Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2024

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of German American Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Company”) conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. All adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods reported have been included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”. These amendments provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01 which clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024. The Company has discontinued originating LIBOR based loans and transitioned formerly LIBOR indexed loans to term SOFR and other indices.

On March 31, 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” which eliminates the troubled debt restructuring recognition and measurement guidance and instead requires an entity to evaluate whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments also enhance existing disclosures and include new disclosure requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. To improve consistency for vintage disclosures, the ASU requires that public business entities disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. For entities that have adopted ASU 2016-13, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For entities that have not adopted ASU 2016-13, the effective dates for the amendments are the same as the effective dates in ASU 2016-13. Early adoption is permitted if ASU 2016-13 has been adopted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity elects to adopt the amendments in an interim period, the guidance should be applied as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period. The Company adopted the new guidance prospectively with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

The SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (“SAB 121”) provides interpretive guidance regarding the accounting for obligations to safeguard crypto-assets an entity holds for its customers, either directly or through an agent or another third party acting on its behalf. SAB 121 requires an entity to recognize a liability on its balance sheet to reflect the obligation to safeguard the crypto-assets of others, along with a corresponding safeguarding asset, both of which are measured at fair value. The Company has completed an evaluation and concluded that it does not have a safeguarding obligation under SAB 121 and therefore the disclosures do not apply.

On March 29, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method” to expand use of the proportional amortization method of accounting to equity investments in tax credit programs beyond those in low-income-housing tax credit (LIHTC) programs. The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to account for certain tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. This guidance provides clarifications to address interpretive issues and

prescribes specific information that reporting entities must disclose about tax credit investments each period. The Company adopted this standard and there was no impact on the Company’s financial statements or disclosures.

Credit Quality Indicators

Credit Quality Indicators:

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company classifies loans as to credit risk by individually analyzing loans. This analysis includes commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and agricultural loans with an outstanding balance greater than $250. This analysis is typically performed on at least an annual basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Special Mention. Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.

Substandard. Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans

The Company utilizes the static pool methodology in determining expected future credit losses. Static pool analysis means segmenting and tracking loans over a period of time based on similar risk characteristics such as loan structure, collateral type, industry of borrower and concentrations, contractual terms and credit risk indicators. Static pool calculates a loss rate on a closed pool of loans that existed on a specified start date based upon the remaining life of each segment.

The Company’s expected loss estimate is anchored in historical credit loss experience, with an emphasis on all available portfolio data. The Company’s historical look-back period includes January 2014 through the current period, on a monthly basis.

Qualitative reserves reflect management’s overall estimate of the extent to which current expected credit losses on collectively evaluated loans will differ from historical loss experience. The analysis takes into consideration industry and collateral concentrations, acquired loan portfolio characteristics and other credit-related analytics as deemed appropriate. Management attempts to quantify qualitative reserves by anchoring to specific data points when possible.

The Company estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for changes in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, changes in environmental conditions, unemployment rates, risk classifications and collateral values. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pooled) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Based on the potential increased losses related to the advancing stress on the economy as a result of inflationary pressures, rising interest rates and financial market volatility, the Company has considered this loss experience may align with loss experience from the recessionary period from 2008-2011 and qualitative adjustments have been made accordingly.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the collective evaluation. When the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the reporting date and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date adjusted for selling costs.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses remained stable compared to December 31, 2023. The Company saw improvement in individually analyzed loans and added reserve for loan portfolio growth. Key indicators utilized in forecasting for the allowance calculations include unemployment rates and gross domestic product as well as commodity prices for the agricultural segment of the portfolio. There has been some improvement in these factors over previous periods; however, rising interest rates and the expanded inflationary impact on consumer discretionary spending were considered in the qualitative factors to determine the allowance for credit losses.

All classes of loans, including loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, are generally placed on non-accrual status when scheduled principal or interest payments are past due for 90 days or more or when the borrower’s ability to repay becomes doubtful. For purchased loans, the determination is made at the time of acquisition as well as over the life of the loan. Uncollected accrued interest for each class of loans is reversed against income at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. All classes of loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans are typically charged-off at 180 days past due, or earlier if deemed

uncollectible. Exceptions to the non-accrual and charge-off policies are made when the loan is well secured and in the process of collection.

The Company considers the performance of the loan portfolio and its impact on the allowance for credit loan losses. For certain retail loan classes, the Company also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity.

Segment Information

Segment Information

The Company’s operations include three primary segments: core banking, wealth management services, and insurance operations. The core banking segment involves attracting deposits from the general public and using such funds to originate consumer, commercial and agricultural, commercial and agricultural real estate, and residential mortgage loans, primarily in the Company’s local markets. The core banking segment also involves the sale of residential mortgage loans in the secondary market. The wealth management segment involves providing trust, investment advisory, brokerage and retirement planning services to customers. The insurance segment offers a full range of personal and corporate property and casualty insurance products, primarily in the Company’s banking subsidiary’s local markets.

The core banking segment is comprised by the Company’s banking subsidiary, German American Bank, which operated through 75 banking offices at March 31, 2024. Net interest income from loans and investments funded by deposits and borrowings is the primary revenue for the core-banking segment. The wealth management segment’s revenues are comprised primarily of fees generated by the trust operations of the Company’s banking subsidiary and by German American Investment Services, Inc. These fees are derived by providing trust, investment advisory, brokerage and retirement planning services to its customers. The insurance segment primarily consists of German American Insurance, Inc., which provides a full line of personal and corporate insurance products. Commissions derived from the sale of insurance products are the primary source of revenue for the insurance segment.

Fair Value

Fair Value

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Significant other 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.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair value of each type of financial instrument:

Investment Securities: The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). For investment securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar investment securities (Level 2). For investment securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar investment securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3). Level 3 pricing is obtained from a third-party based upon similar trades that are not traded frequently without adjustment by the Company. At March 31, 2024, the Company held $76 in Level 3 securities which consist of non-rated Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions and $991 in Level 3 securities which consist of non-rated MBS/CMO. Absent the credit rating, significant assumptions must be made such that the credit risk input becomes an unobservable input and thus these investment securities are reported by the Company in a Level 3 classification.

Derivatives: The fair values of derivatives are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (Level 2).

Individually Analyzed Loans: Fair values for collateral dependent loans are generally based on appraisals obtained from licensed real estate appraisers and in certain circumstances includes consideration of offers obtained to purchase properties prior to foreclosure. Appraisals for commercial real estate generally use three methods to derive value: cost, sales or market comparison and income approach. The cost method bases value in the cost to replace the current property. Value of market comparison approach evaluates the sales price of similar properties in the same market area. The income approach considers net operating income generated by the property and an investor’s required return. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Comparable sales adjustments are based on known sales prices of similar type and similar use properties and duration of time that the property has been on the market to sell. Such adjustments made in the appraisal process are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Appraisals for both collateral-dependent loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company. Once received, a member of the Company’s Risk Management Area reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal. In determining the value of collateral dependent loans and other real estate owned, significant unobservable inputs may be used which include: physical condition of comparable properties sold, net operating income generated by the property and investor rates of return.

Other Real Estate: Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property utilizing similar techniques as discussed above for Individually Analyzed Loans, resulting in a Level 3 classification. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, impairment loss is recognized.

Loans Held-for-Sale: The fair values of loans held for sale are determined by using quoted prices for similar assets, adjusted for specific attributes of that loan resulting in a Level 2 classification.

Revenue Recognition

A description of the Company’s revenue streams accounted for under Topic 606 follows:

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts: The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based, account maintenance, and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as stop payment charges and statement rendering, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed (the point in time the Company fills the customer’s request). Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of a month, representing the period over which the Company satisfies the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs.

Interchange Fee Income: The Company earns interchange fees from debit/credit cardholder transactions conducted through various payment networks. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder.

Wealth Management Fees: The Company earns wealth management fees from its contracts with trust and brokerage customers to manage assets for investment and/or to transact their accounts. These fees are primarily earned over time as the Company provides the contracted monthly or quarterly services and are generally assessed based on the market value of assets under management at month-end. Fees that are transaction based, including trade execution services, are recognized at the point in time that the transaction is executed (trade date).

Insurance Revenues: The Company earns insurance revenue from commissions derived from the sale of personal and corporate property and casualty insurance products. These commissions are primarily earned over time as the Company provides the contracted insurance product to customers.

Other Operating Income: The other operating income revenue streams within the scope of Topic 606 consist of ATM fees, wire transfer fees, safe deposit box rentals, check printing commissions and other non-interest related fees.

Leases

Leases

At the inception of a contract, an entity should determine whether the contract contains a lease. Topic 842 defines a lease as a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control over the use of an identified asset means that the customer has both (1) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and (2) the right to direct the use of the asset.

The Bank has finance leases for branch offices as well as operating leases for branch offices, ATM locations and certain office equipment. The right-of-use asset is included in the ‘Premises, Furniture and Equipment, Net’ line of the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The lease liability is included in the ‘Accrued Interest Payable and Other Liabilities’ line of the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company used the implicit lease rate when determining the present value of lease payments for finance leases. The present value of lease payments for operating leases was determined using the incremental borrowing rate as of the date the Company adopted this standard.