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Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Nature of Business
Nature of Business — The consolidated financial statements of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (“Horizon”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Horizon Bank (“Bank”) together referred to as “Horizon,” conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reporting practices followed by the banking industry.
The Bank is a full–service commercial bank offering a broad range of commercial and retail banking and other services incident to banking along with a trust department that offers corporate and individual trust and agency services and investment management services. The Bank maintains 71 full service offices. The Bank has wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries: Horizon Investments, Inc. (“Horizon Investments”), Horizon Properties, Inc. (“Horizon Properties”), Horizon Insurance Services, Inc. (“Horizon Insurance”) and Horizon Grantor Trust. Horizon Investments manages the investment portfolio of the Bank. Horizon Properties manages the real estate investment trust. Horizon Insurance is used by the Company’s Wealth Management to sell certain insurance products. Horizon Grantor Trust holds title to certain company owned life insurance policies. Horizon conducts no business except that incident to its ownership of the subsidiaries.
Horizon formed Horizon Bancorp Capital Trust II in 2004 (“Trust II”) and Horizon Bancorp Capital Trust III in 2006 (“Trust III”) for the purpose of participating in pooled trust preferred securities offerings. The Company assumed additional debentures as the result of the following acquisitions: Alliance Financial Corporation in 2005, which formed Alliance Financial Statutory Trust I (“Alliance Trust”); American Trust & Savings Bank in 2010, which formed Am Tru Statutory Trust I (“Am Tru Trust”); Heartland Bancshares, Inc. in 2013, which formed Heartland (IN) Statutory Trust II (“Heartland Trust”); LaPorte Bancorp, Inc. in 2016, which had acquired City Savings Statutory Trust I (“City Savings Trust”); and Salin Bancshares, Inc. in 2019, which formed Salin Statutory Trust I (“Salin Trust”). See Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion regarding these previously consolidated entities that are now reported separately. The business of Horizon is not seasonal to any material degree.
Basis of Reporting Basis of Reporting — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Horizon and subsidiaries.
Consolidation All material inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The allowance for credit losses and the fair values of financial instruments are particularly subject to change.
Business Combinations Business Combinations — Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The accounts of an acquired entity are included as of the date of acquisition, and any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is capitalized as goodwill. Horizon typically issues Common Stock and/or pays cash for an acquisition, depending on the terms of the acquisition agreement. The value of Common Stock issued is determined based on the market price of the stock as of the closing of the acquisition. Acquisition costs are expensed when incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents includes cash, deposits with other financial institutions with original maturities under 90 days, and federal funds sold.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements — Horizon uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments, to certain assets, and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Horizon has adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures for all applicable financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities. This accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance applies only when other guidance requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances.
As defined in codification, fair value is the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. It represents an exit price at the measurement date. Market participants are buyers and sellers, who are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact in the principal (or most advantageous) market for the asset or liability being measured. Current market conditions, including imbalances between supply and demand, are considered in determining fair value. Horizon values its assets and liabilities in the principal market where it sells the particular asset or transfers the liability with the greatest volume and level of activity. In the absence of a principal market, the valuation is based on the most advantageous market for the asset or liability (i.e., the market where the asset could be sold or the liability transferred at a price that maximizes the amount to be received for the asset or minimizes the amount to be paid to transfer the liability).
In measuring the fair value of an asset, Horizon assumes the highest and best use of the asset by a market participant to maximize the value of the asset, and does not consider the intended use of the asset.
When measuring the fair value of a liability, Horizon assumes that the nonperformance risk associated with the liability is the same before and after the transfer. Nonperformance risk is the risk that an obligation will not be satisfied and encompasses not only Horizon’s own credit risk (i.e., the risk that Horizon will fail to meet its obligation), but also other risks such as settlement risk. Horizon considers the effect of its own credit risk on the fair value for any period in which fair value is measured.
There are three acceptable valuation techniques that can be used to measure fair value: the market approach, the income approach and the cost approach. Selection of the appropriate technique for valuing a particular asset or liability takes into consideration the exit market, the nature of the asset or liability being valued, and how a market participant would value the same asset or liability. Ultimately, determination of the appropriate valuation method requires significant judgment, and sufficient knowledge and expertise are required to apply the valuation techniques.
Valuation inputs refer to the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a given asset or liability using one of the three valuation techniques. Inputs can be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are those assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the particular asset or liability. These inputs are based on market data and are obtained from a source independent of Horizon. Unobservable inputs are assumptions based on Horizon’s own information or estimate of assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best and most current information available on the measurement date. All inputs, whether observable or unobservable, are ranked in accordance with a prescribed fair value hierarchy which gives the highest ranking to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest ranking to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Fair values for assets or liabilities classified as Level 2 are based on one or a combination of the following factors: (i) quoted prices for similar assets; (ii) observable inputs for the asset or liability, such as interest rates or yield curves; or (iii) inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company considers an input to be significant if it drives 10% or more of the total fair value of a particular asset or liability.
Assets and liabilities are considered to be fair valued on a recurring basis if fair value is measured regularly (i.e., daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly). Recurring valuation occurs at a minimum on the measurement date. Assets and liabilities are considered to be fair valued on a nonrecurring basis if the fair value measurement of the instrument does not necessarily result in a change in the amount recorded on the balance sheet. Generally, nonrecurring valuation is the result of the application of other accounting pronouncements which require assets or liabilities to be assessed for impairment or recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. The fair value of assets or liabilities transferred in or out of Level 3 is measured on the transfer date, with any additional changes in fair value subsequent to the transfer considered to be realized or unrealized gains or losses.
Investment Securities Available for Sale
Investment Securities Available for Sale — Horizon designates a portion of its investment portfolio as available for sale based on management’s plans to use such securities for asset and liability management, liquidity and not to hold such securities as long-term investments. Management repositions the portfolio to take advantage of future expected interest rate trends when Horizon’s long-term profitability can be enhanced. Investment securities available for sale and marketable equity securities are carried at estimated fair value and any net unrealized gains/losses (after tax) on these securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded as interest income from securities. Gains/losses on the disposition of securities available for sale are recognized at the time of the transaction and are determined by the specific identification method.
Investment Securities Held to Maturity
Investment Securities Held to Maturity — Includes any security for which Horizon has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. These securities are carried at amortized cost.
Loans and Loans Held for Sale
Loans — Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts, deferred loan fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable totaling $25.6 million and $23.7 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was excluded from the Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) calculation and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the effective yield method without anticipating prepayments.
Interest on commercial, mortgage and installment loans is recognized over the term of the loans based on the principal amount outstanding. When principal or interest is past due 90 days or more, and the loan is not well secured or in the process of collection, or when serious doubt exists as to the collectability of a loan, the accrual of interest is discontinued. Loan origination fees, net of direct loan origination costs, are deferred and recognized over the life of the loan as a yield adjustment. Discounts and premiums on purchased loans are amortized to income using the interest method over the remaining period to contractual maturity, adjusted for anticipated prepayments.
From time to time, the Bank obtains information that may lead management to believe that the collection of payments may be doubtful on a particular loan. In recognition of this, it is management's policy to convert the loan from an “earning asset” to a non–accruing loan. The entire balance of a loan is considered delinquent if the minimum payment contractually required to be made is not received by the specified due date. Further, it is management's policy to generally place a loan on non–accrual status when the payment is delinquent in excess of 90 days or the loan has had the accrual of interest discontinued by management. The officer responsible for the loan and the Chief Commercial Banking and/or the Chief Operations Officer must review all loans placed on non–accrual status. Subsequent payments on non–accrual loans are recorded as a reduction of principal, and interest income is recorded only after principal recovery is reasonably assured. Non–accrual loans are returned to accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the timely collection of interest or principal in accordance with the loan terms. The Company requires a period of satisfactory performance of not less than six months before returning a non–accrual loan to accrual status.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a modified loan will be executed with an individual borrower or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
Consistent with regulatory guidance, charge–offs on all loan segments are taken when specific loans, or portions thereof, are considered uncollectible. The Company's policy is to promptly charge these loans off in the period the uncollectible loss is reasonably determined.
For all loan portfolio segments except 1–4 family residential properties and consumer, the Company promptly charges off loans, or portions thereof, when available information confirms that specific loans are uncollectible based on information that includes, but is not limited to, (1) the deteriorating financial condition of the borrower, (2) declining collateral values, and/or (3) legal action, including bankruptcy, that impairs the borrower's ability to adequately meet its obligations. For impaired loans that are considered to be solely collateral dependent, a partial
charge–off is recorded when a loss has been confirmed by an updated appraisal or other appropriate valuation of the collateral.
The Company charges off 1–4 family residential and consumer loans, or portions thereof, when the Company reasonably determines the amount of the loss. The Company adheres to timeframes established by applicable regulatory guidance which provides for the charge–down or specific allocation of family first and junior lien mortgages to the net realizable value less costs to sell when the value is known but no later than when a loan is 180 days past due. Pursuant to such guidelines, the Company also charge off unsecured open–end loans when the loan is contractually 90 days past due. Loans at these respective delinquency thresholds for which the Company can clearly document that the loan is both well–secured and in the process of collection, such that collection in full will occur regardless of delinquency status, are not charged off.
A loan is individually evaluated when, based on current information, a creditor may be experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is substantially expected through operation or sale of collateral. For collateral–dependent assets individually evaluated, the Company utilizes, as a practical expedient, the fair value of collateral, adjusted for estimated costs to sell, when determining the allowance for credit losses.
Smaller–balance, homogeneous loans are evaluated in total. Such loans include residential first mortgage loans secured by 1–4 family residences, residential construction loans, automobile, home equity, second mortgage loans and mortgage warehouse loans. Commercial loans and mortgage loans secured by other properties are evaluated individually.
Loans Held for Sale — Loans held for sale generally consist of mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to non–interest income. Gains and losses on loan sales are recorded in non–interest income, and direct loan origination costs and fees are deferred at origination of the loan and are recognized in non–interest income upon sale of the loan.
Modifications for Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
Modifications for Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty - The Company may renegotiate the terms of existing loans for a variety of reasons. When refinancing or restructuring a loan, the Company evaluates whether the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In making this determination, the Company considers whether the borrower is currently in default on any of its debt. In addition, the Company evaluates whether it is probable that the borrower would be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification and if the borrower (without the current modification) could obtain equivalent financing from another creditor at a market rate for similar debt. Modifications of loans to borrowers in these situations may indicate that the borrower is facing financial difficulty
Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty may be in the form of principal forgiveness, an interest rate reduction, an other-than-insignificant payment delay, or a term extension or a combination thereof, among other things. For disclosure purposes, an other-than-insignificant payment delay represents a deferral of payments of greater than 3 months within a 12 month period.
Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) Loans
Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) Loans — The Company has purchased loans, some of which have experienced credit deterioration since origination. PCD loans are recorded at the amount paid. An ACL on loans is determined using the same methodology as other loans held for investment. The initial ACL on loans determined on a collective basis is allocated to individual loans. The sum of the loan’s purchase price and ACL on loans becomes its initial amortized cost basis. The difference between the initial amortized cost basis and the par value of the loan is a noncredit discount or premium, which is amortized or accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the ACL on loans are recorded through credit loss expense.
Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentrations of Credit Risk — The Bank grants commercial, real estate, and consumer loans to customers located primarily in Indiana and Michigan. Commercial loans make up approximately 64% of the loan portfolio and are secured by both real estate and business assets. These loans are expected to be repaid from cash flows from operations of the businesses. The Bank does not have a concentration in speculative commercial real estate loans. Residential real estate loans make up approximately 17% of the loan portfolio and are secured by residential real estate. Installment loans make up approximately 20% of the loan portfolio and are primarily secured by consumer assets.
Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) on Loans and Modified Loans
Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) on Loans — The ACL on loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the ACL when management believes the loan balance is confirmed to be no longer collectible. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off.
Management estimates the ACL balance using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan–specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as for changes in environmental conditions, changes in economic conditions, or other relevant factors.
The Company considers the following when estimating credit losses: 1) available information relevant to assessing the collectibility of cash flows including internal information, external information or a combination of both relating to past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts; 2) relevant qualitative and quantitative factors relating to the environment in which the Company operates and factors specific to the borrower; 3) off–balance sheet credit exposures; and credit support.
For periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, management applies a reversion method to estimate expected credit losses. The reversion method involves gradually reverting to historical loss experience over a specified period. Typically, the Company used a straight-line reversion method over a four-quarter period. Subsequent to the four quarter reversion period, the historical loss rate is applied to the remaining life of the loan.
ACL on loans is measured on a collective basis and reflects impairment in groups of loans aggregated on the basis of similar risk characteristics which may include any one or a combination of the following: internal credit ratings, risk ratings or classification, financial asset type, collateral type, size, industry of the borrower, historical or expected credit loss patterns, and reasonable and supportable forecast periods. The ACL for a specific portfolio segment is computed by multiplying the loss rate by the amortized cost balance of the segment with adjustments for other qualitative factors as described above. As appropriate, newer credit products or portfolios with limited historical loss may use applicable external data for determining the ACL until experience justifies that sufficient product maturity supports the estimate of expected credit losses.
Pursuant to ASC 326–20–30–9, an entity shall not rely solely on past events to estimate expected credit losses, and should consider adjustments to historical information to reflect the extent to which management expects current conditions and forecasted conditions to differ from the periods utilized for the historical loss rate calculation. Management has incorporated an adjustment of the historical loss rate calculated within the model to reflect current and forecasted condition and has applied this adjustment on a qualitative factor basis to the aggregate pool loss rate.
The qualitative adjustment is based on a combination of external econometric data and internal factors such as portfolio composition, changes in management, changes in loan policy and other factors. The economic forecast is based in part on economic indexes and quantitative matrices with a twenty–four month forecast. The qualitative adjustment is calculated based on current and forecasted conditions and evaluated each quarter by management, and therefore is dynamic in nature. The qualitative economic adjustment is then reverted over a twelve month period to the historical base loss rate which is preserved in the calculation of “all in” loss rate.
Specific reserves reflect collateral shortfalls on loans identified for evaluation or individually considered non–performing, including troubled debt restructurings and receivables where the Company has determined foreclosure is probable. These loans no longer have similar risk characteristics to collectively evaluated loans due to changes in credit risk, borrower circumstances, recognition of write–offs, or cash collections that have been fully applied to principal on the basis of non–accrual policies. At a minimum, the population of loans subject to individual evaluation
include individual loans and leases where it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due, according to the original contractual terms. These include commercial impaired loans, jumbo residential mortgages (as defined), and jumbo home equity loans with a balance exceeding $250,000, and other loans as determined by management. ACL for residential and consumer loans are, primarily, determined by pools of similar loans and are evaluated on a quarterly basis.
Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not also included in the collective evaluation. When management determines that foreclosure is probable, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Off–Balance Sheet (“OBS”) Credit Exposures Allowance for Credit Losses on Off–Balance Sheet (“OBS”) Credit Exposures — The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The Company determines the estimated amount of expected credit extensions based on historical usage to calculate the amount of exposure for a loss estimate.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Available for Sale Securities and Held to Maturity Securities
Allowance for Credit Losses on Available for Sale Securities — For available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For debt securities available for sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recorded in other comprehensive income.
Changes in the ACL are recorded as provision for, or reversal of, credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the available for sale security is confirmed to be uncollectible or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Held to Maturity Securities — For held to maturity securities, the Company conducts an assessment of its held to maturity securities at the time of purchase and on at least an annual basis to ensure such investment securities remain within appropriate levels of risk and continue to perform satisfactorily in fulfilling its obligations. The Company considers, among other factors, the nature of the securities and credit ratings or financial condition of the issuer. If available, the Company obtains a credit rating for issuers from the Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”) for consideration. If this assessment indicates that a material credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded for the credit loss.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and Equipment — Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Buildings and major improvements are capitalized and depreciated using primarily the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 3 to 40 years. Furniture and equipment are capitalized and depreciated using primarily the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 2 to 20 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses on disposition are included in current operations.
Repossessed Assets
Repossessed Assets - Repossessed assets consist of property that has been repossessed and is comprised of commercial and residential real estate and other non-real estate property, including auto and recreational and marine vehicles. The assets are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs, establishing a new cost basis. Initial valuation adjustments are charged to the allowance for credit losses. Fair values are estimated primarily based on appraisals, third-party price opinions, or internally developed pricing models. After initial
recognition, fair value estimates are updated periodically. Declines in fair value below cost are recognized through valuation allowances which may be reversed when supported by future increases in fair value. These valuation adjustments, in addition to gains and losses realized on sales and net operating expenses, are recorded in other non-interest expense. Repossessed assets are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) Stock
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) Stock — The stock is a required investment for institutions that are members of the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) systems. The required investment in the common stock is based on a predetermined formula.
Partnership Investments Partnership Investments — The Company invests in partnerships that generate qualified affordable housing and solar tax credits. The Company has elected to account for partnership investments in qualified affordable housing using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is amortized to income tax expense in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received. This net investment performance is recognized in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. The Company accounts for qualifying investment tax credits using the proportional amortization method and all others under the deferral method.
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Mortgage Servicing Rights — Mortgage servicing assets are recognized separately when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets and included in other assets on the balance sheet. Under the servicing assets and liabilities accounting guidance (ASC 860-50), servicing rights resulting from the sale or securitization of loans originated by the Company are initially measured at fair value at the date of transfer. Under the amortization method, servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. The amortized assets are assessed for impairment or increased obligation based on fair value at each reporting date.
Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. These variables change from quarter to quarter as market conditions and projected interest rates change, and may have an adverse impact on the value of the mortgage servicing right and may result in a reduction to non–interest income.
Each class of separately recognized servicing assets subsequently measured using the amortization method are evaluated and measured for impairment. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into tranches based on predominant characteristics, such as loan term, rate type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount of the servicing assets for that tranche. The valuation allowance is adjusted to reflect changes in the measurement of impairment after the initial measurement of impairment. Changes in valuation allowances are reported with mortgage servicing income net of impairment on the income statement. Fair value in excess of the carrying amount of servicing assets for that stratum is not recognized.
Servicing fee income, which is reported on the income statement as mortgage servicing income, net, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income. Servicing fees totaled $1.7 million, $2.7 million and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing were not material.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets — Goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more frequently should potential triggering events be identified that may indicate potential impairment. At December 31, 2024, Horizon had core deposit intangibles of $10.2 million subject to amortization and $155.2 million of goodwill, which is not subject to
amortization. Goodwill arising from business combinations represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible assets in the business acquired. Horizon’s goodwill relates to the value inherent in the banking industry and that value is dependent upon the ability of Horizon to provide quality, cost effective banking services in a competitive marketplace. The goodwill value is supported by revenue that is in part driven by the volume of business transacted. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than its carrying amount, goodwill impairment is indicated and goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. A large majority of the goodwill relates to the acquisitions of Heartland, Summit, Peoples, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Lafayette, Wolverine and Salin.
Advertising Costs Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included in non-interest expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI)
Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”) – BOLI has been purchased on certain employees and directors of the Company. The Company records the life insurance at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or amounts due that are probable at settlement.
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell, Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Secured Borrowings
Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell, Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Secured Borrowings — The Company purchases certain securities, generally U.S. government–sponsored entity and agency securities, under agreements to resell. The amounts advanced under these agreements represent short–term secured loans and are reflected as assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We also sell certain securities under agreements to repurchase. These agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions. These and other secured borrowings such as loans sold not qualifying for sale accounting treatment, are reflected as liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are recorded at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. Short–term securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. Securities, generally U.S. government agency securities, pledged as collateral under these financing arrangements can be re–pledged by the secured party. Additional collateral may be required based on the fair value of the underlying securities.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance (ASC 740, Income Taxes). The income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Uncertain tax positions are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.
The Company files consolidated income tax returns with its subsidiaries.
Trust Assets and Income
Trust Assets and Income — Property, other than cash deposits, held in a fiduciary or agency capacity is not included in the consolidated balance sheets since such property is not owned by Horizon.
Transfer of Financial Assets
Transfer of Financial Assets — The transfer of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company and put presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.
Earnings per Common Share Earnings per Common Share — Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders (net income less dividend requirements for preferred stock and accretion of preferred stock discount) by the weighted–average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are defined to include cash and due from banks, money market investments and federal funds sold with maturities of one day or less. Horizon reports net cash flows for customer loan transactions, deposit transactions, short–term investments and short-term borrowings.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) — Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes. Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, unrealized and realized gains and losses in cash flow derivative financial instruments and accretion (amortization) of available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity.
Share-Based Compensation Share–Based Compensation — At December 31, 2024, Horizon had share–based compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 20. All share–based payments are to be recognized as expense, based upon their fair values, in the financial statements over the vesting period of the awards.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments — The Company occasionally enters into derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management strategies. These derivative financial instruments consist primarily of interest rate swaps. All derivative instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as either an asset or liability, at their fair value. The accounting for the gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative. For a derivative used to hedge changes in fair value of a recognized asset or liability, or an unrecognized firm commitment, the gain or loss on the derivative will be recognized in earnings together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item. This results in an earnings impact only to the extent that the hedge is ineffective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value. If it is determined that the derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued and the adjustment to fair value of the derivative instrument is recorded in earnings. For a derivative used to hedge changes in cash flows associated with forecasted transactions, the gain or loss of the effective portion of the derivative will be deferred, and reported as accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity, until such time the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivative instruments not accounted for as hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in non–interest income or non–interest expense. See Note 21 - Derivative Financial Instruments.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition — Accounting Standards Codification 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASC 606) provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance enumerates five steps that entities should follow in achieving this core principle. Revenue generated from financial instruments, including loans and investment securities, are not included in the scope of ASC 606. The adoption of ASC 606 did not result in a change to the accounting of any of the Company’s revenue streams that are within the scope of the amendments. Revenue–gathering activities that are within the scope of ASC 606 and that are presented as non-interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income include:
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts – these include general service fees charged for deposit account maintenance and activity and transaction-based fees charged for certain services, such as debit card, wire transfer and overdraft activities. Revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is completed, which is generally after a transaction is completed or monthly for account maintenance services.
Fiduciary activities – this includes periodic fees due from trust and wealth management customers for managing the customers’ financial assets. Fees are charged based on a standard agreement and are recognized as they are earned.
Segments
Segments — The Company has identified one reporting unit and one operating segment, community banking, which encompasses commercial and consumer banking services to serve a similar base of clients utilizing company-wide offerings of similar products and services managed through similar processes and platforms offered to individuals, businesses, municipalities and other entities. See Note 26 - Segment Reporting for more details.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Yet Adopted
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
ASU 2023–02, "Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method" ("ASU 2023-02") allows reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period. ASU 2023-02 was adopted as of January 1, 2024 without a material impact to the Company's financial
ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” ("ASU 2023-07") expands segment disclosure requirements for public entities to require disclosure of significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. These amendments should be applied retrospectively. ASU 2023-07 was adopted as January 1, 2024. See Note 26 - Segment Reporting for more details.
Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Yet Adopted
ASU No. 2023-09 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-09") requires additional annual disclosures including further disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation, additional information for reconciling items meeting a quantitative threshold, further disaggregation of income taxes paid and other required disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company in the annual period beginning on January 1, 2025 and applied on a prospective basis with both early adoption and retrospective application permitted. ASU 2023-09 is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2024-01 “Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards” (“ASU 2024-01”) clarifies how an entity determines whether a profits interest or similar award is within the scope of Topic 718 or is not a share-based payment arrangement and therefore within the scope of other guidance. ASU 2024-01 provides an illustrative example with multiple fact patterns and also amends certain language in the “Scope” and “Scope Exceptions” sections of Topic 718 to improve its clarity and operability without changing the guidance. Entities can apply the amendments either retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements or prospectively to profits interest and similar awards granted or modified on or after the date of adoption. If prospective application is elected, an entity must disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle. ASU 2024-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods, and is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2024-03 "Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income — Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses" ("ASU 2024-03") requires disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses for public business entities. ASU 2024-03 requires new financial statement disclosures in tabular format, disaggregating information about prescribed categories underlying any relevant income statement expense caption. The prescribed categories include, among other things, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization. Additionally, entities must disclose the total amount of selling expenses and, in annual reporting periods, an entity’s definition of selling expenses. ASU 2024-03 is effective for the Company, on a prospective basis, for annual periods beginning in 2027, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning in 2028, though early adoption and retrospective application is permitted. ASU 2024-03 is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.
ASU 2024-04 “Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20)” (“ASU 2024-04”) clarifies wither the settlement of convertible debt, including debt containing cash conversion features at terms that are different from the terms included in the existing debt instrument, should be accounted for as an induced conversion or a debt extinguishment. ASU 2024-04 is effective for public business entities January 1, 2025 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.