Columbia Banking System: The Picture Has Changed (Rating Upgrade)

Daniel JonesInvesting Group LeaderFollow5ShareSavePlay(9min)CommentsSummaryColumbia Banking System is upgraded from 'hold' to 'buy' following strong financial performance and attractive valuation metrics.COLB's recent acquisition of Pacific Premier significantly expanded deposits and loans, fueling balance sheet and income statement growth.Net interest margin improved to 3.83%, and asset quality remains robust, with non-performing loans at only 0.41%.COLB trades at a forward P/E of 9.3 and near book value, making it cheaper than most peers on key valuation metrics.Looking for a helping hand in the market? Members of Crude Value Insights get exclusive ideas and guidance to navigate any climate. Learn More »Richard Drury/DigitalVision via Getty Images I have a very solid track record when it comes to investing. But even I misjudge things from time to time. A good example of this can be seen by looking at my rating of This article was written byDaniel Jones37.02K FollowersFollowDaniel is an avid and active professional investor. He runs Crude Value Insights, a value-oriented newsletter aimed at analyzing the cash flows and assessing the value of companies in the oil and gas space. His primary focus is on finding businesses that are trading at a significant discount to their intrinsic value by employing a combination of Benjamin Graham's investment philosophy and a contrarian approach to the market and the securities therein. Learn more.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.