Horizon Bancorp, Inc. Reports Solid First Quarter 2024 Results Including EPS of $0.32, Net Interest Margin Expansion, Loan Growth and Well-Managed Operating Expenses


MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., April 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) – Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (“Horizon” or the “Company”), the parent company of Horizon Bank (the “Bank”), announced its unaudited financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $14.0 million, or $0.32 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $25.2 million, or $0.58, in the linked fourth quarter of 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recognized a net loss on the sale of securities of $31.6 million and the tax effect of the surrender of bank owned life insurance of $8.6 million.

“We are very pleased with our positive first quarter results which included a second consecutive quarter of margin and net interest income expansion. Throughout the quarter, we began to strategically leverage our excess liquidity into higher yielding commercial, equipment finance, residential and consumer loan portfolios. These activities were complimented by the resiliency of our deposit portfolio both in terms of balances and cost,” President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Prame said. “Horizon's first quarter earnings not only reflect continued improvement in our margin, but highlights our disciplined approach to expenses and positive credit metrics through our active portfolio management and conservative lending approach. Even with the current economic outlook of higher rates for longer, we feel confident in our ability to continue to improve our net interest margin and the financial performance of the organization moving forward. We are encouraged by the positive momentum across our diversified operating model and we are experiencing consistent growth in our relationship banking platforms in our local markets. The team had a solid start to the year, and we feel optimistic about our trajectory as we move into the second quarter.”

First Quarter 2024 Highlights

  • Net interest margin increased to 2.50% compared to 2.43% in the linked quarter. Net interest income was $43.3 million compared to $42.3 million in the linked quarter. The net interest margin for the month ended March 31, 2024 was 2.53%.

  • Commercial loans grew 11.2% annualized in the quarter, including $22.8 million in new equipment finance production and a $52.0 million increase in other commercial loans.

  • Total loans were $4.62 billion at period end, increasing by 18.2% annualized during the quarter. Balances included the strategic deployment of excess liquidity into higher yielding and excellent credit quality residential mortgages of $94.7 million and consumer loans with credit protection of $59.1 million.

  • Cash totaled $271.1 million at period end, providing significant flexibility to drive future net interest margin growth through deployment into higher yielding assets throughout 2024.

  • Excellent asset quality with net charge-offs representing only 0.01% of average loans, as well as delinquent and non-performing loans representing 0.33% and 0.41%, respectively, at period end. The Company's first quarter credit loss expense of $805,000 was primarily attributable to loan growth and replacement of net charge-offs.

  • Stable deposit base with continued pricing discipline. Deposits totaled $5.58 billion at quarter end, compared to $5.66 billion on December 31, 2023. Modest outflows were primarily attributed to public fund certificates of deposits.

  • Solid fee income results, even with backdrop of lower BOLI income and mortgage seasonality. Expenses were well-managed in the quarter and at the lower end of guidance.

Summary

  For the Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, March 31,
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin  2024   2023   2023 
Net interest income $43,288  $42,257  $45,237 
Net interest margin  2.50%  2.43%  2.67%
Adjusted net interest margin  2.50%  2.42%  2.65%
             


  For the Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, March 31,
Asset Yields and Funding Costs 2024 2023 2023
Interest earning assets 4.82% 4.69% 4.17%
Interest bearing liabilities 2.84% 2.74% 1.85%
          


  For the Three Months Ended
Non-interest Income and  March 31, December 31, March 31,
Mortgage Banking Income 2024  2023  2023
Total non–interest income $9,929 $(20,449) $9,620
Gain on sale of mortgage loans  626  951   785
Mortgage servicing income net of impairment  439  724   713
           


  For the Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, March 31,
Non-interest Expense  2024   2023   2023 
Total non–interest expense $37,107  $39,330  $34,524 
Annualized non–interest expense to average assets  1.90%  1.98%  1.79%
             


  For the Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, March 31,
Credit Quality 2024 2023 2023
Allowance for credit losses to total loans 1.09% 1.13% 1.17%
Non–performing loans to total loans 0.41% 0.46% 0.47%
Percent of net charge–offs to average loans outstanding for the period 0.01% 0.02% 0.01%
          


  March 31, Net Reserve December 31,
Allowance for Credit Losses  2024  1Q24  2023 
Commercial $30,514  $778  $29,736 
Retail Mortgage  2,655   152   2,503 
Warehouse  659   178   481 
Consumer  16,559   (750)  17,309 
Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) $50,387  $358  $50,029 
ACL / Total Loans  1.09%    1.13%
Acquired Loan Discount (“ALD”) $4,660  $(130) $4,790 
             

Income Statement Highlights

Net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $14.0 million, or $0.32 diluted earnings per share. The Company reported a net loss of $25.2 million, or $0.58, for the linked quarter and net income of $18.2 million, or $0.42, for the prior year period. The linked quarter net loss was due primarily to a $31.6 million net loss on the sale of securities resulting from the balance sheet restructuring which occurred in December 2023, income tax expense from the early surrender of bank owned life insurance, extraordinary non-interest expenses associated with staffing changes, the launch of Horizon Equipment Finance and the expansion of the Bank's treasury management capabilities. The change in net income for the first quarter of 2024 when compared to the linked quarter, also reflects growth in net-interest income of $1.0 million and decreases in credit loss expense of $469,000, income tax expense of $5.1 million and non-interest expense of $2.2 million.

Net interest income was $43.3 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $42.3 million in the linked quarter.

Total non–interest income was $9.9 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to negative $20.4 million in the linked quarter when the Company recorded a $31.6 million pre-tax loss on the sale of investment securities associated with the balance sheet restructuring which occurred in December 2023.

Total non–interest expense was $2.2 million lower in the first quarter of 2024 when compared to the linked quarter, primarily due to decreases of $1.6 million in salaries and employee benefits, $626,000 in loan expense, $492,000 in other losses, and $478,000 in data processing, partially offset by increases of $965,000 in outside services and consultants, $286,000 in net occupancy expenses, and $120,000 in FDIC insurance expense.

Horizon's effective tax rate was 8.6% for the first quarter of 2024, with income tax expense of $1.3 million which is $5.1 million lower than the linked quarter when the Company recorded income tax associated with the surrender of bank owned life insurance.

Net Interest Margin

Horizon’s net interest margin (“NIM”) was 2.50% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 2.43% for the fourth quarter of 2023.

Net interest margin, excluding acquisition–related purchase accounting adjustments (“adjusted net interest margin”), was 2.50% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 2.42% for the linked quarter. (See the “Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Interest Margin” table below).

Lending Activity

Total loan balances and loans held for sale increased to $4.62 billion on March 31, 2024 compared to $4.42 billion on December 31, 2023. Balances at the end of the first quarter of 2024 included deployment of surplus liquidity into $59.1 million in consumer loans with credit protections and $94.7 million in residential mortgages. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, commercial loans grew organically by $74.8 million, including $22.8 million in equipment finance production. During the first quarter of 2024, consumer loans increased $13.3 million, residential mortgage loans increased $100.9 million, and mortgage warehouse loans increased $11.5 million, offset by a decrease in loans held for sale of $496,000.

Loan Growth by Type
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
  March 31, December 31, QTD QTD Annualized
   2024  2023 $ Change % Change % Change
Commercial $2,749,766 $2,674,960 $74,806  2.8% 11.2%
Residential mortgage  782,070  681,136  100,934  14.8% 59.6%
Mortgage warehouse  56,549  45,078  11,471  25.4% 102.3%
Consumer  1,029,790  1,016,456  13,334  1.3% 5.3%
Total loans  4,618,175  4,417,630  200,545  4.3% 18.3%
Loans held for sale  922  1,418  (496) (35.0)% (140.7)%
Total loans and loans held for sale $4,619,097 $4,419,048 $200,049  4.3% 18.2%
                 

Deposit Activity

Total deposit balances of $5.58 billion on March 31, 2024 decreased 1.50% compared to $5.66 billion on December 31, 2023.

The deposit mix at the end of the first quarter of 2024 represented the demand for clients to earn more interest on their excess funds and seasonal fluctuation of commercial balances for taxes and distributions. The Bank's tenured and granular core deposit relationships remain steadfast, reflecting the value of Horizon's relationship banking model and local community engagement.

Deposit Growth by Type
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
 March 31, December 31, QTD QTD Annualized
 2024 2023 $ Change % Change % Change
Non–interest bearing$1,093,076 $1,116,005 $(22,929) (2.1)% (8.3)%
Interest bearing 3,350,673  3,369,149  (18,476) (0.5)% (2.2)%
Time deposits 1,136,121  1,179,739  (43,618) (3.7)% (14.9)%
Total deposits$5,579,870 $5,664,893 $(85,023) (1.5)% (6.0)%
                

Capital

The capital resources of the Company and the Bank continued to exceed regulatory capital ratios for “well capitalized” banks at March 31, 2024. Stockholders’ equity totaled $721.3 million at March 31, 2024, and the ratio of average stockholders’ equity to average assets was 9.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Tangible book value, which excludes intangible assets from total equity, per common share (“TBVPS”) was $12.65, increasing $0.05 during the first quarter of 2024. Tangible common equity increased to 7.20% of tangible assets as of March 31, 2024, an increase of 11 basis points during the quarter.

The following table presents the actual regulatory capital dollar amounts and ratios of the Company and the Bank as of March 31, 2024.

  Actual Required for Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 Required for Capital
Adequacy Purposes
with Capital Buffer
 Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action Provisions
  $ Ratio $ Ratio $ Ratio $ Ratio
Total capital (to risk–weighted assets)                
Consolidated $793,832 13.82% $459,403 8.00% $602,967 10.50% N/A N/A
Bank  721,280 12.59%  458,163 8.00%  601,338 10.50% $572,703 10.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk–weighted assets)                
Consolidated  742,695 12.93%  344,553 6.00%  488,116 8.50% N/A N/A
Bank  670,143 11.70%  343,622 6.00%  486,798 8.50%  458,163 8.00%
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk–weighted assets)                
Consolidated  625,965 10.90%  258,414 4.50%  401,978 7.00% N/A N/A
Bank  670,143 11.70%  257,716 4.50%  400,892 7.00%  372,257 6.50%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)                
Consolidated  742,695 9.68%  306,779 4.00%  306,779 4.00% N/A N/A
Bank  670,143 8.63%  310,602 4.00%  310,602 4.00%  388,253 5.00%
                         

Liquidity

The Bank maintains a stable base of core deposits provided by long–standing and new relationships with individuals and local businesses. These deposits are the principal source of liquidity for Horizon. Other sources of liquidity for Horizon include earnings, loan repayments, investment security cash flows, proceeds from the sale of residential mortgage loans, unpledged investment securities and borrowing relationships with correspondent banks, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (the “FHLB”). On March 31, 2024, in addition to liquidity available from the normal operating, funding, and investing activities of Horizon, the Bank had approximately $1.56 billion in unused credit lines with various money center banks, including the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank. The Bank had approximately $581.1 million of unpledged investment securities on March 31, 2024.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward–looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “Horizon”). For these statements, Horizon claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward–looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this press release should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about Horizon, including the information in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Forward–looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward–looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward–looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include: current financial conditions within the banking industry, including the effects of recent failures of other financial institutions, liquidity levels, and responses by the Federal Reserve, Department of the Treasury, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to address these issues; changes in the level and volatility of interest rates, changes in spreads on earning assets and changes in interest bearing liabilities; increased interest rate sensitivity; the ability of Horizon to remediate its material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting; continuing increases in inflation; loss of key Horizon personnel; increases in disintermediation; potential loss of fee income, including interchange fees, as new and emerging alternative payment platforms take a greater market share of the payment systems; estimates of fair value of certain of Horizon’s assets and liabilities; changes in prepayment speeds, loan originations, credit losses, market values, collateral securing loans and other assets; changes in sources of liquidity; economic conditions and their impact on Horizon and its customers, including local and global economic recovery from the pandemic; legislative and regulatory actions and reforms; changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be adopted and required by regulatory agencies; litigation, regulatory enforcement, and legal compliance risk and costs; rapid technological developments and changes; cyber terrorism and data security breaches; the rising costs of cybersecurity; the ability of the U.S. federal government to manage federal debt limits; climate change and social justice initiatives; the inability to realize cost savings or revenues or to effectively implement integration plans and other consequences associated with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; acts of terrorism, war and global conflicts, such as the Russia and Ukraine conflict and the Israel and Hamas conflict; and supply chain disruptions and delays. These and additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward–looking statements are discussed in Horizon’s reports (such as the Annual Report on Form 10–K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10–Q, and Current Reports on Form 8–K) filed with the SEC and available at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward–looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Horizon does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to update any forward–looking statement to reflect the events or circumstances after the date on which the forward–looking statement is made, or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.

Financial Highlights
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
   
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
  2024 2023 2023 2023 2023
Balance sheet:          
Total assets $7,855,707 $7,931,195 $7,959,434 $7,963,353 $7,897,995
Interest earning deposits & federal funds sold  170,882  413,744  76,293  119,637  30,221
Interest earning time deposits  1,715  2,205  2,207  2,452  3,098
Investment securities  2,461,044  2,492,889  2,831,651  2,889,309  2,958,978
Commercial loans  2,749,766  2,674,960  2,589,244  2,506,279  2,505,459
Mortgage warehouse loans  56,549  45,078  65,923  82,345  52,957
Residential mortgage loans  782,070  681,136  675,399  674,751  662,459
Consumer loans  1,029,790  1,016,456  1,028,436  1,002,885  1,026,076
Total loans  4,618,175  4,417,630  4,359,002  4,266,260  4,246,951
Earning assets  7,306,564  7,362,395  7,306,490  7,319,100  7,273,921
Non–interest bearing deposit accounts  1,093,076  1,116,005  1,126,703  1,170,055  1,231,845
Interest bearing transaction accounts  3,350,673  3,369,149  3,322,788  3,289,474  3,402,525
Time deposits  1,136,121  1,179,739  1,250,606  1,249,803  1,067,575
Total deposits  5,579,870  5,664,893  5,700,097  5,709,332  5,701,945
Borrowings  1,359,121  1,353,050  1,356,510  1,352,039  1,311,927
Subordinated notes  55,634  55,543  59,007  58,970  58,933
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts  57,315  57,258  57,201  57,143  57,087
Total stockholders’ equity  721,250  718,812  693,369  709,243  702,559
                


Financial Highlights
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data and Ratios, Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Income statement:          
Net interest income $43,288  $42,257  $42,090  $46,160  $45,237 
Credit loss expense (recovery)  805   1,274   263   680   242 
Non–interest income  9,929   (20,449)  11,830   10,997   9,620 
Non–interest expense  37,107   39,330   36,168   36,262   34,524 
Income tax expense  1,314   6,419   1,284   1,452   1,863 
Net income $13,991  $(25,215) $16,205  $18,763  $18,228 
           
Per share data:          
Basic earnings per share $0.32  $(0.58) $0.37  $0.43  $0.42 
Diluted earnings per share  0.32   (0.58)  0.37   0.43   0.42 
Cash dividends declared per common share  0.16   0.16   0.16   0.16   0.16 
Book value per common share  16.49   16.47   15.89   16.25   16.11 
Tangible book value per common share  12.65   12.60   12.00   12.34   12.17 
Market value – high  14.44   14.65   12.68   11.10   16.32 
Market value – low $11.75  $9.33  $9.90  $7.75  $10.31 
Weighted average shares outstanding – Basis  43,663,610   43,649,585   43,646,609   43,639,987   43,583,554 
Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted  43,874,036   43,649,585   43,796,069   43,742,588   43,744,721 
           
Key ratios:          
Return on average assets  0.72% (1.27)        %  0.81%  0.96%  0.94%
Return on average common stockholders’ equity  7.76   (14.23)  8.99   10.59   10.66 
Net interest margin  2.50   2.43   2.41   2.69   2.67 
Allowance for credit losses to total loans  1.09   1.13   1.14   1.17   1.17 
Average equity to average assets  9.25   8.92   9.03   9.07   8.86 
Efficiency ratio  69.73   180.35   67.08   63.44   62.93 
Annualized non–interest expense to average assets  1.90   1.98   1.81   1.86   1.79 
Bank only capital ratios:          
Tier 1 capital to average assets  8.63   8.41   8.77   8.72   8.86 
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets  11.70   11.96   12.22   12.12   12.65 
Total capital to risk weighted assets  12.59   12.87   13.11   13.03   13.56 
                     


Financial Highlights
(Dollars in Thousands Except Ratios, Unaudited)
   
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Loan data:          
Substandard loans $43,672  $49,526  $47,563  $41,484  $49,804 
30 to 89 days delinquent  15,272   16,595   13,089   10,913   13,971 
           
Non–performing loans:          
90 days and greater delinquent – accruing interest  108   559   392   1,313   137 
Non–accrual loans  19,053   19,710   19,056   20,796   19,660 
Total non–performing loans $19,161  $20,269  $19,448  $22,109  $19,797 
Non–performing loans to total loans  0.41%  0.46%  0.45%  0.52%  0.47%
                     


Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
   
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
  2024 2023 2023 2023 2023
Commercial $30,514 $29,736 $29,472 $30,354 $31,156
Residential mortgage  2,655  2,503  2,794  3,648  4,447
Mortgage warehouse  659  481  714  893  798
Consumer  16,559  17,309  16,719  15,081  13,125
Total $50,387 $50,029 $49,699 $49,976 $49,526
                


Net Charge–offs (Recoveries)
(Dollars in Thousands Except Ratios, Unaudited)
   
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Commercial $(57) $233  $142  $101  $104 
Residential mortgage  (5)  21   (39)  (10)  (6)
Mortgage warehouse               
Consumer  488   531   619   183   281 
Total $426  $785  $722  $274  $379 
Percent of net charge–offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding for the period  0.01%  0.02%  0.02%  0.01%  0.01%
                     


Total Non–performing Loans
(Dollars in Thousands Except Ratios, Unaudited)
   
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Commercial $5,493  $7,362  $6,969  $8,275  $8,523 
Residential mortgage  8,725   8,058   7,777   8,168   6,926 
Mortgage warehouse               
Consumer  4,943   4,849   4,702   5,666   4,348 
Total $19,161  $20,269  $19,448  $22,109  $19,797 
Non–performing loans to total loans  0.41%  0.46%  0.45%  0.52%  0.47%
                     


Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
   
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
  2024 2023 2023 2023 2023
Commercial $1,124 $1,124 $1,287 $1,567 $1,567
Residential mortgage    182  32  107  203
Mortgage warehouse          
Consumer  50  205  72  7  78
Total $1,174 $1,511 $1,391 $1,681 $1,848
                


Average Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
  March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023
  Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Rate
Assets            
Interest earning assets            
Federal funds sold $322,058  $4,387 5.48% $7,767  $83 4.33%
Interest earning deposits  9,025   110 4.90%  8,780   70 3.23%
Investment securities – taxable  1,364,195   7,362 2.17%  1,727,369   8,725 2.05%
Investment securities – non–taxable (1)  1,149,957   6,451 2.86%  1,314,129   7,556 2.95%
Loans receivable (2) (3)  4,448,324   66,954 6.09%  4,143,221   55,364 5.44%
Total interest earning assets  7,293,559   85,264 4.82%  7,201,266   71,798 4.17%
Non–interest earning assets            
Cash and due from banks  105,795       103,563     
Allowance for credit losses  (49,960)      (50,337)    
Other assets  486,652       576,614     
Total average assets $7,836,046      $7,831,106     
             
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity            
Interest bearing liabilities            
Interest bearing deposits $4,500,148  $27,990 2.50% $4,502,199  $14,819 1.33%
Borrowings  1,200,728   10,904 3.65%  1,053,317   9,268 3.57%
Repurchase agreements  138,052   1,026 2.99%  138,749   503 1.47%
Subordinated notes  55,558   831 6.02%  58,910   880 6.06%
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts  57,279   1,225 8.60%  57,048   1,091 7.76%
Total interest bearing liabilities  5,951,765   41,976 2.84%  5,810,223   26,561 1.85%
Non–interest bearing liabilities            
Demand deposits  1,077,183       1,255,697     
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities  82,015       71,714     
Stockholders’ equity  725,083       693,472     
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity $7,836,046      $7,831,106     
             
Net interest income / spread   $43,288 1.98%   $45,237 2.32%
Net interest income as a percent of average interest earning assets (1)     2.50%     2.67%
             
(1) Securities balances represent daily average balances for the fair value of securities. The average rate is calculated based on the daily average balance for the amortized cost of securities. The average rate is presented on a tax equivalent basis.
(2) Includes fees on loans. The inclusion of loan fees does not have a material effect on the average interest rate.
(3) Non–accruing loans for the purpose of the computation above are included in the daily average loan amounts outstanding. Loan totals are shown net of unearned income and deferred loan fees. The average rate is presented on a tax equivalent basis.
 


Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Thousands)
     
  March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
  (Unaudited)  
Assets    
Cash and due from banks $271,088  $526,515 
Interest earning time deposits  1,715   2,205 
Investment securities, available for sale  535,319   547,251 
Investment securities, held to maturity (fair value $1,627,853 and $1,668,758)  1,925,725   1,945,638 
Loans held for sale  922   1,418 
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $50,387 and $50,029  4,567,788   4,367,601 
Premises and equipment, net  94,303   94,583 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock  53,826   34,509 
Goodwill  155,211   155,211 
Other intangible assets  12,754   13,626 
Interest receivable  40,008   38,710 
Cash value of life insurance  36,455   36,157 
Other assets  160,593   177,061 
Total assets $7,855,707  $7,940,485 
     
Liabilities    
Deposits    
Non–interest bearing $1,093,076  $1,116,005 
Interest bearing  4,486,794   4,548,888 
Total deposits  5,579,870   5,664,893 
Borrowings  1,359,121   1,353,050 
Subordinated notes  55,634   55,543 
Junior subordinated debentures issued to capital trusts  57,315   57,258 
Interest payable  7,853   22,249 
Other liabilities  74,664   68,680 
Total liabilities  7,134,457   7,221,673 
Commitments and contingent liabilities    
Stockholders’ equity    
Preferred stock, Authorized, 1,000,000 shares, Issued 0 shares      
Common stock, no par value, Authorized 99,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding 44,115,840 and 44,106,174 shares
      
Additional paid–in capital  356,599   356,400 
Retained earnings  435,927   429,021 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  (71,276)  (66,609)
Total stockholders’ equity  721,250   718,812 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $7,855,707  $7,940,485 
         


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data, Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
  2024  2023  2023 2023  2023 
Interest income          
Loans receivable $66,954 $65,583  $63,003 $60,594 $55,364 
Investment securities – taxable  7,362  8,157   8,788  8,740  8,725 
Investment securities – non–taxable  6,451  6,767   7,002  7,059  7,556 
Other  4,497  3,007   1,332  475  153 
Total interest income  85,264  83,514   80,125  76,868  71,798 
Interest expense          
Deposits  27,990  27,376   24,704  18,958  14,819 
Borrowed funds  11,930  11,765   11,224  9,718  9,771 
Subordinated notes  831  870   880  881  880 
Junior subordinated debentures issued capital trusts  1,225  1,246   1,227  1,151  1,091 
Total interest expense  41,976  41,257   38,035  30,708  26,561 
Net interest income  43,288  42,257   42,090  46,160  45,237 
Credit loss expense (recovery)  805  1,274   263  680  242 
Net interest income after credit loss expense  42,483  40,983   41,827  45,480  44,995 
Non–interest Income          
Service charges on deposit accounts  3,214  3,092   3,086  3,021  3,028 
Wire transfer fees  101  103   120  116  109 
Interchange fees  3,109  3,224   3,186  3,584  2,867 
Fiduciary activities  1,315  1,352   1,206  1,247  1,275 
Gain (loss) on sale of investment securities    (31,572)    20  (500)
Gain on sale of mortgage loans  626  951   1,582  1,005  785 
Mortgage servicing income net of impairment  439  724   631  640  713 
Increase in cash value of bank owned life insurance  298  658   1,055  1,015  981 
Other income  827  1,019   964  349  362 
Total non–interest income  9,929  (20,449)  11,830  10,997  9,620 
Non–interest expense          
Salaries and employee benefits  20,268  21,877   20,058  20,162  18,712 
Net occupancy expenses  3,546  3,260   3,283  3,249  3,563 
Data processing  2,464  2,942   2,999  3,016  2,669 
Professional fees  607  772   707  633  533 
Outside services and consultants  3,359  2,394   2,316  2,515  2,717 
Loan expense  719  1,345   1,120  1,397  1,118 
FDIC insurance expense  1,320  1,200   1,300  840  540 
Core deposit intangible amortization  872  903   903  903  903 
Other losses  16  508   188  134  221 
Other expenses  3,936  4,129   3,294  3,413  3,548 
Total non–interest expense  37,107  39,330   36,168  36,262  34,524 
Income before income taxes  15,305  (18,796)  17,489  20,215  20,091 
Income tax expense  1,314  6,419   1,284  1,452  1,863 
Net income $13,991 $(25,215) $16,205 $18,763 $18,228 
Basic earnings per share $0.32 $(0.58) $0.37 $0.43 $0.42 
Diluted earnings per share  0.32  (0.58)  0.37  0.43  0.42 
                  

Use of Non–GAAP Financial Measures

Certain information set forth in this press release refers to financial measures determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Specifically, we have included non–GAAP financial measures relating to net income, diluted earnings per share, pre–tax, pre–provision net income, net interest margin, tangible stockholders’ equity and tangible book value per share, efficiency ratio, the return on average assets, the return on average common equity, and return on average tangible equity. In each case, we have identified special circumstances that we consider to be non–recurring and have excluded them. We believe that this shows the impact of such events as acquisition–related purchase accounting adjustments and swap termination fees, among others we have identified in our reconciliations. Horizon believes these non–GAAP financial measures are helpful to investors and provide a greater understanding of our business and financial results without giving effect to the purchase accounting impacts and one–time costs of acquisitions and non–recurring items. These measures are not necessarily comparable to similar measures that may be presented by other companies and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measure. See the tables and other information below and contained elsewhere in this press release for reconciliations of the non–GAAP information identified herein and its most comparable GAAP measures.

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Income
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
  2024  2023  2023  2023   2023 
Net income as reported $13,991 $(25,215) $16,205 $18,763  $18,228 
Swap termination fee         (1,453)   
Tax effect         305    
Net income excluding swap termination fee  13,991  (25,215)  16,205  17,615   18,228 
(Gain) / loss on sale of investment securities    31,572     (20)  500 
Tax effect    (6,630)    4   (105)
Tax valuation reserve    5,201         
Net income excluding (gain) / loss on sale of investment securities  13,991  4,928   16,205  17,599   18,623 
Extraordinary expenses    705         
Tax effect    (148)        
Net income excluding extraordinary expenses  13,991  5,485   16,205  17,599   18,623 
BOLI tax expense and excise tax    8,597         
Net income excluding BOLI tax expense and excise tax  13,991  14,082   16,205  17,599   18,623 
Adjusted net income $13,991 $14,082  $16,205 $17,599  $18,623 
                   


Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Diluted Earnings per Share
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
  2024  2023  2023  2023  2023
Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) as reported $0.32 $(0.58) $0.37 $0.43  $0.42
Swap termination fee         (0.03)  
Tax effect         0.01   
Diluted EPS excluding swap termination fee  0.32  (0.58)  0.37  0.41   0.42
(Gain) / loss on sale of investment securities    0.72        0.01
Tax effect    (0.15)       
Tax valuation reserve    0.12        
Diluted EPS excluding (gain) / loss on sale of investment securities  0.32  0.11   0.37  0.41   0.43
Extraordinary expenses    0.02        
Tax effect            
Diluted EPS excluding extraordinary expenses  0.32  0.13   0.37  0.41   0.43
BOLI tax expense and excise tax    0.20        
Diluted EPS excluding BOLI tax expense and excise tax  0.32  0.33   0.37  0.41   0.43
Adjusted diluted EPS $0.32 $0.33  $0.37 $0.41  $0.43
                  


Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Pre–Tax, Pre–Provision Net Income
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
  2024  2023  2023  2023  2023
Pre–tax income $15,305 $(18,796) $17,489 $20,215  $20,091
Credit loss expense (recovery)  805  1,274   263  680   242
Pre–tax, pre–provision net income $16,110 $(17,522) $17,752 $20,895  $20,333
           
Pre–tax, pre–provision net income $16,110 $(17,522) $17,752 $20,895  $20,333
Swap termination fee         (1,453)  
(Gain) / loss on sale of investment securities    31,572     (20)  500
Extraordinary expenses    705        
Adjusted pre–tax, pre–provision net income $16,110 $14,755  $17,752 $19,422  $20,833
                  


Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Interest Margin
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Net interest income as reported $43,288  $42,257  $42,090  $46,160  $45,237 
Average interest earning assets  7,293,559   7,239,034   7,286,611   7,212,640   7,201,266 
Net interest income as a percentage of average interest earning assets (“Net Interest Margin”)  2.50%  2.43%  2.41%  2.69%  2.67%
           
Net interest income as reported $43,288  $42,257  $42,090  $46,160  $45,237 
Acquisition–related purchase accounting adjustments (“PAUs”)  (13)  (175)  (435)  (651)  (367)
Swap termination fee           (1,453)   
Adjusted net interest income $43,275  $42,082  $41,655  $44,056  $44,870 
Adjusted net interest margin  2.50%  2.42%  2.38%  2.57%  2.65%
                     


Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Tangible Stockholders’ Equity and Tangible Book Value per Share
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
   
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
  2024 2023 2023 2023 2023
Total stockholders’ equity $721,250 $718,812 $693,369 $709,243 $702,559
Less: Intangible assets  167,965  168,837  169,741  170,644  171,547
Total tangible stockholders’ equity $553,285 $549,975 $523,628 $538,599 $531,012
Common shares outstanding  43,726,380  43,652,063  43,648,501  43,645,216  43,621,422
Book value per common share $16.49 $16.47 $15.89 $16.25 $16.11
Tangible book value per common share $12.65 $12.60 $12.00 $12.34 $12.17
                


Non–GAAP Calculation and Reconciliation of Efficiency Ratio and Adjusted Efficiency Ratio
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Non–interest expense as reported $37,107  $39,330  $36,168  $36,262  $34,524 
Net interest income as reported  43,288   42,257   42,090   46,160   45,237 
Non–interest income as reported $9,929  $(20,449) $11,830  $10,997  $9,620 
Non–interest expense / (Net interest income + Non–interest income)
(“Efficiency Ratio”)
  69.73%  180.35%  67.08%  63.44%  62.93%
           
Non–interest expense as reported $37,107  $39,330  $36,168  $36,262  $34,524 
Extraordinary expenses     (705)         
Non–interest expense excluding extraordinary expenses  37,107   38,625   36,168   36,262   34,524 
           
Net interest income as reported  43,288   42,257   42,090   46,160   45,237 
Swap termination fee           (1,453)   
Net interest income excluding swap termination fee  43,288   42,257   42,090   44,707   45,237 
           
Non–interest income as reported  9,929   (20,449)  11,830   10,997   9,620 
(Gain) / loss on sale of investment securities     31,572      (20)  500 
Non–interest income excluding (gain) / loss on sale of investment securities $9,929  $11,123  $11,830  $10,977  $10,120 
Adjusted efficiency ratio  69.73%  72.36%  67.08%  65.12%  62.37%
                     


Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Return on Average Assets
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Average assets $7,836,046  $7,880,816  $7,924,751  $7,840,026  $7,831,106 
Return on average assets (“ROAA”) as reported  0.72% (1.27)%  0.81%  0.96%  0.94%
Swap termination fee           (0.07)   
Tax effect           0.02    
ROAA excluding swap termination fee  0.72   (1.27)  0.81   0.91   0.94 
(Gain) / loss on sale of investment securities     1.59         0.03 
Tax effect     (0.33)        (0.01)
Tax valuation reserve     0.26          
ROAA excluding (gain) / loss on sale of investment securities  0.72   0.25   0.81   0.91   0.96 
Extraordinary expenses     0.04          
Tax effect     (0.01)         
ROAA excluding extraordinary expenses  0.72   0.28   0.81   0.91   0.96 
BOLI tax expense and excise tax     0.43          
ROAA excluding BOLI tax expense and excise tax  0.72   0.71   0.81   0.91   0.96 
Adjusted ROAA  0.72%  0.71%  0.81%  0.91%  0.96%
                     


Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Return on Average Common Equity
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Average common equity $725,083  $702,793  $715,485  $710,953  $693,472 
Return on average common equity (“ROACE”) as reported  7.76% (14.23)%  8.99%  10.59%  10.66%
Swap termination fee           (0.82)   
Tax effect           0.17    
ROACE excluding swap termination fee  7.76   (14.23)  8.99   9.94   10.66 
(Gain) / loss on sale of investment securities     17.82      (0.01)  0.29 
Tax effect     (3.74)        (0.06)
Tax valuation reserve     2.94          
ROACE excluding (gain) / loss on sale of investment securities  7.76   2.79   8.99   9.93   10.89 
Extraordinary expenses     0.40          
Tax effect     (0.08)         
ROACE excluding extraordinary expenses  7.76   3.11   8.99   9.93   10.89 
BOLI tax expense and excise tax     4.85          
ROACE excluding BOLI tax expense and excise tax  7.76   7.96   8.99   9.93   10.89 
Adjusted ROACE  7.76%  7.96%  8.99%  9.93%  10.89%
                     


Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Return on Average Tangible Equity
(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
   2024   2023   2023   2023   2023 
Average common equity $725,083  $702,793  $715,485  $710,953  $693,472 
Less: Average intangible assets  168,519   169,401   170,301   171,177   172,139 
Average tangible equity $556,564  $533,392  $545,184  $539,776  $521,333 
Return on average tangible equity (“ROATE”) as reported  10.11% (18.76)        %  11.79%  13.94%  14.18%
Swap termination fee           (1.08)   
Tax effect           0.23    
ROATE excluding swap termination fee  10.11   (18.76)  11.79   13.09   14.18 
(Gain) / loss on sale of investment securities     23.48      (0.01)  0.39 
Tax effect     (4.93)        (0.08)
Tax valuation reserve     3.87          
ROATE excluding (gain) / loss on sale of investment securities  10.11   3.66   11.79   13.08   14.49 
Extraordinary expenses     0.52          
Tax effect     (0.11)         
ROATE excluding extraordinary expenses  10.11   4.07   11.79   13.08   14.49 
BOLI tax expense and excise tax     6.39          
ROATE excluding BOLI tax expense and excise tax  10.11   10.46   11.79   13.08   14.49 
Adjusted ROATE  10.11%  10.46%  11.79%  13.08%  14.49%

Earnings Conference Call

As previously announced, Horizon will host a conference call to review its first quarter financial results and operating performance.

Participants may access the live conference call on April 25, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. CT (8:30 a.m. ET) by dialing 833–974–2379 from the United States, 866–450–4696 from Canada or 1–412–317–5772 from international locations and requesting the “Horizon Bancorp Call.” Participants are asked to dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the call.

A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the conference through May 3, 2024. The replay may be accessed by dialing 877–344–7529 from the United States, 855–669–9658 from Canada or 1–412–317–0088 from other international locations, and entering the access code 4319315.

About Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) is the $7.9 billion–asset commercial bank holding company for Horizon Bank, which serve customers across diverse and economically attractive Midwestern markets through convenient digital and virtual tools, as well as its Indiana and Michigan branches. Horizon's retail offerings include prime residential, indirect auto, and other secured consumer lending to in-market customers, as well as a range of personal banking and wealth management solutions. Horizon also provides a comprehensive array of in-market business banking and treasury management services, as well as equipment financing solutions for customers regionally and nationally, with commercial lending representing over half of total loans. More information on Horizon, headquartered in Northwest Indiana's Michigan City, is available at horizonbank.com and investor.horizonbank.com.

Contact:Mark E. Secor
 Chief Financial Officer
Phone:(219) 873–2611
Fax:(219) 874–9280
Date:April 24, 2024