Core Insights - Meridian Corporation reported a net income of $6.7 million for Q3 2025, representing a 19% increase from the previous quarter, driven by improved margins and strong loan growth [2][5][7] - The net interest margin rose to 3.77%, up from 3.20% in Q3 2024, reflecting a favorable interest rate environment and effective asset management [2][5][14] - Total assets remained stable at $2.5 billion, with a slight increase in portfolio loans and total deposits [20][21][22] Financial Performance - Net income for Q3 2025 was $6.7 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, up $1.1 million from the prior quarter [5][31] - Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) increased to $11.5 million, a 35% improvement from Q3 2024 [5][7] - The return on average assets and return on average equity were 1.04% and 14.42%, respectively, indicating strong profitability metrics [5][31] Loan and Deposit Growth - Commercial loans, excluding leases, increased by $54.2 million, or 3% from the prior quarter, with significant contributions from commercial and industrial segments [5][21] - Total deposits rose by $20.7 million, or 1.0%, led by an increase in interest-bearing deposits [22][24] Non-Interest Income and Expenses - Total non-interest income decreased by $1.3 million, or 11.8%, primarily due to a decline in SBA loan income and net gains on the sale of mortgage servicing rights [16][18] - Non-interest expenses increased slightly by $189 thousand, or 0.9%, with notable increases in salaries and employee benefits [19][21] Asset Quality - Non-performing loans rose to $55.4 million, with a ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increasing to 2.53% [25][26] - The provision for credit losses decreased to $2.9 million, reflecting improved asset quality management [15][27] Capital and Equity - Total stockholders' equity increased by $10 million to $188 million, supported by net income and stock issuance [24][32] - The Community Bank Leverage Ratio was reported at 9.41%, indicating a solid capital position [24][32]