COLB - Columbia Banking System Announces First Quarter 2022 Results and Quarterly Cash Dividend

PR Newswire

Notable Items for First Quarter 2022

• Quarterly net income of $57.5 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.74 , which included $0.07 per share negative impact from acquisition-related expenses
• Record non-PPP first quarter loan production of $464.2 million
• Deposits increased $289.1 million
• Net interest margin of 3.12%, an increase of 7 basis points from the linked quarter
• Nonperforming assets to period-end assets ratio decreased to 0.09%
• Regular cash dividend declared of $0.30 per share
• Bank of Commerce Holdings integration completed

TACOMA, Wash. , April 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Clint Stein , President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Banking System, Inc. (" Columbia ", "we" or "us") and Columbia Bank (the "Bank") (NASDAQ: COLB), said today upon the release of Columbia's first quarter 2022 earnings, "We achieved robust loan and deposit growth during the first quarter, which is traditionally our slowest. Our credit metrics remain stellar, and our balance sheet is well-positioned for the expected continued rise in interest rates." He continued, "During the quarter our team completed the Bank of Commerce Holdings integration and is ready for the close of our merger with Umpqua Holdings. I am proud of what our bankers continue to accomplish and remain exceedingly optimistic for our future."

Balance Sheet

Total assets at March 31, 2022 were $20.96 billion , an increase of $18.6 million from the linked quarter. Loans were $10.76 billion , up $117.7 million from December 31, 2021, mainly attributable to loan originations of $464.2 million partially offset by loan payments. Total Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans decreased from $184 .1 million at December 31, 2021 to $83 .2 million at March 31, 2022. The remaining PPP loans balance consisted of $9.1 million from the first round in 2020 and $74.1 million from the second round in 2021. Debt securities in total were $7.73 billion , a decrease of $329 .5 million from $8.06 billion at December 31, 2021 substantially driven by fair value movement related to the available-for-sale portfolio. Total deposits at March 31, 2022 were $18.30 billion , an increase of $289.1 million from December 31, 2021. The deposit mix remained fairly consistent from December 31, 2021 with 48% noninterest-bearing and 52% interest-bearing.

Chris Merrywell , Columbia's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, "We have been successful in retaining existing and attracting new bankers in all of our markets, which generated loan production of $464.2 million , a new non-PPP first-quarter record. This, combined with increased account retention, translated into excellent loan and deposit growth during the first quarter, which typically is our seasonally lowest." He continued, "Our pipelines remain strong which is an extension of the purposeful investment in our people and our products."

Income Statement

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2022 was $146.2 million , an increase of $677 thousand from the linked quarter and an increase of $22.2 million from the prior-year period. The increase from the linked quarter was primarily due to higher interest income related to increased yield on the securities portfolio substantially driven by lower premium amortization. Also contributing was lower interest expense resulting from the $35.0 million repayment of subordinated debentures in the prior quarter. The increase in net interest income from the prior-year period was mainly due to an increase in interest income for loans and securities, which was a result of higher average balances partially related to the Bank of Commerce acquisition. For additional information regarding net interest income, see the "Net Interest Margin" section and the "Average Balances and Rates" tables.

Provision for Credit Losses

Columbia recorded a $7 .8 million recapture for credit losses for the first quarter of 2022 compared to an $11 .1 million provision for the linked quarter and a net provision recapture of $800 thousand for the comparable quarter in 2021. The recapture for credit losses recorded in the current quarter was due to credit quality improvement.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income was $24.2 million for the first quarter of 2022, a decrease of $60 thousand from the linked quarter and an increase of $1.0 million from the first quarter of 2021. The decrease compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to lower loan fees and mortgage banking revenue partially offset by financial services and trust revenue and other noninterest income including a gain on the sale of loans of $868 thousand . The increase in noninterest income during the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter in 2021 was mainly due to increases associated with other noninterest income, financial services and trust revenue and card revenue offset by lower mortgage banking revenue due to lower overall mortgage production and decreased premium on loan sales attributed to the higher rate environment.

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2022 was $105.1 million , an increase of $2.4 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. Total acquisition-related expenses for the quarter were $7.1 million , which compares to the linked quarter of $11.8 million . Taking this into consideration, the largest contributor to the increase in noninterest expense for the current quarter is related to compensation and employee benefits that can be attributed to higher 401k and payroll tax expenses, which are typically elevated in the first quarter. The increase was also attributable to a $500 thousand provision for unfunded loan commitments recorded in the current quarter compared to a $2.0 million recapture recorded for the linked quarter. Higher data processing and software expenses partially offset by lower professional services expense were also drivers of the current quarter increase. Compared to the first quarter of 2021, noninterest expense increased $21.5 million , mostly attributable to an increase in compensation and employee benefits. This increase was due to our acquisition of Bank of Commerce in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the prior-year period having substantial labor costs capitalized related to PPP loan originations. Increased acquisition-related expenses related to legal and professional fees, occupancy and data processing and software also contributed to the increase from the prior-year period.

The provision for unfunded loan commitments, a component of other noninterest expense, for the periods indicated are as follows:

Net Interest Margin

Columbia's net interest margin (tax equivalent) for the first quarter of 2022 was 3.12%, an increase of 7 basis points from the linked quarter and a decrease of 19 basis points from the prior-year period. The increase in the net interest margin (tax equivalent) compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to higher yields on securities driven by substantially lower premium amortization. A stronger earning assets mix with a lower ratio of low-yield interest-earning deposits with banks was also a contributing factor to the improved net interest margin. The average cost of total deposits for both the current quarter and linked quarter was 4 basis points. The decrease in the net interest margin (tax equivalent) compared to the prior-year period was driven by lower average rates on loans in the current period. For additional information regarding net interest margin, see the "Average Balances and Rates" tables.

Columbia's operating net interest margin (tax equivalent)[1] was 3.15% for the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 7 basis points from the linked quarter and a decrease of 15 basis points compared to the prior-year period. The increase in the operating net interest margin for the first quarter of 2022 compared to the linked quarter and the decrease compared to the prior-year period were due to the items noted in the preceding paragraph.

The following table highlights the yield on our PPP loans for the periods indicated:

Asset Quality

At March 31, 2022, nonperforming assets to total assets decreased to 0.09% compared to 0.11% at December 31, 2021. Total nonperforming assets decreased $5.6 million from the linked quarter, primarily due to decreases in commercial real estate, commercial business and one-to-four family residential real estate nonaccrual loans.

The following table sets forth information regarding nonaccrual loans and total nonperforming assets:

Nonperforming assets to total loans were 0.16% and 0.22% at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

The following table provides an analysis of the Company's allowance for credit losses:

The allowance for credit losses to period-end loans was 1.37% at March 31, 2022 compared to 1.46% at December 31, 2021. Excluding PPP loans, the allowance for credit losses to period-end loans[2] was 1.38% at March 31, 2022 compared to 1.49% at December 31, 2021.

Organizational Update

Umpqua Merger

Integration planning related to the combination with Umpqua Holdings Corporation, which was announced on October 12, 2021 , is moving along smoothly under the guidance of an Integration Office co-led by executives from both companies. Shareholders overwhelmingly approved the merger at separate meetings in late January, and we are awaiting regulatory approvals. "Once approvals are granted, we intend to move swiftly towards increasing our capacity and depth of services for the combined client-base," said Clint Stein . "Associates from both companies have been planning and sharing their expertise to ensure a smooth post-closing experience for our clients."

Cash Dividend Announcement

Columbia will pay a regular cash dividend of $0.30 per common share on May 18, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 4, 2022 .

Conference Call Information

Columbia's management will discuss the first quarter 2022 financial results on a conference call scheduled for Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time ( 2:00 p.m. ET ). Interested parties may join the live-streamed event by using the site:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/tsvpyaax

The conference call can also be accessed on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time ( 2:00 p.m. ET ) by calling 833-301-1160; Conference ID password: 1141605.

A replay of the call will be accessible beginning Friday, April 22, 2022 using the link below:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/tsvpyaax

About Columbia

Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington , Columbia Banking System, Inc. (NASDAQ: COLB) is the holding company of Columbia Bank, a Washington state -chartered full-service commercial bank with locations throughout Washington , Oregon , Idaho and California . The bank has been named one of Puget Sound Business Journal's " Washington's Best Workplaces," more than 10 times. Columbia was named on the Forbes 2022 list of "America's Best Banks" marking 11 consecutive years on the publication's list of top financial institutions.

More information about Columbia can be found on its website at www.columbiabank.com .

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, descriptions of Columbia's management's expectations regarding future events and developments such as future operating results, growth in loans and deposits, continued success of Columbia's style of banking and the strength of the local economy as well as the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Columbia's business, operations, financial performance and prospects. The words "will," "believe," "expect," "intend," "should," and "anticipate" or the negative of these words or words of similar construction are intended in part to help identify forward-looking statements. Future events are difficult to predict, and the expectations described above are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, that may cause actual results to differ materially and adversely. In addition to discussions about risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in Columbia's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the Company's website at www.columbiabank.com , including the "Risk Factors," "Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of our annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q (as applicable), factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

• national and global economic conditions could be less favorable than expected or could have a more direct and pronounced effect on us than expected and adversely affect our ability to continue internal growth and maintain the quality of our earning assets;
• the markets where we operate and make loans could face challenges;
• the risks presented by the economy, which could adversely affect credit quality, collateral values, including real estate collateral, investment values, liquidity and loan originations and loan portfolio delinquency rates;
• continued increases in inflation, and the risk that information may differ, possibly materially, from expectations, and actions taken by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in response to inflation and their potential impact on economic conditions;
• risks related to the proposed merger with Umpqua including, among others, (i) failure to complete the merger with Umpqua or unexpected delays related to the merger or either party's inability to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals or satisfy other closing conditions required to complete the merger, (ii) regulatory approvals resulting in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction, (iii) certain restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction with Umpqua that may impact the parties' ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions, (iv) diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities, (v) cost savings and any revenue synergies from the merger may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, (vi) the integration of each party's management, personnel and operations will not be successfully achieved or may be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected, (vii) deposit attrition, customer or employee loss and/or revenue loss as a result of the announcement of the proposed merger, (viii) expenses related to the proposed merger being greater than expected, and (ix) shareholder litigation that may prevent or delay the closing of the proposed merger or otherwise negatively impact the Company's business and operations;
• the efficiencies and enhanced financial and operating performance we expect to realize from investments in personnel, acquisitions (including the recent acquisition of Bank of Commerce and infrastructure may not be realized;
• the ability to successfully integrate Bank of Commerce, or to integrate future acquired entities;
• interest rate changes could significantly reduce net interest income and negatively affect asset yields and funding sources;
• the effect of the discontinuation or replacement of LIBOR;
• results of operations following strategic expansion, including the impact of acquired loans on our earnings, could differ from expectations;
• changes in the scope and cost of FDIC insurance and other coverages;
• changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies could materially affect our financial statements and how we report those results, and expectations and preliminary analysis relating to how such changes will affect our financial results could prove incorrect;
• changes in laws and regulations affecting our businesses, including changes in the enforcement and interpretation of such laws and regulations by applicable governmental and regulatory agencies;
• increased competition among financial institutions and nontraditional providers of financial services;
• continued consolidation in the financial services industry resulting in the creation of larger financial institutions that have greater resources could change the competitive landscape;
• the goodwill we have recorded in connection with acquisitions could become impaired, which may have an adverse impact on our earnings and capital;
• our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks, including security breaches, "denial of service attacks," "hacking" and identity theft;
• any material failure or interruption of our information and communications systems;
• inability to keep pace with technological changes;
• our ability to effectively manage credit risk, interest rate risk, market risk, operational risk, legal risk, liquidity risk and regulatory and compliance risk;
• failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures;
• the effect of geopolitical instability, including wars, conflicts and terrorist attacks, including the impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine ;
• our profitability measures could be adversely affected if we are unable to effectively manage our capital;
• the risks from climate change and its potential to disrupt our business and adversely impact the operations and creditworthiness of our customers;
• natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, fires and other unexpected events;
• the effect of COVID-19 and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, which has created significant impacts and uncertainties in U.S. and global markets;
• changes in governmental policy and regulation, including measures taken in response to economic, business, political and social conditions, including with regard to COVID-19; and
• the effects of any damage to our reputation resulting from developments related to any of the items identified above.

Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Columbia's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 , which is on file with the SEC and available on Columbia's website, www.columbiabank.com , under the heading "Financial Information" and in other documents Columbia files with the SEC, and in Umpqua's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 , which is on file with the SEC and available on Umpqua's investor relations website, www.umpquabank.com , under the heading "Financials," and in other documents Umpqua files with the SEC.

We believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, based on information available to us on the date hereof. However, given the described uncertainties and risks, we cannot guarantee our future performance or results of operations and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof. Neither Columbia nor Umpqua assumes any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by federal securities laws.