Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 and Year-to-Date Financial Results

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: CBNA) (the "Company"), the holding company for Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"), today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2024 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

On October 3, 2024, the Company priced its initial public offering (the "IPO") of 1,850,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Class A Common Stock") at $22.00 per share. In connection with the IPO, the Company reclassified and converted each previously outstanding share of the Company's existing common stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Old Common Stock"), into 170 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Class B Common Stock") (the "Reclassification"). The Class A Common Stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on October 4, 2024, under the ticker symbol "CBNA." Shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of Class A Common Stock.

On October 7, 2024, the Company completed its IPO and received net proceeds of approximately $33.6 million. On October 10, 2024, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds to fully repay the $10.0 million outstanding principal balance on its unsecured line of credit with a correspondent bank.

Our financial statements, including earnings per share and book value per share, reflect the Reclassification retroactively. As a result, the financial statements as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2024 show no shares of Old Common Stock or Class A Common Stock outstanding, and 4,568,920 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding. Because the IPO occurred after September 30, 2024, the financial impacts are not included in the financial statements presented in this release.

Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights (Three Months Ended September 30, 2024):

• Consolidated Net Income: $7.5 million
  
  
• Earnings Per Share: $1.64 per basic and diluted common share outstanding
  
  
• Return on Average Equity: 29.90% (on an annualized basis)
  
  
• Return on Average Assets: 2.03% (on an annualized basis)
  
  
• Book Value Per Share: $22.95 compared to $20.57 at June 30, 2024, and $16.45 at September 30, 2023

Year-to-Date 2024 Financial Highlights (Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024):

• Consolidated Net Income: $17.2 million
  
  
• Earnings Per Share: $3.77 per basic and diluted common share outstanding
  
  
• Return on Average Equity: 25.00% (on an annualized basis)
  
  
• Return on Average Assets: 1.79% (on an annualized basis)

Financial Performance

The Company reported net income of $7.5 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $5.8 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. Earnings per share for the third quarter of 2024 were $1.64, compared to $1.27 for the second quarter of 2024 and $0.62 for the third quarter of 2023.

The increase in earnings during the third quarter of 2024 was primarily attributable to an increase in net interest income of $3.1 million over the second quarter of 2024, and $6.5 million over the third quarter of 2023. The rise in net interest income resulted from higher average interest-earning assets and an improvement in the net interest margin across both periods. Although non-interest income increased by $450 thousand over the second quarter of 2024 and by $1.9 million over the third quarter of 2023, these increases were offset by non-interest expense increases of $1.4 million over the second quarter of 2024 and $2.6 million over the third quarter of 2023.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $17.2 million, compared to $5.5 million for the same period in 2023. Earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were $3.77, compared to $1.21 for the same period in 2023.

The increase in earnings for the first nine months of 2024 reflects a $13.0 million increase in net interest income, driven by a $258.8 million increase in average interest-earning assets, compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, non-interest income rose $5.4 million compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to higher fee income from IntraFi Cash Service^® (ICS^®) One-Way Sell^® deposits. However, non-interest expenses increased $4.7 million, reflecting higher employment and professional services expenses associated with the Company's preparations to become a public company.

Book Value Per Share (BVPS)

As of September 30, 2024, book value per share (BVPS) was $22.95, reflecting the retroactive application of the Reclassification for comparability, compared to $20.57 at June 30, 2024 and $16.45 at September 30, 2023.

The quarter-over-quarter increase in BVPS was primarily driven by $7.5 million in retained earnings during the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, a $3.4 million reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss, largely due to improvements in the fair value of our available for sale bond portfolio, further contributed to BVPS growth.

The year-over-year increase in BVPS reflected a $20.6 million rise in retained earnings over the 12-month period and a $9.1 million reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $13.6 million, compared to $10.6 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $7.2 million in the third quarter of 2023. Income from interest-bearing deposits in other banks, primarily comprised of reserve balances at the Federal Reserve, drove the increase in net interest income to $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2024 from $4.9 million during the second quarter of 2024 and $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2023. Interest and dividends on securities also increased during the third quarter of 2024 to $3.9 million, from $3.2 million during the second quarter of 2024 and $3.0 million during the third quarter of 2023. The net interest margin, which is calculated as net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets and presented on an annualized basis, was 3.73% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 3.43% in the second quarter of 2024 and 2.78% in the third quarter of 2023.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net interest income totaled $33.0 million, compared to $20.0 million for the same period in 2023, with a net interest margin of 3.47% compared to 2.64% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The income from interest-bearing deposits increased during the nine month period to $15.6 million compared to $3.7 million during the same period in 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, interest and dividends on securities increased to $10.2 million from $9.3 million during the first nine months of 2023.

The rise in net interest income and net interest margin during both the third quarter of 2024 and the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was driven by growth in reserves held at the Federal Reserve and investments in securities, along with declining deposit costs. The increase in these earning asset segments was primarily driven by a rise in deposits from political organizations ahead of the November 2024 presidential election. The interest rate paid by the Federal Reserve on reserve balances increased from 5.15% to 5.40%, effective July 27, 2023, and decreased from 5.40% to 4.90%, effective September 19, 2024.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was $3.1 million, driven by $2.5 million in deposit placement services income which is fee income we earn on One-Way Sell^® deposits sold through the ICS^® network. Many of these deposits were sourced from political organizations. Other contributors to non-interest income included $376 thousand in service charges on deposit accounts and $243 thousand in trust and wealth management income. By comparison, non-interest income was $2.6 million for the second quarter of 2024, driven by $2.0 million in deposit placement services income, $321 thousand in service charges on accounts, and $239 thousand in trust and wealth management services income. Non-interest income was $1.2 million for the third quarter of 2023, driven by $859 thousand in deposit placement services income, $227 thousand in service charges on accounts, and $149 thousand in trust and wealth management income.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, non-interest income totaled $7.4 million, driven by $5.6 million in deposit placement services income, $1.0 million in service charges on accounts, and $669 thousand in trust and wealth management income.  This compares to $1.9 million in non-interest income for the same period in 2023, driven by $1.1 million in deposit placement services income, $651 thousand in service charges on account, and $407 thousand in trust and wealth management income.

Non-Interest Expenses

Total non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2024 was $7.4 million, compared to $6.0 million in the second quarter of 2024 and $4.9 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher salaries and employee benefit costs, and an increase in professional service fees associated with the Company's preparation for becoming a public company.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, total non-interest expenses were $19.2 million, compared to $14.4 million in the same period in 2023.  The change was primarily driven by increased salaries and employee benefits, which totaled $11.6 million during the period, and increased professional services expenses, which increased to $2.2 million primarily on account of the increased professional service fees.

Balance Sheet & Related Highlights

As of September 30, 2024:

• Total assets were $1.6 billion, compared to $1.4 billion as of June 30, 2024, and $1.2 billion as of September 30, 2023.
  
  
• Total deposits were $1.4 billion, compared to $1.3 billion as of June 30, 2024, and $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2023.
  
  
• Total ICS^® One-Way Sell^® deposits were $432.3 million, compared to $499.2 million as of June 30, 2024, and $106.3 million as of September 30, 2023.
  
  
• Interest-bearing reserves held at the Federal Reserve were $627.0 million, compared to $471.2 million as of June 30, 2024 and $246.4 million as of September 30, 2023.
  
  
• The loan-to-deposit ratio was 20.92%, compared to 23.42% as of June 30, 2024, and 29.15% as of September 30, 2023.
  
  
• The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets remained at 0.00%, unchanged from June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023.

Capital and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2024, the Company's liquidity ratio was 85.31%, compared to 82.64% at June 30, 2024 and 76.28% at September 30, 2023. The liquidity ratio is calculated as the sum of cash and cash equivalents plus unpledged securities classified as investment grade, divided by total liabilities. 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company's tangible common equity to tangible total assets ratio was 6.74%, compared to 6.66% at June 30, 2024 and 6.53% at September 30, 2023. The ratio of tangible common equity to tangible total assets is calculated in accordance with GAAP and represents the ratio of common equity to total assets. The Company did not have any intangible assets or goodwill for the periods presented.

As of September 30, 2024, the Company's Tier 1 leverage ratio was 7.59%, and the Company's Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio stood at 28.17%. The Company's total risk-based capital ratio was 29.29%. This compares to June 30, 2024 when the Tier 1 leverage ratio was 8.30%, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 26.27% and the total risk-based capital ratio 27.42%. At September 30, 2023 the Tier 1 leverage ratio stood at 8.75%, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 21.81% and the total risk-based capital ratio 22.95%.

Trust & Wealth Department

As of September 30, 2024, the Bank's Trust & Wealth Department oversaw total assets under administration (AUA) of $384.0 million, consisting of $111.2 million in assets under management (AUM) and $272.8 million in assets under custody (AUC). This compares to AUA of $364.0 million as of June 30, 2024, which consisted of $98.0 million in AUM and $266.0 million in AUC. As of September 30, 2023, AUA totaled $185.8 million, with $70.9 million in AUM and $114.9 million in AUC. Trust and wealth management income was $243 thousand in the third quarter of 2024, compared to $239 thousand in the second quarter of 2024 and $149 thousand in the third quarter of 2023.

Seasonal Deposit Trends and Outlook

As of September 30, 2024, the Bank maintained elevated deposit levels ahead of the November 2024 federal elections. We estimate that at least a majority of our deposit balances as of September 30, 2024 were sourced from political organizations. Deposits from political organizations are currently experiencing outflows, which we expect to continue through the end of the fourth quarter of 2024 and into early 2025, as the 2024 election cycle concludes. The outflows to date have been consistent with the seasonal patterns we have historically observed during federal election cycles. Historically, deposits from political organizations have typically increased in the periods leading up to federal elections and declined in the quarters during and after federal elections. The amount and timing of these deposit inflows and outflows are difficult to predict and may differ from historical patterns.

About Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc.:

Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the registered bank holding company for Chain Bridge Bank, National Association. Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc. is regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Chain Bridge Bank, National Association is a national banking association, chartered under the National Bank Act, and is subject to primary regulation, supervision, and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Chain Bridge Bank, National Association is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and provides banking, trust, and wealth management services. For more information, please visit our investor relations website at https://ir.chainbridgebank.com.

Media Contact:
Richard G. Danker
Senior Vice President - Communications
Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc.
[email protected]
703-748-3423

Investor Relations Contact:
Rachel G. Miller
Senior Vice President, Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc.
[email protected]
703-748-3427

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business strategy, and statements related to the level and composition of our deposits, including our ability to attract and retain, and the seasonality of, client deposits and, the amount and timing of deposit outflows through the end of the fourth quarter of 2024 and into early 2025. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology and expressions. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements presented herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions, new information, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (i) changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies of, and other activities undertaken by, governments, agencies, central banks and similar organizations, including the effects of United States federal government spending; (ii) the level of, or changes in the level of, interest rates and inflation, including the effects on our net interest income, non-interest income, and the market value of our investment and loan portfolios; (iii) the level and composition of our deposits, including our ability to attract and retain, and the seasonality of, client deposits, including those in the ICS^® network, as well as the amount and timing of deposit outflows through the end of the fourth quarter of 2024 and into early 2025; (iv) the level and composition of our loan portfolio, including our ability to maintain the credit quality of our loan portfolio; (v) current and future business, economic and market conditions in the United States generally or in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in particular; (vi) the effects of disruptions or instability in the financial system, including as a result of the failure of a financial institution or other participants in it, or geopolitical instability, including war, terrorist attacks, pandemics and man-made and natural disasters; (vii) the impact of, and changes, in applicable laws, regulations, regulatory expectations and accounting standards and policies; (viii) our likelihood of success in, and the impact of, legal, regulatory or other actions, investigations or proceedings related to our business; (ix) adverse publicity or reputational harm to us, our senior officers, directors, employees or clients; (x) our ability to effectively execute our growth plans or other initiatives; (xi) changes in demand for our products and services; (xii) our levels of, and access to, sources of liquidity and capital; (xiii) the ability to attract and retain essential personnel or changes in our essential personnel; (xiv) our ability to effectively compete with banks, nonbank financial institutions, and financial technology firms and the effects of competition in the financial services industry on our business; (xv) the effectiveness of our risk management and internal disclosure controls and procedures; (xvi) any failure or interruption of our information and technology systems, including any components provided by a third party; (xvii) our ability to identify and address cybersecurity threats and breaches; (xviii) our ability to keep pace with technological changes; (xix) our ability to receive dividends from the Bank and satisfy our obligations as they become due; (xx) the one-time and incremental costs of operating as a public company; (xxi) our ability to meet our obligations as a public company, including our obligation under Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley; and (xxii) the effect of our dual-class structure and the concentrated ownership of our Class B common stock, including beneficial ownership of our shares by members of the Fitzgerald Family.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this press release primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including the risks described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent Registration Statement on Form S-1, available at the Securities and Exchange Commission's website (www.sec.gov).

The following tables show the average outstanding balance of each principal category of our assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity, together with the average yields on our assets and the average costs of our liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costs are calculated by dividing the annualized income or expense by the average daily balances of the corresponding assets or liabilities for the same period.

SOURCE Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc.