SEC Filing Report: Horizon Bancorp, Inc. 10-K for 2024
Executive Summary
This report analyzes Horizon Bancorp, Inc.’s 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Overall, Horizon Bancorp shows improved financial performance compared to 2023, driven by net interest income growth and a strategic shift towards higher-yielding commercial loans. However, the significant loss on the sale of investment securities in Q4 2024 warrants attention. Credit quality remains strong, but potential risks associated with the commercial loan portfolio and the evolving regulatory landscape need to be carefully monitored. The company’s strategic initiatives, including the sale of the mortgage warehouse division, appear to be positively impacting profitability. A “Hold” recommendation is maintained, pending further observation of the long-term effects of the strategic repositioning and the macroeconomic environment.
Company Overview
Horizon Bancorp, Inc. is an Indiana-based bank holding company operating primarily through its subsidiary, Horizon Bank. The bank provides a range of commercial and retail banking services in northern and central Indiana and southern and central Michigan. Horizon operates as a single segment, commercial banking, and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HBNC.
Financial Statement Analysis
Income Statement Highlights
Net income increased from $28.0 million in 2023 to $35.4 million in 2024. This improvement was driven by an increase in total interest income and a decrease in income tax expense, partially offset by increases in interest expense, non-interest expense, and credit loss expense.
Net Interest Income and Margin
Net interest income increased to $188.6 million in 2024 from $175.7 million in 2023. The net interest margin (FTE) expanded to 2.68% from 2.54%, reflecting a shift towards higher-yielding commercial loans and away from lower-yielding investment securities.
Loan Portfolio
Total loans increased by 11% year-over-year, reaching $4.91 billion at December 31, 2024. Commercial loans led the growth, increasing by 15%, while the indirect auto portfolio declined by 24% as part of a strategic objective.
Deposit Analysis
Total deposits decreased slightly to $5.60 billion at December 31, 2024. The company’s non-maturity deposit base continued to display strength, growing for the third consecutive quarter.
Key Ratios
Ratio |
December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) – Consolidated |
13.91% |
14.04% (Revised) / 14.11% (Reported) |
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) – Consolidated |
12.00% |
12.13% (Revised) / 13.20% (Reported) |
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) – Consolidated |
11.00% |
11.11% |
Tier 1 capital (to average assets) – Consolidated |
8.88% |
8.61% (Revised) / 9.36% (Reported) |
Net charge-offs of average total loans |
0.04% |
0.07% |
Allowance for credit losses to total loans |
1.07% |
1.13% |
Non-performing assets to total assets |
0.35% |
0.27% |
MD&A Insights and Red Flags
Management attributes the improved net interest margin to a favorable shift in asset mix towards higher-yielding loans. The significant loss on the sale of investment securities in Q4 2024, while intended to improve future profitability, requires careful monitoring to ensure the redeployment of proceeds is effective. The company’s continued focus on commercial loan growth is evident.
Uncommon Metrics
The filing highlights the company’s efforts to manage down higher-cost funding sources and grow core relationship consumer and commercial portfolios. The sale of the mortgage warehouse division is a strategic move to streamline operations and focus on core banking activities.
Risk Assessment
- Credit Risk: The commercial loan portfolio, while a growth driver, exposes the company to increased credit risk due to its reliance on borrowers’ business operations.
- Market Risk: Changes in interest rates could adversely affect the company’s financial condition and results of operations.
- Operational Risk: Cybersecurity threats and data security breaches pose a significant risk to the company’s operations and reputation.
- Economic Risk: An economic slowdown in the company’s primary market areas could lead to increased loan delinquencies and foreclosures.
- Regulatory Risk: New or changing legislation and regulation could increase the company’s expenses and affect its operations.
Opportunity Assessment
- Strategic Repositioning: The sale of lower-yielding investment securities and the mortgage warehouse division could improve future profitability and efficiency.
- Commercial Loan Growth: Continued focus on commercial loan growth could drive revenue and earnings growth.
- Strong Credit Quality: Maintaining strong credit quality will help mitigate potential losses and support future growth.
- Non-Maturity Deposit Growth: Continued growth in non-maturity deposits provides a stable and low-cost funding source.
Conclusion and Actionable Insights
Horizon Bancorp demonstrates improved financial performance in 2024, driven by strategic initiatives and net interest income growth. However, the loss on the sale of investment securities and potential risks associated with the commercial loan portfolio warrant careful monitoring. The company’s strategic repositioning and focus on core banking activities appear to be positively impacting profitability.
Recommendation: Hold. Maintain a “Hold” recommendation, pending further observation of the long-term effects of the strategic repositioning and the macroeconomic environment. Monitor credit quality trends and the impact of regulatory changes.
Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The analysis is based on publicly available information and assumptions, and actual results may vary. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.