Horizon Bancorp Inc: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2023

An investment in Horizon’s securities is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties related to our business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes currently affect Horizon are described below, categorized as risks related to our business, risks related to the banking industry generally, and risks related to our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair Horizon's business operations and its financial results. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our securities could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment. As a result, before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risks as well as information we include or incorporate by reference in this report and other filings we make with the SEC.

Some statements in the following risk factors constitute forward–looking statements. Please refer to "Forward–Looking Statements" beginning on page 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10–K.

Risks Related to Our Business

As a financial institution, we are subject to a number of risks relating to our daily business. Although we undertake a variety of efforts to manage and control those risks, many of the risks are outside of our control. Among the risks we face are the following:

• Credit Risk – the risk that loan customers or other parties will be unable to perform their contractual obligations;
• Market Risk – the risk that changes in market rates and prices will adversely affect our financial condition or results of operation;
• Liquidity Risk – the risk that Horizon or the Bank will have insufficient cash or access to cash to meet its operating needs;
• Operational Risk – the risk of financial and reputational loss resulting from fraud, inadequate or failed internal processes, cyber–security breaches, people and systems, or external events;
• Economic Risk – the risk that the economy in our markets could decline resulting in increased unemployment, decreased real estate values and increased loan charge–offs;
• Compliance Risk – the risk of additional action by our regulators or additional regulation that could hinder our ability to do business profitably;
• Legal/Regulatory Risk – the risk presented by the need to comply with all laws, rules and regulations from multiple regulatory agencies, including but not limited to the FDIC, CFPB, Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, Federal Reserve Bank and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, and the Department of Labor; and
• Fiduciary Risk – the risk of failing to act in our fiduciary capacity in the best interests of the grantors and beneficiaries of trust accounts and benefit plans.

Credit Risk

Our commercial, residential mortgage and consumer loans expose us to increased credit risks.

We have a large percentage of commercial, residential mortgage and consumer loans. Commercial loans generally have greater credit risk than residential mortgage and consumer loans because repayment of these loans often depends on the successful business operations of the borrowers. Commercial real estate loans generally have greater risk because repayment of these loans is often dependent upon income being generated in amounts sufficient to cover operating costs and debt service. Both types of commercial loans also typically have much larger loan balances than residential mortgage and consumer loans. Consumer loans generally involve greater risk than residential mortgage loans because they are unsecured or secured by assets that depreciate in value. Although we undertake a variety of underwriting, monitoring and reserving protections with respect to these types of loans, there can be no guarantee that we will not suffer unexpected losses. Residential mortgage loans and consumer loans are at risk due to the continuing volatility of unemployment rates and increasing interest rates, which may adversely affect the underlying real estate and other collateral values and the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans on scheduled terms.

Our holdings of construction, land and home equity loans may pose more credit risk than other types of mortgage loans.

Construction loans, loans secured by commercial real estate and home equity loans generally entail more risk than other types of mortgage loans. When real estate values decrease, the developers to whom we lend are likely to become non–performing as developers are unable to build and sell homes in volumes large enough for orderly repayment of loans and as other owners of such real estate (including homeowners) are unable to keep up with their payments. We strive to establish what we believe are adequate reserves on our financial statements to cover the credit risk of these loan portfolios. However, there can be no assurance that losses will not exceed our reserves, and ultimately result in a material level of charge–offs, which would adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity and capital.

The allowance for credit losses on loans may prove inadequate or be negatively affected by credit risk exposures.

Our business depends on the creditworthiness of our customers. We periodically review the allowance for credit losses for adequacy considering economic conditions and trends, collateral values, and credit quality indicators, including past charge–off experience and levels of past due loans and non–performing assets. There is no certainty that the allowance for credit losses will be adequate over time to cover credit losses in the portfolio because of unanticipated adverse changes in the economy, market conditions or events adversely affecting specific customers, industries or markets. If the credit quality of our customer base materially decreases, if the risk profile of a market, industry or group of customers changes materially, or if the allowance for credit losses is not adequate, our business, financial conditions, liquidity, capital, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Market Risk

Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our financial condition and results of operations are significantly affected by changes in interest rates. We can neither predict with certainty nor control changes in interest rates. These changes can occur at any time and are affected by many factors, including international, national, regional and local economic conditions, competitive and inflationary pressures and monetary policies of the Federal Reserve.

Our results of operations depend substantially on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income that we earn on our interest earning assets and the interest expense that we pay on our interest bearing liabilities. Our profitability depends on our ability to manage our assets and liabilities during periods of changing interest rates. If rates increase rapidly, we may have to increase the rates paid on our deposits and borrowed funds more quickly than loans and investments re–price, resulting in a negative impact on interest spreads and net interest income. The impact of rising rates could be compounded if deposit customers funds away from us into direct investments, such as U.S. Government bonds, corporate securities and other investments, including mutual funds, which, because of the absence of federal deposit insurance premiums and reserve requirements, generally pay higher rates of return than those offered by financial institutions.

We also expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, this “gap” will negatively impact our earnings. The impact on earnings is more adverse when the slope of the yield curve flattens, that is, when short–term interest rates increase more than long–term interest rates or when long–term interest rates decrease more than short–term interest rates.

Changes in interest rates also could affect loan volume. For instance, an increase in interest rates could cause a decrease in the demand for mortgage loans (and other loans), which could result in a significant decline in our revenues. In addition, as market interest rates rise, the value of the Company's investment securities, particularly those that have fixed rates or longer maturities, could decrease. Increasing rates would also increase debt service requirements for some of the Bank's borrowers and may adversely affect those borrowers' ability to pay as contractually obligated and could result in additional delinquencies or charge–offs.

Conversely, should market interest rates fall below current levels, our net interest margin could also be negatively affected, as competitive pressures could keep us from further reducing rates on our deposits, and prepayments on loans may continue. Such movements may cause a decrease in our interest rate spread and net interest margin, and therefore, decrease our profitability.

We also are subject to reinvestment risk associated with changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates may affect the average life of loans and mortgage–related securities. Increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and/or may make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans, which increases the potential for default. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on may also lead to an increase in non–performing assets and a reduction of income recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Further, when we place a loan on non–accrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income. At the same time, we continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense.

Decreases in interest rates often result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage–related securities, as borrowers refinance their loans to reduce borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent that we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments in loans or other investments that have interest rates that are comparable to the interest rates on existing loans and securities.

We are exposed to intangible asset risk in that our goodwill may become impaired.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $168.8 million of goodwill and other intangible assets. A significant and sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, or slower growth rates could result in impairment of goodwill. If we were to conclude that a future write-down of our goodwill is necessary, then we would record the appropriate charge, which could be materially adverse to our operating results and financial position. For further discussion, see Notes 1 and 8, “Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Goodwill and Intangible Assets,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Our mortgage lending profitability could be significantly reduced as changes in interest rates could affect mortgage origination volume and pricing for selling mortgages on the secondary market.

Currently, we sell a substantial portion of the mortgage loans we originate. The profitability of our mortgage banking operations depends in large part upon our ability to originate and sell mortgages to the secondary market at a gain. A higher interest rate environment can negatively affect the volume of loan originations and refinanced loans reducing the dollar amount of loans available to be sold to the secondary market. Higher interest rates can also negatively affect the premium received on loans sold to the secondary market as competitive pressures to originate loans can reduce pricing.

Our ability to sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon the availability of an active secondary market for single–family mortgage loans, which in turn depends in part upon the continuation of programs currently offered by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae (the “Agencies”) and other institutional and non–institutional investors. These entities account for a substantial portion of the secondary market in residential mortgage loans. Some of the largest participants in the secondary market, including the Agencies, are government–sponsored enterprises whose activities are governed by federal law. Any future changes in laws that significantly affect the activity of such government–sponsored enterprises could, in turn, adversely affect our operations.

Any significant impairment of our eligibility with any of the Agencies could materially and adversely affect our operations. Further, the criteria for loans to be accepted under such programs may be changed from time–to–time by the sponsoring entity which could result in a lower volume of corresponding loan originations. The profitability of participating in specific programs may vary depending on a number of factors, including our administrative costs of originating and purchasing qualifying loans and our costs of meeting such criteria.

The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell our common stock at times or at prices you find attractive.

Although our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, our stock price constantly changes, and we expect our stock price to continue to fluctuate in the future. Our stock price is impacted by a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control.

These factors include:

• variations in our operating results or the quality of our assets;
• operating results that vary from the expectations of management, securities analysts and investors;
• increases in loan losses, non–performing loans and other real estate owned;
• changes in the U.S. corporate tax rates;
• changes in expectations as to our future financial performance;
• announcements of new products, strategic developments, new technology, acquisitions and other material events by us or our competitors;
• ability to fund Horizon's assets through core deposits and/or wholesale funding;
• the operating and securities prices performance of other companies that investors believe are comparable to us;
• our inclusion on the Russell 2000 or other indices;
• actual or anticipated sales of our equity or equity–related securities;
• our past and future dividend practice;
• our creditworthiness;
• interest rates;
• the credit, mortgage and housing markets, and the markets for securities relating to mortgage or housing;
• developments with respect to financial institutions generally; and
• economic, financial, geopolitical, regulatory, congressional or judicial events that affect us or the financial markets.

In addition, the stock market in general has experienced price and volume fluctuations. The volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies and particularly those in the financial services and banking sector, including for reasons unrelated to their operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect our stock price, notwithstanding our operating results.

Because our stock is moderately traded, it may be more difficult for you to sell your shares or buy additional shares when you desire to do so and the price may be volatile.

Although our common stock has been listed on the NASDAQ stock market since December 2001, our common stock is moderately traded. The prices of moderately traded stocks, such as ours, can be more volatile than stocks traded in a large, active public market and can be more easily impacted by sales or purchases of large blocks of stock. Moderately traded stocks are also less liquid, and because of the low volume of trades, you may be unable to sell your shares when you desire to do so.

Liquidity Risk

We are subject to liquidity risk in our operations, which could adversely affect the ability to fund various obligations.

Liquidity risk is the possibility of being unable to meet obligations as they come due, pay deposits when withdrawn, capitalized on growth opportunities as they arise, or pay dividends because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding on a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances. Liquidity is derived primarily from retail deposit growth and retention, principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities, net cash provided from operations, and access to other funding sources. Liquidity is essential to our business. We must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale or pledging as collateral of loans and other assets could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.

Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn, failures of other financial institutions which reduces overall market confidence in the banking and financial services industry, or regulatory action that limits or eliminates our access to alternate funding sources. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are nonspecific to us, such as severe disruption of the financial markets or negative expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole, as evidenced by the recent failures of certain depository institutions and the resulting market turmoil and volatility stemming from such failures.

Unrealized losses in our investment portfolio could adversely affect liquidity.

As market interest rates increased during 2022 and 2023, we have experienced increased unrealized losses within our investment portfolio. Our investment portfolio consists of obligations of the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies, obligations of state and local municipalities, federal agency mortgage obligations, private labeled mortgage–backed pools and corporate notes. Many of these instruments are particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, especially long–term fixed–income securities. The unrealized losses for available for sale investments is reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) on our balance sheet and reduces our book capital and tangible common equity ratio. However, unrealized losses do not affect our regulatory capital ratios.

Management continues to actively monitor the investment portfolio and does not currently anticipate the need to realize material losses from the investment portfolio, and we believe it is unlikely we would be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity. However, our access to liquidity sources could be affected by unrealized losses if securities within the investment portfolio must be sold at a loss or tangible capital ratios decline from an increase in unrealized losses or realized credit losses.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, and such capital may not be available when needed or at all.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future to fund acquisitions and to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments, regulatory capital requirements and business needs, particularly if our asset quality or earnings were to deteriorate significantly. Although we are currently, and have historically been, “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes, in the past we have been required to maintain increased levels of capital in connection with certain acquisitions. Additionally, we periodically explore acquisition opportunities with other financial institutions, some of which are in distressed financial condition. Any future acquisition, particularly the acquisition of a significantly troubled institution or an institution of comparable size to us, may require us to raise additional capital in order to obtain regulatory approval and/or to remain well capitalized.

Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and our financial performance. Economic conditions and the loss of confidence in financial institutions may increase our cost of funding and limit access to certain customary sources of capital, including inter–bank borrowings, repurchase agreements and borrowings from the discount window of the Federal Reserve.

We cannot guarantee that such capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decline in the confidence of debt purchasers, our depositors or counterparties participating in the capital markets, may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, in turn, our liquidity. Moreover, if we need to raise capital in the future, we may have to do so when many other financial institutions are also seeking to raise capital and would have to compete with those institutions for investors. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and may restrict our ability to grow.

Operational Risk

Our internal controls may be ineffective, circumvented, or fail.Our internal controls may be ineffective, circumvented, or fail

Management regularly reviews and updates our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures, failure to implement any necessary improvement of controls and procedures, or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.Management regularly reviews and updates our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures, failure to implement any necessary improvement of controls and procedures, or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Our information systems may experience cyber–attacks or an interruption or breach in security. Our cybersecurity systems could be inadequate or fail.

We rely heavily on internal and outsourced technologies, communications, and information systems to conduct our business. Additionally, in the normal course of business, we collect, process and retain sensitive and confidential information regarding our customers. As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the potential risks of a technology–related operational interruption (such as disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan, or other systems) or the occurrence of cyber–attacks (such as unauthorized access to our systems, computer viruses, ransom ware, or other malicious code). These risks have increased for all financial institutions as new technologies, advancement consumer applications and the increase adoption of mobile devices, have become commonly used to conduct financial and other business transactions, during a time of increased technological sophistication of organized crime, perpetrators of fraud, hackers, terrorists and others. In addition to cyber–attacks or other security breaches involving the theft of sensitive and confidential information, hackers recently have engaged in attacks against large financial institutions, particularly denial of service attacks, which are designed to disrupt key business services, such as customer–facing web sites. Although we have programs in place related to business continuity, disaster recovery and information security to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our systems, business applications and customer information, we are not able to anticipate or implement effective preventive measures against all cyber–security threats, especially because the techniques used change frequently and because attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources, both domestic and foreign.

We also face risks related to cyber–attacks and other security breaches in connection with credit card and debit card transactions that typically involve the transmission of sensitive information regarding our customers through various third parties, including merchant acquiring banks, payment processors, payment card networks and our processors. Some of these parties have in the past been the target of security breaches and cyber–attacks, and because the transactions involve third parties and environments such as the point of sale that we do not control or secure, future security breaches or cyber–attacks affecting any of these third parties could impact us through no fault of our own, and in some cases, we may have exposure and suffer losses for breaches or attacks relating to them. Further cyber–attacks or other breaches in the future, whether affecting us or others, could intensify consumer concern and regulatory focus and result in reduced use of payment cards and increased costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

To the extent we are involved in any future cyber–attacks or other breaches, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any insurance we maintain. We could also suffer significant damage to our reputation. Although we are insured against many of these risks, including privacy breach response costs, notification expenses, breach support and credit monitoring expenses, cyber extortion and cyber terrorism, there can be no assurances that such insurance will be sufficient to cover all costs arising from a data or information technology breach and our exposure may exceed our coverage.

Acts of terrorism or war, as well as the threat of terrorism or war, may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

Any act of terror, sustained military campaign, or war (threat of any of the foregoing) may cause general economic decline and instability, volatility and/or weakness of U.S. and global financial markets. Historically, U.S. and global markets have been adversely impacted by political and civil unrest occurring in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Russia, Venezuela and Asia. The current Russia and Ukraine conflict has raised similar economic and financial market concerns causing uncertainty and disruption in financial markets globally and further straining an already struggling global supply chain. Furthermore, such events have the potential to adversely impact the availability of commodities, commodity prices, and create global inflationary pressures.

As a result of any such events, the demand for our products and services may be significantly impacted and could influence the recognition of credit losses in our loan portfolio and increase our allowance for credit losses as both businesses and consumers are negatively impacted by such events and the economic uncertainty and volatility related thereto. They may also cause significant decreases in value in our investment portfolio, cause us to have to raise capital, or take other unforeseen actions to offset such effects.

The extent to which such actions may impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our regulatory capital and liquidity ratios, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including the scope and duration of such conflicts and actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response thereto. Even after such conflicts subside, the U.S. and global economies often require some time to recover, the length of which is unknown.

Any continued or further negative impact on economic conditions and global markets from these developments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and liquidity.

Pandemics, other global or regional health crises or disease outbreaks, natural disasters, global climate change, acts of terrorism and global conflicts may have a negative impact on our business.

Pandemics, such as the COVID–19 pandemic, other global or regional health crises or disease outbreaks, natural disasters, global climate change, acts of terrorism, global conflicts or other similar events have in the past, and may in the future have, a negative impact on our business and operations. These events impact us negatively to the extent that they result in reduced capital markets activity, lower asset price levels, or disruptions in general economic activity in the United States or abroad, or in financial market settlement functions. In addition, these or similar events may impact economic growth negatively, which could have an adverse effect on our business and operations and may have other adverse effects on us in ways that we are unable to predict.

The preparation of our financial statements requires the use of estimates that may vary from actual results.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make significant estimates that affect the financial statements. One of our most critical estimates is the level of the allowance for credit losses. Due to the inherent nature of these estimates, we cannot provide absolute assurance that we will not have to increase the allowance for loan losses and/or sustain loan losses that are significantly higher than the provided allowance.

Our mortgage warehouse and indirect lending operations are subject to a higher fraud risk than our other lending operations.

We provide credit facilities for loans originated by mortgage bankers and originate auto loans through automobile dealers. Because we must rely on the mortgage bankers and automobile dealers in making and documenting these loans, there is an increased risk of fraud to us on the part of the third–party originators and the underlying borrowers. In order to guard against this increased risk, we perform investigations on the mortgage companies and other third parties who originate loans we purchase, and we review the loan files and loan documents we purchase to attempt to detect any irregularities or legal noncompliance. However, there is no guarantee that our procedures will detect all cases of fraud or legal noncompliance.

We rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure.

Third–party vendors provide key components of our business infrastructure, including Internet connections, mobile and internet banking, statement processing, loan document preparation, network access and transaction and other processing services. Although we have selected these third–party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including as a result of inadequate or interrupted service or breach of customer information, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise to conduct our business. In addition, any breach in customer information could affect our reputation and cause legal liability and a loss of business. Replacing these third–party vendors also could result in significant delay and expense.

The loss of key members of our senior management team and our lending teams could affect our ability to operate effectively.

We depend heavily on the services of our existing senior management team to carry out our business and investment strategies. As we continue to grow and expand our business and our locations, products and services, we will increasingly need to rely on our senior management team's experience, judgment and expertise. We also depend heavily on our experienced and effective lending teams and their respective special market insights, including, for example, our agricultural lending specialists. In addition to the importance of retaining our lending team, we will also need to continue to attract and retain qualified banking personnel at all levels. Competition for such personnel is intense in our geographic market areas. If we are unable to attract and retain an effective lending team and other talented people, our business could suffer. The loss of the services of any senior management personnel or the inability to recruit and retain qualified lending and other personnel in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

Our inability to continue to process large volumes of transactions accurately could adversely impact our business and financial results.

We process large volumes of transactions on a daily basis and are exposed to numerous types of operational risk. Operational risk resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems includes the risk of fraud by persons inside or outside Horizon, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and systems, and breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of the operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards. Accordingly, if systems of internal control should fail to work as expected, if systems are used in an unauthorized manner, or if employees subvert the system of internal controls, significant losses could result.

We establish and maintain systems of internal operational controls that are designed to provide us with timely and accurate information about our level of operational risk. While not foolproof, these systems have been designed to manage operational risk at appropriate, cost–effective levels. Procedures also exist that are designed to ensure that policies relating to conduct, ethics and business practices are followed. If these systems fail, significant losses could result.

While we continually monitor and improve the system of internal controls, data processing systems and corporate–wide processes and procedures, there can be no assurance that future losses will not occur.

Potential acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute stockholder value.

We periodically evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities and conduct due diligence activities related to possible transactions with other financial institutions and financial service companies. We generally seek merger or acquisition partners that are culturally similar and possess either significant market presence or have potential for improved profitability through financial management, economies of scale or expanded services. Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branch involves various risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things:

• potential exposures to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company;
• exposure to potential asset quality issues of the target company;
• potential disruption to our business;
• potential diversion of our management's time and attention away from day–to–day operations;
• the possible loss of key employees, business and customers of the target company;
• difficulty in estimating the value of the target company; and
• potential problems in integrating the target company's data processing and ancillary systems, customers and employees with ours.

As a result, merger or acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving the payment of cash or the issuance of our debt or equity securities may occur at any time. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values, and, therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. To the extent we were to issue additional shares of common stock in any such transaction, our current shareholders would be diluted and such an issuance may have the effect of decreasing our stock price, perhaps significantly. Furthermore, failure to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits from an acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, merger and acquisition costs incurred by Horizon may temporarily increase operating expenses.

Economic Risk

An economic slowdown in our primary market areas could affect our business.

Our primary market area for deposit and loans consists of northern and central Indiana and southern and central Michigan. An economic slowdown could hurt our business and the possible consequences of such a downturn could include the following:

• increases in loan delinquencies and foreclosures;
• declines in the value of real estate and other collateral securing loans;
• an increase in loans charged off;
• an increase in expense to fund loan loss reserves;
• an increase in collection costs;
• a decline in the demand for our products and services; and
• an increase in non–accrual loans and other real estate owned.

Recent negative developments affecting the banking industry, and resulting media coverage, have eroded customer confidence in the banking system and could have a material effect on our operations and/or stock price.

High–profile 2023 bank failures including Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank have generated significant market volatility among publicly traded bank holding companies and, in particular, regional banks. These market developments have negatively impacted customer confidence in the safety and soundness of financial institutions, as well as have caused significant disruption, volatility and reduced valuations of equity and other securities of banks in the capital markets. These events occurred during a period of rapidly rising interest rates which, among other things, has resulted in unrealized losses in longer duration securities and loans held by banks, more competition for bank deposits and may increase the risk of a potential recession. These market developments have caused general uncertainty and concern regarding the liquidity adequacy of the banking industry and in particular, regional banks like Horizon. As a result, customers may choose to maintain deposits with larger financial institutions or invest in higher yielding short–term fixed income securities, all of which could materially adversely impact our liquidity, loan funding capacity, net interest margin, capital and results of operations. In connection with high–profile bank failures, uncertainty and concern has been, and may be in the future, compounded by advances in technology that increase the speed at which deposits can be moved, as well as the speed and reach of media attention, including social media, and its ability to disseminate concerns or rumors, in each case potentially exacerbating liquidity concerns. While the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and the FDIC have made statements ensuring that depositors of these recently failed banks would have access to their deposits, including previously uninsured deposit accounts, there is no guarantee that such actions will be successful in restoring customer confidence in regional banks and the banking system more broadly.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default by our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due us. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations or earnings.

Instability in global economic conditions and geopolitical matters, as well as volatility in financial markets, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Instability in global economic conditions and geopolitical matters, as well as volatility in financial markets, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. The macroeconomic environment in the United States is susceptible to global events and volatility in financial markets. For example, global demand for products continues to exceed supply during the economic recovery from the COVID–19 pandemic, creating significant inflationary pressures which, in turn, may adversely impact consumer and business confidence and regional and global economic conditions, as well as our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, trade negotiations between the U.S. and other nations remain uncertain and could adversely impact economic and market conditions for Horizon and its clients and counterparties.

Legal/Regulatory/Compliance Risk

As a public company, we face the risk of shareholder lawsuits and other related or unrelated litigation, particularly if we experience declines in the price of our common stock. We have been named as a party to purported class action and derivative lawsuits, and we may be named in additional litigation, all of which could require significant management time and attention and result in significant legal expenses.

As described in detail below in “Item 3 - Legal Proceedings,” on April 20, 2023, a putative class action was filed against the Company and two of its officers in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which asserts claims under §§ 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 alleging, among other things, the Company made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts which allegedly resulted in harm to a putative class of purchasers of our securities from March 9, 2022 and March 10, 2023. Derivative lawsuits have also been filed against the Company, as nominal defendant, and two of our officers and ten of our directors arising from the same events, alleging, among other things, breach of the officers and directors' fiduciary duties. Regardless of the merits, the expense of defending such litigation may have a substantial impact if our insurance carriers fail to cover the full cost of the litigation, and the time required to defend the actions could divert management’s attention from the day-to-day operations of our business, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and cash flows. An unfavorable outcome in such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The derivative lawsuits have been consolidated and stayed pending resolution of any motion to dismiss in the putative class action. Based on our initial review of these actions, management believes that the Company has strong defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously defend against them.

Any regulatory examination scrutiny or new regulatory requirements arising from the recent events in the banking industry could increase the Company's expenses and affect the Company's operations.

The Company also anticipates increased regulatory scrutiny – in the course of routine examinations and otherwise – and new regulations directed towards banks of similar size to the Bank, designed to address the recent negative developments in the banking industry, all of which may increase the Company's costs of doing business and reduce its profitability. As primarily a commercial bank, the Bank has a higher percentage of uninsured deposits compared to primarily retail focused banks. As a result, the Bank could face increased scrutiny or be viewed as higher risk by regulators and the investor community.

We may be exposed to risk of environmental liabilities with respect to real property to which we take title.

In the course of our business, we may own or foreclose and take title to real estate, and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties (including liabilities for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination), or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property.

We are subject to extensive regulation and changes in laws and regulatory policies could adversely affect our business.

Our operations are subject to extensive regulation by federal and state agencies. See “Regulation and Supervision” in the description of our Business in Item 1 of Part I of this report for detailed information on the laws and regulations to which we are subject. Many of these regulations are intended to protect depositors, the public or the FDIC insurance funds, not shareholders. Regulatory requirements affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and many other aspects of our business. Changes in applicable laws, regulations or regulator policies can materially affect our business. The likelihood of any major changes in the future and their effects are impossible to predict. As an example, the Bank could experience higher credit losses because of federal or state legislation or by regulatory or bankruptcy court action that reduces the amount the Bank's borrowers are otherwise contractually required to pay under existing loan contracts. Also, the Bank could experience higher credit losses because of federal or state legislation or regulatory action that limits its ability to foreclose on property or other collateral or makes foreclosure less economically feasible.

We face other risks from recent actions of the U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service. In November 2016, these agencies issued a Notice making captive insurance company activities “transactions of interest” due to the potential for tax avoidance or evasion. We have a captive insurance company and it is not certain at this point how the Notice may impact us on our operation of the captive insurance company as a risk management tool.

Legislation enacted in recent years, together with additional actions announced by the U.S. Treasury and other regulatory agencies, continue to develop. It is not clear at this time what impact legislation and liquidity and funding initiatives of the U.S. Treasury and other bank regulatory agencies, and additional programs that may be initiated in the future, will have on the financial markets and the financial services industry.

We may also face compliance risks arising from the new and growing body of privacy and data security laws enacted by foreign governments, such as the European Union's comprehensive 2018 General Data Privacy Regulation, and by U.S. state governments, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act that went into effect on January 1, 2020.

Provisions in our articles of incorporation, our by–laws, and Indiana law may delay or prevent an acquisition of us by a third party.

Our articles of incorporation and by–laws and Indiana law contain provisions that have certain anti–takeover effects. While the purpose of these provisions is to strengthen the negotiating position of the board of directors in the event of a hostile takeover attempt, the overall effects of these provisions may be to render more difficult or discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our shares, and the removal of incumbent directors and key management.

Our articles of incorporation provide for a staggered board, which means that only one–third of our board can be replaced by shareholders at any annual meeting. Our articles also provide that our directors may only be removed without cause by shareholders owning 70% or more of our outstanding common stock.

Our articles also preempt Indiana law with respect to business combinations with a person who acquires 10% or more of our common stock and provide that such transactions are subject to independent and super–majority shareholder approval requirements unless certain pricing and board pre–approval requirements are satisfied.

Our by–laws do not permit cumulative voting of shareholders in the election of directors, allowing the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares to control the election of all our directors, and our directors are elected by plurality voting; although, under our newly adopted Director Resignation Policy, directors not receiving a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election are required to submit a resignation, which our Board has the discretion to accept or reject. Our by–laws also establish detailed procedures that shareholders must follow if they desire to nominate directors for election or otherwise present issues for consideration at a shareholders’ meeting.

These and other provisions of our governing documents and Indiana law are intended to provide the board of directors with the negotiating leverage to achieve a more favorable outcome for our shareholders in the event of an offer for the Company. However, there is no assurance that these same anti–takeover provisions could not have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that shareholders might believe to be in their best interests.

Fiduciary Risk

Our prior role as a trustee for employee stock ownership plans (“ESOPs”) may expose us to increased risk of litigation due to heightened scrutiny of this role by the U.S. Department of Labor and the plaintiffs' bar.

Prior to September 30, 2021, we acted as an independent trustee for corporate ESOP plans throughout the U.S. Over the last several years, the U.S. Department of Labor and the plaintiffs’ bar have been aggressively targeting ESOP trustees and transactions on a variety of fronts, including valuations and the amount that ESOP trustees pay to buy back stock from selling shareholders, as well as the indemnity agreements commonly used by ESOP companies to protect ESOP trustees from undue risk and liability exposure. In December 2021, Horizon reached a mediation settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor concerning ESOP valuations and sale transactions relating to ESOPs for which we acted as trustee. On September 30, 2021, we sold our ESOP trustee business to a third party. Despite exiting this line of business and our settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor with respect to many of our prior engagement, we may still be exposed to an increased risk of litigation from the U.S. Department of Labor and the plaintiffs’ bar for these historical activities.

General Risks

We continually encounter technological changes.

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology–driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements, and we may not be able to effectively implement new technology–driven products and services at the same speed at which our competitors do (or not at all) or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

We face intense competition in all phases of our business from other banks, financial institutions and non–banks.

The banking and financial services business in most of our markets is highly competitive. Our competitors include large banks, local community banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, finance companies, money market mutual funds, credit unions, neo–banks (a digital or mobile–only bank that exists without any physical bank branches), and other non–bank financial and digital service providers, many of which have greater financial, marketing and technological resources than we do. Many of these competitors are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions that we are and may be able to compete more effectively as a result.

Also, technology and other changes have lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for customers to complete financial transactions using neo–banks, non–banks and financial technology (“FinTech”) companies that historically have involved banks at one or both ends of the transaction. These entities now offer products and services traditionally provided by banks and often at lower costs. The wide acceptance of Internet–based commerce has resulted in a number of alternative payment processing systems, and deposit and lending platforms in which banks play only minor roles. For example, consumers can maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts or mutual funds. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. Use of emerging alternative payment platforms, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal can alter consumer credit card behavior and consequently impact our interchange fee income.

The continuing process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” will likely result in the loss of additional fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The effects of disintermediation are also likely to continue to negatively impact the lending activities of traditional banks because of the fast growing number of FinTech companies that use software and technology to deliver mortgage lending and other financial services with fewer employees. A related risk is the migration of bank personnel away from the traditional bank environments into neo–banks, FinTech companies and other non–banks.

Increased competition in our markets may result in a decrease in the amounts of our loans and deposits, reduced spreads between loan rates and deposit rates or loan terms that are more favorable to the borrower. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our ability to maintain our earnings record, grow our loan portfolios and obtain low–cost funds. If increased competition causes us to significantly discount the interest rates we offer on loans or increase the amount we pay on deposits, our net interest income could be adversely impacted. If increased competition causes us to change our underwriting standards, we could be exposed to higher losses from lending activities. Additionally, many of our competitors are larger in total assets and capitalization and have greater access to capital markets.

Horizon is also experiencing an increase in competition to acquire other banks, due to the overall strength of financial institutions and their high capital levels. In addition, credit unions, private equity groups, and FinTech companies are now actively pursuing small bank acquisitions. Increased competition for bank acquisitions may slow Horizon’s ability to grow earning assets at comparable historical growth rates.

The Board established the Cyber Security Committee of the Board in December 2022 to augment the Board's oversight with cybersecurity focus and expertise and to complement the risk framework activities of the Enterprise Risk Management and Credit Policy Committee. The Cyber Security Committee considers risks associated with Horizon's overall cyber security and information technology programs; information technology audits; the security risk insurance that Horizon maintains for information technology, cyber security and privacy risks; Horizon's information security training programs; and compliance with all rules and regulations and risk control policies and procedures relating to information technology and cyber security.

Pursuant to the Cyber Security Committee Charter, the Cyber Security Committee is required to meet at least three times per year and report to the Board annually. The Cyber Security Committee met three times in 2023. In addition, the Cyber Security Committee Charter provides that a majority of the Cyber Security Committee's voting members must qualify as independent directors under SEC rules and NASDAQ listing standards. During 2023, 80% of the Cyber Security Committee's members qualified as independent.

Horizon's senior management briefs the Cyber Security Committee at each Cyber Security Committee meeting (see below for detailed discussion). In 2023, Horizon's information technology/cyber security program was audited by Horizon's internal and external auditors. The Cyber Security Committee Charter is posted on Horizon's website at www.horizonbank.com (http://www.horizonbank.com) in the section headed “About Us – Investor Relations – Corporate Information” under the caption “Corporate Governance.”

Through Horizon's enterprise risk management framework and reporting functions, the Board, its Committees and Management assess and manage cybersecurity risks created by cybersecurity threats. Horizon's Vice President, Information Security and Audit Information Security officer (“Information Security Officer”) provides an annual Information Security Program report to the Board and as needed when cybersecurity risk is elevated. Horizon's Senior Vice President, Senior Technology Officer is a member of the Cyber Security Committee and reports on cyber security risks at each meeting a minimum of three times a year. The Senior Vice President, Senior Technology Officer reports to the Executive Vice President, Senior Operations Officer, who also is a member of the Cyber Security Committee. For independence, the Information Security Officer reports to Horizon's Senior Vice President,

Senior Auditor and Compliance Officer. Horizon's risk escalation framework requires progressive escalation of cyber security risks to Management and its Committees, then to Board Committees and, ultimately, to the Board.

Management's Operations Committee meets monthly and provides oversight and governance of the technology and cyber security programs. The Senior Vice President, Senior Technology Officer and Information Security Officer are members of this committee and report monthly on the technology and cyber security programs. The Senior Vice President, Senior Technology Officer also is a member of Management's Enterprise Risk & Disclosure Committee, which meets a minimum of four times a year, to report on the technology and cyber security programs.

Horizon engages in regular assessments of its infrastructure, software systems, and network architecture, using internal cybersecurity experts and third–party specialists. It also maintains a third–party risk management program designed to identify, assess, and manage risk, including cybersecurity risks, associated with external service providers and our supply chain.

The Executive Vice President, Senior Operations Officer has 34 years of experience in operations and technology with an educational background in Business Administration. In the role of Senior Bank Operations Officer and Executive for the past 23 years, she oversees and works closely with Horizon's technology and security teams to develop and implement robust security measures to protect the Bank's systems, networks, and customer data. The Senior Bank Operations Officer stays current on the latest industry trends and emerging cyber threats through publications, webinars, seminars and banking association training around cyber security. She also collaborates with external agencies, such as law enforcement and regulatory bodies, to address cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry best practices.

The Senior Vice President, Senior Technology Officer has 27 years of experience in information technology, with the last 12 as the information technology leader for the Bank. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. He is an active member of FS–ISAC's Mergers an Acquisition Working Group, and a named author of their 2023 “Cybersecurity Best Practices in Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestiture Deals” publication. He also serves as an advisory member of the Indiana Governor's Executive Council on Cybersecurity. He attends numerous industry training sessions including those put on by the SANS Institute, PaloAlto, Cisco, Microsoft, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and FS–ISAC.

The Vice President, Information Security and Audit Information Security Officer has 27 years as an IT Professional, with the last 8 as the cybersecurity leader for Horizon Bank with an education background in Technology. He has achieved numerous certifications throughout his career including the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Certified Novell Engineering (CNE 5/6), and has demonstrated a continued commitment to excellence and has attained certification as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) issued by ISC2 in 2022. Through continuous learning and professional development, the Information Security Officer has honed his expertise in cybersecurity frameworks, threat detection, incident response, and risk management. He also serves as a member of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA) Cyber Security Committee and attends numerous industry training sessions including those put on by Microsoft, FS–ISAC, SANS Institute.

Notwithstanding our defensive measures and processes, the threat posed by cyber–attacks is severe. Our internal systems, processes, and controls are designed to mitigate loss from cyberattacks and, while we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, to date, risks from cybersecurity threats have not materially affected our Company. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for further discussion of risks related to cyber security in Horizon's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10–K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The main office and full service branch of Horizon and the Bank is located at 515 Franklin Street, Michigan City, Indiana. The building located across the street from the main office of Horizon and the Bank, at 502 Franklin Street, houses the credit administration, operations, purchasing, and information technology departments of the Bank. In addition to these principal facilities, the Bank has 70 sales offices located in various cities and towns in northern and central Indiana and southern and central Michigan. Horizon maintains such branches and offices as it believes are necessary for the convenience of its customers and the community, and Horizon frequently assesses the suitability of all its business locations.

Horizon owns all of its facilities except for a leased office in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

As of April 20, 2023, a putative class action lawsuit entitled Chad Key, et al. v. Horizon Bancorp, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:23-cv-02961 (”Securities Action”) was filed against the Company and two of its officers in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The Securities Action asserts claims under §§ 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 alleging, among other things, the Company made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts which allegedly resulted in harm to a putative class of purchasers of our securities from March 9, 2022 and March 10, 2023.

As of (1) August 28, 2023, a lawsuit related to the Securities Action was filed by Sally Hundley, derivatively on behalf of the Company, against the Company, as nominal defendant, and 2 of the Company's officers and 10 of its directors and (2) August 31, 2023, a lawsuit also related to the Securities Action was filed by Aziz Chowdhury, derivatively on behalf of the Company, against the Company, as nominal defendant, and 2 of the Company's officers and 10 of its directors (the “Derivatives Actions”) in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The Derivative Actions allege, among other things, breach of the officers and directors' fiduciary duties. The Derivative Actions have been consolidated and stayed pending resolution of any motion to dismiss in the Securities Action.

Based on our initial review of these actions, management believes that the Company has strong defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously defend against them. As of December 31, 2023, no liabilities related to the above matters were recorded because we have concluded such liabilities are not probable and the amounts of such liabilities are not reasonably estimable.

In addition to the matters described above, from time to time, Horizon and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of their business. Management does not expect that the outcome of any such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Overview

Horizon is a registered bank holding company incorporated in Indiana and headquartered in Michigan City, Indiana. Horizon provides a broad range of banking services in northern and central Indiana and southern and central Michigan through its bank subsidiary, Horizon Bank. Horizon operates as a single segment, which is commercial banking. Horizon’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HBNC. The Bank was founded in 1873 as a national association, and it remained a national association until its conversion to an Indiana commercial bank effective June 23, 2017. The Bank is a full–service commercial bank offering commercial and retail banking services, corporate and individual trust and agency services, and other services incident to banking.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Highlights

• Commercial loan growth totaled $85.7 million, increasing by 13.1% annualized during the quarter and 8.4% since December 31, 2022. Total loans were $4.42 billion at period end, increasing by 5.2% annualized during the quarter and 6.1% since December 31, 2022.
• Deposits remained resilient, totaling $5.7 billion at period end, compared to $5.7 billion on September 30, 2023 and decreased 3.3% since December 31, 2022.
• Net interest margin increased to 2.43% compared to 2.41% in the linked quarter. Interest income was $42.3 million compared to $42.1 million in the linked quarter.
• Cash totaled $526.5 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 0.05% of average loans for the year, delinquent loans representing 0.38% of total loans at period end and non–performing loans representing 0.44% of total loans at period end, with the increase in provision during the year primarily attributable to loan growth.
• In December, the Company announced a balance sheet repositioning that included the sale of $382.7 million in lower-yielding securities and the surrender of $113.9 million of bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) policies. For the quarter, the Company recorded a net loss of $25.2 million, or $0.58 per diluted share. Excluding the $38.7 million after-tax impact of the balance sheet repositioning and approximately $705,000 in extraordinary expenses associated with previously disclosed staffing changes, the launch of Horizon Equipment Finance and the expansion of the Bank's treasury management capabilities, adjusted net income was $14.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, in the quarter. (See the “Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Income” table below.) This compared to third quarter 2023 net income of $16.2 million, or $0.37 per diluted share.
• Horizon continues to maintain cash at the holding company level representing approximately eight quarters of dividend payments and fixed costs.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10–K for 2023 contain a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies. Certain of these policies are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Management has identified the allowance for credit losses, goodwill and intangible assets, mortgage servicing rights, derivative instruments and valuation measurements as critical accounting policies.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses on loans and leases (“ACL”) replaces the allowance for loan and lease losses as a credit accounting estimate, as of January 1, 2020 with the adoption of ASU 2016–13, Financial Instruments–Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.

The allowance for credit losses represents management’s best estimate of current expected credit losses over the life of the portfolio of loans and leases. Estimating credit losses requires judgment in determining loan specific attributes impacting the borrower’s ability to repay contractual obligations. Other factors such as economic forecasts used to determine a reasonable and supportable forecast, prepayment assumptions, the value of underlying collateral, and changes in size composition and risks within the portfolio are also considered.

The allowance for credit losses is assessed at each balance sheet date and adjustments are recorded in the provision for credit losses. The allowance is estimated based on loan level characteristics using historical loss rates, a reasonable and supportable economic forecast. Loan losses are estimated using the fair value of collateral for collateral–dependent loans, or when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty such that repayment of the loan is expected to be made through the operation or sale of the collateral. Loan balances considered uncollectible are charged–off against the ACL. Assets purchased with credit deterioration (“PCD”) represent assets that are acquired with evidence of more than insignificant credit quality deterioration since origination at the acquisition date. At acquisition, the allowance for credit losses on PCD assets is booked directly to the ACL. Any subsequent changes in the ACL on PCD assets is recorded through the provision for credit losses. Management believes that the ACL is adequate to absorb the expected life of loan credit losses on the portfolio of loans and leases as of the balance sheet date. Actual losses incurred may differ materially from our estimates.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Off–Balance Sheet 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 and has recorded an allowance.

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.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

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.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Management believes that the accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets also involves a higher degree of judgment than most other significant accounting policies. FASB ASC 350–10 establishes standards for the amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment assessment of goodwill. At December 31, 2023, Horizon had core deposit intangibles of $13.6 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. A decrease in earnings resulting from a decline in the customer base or the inability to deliver cost effective services over sustained periods can lead to impairment of goodwill that could adversely affect earnings in future periods. FASB ASC 350–10 requires an annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment.

At each reporting date between annual goodwill impairment tests, Horizon considers potential indicators of impairment. Impairment indicators considered comprised the condition of the economy and banking industry; government intervention and regulatory updates; the impact of recent events to financial performance and cost factors of the reporting unit; performance of the Company's stock and other relevant events. Horizon further considered the amount by which fair value exceeded book value in the most recent quantitative analysis and stress testing performed. At the conclusion of the assessment, the Company determined that as of December 31, 2023, it was more likely than not that the fair value exceeded its carrying value. Horizon will continue to monitor overall economic conditions and any other triggering events or circumstances that may indicate an impairment of goodwill in the future.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through the sale of financial assets on a servicing–retained basis. Capitalized servicing rights are amortized into non–interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated regularly for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying servicing rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates, original loan terms and whether the loans are fixed or adjustable rate mortgages. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market–based assumptions. When the book value of an individual stratum exceeds its fair value, an impairment reserve is recognized so that each individual stratum is carried at the lower of its amortized book value or fair value. In periods of falling market interest rates, accelerated loan prepayment can adversely affect the fair value of these mortgage–servicing rights relative to their book value. In the event that the fair value of these assets was to increase in the future, Horizon can recognize the increased fair value to the extent of the impairment allowance but cannot recognize an asset in excess of its amortized book value. Future changes in management’s assessment of the impairment of these servicing assets, as a result of changes in observable market data relating to market interest rates, loan prepayment speeds, and other factors, could impact Horizon’s financial condition and results of operations either positively or negatively.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Generally, when market interest rates decline and other factors favorable to prepayments occur, there is a corresponding increase in prepayments as customers refinance existing mortgages under more favorable interest rate terms. When a mortgage loan is prepaid, the anticipated cash flows associated with servicing that loan are terminated, resulting in a reduction of the fair value of the capitalized mortgage servicing rights. To the extent that actual borrower prepayments do not react as anticipated by the prepayment model (i.e., the historical data observed in the model does not correspond to actual market activity), it is possible that the prepayment model could fail to accurately predict mortgage prepayments and could result in significant earnings volatility. To estimate prepayment speeds, Horizon utilizes a third–party prepayment model, which is based upon statistically derived data linked to certain key principal indicators involving historical borrower prepayment activity associated with mortgage loans in the secondary market, current market interest rates and other factors, including Horizon’s own historical prepayment experience. For purposes of model valuation, estimates are made for each product type within the mortgage servicing rights portfolio on a monthly basis. In addition, on a quarterly basis Horizon engages a third party to independently test the value of its servicing asset.

Derivative Instruments

As part of the Company’s asset/liability management program, Horizon utilizes, from time–to–time, interest rate floors, caps or swaps to reduce the Company’s sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations. These are derivative instruments, which are recorded as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are reported in the consolidated income statements or other comprehensive income (“OCI”) depending on the use of the derivative and whether the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting. The key criterion for the hedge accounting is that the hedged relationship must be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in those cash flows that are attributable to the hedged risk, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis.

Horizon’s accounting policies related to derivatives reflect the guidance in FASB ASC 815–10. Derivatives that qualify for the hedge accounting treatment are designated as either: a hedge of the fair value of the recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge). For fair value hedges, the cumulative change in fair value of both the hedge instruments and the underlying loans is recorded in non–interest income. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are reported in OCI to the extent the hedge is effective. The gains and losses on derivative instruments that are reported in OCI are reflected in the consolidated income statement in the periods in which the results of operations are impacted by the variability of the cash flows of the hedged item. Generally, net interest income is increased or decreased by amounts receivable or payable with respect to the derivatives, which qualify for hedge accounting. At inception of the hedge, Horizon establishes the method it uses for assessing the effectiveness of the hedging derivative and the measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge. The ineffective portion of the hedge, if any, is recognized currently in the consolidated statements of income. Horizon excludes the time value expiration of the hedge when measuring ineffectiveness.

Valuation Measurements

Valuation methodologies often involve a significant degree of judgment, particularly when there are no observable active markets for the items being valued. Investment securities and derivatives are carried at fair value, as defined in FASB ASC 820, which requires key judgments affecting how fair value for such assets and liabilities is determined. In addition, the outcomes of valuations have a direct bearing on the carrying amounts of goodwill, mortgage servicing rights, and pension and other post–retirement benefit obligations. To determine the values of these assets and liabilities, as well as the extent to which related assets may be impaired, management makes assumptions and estimates related to discount rates, asset returns, prepayment speeds and other factors. The use of different discount rates or other valuation assumptions could produce significantly different results, which could affect Horizon’s results of operations.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Analysis of Financial Condition

Horizon’s total assets were $7.9 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $68.0 million from December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily in cash and due from banks of $403.0 million and in net loans of $260.1 million, offset by decreases in investment securities of $527.4 million and cash value of life insurance of $110.0 million.

Investment Securities

Investment securities carrying values totaled $2.5 billion at December 31, 2023, and consisted of Treasury and federal agency securities of $351.6 million (14.1%); state and municipal securities of $1.4 billion (55.8%); federal agency mortgage–backed pools of $460.9 million and federal agency collateralized mortgage obligations of $54.9 million (20.7%); private labeled mortgage–backed pools of $32.3 million (1.3%); and corporate securities of $200.7 million (8.1%).

As indicated above, 20.7% of the investment portfolio consists of mortgage–backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. These instruments are secured by residential mortgages of varying maturities. Principal and interest payments are received monthly as the underlying mortgages are repaid. These payments also include prepayments of mortgage balances as borrowers either sell their homes or refinance their mortgages. Therefore, mortgage–backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations have maturities that are stated in terms of average life. The average life is the average amount of time that each dollar of principal is expected to be outstanding. As of December 31, 2023, the mortgage–backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations in the investment portfolio had an average duration of just under 7 years. Securities that have interest rates above current market rates are purchased at a premium.

Available for sale municipal securities are priced by a third party using a pricing grid which estimates prices based on recent sales of similar securities. All municipal securities are investment grade or local non–rated issues. A credit review is performed annually on the municipal securities portfolio.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, 22.0% and 33.0%, respectively, of investment securities were classified as available for sale. Securities classified as available for sale are carried at their fair value, with both unrealized gains and losses recorded, net of tax, directly to stockholders’ equity. Net depreciation on these securities totaled $87.4 million, which resulted in a balance of $69.0 million, net of tax, included in stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2023. This compared to net depreciation on securities which totaled $110.7 million, net of tax, included in stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2022.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy is also established which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

When quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. There are no Level 1 securities. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Level 2 securities include U.S. Treasury and Federal agency securities, State and municipal securities, Federal agency collateralized mortgage obligations, Federal agency mortgage-backed pools and corporate notes. For Level 2 securities, Horizon uses a third party service to determine fair value. In performing the valuations, the pricing service relies on models that consider security–specific details as well as relevant industry and economic factors. The most significant of these inputs are quoted market prices, interest rate spreads on relevant benchmark securities and

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

certain prepayment assumptions. To verify the reasonableness of the fair value determination by the service, Horizon has a portion of the Level 2 securities priced by an independent securities broker–dealer.

Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, deemed temporary, are recorded, net of income tax, in a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance sheet.

The following is a schedule of maturities of each categories of available for sale and held to maturity debt securities and the related weighted–average yield of such securities as of December 31, 2023:

(dollars in thousands)

The weighted–average interest rates are based on coupon rates for securities purchased at par value an on effective interest rates considering amortization or accretion if the securities were purchased at a premium or discount. Yields are not presented on a tax–equivalent basis.

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system, Horizon is required to maintain an investment in the common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank. The investment in common stock is based on a predetermined formula. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, Horizon had investments in the common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank totaling $34.5 million and $26.7 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2023, Horizon did not maintain a trading account.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

For more information about securities, see Note 3 – Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 8.

Total Loans

Total loans, net of deferred fees/costs, the principal earning asset of the Bank, were $4.4 billion at December 31, 2023. The current level of total loans increased 6.3% from the December 31, 2022, level of $4.1 billion primarily due to an increase in commercial, consumer and residential mortgage loans, offset by a decrease in residential construction and mortgage warehouse loans during the year. The table below provides comparative detail on the loan categories.

The acceptance and management of credit risk is an integral part of the Bank’s business as a financial intermediary. The Bank has established underwriting standards including a policy that monitors the lending function through strict administrative and reporting requirements as well as an internal loan review of commercial, residential real estate and consumer loans. The Bank also uses an independent third–party loan review function that regularly reviews asset quality.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Changes in the mix of the loan portfolio averages are shown in the following table.

Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

The following table presents the maturity distribution of our loan portfolio as December 31, 2023. The table also presents the portion of loans that have fixed interest rates or variable interest rates that fluctuate over the life of the loans in accordance with changes in an interest rate index.

44

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Commercial Loans

Commercial loans totaled $2.67 billion, or 60.6% of total loans as of December 31, 2023, compared to $2.47 billion, or 59.3% as of December 31, 2022. The increase during 2023 was due to growth in all types of commercial loans.

Commercial loans consisted of the following types of loans at December 31:

At December 31, 2023, the commercial loan portfolio held $270.2 million of adjustable rate loans that had interest rate floors in the terms of the note. Of the commercial loans with interest rate floors, loans totaling $52.3 million were at their floor at December 31, 2023.

The Bank's commercial loan portfolio consists generally of approximately 27% commercial and industrial loans and approximately 73% commercial real estate loans. Commercial loans are originated in the primary geographic markets of Indiana and Michigan.

Commercial and industrial loans typically are comprised of loans to finance working capital, equipment and titled vehicles. The top five segments with the commercial and industrial portfolio as of December 31, 2023 as a percentage of total commercial loans were finance and insurance; individuals and other services; manufacturing; health care and education; and real estate rental and leasing, with the highest concentration in finance and insurance at approximately 5% of total commercial loans.

Owner occupied real estate loans are comprised of loans secured by the real estate for the business operator's facilities such as their office, warehouse, manufacturing facility or medical offices. The top five segments within the owner occupied real estate portfolio as of December 31, 2023 as a percentage of total commercial loans were health care and education; individuals and other services; real estate rental and leasing; retail trade; and manufacturing with the highest concentration in health care and education at approximately 6% of total commercial loans.

Non–owner occupied real estate loans are categorized as loans reliant on the leasing and/or operation of the underlying real estate for repayment. The top five segments within the non–owner occupied real estate portfolio as of December 31, 2023 as a percentage of total commercial loans were lessor's of mutli–family; warehouse and industrial; retail; hospitality; and non–medical offices with the highest concentration in lessor's of mutli–family at approximately 10% of total commercial loans.

Management actively monitors commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans by NAICS code, geography and real estate sector. Commercial real estate loans are managed to internal portfolio limits for certain real estate categories, as well as regulatory concentration limits based on Tier 1 capital plus allowance for credit losses, percent of portfolio and comparison to peer data. The Bank also utilizes external data sources to monitor commercial real estate segment and market trends.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Residential Real Estate Loans

Residential real estate loans totaled $681.1 million, or 15.4% of total loans as of December 31, 2023, compared to $653.3 million, or 15.7% of total loans as of December 31, 2022. This category consists of home mortgages that generally require a loan to value of no more than 80%. Some special guaranteed or insured real estate loan programs do permit a higher loan to collateral value ratio. The increase during 2023 was primarily due to jumbo fixed rate loan growth that are held on the balance sheet, as variable rate loans remained flat during the year.

In addition to the customary real estate loans described above, the Bank also had outstanding on December 31, 2023, $478.7 million in home equity lines of credit compared to $346.8 million at December 31, 2022. Credit lines normally limit the loan to collateral value to no more than 89%. Home equity credit lines are primarily not combined with a first mortgage and are therefore evaluated in the allowance for loan losses as a separate pool. These loans are classified as consumer loans in the Loans table above and in Note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 8.

Residential real estate lending is a highly competitive business. As of December 31, 2023, the real estate loan portfolio reflected a wide range of interest rates and repayment patterns, but could generally be categorized as follows:

In addition to the real estate loan portfolio, the Bank originates and sells real estate loans and retains the servicing rights. During 2023 and 2022, approximately $142.8 million and $221.9 million, respectively, of residential mortgages were sold into the secondary market. Loans serviced for others are not included in the consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of loans serviced for others totaled approximately $1.5 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The aggregate fair value of capitalized mortgage servicing rights at December 31, 2023, totaled approximately $19.9 million compared to the carrying value of $18.8 million. Comparable market values and a valuation model that calculates the present value of future cash flows were used to estimate fair value. For purposes of measuring impairment, risk characteristics including product type, investor type and interest rates, were used to stratify the originated mortgage servicing rights.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Mortgage Warehouse Loans

Horizon’s mortgage warehousing lending has specific mortgage companies as customers of Horizon Bank. Individual mortgage loans originated by these mortgage companies are funded as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral under Horizon’s agreement with the mortgage company. Each mortgage loan funded by Horizon undergoes an underwriting review by Horizon to the end investor guidelines and is assigned to Horizon until the loan is sold to the secondary market by the mortgage company. In addition, Horizon takes possession of each original note and forwards such note to the end investor once the mortgage company has sold the loan. At the time a loan is transferred to the secondary market, the mortgage company reacquires the loan under its option within the agreement. Due to the reacquire feature contained in the agreement, the transaction does not qualify as a sale and therefore is accounted for as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral pursuant to the agreement with the mortgage company. When the individual loan is sold to the end investor by the mortgage company, the proceeds from the sale of the loan are received by Horizon and used to pay off the loan balance with Horizon along with any accrued interest and any related fees. The remaining balance from the sale is forwarded to the mortgage company. These individual loans typically are sold by the mortgage company within 30 days and are seldom held more than 90 days. Interest income is accrued during this period and collected at the time each loan is sold. Fee income for each loan sold is collected when the loan is sold and no costs are deferred due to the term between each loan funding and related payoff, which is typically less than 30 days.

Based on the agreements with each mortgage company, at any time a mortgage company can reacquire from Horizon its outstanding loan balance on an individual mortgage and regain possession of the original note. Horizon also has the option to request that the mortgage company reacquire an individual mortgage. Should this occur, Horizon would return the original note and reassign the assignment of the mortgage to the mortgage company. Also, in the event that the end investor would not be able to honor the purchase commitment and the mortgage company would not be able to reacquire its loan on an individual mortgage, Horizon would be able to exercise its rights under the agreement. The greatest risk related to these loans is transaction and fraud risk. During 2023, Horizon processed approximately $1.4 billion in mortgage warehouse loans.

At December 31, 2023, the mortgage warehouse loan balance was $45.1 million compared to $69.5 million as of December 31, 2022.

Consumer Loans

Consumer loans totaled $1.0 billion, or 23.0% of total loans as of December 31, 2023, compared to $967.8 million, or 23.3% as of December 31, 2022. The increase during 2023 was due to growth in home equity lines of credit primarily attributable to approximately $124.9 million of purchased home equity lines of credit as the indirect loan portfolio declined $100.6 million.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Allowance and Provision for Credit Losses

The table below provides an allocation of the year–end allowance for credit losses on loans by loan portfolio segment; however, allocation of a portion of the allowance to one segment does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other segments.

At December 31, 2023, the allowance for credit losses was $50.0 million, or 1.13% of total loans outstanding, compared to $50.5 million, or 1.21%, at December 31, 2022. During 2023, a provision for credit losses on loans was recorded totaling $2.1 million compared to a release of provision for credit losses totaling $2.2 million in 2022.

Horizon assesses the adequacy of its Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) by regularly reviewing the performance of all of its loan portfolios. As a result of its quarterly reviews, a provision for credit losses is determined to bring the total ACL to a level called for by the analysis. Horizon's reserve includes allocations for potential future loan losses related to economic factors and the nature and characteristics of its loan portfolios.

No assurance can be given that Horizon will not, in any particular period, sustain loan losses that are significant in relation to the amount reserved, or that subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of factors then prevailing, including economic conditions and management’s ongoing quarterly assessments of the portfolio, will not require increases in the allowance for credit losses. Horizon considers the allowance for credit losses to be adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023.

Non–performing Loans

Non–performing loans are defined as loans that are greater than 90 days delinquent or have had the accrual of interest discontinued by management. From time to time, the Bank obtains information which may lead management to believe that the collection of payments may be doubtful on a particular loan. In recognition of such, it is management's policy to convert the loan from an “earning asset” to a non–accruing loan. Further, it is management's policy to place a commercial loan on non–accrual status when delinquent in excess of 90 days or management has determined that the borrower's ability to continue to make payments is in doubt. The officer responsible for the loan, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer, Senior Vice President Commercial Credit Officer and the Vice President Senior Commercial Workout Manager review all loans placed on non–accrual status. Management continues to work diligently toward returning non–performing loans to an earning asset basis.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–performing loans for the previous three years ending December 31 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

49

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–performing loans totaled 39.2%, 40.2% and 47.0% of the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Non–performing loans at December 31, 2023 totaled $20.3 million, a decrease from a balance of $21.8 million as of December 31, 2022 and an increase from a balance of $19.0 million as of December 31, 2021. The level of non–performing loans in 2023 remained consistent when compared to prior years.

Non–performing loans as a percentage of total loans was 0.46% as of December 31, 2023, a decrease from 0.53% as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) totaled $1.2 million on December 31, 2023, a decrease of $759,000 from December 31, 2022 and a decrease of $2.4 million from December 31, 2021. On December 31, 2023, OREO was comprised of six properties, three of these properties were bank owned properties from branch closures and three properties were residential.

No mortgage warehouse loans were non–performing or OREO as of December 31, 2023, 2022 or 2021.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Deferred Tax

Horizon had a net deferred tax asset totaling $33.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and a net deferred tax asset of $40.3 million as of December 31, 2022. The following table shows the major components of deferred tax:

Deposits

The primary source of funds for the Bank comes from the acceptance of demand and time deposits. However, at times the Bank will use its ability to borrow funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other sources when it can do so at interest rates and terms that are more favorable than those required for deposited funds or loan demand is greater than the ability to grow deposits. Total deposits were $5.7 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $5.9 billion at December 31, 2022.

Average deposits and rates by category for the three years ended December 31 are as follows:

51

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

The $166.8 million decrease in average deposits during 2023 was primarily due to the increase in rates during 2023 creating a competitive deposit environment, in addition to deposits leaving the banking system for alternative investment options. The transactional accounts average balances, as the lower cost funding sources, decreased $526.4 million and the average balances for higher cost time deposits increased $359.7 million. Horizon continually enhances its interest bearing consumer and commercial demand deposit products based on local market conditions and its need for funding to support various types of assets.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $2.6 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, or our deposit portfolio was uninsured. The uninsured amounts are estimates based on the methodologies and assumptions used for Horizon Bank's regulatory reporting requirements.

Certificates and other time deposits for both retail and brokered maturing in years ending December 31 are as follows:

Certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more, which are considered to be rate sensitive and are not considered a part of core deposits, mature as follows as of December 31, 2023:

Interest expense on time certificates of $250,000 or more was approximately $16.7 million, $4.2 million and $1.4 million for 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Off–Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2023, Horizon did not have any off–balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, change in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. The term “off–balance sheet arrangement” generally means any transaction, agreement, or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with the Company is a party and under which the Company has (i) any obligation arising under a guarantee contract, derivative instrument or variable interest; or (ii) a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets.

Capital Resources

Horizon has no material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2023. Horizon’s sources of funds and liquidity are discussed below in the section captioned “Liquidity” in this Item 7.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Results of Operations

Net Income

Consolidated net income was $28.0 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, in 2023, $93.4 million or $2.14 per diluted share in 2022, and $87.1 million or $1.98 per diluted share in 2021. The decrease in net income from the previous year reflects a decrease in net interest income of $23.8 million, a decrease in non–interest income of $35.5 million, an increase in non–interest expense of $3.1 million and an increase in credit loss expense of $4.3 million, offset by a decrease in income tax expense of $1.2 million. The decrease in diluted earnings per share compared to the previous year reflects a decrease in net income and an increase in diluted shares. Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $66.5 million, or $1.54 diluted earnings per share, compared to $92.8 million, or $2.13 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended December 31, 2022. (See the “Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share” table under the heading “Use of Non–GAAP Financial Measures” below for the definition of adjusted net income.)

Net Interest Income

The largest component of income is net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income, principally from loans and investment securities, and interest expense, principally on deposits and borrowings. Changes in the net interest income are the result of changes in volume and the net interest spread which affects the net interest margin. Volume refers to the average dollar levels of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. Net interest spread refers to the difference between the average yield on interest earning assets and the average cost of interest bearing liabilities. Net interest margin refers to net interest income divided by average interest earning assets and is influenced by the level and relative mix of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.

Net interest income during 2023 was $175.7 million, a decrease of $23.8 million, or 11.9%, compared to the $199.5 million earned in 2022. Yields on the Company’s interest earning assets increased by 94 basis points to 4.44% during 2023 from 3.50% in 2022. Interest income increased $76.3 million to $312.3 million for 2023 from $236.0 million in 2022. This increase was due to the overall increase in interest rates during 2023 and the increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $258.0 million.

Interest expense increased $100.0 million from $36.5 million in 2022 to $136.6 million in 2023. This increase was due to the overall increase in interest rates during 2023 and the increase in average balance of interest bearing liabilities of $439.3 million. The increase in rates paid on interest bearing liabilities of 164 basis points was greater than the increase in the yield of interest earning assets of 94 basis points that resulted in a decrease in the net interest margin of 43 basis points from 2.98% for 2022 to 2.55% in 2023. Excluding interest income recognized from acquisition–related purchase accounting adjustments and a swap termination fee, the margin would have been 2.51% for 2023 compared to 2.93% for 2022. Management believes that the current level of interest rates is driven by external factors and therefore impacts the results of the Company’s net interest margin.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

The following table presents the average balances of our assets, liabilities, and stockholders' equity, and the related weighted average yields and rates on our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

54

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Net interest income during 2022 was $199.5 million, an increase of $23.7 million, or 13.5%, over the $175.8 million earned in 2021. Yields on the Company’s interest earning assets increased by 17 basis points to 3.50% during 2022 from 3.33% in 2021. Interest income increased $41.9 million to $236.0 million for 2022 from $194.1 million in 2021. This increase was due to the overall increase in interest rates during 2022 and the increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $942.2 million.

Interest expense increased $18.2 million from $18.3 million in 2021 to $36.5 million in 2022. This increase was due to the overall increase in interest rates during 2022 and the increase in the average balance of interest bearing liabilities of $905.1 million. The increase in rates paid on interest bearing liabilities of 27 basis points was greater than the increase in the yield of interest earning assets of 17 basis points that resulted in a decrease in the net interest margin of 5 basis points from 3.03% for 2021 to 2.98% in 2022. Excluding interest income recognized from acquisition–related purchase accounting adjustments and prepayment penalties on borrowings, the margin would have been 2.93% for 2022 compared to 2.96% for 2021.

Credit Loss Expense

Horizon assesses the adequacy of its ACL by regularly reviewing the performance of its loan portfolios. Credit loss expense totaled $2.5 million in 2023 compared to a recovery of $1.8 million in 2022. Total loan net charge–offs were $2.2 million, which included commercial loan net charge–offs of $580,000, residential mortgage loan net recoveries of $34,000 and consumer loan net charge–offs of $1.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2023. The recovery of the ACL in 2022 was the result of allocations related to the impact of COVID–19 being reduced and/or eliminated during the year and partially reallocated to current economic factors and also required some release from the ACL.

Credit loss expense totaled a recovery of $1.8 million in 2022 compared to a recovery of $2.1 million in 2021. Total loan net charge–offs were $843,000, which included commercial loan net recoveries of $80,000, residential mortgage loan net recoveries of $53,000 and consumer loan net charge–offs of $976,000 for the year ending December 31, 2022. The recovery of the ACL in 2022 was the result of allocations related to the impact of COVID–19 being reduced and/or eliminated during the year and partially reallocated to current economic factors and also required some release from the ACL.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Additional information related to credit loss expense (recovery) and net charge–offs (recoveries) is presented in the table below. Also see Note 5 – Allowance for Credit and Loan Losses in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

56

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–interest Income

The following is a summary of changes in non–interest income:

During 2023, the Company originated approximately $142.8 million of mortgage loans to be sold on the secondary market, compared to $221.9 million in 2022 as long–term interest rates increased during 2023. This decrease in volume, in addition to a decrease in the percentage earned on the sale of mortgage loans, resulted in a decrease in the overall gain on sale of mortgage loans of $2.8 million compared to the prior year. Gain (loss) on the sale of investment securities decreased $32.1 million in 2023 as there were no sales in 2022 and the Company executed a balance sheet restructure in the fourth quarter of 2023 resulting in a $31.6 million loss on the sale of investment securities. Mortgage servicing net of impairment decreased by $2.1 million during 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to the recovery net impairment charges of $2.6 million recorded during 2022. The increase in bank owned life insurance income in 2023 was due to additional purchases of bank owned life insurance in 2022.

During 2022, the Company originated approximately $221.9 million of mortgage loans to be sold on the secondary market, compared to $438.1 million in 2021 as long–term interest rates began to increase during 2022. This decrease in volume, in addition to a decrease in the percentage earned on the sale of mortgage loans, resulted in a decrease in the overall gain on sale of mortgage loans of $12.0 million compared to the prior year. Gain on the sale of investment securities decreased $914,000 in 2022 as there were no sales in 2022. Fiduciary activities income decreased $2.0 million during 2022 primarily due to the sale of ESOP trustee accounts which was completed during the third quarter of 2021. Mortgage servicing net of impairment increased by $2.4 million during 2022 compared to 2021 primarily due to the recovery net impairment charges of $2.6 million recorded during 2022. Other income decreased $2.0 million during 2022 primarily due to the gain on sale of ESOP trustee accounts of $2.3 million recorded in 2021. The increase in interchange fee income in 2022 compared to 2021 was the result of the branch acquisition in September 2021 and organic growth in transactional deposit accounts and volume during 2022.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–interest Expense

The following is a summary of changes in non–interest expense:

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, employee benefits increased $2.2 million due to the increase in health care costs and variable costs in certain deferred compensation plans. FDIC deposit insurance increased $1.3 million as the FDIC's plan to replenish the Deposit Insurance Fund increased the rates paid during 2023. Commission and bonuses decreased $2.4 million primarily due to lower mortgage volume in 2023 and lower bonus expense accruals due to the results of certain performance measurements.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, salaries increased $6.0 million reflecting annual merit increases and the additional employees from the branch acquisition completed during the third quarter of 2021. Outside services and consultants and other expenses each increased by $2.4 million from additional consulting services performed during the year. Other losses decreased $1.2 million primarily due to $1.9 million in ESOP settlement expenses recorded during the fourth quarter of 2021.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense totaled $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $1.2 million when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in income before taxes of $66.6 million, offset by a tax valuation reserve of $5.2 million recorded related to the sale of investment securities and tax expense and excise tax of $8.6 million related to the redemption of bank owned life insurance policies in 2023.

Income tax expense totaled $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an decrease of $3.2 million when compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the additional benefit related to investments that generate tax credits, an increase in tax exempt investments, offset slightly by an increase in income before taxes of $3.1 million in 2022.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Use of Non–GAAP Financial Measures

Certain information set forth in this report on Form 10–K 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, net interest margin, the allowance for credit losses, tangible stockholders’ equity, tangible book value per share, the return on average assets, the return on average common equity and pre–tax pre–provision net income. In each case, we have identified special circumstances that we consider to be adjustments and have excluded them, in order to show the impact of such events as acquisition–related purchase accounting adjustments, prepayment penalties on borrowings and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, among other matters 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 without giving effect to the purchase accounting impacts and other adjustments. 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 following tables for reconciliations of the non–GAAP measures identified in this Form 10–K to their most comparable GAAP measures.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Income

(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)

60

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Diluted Earnings per Share

(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)

61

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Pre–Tax, Pre–Provision Income

(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Interest Margin

(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)

62

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Return on Average Assets

(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)

63

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Return on Average Common Equity

(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)

64

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Return on Average Tangible Equity

(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)

65

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Tangible Stockholders’ Equity and Tangible Book Value per Share

(Dollars in Thousands Except per Share Data, Unaudited)

Non–GAAP Calculation and Reconciliation of Efficiency Ratio and Adjusted Efficiency Ratio

(Dollars in Thousands, Unaudited)

66

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Liquidity and Rate Sensitivity Management

Management and the Board of Directors meet regularly to review both the liquidity and rate sensitivity position of Horizon. Effective asset and liability management ensures Horizon’s ability to monitor the cash flow requirements of depositors along with the demands of borrowers and to measure and manage interest rate risk. Horizon utilizes an interest rate risk assessment model designed to highlight sources of existing interest rate risk and consider the effect of these risks on strategic planning. Management maintains (within certain parameters) an essentially balanced ratio of interest sensitive assets to liabilities in order to protect against the effects of wide interest rate fluctuations.

Liquidity

The Bank maintains a stable base of core deposits provided by long standing relationships with consumers 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 sales, cash flows and maturities, sale of real estate loans and borrowing relationships with correspondent banks, including the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”). At December 31, 2023, Horizon had available approximately $1.4 billion in available credit from the FHLB, FRB Discount Window and various money center banks. The following factors could impact Horizon’s funding needs in the future:

• Horizon had outstanding borrowings of approximately $750.3 million with the FHLB and total borrowing capacity with the FHLB of $926.2 million. Generally, the loan terms from the FHLB are better than the terms Horizon can receive from other sources, making it less expensive to borrow money from the FHLB. Financial difficulties at the FHLB could reduce or eliminate Horizon’s additional borrowing capacity with the FHLB or the FHLB could change collateral requirements, which could lower the Company’s borrowing availability.
• If residential mortgage loan rates move lower, Horizon’s mortgage warehouse loans could create an additional need for funding.
• Horizon had a total of $190.0 million of unused Federal Fund lines from various money center banks. These are uncommitted lines and could be withdrawn at any time by the correspondent banks.
• Horizon had a total of $1.5 billion of available collateral at the FRB secured by securities. These securities may mature, call, or be sold, which would reduce the available collateral.
• Horizon had approximately $601.7 million of unpledged investment securities at December 31, 2023.
• A downgrade in Horizon’s ability to obtain credit due to factors such as deterioration in asset quality, a large charge to earnings, a decline in profitability or other financial measures, or a significant merger or acquisition could impact the availability of funding sources.
• An act of terrorism or war, natural disasters, political events, or the default or bankruptcy of a major corporation, mutual fund, hedge fund or a government agency could affect the cost and availability of funding sources.
• Market speculation or rumors about Horizon or the banking industry in general may adversely affect the cost and availability of normal funding sources.

If any of these events occur, they could force Horizon to borrow money from other sources including negotiable certificates of deposit. Such other monies may only be available at higher interest rates and on less advantageous terms, which will impact our net income and could impact our ability to grow. Management believes Horizon has adequate funding sources to meet short and long term needs.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

Horizon maintains a liquidity contingency plan that outlines the process for addressing a liquidity crisis. The plan provides for an evaluation of funding sources under various market conditions. It also assigns specific roles and responsibilities for effectively managing liquidity through a problem period.

During 2023, cash flows were generated primarily from the proceeds from borrowings totaling $866.1 million, the sales, maturities, and prepayments of investment securities of $548.9 million. Cash flows were primarily used to purchase investments totaling $11.7 million, to purchase loans totaling $124.9 million, an increase in net loans of $140.5 million, a decrease in deposits of $192.9 million and the repayment of borrowings totaling $654.2 million. The net cash and cash equivalent position increased by $403.0 million during 2023.

At December 31, 2023, the Bank had $1.6 billion in commitments to extend credit outstanding, excluding interest rate lock commitments for residential mortgage loans intended for sale in the secondary market that meet the definition of a derivative. Time deposits due within one year of December 31, 2023 totaled $1.1 billion, or 94.4% of time deposits. We believe the large percentage of time deposits that mature within one year reflects the outlook of the market for declining interest rates in future periods. The balance also includes $151.6 million in brokered time deposits at December 31, 2023. If these maturing time deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and borrowings. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the time deposits due on or before December 31, 2023. We believe, however, based on past experience that a significant portion of our time deposits will remain with us. We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

The degree by which net interest income may fluctuate due to changes in interest rates is monitored by Horizon using computer simulation models, incorporating not only the current GAP position but the effect of expected repricing of specific financial assets and liabilities. When repricing opportunities are not properly aligned, net interest income may be affected when interest rates change. Forecasting results of the possible outcomes determines the exposure to interest rate risk inherent in Horizon’s balance sheet. The goal is to manage imbalanced positions that arise when the total amount of assets that reprice or mature in a given time period differs significantly from liabilities that reprice or mature in the same time period. The theory behind managing the difference between repricing assets and liabilities is to have more assets repricing in a rising rate environment and more liabilities repricing in a declining rate environment.

Based on our interest rate model which assumes a lag in repricing the amount of assets that reprice within one year was approximately 95% of liabilities that reprice within one year at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2022, this same model reported that the amount of assets that reprice within one year was approximately 95% of the amount of liabilities that reprice within the same time period. During the year 2023, the decrease in the yield of interest–earning assets outpaced the decrease in the cost of funding resulting in a decrease in net interest margin.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

The Company was liability sensitive as of December 31, 2023, resulting from longer term fixed rate assets on the balance sheet not repricing as quickly as deposits pricing based on expected deposit repricing betas. Based on parallel rate shocks to the balance sheet, at a 100 basis point shock and 200 basis point shock up, net interest income decreases approximately $6.8 million and $13.8 million, respectively. At a 100 basis point shock and 200 basis point shock down, net interest income increases approximately $7.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

Horizon’s primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. Interest rate risk (“IRR”) is the risk that Horizon’s earnings and capital will be adversely affected by changes in interest rates. The primary approach to IRR management is one that focuses on adjustments to the asset/liability mix in order to limit the magnitude of IRR.

Horizon’s exposure to interest rate risk arises from repricing or mismatch risk, embedded options risk, and yield curve risk. Repricing risk is the risk of adverse consequence from a change in interest rates that arises because of differences in the timing of when those interest rate changes affect Horizon’s assets and liabilities. Basis risk is the risk that the spread, or rate difference, between instruments of similar maturities will change. Options risk arises whenever products give the customer the right, but not the obligation, to alter the quantity or timing of cash flows. Yield curve risk is the risk that changes in prevailing interest rates will affect instruments of different maturities by different amounts. Horizon’s objective is to remain reasonably neutral with respect to IRR. Horizon utilizes a variety of strategies to maintain this position, including the sale of mortgage loans on the secondary market, hedging certain balance sheet items using derivatives, varying maturities of FHLB advances, certificates of deposit funding and investment securities.

(Table dollars in thousands except per share data)

The table which follows provides information about Horizon’s financial instruments that were sensitive to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2023. The table incorporates Horizon’s internal system generated data related to the maturity and repayment/withdrawal of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. For loans, securities and liabilities with contractual maturities, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted–average interest rates by contractual maturities as well as the historical experience of Horizon related to the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the prepayment of residential loans and mortgage–backed securities. From a risk management perspective, Horizon believes that repricing dates are more relevant than contractual maturity dates when analyzing the value of financial instruments. For deposits with no contractual maturity dates, the table presents principal cash flows and weighted average rate, as applicable, based upon Horizon’s experience and management’s judgment concerning the most likely withdrawal behaviors.

Rate–sensitive assets

70

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision of and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Horizon has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls (as defined in Rule 13a–15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, Horizon’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by Horizon in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in those reports is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Horizon is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a–15(f) under the Exchange Act. Horizon’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

Management assessed the effectiveness of Horizon’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that Horizon’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 was effective based on the specified criteria.

Remediation

As disclosed in Part II, Item 9A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10–K for the yer ended December 31, 2022, during the first quarter of 2023 management identified material weaknesses with respect to insufficient controls over the reporting, classification, and disclosure of loans, investments and individual cash flow line items and lack of sufficient controls around the financial reporting process to allow for the timely release of financial statements.

Throughout the year ended December 31, 2023, management implemented its previously disclosed remediation plan to update its design and implementation of controls to remediate the aforementioned deficiencies and enhance the Company's internal control environment, which included:

• Hiring additional resources within our accounting and finance department for financial statement preparation and review and providing additional training to implement and monitor our policies and procedures;
• Enhancing controls with additional procedures for the preparation of financial statement disclosures including the design and implementation of new financial preparation tools to allow more detailed review and documentation for review and procedures relating to the reporting, classification and disclosure of loans, investments and individual cash flow line items in the Company’s financial statements and the calculation of public float for purposes of determining SEC filing deadlines; and
• Developing enhanced documentation and review procedures for financial statement preparation and disclosures, including enhancing the financial statement review process by including additional steps in the review process with respect to the reporting, classification and disclosure of loans, investments and individual cash flow line items in its financial statements and the calculation of the Company’s public float for purposes of determining SEC filing deadlines.

Horizon’s management completed testing of the implemented controls during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, and found such controls to be operating effectively. As a result, management has concluded that the foregoing material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting have been remediated as of December 31, 2023.

Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

FORVIS, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, is included in this Annual Report on Form 10–K in Item 8, following FORVIS, LLP’s audit report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Horizon’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also have concluded that, other than the remediation of the material weaknesses described above, no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.