Columbia Banking System Increases Common Share Dividend

TACOMA, Wash. – Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB), the parent company of Columbia Bank, announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per common share. This represents a 3% increase from the previous dividend declaration, signaling confidence in the bank’s financial performance and future prospects. The dividend is payable on December 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 28, 2025.

The move comes as Columbia navigates a dynamic landscape in the regional banking sector, facing pressures from rising interest rates, evolving regulatory requirements, and increasing competition from both traditional and fintech players. The increased dividend, coupled with a recently announced $700 million share repurchase program, underscores Columbia’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders amidst these challenges.

“We are pleased to announce an increase to our regular dividend, providing another form of capital return to our shareholders that complements our recently announced $700 million share repurchase program,” stated Clint Stein, President and CEO of Columbia. “Looking forward, we expect to produce exceptional profitability, which will result in meaningful capital generation over the coming quarters. Our strategic priorities, which include organic growth and balance sheet optimization, support our commitment to enhance long-term shareholder value in combination with a robust capital return platform.”

Analysts at CNBC note that such capital allocation strategies are often interpreted as a sign of financial strength and stability. However, they also raise questions about the bank’s investment opportunities and long-term growth strategy. While returning capital to shareholders can boost short-term stock performance, it may also indicate a lack of high-return internal investment projects. The effectiveness of this strategy will likely depend on Columbia’s ability to maintain a healthy balance between capital returns and strategic investments in areas like technology, customer experience, and new market expansion.

About Columbia

Columbia Banking System, Inc. (Nasdaq: COLB) is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington and is the parent company of Columbia Bank, a regional bank. Columbia Bank operates in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The bank offers a suite of services, including retail and commercial banking, Small Business Administration lending, institutional and corporate banking, and equipment leasing. Columbia Bank customers also have access to comprehensive investment and wealth management expertise as well as healthcare and private banking through Columbia Wealth Management.

Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which can be identified by words such as “may,” “expected,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or other comparable words. In addition, all statements other than statements of historical facts that address activities that Columbia expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Readers are encouraged to read the SEC reports of Columbia, particularly its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2024 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025, and September 30, 2025 for meaningful cautionary language discussing why actual results may vary materially from those anticipated by management.