

Columbia Banking System vs Popular
Columbia Banking System Inc and Popular, Inc are compared on this page. It examines business models, financial performance, and market context to present a neutral, accessible view of both companies. Educational content, not financial advice.
Columbia Banking System Inc and Popular, Inc are compared on this page. It examines business models, financial performance, and market context to present a neutral, accessible view of both companies. ...
Investment Analysis
Pros
- Columbia Banking System reported a net interest income increase to $505 million for Q3 2025, reflecting strong core profitability and growth momentum.
- The company’s recent strategic acquisition of Pacific Premier completes its Western U.S. footprint, enhancing its market position and growth opportunities.
- Columbia maintains a solid dividend yield around 5.4%, supported by a reasonable payout ratio of 0.57, demonstrating shareholder return commitment.
Considerations
- Return on equity at 9.0% is below average, indicating potential efficiency and operational improvement needs relative to peers.
- Stock price has seen a 6.28% decline over the last 12 months with forecasts suggesting further price pressure in the near term.
- The company’s market cap and scale classify it as mid-cap, which may imply moderate size-related risks and less liquidity compared to larger banks.

Popular
BPOP
Pros
- Popular, Inc. has established a strong presence in commercial and retail banking in key underserved US Hispanic markets, supporting niche growth.
- The company has demonstrated resilient profitability with diversified revenue streams including mortgage banking, consumer loans, and wealth management.
- Popular holds a solid capital position, which provides a cushion for regulatory compliance and supports future lending growth initiatives.
Considerations
- Popular’s earnings and balance sheet are exposed to US economic cycles, with sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations impacting net interest margins.
- The bank operates in a highly competitive environment with pressures on loan growth and margin compression from larger national and regional banks.
- Regulatory and compliance costs remain elevated amid evolving banking oversight, which could constrain profitability and operational flexibility.
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