• Meridian Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter 2023 Results and Announces a Quarterly Dividend of $0.125 per Common Share

    Source: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 26 Jan 2024 15:00:01   America/New_York

    MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meridian Corporation (Nasdaq: MRBK) today reported:

     Three Months Ended Year Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)((Unaudited)December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Income:        
    Net income$571  $4,005  $13,243  $21,829 
    Diluted earnings per common share$0.05  $0.35  $1.16  $1.79 
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income (1)$5,356  $5,292  $23,782  $30,408 
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income - Bank (1)$5,757  $6,399  $27,751  $31,004 
    (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix       
    • Total assets at December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023 were $2.2 billion, compared to $2.1 billion at December 31, 2022.
    • Commercial loans, excluding leases, increased $15.7 million for the quarter and $114.6 million, or 9%, year over year.
    • Pre-tax, pre-provision income for the Bank was $5.8 million for the quarter and $27.8 million for the year.
    • Net interest margin was 3.18% for the fourth quarter of 2023, with a loan yield of 7.15%. Net interest margin was 3.35% with a loan yield of 6.94% for the year.
    • On January 25, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per common share, payable February 20, 2024 to shareholders of record as of February 12, 2024.

    Christopher J. Annas, Chairman and CEO commented, “Meridian’s fourth quarter earnings totaled $571 thousand, which was down from the prior quarter. Contributing to the decline was a necessary additional provision for a non-performing commercial credit, which has experienced some deterioration. In addition, the historical rise in interest rates has had negative impact on our SBA and small-ticket leasing businesses, both of which required additional provisions. We are comfortable with the existing reserves and expect some resolution in the commercial credit in 2024. Annual loan growth in the core CRE, C&I and SBA portfolios was 9%, which reflects our continued outreach and a stable business environment in the Philadelphia metro region. Construction lending for residential and multi-family is still strong because of high housing demand, as housing inventory remains at historical lows.

    Mr. Annas added, "Net interest margin was down from the prior quarter mostly due to higher deposit expense, as customers are increasingly rate conscious. We have adjusted well to the tumultuous environment created by the historic Federal Reserve interest rate moves, but the impact on margins continues.

    The mortgage segment has been downsized throughout 2023 to match expected volumes. The lack of homes for sale remains the biggest issue, while the higher rates are less of a factor. We will continue to monitor the impact of market conditions on our mortgage operations and are prepared to make further adjustments if warranted."

    Mr. Annas concluded, "Our continued growth results from being highly visible in our regions, and being the preferred bank in the Delaware Valley. If the forecasted rate declines materialize, the business environment should be robust."

    Select Condensed Financial Information

     As of or for the quarter ended (Unaudited)
     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 June 30,
    2023    		 March 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
    Income:         
    Net income$571  $4,005  $4,645  $4,021  $4,557 
    Basic earnings per common share 0.05   0.36   0.42   0.36   0.40 
    Diluted earnings per common share 0.05   0.35   0.41   0.34   0.39 
    Net interest income 16,942   17,224   17,098   17,677   18,518 
              
    Balance Sheet:         
    Total assets$2,246,193  $2,230,971  $2,206,877  $2,229,783  $2,062,228 
    Loans, net of fees and costs 1,895,806   1,885,629   1,859,839   1,818,189   1,743,682 
    Total deposits 1,823,462   1,808,645   1,782,605   1,770,413   1,712,479 
    Non-interest bearing deposits 239,289   244,668   269,174   262,636   301,727 
    Stockholders' equity 158,022   155,114   153,962   153,049   153,280 
              
    Balance Sheet (Average Balances):         
    Total assets$2,219,340  $2,184,384  $2,166,574  $2,088,599  $1,962,915 
    Total interest earning assets 2,121,068   2,086,602   2,070,640   1,995,460   1,877,967 
    Loans, net of fees and costs 1,891,170   1,876,648   1,847,736   1,783,322   1,674,215 
    Total deposits 1,820,532   1,782,140   1,775,444   1,759,571   1,698,597 
    Non-interest bearing deposits 254,025   253,485   266,675   296,037   312,297 
    Stockholders' equity 157,210   156,271   154,179   153,179   151,791 
              
    Performance Ratios (Annualized):         
    Return on average assets 0.10%  0.73%  0.86%  0.78%  0.92%
    Return on average equity 1.44%  10.17%  12.08%  10.65%  11.91%
                        

    Income Statement - Fourth Quarter 2023 Compared to Third Quarter 2023

    Net income of $571 thousand for the fourth quarter decreased $3.4 million from $4.0 million for the third quarter mainly due to provisioning for general credit reserves, specific reserves on individually evaluated loans, and charge-offs. Net interest income decreased $288 thousand, or 1.6%, on a tax equivalent basis due to an increase in interest expense that out-paced the increase in interest income. Non-interest income increased $31 thousand or 0.4%, as fair value changes exceeded the lower level of gains on sale of mortgage loans. Non-interest expense decreased $315 thousand, or 1.6% due primarily to a decrease in salaries and benefits expense, partially offset by an increase in professional fees. Detailed explanations of the major categories of income and expense follow below.

    Net Interest income

    The rate/volume analysis table below analyzes dollar changes in the components of interest income and interest expense as they relate to the change in balances (volume) and the change in interest rates (rate) of tax-equivalent net interest income for the periods indicated and allocated by rate and volume. Changes in interest income and/or expense related to changes attributable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately based on the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each category.

     Quarter Ended        
    (dollars in thousands)December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 $ Change % Change Change due to rate Change due to volume
    Interest income:           
    Cash and cash equivalents 526   245  $281   114.7% $(3) $284 
    Investment securities - taxable 1,020   901   119   13.2%  65   54 
    Investment securities - tax exempt (1) 402   410   (8)  (2.0)%  4   (12)
    Loans held for sale 400   456   (56)  (12.3)%  36   (92)
    Loans held for investment (1) 34,071   33,526   545   1.6%  285   260 
    Total loans 34,471   33,982   489   1.4%  321   168 
    Total interest income$36,419  $35,538  $881   2.5% $387  $494 
    Interest expense:             
    Interest-bearing demand deposits$1,476  $1,488  $(12)  (0.8)% $51  $(63)
    Money market and savings deposits 7,384   6,755   629   9.3%  328   301 
    Time deposits 7,946   7,300   646   8.8%  495   151 
    Total deposits 16,806   15,543   1,263   8.1%  874   389 
    Borrowings 1,816   2,086   (270)  (12.9)%  (56)  (214)
    Subordinated debentures 782   606   176   29.0%  41   135 
    Total interest expense 19,404   18,235   1,169   6.4%  859   310 
    Net interest income differential$17,015  $17,303  $(288)  (1.66)% $(472) $184 
    (1) Reflected on a tax-equivalent basis.          

    Interest income increased $881 thousand quarter-over-quarter, on a tax equivalent basis, due to a higher yield on earning assets and higher levels of average earning assets. The yield on earnings assets rose 5 basis points during the period, while average earning assets increased by $34.5 million.

    The yield on total loans increased 7 basis points and the yield on cash and investments increased 9 basis points combined. Average total loans, excluding residential loans for sale, increased $14.5 million. Construction, commercial real estate, and small business loans increased $19.3 million on average, combined, while home equity loans and residential real estate loans held in portfolio increased $15.9 million on average, combined.

    Total interest expense increased $1.2 million, quarter-over-quarter, due primarily to market interest rate rises, and an increase in deposit average balances. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.3 million as total average deposits increased $37.9 million and the cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 23 basis points to 4.26%. Interest expense on borrowings decreased $270 thousand as the cost of borrowings decreased 14 basis points due to the positive carry on a $75 million pay fixed swap, and average borrowings decreased for the period, while the average balance of subordinated debentures increased for the period due to the $9.7 million raised in the prior quarter.

    The net interest margin decreased 11 basis points to 3.18% as the cost of funds outpaced the increase in yield on earnings assets. The average balance on non-interest bearing deposits increased $540 thousand for the quarter which helped offset somewhat the impact of the increase in cost of funds.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The overall provision for credit losses is comprised of provisioning for funded loans as well as unfunded loan commitments. The combined provision increased to $4.6 million for the fourth quarter, from $82 thousand for the third quarter, with the provision for unfunded loan commitments representing only $8 thousand of the combined provision. The increase in provision for funded loans was due to a $3.9 million increase in specific reserves on new, mainly small business loans, and existing non-accrual loans combined with provisioning for loan growth and charge-offs. $2.3 million of the increase in specific reserves related to a commercial loan relationship for which new information became available related to the value of the underlying collateral, and an estimate of disposition costs. This increase was partially offset by the impact of favorable changes in certain portfolio baseline loss rates and some macroeconomic factors underlying the funded loss model.

    Non-interest income

    The following table presents the components of non-interest income for the periods indicated:

     Quarter Ended    
    (Dollars in thousands)December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 $ Change % Change
    Mortgage banking income$3,394  $4,819  $(1,425)  (29.6)%
    Wealth management income 1,239   1,258   (19)  (1.5)%
    SBA loan income 1,022   982   40   4.1%
    Earnings on investment in life insurance 204   201   3   1.5%
    Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments (126)  103   (229)  (222.3)%
    Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale 120   111   9   8.1%
    Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment 805   (570)  1,375   (241.2)%
    Net gain on hedging activity (53)  82   (135)  (164.6)%
    Net loss on sale of investment securities available-for-sale —   (3)  3   (100.0)%
    Other 1,512   1,103   409   37.1%
    Total non-interest income$8,117  $8,086  $31   0.4%
                    

    Total non-interest income increased $31 thousand, or 0.4%, quarter-over-quarter as a result of an increase in the net change in fair values and an increase in other income, largely offset by lower mortgage banking income. Other income increased $409 thousand due to swap fee income and gains in fair value of equity securities. Mortgage banking income decreased $1.4 million, or 29.6% quarter-over-quarter, due to lower levels of mortgage loan originations, which decreased $39.8 million. In addition to lower volume, the gain on sale margin increased 5 basis points over the prior quarter. The fair value of loans held for investment increased $1.4 million due to the recent decline in interest rates.

    SBA loan income increased $40 thousand, or 4.1%, quarter-over-quarter. While the value of SBA loans sold for the quarter-ended December 31, 2023 was $6.1 million, or 23.3%, less than the quarter-ended September 30, 2023, the gross margin on sale was 6.4% for the quarter-ended December 31, 2023 compared to 6.2% for the quarter-ended September 30, 2023. Also contributing to the increase in SBA loan income was a decrease in amortization expense and in servicing asset impairment.

    Non-interest expense

    The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for the periods indicated:

     Quarter Ended    
    (Dollars in thousands)December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 $ Change % Change
    Salaries and employee benefits$11,744  $12,420  $(676)  (5.4)%
    Occupancy and equipment 1,232   1,226   6   0.5%
    Professional fees 1,382   1,104   278   25.2%
    Advertising and promotion 931   848   83   9.8%
    Data processing and software 1,651   1,652   (1)  (0.1)%
    Pennsylvania bank shares tax 233   244   (11)  (4.5)%
    Other 2,530   2,524   6   0.2%
    Total non-interest expense$19,703  $20,018  $(315)  (1.6 
                    

    Salaries and employee benefits decreased $676 thousand overall, with bank and wealth segments combined having increased $332 thousand, and the mortgage segment decreased $1.0 million. Bank and wealth segment salaries and employee benefits were up due to increased full-time-equivalent employees, and expense related to the issuance of stock options during the quarter.

    Professional fees increased $278 thousand during the current quarter due to an increase in loan and lease workout expenses and other legal expenses. Advertising and promotion expense increased $83 thousand from the prior quarter as a result of an increase in advertising and business development expense during the holiday season.

    Balance Sheet - December 31, 2023 Compared to September 30, 2023

    As of December 31, 2023, total assets increased $15.2 million, or 0.7%, to $2.2 billion from September 30, 2023. This increase was due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents and an increase in loans. Interest-bearing cash decreased $395 thousand, or 0.8%, to $46.6 million as of December 31, 2023, from September 30, 2023.

    Portfolio loan growth was $10.0 million, or 0.5% quarter-over-quarter. Commercial mortgage loans increased $41.7 million, or 6.0%, commercial & industrial loans increased $3.0 million, or 1.0%, while residential real estate loans held in portfolio increased $4.3 million, or 1.7%, and home equity lines and loans increased $2.4 million, or 3.3%. Partially offsetting portfolio loan growth were construction loans which decreased $30.2 million, or 10.9%, and lease financings that decreased $12.4 million, or 8.9% from September 30, 2023.

    Total deposits increased $14.8 million, or 0.8% quarter-over-quarter, due largely to higher levels of certificates of deposits. Time deposits increased $24.6 million, or 3.7%, from retail and wholesale efforts as customers continue to opt for higher term interest rates. Money market accounts and savings accounts increased a combined $1.2 million while interest bearing demand deposits decreased $5.6 million. Non-interest bearing deposits decreased $5.4 million, reflecting typical business cash out at the end of the year for distributions and profit-sharing.

    Consolidated stockholders’ equity of the Corporation increased by $2.9 million from September 30, 2023, to $158.0 million as of December 31, 2023. Changes to equity for the current quarter included net income of $571 thousand, $199 thousand in ESOP loan payments, an increase of a $2.9 million in other comprehensive income, partially offset by quarter dividends paid of $1.4 million. The Community Bank Leverage Ratio for the Bank was 9.46% at December 31, 2023.

    Asset Quality Summary

    The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 1.76% as of December 31, 2023, from 1.53% as of September 30, 2023, while the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased to 1.58% as of December 31, 2023, compared to 1.38% at September 30, 2023. Driving the increase in these ratios were total non-performing loans which increased $4.7 million from $29.1 million as of September 30, 2023, to $33.8 million as of December 31, 2023, due to risk rating downgrades of several SBA loans and small ticket equipment leases, partially offset by charge-offs of leases and SBA loans as of December 31, 2023.

    Meridian realized net charge-offs of 0.11% of total average loans for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared with the quarter ended September 30, 2023 level of 0.05%, as net charge-offs increased to $2.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to net-charge-offs of $913 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. Fourth quarter charge-offs were comprised of $1.2 million from small ticket equipment leases which are charged-off after becoming more than 120 days past due, and $890 thousand for an SBA loan. There were recoveries of $17 thousand, largely related to leases.

    The ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment, excluding loans at fair value (a non-GAAP measure, see reconciliation in the Appendix), was 1.17% as of December 31, 2023 compared to 1.05% as of September 30, 2023. As of December 31, 2023 there were specific reserves of $6.5 million against individually evaluated loans, an increase from $2.6 million as of September 30, 2023. The drivers of the increase related to a $2.3 million increase in a commercial loan relationship specific reserve for which new information became available related to the value of the underlying collateral, combined with the net impact of establishing $2.3 million in specific reserves on SBA loan relationships classified as non-performing, netted with the charge-off an SBA loan during the quarter that had a specific reserve of $890 thousand in the prior quarter.

    About Meridian Corporation

    Meridian Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Meridian Corporation, is an innovative community bank serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Through its 17 offices, including banking branches and mortgage locations, Meridian offers a full suite of financial products and services. Meridian specializes in business and industrial lending, retail and commercial real estate lending, electronic payments, and wealth management solutions through Meridian Wealth Partners. Meridian also offers a broad menu of high-yield depository products supported by robust online and mobile access. For additional information, visit our website at www.meridianbanker.com. Member FDIC.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement

    In addition to historical information, this press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Meridian Corporation’s strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, capital raising efforts, financial condition and results of operations, future performance and business. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “pro forma,” “looking forward,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond Meridian Corporation’s control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, credit losses and the credit risk of our commercial and consumer loan products; changes in the level of charge-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, or ACL; cyber-security concerns; rapid technological developments and changes; increased competitive pressures; changes in spreads on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; changes in general economic conditions and conditions within the securities markets; unanticipated changes in our liquidity position; unanticipated changes in regulatory and governmental policies impacting interest rates and financial markets; legislation affecting the financial services industry as a whole, and Meridian Corporation, in particular; changes in accounting policies, practices or guidance; developments affecting the industry and the soundness of financial institutions and further disruption to the economy and U.S. banking system; among others, could cause Meridian Corporation’s financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. Meridian Corporation cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact of any future events. All forward-looking statements and information set forth herein are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions as of the date hereof and speak only as of the date they are made. For a more complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business, you are encouraged to review Meridian Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that update or provide information in addition to the information included in the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings, if any. Meridian Corporation does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Meridian Corporation or by or on behalf of Meridian Bank.

    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    FINANCIAL RATIOS (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

     Quarter Ended
     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 June 30,
    2023    		 March 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Earnings and Per Share Data:         
    Net income$571  $4,005  $4,645  $4,021  $4,557 
    Basic earnings per common share$0.05  $0.36  $0.42  $0.36  $0.40 
    Diluted earnings per common share$0.05  $0.35  $0.41  $0.34  $0.39 
    Common shares outstanding 11,183   11,178   11,178   11,305   11,466 
              
    Performance Ratios:         
    Return on average assets 0.10%  0.73%  0.86%  0.78%  0.92%
    Return on average equity 1.44   10.17   12.08   10.65   11.91 
    Net interest margin (tax-equivalent) 3.18   3.29   3.33   3.61   3.93 
    Yield on earning assets (tax-equivalent) 6.81   6.76   6.57   6.31   5.88 
    Cost of funds 3.81   3.63   3.39   2.83   2.07 
    Efficiency ratio 78.63%  79.09%  74.80%  73.16%  75.61%
              
    Asset Quality Ratios:         
    Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans 0.11%  0.05%  0.05%  0.08%  0.05%
    Non-performing loans to total loans 1.76   1.53   1.44   1.25   1.20 
    Non-performing assets to total assets 1.58   1.38   1.32   1.11   1.11 
    Allowance for credit losses to:         
    Total loans held for investment 1.17   1.04   1.09   1.12   1.08 
    Total loans held for investment (excluding loans at fair value) (1) 1.17   1.05   1.10   1.13   1.09 
    Non-performing loans 65.48%  67.61%  73.97%  88.41%  88.66%
              
    Capital Ratios:         
    Book value per common share$14.13  $13.88  $13.77  $13.54  $13.37 
    Tangible book value per common share$13.78  $13.53  $13.42  $13.18  $13.01 
    Total equity/Total assets 7.04%  6.95%  6.98%  6.86%  7.43%
    Tangible common equity/Tangible assets - Corporation (1) 6.87   6.79   6.81   6.70   7.25 
    Tangible common equity/Tangible assets - Bank (1) 8.94   8.89   8.54   8.26   8.80 
    Tier 1 leverage ratio - Bank 9.46   9.65   9.22   9.32   9.95 
    Common tier 1 risk-based capital ratio - Bank 10.10   10.82   10.35   10.27   10.73 
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio - Bank 10.10   10.82   10.35   10.27   10.73 
    Total risk-based capital ratio - Bank 11.17%  11.85%  11.43%  11.41%  11.87%
    (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix        
             

    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

     Three Months Ended Year Ended
     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022    		 December 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Interest income:         
    Loans and other finance receivables, including fees$34,469  $33,980  $26,440  $130,081  $84,627 
    Securities - taxable 1,020   901   821   3,873   2,420 
    Securities - tax-exempt 331   333   373   1,369   1,388 
    Cash and cash equivalents 526   245   129   1,266   286 
    Total interest income 36,346   35,459   27,763   136,589   88,721 
    Interest expense:         
    Deposits 16,806   15,543   8,215   57,819   15,397 
    Borrowings 2,598   2,692   1,030   9,828   3,196 
    Total interest expense 19,404   18,235   9,245   67,647   18,593 
    Net interest income 16,942   17,224   18,518   68,942   70,128 
    Provision for credit losses 4,628   82   746   6,815   2,488 
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses 12,314   17,142   17,772   62,127   67,640 
    Non-interest income:         
    Mortgage banking income 3,394   4,819   3,958   16,537   25,325 
    Wealth management income 1,239   1,258   1,061   4,928   4,733 
    SBA loan income 1,022   982   522   4,485   4,467 
    Earnings on investment in life insurance 204   201   140   789   553 
    Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments (126)  103   10   91   (703)
    Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale 120   111   249   32   (844)
    Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment 805   (570)  91   132   (2,408)
    Net gain on hedging activity (53)  82   498   28   5,439 
    Net loss on sale of investment securities available-for-sale —   (3)  —   (58)  — 
    Other 1,512   1,103   1,467   5,001   5,162 
    Total non-interest income 8,117   8,086   7,996   31,965   41,724 
    Non-interest expense:         
    Salaries and employee benefits 11,744   12,420   12,794   47,377   54,378 
    Occupancy and equipment 1,232   1,226   1,218   4,842   4,837 
    Professional fees 1,382   1,104   976   4,312   3,635 
    Advertising and promotion 931   848   996   3,730   4,336 
    Data processing and software 1,651   1,652   1,513   6,415   5,451 
    Pennsylvania bank shares tax 233   244   181   968   793 
    Other 2,530   2,524   2,369   9,481   8,014 
    Total non-interest expense 19,703   20,018   20,047   77,125   81,444 
    Income before income taxes 728   5,210   5,721   16,967   27,920 
    Income tax expense 157   1,205   1,164   3,724   6,091 
    Net income$571  $4,005  $4,557  $13,243  $21,829 
              
    Basic earnings per common share$0.05  $0.36  $0.40  $1.19  $1.85 
    Diluted earnings per common share$0.05  $0.35  $0.39  $1.16  $1.79 
              
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding 11,070   11,057   11,389   11,115   11,792 
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 11,206   11,363   11,795   11,387   12,204 
                        

    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 June 30,
    2023    		 March 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Assets:         
    Cash and due from banks$10,067  $12,734  $10,576  $8,473  $11,299 
    Interest-bearing deposits at other banks 46,630   47,025   36,290   100,030   27,092 
    Cash and cash equivalents 56,697   59,759   46,866   108,503   38,391 
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value 146,019   122,218   126,668   142,933   135,346 
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost 35,781   36,232   36,463   36,525   37,479 
    Equity investments 2,121   2,019   2,097   2,110   2,086 
    Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value 24,816   23,144   40,422   35,701   22,243 
    Loans and other finance receivables, net of fees and costs 1,895,806   1,885,629   1,859,839   1,818,189   1,743,682 
    Allowance for credit losses (22,107)  (19,683)  (20,242)  (20,442)  (18,828)
    Loans and other finance receivables, net of the allowance for credit losses 1,873,699   1,865,946   1,839,597   1,797,747   1,724,854 
    Restricted investment in bank stock 8,072   8,309   9,157   10,173   6,931 
    Bank premises and equipment, net 13,557   13,310   13,234   13,281   13,349 
    Bank owned life insurance 28,844   28,641   28,440   28,247   28,055 
    Accrued interest receivable 9,325   8,984   7,651   7,651   7,363 
    Other real estate owned 1,703   1,703   1,703   1,703   1,703 
    Deferred income taxes 4,201   4,993   4,258   4,017   3,936 
    Servicing assets 11,748   11,835   12,193   12,125   12,346 
    Goodwill 899   899   899   899   899 
    Intangible assets 2,971   3,022   3,073   3,124   3,175 
    Other assets 25,740   39,957   34,156   25,044   24,072 
    Total assets$2,246,193  $2,230,971  $2,206,877  $2,229,783  $2,062,228 
              
    Liabilities:         
    Deposits:         
    Non-interest bearing$239,289  $244,668  $269,174  $262,636  $301,727 
    Interest bearing         
    Interest checking 150,898   156,537   155,907   232,616   219,838 
    Money market and savings deposits 747,803   746,599   710,546   647,904   697,564 
    Time deposits 685,472   660,841   646,978   627,257   493,350 
    Total interest-bearing deposits 1,584,173   1,563,977   1,513,431   1,507,777   1,410,752 
    Total deposits 1,823,462   1,808,645   1,782,605   1,770,413   1,712,479 
    Borrowings 174,896   177,959   194,636   233,883   122,082 
    Subordinated debentures 49,836   50,079   40,348   40,319   40,346 
    Accrued interest payable 10,324   7,814   5,612   3,836   2,389 
    Other liabilities 29,653   31,360   29,714   28,283   31,652 
    Total liabilities 2,088,171   2,075,857   2,052,915   2,076,734   1,908,948 
              
    Stockholders’ equity:         
    Common stock 13,186   13,181   13,181   13,180   13,156 
    Surplus 80,325   79,731   79,650   79,473   79,072 
    Treasury stock (26,079)  (26,079)  (26,079)  (24,512)  (21,821)
    Unearned common stock held by employee stock ownership plan (1,204)  (1,403)  (1,403)  (1,403)  (1,403)
    Retained earnings 101,216   102,043   99,434   96,180   95,815 
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss (9,422)  (12,359)  (10,821)  (9,869)  (11,539)
    Total stockholders’ equity 158,022   155,114   153,962   153,049   153,280 
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,246,193  $2,230,971  $2,206,877  $2,229,783  $2,062,228 
                        

    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

     Three Months Ended
     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 June 30,
    2023    		 March 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Interest income$36,346  $35,459  $33,836  $30,947  $27,763 
    Interest expense 19,404   18,235   16,738   13,270   9,245 
    Net interest income 16,942   17,224   17,098   17,677   18,518 
    Provision for credit losses 4,628   82   705   1,399   746 
    Non-interest income 8,117   8,086   9,124   6,638   7,996 
    Non-interest expense 19,703   20,018   19,615   17,789   20,047 
    Income before income tax expense 728   5,210   5,902   5,127   5,721 
    Income tax expense 157   1,205   1,257   1,106   1,164 
    Net Income$571  $4,005  $4,645  $4,021  $4,557 
              
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding 11,070   11,057   11,062   11,272   11,389 
    Basic earnings per common share$0.05  $0.36  $0.42  $0.36  $0.40 
              
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 11,206   11,363   11,304   11,656   11,795 
    Diluted earnings per common share$0.05  $0.35  $0.41  $0.34  $0.39 


     Segment Information
     Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 Three Months Ended December 31, 2022
    (dollars in thousands)Bank Wealth Mortgage Total Bank Wealth Mortgage Total
    Net interest income$16,908  $(15) $49  $16,942  $18,376  $68  $74  $18,518 
    Provision for credit losses 4,628   —   —   4,628   746   —   —   746 
    Net interest income after provision 12,280   (15)  49   12,314   17,630   68   74   17,772 
    Non-interest income 2,051   1,239   4,827   8,117   1,291   1,061   5,644   7,996 
    Non-interest expense 13,202   957   5,544   19,703   12,939   918   6,190   20,047 
    Income (loss) before income taxes$1,129  $267  $(668) $728  $5,982  $211  $(472) $5,721 
    Efficiency ratio 70%  78%  114%  79%  66%  81%  108%  76%
                    
     Year Ended December 31, 2023 Year Ended December 31, 2022
    (dollars in thousands)Bank Wealth Mortgage Total Bank Wealth Mortgage Total
    Net interest income$68,835  $(27) $134  $68,942  $68,570  $697  $861  $70,128 
    Provision for credit losses 6,815   —   —   6,815   2,488   —   —   2,488 
    Net interest income after provision 62,020   (27)  134   62,127   66,082   697   861   67,640 
    Non-interest income 7,743   4,928   19,294   31,965   7,556   4,732   29,436   41,724 
    Non-interest expense 48,827   3,661   24,637   77,125   45,122   3,399   32,923   81,444 
    Income (loss) before income taxes$20,936  $1,240  $(5,209) $16,967  $28,516  $2,030  $(2,626) $27,920 
    Efficiency ratio 64%  75%  127%  76%  59%  63%  109%  73%
                    

    MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    APPENDIX: NON-GAAP MEASURES (Unaudited)
    (Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

    Meridian believes that non-GAAP measures are meaningful because they reflect adjustments commonly made by management, investors, regulators and analysts. The non-GAAP disclosure have limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for performance and financial condition measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of Meridian’s results as reported under GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

     Pre-tax, Pre-provision Reconciliation
     Three Months Ended Year Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)((Unaudited)December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Income before income tax expense$728  $5,210  $16,967  $27,920 
    Provision for credit losses 4,628   82   6,815   2,488 
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income$5,356  $5,292  $23,782  $30,408 


      
        
            
                    
                    
                    
                    
     Pre-tax, Pre-provision Reconciliation
      
        
            
                    
                    
                    
                    
     Three Months Ended Year Ended
      
        
            
                    
                    
                    
                    
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)((Unaudited)December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
      
        
            
                    
                    
                    
                    
    Bank$5,757  $6,399  $27,751  $31,004 
      
        
            
                    
                    
                    
                    
    Wealth 267   417   1,240   2,030 
      
        
            
                    
                    
                    
                    
    Mortgage (668)  (1,524)  (5,209)  (2,626)
      
        
            
                    
                    
                    
                    
    Pre-tax, pre-provision income$5,356  $5,292  $23,782  $30,408 


     Allowance For Loan Losses to Loans, Net of Fees and Costs, Excluding and Loans at Fair Value
     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 June 30,
    2023    		 March 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Allowance for credit losses (GAAP)$22,107  $19,683  $20,242  $20,442  $18,828 
              
    Loans, net of fees and costs (GAAP) 1,895,806   1,885,629   1,859,839   1,818,189   1,743,682 
    Less: Loans fair valued (13,726)  (13,231)  (14,403)  (14,434)  (14,502)
    Loans, net of fees and costs, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP)$1,882,080  $1,872,398  $1,845,436  $1,803,755  $1,729,180 
              
    Allowance for credit losses to loans, net of fees and costs (GAAP) 1.17%  1.04%  1.09%  1.12%  1.08%
    Allowance for credit losses to loans, net of fees and costs, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP) 1.17%  1.05%  1.10%  1.13%  1.09%


     Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation - Corporation
     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 June 30,
    2023    		 March 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)$158,022  $155,114  $153,962  $153,049  $153,280 
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets (3,870)  (3,921)  (3,972)  (4,023)  (4,074)
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 154,152   151,193   149,990   149,026   149,206 
              
    Total assets (GAAP) 2,246,193   2,230,971   2,206,877   2,229,783   2,062,228 
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets (3,870)  (3,921)  (3,972)  (4,023)  (4,074)
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)$2,242,323  $2,227,050  $2,202,905  $2,225,760  $2,058,154 
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio - Corporation (non-GAAP) 6.87%  6.79%  6.81%  6.70%  7.25%


     Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation - Bank
     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 June 30,
    2023    		 March 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)$204,132  $201,996  $192,209  $187,954  $185,039 
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets (3,870)  (3,921)  (3,972)  (4,023)  (4,074)
    Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) 200,262   198,075   188,237   183,931   180,965 
              
    Total assets (GAAP) 2,244,893   2,232,297   2,208,252   2,229,721   2,059,557 
    Less: Goodwill and intangible assets (3,870)  (3,921)  (3,972)  (4,023)  (4,074)
    Tangible assets (non-GAAP)$2,241,023  $2,228,376  $2,204,280  $2,225,698  $2,055,483 
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio - Bank (non-GAAP) 8.94%  8.89%  8.54%  8.26%  8.80%
              
     Tangible Book Value Reconciliation
     December 31,
    2023    		 September 30,
    2023    		 June 30,
    2023    		 March 31,
    2023    		 December 31,
    2022
    Book value per common share$14.13  $13.88  $13.77  $13.54  $13.37 
    Less: Impact of goodwill /intangible assets 0.35   0.35   0.35   0.36   0.36 
    Tangible book value per common share$13.78  $13.53  $13.42  $13.18  $13.01 
                        

    Contact: Christopher J. Annas
    484.568.5001
    CAnnas@meridianbanker.com



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