GlobeNewswire Inc | Jan 31, 2022 03:42PM EST

January 31, 2022

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meridian Corporation (Nasdaq: MRBK) today reported:

2021 2021 2021 2021 2020(Dollarsinthousands,exceptpersharedata) 4th QTR 3rd QTR 2nd QTR 1st QTR 4th QTRIncome: Net income $ 7,719 $ 9,438 $ 8,258 $ 10,170 $ 8,997Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.24 $ 1.52 $ 1.33 $ 1.65 $ 1.48Pre-tax, pre-provision income (1) $ 9,671 $ 12,898 $ 10,898 $ 13,905 $ 13,040Pre-tax, pre-provision income - Bank (1) $ 6,829 $ 8,896 $ 7,811 $ 7,891 $ 6,294(1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix

Christopher J. Annas, Chairman and CEO commented Meridians fourth quarter revenue of $35.3 million generated earnings of $7.7 million, or $1.24 per diluted share. Year-to-date earnings equaled $35.6 million compared to $26.4 million in 2020, a 35% increase. Loan and lease growth year-over-year equaled 19.5% (excluding PPP loans and mortgage loans held for sale) with strong contributions across all lending groups. The investment in new commercial lenders during 2020-21 supported this growth, almost entirely in our core Philadelphia metro lending area. We were able to replace most of the PPP payoffs with new core commercial growth, resulting in better margins and more opportunities for referral business. Our annualized net interest margin was 3.77%, and were fairly well positioned for a move up in rates. Non-interest bearing deposits grew from 16.4% to 19.0% of total deposits year-over-year, with a greater portion of this growth coming from our treasury management and business development teams.

Our mortgage group had a record year, despite a lack of homes for sale in our region and some late-year upward rate movement. We are focusing more on digital delivery with an application website/call center combination, which will let us compete in a broader area without infrastructure costs. This model will also help us better manage the seasonality and cyclicality.

Mr. Annas added, Our goal is to grow deeper in the core region of metro Philadelphia with our branch-lite model. As the pandemic wanes and face-to-face comes back, our investments in new growth should continue to pay off.

Income Statement Highlights

Fourth quarter 2021 compared with third quarter 2021:

-- Net income was $7.7 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 18.2%, led by a lower level of non-interest income from our mortgage segment. -- The return on average equity (ROE) and return on average assets (ROA) were 19.15% and 1.74%, respectively, for the fourth quarter 2021, compared to 24.07% and 2.15%, respectively, for the third quarter 2021. -- Net interest income increased $65 thousand, or 0.40%, quarter-over-quarter. Net interest margin remained at 3.83%. -- The provision for loan losses decreased $819 thousand due to a negative provision of $222 thousand as a result of significantly lower levels of loan deferrals and the improvement in several economic metrics that had previously been significantly impacted by COVID-19. -- Non-interest income decreased $5.0 million or 22.8%, due to: A decline in mortgage banking revenues of $5.1 million, or 27.2%, partially offset by an increase of $1.8 million in hedge gains, while fair values declined by $385 thousand.A decline in SBA loan sale revenue of $1.2 million, or 45.1%. -- Non-interest expenses decreased $1.7 million, or 6.8%, as a result of a lower level of salaries and benefits, and loan expenses largely related to variable compensation in the mortgage segment, partially offset by higher other expenses. -- On January 27, 2022, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share, along with a special dividend of $1.00 per share, both payable February 21, 2022, to shareholders of record as of February 14, 2022.

Year ended December 31, 2021 compared with year ended December 31, 2020:

-- Net income was $35.6 million or $5.73 per diluted share, an increase of $9.2 million, or 34.6%. The increase was driven largely by growth in the balance sheet, which contributed $14.1 million, or 28.8%, in increased net interest income. -- Pre-tax, pre-provision income for the year was $47.4 million, an increase of $4.5 million or 10.6%. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure is included in the Appendix. -- Total revenue was $159.5 million, an increase of $9.9 million or 6.6%. -- Non-interest income increased $1.1 million or 1.2%, driven by SBA loan sale income, wealth management income, other fee income, and mortgage hedging gains which were offset by unfavorable fair value changes in loans held for sale and derivative instruments. SBA income was up $4.3 million, or 168.2% as the number and value of SBA loans sold increased to a record high for the bank.Wealth management income was up $947 thousand, or 24.6%, the highest level of such income since Meridian Wealth Partners (MWP) was acquired in 2017.Other fee income from mortgage fees, wire fees, swap fees and other less significant fees increased $1.8 million, or 68.5%.Mortgage banking net revenue decreased $529 thousand, or 0.7%, due to lower levels of originations and refinancings, combined with a decline in sales margin. -- Provision for loan losses was $1.1 million in 2021, compared to $8.3 million in 2020. -- Non-interest expense increased $10.7 million, or 11.4%, driven mostly by an increase in salaries and benefits, loan fees, and other corporate expenses.

Balance Sheet Highlights

December 31, 2021 compared to September 30, 2021:

-- Total assets at December 31, 2021 were $1.71 billion, down $49.0 million, or 2.8%, compared to $1.76 billion as of September 30, 2021. -- Cash, cash equivalents and investments decreased a combined $39.6 million, or 62.8%, due to a pay down of borrowings. -- Portfolio loans increased $7.8 million, or 0.6%, despite SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans declining $27.3 million, or 23.6%, and mortgage loans held for sale decreased $37.1 million, or 31.5%. -- Between September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2021 we assisted borrowers with the forgiveness of another 143 PPP loans, bringing the total of PPP loans forgiven to 1,129, or 78% of all PPP loans originated. -- Our combined servicing asset portfolio (which includes both mortgage servicing rights and SBA servicing assets) increased $833 thousand, or 7.0%, to $12.8 million as of December 31, 2021. -- Furniture, fixtures and equipment increased $3.6 million due to the purchase of an operations building. -- Total deposits grew $7.4 million, or 0.5%, to $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2021. Non-interest bearing deposits, representing 19% of total deposits, grew $8.7 million, or 3.3%, to $274.5 million as of December 31, 2021. -- Total borrowings decreased $59.3 million due to the pay down of the Federal Reserves Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (PPPLF), partially offset by increases in other short-term borrowings. -- Meridian repurchased 23,799 shares of its common stock in the fourth quarter of 2021, at an average price of $29.91.

Select Condensed Financial Information

FortheQuarterEnded(Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 (Dollarsinthousands,exceptpersharedata) December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 December 31Income: Net income - consolidated $ 7,719 $ 9,438 $ 8,258 $ 10,170 $ 8,997 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.29 $ 1.56 $ 1.37 $ 1.70 $ 1.50 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.24 $ 1.52 $ 1.33 $ 1.65 $ 1.48 Net interest income - consolidated $ 16,322 $ 16,257 $ 15,412 $ 15,120 $ 15,018 AttheQuarterEnded(Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 December 31Balance Sheet: Total assets $ 1,713,443 $ 1,762,445 $ 1,709,010 $ 1,743,977 $ 1,720,197 Loans, net of fees and costs 1,386,457 1,378,670 1,362,750 1,354,551 1,284,764 Total deposits 1,446,413 1,439,047 1,413,280 1,383,590 1,241,335 Non-interest bearing deposits 274,528 265,842 261,806 257,730 203,843 Stockholders' Equity 165,360 158,416 152,885 143,505 141,622 AttheQuarterEnded(Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 December 31Balance Sheet (Average Balances): Total assets $ 1,755,263 $ 1,739,848 $ 1,723,421 $ 1,694,961 $ 1,709,298 Total interest earning assets 1,696,473 1,691,641 1,678,721 1,654,791 1,671,164 Loans, net of fees and costs 1,449,361 1,351,634 1,345,672 1,296,242 1,281,390 Total deposits 1,468,575 1,409,534 1,385,250 1,307,280 1,239,810 Non-interest bearing deposits 287,801 254,843 255,964 234,030 207,204 Stockholders' Equity 159,921 155,580 146,497 137,189 129,292 AttheQuarterEnded(Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 December 31Performance Ratios: Return on average assets - consolidated 1.74 % 2.15 % 1.92 % 2.43 % 2.09 %Return on average equity - consolidated 19.15 % 24.07 % 22.61 % 30.06 % 27.68 %

Income Statement Summary

Fourth Quarter 2021 Compared to Third Quarter 2021

Net income was $7.7 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to net income of $9.4 million, or $1.52 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2021. The $1.7 million decrease in net income quarter-over-quarter was due largely to a $5.0 million decrease in non-interest income, partially offset by an increase in net interest income of $65 thousand, a decrease of $819 thousand in the provision for loan losses, a $1.7 million decline in non-interest expense, and a $689 thousand decrease in income tax expense.

Net interest income increased $65 thousand, or 0.4%, to $16.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Interest income decreased $58 thousand, or 0.3%, to $18.2 million from $18.3 million for the third quarter of 2021. The decline was due largely to lower levels of PPP loans and loans HFS, partially offset by growth of $43.9 million on average for the fourth quarter of 2021 in small business loans, commercial construction loans, and lease financing portfolios combined. These factors helped drive the yield on loans up 2 basis points to 4.74%. Offsetting the loan yield expansion was a 6 basis point decrease in the yield on cash, cash equivalents and investments. As a result overall, the yield on average interest earning assets decreased 3 basis points to 4.28% from 4.31% for the prior quarter.

Interest expense decreased $123 thousand, or 6.0%, to $1.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2021 from $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2021. The cost of deposits declined 4 basis points over the prior quarter, as rates in money market and interest checking accounts rates moved modestly lower. The net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2021 remained at 3.83%. The net interest margin, excluding the impact from PPP loans, was 3.76% for the fourth quarter 2021, compared to 3.73% for the third quarter of 2021. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure is included in the Appendix.

The provision for loan losses declined $819 thousand to a negative $222 thousand, compared to $597 thousand for the third quarter of 2021. The reduction in the provision was due to the continued improvement in economic conditions captured in our qualitative provisioning as well as a decline in outstanding loan deferrals provided to customers, partially offset by provisioning for loan growth during the fourth quarter of 2021, as well as a $1.4 million specific reserve placed against a non-performing loan relationship, describe further below in the Asset Quality Summary section.

Total non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $17.1 million, down $5.0 million, or 22.8%, from the third quarter of 2021. The decrease in non-interest income was the result of a decline in the gain on sale margin of 52 basis points, as well as a decline in mortgage loans sold quarter-over-quarter as well. Mortgage loan originations also declined $94.6 million, or 18.1%, during the fourth quarter of 2021 to $428.2 million. Refinance activity represented 33.2% of the total residential mortgage loans originated for the fourth quarter of 2021. The changes in the fair value of derivative instruments and loans held for sale declined a combined $385 thousand during the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter of 2021, while there was a $563 thousand gain on hedging activity for the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to a $1.2 million loss on hedging activity for the third quarter of 2021.

Wealth management revenue from our wealth segment increased $38 thousand, or 3.1%, quarter-over-quarter. Assets under management reached $1.1 billion and the wealth segment has continued to benefit from business development synergies realized between our segments. Wealth management revenue is largely based on the valuation of assets under management measured at the end of the prior quarter, therefore this revenue for the fourth quarter was impacted by the rebound of the financial markets at the end of the third quarter.

Total non-interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $23.7 million, down $1.7 million or 6.8%, from the third quarter of 2021. Total salaries and employee benefits expense was $17.0 million, a net decrease of $2.4 million or 12.5%, compared to the third quarter of 2021. Of this net decrease, $2.7 million related to the mortgage segment, which recognizes variable compensation based on loan origination volume. Salary and employee benefits were up $292 thousand for the bank and wealth segments due to increases in incentive compensation expense, combined with an increase in average full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) of 4. Information technology expenses increased $391 thousand, or 82.1%, from the prior quarter as the bank continued with the strategy to invest in technology that focuses on improving back-office efficiencies through automation and workflow processes, as well improving the scalability of our IT systems overall with a focus on cloud based computing. Other non-interest expense increased $524 thousand, or 29.8%, from the prior quarter. This increase was due to several items including an increase in insurance, director compensation, employee expenses and other less significant items.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2020

Net income was $7.7 million, or $1.24 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to net income of $9.0 million, or $1.48 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease of $1.3 thousand, or 14.2%, was driven largely by a decline in mortgage banking activity over the period, partially offset by an increase in net interest income, a decline in the provision for loan losses, an increase in SBA 7(a) loan sales, wealth management revenue, and other fee income, and a decline in non-interest expenses.

Net interest income was $16.3 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 8.7%, over net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2020. This net interest income growth reflects an 18 basis point increase in the yield on loans, despite a $41.9 million decrease in total average loan balances, including loans held for sale, helping lead to a 24 basis point expansion of the net interest margin. Further contributing to the increase in net interest margin was a 26 basis point decline in the cost of funds, let by a 28 basis point decline in the cost of deposits. This decline in the cost of deposits, despite a $148.2 million increase in average interest bearing deposits, is the result of managements continued focus on the preservation of the net interest margin through deposit rate reductions.

As noted above, in the fourth quarter of 2021 the allowance for loan losses was reduced by a $222 thousand negative provision for loan losses, compared to a provision for loan losses of $1.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. Continued improvement in economic conditions captured in our qualitative provisioning and a decline in outstanding loan deferrals provided to customers impacted the allowance favorably and out-paced the impact of a $1.4 million specific reserve on a non-performing loan relationship and the provisioning for loan growth during the fourth quarter of 2021. The fourth quarter 2020 provision of $1.2 million was calculated at the time the COVID-19 pandemic was intensifying locally and nationally and loan deferrals were at a much higher level.

Total non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $17.1 million, down $12.9 million or 42.9% from the comparable period in 2020. This overall decrease in non-interest income came largely from our mortgage segment. Mortgage banking net revenue decreased $17.4 million, or 56.1%, over the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease in fourth quarter 2021 resulted from decreased levels of mortgage loan sales and mortgage loan originations. Our mortgage segment originated $428.2 million in loans during the fourth quarter of 2021, a decrease of $440.2 million, or 50.7%, from the fourth quarter of 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2020, we witnessed a record level of loan originations as this was the middle of the period of historically low interest rates, where 62% of originations were refinancings while in the fourth quarter of 2021 refinancings represented 33% of originations. The changes in the fair value of derivative instruments and loans held for sale increased a combined $581 thousand over the period. Net hedging activity improved $2.6 million to a net gain of $563 thousand for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Net revenue from the sales of SBA 7(a) loans increased $724 thousand as $15.6 million in loans were sold in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to $11.6 million in loans sold in the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of nearly 35%. Wealth management revenue increased $241 thousand year-over-year due to an increase of $199.6 million in average assets under management over this period, which benefit from the more favorable market conditions, as discussed above. Other fee income was up $278 thousand, or 33.2%, from the fourth quarter of 2020, to $1.1 million, due mainly to an increase in servicing fee income.

Total non-interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $23.7 million, down $8.2 million, or 25.6%, from the comparable period in 2020. The decrease in non-interest expense is largely attributable to a decrease in salaries and employee benefits expense, which decreased $8.6 million or 33.5%, from the comparable period in 2020. Of this decrease, $9.6 million relates to the mortgage segment, while there was an increase of $1.0 million for the bank and wealth segments due to an increase of 27 in FTEs and a higher valuation of stock-based compensation expense.

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2020

Net income was $35.6 million, or $5.73 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 compared to net income of $26.4 million, or $4.27 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The increase was due largely to the increase in net interest income of $14.1 million, combined with a $1.1 million increase in non-interest income and a $7.2 million decline in the provision for loan losses, partially offset by increases in non-interest expense and income taxes of $10.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

Net interest income increased $14.1 million, or 28.8%, to $63.1 million from $49.0 million, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. Growth in net interest income period over period reflects an increase in interest income of $8.9 million along with a decrease in interest expense of $5.2 million. The increase in interest income was led by growth in portfolio loans, most notably commercial real estate loans, lease financings, and SBA loans, that contributed $3.6 million, $3.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively, to the increase in interest income, while the continued forgiveness of PPP loans led to an increase in interest and fee income of $2.3 million, period over period. As of December 31, 2021 there was approximately $2 million in PPP fees yet to be recorded in income.

The net interest margin increased 37 basis points to 3.77% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 from 3.40% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The margin in 2020 was negatively impacted by the rapid decline in Fed fund rates as well as the effects of the PPP loan program, while the margin in 2021 felt a positive impact from the PPP loan program as approximately 78% of these loans were forgiven during 2021, leading to a yield on PPP loans of 4.41% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, compared to 3.09% for the same period in 2020. Other contributors to the margin expansion for 2021 related to the increase in non-interest bearing deposits, which rose $69.7 million on average, and the cost of deposits decrease (50 basis points).

The provision for loan losses was $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, compared to an $8.3 million provision for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The decline in the provision period over period is the result of an improvement in the trend of economic factors used in the allowance for loan losses calculation that had been negatively impacted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which have subsequently rebounded as the economy continues to recover.

Total non-interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was $88.0 million, up $1.1 million, or 1.2%, from the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. This increase in non-interest income was largely the result of an increase of $4.3 million in SBA loan sales income as fiscal year 2021 sales of SBA 7(a) loans amounted to $67.2 million, an increase of $26.1 million, or 63.5%, compared to fiscal year 2020.

Wealth management revenue increased $947 thousand, or 24.6%, year-over-year due to an increase in average assets under management of $295 million over this period. In addition, these assets benefited from the more favorable market conditions that existed in the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, compared to the prior year period.

Other fee income was up $1.8 million, or 68.5%, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, from the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 due to increases in mortgage fees, wire fees, title fee income, as well as an increase in in mortgage and SBA servicing fee income.

Mortgage banking net revenue decreased $529 thousand, or 0.7%, over the prior year period. The decrease in the 2021 income was the result of a decline in the gain on sale margin of 48 basis points, despite the increase in mortgage loans sold over 2020. Mortgage loan originations, however, decreased $74.7 million from $2.37 billion in 2020 to $2.29 billion in 2021, with refinancing activity representing 60% of the total residential mortgage loans originated in 2021, compared to 47% in 2020. The refinancing opportunities have declined significantly with the change in mortgage rates recently causing the current period end pipeline to be lower at December 31, 2021, compared to December 31, 2020. The changes in the mortgage pipeline generated significant fair value changes in derivative instruments (predominantly interest rate lock commitments) and loans held-for-sale. These fair value changes decreased non-interest income a combined $17.0 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. These changes were offset by increases in net hedging gains of $12.4 million.

Total non-interest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 was $103.7 million, up $10.7 million or 11.4%, from the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. Total salaries and employee benefits expense was $78.9 million, an increase of $6.7 million or 9.3%, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. Salaries and benefits for the Bank and Wealth segments increased $5.4 million due to an increased level of full-time equivalent employees as well as increase in the value of stock-based compensation expense. $1.3 million of the overall increase relates to the Mortgage segment as the number of employees in this segment have increased period over period.

Professional fees were up $445 thousand, or 14.3% year over year, while information technology expenses were up $690 thousand, or 44.7% year over year. Increases in these two categories of expense were largely the result of Meridians ongoing strategy to invest in technology that focuses on improving back-office efficiencies through automation and workflow processes, as well improving the scalability of our IT systems overall with a focus on cloud based computing. The increase in professional fees was also impacted by one-time consent fees incurred in 2021 related to the filing of the Corporations December 31, 2020 Form 10K, in conjunction with the change in Accountants made in 2020.

Advertising and promotion expenses were up $862 thousand, or 30.2%, over the same period due to the improvements to the economy and a pull back on COVID-19 related restrictions that has allowed bank employees to spend more time in a business development and community outreach capacity, combined with increased spend year over year in different advertising campaigns, including mortgage segment lead generation expenses. Other non-interest expense was up $1.9 million, or 30.6%, from the prior year due to an increase in employee travel and training expenses as 2021 allowed for more travel opportunities due to a pullback in COVID-19 restrictions.

Balance Sheet Summary

As of December 31, 2021, total assets were $1.7 billion, a decrease of $6.8 million from December 31, 2020.

Total loans, net of allowance, grew $101 million, or 7.9%, to $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2021, from $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2020. There was growth in several commercial loan categories from December 31, 2020, as we continue to expand our presence in the Philadelphia market region and beyond. Small business loans increased $65.1 million, or 130.5%, commercial real estate loans increased $37.7 million, or 7.5%, and lease financings increased $60.1 million, or 181.8%, as our Meridian Equipment Finance (MEF) leasing team continued their strong growth trajectory after starting up in early 2020. Additionally, commercial & industrial loans, shared national credits and commercial construction loans combined increased $46.6 million in total over the period. Residential real estate loans held for sale decreased $148.3 million, or 64.7%, to $80.9 million as of December 31, 2021, while PPP loans decreased $110.3 million, or 55.5%, over this period, as our SBA and commercial lending teams are making a strong effort to assist our PPP loan customers in obtaining forgiveness on their loans with the SBA. As of December 31, 2021 there was approximately $88.3 million in PPP loans remaining to be forgiven.

Deposits were $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2021, up $205.1 million, or 16.5%, from December 31, 2020. Non-interest bearing deposits increased $70.7 million, or 34.7%, from December 31, 2020. Interest-bearing checking accounts increased $61.7 million, or 29.9%, from December 31, 2020, while money market accounts/savings accounts increased $125.0 million, or 21.8%, since December 31, 2020. Increases in core deposits were driven from loan customers as part of new business and municipal relationships and also as a result of the PPP loan process. Certificates of deposits decreased $52.3 million, or 20.2%, from December 31, 2020, as lower levels of wholesale funding have been replaced by core deposits that bear lower interest rates.

Consolidated stockholders equity of the Corporation was $165.4 million, or 9.7% of total assets as of December 31, 2021, as compared to $141.6 million, or 8.2% of total assets as of December 31, 2020. The change in stockholders equity is the result of year-to-date net income of $35.6 million, partially offset by dividends of $9.7 million paid during 2021.

Community banks have long raised concerns with bank regulators about the regulatory burden, complexity, and costs associated with certain provisions of the Basel III Rule. In response, Congress provided an off-ramp for institutions, like us, with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion. Section 201 of the Regulatory Relief Act instructed the federal banking regulators to establish a single "Community Bank Leverage Ratio" (CBLR) of between 8 and 10%. Under the final rule, a community banking organization is eligible to elect the new framework if it has: less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, limited amounts of certain assets and off-balance sheet exposures, and a CBLR greater than 9%.The bank regulatory agencies temporarily lowered the CBLR to 8% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first quarter of 2020, the Bank adopted the CBLR framework as its primary regulatory capital ratio, but reports all ratios for comparative purposes.

As of December 31, 2021, the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.39% for the Corporation and 11.51% for the Bank, the Tier 1 risk-based capital and common equity ratios were 10.83% for the Corporation and 13.27% for the Bank, and total risk-based capital was 14.81% for the Corporation and 14.63% for the Bank. Quarter-end numbers show a tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (a non-GAAP measure) of 9.42% for the Corporation and 11.54% for the Bank. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure is included in the Appendix. Tangible book value per share was $26.37 as of December 31, 2021, compared with $22.35 as of December 31, 2020.

Asset Quality Summary

Asset quality remains a strong focus of management, which is committed to working with customers significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 loan deferrals provided to borrowers amounted to only $2.4 million as of December 31, 2021, down from $24.9 million as of September 30, 2021, one loan relationship for $13.8 million became a non-performing loan relationship with a specific reserve of $1.4 million during the quarter ending December 31, 2021. This change in status caused non-performing loans to increase to $23.0 million (not including past due PPP loans of $63 thousand) as of December 31, 2021, compared to $9.2 million as of September 30, 2021. Consequently the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets as of December 31, 2021 was 1.34% compared to 0.52% as of September 30, 2021. Despite the near-term impact to these ratios resulting from this loan relationship downgrade, management feels that overall asset quality remains strong. There was no other real estate property included in non-performing assets for either period.

Meridian realized net recoveries of $3 thousand, or (0.00%), of total average loans for both the quarter ending December 31, 2021 and the quarter ending September 30, 2021. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans held for investment, excluding loans at fair value and PPP loans (a non-GAAP measure, see reconciliation in the Appendix), was 1.46% as of December 31, 2021 and 1.52% as of September 30, 2021. As noted earlier, the reduction in the allowance for loan losses was due to the favorable impact of economic conditions out-pacing loan growth and the change in specific reserves for the period.

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 more than 20 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 Corporations 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 Corporations control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the current COVID-19 pandemic and government responses thereto, among others, could cause Meridian Corporations 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 managements 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 Corporations filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form10-Q and current reports on Form8-K that update or provide information in addition to the information included in the Form10-K and Form10-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.

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

APPENDIX - FINANCIAL RATIOS

Quarterly 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 (Dollars inthousands, 4th QTR 3rdQTR 2ndQTR 1st QTR 4th QTRexcept pershare data)Earnings and Per Share DataNet income $ 7,719 $ 9,438 $ 8,258 $ 10,170 $ 8,997 Basic earningsper common 1.29 1.56 1.37 1.70 1.50 shareDilutedearnings per 1.24 1.52 1.33 1.65 1.48 common shareCommon shares 6,108 6,108 6,173 6,168 6,136 outstanding Performance RatiosReturn onaverage assets 1.74 % 2.15 % 1.92 % 2.43 % 2.09 %- consolidatedReturn onaverage equity 19.15 % 24.07 % 22.61 % 30.06 % 27.68 %- consolidatedNet interest 3.83 % 3.83 % 3.70 % 3.72 % 3.59 %margin (TEY)Net interestmargin (TEY,excluding PPP 3.76 % 3.73 % 3.75 % 3.64 % 3.52 %loans andborrowings)(1)Yield onearning assets 4.28 % 4.31 % 4.20 % 4.29 % 4.28 %(TEY)Yield onearning assets(TEY, 4.23 % 4.24 % 4.30 % 4.26 % 4.27 %excluding PPPloans) (1)Cost of funds 0.49 % 0.52 % 0.54 % 0.62 % 0.75 %Efficiency 71 % 66 % 71 % 67 % 71 %ratio Asset Quality RatiosNetcharge-offs(recoveries) (0.00 )% (0.00 )% 0.01 % 0.00 % 0.00 %to averageloansNon-performingloans/Total 1.57 % 0.61 % 0.55 % 0.56 % 0.52 %loansNon-performingassets/Total 1.34 % 0.52 % 0.48 % 0.49 % 0.46 %assetsAllowance forloan losses/Total loans 1.35 % 1.38 % 1.35 % 1.36 % 1.38 %held forinvestmentAllowance forloan losses/Total loansheld forinvestment 1.46 % 1.52 % 1.58 % 1.65 % 1.65 %(excludingloans at fairvalue and PPPloans) (1)Allowance forloan losses/ 81.47 % 206.42 % 224.63 % 214.44 % 224.04 %Non-performingloans Capital Ratios Book value per $ 27.07 $ 25.94 $ 24.77 $ 23.27 $ 23.08 common shareTangible bookvalue per $ 26.37 $ 25.23 $ 24.06 $ 22.55 $ 22.35 common shareTotal equity/ 9.65 % 8.99 % 8.95 % 8.23 % 8.23 %Total assetsTangiblecommon equity/Tangible 9.42 % 8.76 % 8.71 % 7.99 % 7.99 %assets -Corporation(1)Tangiblecommon equity/Tangible 11.54 % 10.90 % 10.92 % 10.22 % 10.25 %assets - Bank(1)Tier 1leverage ratio 9.39 % 9.28 % 8.97 % 8.86 % 8.96 %- CorporationTier 1leverage ratio 11.51 % 11.55 % 11.28 % 11.34 % 11.54 %- BankCommon tier 1risk-based 10.83 % 10.64 % 10.16 % 9.90 % 10.22 %capital ratio- CorporationCommon tier 1risk-based 13.27 % 13.25 % 12.80 % 12.66 % 13.15 %capital ratio- BankTier 1risk-based 10.83 % 10.64 % 10.16 % 9.90 % 10.22 %capital ratio- CorporationTier 1risk-based 13.27 % 13.25 % 12.80 % 12.66 % 13.15 %capital ratio- BankTotalrisk-based 14.81 % 14.72 % 14.23 % 14.05 % 14.55 %capital ratio- CorporationTotalrisk-based 14.63 % 14.62 % 14.18 % 14.03 % 14.54 %capital ratio- Bank



(1)Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliation in the Appendix.

StatementsofIncome Statements of Income (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended(Dollars in December December December Decemberthousands) 31, 2021 31, 2020 31, 2021 31, 2020Interest Income Interest and fees on $ 17,535 $ 17,309 $ 68,822 $ 60,357 loansInvestments and cash 713 618 2,700 2,299 Total interest 18,248 17,927 71,522 62,656 income Interest Expense Deposits 1,233 1,906 5,494 9,970 Borrowings 693 1,003 2,917 3,690 Total interest 1,926 2,909 8,411 13,660 expense Net interest income 16,322 15,018 63,111 48,996 Provision for loan (222 ) 1,163 1,070 8,302 lossesNet interest incomeafter provision for 16,544 13,855 62,041 40,694 loan losses Non-Interest Income Mortgage banking 13,639 31,065 75,932 76,461 incomeWealth management 1,270 1,029 4,801 3,854 incomeSBA income 1,475 751 6,898 2,572 Earnings oninvestment in life 141 70 365 279 insuranceNet change in fairvalue of derivative (907 ) (1,371 ) (4,338 ) 4,975 instrumentsNet change in fairvalue of loans held (147 ) (578 ) (3,311 ) 3,847 for saleNet change in fairvalue of loans held (165 ) 149 (189 ) 323 for investmentNet gain (loss) on 563 (2,037 ) 2,961 (9,400 )hedging activityNet gain on sale ofinvestment 73 ? 435 1,345 securitiesavailable-for-saleService charges 29 30 129 107 Other 1,115 837 4,305 2,555 Total non-interest 17,086 29,945 87,988 86,918 income Non-Interest ExpensesSalaries and 17,042 25,618 78,866 72,147 employee benefitsOccupancy and 1,085 1,133 4,545 4,292 equipmentProfessional fees 929 995 3,558 3,113 Advertising and 919 857 3,714 2,852 promotionData processing 484 653 2,150 1,913 Information 867 442 2,232 1,542 technologyPennsylvania bank 131 315 609 1,049 shares taxOther 2,280 1,910 8,053 6,168 Total non-interest 23,737 31,923 103,727 93,076 expenses Income before income 9,893 11,877 46,302 34,536 taxesIncome tax expense 2,174 2,880 10,717 8,098 Net Income $ 7,719 $ 8,997 $ 35,585 $ 26,438 Weighted-averagebasic shares 5,978 5,982 6,019 6,122 outstandingBasic earnings per $ 1.29 $ 1.50 $ 5.91 $ 4.32 common share Adjustedweighted-average 6,210 6,071 6,206 6,187 diluted sharesoutstandingDiluted earnings per $ 1.24 $ 1.48 $ 5.73 $ 4.27 common share

StatementofCondition(Unaudited)(Dollars in December 31, September 30, June 30, 2021 March 31, Decemberthousands) 2021 2021 2021 31,2020Assets Cash & cash $ 23,480 $ 63,121 $ 26,902 $ 31,004 $ 36,744 equivalentsInvestment 168,028 153,566 149,366 141,654 131,103 securitiesMortgageloans held 80,882 117,996 132,348 170,248 229,199 for saleLoans, net offees and 1,386,457 1,378,670 1,362,750 1,354,551 1,284,764 costsAllowance for (18,758 ) (18,976 ) (18,361 ) (18,376 ) (17,767 )loan lossesBank premisesand 11,806 8,242 8,160 8,080 7,777 equipment,netBank ownedlife 22,503 22,362 12,269 12,204 12,138 insuranceServicing 12,765 11,932 10,327 8,278 5,617 assetsGoodwill andintangible 4,278 4,329 4,380 4,432 4,500 assetsOther assets 22,002 21,203 20,869 31,902 26,122 Total Assets $ 1,713,443 $ 1,762,445 $ 1,709,010 $ 1,743,977 $ 1,720,197 Liabilities &Stockholders? EquityLiabilities Non-interestbearing $ 274,528 $ 265,842 $ 261,806 $ 257,730 $ 203,843 depositsInterestbearing depositsInterest 268,248 279,659 257,939 243,832 206,572 checkingMoney market/ savings 697,628 670,101 631,604 592,260 572,623 accountsCertificates 206,009 223,445 261,931 289,768 258,297 of depositTotalinterest 1,171,885 1,173,205 1,151,474 1,125,860 1,037,492 bearingdepositsTotal 1,446,413 1,439,047 1,413,280 1,383,590 1,241,335 depositsBorrowings 41,344 100,683 82,156 149,260 272,408 Subordinated 40,508 40,760 40,730 40,701 40,671 debtOther 19,818 23,539 19,959 26,921 24,161 liabilitiesTotal 1,548,083 1,604,029 1,556,125 1,600,472 1,578,575 Liabilities Stockholders' 165,360 158,416 152,885 143,505 141,622 EquityTotalLiabilities & $ 1,713,443 $ 1,762,445 $ 1,709,010 $ 1,743,977 $ 1,720,197 Stockholders?Equity

CondensedStatementsofIncome(Unaudited) ThreeMonthsEnded(Dollars in December 31, September June 30, March 31, Decemberthousands) 2021 30, 2021 2021 2021 31,2020Interest income $ 18,248 $ 18,306 $ 17,517 $ 17,451 $ 17,927Interest expense 1,926 2,049 2,105 2,331 2,909Net interest 16,322 16,257 15,412 15,120 15,018incomeProvision for (222 ) 597 96 599 1,163loan lossesNon-interest 17,086 22,122 21,732 27,048 29,945incomeNon-interest 23,737 25,481 26,246 28,263 31,923expenseIncome beforeincome tax 9,893 12,301 10,802 13,306 11,877expenseIncome tax 2,174 2,863 2,544 3,136 2,880expenseNet Income $ 7,719 $ 9,438 $ 8,258 $ 10,170 $ 8,997 Weighted-averagebasic shares 5,978 6,045 6,032 6,000 5,982outstandingBasic earnings $ 1.29 $ 1.56 $ 1.37 $ 1.70 $ 1.50per common share Adjustedweighted-average 6,210 6,231 6,203 6,146 6,071diluted sharesoutstandingDiluted earnings $ 1.24 $ 1.52 $ 1.33 $ 1.65 $ 1.48per common share

Segment Information Three Months Ended December31,2021 Three Months Ended December31,2020(Dollars in Bank Wealth Mortgage Total Bank Wealth Mortgage Totalthousands)Net interest $ 15,931 25 366 16,322 $ 14,272 (24 ) 770 15,018incomeProvisionfor loan (222 ) ? ? (222 ) 1,163 ? ? 1,163lossesNet interestincome after 16,153 25 366 16,544 13,109 (24 ) 770 13,855provisionNon-interest 2,305 1,270 13,511 17,086 2,031 1,029 26,885 29,945incomeNon-interest 11,407 1,009 11,321 23,737 10,009 848 21,066 31,923expenseIncomebefore $ 7,051 286 2,556 9,893 $ 5,131 157 6,589 11,877income taxes

Segment Information Year Ended December31,2021 Year Ended December31,2020(Dollars in Bank Wealth Mortgage Total Bank Wealth Mortgage Totalthousands)Net interest income $ 61,032 15 2,064 63,111 $ 46,997 (48 ) 2,047 48,996Provision for loan 1,070 ? ? 1,070 8,302 ? ? 8,302lossesNet interest income 59,962 15 2,064 62,041 38,695 (48 ) 2,047 40,694after provisionNon-interest income 10,779 4,802 72,407 87,988 7,688 3,868 75,362 86,918Non-interest expense 40,392 3,496 59,839 103,727 33,351 3,213 56,512 93,076Income before income $ 30,349 1,321 14,632 46,302 $ 13,032 607 20,897 34,536taxes

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Meridian believes that non-GAAP measures are meaningful because they reflect adjustments commonly made by management, investors, regulators and analysts. This non-GAAP disclosure has 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 Meridians 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(Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020(Dollarsinthousands) 4th QTR 3rd QTR 2nd QTR 1st QTR 4th QTRIncome before income tax $ 9,893 $ 12,301 $ 10,802 $ 13,306 $ 11,877expenseProvision for loan losses (222 ) 597 96 599 1,163Pre-tax, pre-provision $ 9,671 $ 12,898 $ 10,898 $ 13,905 $ 13,040income Pre-tax, Pre-provision Income by Segment(Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020(Dollarsinthousands) 4th QTR 3rd QTR 2nd QTR 1st QTR 4th QTRBank $ 6,829 $ 8,896 $ 7,811 $ 7,891 $ 6,294Wealth 286 432 376 227 157Mortgage 2,556 3,570 2,711 5,787 6,589Pre-tax, pre-provision $ 9,671 $ 12,898 $ 10,898 $ 13,905 $ 13,040income

(Dollarsinthousands) Twelve Months Ended December 31,Reconciliation of pre-tax, pre-provision income 2021 2020Income before income tax expense $ 46,302 $ 34,536Provision for loan losses 1,070 8,302Pre-tax, pre-provision income $ 47,372 $ 42,838 (Dollarsinthousands) Twelve Months Ended December 31,Reconciliation of pre-tax, pre-provision income by 2021 2020segmentBank $ 31,419 $ 21,334Wealth 1,321 607Mortgage 14,632 20,897Pre-tax, pre-provision income $ 47,372 $ 42,838

Reconciliation of PPP / PPPLF Impacted Yields(Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 4th QTR 3rd QTR 2nd QTR 1st QTR 4th QTRNetinterest 3.83 % 3.83 % 3.70 % 3.72 % 3.59 %margin(TEY)Impact ofPPP loans (0.07 )% (0.10 )% 0.05 % (0.08 )% (0.07 )%and PPPLFborrowingsNetinterestmargin(TEY, 3.76 % 3.73 % 3.75 % 3.64 % 3.52 %excludingPPP loansand PPPLFborrowings) Yield onearning 4.28 % 4.31 % 4.20 % 4.29 % 4.28 %assets(TEY)Impact of (0.05 )% (0.07 )% 0.10 % (0.03 )% (0.01 )%PPP loansYield onearningassets 4.23 % 4.24 % 4.30 % 4.26 % 4.27 %(TEY,excludingPPP loans) Reconciliation of Allowance for Loan Losses / Total loans(Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 4th QTR 3rd QTR 2nd QTR 1st QTR 4th QTRAllowancefor loanlosses / 1.35 % 1.38 % 1.35 % 1.36 % 1.38 %Total loansheld forinvestmentLess:Impact ofloans heldfor 0.02 % 0.01 % 0.01 % 0.00 % 0.00 %investment- fairvaluedLess:Impact of 0.09 % 0.13 % 0.22 % 0.29 % 0.27 %PPP loansAllowancefor loanlosses /Total loansheld forinvestment 1.46 % 1.52 % 1.58 % 1.65 % 1.65 %(excl.loans atfair valueand PPPloans)

Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation - Corporation (Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 (Dollarsinthousands) 4th QTR 3rdQTR 2ndQTR 1st QTR 4th QTRTotal stockholders' $ 165,360 $ 158,416 $ 152,885 $ 143,505 $ 141,622 equityLess: Goodwill and intangible (4,278 ) (4,329 ) (4,380 ) (4,432 ) (4,500 )assetsTangible common equity $ 161,082 $ 154,087 $ 148,505 $ 139,073 $ 137,122 Total assets $ 1,713,443 $ 1,762,445 $ 1,709,010 $ 1,743,977 $ 1,720,197 Less: Goodwill and intangible (4,278 ) (4,329 ) (4,380 ) (4,432 ) (4,500 )assetsTangible assets $ 1,709,165 $ 1,758,116 $ 1,704,629 $ 1,739,544 $ 1,715,697 Tangible common equity 9.42 % 8.76 % 8.71 % 7.99 % 7.99 %ratio - Corporation

Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation - Bank (Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 (Dollarsinthousands) 4th QTR 3rdQTR 2ndQTR 1st QTR 4th QTRTotal stockholders' equity $ 201,486 $ 196,009 $ 190,477 $ 182,171 $ 180,288 Less: Goodwill and intangible assets (4,278 ) (4,329 ) (4,380 ) (4,432 ) (4,500 )Tangible common equity $ 197,208 $ 191,680 $ 186,097 $ 177,739 $ 175,788 Total assets $ 1,713,318 $ 1,762,415 $ 1,709,006 $ 1,743,945 $ 1,720,166 Less: Goodwill and intangible assets (4,278 ) (4,329 ) (4,380 ) (4,432 ) (4,500 )Tangible assets $ 1,709,040 $ 1,758,086 $ 1,704,626 $ 1,739,513 $ 1,715,666 Tangible common equity ratio - 11.54 % 10.90 % 10.92 % 10.22 % 10.25 %Bank

Tangible Book Value Reconciliation (Unaudited) 2021 2021 2021 2021 2020 4th QTR 3rd QTR 2ndQTR 1st QTR 4th QTRBook value per common $ 27.07 $ 25.94 $ 24.77 $ 23.27 $ 23.08shareLess: Impact ofgoodwill and 0.70 0.71 0.71 0.72 0.73intangible assetsTangible book value $ 26.37 $ 25.23 $ 24.06 $ 22.55 $ 22.35per common share