Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Columbia Banking System reported a third-quarter operating PP&R increase of 12% from the second quarter and 22% year-over-year, reflecting strong profitability and balance sheet optimization [6][12] - The operating return on average tangible equity was 18.2%, with a tangible book value per share increasing to $18.57, a 4% rise since Q1 2025 [12][14] - The net interest margin expanded by nine basis points to 3.84%, driven by customer deposit growth and a reduction in reliance on higher-cost wholesale funding [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New loan originations reached $1.2 billion, up 36% quarter-over-quarter and 21% year-to-date, with a 5% annualized increase in the commercial portfolio [18][19] - Customer deposits increased nearly $800 million organically during the quarter, with approximately 30% of this growth attributed to new customers [18][19] - Non-interest income for the quarter was $77 million, with operating non-interest income increasing by $6 million due to the contribution from Pacific Premier Bancorp [16][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition of Pacific Premier Bancorp has enhanced Columbia's competitive position in the Pacific Northwest, with nearly 10% deposit market share in the region [3][4] - The company is focusing on organic growth opportunities in dynamic markets such as Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, leveraging its expanded footprint [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Columbia Banking System aims to optimize its balance sheet while focusing on organic growth and enhancing customer relationships, particularly in Southern California [4][5] - The company has initiated a $700 million share repurchase program, reflecting confidence in its balance sheet and long-term shareholder value creation [21][22] - Management emphasizes a disciplined approach to lending and profitability over growth for the sake of growth, with a focus on relationship-driven loans [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate capital beyond what is required for growth, with a focus on delivering top-tier performance and capital returns [21][34] - The integration of Pacific Premier Bancorp is expected to enhance customer relationships and drive revenue synergies, with management committed to a disciplined, cost-conscious culture [9][20] - The company anticipates continued strong profitability and capital generation, with a focus on optimizing its balance sheet and enhancing long-term shareholder value [21][22] Other Important Information - The company reported a GAAP provision expense of $70 million due to purchase accounting from the acquisition, with an overall allowance for credit losses at 1.1% of total loans [12][16] - Management announced that Ron Farnsworth, the CFO, will be stepping down, with Ivan Shetta appointed as the new CFO [10][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the buyback program and balance sheet optimization - Management indicated that the buyback program is a 12-month initiative, balancing capitalizing on valuation and maintaining flexibility for macroeconomic uncertainties [25][26] Question: Thoughts on recent activist investor presentations - Management acknowledged awareness of the presentation and reiterated their focus on consistent performance, capital returns, and the successful integration of Pacific Premier Bancorp [32][34] Question: Drivers behind strong deposit growth - Approximately 30% of the $800 million organic deposit growth came from new customers, with significant contributions from commercial and retail banking [38][39] Question: Outlook on loan growth and balance sheet optimization - Management expects to achieve around 5% annual loan growth while remixing the balance sheet to focus on higher-quality, relationship-based loans [51][52] Question: Expectations for net interest margin in the upcoming quarter - Management provided a range for net interest margin expectations, indicating stability with modest upside in Q4 [56][58]