STOCK TITAN

Columbia Financial (NASDAQ: CLBK) posts higher Q1 2026 earnings and wider net interest margin

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Columbia Financial, Inc. reported stronger first quarter results, with net income rising to $13.1 million, or $0.13 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2026, up from $8.9 million, or $0.09 per share, a year earlier. Performance improved mainly due to a $10.1 million increase in net interest income, a lower provision for credit losses, and an expanded net interest margin of 2.42% versus 2.11% in the prior-year quarter. Non-interest income declined and expenses rose, including $1.8 million of merger-related costs, while the effective tax rate increased. Credit quality remained solid with net recoveries of $604,000, although non-performing loans increased to $41.4 million, or 0.50% of total gross loans. Total assets were stable at about $11.0 billion, deposits declined modestly, and borrowings increased. Management highlighted a previously announced second-step conversion and a planned merger with Northfield Bancorp, Inc., which are intended to expand the franchise and remain subject to regulatory, stockholder and member approvals.

Positive

  • Stronger profitability and margin expansion: Net income rose to $13.1 million from $8.9 million year over year, with net interest income up $10.1 million and net interest margin improving to 2.42% from 2.11%.
  • Healthy credit performance: The company recorded net loan recoveries of $604,000 versus prior-year net charge-offs of $857,000, while maintaining an allowance for credit losses of $68.8 million, or 0.84% of total gross loans.
  • Solid capital position: Estimated total risk-based capital ratio at the company level was 15.14% at March 31, 2026, with common equity tier 1 at 14.14%, providing substantial regulatory capital headroom.

Negative

  • Rising problem assets: Non-performing loans increased to $41.4 million, or 0.50% of total gross loans, and non-performing assets to 0.43% of total assets, up from 0.34% at December 31, 2025.
  • Higher expense base and merger-related costs: Non-interest expense grew 8.3% year over year to $47.5 million, including $1.8 million of merger-related expenses and higher compensation and employee benefits.
  • Deposit outflows and greater reliance on borrowings: Total deposits fell $72.1 million to $8.37 billion, while borrowings increased $60.0 million, indicating a shift in funding mix.

Insights

Net income jumped as funding costs eased and credit trends remained favorable, despite higher expenses and rising non-performers.

Columbia Financial delivered net income of $13.1 million, up from $8.9 million, driven by a $10.1 million increase in net interest income and a sharply lower credit loss provision. Net interest margin expanded to 2.42%, helped by lower deposit and borrowing costs.

Non-interest income declined 20.4% and non-interest expense rose 8.3%, including $1.8 million of merger-related charges, which management removes to show higher core earnings. Asset quality is still strong, with net recoveries of $604,000, though non-performing loans rose to $41.4 million, or 0.50% of gross loans.

Balance sheet trends show essentially flat total assets around $11.0 billion, modest deposit outflows of $72.1 million, and a $60.0 million increase in borrowings. Capital ratios remain comfortably above regulatory minimums, and the previously announced second-step conversion and merger with Northfield could further reshape the franchise once all approvals and closing conditions are met.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Net income $13.1 million Three months ended March 31, 2026; up from $8.9 million in 2025
Earnings per share $0.13 per basic and diluted share Q1 2026; versus $0.09 per share in Q1 2025
Net interest income $60.4 million Q1 2026; increased $10.1 million, or 20.0%, year over year
Net interest margin 2.42% Quarter ended March 31, 2026; up from 2.11% a year earlier
Non-performing loans ratio 0.50% of total gross loans March 31, 2026; up from 0.46% at December 31, 2025
Total assets $11.0 billion March 31, 2026; essentially unchanged from December 31, 2025
Total deposits $8.37 billion March 31, 2026; decreased $72.1 million from year-end 2025
Total risk-based capital ratio 15.14% Company level, estimated at March 31, 2026
net interest margin financial
"The Company's net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 increased 31 basis points to 2.42% when compared to 2.11%."
Net interest margin measures how much a bank earns from lending and investing compared with what it pays for funding, expressed as a percentage of its interest-earning assets. Think of it like a grocery store’s markup: it shows the gap between buying cost and selling price per dollar of goods — here, the cost is interest paid and the sale is interest received. Investors watch it because a higher margin usually means a bank is more profitable and better at managing interest rate and credit conditions.
provision for credit losses financial
"The provision for credit losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $1.0 million, a decrease of $2.0 million."
Provision for credit losses is an amount set aside by a financial institution to cover potential future losses from borrowers who may not repay their loans. It acts like a safety net, helping the institution manage risks and stay financially healthy. For investors, it signals how cautious a lender is about potential loan defaults and can impact the company's profitability and financial stability.
non-performing loans financial
"The Company's non-performing loans at March 31, 2026 totaled $41.4 million, or 0.50% of total gross loans."
Loans on a bank’s books where the borrower has stopped making scheduled payments for a prolonged period (commonly about 90 days), so the lender no longer expects full repayment on time. Think of them as overdue IOUs that may never be paid back; a rising level of such loans weakens a lender’s earnings and balance sheet, signals greater credit risk in the economy, and can hurt investors through lower dividends, loan losses, or declines in the lender’s stock value.
allowance for credit losses financial
"The Company's allowance for credit losses on loans was $68.8 million, or 0.84% of total gross loans, at March 31, 2026."
Allowance for credit losses is a reserve set aside by a financial institution to cover potential losses from borrowers who may not repay their loans. It acts like a safety net, helping the institution prepare for loans that might turn sour. For investors, it signals how cautious the institution is about the quality of its loans and potential risks to its financial health.
second step conversion financial
"we announced our intention to undertake our second step conversion offering as well as a significant merger with Northfield Bancorp, Inc."
tangible book value per share financial
"Tangible book value per share | $ | 10.15 | | | $ | 10.03"
Tangible book value per share is the company's total physical and financial assets minus its liabilities and intangible items (like goodwill and brand value), divided by the number of outstanding shares. It gives investors a conservative, per‑share estimate of what would remain if the business sold only its hard assets and paid its debts—useful for judging whether a stock is priced above or below its underlying, tangible worth, like valuing a property by its bricks and cash rather than its reputation.
Offering Type earnings_snapshot
false000172359600017235962020-07-292020-07-29

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): April 20, 2026

Columbia Financial, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware001-3845622-3504946
(State or other jurisdiction(Commission(IRS Employer
of incorporation)File Number)Identification Number)

19-01 Route 208 North, Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410
(Address of principal executive offices)

(800) 522-4167
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par value per shareCLBKThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.




Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

    On April 20, 2026, Columbia Financial, Inc. (the "Company") issued a press release announcing its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026. The Company's press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.

    The information set forth in this Item 2.02 and in the attached Exhibit 99.1 is deemed to be “furnished” and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
    
        (d) Exhibits
Exhibit NumberDescription
99.1
Press release dated April 20, 2026



104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


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SIGNATURE

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunder duly authorized.
Date:April 20, 2026/s/Dennis E. Gibney
Dennis E. Gibney
1st Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer


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Columbia Financial, Inc. Announces Financial Results
for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2026

Fair Lawn, New Jersey (April 20, 2026): Columbia Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CLBK), the mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank ("Columbia"), reported net income of $13.1 million, or $0.13 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, as compared to $8.9 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 reflected higher net interest income due to both an increase in interest income and a decrease in interest expense, and a decrease in provision for credit losses, partially offset by lower non-interest income, an increase in non-interest expense and higher income tax expense.
Mr. Thomas J. Kemly, President and Chief Executive Officer commented: “It was an exciting first quarter for Columbia as we announced our intention to undertake our second step conversion offering as well as a significant merger with Northfield Bancorp, Inc. We believe that these transactions have the ability to transform our company by introducing us to new geographic markets in the New York metro area, adding a lower cost deposit base, and providing abundant capital for future growth of our franchise. Our teams are actively working on integration plans to ensure a seamless transition for our customers. The completion of the second-step conversion and the merger remain subject to the satisfaction of various closing conditions, including the receipt of all required regulatory approvals and the receipt of all required applicable stockholder and member approvals.”
Regarding the quarterly financial results, Mr. Kemly added, “Our first quarter results included higher core net income driven by net interest margin expansion and lower provision for credit losses partially offset by merger related costs and a higher income tax rate. While the balance sheet was fairly flat with prior quarter, higher commercial loan prepayments offset solid loan production. We reduced our cost of deposits by 6 basis points despite heightened competition for deposits in our markets. "
Financial Highlights
Net income increased by $4.2 million, or 47.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and decreased $2.6 million compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
Net interest margin of 2.42% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 increased by 31 basis points compared to 2.11% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and 6 basis points compared to 2.36% for the quarter ended December 31, 2025.
The Company recorded net recoveries on loans of $604,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 as compared to net charge-offs on loans of $857,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025
Net income of $13.1 million was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of $4.2 million compared to net income of $8.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to a $10.1 million increase in net interest income, and a $2.0 million decrease in provision for credit losses, partially offset by a $1.7 million decrease in non-interest income, a $3.6 million increase in non-interest expense, and a $2.5 million increase in income tax expense.
Net interest income was $60.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of $10.1 million, or 20.0%, from $50.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to a $6.7 million increase in interest income and a $3.4 million decrease in interest expense on deposits and borrowings. The increase in interest income was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of loans and securities coupled with an increase in average yields on loans. The 75 basis point decrease in market interest rates during 2025 contributed to lower interest rates paid on new and repricing deposits and borrowings during the quarter ended March 31, 2026, but did not have as significant of an impact on the yields on interest-earning assets, which remained stable since December 31, 2025, as assets repriced at a slower pace. Prepayment penalties, which are included in interest income on loans, totaled $253,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared to $257,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
The average yield on loans for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 increased 12 basis points to 5.01%, as compared to 4.89% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Interest income on loans increased due to an increase in both the average balance and yield on loans. The average yield on securities for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 decreased 7 basis points to 3.38%, as compared



to 3.45% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Interest income on securities increased due to an increase in the average balance of securities which more than offset a decrease in the average yield. The average yield on other interest-earning assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 decreased 97 basis points to 4.78%, as compared to 5.75% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, mainly due to a 165 basis point decrease in the dividend rate received on Federal Home Loan Bank stock.
Total interest expense was $58.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 5.4%, from $61.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The decrease in interest expense was primarily attributable to a 30 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits coupled with a 32 basis point decrease in the average cost of borrowings, partially offset by an increase in both the average balance of interest-bearing deposits and borrowings. Interest expense on deposits decreased $3.8 million, or 7.6% due to the decrease in the average cost of deposits. Interest expense on borrowings increased $476,000, or 4.1%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2025, due to the increase in the average balance of borrowings, which more than offset the decrease in the average cost.
The Company's net interest margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 increased 31 basis points to 2.42% when compared to 2.11%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, due to an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets coupled with a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The weighted average yield on interest-earning assets increased 7 basis points to 4.76% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 as compared to 4.69% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 29 basis points to 2.92% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 as compared to 3.21% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
The provision for credit losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $1.0 million, a decrease of $2.0 million, or 67.4%, from $2.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The decrease in provision for credit losses was primarily attributable to a decrease in net charge-offs, with net recoveries on loans of $604,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, as compared to net charge-offs on loans of $857,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and a decrease in the balance of loans receivable, partially offset by an increase in qualitative loss rates based on the evaluation of current and projected economic conditions.
Non-interest income was $6.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 20.4%, from $8.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the change in fair value of equity securities of $1.5 million, and a decrease of $379,000 in other non-interest income, mainly related to interest rate swaps.
Non-interest expense was $47.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of $3.6 million, or 8.3%, from $43.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in compensation and employee benefits expense of $2.5 million, and an increase in merger-related expenses of $1.8 million, partially offset by a decrease of $1.1 million in professional fees. The increase in compensation and employee benefits expense was due to normal annual increases and an increase in the number of employees.
Income tax expense was $5.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of $2.5 million, as compared to income tax expense of $3.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, mainly due to higher pre-tax income. The Company's effective tax rate was 29.9% and 25.9% for the quarters ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The increase in the 2026 effective tax rate was due to non-deductible merger-related expenses.
Balance Sheet Summary

Total assets decreased $8.3 million, or 0.1%, with a balance of $11.0 billion at both March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025. The decrease in total assets was primarily attributable to decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $63.9 million, debt securities held to maturity of $18.4 million, and loans receivable, net, of $33.9 million, partially offset by an increase in debt securities available for sale of $76.9 million, an increase in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock of $18.3 million, and an increase in other real estate owned of $5.9 million, representing one non-performing construction loan transferred to other real estate owned in March 2026.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $63.9 million, or 18.7%, to $276.9 million at March 31, 2026 from $340.8 million at December 31, 2025. The decrease was primarily attributable to purchases of securities of $138.2 million, the purchase of Federal Reserve Bank of New York Stock, the origination of loans receivable, and a decrease in total deposits of $72.1 million,
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partially offset by principal repayments on securities of $20.9 million, calls and maturities on securities of $54.9 million., repayments on loans receivable and an increase in borrowings of $60.0 million.

Debt securities available for sale increased $76.9 million, or 6.8%, to $1.2 billion at March 31, 2026 from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2025. The increase was attributable to purchases of securities of $138.2 million, consisting primarily of U.S. government obligations and mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by an increase in the gross unrealized loss on securities of $4.8 million, calls and maturities on securities of $40.0 million, and repayments on securities of $17.1 million.

Debt securities held to maturity decreased $18.4 million, or 4.6%, to $377.8 million at March 31, 2026 from $396.2 million at December 31, 2025. The decrease was primarily attributable to maturities on securities of $14.9 million and repayments on securities of $3.8 million.

Loans receivable, net, decreased $33.9 million, or 0.4%, with a balance of $8.2 billion at both March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025. One-to-four family loans, multifamily loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, and home equity loans and advances decreased $14.7 million, $8.4 million, $40.3 million, $14.5 million, and $5.6 million, respectively, partially offset by an increase in construction loans of $51.3 million. The allowance for credit losses for loans increased $1.6 million to $68.8 million at March 31, 2026 from $67.2 million at December 31, 2025, primarily due to an increase in qualitative loss rates based on the evaluation of current and projected economic conditions.

Total liabilities decreased $21.3 million, or 0.2%, to $9.8 billion at March 31, 2026 from $9.9 billion at December 31, 2025. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in total deposits of $72.1 million, or 0.9%, and a decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $11.3 million, partially offset by an increase in borrowings of $60.0 million, or 5.1%. The decrease in total deposits primarily consisted of decreases in non-interest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits and money market accounts of $9.4 million, $102.9 million, and $13.8 million, respectively, partially offset by increases in savings and club accounts and certificates of deposits of $1.6 million and $52.4 million, respectively. The decrease in interest-bearing demand deposits was mainly attributable to seasonal decreases in the balance of municipal deposits. The decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities related to the payout of benefit related accrued expenses coupled with a decrease in outstanding checks. The $60.0 million increase in borrowings was driven by a net increase in short-term borrowings of $35.0 million, coupled with new long-term borrowings of $40.0 million, partially offset by repayments of $15.0 million in maturing long-term borrowings.

Total stockholders’ equity increased $13.0 million, or 1.1%, with a balance of $1.2 billion at both March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, primarily attributable to net income of $13.1 million.
Asset Quality
The Company's non-performing loans at March 31, 2026 totaled $41.4 million, or 0.50% of total gross loans, as compared to $38.0 million, or 0.46% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2025. The $3.4 million increase in non-performing loans was primarily attributable to one $10.6 million commercial real estate loan on a six-story mixed use building which includes apartments and commercial/storage space designated as non-performing during the 2026 period, partially offset by a decrease in non-performing commercial business loans of $1.6 million, and a decrease in non-performing construction loans of $5.9 million. The decrease in non-performing construction loans was due to one loan secured by a mixed use five-story building with both commercial space and apartments, being transferred to other real estate owned in March 2026. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets totaled 0.43% at March 31, 2026, as compared to 0.34% at December 31, 2025.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, net recoveries totaled $604,000, as compared to net charge-offs of $857,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
The Company's allowance for credit losses on loans was $68.8 million, or 0.84% of total gross loans, at March 31, 2026, compared to $67.2 million, or 0.82% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2025. The increase in the allowance for credit losses for loans was primarily due to an increase in qualitative loss rates based on the evaluation of current and projected economic conditions.
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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 that operates 70 full-service banking offices and offers traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in its market area.
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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, higher inflation and their impact on national and local economic conditions; changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and other governmental entities; the impact of tariffs, sanctions and other trade policies of the United States and its global trading counterparts; the impact of changing political conditions or federal government shutdowns; the impact of legal, judicial and regulatory proceedings or investigations, 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 acts of terrorism, war or pandemics, 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; cyber-attacks, computer viruses and other technological risks that may breach the security of our systems and allow unauthorized access to confidential information; the inability of third party service providers to perform; demand for loans in the Company’s market area; the Company’s ability to attract and maintain deposits and effectively manage liquidity; risks related to the implementation of acquisitions, dispositions, and restructurings; and the risk that the Company may not be successful in the implementation of its business strategy, or its integration of acquired financial institutions and businesses.

In addition, with respect to the Company’s previously announced second-step conversion and proposed merger with Northfield Bancorp (“Northfield”), such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following: (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement; (ii) the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction) and the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because required regulatory approvals, the approval by the Company’s and/or Northfield’s stockholders, or other approvals and the other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; (iii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or Northfield; (iv) the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including anticipated cost savings and strategic gains, are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of changes in, or problems arising from, general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which the Company and Northfield operate; (v) the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (vi) the Company’s ability to successfully complete its second step conversion; (vi) the possibility that the final independent appraisal of the Company will differ from the preliminary independent appraisal of the Company; (viii) the impact of purchase accounting with respect to the proposed transaction, or any change in the assumptions used regarding the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to determine their fair value and credit marks; (ix) the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (x) the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; (xi) potential adverse reactions of the Company’s or Northfield’s customers or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; (xii) a material adverse change in the financial condition of the Company or Northfield; (xiii) changes in the Company’s or Northfield’s share price before closing; (xiv) risks relating to the potential dilutive effect of shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued in the proposed transaction.
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Forward-looking statements 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".
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COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(In thousands)
March 31,December 31,
20262025
Assets(Unaudited)
Cash and due from banks$276,835 $340,695 
Short-term investments112 111 
Total cash and cash equivalents276,947 340,806 
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value 1,198,870 1,122,017 
Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $347,973, and $367,289 at March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively)
377,847 396,233 
Equity securities, at fair value5,638 6,802 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost82,865 64,604 
Loans receivable8,259,678 8,292,010 
Less: allowance for credit losses 68,761 67,201 
Loans receivable, net8,190,917 8,224,809 
Accrued interest receivable41,805 41,490 
Office properties and equipment, net82,583 82,985 
Bank-owned life insurance285,267 283,094 
Goodwill and intangible assets119,681 120,302 
Other real estate owned5,923 — 
Other assets342,164 335,651 
Total assets$11,010,507 $11,018,793 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits$8,372,014 $8,444,079 
Borrowings1,243,462 1,183,472 
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance47,909 45,792 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities173,400 184,722 
Total liabilities9,836,785 9,858,065 
Stockholders' equity:
Total stockholders' equity1,173,722 1,160,728 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$11,010,507 $11,018,793 


7


COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
20262025
Interest income:
(Unaudited)
Loans receivable
$102,152 $95,110 
Debt securities available for sale and equity securities
10,223 9,742 
Debt securities held to maturity
2,756 2,811 
Federal funds and interest-earning deposits
2,380 2,858 
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock dividends
1,360 1,642 
Total interest income
118,871 112,163 
Interest expense:
Deposits
46,311 50,145 
Borrowings
12,169 11,693 
Total interest expense
58,480 61,838 
Net interest income
60,391 50,325 
Provision for credit losses
956 2,933 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
59,435 47,392 
Non-interest income:
Demand deposit account fees
2,046 1,888 
Bank-owned life insurance
2,173 1,859 
Title insurance fees
658 646 
Loan fees and service charges
1,194 1,056 
Change in fair value of equity securities
(1,164)308 
Gain on sale of loans
20 515 
Other non-interest income
1,820 2,199 
Total non-interest income
6,747 8,471 
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits
31,097 28,583 
Occupancy
6,797 6,185 
Federal deposit insurance premiums
1,585 1,880 
Advertising
648 531 
Professional fees
1,394 2,515 
Data processing and software expenses
4,652 4,061 
Merger-related expenses
1,823 — 
Other non-interest expense, net
(509)90 
Total non-interest expense
47,487 43,845 
Income before income tax expense 18,695 12,018 
Income tax expense5,596 3,118 
Net income
$13,099 $8,900 
Earnings per share-basic $0.13 $0.09 
Earnings per share-diluted$0.13 $0.09 
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic101,266,942 101,816,716 
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted101,453,090 101,816,716 

8


COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Average Balances/Yields
 For the Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
Average Balance
Interest and Dividends
Yield / Cost
Average Balance
Interest and Dividends
Yield / Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earnings assets:
Loans
$8,262,682 $102,152 5.01 %$7,894,561 $95,110 4.89 %
Securities
1,556,205 12,979 3.38 %1,477,537 12,553 3.45 %
Other interest-earning assets
317,393 3,740 4.78 %317,433 4,500 5.75 %
Total interest-earning assets
10,136,280 118,871 4.76 %9,689,531 112,163 4.69 %
Non-interest-earning assets
888,357 873,451 
Total assets
$11,024,637 $10,562,982 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand
$1,971,817 $10,067 2.07 %$2,060,528 $13,172 2.59 %
Money market accounts
1,474,109 9,065 2.49 %1,282,241 7,606 2.41 %
Savings and club deposits
621,857 652 0.43 %649,257 1,108 0.69 %
Certificates of deposit
2,871,480 26,527 3.75 %2,756,895 28,259 4.16 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
6,939,263 46,311 2.71 %6,748,921 50,145 3.01 %
FHLB advances
1,188,075 12,023 4.10 %1,060,911 11,554 4.42 %
Junior subordinated debentures
7,061 131 7.52 %7,040 139 8.01 %
Other borrowings
1,444 15 4.21 %— — — %
Total borrowings
1,196,580 12,169 4.12 %1,067,951 11,693 4.44 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
8,135,843 $58,480 2.92 %7,816,872 $61,838 3.21 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits
1,486,842 1,432,837 
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities
235,029 222,604 
Total liabilities
9,857,714 9,472,313 
Total stockholders' equity
1,166,923 1,090,669 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$11,024,637 $10,562,982 
Net interest income
$60,391 $50,325 
Interest rate spread
1.84 %1.48 %
Net interest-earning assets
$2,000,437 $1,872,659 
Net interest margin
2.42 %2.11 %
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
124.59 %123.96 %

9


COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Components of Net Interest Rate Spread and Margin
Average Yields/Costs by Quarter
March 31, 2026December 31, 2025September 30, 2025June 30, 2025March 31, 2025
Yield on interest-earning assets:
Loans
5.01 %5.03 %5.04 %4.96 %4.89 %
Securities
3.38 3.36 3.41 3.55 3.45 
Other interest-earning assets
4.78 4.69 5.24 5.16 5.75 
Total interest-earning assets
4.76 %4.77 %4.81 %4.75 %4.69 %
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities:
Total interest-bearing deposits
2.71 %2.79 %2.91 %2.95 %3.01 %
Total borrowings
4.12 4.25 4.37 4.44 4.44 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
2.92 %3.01 %3.14 %3.18 %3.21 %
Interest rate spread
1.84 %1.76 %1.67 %1.57 %1.48 %
Net interest margin
2.42 %2.36 %2.29 %2.19 %2.11 %
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
124.59 %124.84 %124.64 %124.01 %123.96 %


10


COLUMBIA FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Financial Highlights
March 31, 2026December 31, 2025September 30, 2025June 30, 2025March 31, 2025
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS (1):
Return on average assets0.48 %0.57 %0.55 %0.46 %0.34 %
Core return on average assets0.55 %0.57 %0.56 %0.47 %0.35 %
Return on average equity4.55 %5.43 %5.23 %4.46 %3.31 %
Core return on average equity5.17 %5.50 %5.41 %4.58 %3.37 %
Core return on average tangible equity5.75 %6.14 %6.04 %5.14 %3.78 %
Interest rate spread1.84 %1.76 %1.67 %1.57 %1.48 %
Net interest margin2.42 %2.36 %2.29 %2.19 %2.11 %
Non-interest income to average assets0.25 %0.31 %0.36 %0.38 %0.33 %
Non-interest expense to average assets1.75 %1.70 %1.65 %1.68 %1.68 %
Efficiency ratio70.73 %68.42 %67.04 %70.30 %74.57 %
Core efficiency ratio68.02 %68.06 %66.04 %69.41 %74.20 %
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities124.59 %124.84 %124.64 %124.01 %123.96 %
Net (recoveries)/charge-offs to average outstanding loans (2)
(0.03)%0.03 %0.04 %0.04 %0.04 %
(1) Ratios are annualized when appropriate.
(2) The June 30, 2025 ratio includes $3.2 million of non-annualized PCD charge-offs related to the purchased commercial equipment finance loans.

ASSET QUALITY DATA:
March 31, 2026December 31, 2025September 30, 2025June 30, 2025March 31, 2025
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans
$41,375 $38,000 $32,529 $39,545 $24,856 
90+ and still accruing
— — — — — 
Non-performing loans
41,375 38,000 32,529 39,545 24,856 
Real estate owned
5,923 — — — 1,334 
Total non-performing assets
$47,298 $38,000 $32,529 $39,545 $26,190 
Non-performing loans to total gross loans
0.50 %0.46 %0.40 %0.49 %0.31 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
0.43 %0.34 %0.30 %0.37 %0.25 %
Allowance for credit losses on loans ("ACL")
$68,761 $67,201 $65,659 $64,467 $62,034 
ACL to total non-performing loans
166.19 %176.84 %201.85 %163.02 %249.57 %
ACL to gross loans
0.84 %0.82 %0.80 %0.79 %0.78 %

11


LOAN DATA:
March 31, 2026December 31, 2025September 30, 2025June 30, 2025March 31, 2025
(In thousands)
Real estate loans:
One-to-four family
$2,543,588 $2,558,252 $2,583,162 $2,629,372 $2,676,566 
Multifamily 1,669,232 1,677,613 1,612,105 1,578,733 1,567,862 
Commercial real estate
2,472,993 2,513,260 2,532,329 2,517,693 2,429,429 
Construction
520,753 469,438 465,283 415,403 437,081 
Commercial business loans
752,246 766,792 771,486 726,526 614,049 
Consumer loans:
Home equity loans and advances
249,487 255,126 256,970 256,384 253,439 
Other consumer loans
2,850 2,895 2,725 2,602 2,547 
Total gross loans
8,211,149 8,243,376 8,224,060 8,126,713 7,980,973 
Purchased credit deteriorated loans
10,158 10,442 10,920 11,998 10,395 
Net deferred loan costs, fees and purchased premiums and discounts
38,371 38,192 37,580 36,788 35,940 
Allowance for credit losses
(68,761)(67,201)(65,659)(64,467)(62,034)
Loans receivable, net
$8,190,917 $8,224,809 $8,206,901 $8,111,032 $7,965,274 


At March 31,2026
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance% of Gross LoansWeighted Average Loan to Value RatioWeighted Average Debt Service Coverage
Multifamily Real Estate$1,669,232 20.9 %59.0 %1.52 
Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate$654,745 8.2 %59.4 %2.51 
Investor Owned Commercial Real Estate:
Retail / Shopping centers$530,079 6.6 %54.8 %1.58 
Mixed Use305,188 3.8 61.2 1.52 
Industrial / Warehouse429,163 5.4 52.9 1.65 
Non-Medical Office171,953 2.2 51.4 1.87 
Medical Office91,291 1.1 59.8 1.47 
Single Purpose60,823 0.8 63.5 1.38 
Other229,751 2.9 49.8 2.07 
Total$1,818,248 22.8 %55.0 %1.66 
Total Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Loans$4,142,225 51.9 %57.3 %1.74 
As of March 31, 2026, the Company had loan exposures of approximately $798,000 and $845,000 related to office and rent stabilized multifamily in New York City, respectively.
.

12


DEPOSIT DATA:
March 31, 2026December 31, 2025September 30, 2025June 30, 2025
BalanceWeighted Average RateBalanceWeighted Average RateBalanceWeighted Average RateBalanceWeighted Average Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-interest-bearing demand$1,508,030 — %$1,517,399 — %$1,490,722 — %$1,439,951 — %
Interest-bearing demand1,882,987 1.86 1,985,871 1.99 1,855,724 2.04 1,872,265 2.03 
Money market accounts1,451,274 2.43 1,465,028 2.59 1,396,474 2.74 1,355,682 2.79 
Savings and club deposits625,001 0.42 623,444 0.47 638,857 0.61 644,761 0.70 
Certificates of deposit2,904,722 3.71 2,852,337 3.80 2,858,544 3.89 2,822,824 3.96 
Total deposits$8,372,014 2.16 %$8,444,079 2.23 %$8,240,321 2.32 %$8,135,483,000 2.36 %

CAPITAL RATIOS:
March 31,
December 31,
2026 (1)
2025
Company:
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
15.14 %14.92 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
14.23 %14.03 %
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
14.14 %13.94 %
Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)
10.40 %10.27 %
Columbia Bank:
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
14.29 %14.09 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
13.38 %13.20 %
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
13.38 %13.20 %
Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)
9.79 %9.67 %
(1) Estimated ratios at March 31, 2026


Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Book and Tangible Book Value per Share
March 31,December 31,
20262025
(Dollars in thousands)
Total stockholders' equity$1,173,722 $1,160,728 
Less: goodwill(110,715)(110,715)
Less: core deposit intangible(6,471)(6,946)
Total tangible stockholders' equity$1,056,536 $1,043,067 
Shares outstanding104,142,951 103,984,649 
Book value per share$11.27 $11.16 
Tangible book value per share$10.15 $10.03 
13


Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)
Reconciliation of Core Net Income
Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(In thousands)
Net income$13,099 $8,900 
Add: severance expense, net of tax— 163 
Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax1,787 — 
Core net income$14,886 $9,063 

Return on Average Assets
Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in thousands)
Net income $13,099 $8,900 
Average assets$11,024,637 $10,562,982 
Return on average assets0.48 %0.34 %
Core net income$14,886 $9,063 
Core return on average assets0.55 %0.35 %
Return on Average Equity
Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in thousands)
Total average stockholders' equity$1,166,923 $1,090,669 
Add: severance expense, net of tax— 163 
Add: merger-related expenses, net of tax1,787 — 
Core average stockholders' equity$1,168,710 $1,090,832 
Return on average equity4.55 %3.31 %
Core return on core average equity5.17 %3.37 %

14


Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (continued)
Return on Average Tangible Equity
Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in thousands)
Total average stockholders' equity$1,166,923 $1,090,669 
Less: average goodwill(110,715)(110,715)
Less: average core deposit intangible(6,771)(8,784)
Total average tangible stockholders' equity$1,049,437 $971,170 
Core return on average tangible equity5.75 %3.78 %

Efficiency Ratios
Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income$60,391 $50,325 
Non-interest income6,747 8,471 
Total income$67,138 $58,796 
Non-interest expense$47,487 $43,845 
Efficiency ratio70.73 %74.57 %
Non-interest expense$47,487 $43,845 
Less: severance expense — (220)
Less: merger-related expenses(1,823)— 
Core non-interest expense$45,664 $43,625 
Core efficiency ratio68.02 %74.20 %


15

FAQ

How did Columbia Financial (CLBK) perform in the first quarter of 2026?

Columbia Financial reported stronger results, with net income of $13.1 million versus $8.9 million a year earlier. Earnings benefited from higher net interest income, lower credit loss provisions, and a wider 2.42% net interest margin, partially offset by lower non-interest income and higher expenses.

What changed on Columbia Financial (CLBK)’s balance sheet in Q1 2026?

Total assets were stable at about $11.0 billion. Loans receivable, net, decreased modestly to $8.19 billion, deposits declined by $72.1 million to $8.37 billion, and borrowings increased by $60.0 million, reflecting a shift in the funding mix.

How strong are Columbia Financial (CLBK)’s capital ratios as of March 31, 2026?

The company reported estimated total risk-based capital of 15.14%, tier 1 risk-based capital of 14.23%, and common equity tier 1 capital of 14.14%. Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets was 10.40%, indicating a solid capital position above regulatory requirements.

What strategic transactions has Columbia Financial (CLBK) highlighted?

Management referenced a previously announced second-step conversion offering and a proposed merger with Northfield Bancorp, Inc.. These transactions are intended to broaden geographic reach and deposit funding but remain subject to regulatory, stockholder, and member approvals and other closing conditions.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

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