Columbia Banking System Bolsa (NASDAQ: COLB)

Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:COLB) Bolsa

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM INC

Columbia Banking System

Columbia Banking System Inc is a registered bank holding company whose wholly-owned banking subsidiary is Columbia State Bank. The company provides a full range of banking services to small and medium sized businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. The company's subsidiary Columbia Trust Company is an Oregon trust company that provides agency, fiduciary, and other related trust services with offices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The firm offers various products and services under Personal Banking, Business Banking, and Wealth Management divisions.

Columbia Banking System, Inc. - Common Stock

Columbia Banking System Inc

Columbia Banking System's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NYSE">COLB</a>) short percent of float has risen 13.72% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 9.61 million shares sold short, which is 5.14% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.83 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Columbia Banking System Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1748962833_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Columbia Banking System has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Columbia Banking System's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Columbia Banking System's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.76%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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COLB

How Do Investors Really Feel About Columbia Banking System?

In the current session, the stock is trading at $24.15, after a 2.37% increase. Over the past month, Columbia Banking System Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) stock increased by 6.29%, and in the past year, by 31.75%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are optimistic but others are more likely to look into the price-to-earnings ratio to see if the stock might be overvalued.

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1748379617_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>How Does Columbia Banking System P/E Compare to Other Companies?</h3>
The P/E ratio measures the current share price to the company's EPS. It is used by long-term investors to analyze the company's current performance against it's past earnings, historical data and aggregate market data for the industry or the indices, such as S&amp;P 500. A higher P/E indicates that investors expect the company to perform better in the future, and the stock is probably overvalued, but not necessarily. It also could indicate that investors are willing to pay a higher share price currently, because they expect the company to perform better in the upcoming quarters. This leads investors to also remain optimistic about rising dividends in the future. 
Compared to the aggregate P/E ratio of the 14.92 in the Banks industry, Columbia Banking System Inc. has a lower P/E ratio of 9.95. Shareholders might be inclined to think that the stock might perform worse than it's industry peers. It's also possible that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1748379617_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

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Price Over Earnings Overview: Columbia Banking System

During the last three months, 9 analysts shared their evaluations of Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>), revealing diverse outlooks from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have recently evaluated Columbia Banking System and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $28.11, accompanied by a high estimate of $32.00 and a low estimate of $25.00. Highlighting a 11.1% decrease, the current average has fallen from the previous average price target of $31.62. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1747864839_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration</h2>
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of Columbia Banking System by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>David Chiaverini</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Clark</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$32.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jared Shaw</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$32.00</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl Shepard</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
<td>$32.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeff Rulis</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Mcgratty</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Timur Braziler</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jared Shaw</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jared Shaw</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Columbia Banking System. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Columbia Banking System compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Columbia Banking System's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Columbia Banking System's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COLB/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Columbia Banking System analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Columbia Banking System: A Closer Look</h2>
Columbia Banking System Inc is a registered bank holding company whose wholly-owned banking subsidiary is Columbia State Bank. The company provides a full range of banking services to small and medium sized businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. The company's subsidiary Columbia Trust Company is an Oregon trust company that provides agency, fiduciary, and other related trust services with offices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The firm offers various products and services under Personal Banking, Business Banking, and Wealth Management divisions.
<h3>Unraveling the Financial Story of Columbia Banking System</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Columbia Banking System displayed positive results in 3M. As of 31 March, 2025, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 3.73%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Financials sector.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 17.63%, the company may need to address challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Columbia Banking System's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 1.67%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): Columbia Banking System's ROA is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.17%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: With a high debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, Columbia Banking System faces challenges in effectively managing its debt levels, indicating potential financial strain.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
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Analyst Ratings

9 Analysts Assess Columbia Banking System: What You Need To Know

Jefferies analyst David Chiaverini initiates coverage on Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) with a Hold rating and announces Price Target of $27.

Price Target

Initiation

Jefferies Initiates Coverage On Columbia Banking System with Hold Rating, Announces Price Target of $27

Columbia Banking System's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NYSE">COLB</a>) short percent of float has risen 13.0% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 8.46 million shares sold short, which is 4.52% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.53 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Columbia Banking System Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1747422058_0_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Columbia Banking System has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Columbia Banking System's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Columbia Banking System's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.95%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Is Columbia Banking System Gaining or Losing Market Support?

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Shares of banking and financial services stocks are higher after the US and China agreed to a temporary reduction in most tariffs on each other's goods. A reduction in tariffs could alleviate macro uncertainty in the lending and deal environment.

Piper Sandler analyst Matthew Clark maintains Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $32 to $30.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Columbia Banking System, Lowers Price Target to $30

9 analysts have shared their evaluations of Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $28.56, along with a high estimate of $32.00 and a low estimate of $25.00. Experiencing a 9.82% decline, the current average is now lower than the previous average price target of $31.67. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745607655_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview</h2>
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Columbia Banking System. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
&#x7C; Analyst &#x7C; Analyst Firm &#x7C; Action Taken &#x7C; Rating &#x7C;Current Price Target&#x7C; Prior Price Target &#x7C; 
&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;-----------------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jared Shaw &#x7C;Barclays &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $32.00&#x7C;$27.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Karl Shepard &#x7C;RBC Capital &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Sector Perform &#x7C; $27.00&#x7C;$32.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jeff Rulis &#x7C;DA Davidson &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $25.00&#x7C;$35.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Christopher Mcgratty&#x7C;Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods&#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Market Perform &#x7C; $30.00&#x7C;$33.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Timur Braziler &#x7C;Wells Fargo &#x7C;Raises &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $29.00&#x7C;$26.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jared Shaw &#x7C;Wells Fargo &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $26.00&#x7C;$35.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jared Shaw &#x7C;Barclays &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $27.00&#x7C;$33.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Andrew Terrell &#x7C;Stephens &amp; Co. &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $31.00&#x7C;$33.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Ben Gerlinger &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $30.00&#x7C;$31.00 &#x7C;
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Columbia Banking System. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Columbia Banking System compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Columbia Banking System's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Columbia Banking System's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COLB/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Columbia Banking System analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Columbia Banking System</h2>
Columbia Banking System Inc is a registered bank holding company whose wholly-owned banking subsidiary is Columbia State Bank. The company provides a full range of banking services to small and medium sized businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. The company's subsidiary Columbia Trust Company is an Oregon trust company that provides agency, fiduciary, and other related trust services with offices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The firm offers various products and services under Personal Banking, Business Banking, and Wealth Management divisions.
<h3>Key Indicators: Columbia Banking System's Financial Health</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Reflecting a smaller scale, the company's market capitalization is positioned below industry averages. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: Columbia Banking System's remarkable performance in 3M is evident. As of 31 March, 2025, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 0.87%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Financials sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 17.63%, the company may need to address challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Columbia Banking System's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 1.67%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Columbia Banking System's ROA lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns from its assets. With an ROA of 0.17%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Debt Management: Columbia Banking System's debt-to-equity ratio is notably higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 0.59, the company relies more heavily on borrowed funds, indicating a higher level of financial risk.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Forecasting The Future: 9 Analyst Projections For Columbia Banking System

Barclays analyst Jared Shaw maintains Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $27 to $32.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Columbia Banking System, Raises Price Target to $32

RBC Capital analyst Karl Shepard maintains Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) with a Sector Perform and lowers the price target from $32 to $27.

RBC Capital Maintains Sector Perform on Columbia Banking System, Lowers Price Target to $27

DA Davidson analyst Jeff Rulis maintains Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $35 to $25.

DA Davidson Maintains Neutral on Columbia Banking System, Lowers Price Target to $25

Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods analyst Christopher Mcgratty maintains Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $33 to $30.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Maintains Market Perform on Columbia Banking System, Lowers Price Target to $30

Wells Fargo analyst Timur Braziler maintains Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $26 to $29.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Columbia Banking System, Raises Price Target to $29

Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.67 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.64 by 4.69 percent. This is a 3.08 percent increase over earnings of $0.65 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $491.37 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $482.85 million by 1.77 percent. This is a 3.73 percent increase over sales of $473.72 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Beats

Columbia Banking System Q1 Adj. EPS $0.67 Beats $0.64 Estimate, Sales $491.37M Beat $482.85M Estimate

Natural&nbsp;Combination&nbsp;of the Western Region's&nbsp;Leading&nbsp;Business Banks&nbsp;Builds Market&nbsp;Presence&nbsp;and&nbsp;Drives Financial Performance
TACOMA, Wash. and&nbsp;IRVINE,&nbsp;Calif., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Banking System, Inc. ("Columbia") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>), the parent company of&nbsp;Umpqua Bank, and&nbsp;Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.&nbsp;("Pacific&nbsp;Premier") (Nasdaq:&nbsp;PPBI), the parent company of&nbsp;Pacific Premier Bank,&nbsp;National Association,&nbsp;jointly&nbsp;announced&nbsp;today&nbsp;that they have entered into a definitive&nbsp;merger&nbsp;agreement, pursuant to which Columbia will acquire Pacific Premier in an all-stock transaction.&nbsp;The combined company will have approximately $70&nbsp;billion in assets and&nbsp;will be a market leader&nbsp;in the largest&nbsp;banking&nbsp;markets&nbsp;within&nbsp;the Western U.S.
Pursuant to&nbsp;the terms of the&nbsp;definitive merger&nbsp;agreement,&nbsp;Pacific Premier&nbsp;stockholders&nbsp;will receive 0.9150 of a share&nbsp;of Columbia&nbsp;common&nbsp;stock for each Pacific Premier share they own. The merger is valued at approximately $2.0&nbsp;billion, or $20.83 per Pacific Premier share,&nbsp;based on Columbia's&nbsp;closing&nbsp;stock price of $22.77 on&nbsp;April 22,&nbsp;2025. Following closing, Pacific Premier&nbsp;stockholders&nbsp;will own approximately 30%&nbsp;of Columbia's outstanding shares of common stock.&nbsp;Three&nbsp;Pacific Premier&nbsp;directors, including&nbsp;Steve Gardner and two other current Pacific Premier directors to be mutually agreed by Columbia and Pacific Premier, will join the&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;board upon the completion of the transaction.&nbsp;The definitive merger agreement was unanimously approved by the Boards&nbsp;of Directors of&nbsp;Columbia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Pacific Premier.&nbsp;
Strategic Benefits
<ul>
<li>A Regional Bank Champion in the West – The acquisition enhances Columbia's position as a leading regional bank throughout the West with over $57 billion in deposits, including nearly $21 billion in deposits in California, $17 billion in Oregon, and $16 billion in Washington.</li>
<li>Builds Density and Accelerates Expansion – The combined company will benefit from enhanced scale in key market areas. Most notably, the transaction accelerates Columbia's expansion in Southern California by approximately a decade, moving its deposit market share to a top-10 position.</li>
<li>Expands and Enhances Columbia's Product Set – Pacific Premier's strength in attractive, specialized, and nationwide banking verticals such as Homeowners Association (HOA) Banking and Custodial Trust will enhance Columbia's product offering.</li>
<li>Enhances Products and Services for Pacific Premier Clients – Pacific Premier clients will gain access to Columbia's robust Treasury Management products and Wealth Management services.</li>
<li>Supporting Communities and Employees – The combined company will continue to support local communities through volunteerism, charitable giving, and other bank-sponsored programs. Columbia will continue to foster an engaging work environment while providing additional opportunities to develop talent across a larger organization.</li>
</ul>
Financial Benefits
<ul>
<li>Attractive Financial Impact – The transaction is projected to deliver mid-teens EPS accretion to Columbia (assuming fully phased-in cost savings), with tangible book value dilution earned back in three years (crossover method) under conservative transaction modeling assumptions.</li>
<li>Capital Efficient – The transaction requires no outside capital, which will preserve the value creation for Columbia's and Pacific Premier's stockholders. Columbia's pro forma capital ratios are expected to be nearly unchanged following closing of the transaction.</li>
<li>Improved Profitability – The combined company will be well positioned to achieve top-quartile profitability and operating metrics versus peers, including an anticipated 20% ROATCE and 1.4% ROAA in 2026, assuming fully phased-in cost savings.</li>
<li>Value Creation – The transaction is expected to deliver approximately $0.9 billion of value creation based on reasonable and highly achievable cost synergies (expense savings of $88 million after-tax capitalized at 12.5x, net of transaction expenses of $146 million after-tax).</li>
</ul>
Umpqua Bank Name Change To ensure brand clarity as Umpqua Bank deepens its expansion throughout the West and to simplify the bank's family of brands, Umpqua Bank plans to change its name to Columbia Bank later this year. The Columbia Bank name aligns with the holding company and a variety of other brands the bank operates today, including Columbia Wealth Management, Columbia Trust Company, Columbia Private Bank,&nbsp;and Columbia Wealth Advisors.
Timing and Expected Closing The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions,&nbsp;including&nbsp;regulatory approvals and the approval of&nbsp;Columbia's and&nbsp;Pacific Premier's&nbsp;stockholders. The transaction is anticipated to close in&nbsp;the second half of&nbsp;2025.
 &nbsp;

Columbia Banking System To Acquire Pacific Premier Bancorp In All-stock Transaction; Merger Is Valued At About $2.0B

Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) is preparing to release its quarterly earnings on Thursday, 2025-04-24. Here's a brief overview of what investors should keep in mind before the announcement.
Analysts expect Columbia Banking System to report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.63.
Anticipation surrounds Columbia Banking System's announcement, with investors hoping to hear about both surpassing estimates and receiving positive guidance for the next quarter.
New investors should understand that while earnings performance is important, market reactions are often driven by guidance.
<h3>Past Earnings Performance</h3>
Last quarter the company beat EPS by $0.06, which was followed by a 0.67% drop in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at Columbia Banking System's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q4 2024</th>
<th>Q3 2024</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>0.65</td>
<td>0.62</td>
<td>0.57</td>
<td>0.53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>0.71</td>
<td>0.69</td>
<td>0.67</td>
<td>0.65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
<td>12.0%</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745427798_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Tracking Columbia Banking System's Stock Performance</h3>
Shares of Columbia Banking System were trading at $22.77 as of April 22. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 23.86%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release. 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COLB/earnings">To track all earnings releases for Columbia Banking System visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Columbia Banking System's Earnings Outlook

Looking into the current session, Columbia Banking System Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) shares are trading at $21.95, after a 1.04% decrease. Over the past month, the stock fell by 15.02%, but over the past year, it actually went up by 13.89%. With questionable short-term performance like this, and great long-term performance, long-term shareholders might want to start looking into the company's price-to-earnings ratio. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745251217_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Evaluating Columbia Banking System P/E in Comparison to Its Peers</h3>
The P/E ratio measures the current share price to the company's EPS. It is used by long-term investors to analyze the company's current performance against it's past earnings, historical data and aggregate market data for the industry or the indices, such as S&amp;P 500. A higher P/E indicates that investors expect the company to perform better in the future, and the stock is probably overvalued, but not necessarily. It also could indicate that investors are willing to pay a higher share price currently, because they expect the company to perform better in the upcoming quarters. This leads investors to also remain optimistic about rising dividends in the future. 
Compared to the aggregate P/E ratio of the 13.25 in the Banks industry, Columbia Banking System Inc. has a lower P/E ratio of 8.7. Shareholders might be inclined to think that the stock might perform worse than it's industry peers. It's also possible that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745251217_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In conclusion, the price-to-earnings ratio is a useful metric for analyzing a company's market performance, but it has its limitations. While a lower P/E can indicate that a company is undervalued, it can also suggest that shareholders do not expect future growth. Additionally, the P/E ratio should not be used in isolation, as other factors such as industry trends and business cycles can also impact a company's stock price. Therefore, investors should use the P/E ratio in conjunction with other financial metrics and qualitative analysis to make informed investment decisions.

P/E Ratio Insights for Columbia Banking System

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Shares of companies in the broader financial services sector are trading lower as stocks pull back after surging Wednesday following President Trump's tariff pause announcement.

Ratings for Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COLB#NASDAQ">COLB</a>) were provided by 5 analysts in the past three months, showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $29.4, a high estimate of $33.00, and a low estimate of $26.00. Observing a downward trend, the current average is 11.45% lower than the prior average price target of $33.20. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744236015_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Columbia Banking System is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
&#x7C; Analyst &#x7C; Analyst Firm &#x7C; Action Taken &#x7C; Rating &#x7C;Current Price Target&#x7C; Prior Price Target &#x7C; 
&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;-----------------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;---------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C;--------------------&#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jared Shaw &#x7C;Wells Fargo &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Overweight &#x7C; $26.00&#x7C;$35.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Jared Shaw &#x7C;Barclays &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $27.00&#x7C;$33.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Andrew Terrell &#x7C;Stephens &amp; Co. &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Equal-Weight &#x7C; $31.00&#x7C;$33.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Ben Gerlinger &#x7C;Citigroup &#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Neutral &#x7C; $30.00&#x7C;$31.00 &#x7C; 
&#x7C;Christopher Mcgratty&#x7C;Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods&#x7C;Lowers &#x7C;Market Perform &#x7C; $33.00&#x7C;$34.00 &#x7C;
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Columbia Banking System. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Columbia Banking System compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Columbia Banking System's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Columbia Banking System's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/COLB/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Columbia Banking System analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Columbia Banking System</h2>
Columbia Banking System Inc is a registered bank holding company whose wholly-owned banking subsidiary is Columbia State Bank. The company provides a full range of banking services to small and medium sized businesses, professionals, and individuals throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California. The company's subsidiary Columbia Trust Company is an Oregon trust company that provides agency, fiduciary, and other related trust services with offices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The firm offers various products and services under Personal Banking, Business Banking, and Wealth Management divisions.
<h3>Columbia Banking System: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is below the industry average, suggesting that it is relatively smaller compared to peers. This could be due to various factors, including perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Revenue Growth: Columbia Banking System's revenue growth over a period of 3M has faced challenges. As of 31 December, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -6.17%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Financials sector.
Net Margin: Columbia Banking System's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 29.41%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 2.76%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.28%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: Columbia Banking System's debt-to-equity ratio surpasses industry norms, standing at 0.72. This suggests the company carries a substantial amount of debt, posing potential financial challenges.
<h2>The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know</h2>
Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Beyond The Numbers: 5 Analysts Discuss Columbia Banking System Stock

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Shares of banks and financial services companies are trading higher amid an overall market surge following President Trump's decision to implement a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for all countries except China.

Press Releases

Columbia Banking System to Acquire Pacific Premier Bancorp, Expanding the Premier Business Bank in the West

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2025 RESULTS

COLB Stock Alert: Halper Sadeh LLC Is Investigating Whether the Merger of Columbia Banking System, Inc. Is Fair to Shareholders

$HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of Columbia Banking System, Inc. - COLB

PACIFIC PREMIER INVESTOR ALERT by the Former Attorney General of Louisiana: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates Adequacy of Price and Process in Proposed Sale of Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. - PPBI

SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates COLB, PPBI, HONE on Behalf of Shareholders

SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates DNB, COLB, KRON on Behalf of Shareholders

SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates COLB, PRA, GLYC on Behalf of Shareholders

Umpqua Bank Appoints Judi Giem as Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer

Dividends

Columbia Banking System Announces $0.36 Per Common Share Dividend

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