Is COLB a good stock to buy right now?

Based on our 6-factor quantitative model, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) receives a "Reduce" rating with a composite score of 43.6/100. It is ranked #2,621 out of 4,446 stocks. Key factor scores: Quality 50/100, Value 34/100, Momentum 51/100. The timing signal is "Neutral". This is quantitative analysis only — not investment advice.

What is the stock rating for COLB?

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) has a "Reduce" rating and 2-star score. The composite score of 43.6 ranks it #2,621 among 4,446 U.S. stocks. Ratings are updated weekly using academically-proven factor models.

What sector is COLB in?

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. operates in the Financials sector (Banking industry) with a market cap of $7.89 billion. It is classified as a mid-cap stock.

Does COLB pay a dividend?

Yes, COLB pays a dividend with a current yield of 5.59%. The Financials sector average yield is 2.41%. For every $1,000 invested, you would receive approximately $55.90 in annual dividend income.

What is COLB's P/E ratio?

COLB has a trailing P/E ratio of 17.15x. The Financials sector average is 14.8x. This P/E is in a moderate range relative to the broader market.

How profitable is COLB?

COLB's quality factor score is 50/100. Gross margin: 0.0%. ROE: 6.1% vs sector average 8.5%. Margins are moderate to low, reflecting competitive market dynamics.

How is COLB valued compared to peers?

COLB's value factor score is 34/100 (higher = cheaper). Key multiples: P/E 17.1x, EV/EBITDA 10.7x. Trading at a premium relative to peers.

What is COLB's debt level?

COLB's debt-to-equity ratio is 752%. Sector average: 119%. Elevated leverage increases credit risk.

COLB has a beta of 1.12, meaning it tracks the market. Stability score: 65/100.

Does COLB have high short interest?

COLB's short interest factor score is 14/100 (higher = less short selling). Elevated short interest may indicate bearish sentiment or short squeeze potential.

COLB Stock Analysis: Top Mid-Cap Reduce (Score 43.6/100) | Blank Capital Research

Data Series	1D	5D	1M	YTD	1Y	3Y	5Y	10Y
COLB	-0.68%	+0.98%	-2.53%	-0.79%	+10.39%	-	-	-
Industry Proxy XLF	+0.18%	+0.98%	-5.66%	-9.57%	-1.26%	-	-	-
U.S. Market SPY	+0.09%	+1.66%	-4.86%	-3.83%	+16.17%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Market	-0.77%	-0.68%	+2.32%	+3.04%	-5.78%	-	-	-
Alpha vs Sector	-0.86%	+0.00%	+3.13%	+8.78%	+11.65%	-	-	-

Metric	COLB	Benchmark
P/E Ratio	17.1x	+16%
EV/EBITDA	10.7x	+229%
Price / Book	1.1x

Stock Entity	Score▼	Quality	Value	Momentum	P/E Ratio	ROE	Gross Margin	Net Margin	Rev Growth	D/E Ratio	Market Cap	Compare
SII SPROTT INC.	66	85	45	90	85.3x	73.4%	21.7%	31.3%	-	43.0x	$3.5B	VS
WTM WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP LTD	63	80	79	55	8.7x	10.1%	96.3%	20.1%	1.6%	14.0x	$5.3B	VS
UVE UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC.	63	74	80	60	9.1x	18.2%	0.0%	6.3%	5.5%	18.0x	$943M	VS
OPY OPPENHEIMER HOLDINGS INC	62	68	79	62	9.7x	9.9%	0.0%	6.5%	37.5%	273.0x	$936M	VS
PKBK PARKE BANCORP, INC.	61	60	77	65	9.8x	10.5%	-	24.8%	20.9%	593.0x	$331M	VS
RRBI RED RIVER BANCSHARES INC	59	59	70	68	15.1x	11.0%	0.0%	27.5%	13.3%	818.0x	$591M	VS
VIRT Virtu Financial, Inc.	59	73	79	53	5.1x	38.0%	0.0%	21.7%	19.0%	103.0x	$3.7B	VS
TW Tradeweb Markets Inc.	58	84	56	41	36.9x	9.5%	68.0%	34.4%	25.6%	14.0x	$24.8B	VS
PEBK PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INC	58	60	75	61	12.6x	10.9%	0.0%	20.8%	6.7%	983.0x	$210M	VS
CCBG CAPITAL CITY BANK GROUP INC	56	59	73	50	12.4x	10.9%	0.0%	29.9%	5.5%	693.0x	$738M	VS
COLB COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC.	44	50	34	51	17.2x	6.1%	0.0%	17.5%	6.4%	752.0x	$7.9B

Key Ratio	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
Gross Margin %	0.0%	-	-	-	-	-	0.8%	0.8%	0.8%	0.8%	0.8%
Operating Margin %	0.0%	-	-	-	0.5%	0.5%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%	0.2%
EBITDA Margin %	0.0%	-	-	-	0.5%	0.5%	0.3%	0.5%	0.4%	0.4%	0.4%
Net Margin %	0.2%	3.1%	3.6%	2.6%	0.4%	0.4%	0.3%	0.3%	0.3%	0.2%	0.2%
FCF Margin %	-38.9%	-	-	-	-	-	30.4%	33.2%	39.8%	25.5%	33.5%
ROE %	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%	-	0.1%	0.1%	0.1%
ROA %	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	-	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
ROIC %	0.6%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	11.3%	7.8%	3.7%	7.3%	3.1%	5.1%	6.1%

Key Ratio

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Gross Margin %

0.0%

0.8%

Operating Margin %

0.0%

0.5%

0.2%

EBITDA Margin %

0.0%

0.5%

0.3%

0.5%

0.4%

Net Margin %

0.2%

3.1%

3.6%

2.6%

0.4%

0.3%

0.2%

FCF Margin %

-38.9%

30.4%

33.2%

39.8%

25.5%

33.5%

ROE %

0.1%

ROA %

0.0%

ROIC %

0.6%

0.0%

11.3%

7.8%

3.7%

7.3%

3.1%

5.1%

6.1%

Line Item	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
	$2.8B	$177M	$149M	$134M	$646M	$536M	$605M	$591M	$567M	$478M	$422M	$416M
	—	—	—	—	—	—	$500M	$493M	$479M	$368M	$334M	$325M
Gross Margin	0.0%	---	---	---	---	---	82.7%	83.5%	84.4%	77.0%	79.1%	78.0%
	—	—	—	—	$12M	$11M	$15M	$34M	$33M	$31M	$35M	$30M
Total Operating Expenses	—	—	—	—	$329M	$280M	—	—	—	—	—	—
	$77M	—	—	—	$318M	$257M	$105M	$97M	$88M	$110M	$88M	$91M
EBIT	$77M	—	—	—	$318M	$257M	$105M	$97M	$88M	$110M	$88M	$91M
EBITDA	$126M	—	—	—	$329M	$268M	$207M	$276M	$245M	$209M	$184M	$172M
Operating Margin	0.0%	---	---	---	49.1%	47.9%	17.3%	16.5%	15.6%	23.0%	20.9%	22.0%
EBITDA Margin	4.6%	---	---	---	50.9%	49.9%	34.3%	46.7%	43.2%	43.8%	43.7%	41.3%
	—	—	—	$746M	$24M	$9M	$18M	$37M	$18M	$7M	$4M	$4M
	—	$177M	$149M	$134M	$318M	$257M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Income Tax Expense	—	$178M	$185M	$122M	$67M	$54M	$38M	$47M	$39M	$65M	$45M	$43M
	$481M	$550M	$534M	$349M	$250M	$203M	$154M	$194M	$173M	$113M	$105M	$99M
Net Margin	17.5%	310.7%	358.6%	259.7%	38.7%	37.8%	25.5%	32.9%	30.5%	23.6%	24.9%	23.7%
	$2.31	$2.31	$2.56	$1.79	$3.20	$2.79	$2.17	$2.68	$2.36	$1.86	$1.81	$1.71
Diluted EPS	$2.31	$2.30	$2.55	$1.78	$3.20	$2.78	$2.17	$2.68	$2.36	$1.86	$1.81	$1.71
Weighted Avg Basic	—	238M	208M	195M	78M	73M	—	—	—	—	—	—
Weighted Avg Diluted	—	239M	209M	196M	78M	73M	—	—	—	—	—	—

Line Item

TTM

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$2.8B

$177M

$149M

$134M

$646M

$536M

$605M

$591M

$567M

$478M

$422M

$416M

—

$500M

$493M

$479M

$368M

$334M

$325M

Gross Margin

0.0%

---

82.7%

83.5%

84.4%

77.0%

79.1%

78.0%

—

$12M

$11M

$15M

$34M

$33M

$31M

$35M

$30M

Total Operating Expenses

—

$329M

$280M

—

$77M

—

$318M

$257M

$105M

$97M

$88M

$110M

$88M

$91M

EBIT

$77M

—

$318M

$257M

$105M

$97M

$88M

$110M

$88M

$91M

EBITDA

$126M

—

$329M

$268M

$207M

$276M

$245M

$209M

$184M

$172M

Operating Margin

0.0%

---

49.1%

47.9%

17.3%

16.5%

15.6%

23.0%

20.9%

22.0%

EBITDA Margin

4.6%

---

50.9%

49.9%

34.3%

46.7%

43.2%

43.8%

43.7%

41.3%

—

$746M

$24M

$9M

$18M

$37M

$18M

$7M

$4M

—

$177M

$149M

$134M

$318M

$257M

—

Income Tax Expense

—

$178M

$185M

$122M

$67M

$54M

$38M

$47M

$39M

$65M

$45M

$43M

$481M

$550M

$534M

$349M

$250M

$203M

$154M

$194M

$173M

$113M

$105M

$99M

Net Margin

17.5%

310.7%

358.6%

259.7%

38.7%

37.8%

25.5%

32.9%

30.5%

23.6%

24.9%

23.7%

$2.31

$2.56

$1.79

$3.20

$2.79

$2.17

$2.68

$2.36

$1.86

$1.81

$1.71

Diluted EPS

$2.31

$2.30

$2.55

$1.78

$3.20

$2.78

$2.17

$2.68

$2.36

$1.86

$1.81

$1.71

Weighted Avg Basic

—

238M

208M

195M

78M

73M

—

Weighted Avg Diluted

—

239M

209M

196M

78M

73M

—

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Last updated: April 2026

Company Overview — What Does COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. Do?

Columbia Banking System, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Columbia State Bank that provides a range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, and individuals in the United States. It offers personal banking products and services, including noninterest and interest-bearing checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit accounts; home mortgages for purchases and refinances, home equity loans and lines of credit, and other personal loans; debit and credit cards; and digital banking services. The company also provides business banking products and services, such as checking, savings, interest-bearing money market, and certificate of deposit accounts; agricultural, asset-based, builder, and other commercial real estate loans, as well as loans guaranteed by the small business administration; and professional banking, treasury management, merchant card, and international banking services. In addition, it offers wealth management solutions that include financial planning services, such as asset allocation, net worth analysis, estate planning and preservation, education funding, and wealth transfer; long-term care, and life and disability insurance solutions; individual retirement solutions comprising retirement planning, retirement income strategies, and traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts; and business solutions, which comprise business retirement plans, key person insurance, business succession planning, and deferred compensation plans to individuals, families, and professional businesses. Further, the company provides fiduciary, investment, and administrative trust services, such as personal and special needs trusts, estate settlement, and investment agency and charitable management. It operates a network of 153 branch locations, including 68 in the state of Washington, 59 in Oregon, 15 in Idaho, and 11 in California. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington. COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Financials sector, specifically within the Banking industry. The company is led by CEO Clint E. Stein and employs approximately 2,090 people, headquartered in TACOMA, Washington. With a market capitalization of $7.9B, COLB is one of the notable companies in the Financials sector.

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

As of April 2026, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 43.6/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.COLB ranks #2,621 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Financials sector, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. ranks #686 of 900 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Financials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).

COLB Stock Price and 52-Week Range

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) currently trades at $27.73. The 52-week high for COLB is $32.70, which means the stock is currently trading -15.2% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $19.61, putting the stock 41.4% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 0 shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.

Is COLB Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) carries a value factor score of 34/100 in the Blank Capital model, signaling premium valuation that prices in significant future growth. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 17.15x, compared to the Financials sector average of 14.78x — a premium of 16%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.05x, versus the sector average of 1.19x. The price-to-sales ratio is 2.99x, compared to 0.89x for the average Financials stock. On an enterprise value basis, COLB trades at 10.73x EV/EBITDA, versus 3.26x for the sector.

At current multiples, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. trades at a premium to most Financials peers. This elevated valuation may be justified if the company can sustain above-average growth rates and profitability, but it also creates downside risk if earnings disappoint expectations.

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 6.1%, compared to the Financials sector average of 8.5%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 0.7% versus the sector average of 1.3%.

On a margin basis, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. reports gross margins of 0.0%. The operating margin is 0.0% (sector: 21.8%). Net profit margin stands at 17.5%, versus 17.8% for the average Financials stock. Revenue growth is running at 6.4% on a trailing basis, compared to 9.4% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.

COLB Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. has a debt-to-equity ratio of 752.0%, compared to the Financials sector average of 118.5%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 1.13x, suggesting adequate working capital coverage. Total debt on the balance sheet is $2.90B. Cash and equivalents stand at $535M.

COLB has a beta of 1.12, meaning it is roughly in line with the broader market in terms of price volatility. The stability factor score for COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. is 65/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

In TTM 2026, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. reported revenue of $2.76B and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.31. Net income for the quarter was $481M. Gross margin was 0.0%. Operating income came in at $77M.

In FY 2025, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. reported revenue of $177M and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.31. Net income for the quarter was $550M. Revenue grew 18.9% year-over-year compared to FY 2024.

In Q3 2025, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. reported revenue of $740M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.40. Net income for the quarter was $96M. Revenue grew 5.9% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024.

In Q2 2025, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. reported revenue of $671M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.73. Net income for the quarter was $152M. Revenue grew -3.6% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024.

Over the past 8 quarters, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $696M to $2.76B. Investors analyzing COLB stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.

COLB Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) currently pays a dividend yield of 5.6%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in COLB stock would generate approximately $$559.00 in annual dividend income. This compares to the Financials sector average dividend yield of 2.4%, meaning COLB offers above-average income for its sector. With a net margin of 17.5%, the dividend appears well-covered by earnings, suggesting sustainable payouts going forward.

COLB Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) has a momentum factor score of 51/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 31/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 14/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.

COLB vs Competitors — Financials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

Within the Financials sector, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) ranks #686 out of 900 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places COLB in the lower half of all Financials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include UNIVERSAL INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. (UVE) with a score of 62.6/100, WHITE MOUNTAINS INSURANCE GROUP LTD (WTM) with a score of 63.3/100, PARKE BANCORP, INC. (PKBK) with a score of 60.5/100, OPPENHEIMER HOLDINGS INC (OPY) with a score of 62.3/100, and PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA INC (PEBK) with a score of 57.6/100.

Comparing COLB against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full COLB vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.

COLB Next Earnings Date

No upcoming earnings date has been announced for COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.

Should You Buy COLB? — Investment Thesis Summary

The quantitative profile for COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. suggests caution. The value score of 34/100 indicates premium valuation. Low volatility (stability score 65/100) reduces downside risk.

In summary, COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 43.6/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on COLB stock.

Related Resources for COLB Investors

Explore more research and tools: COLB vs S&P 500 comparison, top Financials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare COLB head-to-head with peers: COLB vs UVE, COLB vs WTM, COLB vs PKBK.

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Reflecting On Regional Banks Stocks’ Q4 Earnings: Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:COLB)

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Columbia Banking System, Lowers Price Target to $34

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on Columbia Banking System, Lowers Price Target to $31

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COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast

Company Overview — What Does COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. Do?

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. (COLB) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)

COLB Stock Price and 52-Week Range

Is COLB Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score

COLB Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health

COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC. Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend

COLB Dividend Yield and Income Analysis

COLB Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile

COLB vs Competitors — Financials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison

COLB Next Earnings Date

Should You Buy COLB? — Investment Thesis Summary

Related Resources for COLB Investors

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Reflecting On Regional Banks Stocks’ Q4 Earnings: Columbia Banking System (NASDAQ:COLB)

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Columbia Banking System, Lowers Price Target to $34

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on Columbia Banking System, Lowers Price Target to $31

3 Reliable Dividend Stocks With Yields Up To 3.7% For Your Portfolio

CB Financial Services And Two Other Dividend Stocks To Consider