Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Reiterates Columbia Banking System Outperform (COLB)

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reiterated its Columbia Banking System COLB Outperform rating in a research report published today. In the report, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods states, "COLB posted stronger than expected operating EPS due to a lower provision. Criticized/classified assets are down 30% from the peak with 87% of the improvement coming in 4Q10 alone. Market share gains are evident from an accelerated increase in C&I & noninterest bearing deposits." Shares of Columbia Banking System were at $19.91 at the time of posting in after hours trading, reflecting no change from Friday's market close.