Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

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 fourth quarter of 2024 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

Peter G. Fitzgerald, Chairman of Chain Bridge Bancorp, Inc., commented:

"The fourth quarter of 2024 included our initial public offering in October 2024, the first by a U.S. banking institution in over two years. This milestone reflects our focus on liquidity, asset quality, and financial strength. As we begin 2025, we remain focused on executing our strategy and serving our stockholders."

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights (Three Months Ended December 31, 2024):

• Consolidated Net Income: $3.7 million

• Earnings Per Share: $0.59 per basic and diluted common share outstanding

• Return on Average Equity: 10.48% (on an annualized basis)

• Return on Average Assets: 1.13% (on an annualized basis)

• Book Value Per Share: $21.98

Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights (Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024):

• Consolidated Net Income: $20.9 million

• Earnings Per Share: $4.17 per basic and diluted common share outstanding

• Return on Average Equity: 20.05%

• Return on Average Assets: 1.62%

Financial Performance

For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $3.7 million, compared to $7.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and $3.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Earnings per share was $0.59 for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to $1.64 for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 and $0.73 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

The Company's consolidated total deposits were $1.2 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.4 billion at September 30, 2024. IntraFi Cash Service^® (ICS^®) One-Way Sell^® deposits were $63.3 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $432.3 million at September 30, 2024. These changes reflect deposit outflows from political organizations following the 2024 federal election, consistent with historical trends during election cycles. During the quarter, the Bank converted certain One-Way Sell^® deposits into a reciprocal deposits, which are included on the consolidated balance sheet.

Net income was $3.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, compared to the $7.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. The change was primarily due to a $2.3 million decrease in net interest income and a $1.9 million decrease in noninterest income. The change in net interest income was attributable to lower average interest-earning assets and a decrease in the Federal Reserve's interest rate paid on reserve balances. The change in noninterest income was attributable to lower deposit placement services revenue from One-Way Sell^® deposits balances.

Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, was $426 thousand higher compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2023. This difference was due to a $3.6 million increase in net interest income, driven by higher average interest-earning asset balances and net interest margin, partially offset by a $2.6 million increase in noninterest expenses.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $20.9 million, compared to $8.8 million for the same period in 2023. Return on average equity was 20.05% for 2024, compared to 11.90% for 2023. Earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $4.17, compared to $1.93 for 2023.

The 2024 earnings increase compared to 2023 was primarily due to three factors: a $16.6 million increase in net interest income, resulting from a $255.1 million increase in average interest-earning assets; a $5.3 million rise in noninterest income, reflecting higher deposit placement services income from One-Way Sell^® deposits; and, offsetting these factors, a $7.4 million increase in noninterest expenses, reflecting higher employment and professional services expenses associated with the Company's preparations for, and ongoing operation as, a public company. The higher earnings in 2024 resulted in a $3.2 million increase in income tax expense compared to 2023.

Book Value Per Share

As of December 31, 2024, book value per share ("BVPS") was $21.98, compared to $22.95 at September 30, 2024 and $18.26 at December 31, 2023.

During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company completed its initial public offering ("IPO") of Class A common stock. On October 7, 2024, the Company issued 1,850,000 shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price of $22.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds of $33.6 million after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses, including legal fees, audit fees, and listing fees. On November 1, 2024, the Company issued an additional 142,897 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the partial exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option, which generated an additional $2.9 million in net proceeds. In total, the IPO and over-allotment exercise provided $36.5 million in net proceeds to the Company.

Stockholders' equity at December 31, 2024 was $39.4 million higher than at September 30, 2024 on account of fourth quarter 2024 earnings and net proceeds from the IPO. However, an increase in the number of shares outstanding following the IPO drove a quarter-over-quarter decrease in BVPS.

The year-over-year increase in BVPS was a result of a $20.9 million rise in retained earnings over the 12-month period, the net proceeds from the IPO and over-allotment exercise, and a $3.3 million reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to improvements in the fair value of available-for-sale investment securities.

Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $11.4 million, compared to $13.6 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $7.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The net interest margin, calculated as annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets, was 3.46% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 3.73% in the third quarter of 2024 and 2.90% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The $2.3 million change in net interest income from the third quarter of 2024 was driven by a reduction in income from interest-bearing deposits in other banks, primarily reserves held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, which decreased to $5.3 million in the fourth quarter from $7.4 million in the third quarter. This reduction resulted from both a decrease in cash balances following political organization deposit outflows and decreases in the Federal Reserve's interest rate paid on reserve balances. These decreases were partially offset by lower interest expenses on short-term borrowings, following the Company's repayment of these borrowings during the fourth quarter.

Compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, net interest income increased by $3.6 million, primarily reflecting higher income from interest-bearing deposits in other banks, which were $5.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Higher average yields on taxable securities and loans also contributed to the increase in net interest income during this period.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, net interest income totaled $44.4 million, compared to $27.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, resulting in a net interest margin of 3.46%, compared to 2.70% for 2023. Interest income from deposits held at other banks was $20.8 million, compared to $6.1 million during 2023, and interest and dividends on securities were $13.5 million, compared to $12.3 million in 2023.

Net interest income and net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2024 reflected higher levels of reserves held at the Federal Reserve, higher yields earned on securities, and lower costs of funds. Changes in interest-earning assets primarily resulted from an inflow of political organizations deposits in the months leading up to the November 2024 federal election, followed by an anticipated outflow, reflecting expected election-related seasonality. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was higher in 2024 compared to 2023. However, the overall cost of funds, which includes interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing liabilities, was 0.31% for 2024, compared to 0.42% for 2023. The decrease in the cost of funds reflected a higher proportion of noninterest-bearing demand deposits in 2024.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $1.2 million, compared to $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $1.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Fourth quarter 2024 deposit placement services income from One-Way Sell^® deposits through the ICS^® network was $582 thousand, compared to $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $868 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2023. The changes in deposit placement services income reflect the change in the Bank's political organization deposit base, including those positioned as One-Way Sell^® in the ICS^® network, related to seasonal patterns observed surrounding the federal election cycle. Service charges on accounts, which are impacted by political deposit transaction activities, were $397 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $376 thousand in the third quarter of 2024, and $267 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2023.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, noninterest income totaled $8.6 million, consisting of $6.2 million in deposit placement services income, $1.4 million in service charges on accounts, and $907 thousand in trust and wealth management income. For the year ended December 31, 2023, noninterest income totaled $3.3 million, consisting of $2.0 million in deposit placement services income, $918 thousand in service charges on accounts, and $565 thousand in trust and wealth management income. The Bank's political organization deposit base and One-Way Sell^® deposits through the ICS^® network reflected growth related to the November 2024 federal elections.

Noninterest Expenses

Total noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $7.7 million, compared to $7.4 million in the third quarter of 2024 and $5.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase in noninterest expense during the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to third quarter 2024 was driven by higher employment and insurance costs associated with the Company's transition to a public company. This increase was partially offset by a decline in professional services expenses, which were elevated preceding the IPO. The increase in noninterest expense compared to fourth quarter 2023 was primarily attributable to higher salaries, as well as increased data processing and communication expenses. Additionally, professional services and insurance expenses increased to support the operational requirements of a public company.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, total noninterest expense was $26.8 million, compared to $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by increased salaries and employee benefits, which totaled $15.9 million during the year, and increased professional services expenses of $3.2 million. The rise in professional service expenses was primarily due to legal, consulting, and accounting fees associated with the Company's preparation for becoming, and ongoing operation as, a public company.

Balance Sheet & Related Highlights

As of December 31, 2024:

• Total assets were $1.4 billion, compared to $1.6 billion as of September 30, 2024, and $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2023.

• Total deposits were $1.2 billion, compared to $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, and $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2023.

• Total ICS^® One-Way Sell^® deposits were $63.3 million, compared to $432.3 million as of September 30, 2024, and $130.1 million as of December 31, 2023.

• Interest-bearing reserves held at the Federal Reserve were $406.7 million, compared to $627.0 million as of September 30, 2024 and $309.8 million as of December 31, 2023.

• The loan-to-deposit ratio was 25.09% compared to 20.92% as of September 30, 2024, and 27.35% as of December 31, 2023.

• The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets remained at 0.00%, unchanged from September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Liquidity

As of December 31 2024, the Company's liquidity ratio was 85.13%, compared to 85.31% at September 30, 2024 and 78.75% at December 31, 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. Cash, cash equivalents, and unpledged securities totaled $1.1 billion, $1.2 billion and $883.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Capital

As of December 31, 2024, the Company's tangible common equity to tangible total assets ratio was 10.30%, compared to 6.74% at September 30, 2024 and 6.92% at December 31, 2023. The ratio, calculated in accordance with GAAP, represents the ratio of common equity to total assets. The Company did not have any intangible assets or goodwill for the periods presented. The year-end increase in this ratio reflects additional equity provided by the net proceeds raised through the IPO and the subsequent partial exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option, along with a decline in the Company's asset base following the 2024 federal election cycle.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company reported a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.48%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 38.12%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 39.30%. As of September 30, 2024, the Company reported a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 7.59%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 28.17% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 29.29%. As of December 31, 2023, the Company's Tier 1 leverage ratio stood at 8.77%, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio at 23.12% and the total risk-based capital ratio at 24.26%. The increases as of December 31, 2024, reflect the Company's additional equity raised through the IPO and the subsequent partial exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.

Trust & Wealth Department

As of December 31, 2024, the Trust & Wealth Department oversaw total assets under administration ("AUA"), a measure that includes both managed and custodial assets, of $330.3 million, consisting of $126.8 million in assets under management ("AUM") and $203.5 million in assets under custody ("AUC"). This compares to AUA of $384.0 million as of September 30, 2024, which consisted of $111.2 million in AUM and $272.8 million in AUC. The decline in AUA quarter-over-quarter was due to outflow of funds from political organizations which had placed funds in custody accounts with the Trust & Wealth Department ahead of the November 2024 federal election. AUA are not captured on the balance sheet. AUM, which excludes custody accounts, increased quarter-over-quarter.

As of December 31, 2023, AUA totaled $240.1 million, with $74.4 million in AUM and $165.7 million in AUC. Trust and wealth management income was $238 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $243 thousand in the third quarter of 2024 and $158 thousand in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Political Deposit Trends

As of December 31, 2024, total deposits were $1.2 billion compared to $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2024, and ICS^® One-Way Sell^® deposits were $63.3 million as of December 31, 2024 compared to $432.3 million as of September 30, 2024. The decline in total deposits reflects seasonal outflows from political organizations following the 2024 federal election cycle, a pattern generally consistent with prior federal election cycles, partially offset by the conversion of $130.3 million of ICS^® One-Way Sell^® deposits to reciprocal deposits. The reduction in ICS^® One-Way Sell^® deposits was driven by client-directed outflows, consistent with typical seasonal election-related trends, and the conversion of $130.3 million of ICS^® One-Way Sell^® deposits to reciprocal deposits.

Historically, deposits from political organizations increase in the periods leading up to federal elections followed by a decline around the elections. Election outcomes may also impact the timing and scale of deposit inflows or outflows from political organizations, and this cycle was no exception. The results of the November 2024 election created opportunities for new post-election accounts and fundraising activities by certain of our political organization clients, which have led to some deposit inflows. However, the precise pace and scale of future deposit inflows and outflows remain uncertain and may deviate from historical patterns. External factors, including our political organization clients' fundraising and disbursement activities, contribute to this uncertainty.

Additionally, deposits at year-end include funds related to post-election activities and events. These funds have historically been temporary in nature and may be subject to outflows in the coming months. The amount and timing of such movements remain uncertain and are difficult to predict.

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.

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. 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 or 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, noninterest 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 inflows and outflows into early 2025; (iv) our political organization clients' fundraising and disbursement activities; (v) the level and composition of our loan portfolio, including our ability to maintain the credit quality of our loan portfolio; (vi) current and future business, economic and market conditions in the United States generally or in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in particular; (vii) 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; (viii) the impact of, and changes, in applicable laws, regulations, regulatory expectations and accounting standards and policies; (ix) our likelihood of success in, and the impact of, legal, regulatory or other actions, investigations or proceedings related to our business; (x) adverse publicity or reputational harm to us, our senior officers, directors, employees or clients; (xi) our ability to effectively execute our growth plans or other initiatives; (xii) changes in demand for our products and services; (xiii) our levels of, and access to, sources of liquidity and capital; (xiv) the ability to attract and retain essential personnel or changes in our essential personnel; (xv) 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; (xvi) the effectiveness of our risk management and internal disclosure controls and procedures; (xvii) any failure or interruption of our information and technology systems, including any components provided by a third party; (xviii) our ability to identify and address cybersecurity threats and breaches; (xix) our ability to keep pace with technological changes; (xx) our ability to receive dividends from the Bank and satisfy our obligations as they become due; (xxi) the one-time and incremental costs of operating as a public company; (xxii) our ability to meet our obligations as a public company, including our obligation under Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley; and (xxiii) 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.

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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