Meridian Corp

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The Corporation’s unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods presented have been included.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Amounts subject to significant estimates are items such as the allowance for credit losses, lending related commitments and the related unfunded commitment reserve, the fair value of financial instruments, other-than-temporary impairments of investment securities, and the valuations of goodwill, intangible assets, and servicing assets.

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Corporation’s filings with the SEC (including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023), 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 Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings, if any.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2024 or for any other period.

Stock Split

On February 28, 2023, the Corporation approved and declared atwo-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend, paid March 20, 2023, to shareholders of record as of March 14, 2023. Under the terms of the stock split, the Corporation’s shareholders received a dividend ofone share for every share held on the record date. The dividend was paid in authorized but unissued shares of common stock of the Corporation. The par value of the Corporation's stock was not affected by the split and remained at $1.00 per share. All share and per share amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to reflect thetwo-for-one stock split.

Pronouncements Adopted in 2024

FASB ASU 2020-06, “Debt With Conversionand Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity”

This ASU clarifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this update reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the cash conversion model and the beneficial conversion feature models. For public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer (excluding smaller reporting entities), the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2021, and interim periods within. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2023, and interim periods within. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2023-02, "Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method"

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method to allow reporting entities to consistently account for equity investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits. If certain conditions are met, a reporting entity may elect to account for its tax equity investments by using the proportional amortization method regardless of the program from which it receives income tax credits, instead of only LIHTC structures. This amendment also eliminates certain LIHTC specific guidance aligning the accounting with other equity investments in tax credit structures. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Pronouncements Not Yet Effective as of March 31, 2024:

FASB ASU 2020-04 (Topic 848), “Reference Rate Reform (“ASC 848”): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”

Issued in March 2020, ASU 2020-04 contains optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The Corporation does not have a significant concentration of loans, derivative contracts, borrowings or other financial instruments with attributes that are either directly or indirectly dependent on LIBOR. The Corporation expects to adopt the LIBOR transition relief allowed under this standard throughout 2024.

FASB ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280) Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures”

The amendments in this update improve financial reporting by requiring disclosure of incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis for all public entities to enable investors to develop more decision-useful financial analyses. The amendments in this update also do not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates those operating segments, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact on its results of operation, financial position, liquidity, and disclosures.

FASB ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”

The amendments in this update address investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This update also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and are to be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted.The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact on its disclosures.

FASB ASU 2024-01 Stock Compensation - Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards

The amendments in this update improve the understandability of paragraph 718-10-15-3 apply to all entities that enter into share-based payments transactions. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and are to be applied on a prospective basis. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact on its disclosures.

(2)Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period reduced by unearned ESOP Plan shares and treasury shares. Diluted earnings per common share takes into account the potential dilution computed pursuant to the treasury stock method that could occur if stock options were exercised and converted into common stock, if restricted stock awards were vested, and if SERP plan liabilities were satisfied with common shares. The effects of stock options are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share in periods in which the effect would be anti-dilutive.

(3)Securities

The following tables presents the amortized cost, allowance for credit losses, and fair value of securities at the dates indicated:

Although the Corporation’s investment portfolio overall is in a net unrealized loss position at March 31, 2024, the temporary impairment in the above noted securities is primarily the result of changes in market interest rates subsequent to purchase and it is more likely than not that the Corporation will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery to satisfy liquidity needs, and therefore, no securities are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

The following table shows the Corporation’s investment gross unrealized losses and fair value aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position at the dates indicated:

The amortized cost and carrying value of securities are shown below by contractual maturities at the dates indicated. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities as issuers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

There were no sales of investment securities available for sale for the three month ended March 31, 2024, or 2023.

ACL on Securities AFS and HTM

We use credit ratings quarterly and the most recent financial information of securities' issuers annually to help evaluate the credit quality of our securities AFS and HTM portfolios on a quarterly basis. The securities portfolio consists primarily of U.S. government treasuries and U.S. government agency asset backed securities which have no probability of default. The remaining portfolio consists of highly rated municipal bonds, non-agency CMO, and corporate bonds that have a low probability of default.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we had no significant ACL or provision expense and no charge-offs or recoveries on AFS or HTM securities.

Pledged Securities

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, securities having a carrying value of $57.8 million and $60.1 million, respectively, were specifically pledged as collateral for public funds, the FRB discount window program, FHLB borrowings and other purposes. The FHLB has a blanket lien on non-pledged, mortgage-related loans and securities as part of the Corporation’s borrowing agreement with the FHLB.

(4)Loans and Other Finance Receivables

The following table presents loans and other finance receivables detailed by category at the dates indicated:

Fair Value Option for Residential Mortgage Real Estate Loans

Residential mortgage real estate loans that were originated by the Corporation and intended for sale in the secondary market to permanent investors, but were either repurchased or unsalable due to defect, and that the Corporation has the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are carried at fair value pursuant to the Corporation's election of the fair value option for these loans. The remaining loans, net of fees and costs are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of deferred fees or costs, since the original intent for these loans was to hold them until payoff or maturity.

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

The following tables present an aging of the Corporation’s loans at the dates indicated:

(1) Includes$13.1 million of loans at fair value of which $12.4 million are current, $— are 30-89 days past due and $771 thousand are nonaccrual.

(1) Includes $13.7 million of loans at fair value of which $12.9 million are current, $— are 30-89 days past due and $786 thousand are nonaccrual.

There were no loans in the tables above as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023 that were 90+days past due and still accruing interest.

Foreclosed and Repossessed Assets

At both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were 4 consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties (included in loans, net of fees and costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) totaling $937 thousand for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process.

Risks and Uncertainties

We have no particular credit concentration. Our commercial loans have been proactively managed in an effort to achieve a balanced portfolio with no unusual exposure to one industry. Additionally, most of our lending activity occurs within our primary market areas which are concentrated in southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland as well as other contiguous markets and represents a geographic concentration. Additionally, our loan portfolio is concentrated in commercial loans. Commercial loans are generally viewed as having more inherent risk of default than residential real estate loans or other consumer loans. Also, the commercial loan balance per borrower is typically larger than that for residential real estate loans and consumer loans, implying higher potential losses on an individual loan basis.

Past Due and Nonaccrual Status

The following tables presents the amortized costs basis of loans and leases on nonaccrual status and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing, net of fees and costs as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. As of this date here were no loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing.

Collateral-dependent Loans

The following tables presents the amortized cost basis of non-accruing collateral-dependent loans by class or loans as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 under the current expected credit loss model:

(5)Allowance for Credit Losses

The ACL is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for estimated expected credit losses within the loan portfolio over the

contractual life of an instrument that considers our historical loss experience, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions as of the balance sheet date. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the ACL is based on known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available.

Roll-Forward of ACL by Portfolio Segment

The following tables provide the activity of our allowance for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 under the CECL model in accordance with ASC 326 (as adopted on January 1, 2023):

Reconciliation of Provision for Credit Losses

The following table provides a reconciliation of the provision for credit losses on the consolidated statements of income between the funded and unfunded components at the dates indicated:

Allowance Allocated by Portfolio Segment

The following tables detail the allocation of the ACL and the carrying value for loans and leases by portfolio segment based on the methodology used to evaluate the loans and leases at the dates indicated:

(1) Excludes deferred fees and loans carried at fair value.

(1) Excludes deferred fees and loans carried at fair value.

Credit Quality Indicators

As part of the process of determining the ACL to the different segments of the loan and lease portfolio, Management considers certain credit quality indicators. For the commercial mortgage, construction and commercial and industrial loan segments, periodic reviews of the individual loans are performed by Management. The results of these reviews are reflected in the risk grade assigned to each loan. These internally assigned grades are as follows:

•Pass – Loans considered to be satisfactory with no indications of deterioration.

•Special mention – Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves Management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.

•Substandard – Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

•Doubtful – Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loan balances classified as doubtful have been reduced by partial charge-offs and are carried at their net realizable values.

The following tables detail the carrying value of loans and leases by portfolio segment based on the credit quality indicators used to

determine the allowance for credit losses at the dates indicated:

The Corporation had no loans with a risk rating of Doubtful included within recorded investment in loans and leases held for investment at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

In addition to credit quality indicators as shown in the above tables, allowance allocations for residential mortgages, consumer loans and leases are also applied based on their performance status at the dates indicated:

(1) Excludes $13.7 million of fair value loans

Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

An assessment of whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is made on the date of a modification. Because the effect of most modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty is already included in the ACL on loans and leases, a change to the allowance for credit losses is generally not recorded upon modification. However, when principal forgiveness is provided, the amortized cost basis of the asset is written off against the ACL on loans and leases. The amount of the principal forgiveness is deemed to be uncollectible; therefore, that portion of the loan is written off, resulting in a reduction of the amortized cost basis and a corresponding adjustment to the allowance for credit losses.

The following presents, by class of loans, information regarding accruing and nonaccrual modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three months ended March 31, 2024. There were no modifications granted to debtors experiencing financial difficulty for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

The following presents, by class of loans, information regarding accruing and nonaccrual modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three months ended March 31, 2024.

There were 5 andno modifications granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively. There were no loans that had a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 that were modified in the 12 months before default to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. There were no commitments to lend additional funds to the borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that had modifications during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023.

(6)Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt

The Corporation’s short-term borrowings generally consist of federal funds purchased and short-term borrowings extended under agreements with the FHLB or other correspondent banks. The Corporation hasthree unsecured Federal funds borrowing facility with a correspondent bank for up to $49 million. Federal funds purchased generally represent one-day borrowings. The Corporation had $0 in Federal funds purchased at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The Corporation also has a facility with the Federal Reserve Bank discount window of $6.5 million. This facility is fully secured by investment securities. There wereno borrowings under this at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The Corporation's facility with the Federal Reserve’s BTFP in the amount of $33 million expired in March 2024.

The following table presents short-term borrowings at the dates indicated:

The following table presents long-term borrowings at the dates indicated:

The FHLB has also issued $156.0 million of letters of credit to the Corporation for the benefit of the Corporation’s public deposit funds and loan customers. These letters of credit expire throughout the remainder of 2024.

The Corporation has a maximum borrowing capacity with the FHLB of $656.0 million as of March 31, 2024 and $626.8 million as of December 31, 2023. All advances and letters of credit from the FHLB are secured by a blanket lien on non-pledged, mortgage-related loans and securities as part of the Corporation’s borrowing agreement with the FHLB.

(7)Servicing Assets

The Corporation sells certain residential mortgage loans and the guaranteed portion of certain SBA loans to third parties and retains servicing rights and receives servicing fees. All such transfers are accounted for as sales. When the Corporation sells a residential mortgage loan, it does not retain any portion of that loan and its continuing involvement in such transfers is limited to certain servicing responsibilities. While the Corporation may retain a portion of certain sold SBA loans, its continuing involvement in the portion of the loan that was sold is limited to certain servicing responsibilities. When the contractual servicing fees on loans sold with servicing retained are expected to be more than adequate compensation to a servicer for performing the servicing, a capitalized servicing asset is recognized.

Residential Mortgage Loans

The related MSR asset is amortized over the period of the estimated future net servicing life of the underlying assets. MSRs are evaluated quarterly for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to their amortized cost. Impairment is recognized on the income statement to the extent the fair value is less than the capitalized amount of the MSR. The Corporation serviced $932.5 million and $945.2 million of residential mortgage loans as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Corporation recognized servicing fee income of $586 thousand, compared to $636 thousand, during the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Changes in the MSR balance are summarized as follows:

Activity in the valuation allowance for MSRs was as follows:

The Corporation uses assumptions and estimates in determining the fair value of MSRs. These assumptions include prepayment speeds and discount rates. The assumptions used in the valuation were based on input from buyers, brokers and other qualified personnel, as well as market knowledge. At March 31, 2024, the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Corporation’s MSRs included a lifetime constant prepayment rate equal to 8.29% and a discount rate equal to 9.50%. At December 31, 2023, the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Corporation’s MSRs included a lifetime constant prepayment rate equal to 8.57% and a discount rate equal to 9.50%. Due in part to market volatility as interest rates increased, the prepayment speed assumption has decreased from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024. As interest rates have started to increase and the number of mortgage refinancings have started to decline, model inputs have been adjusted to align the MSRs fair value with market conditions.

The sensitivity of the current fair value of the residential mortgage servicing rights to immediate 10% and 20% favorable and unfavorable changes in key economic assumptions are included in the following table.

The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance. As indicated, changes in fair value based on adverse changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of an adverse variation in a articular assumption on the fair value of the MSRs is calculated without changing any other assumption; while in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in market interest rates may result in lower prepayments), which may magnify or counteract the effect of the change.

SBA Loans

SBA loan servicing assets are amortized over the period of the estimated future net servicing life of the underlying assets. SBA loan servicing assets are evaluated quarterly for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to their amortized cost. Impairment is recognized on the income statement to the extent the fair value is less than the capitalized amount of the SBA loan servicing asset. The Corporation serviced $236.6 million and $225.8 million of SBA loans, as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Changes in the SBA loan servicing asset balance are summarized as follows:

Activity in the valuation allowance for SBA loan servicing assets was as follows:

The Corporation uses assumptions and estimates in determining the fair value of SBA loan servicing rights. These assumptions include prepayment speeds, discount rates, and other assumptions. The assumptions used in the valuation were based on input from buyers, brokers and other qualified personnel, as well as market knowledge. At March 31, 2024, the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Corporation’s SBA loan servicing rights included a lifetime constant prepayment rate equal to 15.21% and a discount rate equal to 13.93%. At December 31, 2023, the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Corporation’s SBA loan servicing rights included a lifetime constant prepayment rate equal to 14.70% and a discount rate equal to 14.66%.

The sensitivity of the current fair value of the SBA loan servicing rights to immediate 10% and 20% favorable and unfavorable changes in key economic assumptions are included in the following table.

The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance. As indicated, changes in fair value based on adverse changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of an adverse variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the SBA servicing rights is calculated without changing any other assumption; while in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in market interest rates may result in lower prepayments), which may magnify or counteract the effect of the change.

(8)Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

The Corporation uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Corporation’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

The fair value guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation techniques or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

In accordance with this guidance, the Corporation groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Valuation is based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. The valuation may be based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 – Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Securities

The fair value of securities available-for-sale (carried at fair value) and held to maturity (carried at amortized cost) are determined by matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

The fair value of loans held for sale is based on secondary market prices.

Mortgage Loans Held for Investment

The fair value of mortgage loans held for investment is based on the price secondary markets are currently offering for similar loans using observable market data.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The fair values of forward commitments and interest rate swaps are based on market pricing and therefore are considered Level 2. Derivatives classified as Level 3 consist of interest rate lock commitments related to mortgage loan commitments. The determination of fair value includes assumptions related to the likelihood that a commitment will ultimately result in a closed loan, which is a significant unobservable assumption. A significant increase or decrease in the external market price would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

The following table presents the fair value of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy at the dates indicated:

The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at the dates indicated:

(1) Individually evaluated loans are those in which the Corporation has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. The increase in individually evaluated commercial and industrial loans noted above was due to reassessing how we evaluate the impairment on a loan relationship to now be based on the fair value of collateral.

The following table details the valuation techniques for Level 3 individually evaluated loans.

Below is management’s estimate of the fair value of all financial instruments, whether carried at cost or fair value on the Corporation’s balance sheet. The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Corporation since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Corporation’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the Corporation’s financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and short-term instruments approximate those assets’ fair values.

Loans Receivable

The fair value of loans receivable is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market rates at the balance sheet date that reflect the credit and interest rate-risk inherent in the loans. Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal. Generally, for variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value below is reflective of an exit price.

Servicing Assets

The Corporation estimates the fair value of mortgage servicing rights and SBA loan servicing rights using discounted cash flow models that calculate the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The model uses readily available prepayment speed assumptions for the interest rates of the portfolios serviced. These servicing rights are classified within Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy based upon management’s assessment of the inputs. The Corporation reviews the servicing rights portfolios on a quarterly basis for impairment.

Individually Evaluated Loans

Individually evaluated loans are those in which the Corporation has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds. Non-real estate collateral may be valued using an appraisal, net book value per the borrower’s financial statements, or aging reports, adjusted or discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of the valuation, and management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. Individually evaluated loans are evaluated on a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted in accordance with the Allowance policy.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable

The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

Deposit Liabilities

The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and noninterest checking, passbook savings and money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Short-Term Borrowings

The carrying amounts of short-term borrowings approximate their fair values.

Long-Term Debt

Fair values of FHLB advances and the acquisition purchase note payable are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on quoted prices for new FHLB advances with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity. These prices obtained from this active market represent a market value that is deemed to represent the transfer price if the liability were assumed by a third party.

Subordinated Debt

Fair values of junior subordinated debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on market rates currently offered on such debt with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

Off-balance sheet instruments are primarily comprised of loan commitments, which are generally priced at market at the time of funding. Fees on commitments to extend credit and stand-by letters of credit are deemed to be immaterial and these instruments are expected to be settled at face value or expire unused. It is impractical to assign any fair value to these instruments and as a result they are not included in the table below. Fair values assigned to the notional value of interest rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts are based on market quotes.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The fair value of forward commitments and interest rate swaps is based on market pricing and therefore are considered Level 2. Derivatives classified as Level 3 consist of interest rate lock commitments related to mortgage loan commitments. The determination of fair value includes assumptions related to the likelihood that a commitment will ultimately result in a closed loan, which is a significant unobservable assumption. A significant increase or decrease in the external market price would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

The following table presents the estimated fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments at the dates indicated:

The following table includes a rollforward of interest rate lock commitments for which the Corporation utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated.

The following table details the valuation techniques for Level 3 interest rate lock commitments.

(9)Derivative Financial Instruments

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Corporation is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Corporation principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Corporation manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Corporation enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Corporation’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Corporation’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Corporation’s loan portfolio.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Corporation uses interest rate swap agreements to modify interest rate characteristics from variable to fixed or fixed to variable in order to reduce the impact of interest rate changes on future net interest income. The Corporation’s credit exposure on interest rate swaps includes changes in fair value and any collateral that is held by a third party.

In June 2023, the Corporation entered into three interest rate swaps classified as cash flow hedges with notional amounts of $25 million each, to hedge the interest payments received on short term borrowings. Under the terms of the three swap agreements, the Corporation pays average fixed rates of 4.070%,4.027% and 4.117%, and receives variable rates in return indexed to SOFR. The swaps mature between May, June, and December 2026. The Corporation performed an assessment of the hedge for effectiveness at the inception of the hedge and performs an assessment on a recurring basis and determined that the derivative currently is and is expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, approximately $749 thousand andzero respectively, net of tax, is recorded in total comprehensive income as unrealized gains. This amount could differ from amounts actually recognized due to changes in interest rates, hedge de-designations and the addition of other hedges subsequent to March 31, 2024. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the combined notional amount of the interest rate swaps was $75.0 million and $75.0 million and the fair value was an asset of $437 thousand and a liability of $539 thousand, respectively.

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

In connection with its mortgage banking activities, the Corporation enters into commitments to originate certain fixed rate residential mortgage loans for customers, also referred to as interest rate locks. In addition, the Corporation may enter into forward commitments for the future sales or purchases of mortgage-backed securities to or from third-party counterparties to hedge the effect of changes in interest rates on the values of both the interest rate locks and mortgage loans held for sale. Forward sales commitments may also be in the form of commitments to sell individual mortgage loans or interest rate locks at a fixed price at a future date. The amount necessary to settle each interest rate lock is based on the price that secondary market investors would pay for loans with similar characteristics, including interest rate and term, as of the date fair value is measured. Interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments are recorded within other assets/liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in fair values during the period recorded within net change in the fair value of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income.

Customer Derivatives – Interest Rate Swaps

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Corporation provides to certain customers to swap a fixed rate product for a variable rate product, or vice versa. The Corporation executes interest rate derivatives with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate derivatives are simultaneously hedged by offsetting derivatives that the Corporation executes with a third party, such that the Corporation minimizes its net interest rate risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate derivatives associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer derivatives and the offsetting derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.

The following table presents a summary of notional amounts and fair values of derivative financial instruments at the dates indicated:

Interest rate lock commitments are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, while the forward commitments and interest rate swaps are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

The following table presents a summary of the fair value gains and (losses) on derivative financial instruments:

Net realized losses on derivative hedging activities were $19 thousand and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are included in non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income.

(10)Segments

ASC Topic 280 – Segment Reporting identifies operating segments as components of an enterprise which are evaluated regularly by the Corporation’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, our Chief Executive Officer, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Corporation has applied the aggregation criterion set forth in this codification to the results of its operations.

Our Banking segment (“Bank”) consists of commercial and retail banking. The Banking segment generates interest income from its lending and investing activities and is dependent on the gathering of lower cost deposits from its branch network or borrowed funds from other sources for funding its loans, resulting in the generation of net interest income. The Banking segment also derives revenues from other sources including gains on the sale of available for sale investment securities, service charges on deposit accounts, cash sweep fees, overdraft fees, BOLI income, title insurance fees, and other less significant non-interest income.

Meridian Wealth (“Wealth”), a registered investment advisor and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank, provides a comprehensive array of wealth management services and products and the trusted guidance to help its clients and our banking customers prepare for the future. The unit generates non-interest income through advisory fees.

Meridian’s mortgage banking segment (“Mortgage”) consists of 8 loan production offices throughout suburban Philadelphia and Maryland. The Mortgage segment originates 1 – 4 family residential mortgages and sells nearly all of its production to third party investors. The unit generates net interest income on the loans it originates and holds temporarily, then earns fee income (primarily gain on sales) at the time of the sale. The unit also recognizes income from document preparation fees, changes in portfolio pipeline fair values and net hedging gains (losses), if any.

The table below summarizes income and expenses, directly attributable to each business line, which have been included in the statement of operations. Total assets for each segment is also provided.