Columbia Financial shares hit record $11.75 amid strong performance

Shares of Columbia Financial Inc. (CFG) surged to an all-time high of $11.75 on Tuesday, extending a multi-week rally as investor appetite for regional banks remained robust.

The New Jersey-based lender, which operates under the Columbia Bank brand, has seen its stock price climb steadily in recent sessions, reflecting broader optimism in the sector. Regional banks have benefited from rising interest rates, which typically boost net interest margins, as well as expectations of continued loan growth and stable credit quality.

Columbia Financial’s latest milestone comes amid a broader trend of regional banks outperforming larger peers, particularly as concerns over commercial real estate exposure have eased. The company’s focus on traditional banking services, including residential and commercial lending, has aligned with investor preferences in a higher-rate environment.

The stock’s record close follows a series of positive earnings updates and guidance from regional lenders, signaling confidence in their ability to navigate economic headwinds. Analysts have also cited Columbia Financial’s conservative risk management and strong deposit base as key drivers of its outperformance.

At $11.75, the share price represents a significant gain from levels seen earlier in the year, underscoring the bank’s resilience in a challenging operating environment.