MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., April 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ GS:  HBNC) — Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (“Horizon” or the “Company”) announced its unaudited financial results for the three-months ending March 31, 2020.
Craig M. Dwight, Chairman and CEO of Horizon, commented, “We are pleased with the solid first quarter results achieved in the face of unprecedented changes to the way we, our customers and the entire country lives and works as a result of the COVID–19 pandemic. But more importantly, I’ve truly never been prouder of our entire team, as it has risen to the challenge in every way imaginable. Our ability to prioritize customer and employee health and safety, while providing uninterrupted services and access to our accountholders, is the result of our ongoing focus on deliberate, thoughtful evaluation of our business and effort to constantly improve in all areas.”Mr. Dwight continued, “In February we tested our pandemic plan as we monitored the spread of the novel coronavirus abroad and in the U.S. As a result, we made specific improvements to the way we conduct business which allowed for an expedient switch to a remote workforce for as many employees as possible, early implementation of social distancing measures, expansion of customer service resources, and enhancements to our loan approval process to ensure our continued ability to support customers. All of the changes were put in effect during early and mid–March, allowing us to focus our energy on supporting our customers, local businesses and communities, including through participation in the CARES Act lending programs, as well as financial and volunteer support to local non–profit organizations.”First Quarter 2020 KeysHorizon’s focus on the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and community is always paramount in our decision making.
 We believe that Horizon’s balance sheet was well-positioned leading up to the COVID–19 National Health Emergency.
 Horizon Bank’s strong liquidity position includes approximately $1.1 billion in cash and investment securities, which is approximately 20.5% of total assets, and approximately $435.4 million in unused availability on lines of credit, at March 31, 2020.
 Horizon began preparing staff and systems to enable customers to access funding provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act passed at the end of the first quarter, including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), for which Horizon Bank received SBA approval for 1,700 loans totaling approximately $280.0 million as of April 24, 2020. During round one of the PPP program, 95.5% of Horizon’s applicants were approved for funding.
 Horizon maintained stable asset quality metrics during the first quarter of 2020, including non-performing loans and delinquencies representing 0.65% and 0.33% of total loans, respectively, at March 31, 2020, while net charge-offs were 0.01% of average loans for the quarter. At March 31, 2020, Horizon’s outstanding balance of other real estate owned and repossessed assets remained low totaling $2.8 million.Credit loss expense of $8.6 million, $2.8 million of acquired loan discounts on Purchased Credit Impaired transferred to Purchase Credit Deteriorated and a $19.8 million increase in the Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) reflected the implementation of the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) accounting method. ACL represented 1.30% of total loans and 201.8% of non-performing loans at March 31, 2020. ACL plus acquired loan discount to total loans was 1.74%.
 Horizon has experienced an increase in mortgage loan originations during the first quarter of 2020, with 53% refinances and 47% new purchases.
 Horizon’s pre-tax, pre-provision net income totaled $21.8 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared to $22.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 and $13.3 million for the first quarter of 2019. This non-GAAP financial measure is utilized by banks to provide a greater understanding of pre-tax profitability before giving effect to credit loss expense, acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses on sale of investment securities and death benefit on bank owned life insurance. (See the “Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Net Income” table below.)
 Horizon’s net interest margin remained relatively stable for the first quarter of 2020 at 3.56% and core net interest margin was 3.44%. (See the “Non–GAAP Reconciliation of Net Interest Margin” table for the definition of this Non–GAAP calculation.)
 Comparisons to first quarter 2019 results reflect Horizon’s acquisition of Salin Bancshares, Inc. on March 26, 2019.Summary
Mr. Dwight stated, “Horizon’s asset quality metrics were strong on March 31, 2020 and our reserve increase related to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020 and the second quarter credit loss expense caused an increase in our quarterly allocation to cover anticipated loan losses. At the current time, we are not aware of material specific loan losses related to the reserve increase, however losses are anticipated given the closure of our economy and non–essential businesses. In addition, the shelter in place rules has increased unemployment applications and is limiting consumer spending. As time passes, we anticipate that we will better understand the impact of this health and economic emergency to Horizon’s financial statements.”Mr. Dwight commented, “Horizon’s funding team has done an excellent job of lowering the Bank’s cost of funds related to the Federal Reserve Bank’s 150–basis–point reduction in its benchmark interest rate and the market’s corresponding reaction in March 2020. As a result, Horizon’s net interest margin has remained fairly stable for the quarter; however, future headwinds are expected given that we are now close to the floors on our funding costs and assets will continue to reprice throughout the year.”

Net income for the first quarter of 2020 was $11.7 million, or $0.26 diluted earnings per share, compared to $18.5 million, or $0.41 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 2019 and $10.8 million, or $0.28 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2019. Excluding acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses on sale of investment securities and death benefit on bank owned life insurance‚ core net income was $11.2 million, or $0.24 diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2020, compared to $18.5 million, or $0.41 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 2019 and $14.2 million, or $0.37 diluted earnings per share, for the first quarter of 2019. Core net income, which is not calculated according to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), is a measure that Horizon uses to provide a greater understanding of operating profitability. Horizon’s earnings in the first quarter of 2020 reflect Horizon’s adoption of the CECL accounting method on January 1, 2020.CapitalThe capital resources of Horizon and Horizon Bank (the “Bank”) exceeded regulatory capital ratios for “well capitalized” banks at March 31, 2020. Stockholders’ equity totaled $630.8 million at March 31, 2020 and the ratio of average stockholders’ equity to average assets was 12.70% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The following table presents the actual regulatory capital dollar amounts and ratios of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. and Horizon Bank as of March 31, 2020.“Horizon’s capital and liquidity positions are well-managed which is a testament to the quality of our finance team’s on–going monitoring, stress testing and oversight. As mentioned earlier, Horizon was well-positioned going into this economic challenge and we will continue to be dynamic in our monitoring and approach to managing the balance sheet,” said Craig M. Dwight.LiquidityThe Bank maintains a stable base of core deposits provided by long-standing relationships with individuals and local businesses. These deposits are the principal source of liquidity for Horizon. Other sources of liquidity for Horizon include earnings, loan repayment, investment security sales and maturities, proceeds from the sale of residential mortgage loans, unpledged investment securities and borrowing relationships with correspondent banks, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (the “FHLB”). At March 31, 2020, in addition to liquidity available from the normal operating, funding, and investing activities of Horizon, the Bank had approximately $435.4 million in unused credit lines with various money center banks, including the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window. The Bank had approximately $743.5 million of unpledged investment securities at March 31, 2020.Income Statement HighlightsNet income for the first quarter of 2020 was $11.7 million, or $0.26 diluted earnings per share, compared to $18.5 million, or $0.41 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 2019. Core net income for the first quarter of 2020 was $11.2 million, or $0.24 diluted earnings per share, compared to $18.5 million, or $0.41 diluted earnings per share, for the fourth quarter of 2019. The decrease in net income for the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 reflects an increase in credit loss expense of $8.3 million, an increase in non-interest expense of $499,000 and a decrease in net interest income of $594,000, offset by a decrease in tax expense of $2.3 million and an increase in non-interest income of $129,000. Net income for the first quarter of 2020 was $11.7 million, or $0.26 diluted earnings per share, compared to $10.8 million, or $0.28 diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2019. Core net income for the first quarter of 2020 was $11.2 million , or $0.24 diluted earnings per share, compared to $14.2 million, or $0.37 diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2019. The increase in net income for the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the same prior year period reflects an increase in net interest income of $6.6 million, an increase in non-interest income of $3.4 million and a decrease in tax expense of $490,000, offset by an increase in credit loss expense of $8.2 million and an increase in non-interest expense of $1.4 million.

Horizon’s net interest margin decreased to 3.56% for the first quarter of 2020 when compared to 3.58% for the fourth quarter of 2019. The decrease in net interest margin reflects a decrease in the yield of interest earning assets of 10 basis points, offset by a decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities of 11 basis points. Interest income from acquisition-related purchase accounting adjustments was $392,000 higher during the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.   Horizon’s net interest margin decreased to 3.56% for the first quarter of 2020 when compared to 3.62% for the first quarter of 2019. The decrease in net interest margin reflects a decrease in the yield on interest earning assets of 29 basis points offset by a decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities of 31 basis points.Net interest margin, excluding acquisition-related purchase accounting adjustments (“core net interest margin”), was 3.44% for the first quarter of 2020 compared to 3.49% for the prior quarter and 3.46% for the first quarter of 2019. Interest income from acquisition-related purchase accounting adjustments was $1.4 million, $1.0 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, December 31, 2109 and March 31, 2019, respectively.Lending ActivityTotal loans increased $72.6 million from $3.6 billion as of December 31, 2019 to $3.7 billion as of March 31, 2020. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, mortgage warehouse loans increased $73.2 million, consumer loans increased $6.7 million, commercial loans increased $3.8 million and loans held for sale increased $2.2 million, offset by a decrease in residential mortgage loans of $13.2 million.Residential mortgage lending activity for the three months ended March 31, 2020 generated $3.5 million in income from the gain on sale of mortgage loans, an increase of $354,000 from the fourth quarter of 2019 and $2.2 million from the first quarter of 2019. Total origination volume for the first quarter of 2020, including loans placed into portfolio, totaled $110.8 million, representing a decrease of 2.7% from the fourth quarter of 2019 and an increase of 77.3% from the first quarter of 2019. Total origination volume of loans sold to the secondary market totaled $67.6 million, representing a decrease of 19.1% from the fourth quarter of 2019 and an increase of 122.1% from the first quarter of 2019.Revenue derived from Horizon’s residential mortgage and mortgage warehouse lending activities was 8.0% of Horizon’s total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2020.Expense ManagementTotal non-interest expense was $499,000 higher in the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Increases in outside services and consultants, other expense, data processing, FDIC insurance expense and net occupancy expenses were partially offset by decreases in loan expense, other losses and salaries and employee benefits. Total non-interest expense was $1.4 million higher in the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the first quarter of 2019. Increases in salaries and employee benefits, net occupancy expenses, data processing and loans expense were offset in part by decreases in outside services and consultants and other expenses. Excluding merger expenses, total non-interest expense increased by $5.5 million in the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the first quarter of 2019. This increase was primarily related to the closing of the Salin Bancshares, Inc. merger on March 26, 2019 and the related increase in costs.Annualized non-interest expense as a percent of average assets were 2.38%, 2.32% and 2.80% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019, respectively. Annualized non-interest expense, excluding merger expenses, as a percent of average assets were 2.38%, 2.32% and 2.41% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019, respectively.Income tax expense totaled $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2020 a decrease of $2.3 million and $490,000 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2019, respectively. The decrease in income tax expense in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 was primarily due to a decrease in income before taxes of $9.2 million. The decrease in income tax expense in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019 was primarily due to an increase in tax-exempt municipal interest income.Use of Non–GAAP Financial MeasuresCertain information set forth in this press release refers to financial measures determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Specifically, we have included non–GAAP financial measures relating to net income, diluted earnings per share, net interest margin, total loans and loan growth, the allowance for loan and lease losses, tangible stockholders’ equity, tangible book value per share, efficiency ratio, the return on average assets, the return on average equity and pre-tax, pre-provision net income. In each case, we have identified special circumstances that we consider to be to be non–recurring and have excluded them. We believe that this shows the impact of such events as acquisition–related purchase accounting adjustments, among others we have identified in our reconciliations. Horizon believes these non–GAAP financial measures are helpful to investors and provide a greater understanding of our business without giving effect to the purchase accounting impacts and one–time costs of acquisitions and non–core items. These measures are not necessarily comparable to similar measures that may be presented by other companies and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measure. See the tables and other information below and contained elsewhere in this press release for reconciliations of the non–GAAP figures identified herein and their most comparable GAAP measures.

Conference CallAs previously announced, Horizon will host a conference call to review its first quarter financial results and operating performance.Participants may access the live conference call on April 30, 2020 at 7:30 a.m. CT (8:30 a.m. ET) by dialing 877-317-6789 from the United States, 866-450-4696 from Canada or 412-317-6789 from international locations and requesting the “Horizon Bancorp Call.” Participants are asked to dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the call.A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the conference through May 7, 2020. The replay may be accessed by dialing 877-344-7529 from the United States, 855-669-9658 from Canada or 412-317-0088 from other international locations, and entering the access code 10142971.About Horizon Bancorp, Inc.Horizon Bancorp, Inc. is an independent, commercial bank holding company serving northern and central Indiana, and southern and central Michigan through its commercial banking subsidiary, Horizon Bank. Horizon may be reached online at www.horizonbank.com. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HBNC.Forward Looking StatementsThis presentation may contain forward-looking statements regarding the financial performance, business prospects, growth and operating strategies of Horizon Bancorp, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “Horizon”). For these statements, Horizon claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in the presentation materials should be considered in conjunction with the other information available about Horizon, including the information in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify such statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance.Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include risk factors relating to the banking industry and the other factors detailed from time to time in Horizon’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those described in Horizon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further, statements about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, operations, financial performance, and prospects may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impacts may differ, possibly materially, from what is reflected in those forward-looking statements due to factors and future developments that are uncertain, unpredictable, and in many cases beyond our control, including the scope and duration of the pandemic, actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic, and the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on our customers, third parties, and us. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Horizon does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the events or circumstances after the date on which the forward-looking statement is made, or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.










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