00

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2024 RESULTS

$146 million

$143 million

$0.70

$0.69

Net income

Operating net income 1

Earnings per diluted common share

Operating earnings per diluted common share 1

0

CEO Commentary
“Our third quarter results reflect our continued work and success as we strive toward top-quartile performance,” said Clint Stein, President and CEO. “Our recurring expense run rate reflects a 25% reduction in costs over the 18 months we have operated as a combined organization, as we eliminated redundancies and streamlined operations. Our teams’ dedication to driving value for our customers contributed to solid core deposit growth, even as deposit costs were reduced. Although loan balances contracted during the quarter, they reflect healthy customer activity and our focus on reducing transactional assets and their funding sources, as we regain Columbia’s placement as a top-performing bank that delivers long-term, consistent, repeatable results for our shareholders.”
–Clint Stein, President and CEO of Columbia Banking System, Inc.

Jacquelynne "Jacque" Bohlen, SVP/Investor Relations Director, 503-727-4117, jacquebohlen@umpquabank.com

1 "Non-GAAP" financial measure. See GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation for additional information.

Columbia Banking System, Inc. ("Columbia," the "Company," "we," or "our") completed an enterprise-wide evaluation of our operations during the first quarter of 2024. Cost savings identified through the comprehensive review were fully realized as of September 30, 2024, with a portion reserved to fund franchise reinvestment into 2025. Planned reinvestments, some of which have already occurred, include new talent additions, opening de novo locations in targeted growth markets within our existing footprint, and investments in products and technology that create operational efficiencies and revenue growth opportunities. During the third quarter, Columbia's primary subsidiary, Umpqua Bank ("Umpqua"), added new team members with specialty focuses in three of our markets. We also announced the opening of a retail branch in Scottsdale, Arizona, which will be complemented by a planned location in Mesa, Arizona, slated to open in early 2025 as our third branch in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Please refer to the Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation for additional details on our cost savings initiatives and planned reinvestments.

On February 28, 2023, Columbia completed its merger with Umpqua Holdings Corporation ("UHC"), combining the two premier banks in the Northwest to create one of the largest banks headquartered in the West (the "merger"). Columbia's financial results for any periods ended prior to February 28, 2023 reflect UHC results only on a standalone basis. In addition, Columbia's reported financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 reflect UHC financial results only until the closing of the merger after the close of business on February 28, 2023. As a result of these two factors, Columbia's financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 may not be directly comparable to prior reported periods. Under the reverse acquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of Columbia as of February 28, 2023 ("historical Columbia") were recorded at their respective fair values.

Net interest income was $430 million for the third quarter of 2024, up $3 million from the prior quarter. The increase reflects higher income earned on loans, which occurred despite a reduction in accretion income, and relatively stable funding costs prior to the reduction in the federal funds rate in the latter part of September.

Columbia's net interest margin was 3.56% for the third quarter of 2024, unchanged from the second quarter of 2024. A favorable balance sheet funding mix shift into lower-cost deposits and a slight increase in loan yields offset a lower yield on securities, contributing to net interest margin stability between periods. The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased 2 basis points from the prior quarter to 2.95% for the third quarter of 2024, which compares to 2.90% for the month of September and 2.74% as of September 30, 2024. "Anticipated seasonal deposit inflows and successful small business campaigns contributed to customer balance growth during the third quarter," commented Tory Nixon, President of Umpqua Bank. "We continue to use bundled solutions to generate lower-cost customer deposit balances, not promotional pricing. Overall deposit pricing was reduced ahead of and following the federal funds rate reduction in September."

Columbia's cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 2 basis points from the prior quarter to 3.29% for the third quarter of 2024, which compares to 3.26% for the month of September and 3.13% as of September 30, 2024. Please refer to the Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation for additional net interest margin change details and interest rate sensitivity information as well as to our non-GAAP disclosures in this press release for the impact of purchase accounting accretion and amortization on individual line items.

Non-interest income was $66 million for the third quarter of 2024, up $21 million from the prior quarter. The increase was driven by quarterly fluctuations in fair value adjustments and mortgage servicing rights ("MSR") hedging activity, which collectively resulted in a net fair value gain of $7 million in the third quarter compared to a net fair value loss of $10 million in the second quarter, as detailed in our non-GAAP disclosures. Excluding these items, non-interest income was up $5 million2 between periods due primarily to higher swap and mortgage banking income and last quarter's $2 million loss on loan sales, which did not repeat in the third quarter. Treasury management fees, a component of service charges on deposits, increased by 2% from the prior quarter and by 12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Non-interest expense was $271 million for the third quarter of 2024, down $8 million from the prior quarter. Excluding merger and restructuring expense, exit and disposal costs, and accruals for the FDIC special assessment, non-interest expense was $268 million2, up $6 million from the prior quarter, which included an $8 million reversal of prior compensation-related accruals that did not repeat in the third quarter. Salary and wages expense was down $6 million from the prior quarter, due largely to staff reductions that took place throughout the second quarter of 2024, with some of the benefit offset by higher group insurance costs. Please refer to the Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation for additional expense details.

2 "Non-GAAP" financial measure. See GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation for additional information.

Total consolidated assets were $51.9 billion as of September 30, 2024, down slightly from $52.0 billion as of June 30, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents were $2.1 billion as of September 30, 2024, essentially unchanged from June 30, 2024. Including secured off-balance sheet lines of credit, total available liquidity was $19.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, representing 37% of total assets, 47% of total deposits, and 138% of uninsured deposits. Available-for-sale securities, which are held on balance sheet at fair value, were $8.7 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of $174 million relative to June 30, 2024, as the increase in the fair value of the portfolio more than offset paydowns. Please refer to the Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation for additional details related to our securities portfolio and liquidity position.

Gross loans and leases were $37.5 billion as of September 30, 2024, a decrease of $207 million relative to June 30, 2024. "Healthy business activity, like loan payoffs related to business and property sales and project completions, contributed to the quarter's loan contraction," commented Mr. Nixon. "Balances also declined as a result of our strategic decision to allow transactional loans to trend lower as we organically remix the portfolio into relationship-driven commercial loans." Please refer to the Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation for additional details related to our loan portfolio, which include underwriting characteristics, the composition of our commercial portfolios, and disclosure related to our office portfolio.

Customer deposit growth of $602 million enabled a 20% reduction in brokered CDs during the third quarter of 2024. Total deposits were $41.5 billion as of September 30, 2024, essentially unchanged from June 30, 2024, as a result of the intentional reduction in wholesale funding balances. Please refer to the Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation for additional details related to deposit characteristics and flows.

The allowance for credit losses was $438 million, or 1.17% of loans and leases, compared to $439 million, or 1.16% of loans and leases, as of June 30, 2024. The provision for credit losses was $29 million for the third quarter of 2024, and it reflects credit migration trends, charge-off activity, and changes in the economic forecasts used in credit models.

Net charge-offs were 0.31% of average loans and leases (annualized) for the third quarter of 2024, compared to 0.32% for the second quarter of 2024. Net charge-offs in the FinPac portfolio were $20 million in the third quarter, down $5 million from the second quarter as lower delinquencies in the transportation sector of the portfolio resulted in lower charge-off activity. Net charge-offs excluding the FinPac portfolio were $9 million in the third quarter. Non-performing assets were $168 million, or 0.32% of total assets, as of September 30, 2024, compared to $156 million, or 0.30% of total assets, as of June 30, 2024. Please refer to the Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation for additional details related to the allowance for credit losses and other credit trends.

Columbia's book value per common share was $25.17 as of September 30, 2024, compared to $23.76 as of June 30, 2024. The change reflects organic net capital generation and a favorable change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income ("AOCI") to $(234) million at September 30, 2024, compared to $(456) million at the prior quarter-end. The change in AOCI is due primarily to a decrease in the tax-effected net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities to $219 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $442 million as of June 30, 2024. Tangible book value per common share3 was $17.81 as of September 30, 2024, compared to $16.26 as of June 30, 2024.

Columbia's estimated total risk-based capital ratio was 12.5% and its estimated common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 10.3% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 12.2% and 10.0%, respectively, as of June 30, 2024. Columbia remains above current “well-capitalized” regulatory minimums. The regulatory capital ratios as of September 30, 2024 are estimates, pending completion and filing of Columbia's regulatory reports.

3 "Non-GAAP" financial measure. See GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation for additional information.

Columbia's Q3 2024 Earnings Presentation provides additional disclosure. A copy will be available on our investor relations page: www.columbiabankingsystem.com.

Columbia will host its third quarter 2024 earnings conference call on October 24, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. PT (11:30 a.m. ET). During the call, Columbia's management will provide an update on recent activities and discuss its third quarter 2024 financial results. Participants may register for the call using the link below to receive dial-in details and their own unique PINs or join the audiocast. It is recommended you join 10 minutes prior to the start time.

Register for the call: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIabbcdb79db7641c096e78119393cf06f

Join the audiocast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/rzbdb27z/

Access the replay through Columbia's investor relations page: www.columbiabankingsystem.com

Columbia (Nasdaq: COLB) is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington and is the parent company of Umpqua Bank, an award-winning western U.S. regional bank based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Umpqua Bank is the largest bank headquartered in the Northwest and one of the largest banks headquartered in the West with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. With over $50 billion of assets, Umpqua 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. Umpqua Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Advisors and Columbia Trust Company, a division of Umpqua Bank. Learn more at www.columbiabankingsystem.com.

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, continued 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; 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; any failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger when expected; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the completion of the merger and integration of the companies; 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 regulations), and other factors deemed relevant by Columbia's Board of Directors, and may be subject to regulatory approval or conditions.

Columbia Banking System, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
						Nine Months Ended												% Change
($ in thousands, except per share data)						Sep 30, 2024						Sep 30, 2023						Year over Year
Interest income:
Loans and leases						$	1,747,521					$	1,535,874					14		%
Interest and dividends on investments:
Taxable						229,919						198,831						16		%
Exempt from federal income tax						20,663						17,143						21		%
Dividends						9,283						8,241						13		%
Temporary investments and interest bearing deposits						71,271						87,604						(19)		%
Total interest income						2,078,657						1,847,693						13		%
Interest expense:
Deposits						613,769						290,995						111		%
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase and federal funds purchased						3,902						2,697						45		%
Borrowings						150,329						186,848						(20)		%
Junior and other subordinated debentures						29,628						27,605						7		%
Total interest expense						797,628						508,145						57		%
Net interest income						1,281,029						1,339,548						(4)		%
Provision for credit losses						77,725						158,290						(51)		%
Non-interest income:
Service charges on deposits						53,116						48,176						10		%
Card-based fees						42,455						40,670						4		%
Financial services and trust revenue						14,943						10,460						43		%
Residential mortgage banking revenue, net						17,150						12,577						36		%
Gain on sale of debt securities, net						14						4						250		%
Gain (loss) on equity securities, net						1,032						(336)						nm
(Loss) gain on loan and lease sales, net						(1,134)						3,253						(135)		%
BOLI income						14,018						11,293						24		%
Other income						19,625						12,297						60		%
Total non-interest income						161,219						138,394						16		%
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits						446,872						458,531						(3)		%
Occupancy and equipment, net						135,494						135,320						0		%
Intangible amortization						90,376						78,092						16		%
FDIC assessments						33,456						28,892						16		%
Merger and restructuring expense						21,483						164,485						(87)		%
Other expenses						110,437						110,204						0		%
Total non-interest expense						838,118						975,524						(14)		%
Income before provision for income taxes						526,405						344,128						53		%
Provision for income taxes						135,999						88,944						53		%
Net income						$	390,406					$	255,184					53		%
Weighted average basic shares outstanding						208,435						190,997						9		%
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding						209,137						191,546						9		%
Earnings per common share – basic						$	1.87					$	1.34					40		%
Earnings per common share – diluted						$	1.87					$	1.33					41		%
nm = Percentage changes greater than +/-500% are considered not meaningful and are presented as "nm."

(1) See GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.

(2) Tax-exempt interest was adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using a 21% tax rate.

(3) Total funding = Total deposits + Total borrowings.

(4) Estimated holding company ratios.

(5) The operating efficiency ratio was adjusted in the first quarter of 2024 to remove B&O taxes and for a tax-equivalent adjustment to BOLI income. The Company views the adjusted operating efficiency ratio as a better representation of its efficiency ratio when compared to other banks as it normalizes for the tax treatment of the adjusted items. The adjustment re-aligns Columbia's calculation of its operating efficiency ratio with its pre-merger calculation.

(6) Non-interest expense adjustments were revised subsequent to the Company's reporting of its earnings results for the period ended December 31, 2023. The revision includes adding the FDIC special assessment to the non-interest expense adjustments, which removes the special assessment from the Company's calculation of operating non-interest expense. The Company views the special assessment as an infrequent expense that is outside the control of the Company.

(1) See GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.

(2) Tax-exempt interest was adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using a 21% tax rate.

(3) Total funding = Total deposits + Total borrowings.

(4) The operating efficiency ratio was adjusted in the first quarter of 2024 to remove B&O taxes and for a tax-equivalent adjustment to BOLI income. The Company views the adjusted operating efficiency ratio as a better representation of its efficiency ratio when compared to other banks as it normalizes for the tax treatment of the adjusted items. The adjustment re-aligns Columbia's calculation of its operating efficiency ratio with its pre-merger calculation.

(5) Non-interest expense adjustments were revised subsequent to the Company's reporting of its earnings results for the period ended December 31, 2023. The revision includes adding the FDIC special assessment to the non-interest expense adjustments, which removes the special assessment from the Company's calculation of operating non-interest expense. The Company views the special assessment as an infrequent expense that is outside the control of the Company.

 

(1) Core deposits are defined as total deposits less time deposits greater than $250,000 and all brokered deposits.

(1) Non-accrual and 90+ days past due loans include government guarantees of $65.8 million, $64.6 million, $43.0 million, $31.6 million, and $26.9 million at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023, respectively.

(2) Excludes certain mortgage loans guaranteed by GNMA, which Columbia has the unilateral right to repurchase but has not done so, totaling $3.7 million, $1.0 million, $1.6 million, $1.0 million, and $700,000 at September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024, March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023, respectively.