Columbia Banking System Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results and Quarterly Cash Dividend

TACOMA, Wash., Jan. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --

Notable Items for Fourth Quarter 2021 and Fiscal Year 2021

• Completed acquisition of Bank of Commerce Holdings
• Announced merger agreement with Umpqua Holdings Corporation
• Record full year 2021 net income of $202.8 million and diluted earnings per share of $2.78
• Quarterly net income of $42.9 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.55, which included $0.12 per share negative impact from acquisition-related expenses
• Record fourth quarter loan production of $640.5 million and full year production of $2.56 billion
• Loan portfolio increased 12% from the prior quarter, annualized loan growth of 47%; adjusted annualized loan growth of 9% for the quarter¹
• Nonperforming assets to period-end assets ratio decreased to 0.11%
• Regular cash dividend declared of $0.30 per share

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 fourth quarter 2021 earnings, "It's been a busy year capped off by a transformative fourth quarter. We completed the acquisition of Bank of Commerce Holdings on October 1st, and we signed a definitive agreement to combine with Umpqua Holdings Corporation on October 12th." He continued, "Annual net income exceeded $200 million for the first time in our history, loan production was a new record, and momentum continues to build as a result of safely keeping our branches open and supporting our communities throughout the pandemic. When our clients needed us most, our bankers were there to meet their immediate needs and help them build for the future."

Significant Influences on the Quarter Ended December 31, 2021

Bank of Commerce Holdings Acquisition

On October 1, 2021, we completed our acquisition of Bank of Commerce Holdings ("Bank of Commerce"). The table below summarizes the amounts recognized at the acquisition date for each major class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

In addition to the balance sheet impacts shown above, our reported net income for the current quarter was negatively impacted by $7.7 million in acquisition-related expenses stemming from the Bank of Commerce transaction and $4.1 million related to our recently announced merger with Umpqua Holdings Corporation ("Umpqua"). Those charges impacted diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.12.

Balance Sheet

Total assets at December 31, 2021 were $20.95 billion, an increase of $2.34 billion from the linked quarter. Loans were $10.64 billion, up $1.12 billion from September 30, 2021, mainly attributable to the Bank of Commerce acquisition and loan originations of $640.5 million that were offset by loan payments. Total Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans decreased from $337.0 million at September 30, 2021 to $184.1 million at December 31, 2021. The remaining PPP loans balance consisted of $20.2 million from the first round in 2020, $148.9 million from the second round in 2021 and $15.0 million acquired from the Bank of Commerce. Debt securities in total were $8.06 billion, an increase of $1.15 billion from $6.91 billion at September 30, 2021. The increase was a result of the acquisition of Bank of Commerce and purchases during the quarter. Total deposits at December 31, 2021 were $18.01 billion, an increase of $2.06 billion from September 30, 2021 largely due to the acquisition of Bank of Commerce. The deposit mix remained fairly consistent from September 30, 2021 with 49% noninterest-bearing and 51% interest-bearing.

Chris Merrywell, Columbia's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, "Our efforts over the past 22 months continue to pay dividends. We have attracted significant new relationships by remaining externally focused, and the result has been an expansion of relationships across all our business lines. Our wealth management and trust company businesses had break-out years in 2021 in addition to record loan and deposit production from our core banking business."

Income Statement

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $145.5 million, an increase of $13.0 million from the linked quarter and an increase of $14.4 million from the prior-year period. The increase from the linked quarter was primarily due to higher interest income as a result of acquired earning assets from the Bank of Commerce in addition to securities purchased during the quarter and higher prepayment interest. The increase in net interest income from the prior year period was mainly due to the same items noted above for the comparison to the linked quarter. 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 an $11.1 million provision for credit losses for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to no provision for the linked quarter and a net provision recovery of $4.7 million for the comparable quarter in 2020. The provision for credit losses in the current quarter included $16.2 million related to the acquired Bank of Commerce non-PCD loans, partially offset by a provision recapture of $5.1 million as a result of the year-end review of the combined portfolio.

Andy McDonald, Columbia's Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, stated, "Our credit metrics continue to improve. Provision expense during the quarter was a reflection of the acquisition of Bank of Commerce and was partially offset by a recapture related to the strength of the legacy Columbia portfolio."

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income was $24.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, an increase of $282 thousand from the linked quarter and an increase of $678 thousand from the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase compared to the linked quarter was due to increased deposit account fees and card revenue as a result of the Bank of Commerce acquisition. The increase in noninterest income during the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter in 2020 was mainly due to the same items as noted above for comparison to the linked quarter. In addition, increased financial services and trust revenue was partially offset by a decrease in mortgage banking due to a decrease in the mortgage pipeline and total volume of funded home loans.

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $102.6 million, an increase of $12.6 million compared to the third quarter of 2021. The increase was mainly due to increases in compensation and employee benefits expense mostly attributable to our acquisition of Bank of Commerce as well as legal and professional fees that were primarily due to our acquisition of Bank of Commerce and proposed merger with Umpqua. Total acquisition-related expenses for the quarter were $11.8 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in other noninterest expense driven by a $2.0 million recapture of allowance for unfunded loan commitments as noted in the following table. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, noninterest expense increased $18.3 million, mostly attributable to the same items noted above for the linked quarter.

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 fourth quarter of 2021 was 3.05%, a decrease of 12 basis points from the linked quarter and a decrease of 47 basis points from the prior-year period. The decrease in the net interest margin (tax equivalent) compared to the linked quarter was primarily due to a decrease in loan yields partially offset by higher yields on securities due to prepayment interest. The average cost of total deposits for both the fourth and linked quarter of 2021 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 and securities as well as a higher ratio of taxable securities, which had an average rate of 1.93% for the current quarter. For additional information regarding net interest margin, see the "Average Balances and Rates" tables.

Columbia's operating net interest margin (tax equivalent)² was 3.08% for the fourth quarter of 2021, a decrease of 8 basis points from the linked quarter and a decrease of 43 basis points compared to the prior-year period. The decrease in the operating net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2021 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:

Aaron James Deer, Columbia's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said, "Our normalized margin, adjusted for the PPP loan portfolio and securities prepayment income, was essentially flat quarter over quarter. While some additional margin compression is possible, the downward pressure on asset yields is abating, and we are very encouraged by the prospect of higher rates and the favorable impact that would have on our net interest income."

Asset Quality

At December 31, 2021, nonperforming assets to total assets decreased to 0.11% compared to 0.13% at September 30, 2021. Total nonperforming assets decreased $1.1 million from the linked quarter, primarily due to decreases in commercial real estate and agriculture nonaccrual loans, partially offset by increases in commercial business and one-to-four family residential real estate nonaccrual loans. The decline in nonaccrual loans was reduced by the addition of $2.8 million in nonaccrual loans acquired from Bank of Commerce.

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

Nonperforming assets to total loans were 0.22% and 0.25% at December 31, 2021 and September 30, 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 1.46% at December 31, 2021 compared to 1.50% at September 30, 2021. Excluding PPP loans, the allowance for credit losses to period-end loans³ was 1.49% at December 31, 2021 compared to 1.55% at September 30, 2021.

Loan Deferrals

The following table shows the loan balances subject to deferral for the periods indicated:

Organizational Update

Bank of Commerce Acquisition

Effective October 1, 2021, we welcomed clients and employees into the Columbia family from Bank of Commerce Holdings, the parent company of Merchants Bank of Commerce. Integration activities are moving along smoothly and we are on target to conclude those during the first quarter of 2022.

Umpqua Merger

On October 12, 2021, we announced a definitive agreement to combine with Umpqua Holdings Corporation creating the second largest bank on the West Coast in terms of market share with over 300 banking offices throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Nevada. "Our decision to establish an Integration Office that is independent of the business lines and consisting of senior leaders from both companies is already creating significant benefits, as the work towards preparing our two companies for combination post-closing is well underway," said Clint Stein. "Separating integration activities allows both Columbia and Umpqua bankers to remain laser-focused on growing our respective balance sheets and delivering the great customer service for which each of us is known across our markets."

Warm Hearts Winter Drive

Our seventh annual Warm Hearts Winter Drive to benefit families and individuals struggling with homelessness during the winter months raised over $350,000, which is another record and brings the seven-year drive total to over $1.8 million. "I'm incredibly proud of the tremendous generosity of our employees, clients and vendors," said David Moore Devine, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer. "Because of their efforts, 67 shelters across our footprint will receive new funding supporting their communities."

Cash Dividend Announcement

Columbia will pay a regular cash dividend of $0.30 per common share on February 16, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 2, 2022.

Conference Call Information

Columbia's management will discuss the fourth quarter 2021 financial results on a conference call scheduled for Thursday, January 20, 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/io9fypxh

The conference call can also be accessed on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time (2:00 p.m. ET) by calling 833-301-1160; Conference ID password: 8296055.

A replay of the call will be accessible beginning Friday, January 21, 2022 using the link below:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/io9fypxh

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 Northern California. The bank has been named one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "Washington's Best Workplaces," more than 10 times. Columbia was named the #1 bank in the Northwest on the Forbes 2021 list of "America's Best Banks," marking nearly 10 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 could 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;
• 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, 2020, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021, which are 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, 2020 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021, June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2021, which are 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.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

In connection with the proposed transaction (the "Transaction"), Columbia filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes a Joint Proxy Statement of Umpqua and Columbia and a Prospectus of Columbia, which the SEC declared effective December 3, 2021. Umpqua and Columbia commenced mailing of the definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to Umpqua's and Columbia's shareholders seeking certain approvals related to the Transaction on or about December 7, 2021. Umpqua and Columbia may also file other relevant documents concerning the Transaction with the SEC. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AS WELL AS THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders can obtain a free copy of the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Umpqua and Columbia, without charge, at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. Copies of these documents and the filings with the SEC incorporated by reference in these documents can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Umpqua Holdings Corporation, Attention: Andrew Ognall, One SW Columbia Street, Suite 1200, Portland, OR 97204, 503-727-4100 or to Columbia Banking System, Inc., Attention: Investor Relations, P. O. Box 2156, MS 3100, Tacoma, WA 98401-2156, 253-471-4065.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION

Umpqua, Columbia, and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Umpqua and Columbia in connection with the Transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding Umpqua's directors and executive officers is available in Umpqua's definitive proxy statement relating to its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 5, 2021, and other documents filed by Umpqua with the SEC. Information regarding Columbia's directors and executive officers is available in Columbia's definitive proxy statement relating to its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 12, 2021, and other documents filed by Columbia with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Transaction. Free copies of this document may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company considers its operating net interest margin (tax equivalent) and operating efficiency ratios to be useful measurements as they more closely reflect the ongoing operating performance of the Company. Despite the usefulness of the operating net interest margin (tax equivalent) and operating efficiency ratio to the Company, there are no standardized definitions for these metrics. As a result, the Company's calculations may not be comparable with those of other organizations. The Company encourages readers to consider its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The following tables reconcile the Company's calculation of the operating net interest margin (tax equivalent) and operating efficiency ratio:

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Continued

The Company also considers its core noninterest expense ratio to be a useful measurement as it more closely reflects the ongoing operating performance of the Company. Despite the usefulness of the core noninterest expense ratio to the Company, there is not a standardized definition for it, as a result, the Company's calculations may not be comparable with those of other organizations. The Company encourages readers to consider its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The following table reconciles the Company's calculation of the core noninterest expense ratio:

The Company considers its pre-tax, pre-provision income to be a useful measurement in evaluating the earnings of the Company as it provides a method to assess income. Despite the usefulness of this measure to the Company, there is not a standardized definition for it. As a result, the Company's calculation may not always be comparable with those of other organizations. The Company encourages readers to consider its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The following table reconciles the Company's calculation of the pre-tax, pre-provision income:

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Continued

The Company considers its tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share ratio to be useful measurements in evaluating the capital adequacy of the Company as they provide a method to assess management's success in utilizing our tangible capital. Despite the usefulness of these ratios to the Company, there is not a standardized definition for these metrics. As a result, the Company's calculation may not always be comparable with those of other organizations. The Company encourages readers to consider its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The following table reconciles the Company's calculation of the tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per share ratio:

The Company considers its ratio of allowance for credit losses to period-end loans, excluding PPP loans, to be a useful measurement in evaluating the adequacy of the amount of allowance for credit losses to loans of the Company, as PPP loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and thus do not require the same amount of reserve for credit losses as do other loans. Despite the usefulness of this ratio to the Company, there is not a standardized definition for it. As a result, the Company's calculation may not always be comparable with those of other organizations. The Company encourages readers to consider its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The following table reconciles the Company's calculation of the allowance for credit losses to period-end loans, excluding PPP loans:

Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Continued

The Company also considers its adjusted annualized loan growth to be a useful measurement as it evaluates the Company's ongoing ability to grow its loan portfolio, which is the primary source of revenue for the Company. Despite the usefulness of this financial measure to the Company, there is not a standardized definition for it. As a result, the Company's calculation may not always be comparable with those of other organizations. The Company encourages readers to consider its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The following table reconciles the Company's calculation of adjusted annualized loan growth:

The Company also considers its return on average tangible common equity ratio to be a useful measurement as it evaluates the Company's ongoing ability to generate returns for its common shareholders. By removing the impact of intangible assets and their related amortization and tax effects, the performance of the business can be evaluated, whether acquired or developed internally. Despite the usefulness of this ratio to the Company, there is not a standardized definition for it. As a result, the Company's calculation may not always be comparable with those of other organizations. The Company encourages readers to consider its consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The following table reconciles the Company's calculation of the return on average tangible common shareholders' equity ratio:

SOURCE Columbia Banking System