Columbia Banking System Sets 4.05% Q4 Margin Outlook, Authorizes $1.2 Billion Buyback

Columbia Banking System expects net interest margin of about 4.05% in the fourth quarter of 2026 and has authorized up to $1.2 billion in share repurchases, pairing a lower margin outlook with a new capital-return plan. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ivan Seda said the forecast includes modestly negative carry from carrying excess subordinated debt throughout the quarter. Management expects fourth-quarter share repurchases of $150 million to $200 million. The projected margin is six basis points below the 4.11% Columbia reported for the third quarter. That figure rose 18 basis points from 3.93% in the second quarter.

Source: TokenPost