 FAIR LAWN, N.J., Oct. 29, 2020 GLOBE NEWSWIRE -- Columbia Financial, Inc. the Company NASDAQ: CLBK, the mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank the Bank, reported net income of 15.1 million, or 0.14 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, as compared to net income of 14.2 million, or 0.13 per basic and diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. Earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 reflected higher net interest income, partially offset by higher provision for loan losses and non-interest expense. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company recognized 3.0 million in expenses related to a voluntary employee retirement program completed during the quarter. Excluding the after tax impact of the voluntary employee retirement program and merger expenses, the Companys core net income was 17.7 million. 