interest expense was $369 million², down $4 million from the prior quarter, due to cost savings related to the Pacific Premier acquisition. Please refer to the Q1 2026 Earnings Presentation for additional expense details.

Balance Sheet

Total consolidated assets were $66.0 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared to $66.8 billion as of December 31, 2025. The decrease reflects balance sheet optimization activity, which includes the reduction of excess cash. Cash and cash equivalents were $2.1 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared to $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2025. Including secured off-balance sheet lines of credit, total available liquidity was $27.1 billion as of March 31, 2026, representing 41% of total assets, 51% of total deposits, and 129% of uninsured deposits. Available-for-sale securities, which are held on balance sheet at fair value, were $10.9 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared to $11.1 billion as of December 31, 2025. The decrease is due to paydowns and a decrease in the fair value of the portfolio, partially offset by the purchase of $208 million of investment securities. Please refer to the Q1 2026 Earnings Presentation for additional details related to our investment securities portfolio and liquidity position.

Gross loans and leases were $47.7 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared to $47.8 billion as of December 31, 2025. The decrease reflects continued expected runoff in below-market-rate transactional loans. Commercial loans, inclusive of owner-occupied commercial real estate, increased by 6% on an annualized basis relative to December 31, 2025, partially offsetting contraction in other portfolios. "Our teams delivered a strong quarter, continuing to generate relationship-based commercial business while successfully supporting customers through a core systems conversion," commented Chris Merrywell, President of Columbia Bank. "Loan origination volume rose 38% from the prior-year quarter, driven by increased customer activity and the addition of bankers from Pacific Premier. Payoff activity also moderated following elevated levels in the latter part of 2025." Please refer to the Q1 2026 Earnings Presentation for additional details related to our loan portfolio, which include underwriting characteristics, the composition of our commercial portfolios, and disclosure related to transactional loans.

Total deposits were $53.5 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared to $54.2 billion as of December 31, 2025. The decrease reflects an intentional reduction in brokered deposits, which declined to $1.6 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared to $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2025. A $110 million increase in customer deposits and the deployment of excess cash contributed to our reduced reliance on wholesale funding sources. "Despite seasonal deposit pressure during the first quarter, our teams' focus on generating new business and strong quarter-end inflows supported growth in customer balances," stated Mr. Merrywell. "We remain focused on deepening customer relationships and strengthening our industry-leading core deposit franchise, while continuing to reduce brokered and non-relationship public deposits." We utilized borrowings, which were $3.4 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared to $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2025, to supplement funding needs. Please refer to the Q1 2026 Earnings Presentation for additional details related to deposit characteristics and flows.

Credit Quality

The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") was $478 million, or 1.00% of loans and leases, as of March 31, 2026, compared to $485 million, or 1.02% of loans and leases, as of December 31, 2025. The provision for credit losses was $28 million for the first quarter of 2026 and reflects loan portfolio runoff, credit migration trends, charge-off activity, and changes in the economic forecasts used in credit models.

Net charge-offs were 0.30% of average loans and leases (annualized) for the first quarter of 2026, compared to 0.25% for the fourth quarter of 2026. Net charge-offs in the FinPac portfolio were $14 million for the first quarter, unchanged from the fourth quarter. Net charge-offs excluding the FinPac portfolio were $21 million for the first quarter, compared to $16 million for the fourth quarter. Non-performing assets were $264 million, or 0.40% of total assets, as of March 31, 2026, compared to $200 million, or 0.30% of total assets, as of December 31, 2025. The increase in net charge-offs and non-performing assets between periods was driven by an agricultural industry relationship. Please refer to the Q1 2026 Earnings Presentation for additional details related to the allowance for credit losses and other credit trends.

Capital

Columbia's book value per common share was $26.47 as of March 31, 2026, compared to $26.54 as of December 31, 2025. During the first quarter, Columbia repurchased 6.5 million common shares under its current repurchase plan at an average price of $30.74. Book value also was impacted by the change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("AOCI") to $(291) million as of March 31, 2026, compared to $(233) million as of the prior quarter-end. The change in AOCI is due primarily to an increase in the tax-effected net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities to $260 million as of March 31, 2026, compared to $199 million as of December 31, 2025. Tangible book value per common share³ was $19.03 as of March 31, 2026, compared to $19.11 as of December 31, 2025.

Columbia's estimated total risk-based capital ratio was 13.3% and its estimated common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.5% as of March 31, 2026, compared to 13.6% and 11.8%, respectively, as of December 31, 2025. Columbia remains above current "well-capitalized" regulatory minimums. The regulatory capital ratios as of March 31, 2026 are estimates, pending completion and filing of Columbia's regulatory reports. 

Earnings Presentation and Conference Call Information

Columbia's Q1 2026 Earnings Presentation provides additional disclosure. A copy will be available on our investor relations page: www.columbiabankingsystem.com. 

Columbia will host its first quarter 2026 earnings conference call on April 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET). During the call, Columbia's management will provide an update on recent activities and discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results. Participants may join the audiocast or register for the call using the link below to receive dial-in details and their own unique PINs. It is recommended you join 10 minutes prior to the start time.

Join the audiocast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/y2c5ea4c/

Register for the call: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI6f2e58fad341429a8b85e604aa895766

Access the replay through Columbia's investor relations page: https://www.columbiabankingsystem.com/news-market-data/event-calendar/default.aspx 

About Columbia Banking System, Inc.

Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ:COLB) is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington and is the parent company of Columbia Bank, an award-winning preeminent regional bank with offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Columbia Bank combines the resources, sophistication, and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver superior, personalized service. The bank supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management. Learn more at www.columbiabankingsystem.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "Safe-Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which management believes are a benefit to shareholders. These statements are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty and actual results could differ materially due to various risk factors, including those set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and we undertake no obligation to update any such statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "target," "projects," "outlook," "forecast," "will," "may," "could," "should," "can" and similar references to future periods. In this press release we make forward-looking statements about strategic and growth initiatives and the result of such activity. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ from forward-looking statements we make include, without limitation: current and future economic and market conditions, including the effects of declines in housing and commercial real estate prices, high unemployment rates, renewed inflation and any recession or slowdown in economic growth particularly in the western United States; economic forecast variables that are either materially worse or better than end of quarter projections and deterioration in the economy that could result in increased loan and lease losses, especially those risks associated with concentrations in real estate related loans; risks related to our acquisition of Pacific Premier (the "Transaction"), including, among others, (i) diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities, (ii) cost savings and any revenue or expense synergies from the Transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, and (iii) deposit attrition, customer or employee loss, and/or revenue loss as a result of the Transaction; the impact of proposed or imposed tariffs by the U.S. government and retaliatory tariffs proposed or imposed by U.S. trading partners that could have an adverse impact on customers; our ability to effectively manage problem credits; the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks on general investor sentiment regarding the liquidity and stability of banks; changes in interest rates that could significantly reduce net interest income and negatively affect asset yields and valuations and funding sources; changes in the scope and cost of FDIC insurance and other coverage; our ability to successfully implement efficiency and operational excellence initiatives; our ability to successfully develop and market new products and technology; changes in laws or regulations; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships; the effect of geopolitical instability, including wars, conflicts and terrorist attacks; and natural disasters and other similar unexpected events outside of our control. We also caution that the amount and timing of any future common stock dividends or repurchases will depend on the earnings, cash requirements and financial condition of Columbia, market conditions, capital requirements, applicable law and regulations (including federal securities laws and federal banking and state regulations), and other factors deemed relevant by Columbia's Board of Directors.