• Columbia Financial, Inc. Announces Financial Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2021

    المصدر: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 27 أكتوبر 2021 16:05:01   America/New_York

    FAIR LAWN, N.J., Oct. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Columbia Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CLBK), the mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank (the "Bank"), reported net income of $21.0 million, or $0.20 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, as compared to net income of $15.1 million, or $0.14 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. Earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 reflected higher net interest income, a lower provision for loan losses, higher non-interest income and lower non-interest expense, partially offset by higher income tax expense.

    For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company reported net income of $68.7 million, or $0.66 per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income of $36.9 million, or $0.34 per basic and diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 reflected higher net interest income, a lower provision for loan losses, higher non-interest income and lower non-interest expense, partially offset by higher income tax expense.

    Mr. Thomas J. Kemly, President and Chief Executive Officer commented: "We are pleased with our third quarter results as our net income increased $5.9 million, or 39.1% over the same 2020 period, and we increased our earnings per share by 43% to $0.20 for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, from $0.14 for the same 2020 period. We successfully increased assets, loans and deposits during the quarter, while maintaining a strong balance sheet and solid capital levels. This year has been full of unique challenges, and we continue to evaluate prudent cost strategies as we navigate the current competitive employment market. We remain focused on enhancing digital technology to create efficiencies while enhancing the client experience."

    Results of Operations for the Quarters Ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020

    Net income of $21.0 million was recorded for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $5.9 million, or 39.1%, compared to net income of $15.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to a $1.0 million increase in net interest income, a $2.0 million decrease in provision for loan losses, a $1.0 million increase in non-interest income, and a $4.3 million decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by a $2.5 million increase in income tax expense.

    Net interest income was $57.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $1.0 million, or 1.8%, from $56.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to a $7.9 million decrease in interest expense, resulting from a decrease in both interest expense on deposits and interest expense on borrowings, partially offset by a $6.9 million decrease in interest income. The decrease in interest expense on deposits was driven by both an inflow of lower cost deposits and the repricing of existing deposits at significantly reduced rates as a result of a lower interest rate environment. The decrease in interest expense on borrowings was the result of decreases in both the average balance and average cost of borrowings. The decrease in interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 was largely due to decreases in the average yields on interest-earning assets. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income on loans, totaled $778,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $380,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

    The average yield on loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 decreased 19 basis points to 3.66%, as compared to 3.85% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, while the average yield on securities for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 decreased 45 basis points to 1.93%, as compared to 2.38% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The average yield on other interest-earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 decreased 72 basis points to 0.54%, as compared to 1.26% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, as there were substantially higher average cash balances in low yielding bank accounts for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. Decreases in the average yields on these portfolios for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 were influenced by the lower interest rate environment as the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by 150 basis points in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Total interest expense was $8.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $7.9 million, or 47.6%, from $16.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a 49 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits which was partially offset by the impact of the increase in the average balance of deposits. The decrease in the cost of deposits was driven by both an inflow of lower cost deposits and the repricing of existing deposits at lower interest rates. Interest on borrowings decreased $1.8 million, or 46.4%, due to a decrease in the average balance of borrowings, coupled with a 34 basis point decrease in the cost of total borrowings.

    The Company's net interest margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 decreased 3 basis points to 2.67%, when compared to 2.70% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 42 basis points to 3.08% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 as compared to 3.50% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 50 basis points to 0.54% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 as compared to 1.04% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in yields and costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 were largely driven by a continued lower interest rate environment.

    The provision for loan losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2021 was $480,000, a decrease of $2.0 million, from $2.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The comparatively lower level of provision for the 2021 period was primarily attributable to a decrease in the balance of loans, a decrease in loan loss rates, a decrease in the balances of delinquent and non-accrual loans, and the consideration of the improving economic environment.

    Non-interest income was $8.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $1.0 million, or 12.2%, from $7.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in income from the gain on securities transactions of $2.3 million, partially offset by a decrease in income from the gain on the sale of loans of $1.7 million.

    Non-interest expense was $37.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $4.3 million, or 10.5%, from $41.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense of $2.2 million, and a decrease in other non-interest expense of $2.1 million. The decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense was due to the 2020 period including $3.0 million in expense recorded in connection with a voluntary early retirement program which offered early retirement incentives for qualified employees. The decrease in other non-interest expense was primarily attributable to a $2.0 million decrease in pension plan expense.

    Income tax expense was $7.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $2.5 million, as compared to $5.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, mainly due to an increase in pre-tax income, and to a lesser extent, an increase in the Company's effective state income tax rate. The Company's effective tax rate was 26.9% and 25.8% for the quarters ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

    Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020

    Net income of $68.7 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $31.8 million, or 86.0%, compared to net income of $36.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to a $9.3 million increase in net interest income, a $20.4 million decrease in provision for loan losses, a $10.6 million increase in non-interest income, and a $5.0 million decrease in non-interest expense, partially offset by a $13.4 million increase in income tax expense.

    Net interest income was $172.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $9.3 million, or 5.7%, from $162.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to a $30.9 million decrease in interest expense, resulting from a decrease in both interest expense on deposits and interest expense on borrowings, partially offset by a $21.6 million decrease in interest income. The decrease in interest expense on deposits was driven by both an inflow of lower cost deposits and the repricing of existing deposits at a significantly reduced rate as a result of a lower interest rate environment. The decrease in interest expense on borrowings was the result of decreases in both the average balance and average cost of borrowings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, $56.5 million of Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLB") borrowings was prepaid, resulting in a $742,000 loss on early extinguishment of debt included in non-interest expense. The decrease in interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was largely due to decreases in the average yields on interest-earning assets. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income on loans, totaled $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

    The average yield on loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 decreased 23 basis points to 3.75%, as compared to 3.98% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, while the average yield on securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 decreased 59 basis points to 1.96%, as compared to 2.55% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The average yield on other interest-earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 decreased 175 basis points to 0.70%, as compared to 2.45% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as there were substantially higher cash balances in low yielding bank accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Decreases in the average yields on these portfolios for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were influenced by the lower interest rate environment as the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Total interest expense was $29.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $30.9 million, or 51.3%, from $60.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a 61 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits which was partially offset by the impact of the increase in the average balance of deposits. The decrease in the cost of deposits was driven by both an inflow of lower cost deposits and the repricing of existing deposits at lower interest rates. Interest on borrowings decreased $9.7 million due to a decrease in the average balance of borrowings, coupled with a 66 basis point decrease in the cost of total borrowings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we prepaid $53.5 million of FHLB borrowings with an average rate of 2.64% and original contractual maturities through March 2022, and a $3.0 million FHLB borrowing acquired in our acquisition of Roselle Bank with a rate of 2.74% and an original contractual maturity of March 2024. The prepayments were funded by excess cash liquidity. The transactions were accounted for as early debt extinguishments resulting in a loss of $742,000.

    The Company's net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 increased 5 basis points to 2.75%, when compared to 2.70% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 47 basis points to 3.22% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to 3.69% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Excluding the impact of the acceleration of Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loan deferred fee for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the net interest margin would have been 2.65%. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 66 basis points to 0.62% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to 1.28% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The decreases in yields and costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were largely driven by a continued lower interest rate environment. The net interest margin increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as the cost of interest-bearing liabilities continued to reprice lower more rapidly than the yields on interest-earning assets.

    The reversal of provision for loan loss recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $2.6 million, a decrease of $20.4 million, from $17.8 million of provision for loan loss expense recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The comparatively lower level of provision for the 2021 period was primarily attributable to a decrease in the balance of loans, a decrease in loan loss rates, a decrease in the balances of delinquent and non-accrual loans, and the consideration of the improving economic environment.

    Non-interest income was $31.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $10.6 million, or 49.5%, from $21.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in title insurance fees of $1.1 million, an increase in the income from gains on securities transactions of $1.6 million, an increase in income from the gain on the sale of loans of $7.4 million and an increase in other non-interest income of $1.9 million, partially offset by a decrease in the fair value of equity securities of $1.9 million. The increase in the gain on sale of loans was primarily attributable to a gain of $7.7 million resulting from the sale of $237.0 million of commercial business loans granted as part of the Small Business Administration PPP. Other non-interest income includes an increase of $900,000 from debit card transactions.

    Non-interest expense was $112.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $5.0 million, or 4.2%, from $117.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense of $4.8 million, a decrease in merger-related expenses of $1.8 million, and a decrease in other non-interest expense of $1.7 million, partially offset by an increase in professional fees of $1.1 million, an increase in data processing and software expenses of $762,000 and the loss on the extinguishment of debt of $742,000. The decrease in compensation and employee benefits expense was primarily attributable to an increase in amounts deferred for direct loan origination costs as a result of an increase in originations, and due to the 2020 period including $3.0 million in expense recorded in connection with a voluntary early retirement program. Merger-related expenses recorded in the 2020 period related to the acquisitions of Stewardship Financial Corporation and Roselle Bank, while the 2021 period relates to the pending acquisition of Freehold Bank. The decrease in other non-interest expense included a $3.0 million decrease in pension plan expense, partially offset by $1.9 million increase related to interest rate swap transactions. Professional fees included an increase in consulting expenses related to information technology, and the increase in data processing and software expenses was attributable to the purchase and implementation of several digital banking and other Fintech solutions, as well as the amortization of software costs related to a digital small business lending solution. As noted above, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company utilized excess liquidity to prepay long-term borrowings which resulted in a $742,000 loss on the early extinguishment of debt.

    Income tax expense was $25.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $13.4 million, as compared to $12.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, mainly due to an increase in pre-tax income, and to a lesser extent, an increase in the Company's effective state income tax rate. The Company's effective tax rate was 27.1% and 24.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

    Balance Sheet Summary

    Total assets increased $401.6 million, or 4.6%, to $9.2 billion at September 30, 2021 from $8.8 billion at December 31, 2020. The increase in total assets was primarily attributable to increases in debt securities available for sale of $447.9 million, debt securities held to maturity of $145.4 million, and other assets of $35.7 million, partially offset by decreases of $124.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $93.1 million in loans receivable, net.

    Cash and cash equivalents decreased $124.5 million, or 29.4%, to $298.5 million at September 30, 2021 from $423.0 million at December 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily attributable to $834.6 million in purchases of debt securities available for sale and held to maturity, $79.1 million in repurchases of common stock under our stock repurchase program, and $56.5 million in prepayments of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in repayments on loans, repayments on mortgage-backed securities, and growth in deposits.

    Debt securities available for sale increased $447.9 million, or 34.0%, to $1.8 billion at September 30, 2021 from $1.3 billion at December 31, 2020. The increase was attributable to purchases of $659.0 million of securities primarily consisting of U.S. government and agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities and municipal securities, and $99.6 million in purchases of guarantor swaps with Freddie Mac, partially offset by maturities, calls and sales of $41.5 million in U.S. government and agency obligations, corporate debt and municipal securities, and repayments of $243.1 million. The gross unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities available for sale decreased by $24.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

    Debt securities held to maturity increased $145.4 million, or 55.3%, to $408.1 million at September 30, 2021 from $262.7 million at December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to purchases of $175.5 million of securities primarily consisting of U.S. agency obligations and mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by calls of $5.1 million in U.S. agency obligations and repayments of $24.5 million.

    Loans receivable, net, decreased $93.1 million, or 1.5%, to $6.0 billion at September 30, 2021 from $6.1 billion at December 31, 2020. Multi-family and commercial real estate loans increased $319.5 million, partially offset by decreases in commercial business loans, one-to-four family real estate loans, construction loans, and home equity loans and advances of $302.8 million, $6.5 million, $56.7 million and $57.1 million, respectively. The increase in multi-family and commercial real estate loans included the purchase of $73.6 million of loan participations. The decrease in commercial business loans was mainly due to the sale of $237.0 million in loans granted and $277.2 in forgiven PPP loans included as part of the Small Business Administration PPP. The allowance for loan loss balance decreased $4.4 million to $70.3 million at September 30, 2021 from $74.7 million at December 31, 2020, which was primarily attributable to a decrease in the balance of loans, a decrease in loan loss rates, and a decrease in the balance of delinquent and non-accrual loans, as well as the consideration of improving economic conditions. The current allowance for loan losses was calculated utilizing the existing incurred loss methodology. The Company elected to defer the adoption of the Current Expected Credit Loss ("CECL") methodology as was originally permitted by the CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which, when enacted, extended certain provisions of the CARES Act. The Company expects to adopt CECL on January 1, 2022.

    Other assets increased $35.7 million, or 17.0%, to $245.6 million at September 30, 2021 from $209.9 million at December 31, 2020. The increase in other assets consisted of an increase of $75.1 million in the Company's pension plan balance based on a revaluation of the plan, coupled with a $35.0 million contribution which increased the funded status of the Company's pension plan, partially offset by a decrease of $17.2 million in the collateral balance related to our swap agreement obligations, a decrease of $8.2 million in interest rate swap assets, and a decrease of $10.5 million in deferred taxes.

    Total liabilities increased $382.0 million, or 4.9%, to $8.2 billion at September 30, 2021 from $7.8 billion at December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in total deposits of $443.7 million, or 6.5%, partially offset by a decrease in borrowings of $49.7 million, or 6.2%, and a decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $15.5 million, or 8.8%. The increase in total deposits consisted of increases in non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing demand deposits of $212.5 million and $262.6 million, respectively, and money market accounts and savings and club deposits of $48.2 million and $87.4 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in certificates of deposit accounts of $166.9 million. The decrease in borrowings was primarily driven by the prepayment of $56.5 million of FHLB borrowings. The decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities primarily consisted of a $17.3 million decrease in interest rate swap liabilities.

    Total stockholders’ equity increased $19.6 million, or 1.9%, with a balance of $1.0 billion at both September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to net income of $68.7 million, and a change in the pension obligation of $33.3 million due to a revaluation of the plan, partially offset by the repurchase of 4,633,540 shares of common stock totaling $79.1 million under our stock repurchase program.

    Asset Quality

    The Company's non-performing loans at September 30, 2021 totaled $5.3 million, or 0.09% of total gross loans, as compared to $8.2 million, or 0.13% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2020. The $2.9 million decrease in non-performing loans was primarily attributable to decreases of $646,000 in non-performing one-to-four family real estate loans, $2.5 million in non-performing commercial business loans, and $360,000 in non-performing home equity loans and advances, partially offset by an increase of $560,000 in non-performing multifamily and commercial real estate loans. The decrease in non-performing one-to-four family real estate loans was due to a decrease in the number of loans from 13 non-performing loans at December 31, 2020 to 11 non-performing loans at September 30, 2021. The decrease in non-performing commercial business loans was mainly due to charge-offs totaling $1.7 million. The decrease in non-performing home equity loans and advances was due to a decrease in the number of loans from 12 non-performing loans at December 31, 2020 to six non-performing loans at September 30, 2021. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets totaled 0.06% at September 30, 2021 as compared to 0.09% at December 31, 2020.

    For the quarter ended September 30, 2021, net charge-offs totaled $53,000 as compared to $397,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net charge-offs totaled $1.8 million as compared to $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

    The Company's allowance for loan losses was $70.3 million, or 1.16% of total loans, at September 30, 2021, compared to $74.7 million, or 1.21% of total loans, at December 31, 2020. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses was primarily attributable to a decrease in the balance of loans, a decrease in loan loss rates, and a decrease in the balance of delinquent and non-accrual loans, as well as the consideration of improving economic conditions.

    COVID-19

    At September 30, 2021, there were 12 loans on deferral for $28.0 million, a decrease of $35.8 million, compared to $63.8 million at June 30, 2021, and a decrease of $57.1 million, compared to $85.1 million at December 31, 2020. These short-term loan modifications are treated in accordance with Section 4013 of the CARES Act and are not treated as troubled debt restructurings during the short-term modification period if the loan was not in arrears. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was enacted in late December 2020, extended certain provisions of the CARES Act, including provisions permitting loan deferral extension requests to not be treated as troubled debt restructurings.

    At September 30, 2021, three loans totaling $25.7 million are remitting partial payments.

    About Columbia Financial, Inc.

    The consolidated financial results include the accounts of Columbia Financial, Inc. its wholly-owned subsidiary Columbia Bank (the "Bank") and the Bank's wholly-owned subsidiaries. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized as Columbia Bank's mid-tier stock holding company. Columbia Financial, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of Columbia Bank, MHC. Columbia Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. The Bank offers traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in our market areas. We currently operate 61 full-services banking offices.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements herein constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “will,” “would,” “expects,” “projects,” “may,” “could,” “developments,” “strategic,” “launching,” “opportunities,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets” and similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

    Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors. Factors that could cause such differences to exist include, but are not limited to, adverse conditions in the capital and debt markets and the impact of such conditions on the Company’s business activities; changes in interest rates; competitive pressures from other financial institutions; the effects of general economic conditions on a national basis or in the local markets in which the Company operates, including changes that adversely affect a borrowers’ ability to service and repay the Company’s loans; the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions; changes in the value of securities in the Company’s portfolio; changes in loan default and charge-off rates; fluctuations in real estate values; the adequacy of loan loss reserves; decreases in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and securities; legislative changes and changes in government regulation; changes in accounting standards and practices; the risk that goodwill and intangibles recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements will become impaired; demand for loans in the Company’s market area; the Company’s ability to attract and maintain deposits; risks related to the implementation of acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings; the risk that the Company may not be successful in the implementation of its business strategy, including the successful consummation of its pending acquisition of Freehold Bank, or its integration of acquired financial institutions and businesses, and changes in assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, those set forth in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and those set forth in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, all as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks materialize or should underlying beliefs or assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes, except as required by law.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Reported amounts are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). This press release also contains certain supplemental non-GAAP information that the Company’s management uses in its analysis of the Company’s financial results. Specifically, the Company provides measures based on what it believes are its operating earnings on a consistent basis, and excludes material non-routine operating items which affect the GAAP reporting of results of operations. The Company’s management believes that providing this information to analysts and investors allows them to better understand and evaluate the Company’s core financial results for the periods presented. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names.

    The Company also provides measurements and ratios based on tangible stockholders' equity. These measures are commonly utilized by regulators and market analysts to evaluate a company’s financial condition and, therefore, the Company’s management believes that such information is useful to investors.

    A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are included at the end of this press release. See "Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures".


    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
    (In thousands)

     September 30, December 31,
     2021 2020
    Assets(Unaudited)  
    Cash and due from banks$298,359  $422,787 
    Short-term investments129  170 
    Total cash and cash equivalents298,488  422,957 
        
    Debt securities available for sale, at fair value1,764,866  1,316,952 
    Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $417,268, and $277,091 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively)408,088  262,720 
    Equity securities, at fair value2,785  5,418 
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock40,891  43,759 
    Loans held-for-sale, at fair value—  4,146 
        
    Loans receivable6,084,294  6,181,770 
    Less: allowance for loan losses70,326  74,676 
    Loans receivable, net6,013,968  6,107,094 
        
    Accrued interest receivable27,857  29,456 
    Office properties and equipment, net74,426  75,974 
    Bank-owned life insurance237,294  232,824 
    Goodwill and intangible assets85,864  87,384 
    Other assets245,593  209,852 
    Total assets$9,200,120  $8,798,536 
        
    Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   
    Liabilities:   
    Deposits$7,222,358  $6,778,624 
    Borrowings749,631  799,364 
    Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance36,039  32,570 
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities161,216  176,691 
    Total liabilities8,169,244  7,787,249 
        
    Stockholders' equity:   
    Total stockholders' equity1,030,876  1,011,287 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$9,200,120  $8,798,536 
            

    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (In thousands, except share and per share data)

     Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		 Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
     2021 2020 2021 2020
    Interest income:(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
    Loans receivable$55,451   $63,258   $171,902   $192,511 
    Debt securities available for sale and equity securities7,622   7,034   21,521   21,654 
    Debt securities held to maturity2,353   1,749   6,256   5,807 
    Federal funds and interest-earning deposits167   71   310   287 
    Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends460   821   1,582   2,951 
    Total interest income66,053   72,933   201,571   223,210 
    Interest expense:       
    Deposits6,673   12,826   23,403   44,569 
    Borrowings2,028   3,783   5,996   15,744 
    Total interest expense8,701   16,609   29,399   60,313 
            
    Net interest income57,352   56,324   172,172   162,897 
            
    Provision for (reversal of) loan losses480   2,516   (2,561)  17,820 
            
    Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) loan losses56,872   53,808   174,733   145,077 
            
    Non-interest income:       
    Demand deposit account fees986   787   2,682   2,706 
    Bank-owned life insurance1,504   1,531   4,475   4,467 
    Title insurance fees1,431   1,218   4,554   3,445 
    Loan fees and service charges844   565   2,209   1,826 
    Gain on securities transactions2,296   —   2,015   370 
    Change in fair value of equity securities(443)  (4)  (1,809)  55 
    Gain on sale of loans140   1,873   10,814   3,422 
    Other non-interest income2,116   1,939   6,920   5,017 
    Total non-interest income8,874   7,909   31,860   21,308 
            
    Non-interest expense:       
    Compensation and employee benefits24,512   26,666   71,506   76,349 
    Occupancy4,846   4,823   14,912   14,319 
    Federal deposit insurance premiums604   614   1,751   1,350 
    Advertising662   484   1,860   2,075 
    Professional fees1,766   1,680   5,207   4,129 
    Data processing and software expenses2,798   2,825   8,181   7,419 
    Merger-related expenses55   424   130   1,931 
    Loss on extinguishment of debt—   —   742   — 
    Other non-interest expense1,809   3,862   8,076   9,757 
    Total non-interest expense37,052   41,378   112,365   117,329 
            
    Income before income tax expense28,694   20,339   94,228   49,056 
            
    Income tax expense7,712   5,252   25,513   12,107 
            
    Net income$20,982   $15,087   $68,715   $36,949 
            
    Earnings per share-basic and diluted$0.20   $0.14   $0.66   $0.34 
    Weighted average shares outstanding-basic and diluted102,977,254   110,983,871   104,486,520   110,177,736 
                   

    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Average Balances/Yields

      For the Three Months Ended September 30,
     2021 2020
     Average Balance Interest and Dividends Yield / Cost Average Balance Interest and Dividends Yield / Cost
     (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest-earnings assets:           
    Loans$6,008,998  $55,451  3.66% $6,544,206  $63,258  3.85%
    Securities2,049,806  9,975  1.93% 1,467,497  8,783  2.38%
    Other interest-earning assets457,880  627  0.54% 281,361  892  1.26%
    Total interest-earning assets8,516,684  66,053  3.08% 8,293,064  72,933  3.50%
    Non-interest-earning assets671,537      632,474     
    Total assets$9,188,221      $8,925,538     
                
    Interest-bearing liabilities:           
    Interest-bearing demand$2,441,575  $2,003  0.33% $2,016,953  $2,608  0.51%
    Money market accounts650,968  486  0.30% 520,723  572  0.44%
    Savings and club deposits763,717  213  0.11% 647,608  261  0.16%
    Certificates of deposit1,802,698  3,971  0.87% 2,116,748  9,385  1.76%
    Total interest-bearing deposits5,658,958  6,673  0.47% 5,302,032  12,826  0.96%
    FHLB advances742,261  1,967  1.05% 1,050,422  3,606  1.37%
    Subordinated notes—  —  —% 12,362  112  3.60%
    Junior subordinated debentures7,404  61  3.27% 7,975  65  3.24%
    Total borrowings749,665  2,028  1.07% 1,070,759  3,783  1.41%
    Total interest-bearing liabilities6,408,623  $8,701  0.54% 6,372,791  $16,609  1.04%
                
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:           
    Non-interest-bearing deposits1,540,431      1,293,182     
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities204,473      209,772     
    Total liabilities8,153,527      7,875,745     
    Total stockholders' equity1,034,694      1,049,793     
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$9,188,221      $8,925,538     
                
    Net interest income  $57,352      $56,324   
    Interest rate spread    2.54%     2.46%
    Net interest-earning assets$2,108,061      $1,920,273     
    Net interest margin    2.67%     2.70%
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities132.89%     130.13%    
                  

    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Average Balances/Yields

     For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2021 2020
     Average Balance Interest and Dividends Yield / Cost Average Balance Interest and Dividends Yield / Cost
     (Dollars in thousands)
    Interest-earnings assets:           
    Loans$6,130,944  $171,902  3.75% $6,457,681  $192,511  3.98%
    Securities1,891,023  27,777  1.96% 1,437,708  27,461  2.55%
    Other interest-earning assets359,438  1,892  0.70% 176,627  3,238  2.45%
    Total interest-earning assets8,381,405  201,571  3.22% 8,072,016  223,210  3.69%
    Non-interest-earning assets634,494      615,698     
    Total assets$9,015,899      $8,687,714     
                
    Interest-bearing liabilities:           
    Interest-bearing demand$2,343,718  $6,234  0.36% $1,878,890  $10,292  0.73%
    Money market accounts627,188  1,536  0.33% 475,376  2,287  0.64%
    Savings and club deposits739,272  612  0.11% 608,259  755  0.17%
    Certificates of deposit1,855,582  15,021  1.08% 2,116,831  31,235  1.97%
    Total interest-bearing deposits5,565,760  23,403  0.56% 5,079,356  44,569  1.17%
    FHLB advances736,365  5,813  1.06% 1,183,068  15,062  1.70%
    Subordinated notes—  —  —% 15,573  448  3.84%
    Junior subordinated debentures7,480  183  3.27% 7,729  230  3.97%
    Other borrowings—  —  —% 2,555  4  0.21%
    Total borrowings743,845  5,996  1.08% 1,208,925  15,744  1.74%
    Total interest-bearing liabilities6,309,605  $29,399  0.62% 6,288,281  $60,313  1.28%
                
    Non-interest-bearing liabilities:           
    Non-interest-bearing deposits1,480,315      1,178,190     
    Other non-interest-bearing liabilities210,349      200,947     
    Total liabilities8,000,269      7,667,418     
    Total stockholders' equity1,015,630      1,020,296     
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$9,015,899      $8,687,714     
                
    Net interest income  $172,172      $162,897   
    Interest rate spread    2.60%     2.41%
    Net interest-earning assets$2,071,800      $1,783,735     
    Net interest margin    2.75%     2.70%
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities132.84%     128.37%    
                  

    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Components of Net Interest Rate Spread and Margin

     Average Yields/Costs by Quarter
     September 30,
    2021    		 June 30,
    2021    		 March 31,
    2021    		 December 31,
    2020    		 September 30,
    2020
    Yield on interest-earning assets:         
    Loans3.66% 3.72% 3.87% 3.97% 3.85%
    Securities1.93  1.93  2.05  2.30  2.38 
    Other interest-earning assets0.54  1.24  0.67  0.68  1.26 
    Total interest-earning assets3.08% 3.24% 3.34% 3.47% 3.50%
              
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities:         
    Total interest-bearing deposits0.47% 0.57% 0.66% 0.78% 0.96%
    Total borrowings1.07  1.07  1.09  1.32  1.41 
    Total interest-bearing liabilities0.54% 0.62% 0.71% 0.86% 1.04%
              
    Interest rate spread2.54% 2.62% 2.63% 2.61% 2.46%
    Net interest margin2.67% 2.77% 2.80% 2.81% 2.70%
              
    Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities132.89% 133.53% 132.06% 130.35% 130.13%
                   

    COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Selected Financial Highlights

            
      For the Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		 For the Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
     2021 2020 2021 2020
    SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS (1):       
    Return on average assets0.91% 0.67% 1.02% 0.57%
    Core return on average assets0.83% 0.79% 1.01% 0.64%
    Return on average equity8.05% 5.72% 9.05% 4.84%
    Core return on average equity7.42% 6.68% 8.99% 5.39%
    Core return on average tangible equity8.07% 7.34% 9.81% 5.90%
    Interest rate spread2.54% 2.46% 2.60% 2.41%
    Net interest margin2.67% 2.70% 2.75% 2.70%
    Non-interest income to average assets0.38% 0.31% 0.47% 0.21%
    Non-interest expense to average assets1.60% 1.84% 1.67% 1.80%
    Efficiency ratio55.95% 64.42% 55.07% 63.69%
    Core efficiency ratio57.89% 59.06% 54.92% 60.49%
    Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities132.89% 130.13% 132.84% 128.37%
    Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans—% 0.02% 0.04% 0.07%
            
    (1) Ratios for the three and nine months are annualized when appropriate.      


    CAPITAL RATIOS:   
     September 30, December 31,
     2021 2020
    Company:   
    Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)16.82% 18.54%
    Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)15.71% 17.29%
    Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)15.60% 17.17%
    Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)11.02% 11.38%
        
    Bank:   
    Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)16.36% 16.05%
    Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)15.21% 14.80%
    Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)15.21% 14.80%
    Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)10.30% 9.72%
          


    ASSET QUALITY:   
     September 30, December 31,
     2021 2020
     (Dollars in thousands)
    Non-accrual loans$5,266  $8,156 
    90+ and still accruing—  — 
    Non-performing loans5,266  8,156 
    Real estate owned—  — 
    Total non-performing assets$5,266  $8,156 
        
    Non-performing loans to total gross loans0.09% 0.13%
    Non-performing assets to total assets0.06% 0.09%
    Allowance for loan losses$70,326  $74,676 
    Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans1,335.47% 915.60%
    Allowance for loan losses to gross loans1.16% 1.21%
    Allowance for loan losses to gross loans, excluding SBA PPP loans1.17% 1.28%
    Unamortized purchase accounting fair value credit marks on acquired loans$4,668  $6,486 
            


    LOAN DATA:   
     September 30, December 31,
     2021 2020
    Real estate loans:(In thousands)
    One-to-four family$1,933,876   $1,940,327  
    Multifamily and commercial3,137,461   2,817,965  
    Construction272,004   328,711  
    Commercial business loans *450,021   752,870  
    Consumer loans:   
    Home equity loans and advances264,111   321,177  
    Other consumer loans1,772   1,497  
    Total gross loans6,059,245   6,162,547  
    Purchased credit-impaired ("PCI") loans2,994   6,345  
    Net deferred loan costs, fees and purchased premiums and discounts **22,055   12,878  
    Allowance for loan losses(70,326)  (74,676) 
    Loans receivable, net$6,013,968   $6,107,094  
        
    * At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 includes SBA PPP loans totaling $69.2 million and $344.4 million, respectively.
    ** At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 includes SBA PPP net deferred loan fees totaling $1.9 million and $6.6 million, respectively.


    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
          
    Book and Tangible Book Value per Share
       September 30, December 31,
       2021 2020
          
    Total stockholders' equity  $1,030,876   $1,011,287  
    Less: goodwill  (79,220)  (80,285) 
    Less: core deposit intangible  (5,423)  (6,197) 
    Total tangible stockholders' equity  $946,233   $924,805  
          
    Shares outstanding  106,297,899   110,939,753  
          
    Book value per share  $9.70   $9.12  
    Tangible book value per share  $8.90   $8.34  


    Reconciliation of Core Net Income       
     Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		 Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
     2021 2020 2021 2020
     (In thousands)
            
    Net income$20,982   $15,087  $68,715   $36,949  
    Less: gain on securities transactions, net of tax(1,679)  —  (1,474)  (279) 
    Add: voluntary early retirement plan expenses, net of tax—   2,273  —   2,273  
    Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax40   316  95   1,500  
    Add: loss on extinguishment of debt, net of tax—   —  540   —  
    Less/Add: branch closure (credit) expense, net of tax(10)  —  410   878  
    Core net income$19,333   $17,676  $68,286   $41,321  
                       

    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)

    Return on Average Assets       
     Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		 Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
     2021 2020 2021 2020
     (Dollars in thousands)
            
    Net income$20,982  $15,087  $68,715  $36,949 
            
    Average assets$9,188,221  $8,925,538  $9,015,899  $8,687,714 
            
    Return on average assets0.91% 0.67% 1.02% 0.57%
            
    Core net income$19,333  $17,676  $68,286  $41,321 
            
    Core return on average assets0.83% 0.79% 1.01% 0.64%
                


    Return on Average Equity       
     Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		 Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
     2021 2020 2021 2020
     (Dollars in thousands)
            
    Total average stockholders' equity$1,034,694   $1,049,793  $1,015,630   $1,020,296  
    Less: gain on securities transactions, net of tax(1,679)  —  (1,474)  (279) 
    Add: voluntary early retirement plan expenses, net of tax—   2,273  —   2,273  
    Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax40   316  95   1,500  
    Add: loss on extinguishment of debt, net of tax—   —  540   —  
    Less/Add: branch closure (credit) expense, net of tax(10)  —  410   878  
    Core average stockholders' equity$1,033,045   $1,052,382  $1,015,201   $1,024,668  
            
    Return on average equity8.05 % 5.72% 9.05 % 4.84 %
            
    Core return on core average equity7.42 % 6.68% 8.99 % 5.39 %
                   

    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)

    Return on Average Tangible Equity    
     Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		 Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
     2021 2020 2021 2020
            
    Total average stockholders' equity$1,034,694   $1,049,793   $1,015,630   $1,020,296  
    Less: average goodwill(79,220)  (85,426)  (79,446)  (77,653) 
    Less: average core deposit intangible(5,590)  (6,638)  (5,842)  (6,904) 
    Total average tangible stockholders' equity$949,884   $957,729   $930,342   $935,739  
            
    Core return on average tangible equity8.07 % 7.34 % 9.81 % 5.90 %
                    


    Efficiency Ratios       
     Three Months Ended
    September 30,    		 Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
     2021 2020 2021 2020
     (Dollars in thousands)
            
    Net interest income$57,352   $56,324   $172,172   $162,897  
    Non-interest income8,874   7,909   31,860   21,308  
    Total income$66,226   $64,233   $204,032   $184,205  
            
    Non-interest expense$37,052   $41,378   $112,365   $117,329  
            
    Efficiency ratio55.95 % 64.42 % 55.07 % 63.69 %
            
    Non-interest income$8,874   $7,909   $31,860   $21,308  
    Less: gain on securities transactions(2,296)  —   (2,015)  (370) 
    Core non-interest income$6,578   $7,909   $29,845   $20,938  
            
    Non-interest expense$37,052   $41,378   $112,365   $117,329  
    Less: voluntary early retirement plan expenses—   (3,018)  —   (3,018) 
    Less: merger-related expenses(55)  (424)  (130)  (1,931) 
    Less: loss on extinguishment of debt—   —   (742)  —  
    Add/Less: branch closure (credit) expense14   —   (548)  (1,170) 
    Core non-interest expense$37,011   $37,936   $110,945   $111,210  
            
    Core efficiency ratio57.89 % 59.06 % 54.92 % 60.49 %
                    

    Contact:
    Tony Rose
    1st Senior Vice President/Marketing Director
    201-794-5828


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