Meridian Corporation Reports First Quarter 2024 Results and Announces a Quarterly Dividend of $0.125 per Common Share

Rhea-AI Summary

Meridian (MRBK) reported first-quarter 2024 results, with net income of $2.7 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.24. Commercial loans increased by 5% for the quarter. Total assets were $2.3 billion. The Board declared a dividend of $0.125 per share. The CEO noted improvements in earnings, stable interest margins, and growth in the Philadelphia metro region.

Positive

• Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $2.7 million.
• Diluted earnings per common share were $0.24.
• Commercial loans increased by 5% for the quarter.
• Total assets were $2.3 billion as of March 31, 2024.
• The Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per common share.
• CEO highlighted improvements in earnings, stable interest margins, and growth in the Philadelphia metro region.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Meridian Corporation's reported net income growth this quarter to $2.676 million from the previous quarter is a positive sign, indicating resilience in their core operations despite a year-over-year decline from $4.021 million. The growth in commercial loans by $137.1 million suggests an aggressive expansion strategy in the commercial sector, which could be promising if the loan quality is maintained. Their steady asset growth to $2.3 billion is also noteworthy. However, the contraction in net interest margin to 3.09% reflects the impact of rising interest rates, signaling potential pressure on profitability. The dividend announcement of $0.125 per share is indicative of confidence by the board in the company's cash flow stability. Investors should monitor how the balance between loan growth and interest rate challenges plays out in the upcoming quarters.

Market Analyst

The regional economic growth in the Philadelphia area, as mentioned by Meridian's CEO, contributes to the bank's strategic advantage. The 10% growth in their main commercial business lines mirrors the region's economic health. Meridian's credit-focused approach and broad product line position it to capitalize on market disruptions, such as competitors' branch closures and management upheavals. These factors combined with a tight housing market and the bank's ability to finance home construction present additional growth opportunities. Nonetheless, the company's heightened provisioning acknowledges the external pressures small businesses face, which could affect loan performance in the future. Investors might find the proactive expense reductions and seasonal performance patterns in their mortgage segment as indicators of prudent management in an otherwise volatile interest rate environment.

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

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)((Unaudited)	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			March 31, 2023
Income:
Net income	$	2,676		$	571		$	4,021
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.24		$	0.05		$	0.34
Pre-tax, pre-provision income (1)	$	6,419		$	5,356		$	6,526
Pre-tax, pre-provision income - Bank (1)	$	6,406		$	5,757		$	8,358
(1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix

• Commercial loans, excluding leases, increased $71.6 million, or 5%, for the quarter and $137.1 million, or 10%, year over year.
• Total assets at March 31, 2024 were $2.3 billion, compared to $2.2 billion at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023.
• Pre-tax, pre-provision income for the Bank was $6.4 million for the quarter.
• Net interest margin was 3.09% for the first quarter of 2024, with a loan yield of 7.24%.
• On April 25, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per common share, payable May 20, 2024 to shareholders of record as of May 13, 2024.
  
  

Christopher J. Annas, Chairman and CEO commented, “Our first quarter earnings improved measurably from last quarter, totaling $2.7 million and $0.24 cents per share. We continue to manage through the dramatic rate rise effects, both with our bank and with our customers. The net interest margin contracted to 3.09% for the quarter, but shows signs of stabilizing.

The economic environment in the Philadelphia metro region remains healthy, and growth continues around 10% over the prior year across our main commercial business lines. The housing market is still tight with low inventory, so home construction financing is strong with quick settlements. There has been some disruption with larger banks closing branches and a few mid-size banks with management changes, which gives us continued customer acquisition opportunities.

Meridian is a credit driven bank, with a broad product line to service all but the biggest customers. This segment is credit dependent, and the businesses have been adjusting to the change. Provisioning reflects the strain on our customers, particularly small businesses, and was still elevated in 1Q due mostly to our SBA and equipment leasing divisions.

The mortgage segment had a seasonal loss for the quarter, but achieved higher volumes than in the prior year comparable quarter. Despite the headwinds of higher rates and low inventory, housing turnover happens for many reasons such as retirements and transfers. This volume should follow the typical seasonality, and our prior year’s expense reductions should allow for some profitability.

Meridian continues to grow and earn a higher market share in our region. Navigating through the rate rise has created some obstacles but our core businesses remain healthy. We’re excited about our prospects and a generally improving economic landscape."

Select Condensed Financial Information

	As of or for the quarter ended (Unaudited)
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				June 30, 2023				March 31, 2023
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Income:
Net income	$	2,676			$	571			$	4,005			$	4,645			$	4,021
Basic earnings per common share		0.24				0.05				0.36				0.42				0.36
Diluted earnings per common share		0.24				0.05				0.35				0.41				0.34
Net interest income		16,609				16,942				17,224				17,098				17,677
Balance Sheet:
Total assets	$	2,292,923			$	2,246,193			$	2,230,971			$	2,206,877			$	2,229,783
Loans, net of fees and costs		1,956,315				1,895,806				1,885,629				1,859,839				1,818,189
Total deposits		1,900,696				1,823,462				1,808,645				1,782,605				1,770,413
Non-interest bearing deposits		220,581				239,289				244,668				269,174				262,636
Stockholders' equity		159,936				158,022				155,114				153,962				153,049
Balance Sheet (Average Balances):
Total assets	$	2,269,047			$	2,219,340			$	2,184,384			$	2,166,574			$	2,088,599
Total interest earning assets		2,173,212				2,121,068				2,086,602				2,070,640				1,995,460
Loans, net of fees and costs		1,944,187				1,891,170				1,876,648				1,847,736				1,783,322
Total deposits		1,823,523				1,820,532				1,782,140				1,775,444				1,759,571
Non-interest bearing deposits		233,255				254,025				253,485				266,675				296,037
Stockholders' equity		159,822				157,210				156,271				154,179				153,179
Performance Ratios (Annualized):
Return on average assets		0.47	%			0.10	%			0.73	%			0.86	%			0.78	%
Return on average equity		6.73	%			1.44	%			10.17	%			12.08	%			10.65	%

Income Statement - First Quarter 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2023

Net income for the first quarter increased by $2.1 million to $2.7 million mainly due to a decline in the quarterly provision for credit losses, combined with a reduction in non-interest expenses. Net interest income decreased $324 thousand, or 2.0%, on a tax equivalent basis as the strong growth in interest income on loans and investments was out-paced by an increase in interest expense on deposits and borrowings. Non-interest income decreased $133 thousand or 1.6%, as fair value changes exceeded the improved level of mortgage banking income and wealth management income. Non-interest expense decreased $1.5 million, or 7.8% 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)	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			$ Change				% Change			Change due to rate				Change due to volume
Interest income:
Cash and cash equivalents		300			526		$	(226	)		(43.0)  %			$	(3	)		$	(223	)
Investment securities - taxable		1,251			1,020			231			22.6	%			69				162
Investment securities - tax exempt (1)		405			402			3			0.7	%			(6	)			9
Loans held for sale		323			400			(77	)		(19.3)  %				(27	)			(50	)
Loans held for investment (1)		35,018			34,071			947			2.8	%			(8	)			955
Total loans		35,341			34,471			870			2.5	%			(35	)			905
Total interest income	$	37,297		$	36,419		$	878			2.4	%		$	25			$	853
Interest expense:
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	1,367		$	1,476		$	(109	)		(7.4)  %			$	37			$	(146	)
Money market and savings deposits		7,855			7,384			471			6.4	%			245				226
Time deposits		8,170			7,946			224			2.8	%			30				194
Total interest - bearing deposits		17,392			16,806			586			3.5	%			312				274
Borrowings		2,435			1,816			619			34.1	%			43				576
Subordinated debentures		779			782			(3	)		(0.4)  %				1				(4	)
Total interest expense		20,606			19,404			1,202			6.2	%			356				846
Net interest income differential	$	16,691		$	17,015		$	(324	)		(1.90) %			$	(331	)		$	7
(1) Reflected on a tax-equivalent basis.

Interest income increased $878 thousand quarter-over-quarter, on a tax equivalent basis, driven by the increased levels of average earning assets and the continued improvement in yield on earning assets. Average earning assets increased by $52.1 million as the yield on earnings assets increased 9 basis points during the period.

Average total loans, excluding residential loans for sale, increased $53.1 million driving an increase in interest income of $870 thousand. The largest drivers of this increase were commercial, commercial real estate, and small business loans which on a combined basis increased $80.6 million on average, partially offset by a decrease in average construction loans of $17.9 million and a decrease in average leases of $12.8 million. Home equity, residential real estate, consumer and other loans held in portfolio increased on a combined basis $3.0 million on average. The yield on total loans increased 9 basis points and the yield on cash and investments was relatively unchanged from the prior period on a combined basis.

Total interest expense increased $1.2 million, quarter-over-quarter, due to both rate and volume. Interest expense on total deposits increased $586 thousand and interest expense on borrowings increased $616 thousand. Non-interest bearing balances decreased $24.4 million on average and were replaced by interest bearing deposits. Interest bearing deposits increased $23.8 million on average causing an increase of $274 thousand in interest expense. The cost of deposits increased 19 basis points to 4.00% causing an increase of $312 thousand in interest expense. Interest expense on borrowings increased $572 thousand due to an average borrowings increase of $46.6 million for the period, and the cost of borrowings increased $44 thousand due to an 18 basis point increase from rates, despite the positive carry on a $75 million pay fixed swap.

Overall the net interest margin decreased 9 basis points to 3.09% as the cost of funds outpaced the increase in yield on earnings assets.

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 for the first quarter decreased to $2.9 million from $4.6 million for the fourth quarter, with the provision for unfunded loan commitments representing a reduction of $508 thousand of the combined provision during the current quarter. The first quarter provision for funded loans of $3.4 million was due to a $2.0 million increase in specific reserves, mainly on small business loans and existing non-accrual loans, combined with provisioning for loan growth and charge-offs. This decline in the overall provision was also positively impacted by 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)	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				$ Change				% Change
Mortgage banking income	$	3,634			$	3,394			$	240			7.1	%
Wealth management income		1,317				1,239				78			6.3	%
SBA loan income		986				1,022				(36	)		(3.5)%
Earnings on investment in life insurance		207				204				3			1.5	%
Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments		75				(126	)			201			(159.5)%
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale		(2	)			120				(122	)		(101.7)%
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment		(175	)			805				(980	)		(121.7)%
Net gain on hedging activity		(19	)			(53	)			34			(64.2)%
Other		1,961				1,512				449			29.7	%
Total non-interest income	$	7,984			$	8,117			$	(133	)		(1.6)%

Total non-interest income decreased $133 thousand, or 1.6%, quarter-over-quarter as a result of a decrease in the fair value of loans held for investment, partially offset by an increase in mortgage banking income, fair value of derivative instruments and other income. Mortgage banking income increased $240 thousand, or 7.1% quarter-over-quarter, due to a 20 basis point increase in the gain on sale margin and a decrease in direct loan expenses related to consistent loan volume quarter-over-quarter. Other income increased $449 thousand due to an increase in FHLB stock income, increases in broker fees and other mortgage segment related income, partially offset by a decline in swap fee income as no new swaps were entered into in the current quarter. The fair value of loans held for investment decreased $1.0 million due to the recent decline in interest rates.

While the value of SBA loans sold for the quarter-ended March 31, 2024 was $4.6 million, or 22.9%, less than the quarter-ended December 31, 2023, the gross margin on sale was 8.1% for the quarter-ended March 31, 2024 compared to 6.4% for the quarter-ended December 31, 2023, helping to generate nearly $1 million in SBA loan income for the quarter.

Non-interest expense

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

	Quarter Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			$ Change				% Change
Salaries and employee benefits	$	10,573		$	11,744		$	(1,171	)		(10.0)%
Occupancy and equipment		1,233			1,232			1			0.1	%
Professional fees		1,498			1,382			116			8.4	%
Advertising and promotion		748			931			(183	)		(19.7)%
Data processing and software		1,532			1,651			(119	)		(7.2)%
Pennsylvania bank shares tax		274			233			41			17.6	%
Other		2,316			2,530			(214	)		(8.5)%
Total non-interest expense	$	18,174		$	19,703		$	(1,529	)		(7.8)%

Salaries and employee benefits decreased $1.2 million overall, with bank and wealth segments combined having decreased $641 thousand, and the mortgage segment decreased $530 thousand. Bank and wealth segment salaries and employee benefits were down due to a reduction in incentive expense compared to the prior quarter, and mortgage segment salaries and employee benefits were down in the current quarter due to the continuing impact of cost reduction measures put in place in the prior quarter.

Professional fees increased $116 thousand during the current quarter due to an increase in loan and lease workout expenses and other legal expenses. Advertising and promotion expense decreased $183 thousand from the prior quarter as a result of an increase in advertising and business development expense during the year-end holiday season. Other expense decreased $214 thousand from the prior quarter due to a decline in certain loan expenses and employee related expenses.

Balance Sheet - March 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023

Total assets increased $46.7 million, or 2.1%, to $2.3 billion as of March 31, 2024 from $2.2 billion at December 31, 2023. This increase was driven by strong loan growth and an increase in investments, partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents. Interest-bearing cash decreased $32.5 million, or 69.8%, to $14.1 million as of March 31, 2024, from December 31, 2023.

Portfolio loan growth was $61.6 million, or 3.3% quarter-over-quarter. Commercial mortgage loans increased $25.5 million, or 3.5%, commercial & industrial loans increased $25.3 million, or 8.3%, construction loans increased $16.6 million, or 6.7%, and small business loans increased $4.3 million despite the sale of $15.5 million in small business loan during the quarter. Lease financings decreased $12.7 million, or 10.5% from December 31, 2023, partially offsetting the above noted strong loan growth, but this decline was expected as we continue to refocus away from lease originations. Other assets increased by $11.3 million quarter-over-quarter due to certain SBA loan sales that settled after quarter-end.

Total deposits increased $77.2 million, or 4.2% quarter-over-quarter, due largely to higher levels of certificates of deposits. Time deposits increased $75.9 million, or 11.1%, from largely wholesale efforts, as customers continue to opt for higher rate term deposits. Money market accounts and savings accounts increased a combined $49.7 million while interest bearing demand deposits decreased $29.7 million. Non-interest bearing deposits decreased $18.7 million. Borrowings decreased $29.1 million, or 16.6% quarter-over-quarter, due mainly to the maturity of the Federal Reserve’s BTFP which had a balance of $33 million up until maturity in the current quarter.

Consolidated stockholders’ equity of the Corporation increased by $1.9 million from December 31, 2023, to $159.9 million as of March 31, 2024. Changes to equity for the current quarter included net income of $2.7 million and an improvement of $473 thousand in other comprehensive income as the result of the positive impact that rising interest rates had on the cash flow hedge, offset by a relatively small increase in unrealized losses on the investment portfolio. The Community Bank Leverage Ratio for the Bank was 9.42% at March 31, 2024.

Asset Quality Summary

The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 1.93% as of March 31, 2024, from 1.76% as of December 31, 2023, while the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased to 1.74% as of March 31, 2024, compared to 1.58% at December 31, 2023. The increase in these ratios were due to a higher level of non-performing loans which increased $4.5 million from $33.8 million as of December 31, 2023, to $38.2 million as of March 31, 2024. The changes were the result of risk rating downgrades of several SBA loans and small ticket equipment leases, partially offset by charge-offs as of March 31, 2024.

Meridian realized net charge-offs of 0.12% of total average loans for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared with 0.11% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. The level of net charge-offs increased slightly to $2.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared to net-charge-offs of $2.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. First quarter charge-offs were comprised of $2.1 million from small ticket equipment leases which are charged-off after becoming more than 120 days past due, and $87 thousand for an SBA loan. There were recoveries of $133 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 1.19% as of March 31, 2024 compared to 1.17% as of December 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2024 there were specific reserves of $8.5 million against individually evaluated loans, an increase of $2.0 million from $6.5 million in specific reserves as of December 31, 2023. During the quarter $1.6 million in specific reserves were established for SBA loan relationships along with smaller increases in specific reserves for other commercial loans.

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 16 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, 2023 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
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				June 30, 2023				March 31, 2023
Earnings and Per Share Data:
Net income	$	2,676			$	571			$	4,005			$	4,645			$	4,021
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.24			$	0.05			$	0.36			$	0.42			$	0.36
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.24			$	0.05			$	0.35			$	0.41			$	0.34
Common shares outstanding		11,186				11,183				11,178				11,178				11,305
Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets		0.47	%			0.10	%			0.73	%			0.86	%			0.78	%
Return on average equity		6.73				1.44				10.17				12.08				10.65
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)		3.09				3.18				3.29				3.33				3.61
Yield on earning assets (tax-equivalent)		6.90				6.81				6.76				6.57				6.31
Cost of funds		4.00				3.81				3.63				3.39				2.83
Efficiency ratio		73.90	%			78.63	%			79.09	%			74.80	%			73.16	%
Asset Quality Ratios:
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans		0.12	%			0.11	%			0.05	%			0.05	%			0.08	%
Non-performing loans to total loans		1.93				1.76				1.53				1.44				1.25
Non-performing assets to total assets		1.74				1.58				1.38				1.32				1.11
Allowance for credit losses to:
Total loans held for investment		1.18				1.17				1.04				1.09				1.12
Total loans held for investment (excluding loans at fair value) (1)		1.19				1.17				1.05				1.10				1.13
Non-performing loans		60.59	%			65.48	%			67.61	%			73.97	%			88.41	%
Capital Ratios:
Book value per common share	$	14.30			$	14.13			$	13.88			$	13.77			$	13.54
Tangible book value per common share	$	13.96			$	13.78			$	13.53			$	13.42			$	13.18
Total equity/Total assets		6.98	%			7.04	%			6.95	%			6.98	%			6.86	%
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets - Corporation (1)		6.82				6.87				6.79				6.81				6.70
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets - Bank (1)		8.93				8.94				8.89				8.54				8.26
Tier 1 leverage ratio - Bank		9.42				9.46				9.65				9.22				9.32
Common tier 1 risk-based capital ratio - Bank		9.87				10.10				10.82				10.35				10.27
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio - Bank		9.87				10.10				10.82				10.35				10.27
Total risk-based capital ratio - Bank		10.95	%			11.17	%			11.85	%			11.43	%			11.41	%
(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
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				March 31, 2023
Interest income:
Loans and other finance receivables, including fees	$	35,339			$	34,469			$	29,417
Securities - taxable		1,251				1,020				959
Securities - tax-exempt		325				331				354
Cash and cash equivalents		300				526				217
Total interest income		37,215				36,346				30,947
Interest expense:
Deposits		17,392				16,806				11,447
Borrowings		3,214				2,598				1,823
Total interest expense		20,606				19,404				13,270
Net interest income		16,609				16,942				17,677
Provision for credit losses		2,866				4,628				1,399
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		13,743				12,314				16,278
Non-interest income:
Mortgage banking income		3,634				3,394				3,272
Wealth management income		1,317				1,239				1,196
SBA loan income		986				1,022				713
Earnings on investment in life insurance		207				204				192
Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments		75				(126	)			(69	)
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale		(2	)			120				(1	)
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment		(175	)			805				117
Net gain on hedging activity		(19	)			(53	)			—
Other		1,961				1,512				1,218
Total non-interest income		7,984				8,117				6,638
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		10,573				11,744				11,061
Occupancy and equipment		1,233				1,232				1,244
Professional fees		1,498				1,382				823
Advertising and promotion		748				931				861
Data processing and software		1,532				1,651				1,432
Pennsylvania bank shares tax		274				233				245
Other		2,316				2,530				2,123
Total non-interest expense		18,174				19,703				17,789
Income before income taxes		3,553				728				5,127
Income tax expense		877				157				1,106
Net income	$	2,676			$	571			$	4,021
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.24			$	0.05			$	0.36
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.24			$	0.05			$	0.34
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		11,088				11,070				11,272
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		11,201				11,206				11,656

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

	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				June 30, 2023				March 31, 2023
Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	8,935			$	10,067			$	12,734			$	10,576			$	8,473
Interest-bearing deposits at other banks		14,092				46,630				47,025				36,290				100,030
Cash and cash equivalents		23,027				56,697				59,759				46,866				108,503
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value		150,996				146,019				122,218				126,668				142,933
Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost		35,157				35,781				36,232				36,463				36,525
Equity investments		2,092				2,121				2,019				2,097				2,110
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value		29,124				24,816				23,144				40,422				35,701
Loans and other finance receivables, net of fees and costs		1,956,315				1,895,806				1,885,629				1,859,839				1,818,189
Allowance for credit losses		(23,171	)			(22,107	)			(19,683	)			(20,242	)			(20,442	)
Loans and other finance receivables, net of the allowance for credit losses		1,933,144				1,873,699				1,865,946				1,839,597				1,797,747
Restricted investment in bank stock		8,560				8,072				8,309				9,157				10,173
Bank premises and equipment, net		13,451				13,557				13,310				13,234				13,281
Bank owned life insurance		29,051				28,844				28,641				28,440				28,247
Accrued interest receivable		9,864				9,325				8,984				7,651				7,651
Other real estate owned		1,703				1,703				1,703				1,703				1,703
Deferred income taxes		4,339				4,201				4,993				4,258				4,017
Servicing assets		11,573				11,748				11,835				12,193				12,125
Goodwill		899				899				899				899				899
Intangible assets		2,920				2,971				3,022				3,073				3,124
Other assets		37,023				25,740				39,957				34,156				25,044
Total assets	$	2,292,923			$	2,246,193			$	2,230,971			$	2,206,877			$	2,229,783
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing	$	220,581			$	239,289			$	244,668			$	269,174			$	262,636
Interest bearing
Interest checking		121,204				150,898				156,537				155,907				232,616
Money market and savings deposits		797,525				747,803				746,599				710,546				647,904
Time deposits		761,386				685,472				660,841				646,978				627,257
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,680,115				1,584,173				1,563,977				1,513,431				1,507,777
Total deposits		1,900,696				1,823,462				1,808,645				1,782,605				1,770,413
Borrowings		145,803				174,896				177,959				194,636				233,883
Subordinated debentures		49,867				49,836				50,079				40,348				40,319
Accrued interest payable		8,350				10,324				7,814				5,612				3,836
Other liabilities		28,271				29,653				31,360				29,714				28,283
Total liabilities		2,132,987				2,088,171				2,075,857				2,052,915				2,076,734
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		13,189				13,186				13,181				13,181				13,180
Surplus		80,487				80,325				79,731				79,650				79,473
Treasury stock		(26,079	)			(26,079	)			(26,079	)			(26,079	)			(24,512	)
Unearned common stock held by employee stock ownership plan		(1,204	)			(1,204	)			(1,403	)			(1,403	)			(1,403	)
Retained earnings		102,492				101,216				102,043				99,434				96,180
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(8,949	)			(9,422	)			(12,359	)			(10,821	)			(9,869	)
Total stockholders’ equity		159,936				158,022				155,114				153,962				153,049
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,292,923			$	2,246,193			$	2,230,971			$	2,206,877			$	2,229,783

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
	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023			June 30, 2023			March 31, 2023
Interest income	$	37,215		$	36,346		$	35,459		$	33,836		$	30,947
Interest expense		20,606			19,404			18,235			16,738			13,270
Net interest income		16,609			16,942			17,224			17,098			17,677
Provision for credit losses		2,866			4,628			82			705			1,399
Non-interest income		7,984			8,117			8,086			9,124			6,638
Non-interest expense		18,174			19,703			20,018			19,615			17,789
Income before income tax expense		3,553			728			5,210			5,902			5,127
Income tax expense		877			157			1,205			1,257			1,106
Net Income	$	2,676		$	571		$	4,005		$	4,645		$	4,021
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		11,088			11,070			11,057			11,062			11,272
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.24		$	0.05		$	0.36		$	0.42		$	0.36
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		11,201			11,206			11,363			11,304			11,656
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.24		$	0.05		$	0.35		$	0.41		$	0.34

	Segment Information
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024																Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)	Bank				Wealth				Mortgage				Total				Bank				Wealth				Mortgage				Total
Net interest income	$	16,592			$	(6	)		$	23			$	16,609			$	17,627			$	24			$	26			$	17,677
Provision for credit losses		2,866				—				—				2,866				1,399				—				—				1,399
Net interest income after provision		13,726				(6	)			23				13,743				16,228				24				26				16,278
Non-interest income		1,874				1,317				4,793				7,984				1,429				1,196				4,013				6,638
Non-interest expense		12,060				833				5,281				18,174				10,698				989				6,102				17,789
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	3,540			$	478			$	(465	)		$	3,553			$	6,959			$	231			$	(2,063	)		$	5,127
Efficiency ratio		65	%			64	%			110	%			74	%			56	%			81	%			151	%			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
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)((Unaudited)	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			March 31, 2023
Income before income tax expense	$	3,553		$	728		$	5,127
Provision for credit losses		2,866			4,628			1,399
Pre-tax, pre-provision income	$	6,419		$	5,356		$	6,526

	Pre-tax, Pre-provision Reconciliation
	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)((Unaudited)	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				March 31, 2023
Bank	$	6,406			$	5,757			$	8,358
Wealth		478				267				231
Mortgage		(465	)			(668	)			(2,063	)
Pre-tax, pre-provision income	$	6,419			$	5,356			$	6,526

	Allowance For Loan Losses to Loans, Net of Fees and Costs, Excluding and Loans at Fair Value
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				June 30, 2023				March 31, 2023
Allowance for credit losses (GAAP)	$	23,171			$	22,107			$	19,683			$	20,242			$	20,442
Loans, net of fees and costs (GAAP)		1,956,315				1,895,806				1,885,629				1,859,839				1,818,189
Less: Loans fair valued		(13,139	)			(13,726	)			(13,231	)			(14,403	)			(14,434	)
Loans, net of fees and costs, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP)	$	1,943,176			$	1,882,080			$	1,872,398			$	1,845,436			$	1,803,755
Allowance for credit losses to loans, net of fees and costs (GAAP)		1.18	%			1.17	%			1.04	%			1.09	%			1.12	%
Allowance for credit losses to loans, net of fees and costs, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP)		1.19	%			1.17	%			1.05	%			1.10	%			1.13	%

	Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation - Corporation
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				June 30, 2023				March 31, 2023
Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)	$	159,936			$	158,022			$	155,114			$	153,962			$	153,049
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,819	)			(3,870	)			(3,921	)			(3,972	)			(4,023	)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		156,117				154,152				151,193				149,990				149,026
Total assets (GAAP)		2,292,923				2,246,193				2,230,971				2,206,877				2,229,783
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,819	)			(3,870	)			(3,921	)			(3,972	)			(4,023	)
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	2,289,104			$	2,242,323			$	2,227,050			$	2,202,905			$	2,225,760
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio - Corporation (non-GAAP)		6.82	%			6.87	%			6.79	%			6.81	%			6.70	%

	Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation - Bank
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				June 30, 2023				March 31, 2023
Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)	$	208,319			$	204,132			$	201,996			$	192,209			$	187,954
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,819	)			(3,870	)			(3,921	)			(3,972	)			(4,023	)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		204,500				200,262				198,075				188,237				183,931
Total assets (GAAP)		2,292,894				2,244,893				2,232,297				2,208,252				2,229,721
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,819	)			(3,870	)			(3,921	)			(3,972	)			(4,023	)
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	2,289,075			$	2,241,023			$	2,228,376			$	2,204,280			$	2,225,698
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio - Bank (non-GAAP)		8.93	%			8.94	%			8.89	%			8.54	%			8.26	%
	Tangible Book Value Reconciliation
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023				June 30, 2023				March 31, 2023
Book value per common share	$	14.30			$	14.13			$	13.88			$	13.77			$	13.54
Less: Impact of goodwill /intangible assets		0.34				0.35				0.35				0.35				0.36
Tangible book value per common share	$	13.96			$	13.78			$	13.53			$	13.42			$	13.18

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

FAQ

What was Meridian 's net income for the first quarter of 2024?

Meridian reported a net income of $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2024.

What was the diluted earnings per common share for Meridian in the first quarter of 2024?

The diluted earnings per common share for Meridian in the first quarter of 2024 were $0.24.

By how much did commercial loans increase for Meridian in the first quarter?

Commercial loans for Meridian increased by 5% in the first quarter.

What was the total assets value for Meridian as of March 31, 2024?

The total assets for Meridian were $2.3 billion as of March 31, 2024.

What dividend did the Board of Directors declare for Meridian ?

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per common share for Meridian

What did the CEO highlight about Meridian 's performance in the first quarter of 2024?

The CEO highlighted improvements in earnings, stable interest margins, and growth in the Philadelphia metro region for Meridian