Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Announces 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (NIC) reported a net income of $31 million for Q4 2023, compared to $17 million in Q3 2023, and $28 million in Q4 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, net income was $62 million, down from $94 million in 2022. The company's financial performance was impacted by a balance sheet repositioning, tax law changes, and an acquisition. The net interest margin increased to 3.30%, and there was a solid loan growth of $115 million (2%). Nonperforming assets decreased to 0.33% of total assets. The company's noninterest income for 2023 was down $22 million from 2022, but excluding net asset gains (losses), it saw a $14 million increase. Noninterest expenses increased by $25 million, and the income tax expense was $25 million for 2023. Nicolet's financial results were impacted by the Wisconsin State Budget signed in July 2023, which included language providing financial institutions with an exemption from state taxable income for certain loans.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported increase in net income for Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. from $17 million in the third quarter to $31 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 is a significant indicator of the company's financial health and performance. The net income for the entire year, however, shows a decrease from the previous year, which may raise concerns among investors about the company's year-over-year profitability. The net interest margin improvement, a key profitability metric for banks, suggests an effective management of interest-earning assets and liabilities, which is a positive sign for future earnings potential.

Furthermore, the loan growth indicates an expanding portfolio, which could lead to increased interest income over time. However, it is important to consider the quality of these loans and their potential impact on the allowance for credit losses. The increase in the tangible common equity ratio strengthens the bank's capital position, potentially enhancing investor confidence in its ability to withstand economic fluctuations.

The impact of the Wisconsin State Budget tax law change on Nicolet's future effective tax rate, reducing it from 25% to an estimated 19.5%, could result in significant tax savings, thereby improving net income and potentially increasing shareholder value. However, the one-time charge to establish a valuation allowance for the State-related deferred tax asset must be weighed against these future benefits.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, the reported financial results of Nicolet Bankshares reflect a broader trend in the banking industry, where institutions are navigating a rising interest rate environment. The reported loan growth is consistent with a healthy demand for credit, which could be indicative of an active commercial and industrial sector. However, the decline in noninterest income and the increase in noninterest expenses highlight the importance of cost management and diversified revenue streams in maintaining profitability.

The acquisition of Charter Bankshares in August 2022 has evidently contributed to Nicolet's asset growth, demonstrating the company's strategic expansion efforts. The integration of Charter's assets and the potential for cross-selling could offer additional revenue opportunities in the future. Market participants will likely monitor how Nicolet leverages its increased scale to compete in the regional banking landscape.

Legal Expert

Legal and regulatory changes, such as the amendment in the Wisconsin State Budget that provides tax exemptions for certain loans, can have a substantial impact on a financial institution's profitability. Nicolet's adaptation to this change, including the establishment of a valuation allowance for the State-related deferred tax asset, demonstrates compliance with tax law while also optimizing its tax strategy. The effective tax rate reduction is an example of how legislative developments can materially affect a company's financial statements.

Moreover, the legal complexities of Nicolet's merger with Charter Bankshares and the subsequent integration process are crucial aspects that require careful legal scrutiny to ensure regulatory compliance and to mitigate any potential risks associated with the transaction. The legal considerations surrounding these types of corporate actions are significant for understanding the full scope of their financial impact.

• Net income of $31 million or adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $28 million for fourth quarter 2023, compared to net income of $17 million or adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $23 million in prior quarter, and net income of $28 million or adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $28 million for fourth quarter 2022
• Net income of $62 million and adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $101 million for 2023, compared to $94 million and adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $99 million for 2022, significantly impacted by first quarter balance sheet repositioning
• Quarterly net interest margin of 3.30%, an increase of 14 bps over third quarter
• Solid quarter-over-quarter loan growth of $115 million (2%)
• Tangible common equity ratio increased to 7.98% at year-end 2023

GREEN BAY, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (NYSE: NIC) (“Nicolet”) announced fourth quarter 2023 net income of $31 million and earnings per diluted common share of $2.02, compared to net income of $17 million and earnings per diluted common share of $1.14 for third quarter 2023, and net income of $28 million and earnings per diluted common share of $1.83 for fourth quarter 2022. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $62 million and earnings per diluted common share of $4.08, compared to net income of $94 million and earnings per diluted common share of $6.56 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Net income reflected certain non-core items and the related tax effect of each, including the first quarter U.S. Treasury securities sale loss, the change in Wisconsin state tax law that impacted the third quarter, expected loss (provision expense) on a bank subordinated debt investment, a fourth quarter early contract termination charge, merger-related expenses, Day 2 credit provision expense required under the CECL model, as well as gains / (losses) on other assets and investments. These non-core items positively impacted earnings per diluted common share $0.17 for fourth quarter 2023, compared to a negative impact of $0.40 for third quarter 2023, and $0.01 for fourth quarter 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, these non-core items negatively impacted earnings per diluted common share $2.64, and negatively impacted earnings per diluted common share $0.34 for full year 2022.

“I’m pleased to say Nicolet produced the highest quarterly core net income in our 23-year history,” said Mike Daniels, Chairman, President and CEO of Nicolet. “The actions we took this year to position Nicolet for long-term success came to fruition as the year ended. We saw strong loan growth, solid growth in fee income, resilience in our credit quality, and a continued increase in net interest margin.”

Daniels continued, “2023 was not the year we thought it would be, but we certainly made the most of the year it became. Our employees continue to shine during macroeconomic uncertainty, which shows in the fact that we grew organically in all three main revenue areas (commercial, retail, and wealth). Our value proposition and entrepreneurial spirit continue to resonate in the communities we serve. The proactive balance sheet repositioning at the beginning of the year produced the results we thought it would, as we have a clean balance sheet and a rising net interest margin. The results we saw at the end of this year give us confidence that we are well positioned to maintain our momentum into 2024. Lastly, I’d be remiss to not thank my co-founder, Bob Atwell, for his contributions to Nicolet over the past 23 years. While his transition from Chairman is complete, we look forward to his ongoing commitment and energy as a Board member to this organization.”

Nicolet’s 2023 results were impacted by the Wisconsin State Budget signed in July 2023 and retroactive to January 1, 2023, which included language that provides financial institutions with an exemption from state taxable income for interest, fees, and penalties earned on loans to existing Wisconsin-based business or agriculture purpose loans that are $5 million or less in balance on January 1, 2023, and to new loans that meet the criteria. The impact of this tax law change to Nicolet moving forward will be a reduction / elimination of State income taxes being expensed, resulting in an estimated effective tax rate of 19.5% (compared to a 25% effective tax rate previously). However, the elimination of State income tax expense also required a valuation allowance to be established for the State-related deferred tax asset as of the effective date of the legislation, and a one-time $9.1 million charge to state income tax expense was recognized in third quarter to establish this valuation allowance.

Nicolet’s financial performance and certain balance sheet line items also were impacted by the timing and size of Nicolet’s August 2022 acquisition of Charter Bankshares, Inc. (“Charter”). Certain income statement results, average balances, and related ratios for 2022 include contributions from Charter from the acquisition date. At acquisition, Charter added assets of $1.1 billion, loans of $827 million, and deposits of $869 million.

Balance Sheet Review

At December 31, 2023, period end assets were $8.5 billion, an increase of $53 million (1%) from September 30, 2023, mostly growth in loans, partly offset by lower cash balances. Total loans increased $115 million (2%) from September 30, 2023, with growth in agricultural, commercial and industrial, and residential real estate loans. Total deposits of $7.2 billion at December 31, 2023, increased slightly ($15 million) from September 30, 2023. Total borrowings declined $31 million due to the early redemption of one subordinated note issuance. Total capital was $1.0 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $65 million over September 30, 2023, with earnings and favorable market valuations on available for sale securities, partly offset by the quarterly common stock dividend.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming assets were $28 million and represented 0.33% of total assets at December 31, 2023, compared to $32 million or 0.37% at September 30, 2023, and $40 million or 0.46% at December 31, 2022. The allowance for credit losses-loans was $64 million and represented 1.00% of total loans at December 31, 2023, compared to $63 million (or 1.01% of total loans) at September 30, 2023, and $62 million (or 1.00% of total loans) at December 31, 2022. Asset quality trends remain solid and loan net charge-offs were negligible.

Income Statement Review - Year

Net income was $62 million and adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was $101 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to net income of $94 million and adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was $99 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Net interest income was $242 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, up $2 million from the year ended December 31, 2022, the net of $109 million higher interest income and $107 million higher interest expense. The higher interest income was largely attributable to the repricing of new and renewed loans in a rising interest rate environment, as well as the reinvestment of security sales and maturities (mostly U.S. Treasury securities) into investable cash balances at higher rates. The increase in interest expense was due to both higher average balances and higher average rates, reflecting the rising interest rate environment as well as a shift to higher rate deposit products. The net interest margin for 2023 was 3.18%, down 22 bps from 3.40% for 2022. The yield on interest-earning assets increased 114 bps (to 5.02%) due to the rising interest rate environment, as well as the sales and maturities of securities reinvested as investable cash, while the cost of funds increased 194 bps (to 2.65%) for 2023, attributable mainly to the repricing of deposits and funding in the higher interest rate environment.

Noninterest income of $36 million for full year 2023 was down $22 million from full year 2022, significantly impacted by the first quarter balance sheet repositioning. Excluding net asset gains (losses), noninterest income for 2023 was $69 million, a $14 million increase over 2022. The year-over-year increase included higher wealth revenue (from growth in accounts and assets under management) and card interchange income, a favorable change in the fair value of nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets, and higher net LSR income, partly offset by lower net mortgage income.

Noninterest expense of $186 million for full year 2023 reflected an increase of $25 million over 2022. Personnel expense increased $10 million due to higher salaries and fringe benefits (mostly health insurance). Non-personnel expenses increased $15 million year-over-year mostly data processing (including a $3 million early contract termination charge and higher volume-based system processing) and office expense.

Income tax expense was $25 million (effective tax rate 28.99%) for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $31 million (effective tax rate 25.03%) for the year ended December 31, 2022. The change in income tax expense included a $9.1 million charge to income tax expense to establish a tax valuation allowance for the Wisconsin tax law change noted above.

Income Statement Review - Quarter

Net income was $31 million and adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was $28 million for fourth quarter 2023, compared to net income of $17 million and adjusted net income (non-GAAP) of $23 million for third quarter 2023.

Net interest income was $64 million for fourth quarter 2023, up $3 million from third quarter 2023. Interest income increased $4 million mostly due to the repricing of new and renewed loans in a rising interest rate environment, while interest expense increased $1 million due to both higher average funding balances and higher average rates. The net interest margin for fourth quarter 2023 was 3.30%, up 14 bps from 3.16% for third quarter 2023. The yield on interest-earning assets increased 17 bps (to 5.32%) due to the sale of U.S. Treasury securities reinvested as investable cash, as well as the rising interest rate environment, while the cost of funds increased 7 bps (to 2.90%) for fourth quarter 2023, attributable mainly to the repricing of deposits and funding in the higher interest rate environment.

Noninterest income of $24 million for fourth quarter 2023 increased $8 million over third quarter 2023, mostly due net asset gains of $6 million in fourth quarter 2023, which included a $9 million pre-tax gain on the sale of Nicolet’s member interest in UFS, LLC, partly offset by a $3 million loss on the sale of certain securities. Excluding the net asset gains (losses), noninterest income for fourth quarter 2023 was $18 million, a $2 million increase from third quarter 2023, mostly due to favorable changes in the fair value of nonqualified deferred compensation plan assets.

Noninterest expense of $50 million for fourth quarter 2023, increased $5 million over third quarter 2023. Personnel expense increased $3 million on higher health insurance and an increase in the fair value of nonqualified deferred compensation plan liabilities. Non-personnel expenses increased $2 million (7%) between the sequential quarters, mostly higher data processing (from the early contract termination charged noted above).

Income tax expense was $7 million (effective tax rate 18.06%) for fourth quarter 2023, compared to $15 million (effective tax rate 46.09%) for third quarter 2023. Third quarter 2023 income tax expense included a $9.1 million charge to income tax expense to establish a tax valuation allowance, partly offset by a $3.0 million reduction to income tax expense to reverse amounts recorded in the first half of 2023, both related to the Wisconsin tax law change noted above.

About Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Nicolet National Bank, a growing, full-service, community bank providing services ranging from commercial, agricultural and consumer banking to wealth management and retirement plan services. Founded in Green Bay in 2000, Nicolet National Bank operates branches in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. More information can be found at www.nicoletbank.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This communication contains non-GAAP financial measures, such as non-GAAP adjusted net income, non-GAAP adjusted earnings per diluted common share, tangible book value per common share, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible common equity to tangible assets. Management believes such measures to be helpful to management, investors and others in understanding Nicolet’s results of operations or financial position. When non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measures, as well as the reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to the GAAP financial measures, are provided. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)” below. The non-GAAP net income measure and related reconciliation provide information useful to investors in understanding the operating performance and trends of Nicolet and also aid investors in comparing Nicolet’s financial performance to the financial performance of peer banks. Management considers non-GAAP financial ratios to be critical metrics with which to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strengths. While non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders in the evaluation of a corporation, they have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analyses of results as reported under GAAP.

Forward Looking Statements “Safe Harbor” Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements contained in this communication, which are not statements of historical fact, constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words or phrases such as, without limitation, “anticipate,” “believe,” “aim,” “can,” “conclude,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “foresee,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “possible,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “will likely,” “would,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, as well as similar expressions, and in this press release include our statements about our expected future effective tax rate.

Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead express only management’s beliefs regarding future results or events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of management’s control. It is possible that actual results and outcomes may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in these forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the statements, include, but are not limited to future legislative changes to the taxes imposed upon Nicolet, potential expansion into other jurisdictions that impose different or higher taxes and our ability to generate loans that qualify for the Wisconsin tax reduction / elimination. Additional factors which could affect the forward looking statements can be found in Nicolet’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well subsequent filings with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to management at that time. Except as required by law, Nicolet disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release to reflect new information or events or circumstances that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)		12/31/2023				9/30/2023				6/30/2023				3/31/2023				12/31/2022
Assets
Cash and due from banks		$	129,898			$	109,414			$	122,021			$	93,462			$	121,211
Interest-earning deposits			361,533				436,466				383,185				20,718				33,512
Cash and cash equivalents			491,431				545,880				505,206				114,180				154,723
Certificates of deposit in other banks			6,374				7,598				9,808				11,293				12,518
Securities available for sale, at fair value			802,573				793,826				921,108				1,023,176				917,618
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost			—				—				—				—				679,128
Other investments			57,560				58,367				57,578				57,482				65,286
Loans held for sale			4,160				6,500				3,849				4,962				1,482
Loans			6,353,942				6,239,257				6,222,776				6,223,732				6,180,499
Allowance for credit losses - loans			(63,610	)			(63,160	)			(62,811	)			(62,412	)			(61,829	)
Loans, net			6,290,332				6,176,097				6,159,965				6,161,320				6,118,670
Premises and equipment, net			118,756				117,744				117,278				112,569				108,956
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”)			169,392				168,223				167,192				166,107				165,137
Goodwill and other intangibles, net			394,366				396,208				398,194				400,277				402,438
Accrued interest receivable and other assets			133,734				145,719				142,450				140,988				138,013
Total assets		$	8,468,678			$	8,416,162			$	8,482,628			$	8,192,354			$	8,763,969
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits		$	1,958,709			$	2,020,074			$	2,059,939			$	2,094,623			$	2,361,816
Interest-bearing deposits			5,239,091				5,162,314				5,138,665				4,833,956				4,817,105
Total deposits			7,197,800				7,182,388				7,198,604				6,928,579				7,178,921
Short-term borrowings			—				—				50,000				50,000				317,000
Long-term borrowings			166,930				197,754				197,577				197,448				225,342
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities			64,941				61,559				58,809				54,535				70,177
Total liabilities			7,429,671				7,441,701				7,504,990				7,230,562				7,791,440
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock			149				147				147				147				147
Additional paid-in capital			633,770				626,348				624,897				623,746				621,988
Retained earnings			458,261				431,317				417,863				398,966				407,864
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(53,173	)			(83,351	)			(65,269	)			(61,067	)			(57,470	)
Total stockholders' equity			1,039,007				974,461				977,638				961,792				972,529
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	8,468,678			$	8,416,162			$	8,482,628			$	8,192,354			$	8,763,969
Common shares outstanding			14,894,209				14,757,565				14,717,938				14,698,265				14,690,614

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended																			For the Years Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)		12/31/2023			9/30/2023				6/30/2023				3/31/2023				12/31/2022				12/31/2023				12/31/2022
Interest income:
Loans, including loan fees		$	90,265		$	87,657			$	84,091			$	79,142			$	76,367			$	341,155			$	243,680
Taxable investment securities			4,737			4,351				4,133				4,961				5,771				18,182				21,383
Tax-exempt investment securities			1,394			1,424				1,476				1,737				1,915				6,031				4,418
Other interest income			7,149			6,452				2,357				1,536				1,703				17,494				4,437
Total interest income			103,545			99,884				92,057				87,376				85,756				382,862				273,918
Interest expense:
Deposits			36,583			34,964				29,340				24,937				12,512				125,824				21,752
Short-term borrowings			—			474				1,108				3,212				2,624				4,794				3,246
Long-term borrowings			2,680			2,972				2,570				2,506				2,528				10,728				8,959
Total interest expense			39,263			38,410				33,018				30,655				17,664				141,346				33,957
Net interest income			64,282			61,474				59,039				56,721				68,092				241,516				239,961
Provision for credit losses			1,000			450				450				3,090				1,850				4,990				11,500
Net interest income after provision for credit losses			63,282			61,024				58,589				53,631				66,242				236,526				228,461
Noninterest income:
Wealth management fee income			6,308			6,057				5,870				5,512				5,170				23,747				20,870
Mortgage income, net			1,856			2,020				1,822				1,466				1,311				7,164				8,497
Service charges on deposit accounts			1,475			1,492				1,529				1,480				1,502				5,976				6,104
Card interchange income			3,306			3,321				3,331				3,033				3,100				12,991				11,643
BOLI income			1,161			1,090				1,073				1,200				1,151				4,524				3,818
Asset gains (losses), net			5,947			31				(318	)			(38,468	)			260				(32,808	)			3,130
Deferred compensation plan asset market valuations			949			(457	)			499				946				314				1,937				(2,040	)
LSR income, net			1,027			1,108				1,135				1,155				(324	)			4,425				(1,366	)
Other noninterest income			2,405			1,879				1,900				1,832				2,362				8,016				7,264
Total noninterest income			24,434			16,541				16,841				(21,844	)			14,846				35,972				57,920
Noninterest expense:
Personnel expense			26,937			23,944				23,900				24,328				23,705				99,109				88,713
Occupancy, equipment and office			9,567			9,027				8,845				8,783				8,246				36,222				29,722
Business development and marketing			1,854			1,869				1,946				2,121				2,303				7,790				8,472
Data processing			7,043			4,643				4,218				3,988				3,871				19,892				14,518
Intangibles amortization			1,842			1,986				2,083				2,161				2,217				8,072				6,616
FDIC assessments			950			1,500				1,009				540				480				3,999				1,920
Merger-related expense			—			—				26				163				492				189				1,664
Other noninterest expense			2,103			2,769				2,930				2,791				2,675				10,593				9,019
Total noninterest expense			50,296			45,738				44,957				44,875				43,989				185,866				160,644
Income (loss) before income tax expense			37,420			31,827				30,473				(13,088	)			37,099				86,632				125,737
Income tax expense (benefit)			6,759			14,669				7,878				(4,190	)			9,498				25,116				31,477
Net income (loss)		$	30,661		$	17,158			$	22,595			$	(8,898	)		$	27,601			$	61,516			$	94,260
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic		$	2.07		$	1.16			$	1.54			$	(0.61	)		$	1.88			$	4.17			$	6.78
Diluted		$	2.02		$	1.14			$	1.51			$	(0.61	)		$	1.83			$	4.08			$	6.56
Common shares outstanding:
Basic weighted average			14,823			14,740				14,711				14,694				14,685				14,743				13,909
Diluted weighted average			15,142			15,100				14,960				14,694				15,110				15,071				14,375

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended																				For the Years Ended
(In thousands, except share & per share data)		12/31/2023				9/30/2023				6/30/2023				3/31/2023				12/31/2022				12/31/2023				12/31/2022
Selected Average Balances:
Loans		$	6,263,971			$	6,230,336			$	6,237,757			$	6,201,780			$	6,087,146			$	6,233,623			$	5,255,646
Investment securities			897,437				962,607				1,068,144				1,508,535				1,701,531				1,107,105				1,619,272
Interest-earning assets			7,683,495				7,676,895				7,497,935				7,830,590				7,963,485				7,671,839				7,107,449
Cash and cash equivalents			558,473				513,250				203,883				127,726				179,381				352,458				281,849
Goodwill and other intangibles, net			395,158				397,052				399,080				401,212				403,243				398,106				361,471
Total assets			8,415,169				8,417,456				8,228,600				8,570,623				8,688,741				8,407,562				7,837,695
Deposits			7,189,650				7,156,577				6,941,037				7,060,262				7,222,415				7,087,427				6,613,924
Interest-bearing liabilities			5,358,445				5,385,292				5,212,285				5,391,107				5,262,278				5,336,825				4,776,924
Stockholders’ equity (common)			996,745				983,133				967,142				970,108				954,970				979,366				886,385
Selected Ratios: (1)
Book value per common share		$	69.76			$	66.03			$	66.42			$	65.44			$	66.20			$	69.76			$	66.20
Tangible book value per common share (2)		$	43.28			$	39.18			$	39.37			$	38.20			$	38.81			$	43.28			$	38.81
Return on average assets			1.45	%			0.81	%			1.10	%			(0.42	) %			1.26	%			0.73	%			1.20	%
Return on average common equity			12.20				6.92				9.37				(3.72	)			11.47				6.28				10.63
Return on average tangible common equity (2)			20.22				11.62				15.95				(6.34	)			19.85				10.58				17.96
Average equity to average assets			11.84				11.68				11.75				11.32				10.99				11.65				11.31
Stockholders’ equity to assets			12.27				11.58				11.53				11.74				11.10				12.27				11.10
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (2)			7.98				7.21				7.17				7.21				6.82				7.98				6.82
Net interest margin			3.30				3.16				3.14				2.91				3.39				3.18				3.40
Efficiency ratio			60.41				58.27				58.60				60.69				52.79				59.50				54.15
Effective tax rate			18.06				46.09				25.85				32.01				25.60				28.99				25.03
Selected Asset Quality Information:
Nonaccrual loans		$	26,625			$	29,507			$	25,278			$	38,895			$	38,080			$	26,625			$	38,080
Other real estate owned - closed branches			808				884				958				1,347				1,347				808				1,347
Other real estate owned			459				1,147				520				628				628				459				628
Nonperforming assets		$	27,892			$	31,538			$	26,756			$	40,870			$	40,055			$	27,892			$	40,055
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)		$	550			$	101			$	51			$	167			$	597			$	869			$	730
Allowance for credit losses-loans to loans			1.00	%			1.01	%			1.01	%			1.00	%			1.00	%			1.00	%			1.00	%
Net loan charge-offs to average loans (1)			0.03				0.01				0.01				0.01				0.04				0.01				0.01
Nonperforming loans to total loans			0.42				0.47				0.41				0.62				0.62				0.42				0.62
Nonperforming assets to total assets			0.33				0.37				0.32				0.50				0.46				0.33				0.46
Stock Repurchase Information:
Common stock repurchased (dollars) (3)		$	—			$	—			$	1,519			$	—			$	786			$	1,519			$	61,483
Common stock repurchased (full shares) (3)			—				—				26,853				—				10,000				26,853				671,662

(1)		Income statement-related ratios for partial-year periods are annualized.
(2)		See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures below for a reconciliation of these financial measures.
(3)		Reflects common stock repurchased under board of director authorizations for the common stock repurchase program.

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
Consolidated Loan & Deposit Metrics (Unaudited)
(In thousands)		12/31/2023			9/30/2023			6/30/2023			3/31/2023			12/31/2022
Period End Loan Composition
Commercial & industrial		$	1,284,009		$	1,237,789		$	1,318,567		$	1,330,052		$	1,304,819
Owner-occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”)			956,594			971,397			969,202			969,064			954,599
Agricultural			1,161,531			1,108,261			1,068,999			1,065,909			1,088,607
Commercial			3,402,134			3,317,447			3,356,768			3,365,025			3,348,025
CRE investment			1,142,251			1,130,938			1,108,692			1,146,388			1,149,949
Construction & land development			310,110			326,747			337,389			333,370			318,600
Commercial real estate			1,452,361			1,457,685			1,446,081			1,479,758			1,468,549
Commercial-based loans			4,854,495			4,775,132			4,802,849			4,844,783			4,816,574
Residential construction			75,726			76,289			108,095			134,782			114,392
Residential first mortgage			1,167,109			1,136,748			1,072,609			1,014,166			1,016,935
Residential junior mortgage			200,884			195,432			184,873			177,026			177,332
Residential real estate			1,443,719			1,408,469			1,365,577			1,325,974			1,308,659
Retail & other			55,728			55,656			54,350			52,975			55,266
Retail-based loans			1,499,447			1,464,125			1,419,927			1,378,949			1,363,925
Total loans		$	6,353,942		$	6,239,257		$	6,222,776		$	6,223,732		$	6,180,499
Period End Deposit Composition
Noninterest-bearing demand		$	1,958,709		$	2,020,074		$	2,059,939		$	2,094,623		$	2,361,816
Interest-bearing demand			1,055,520			955,746			1,030,919			1,138,415			1,279,850
Money market			1,891,287			1,933,227			1,835,523			1,886,879			1,707,619
Savings			768,401			789,045			821,803			865,824			931,417
Time			1,523,883			1,484,296			1,450,420			942,838			898,219
Total deposits		$	7,197,800		$	7,182,388		$	7,198,604		$	6,928,579		$	7,178,921
Brokered transaction accounts		$	166,861		$	146,517		$	173,107		$	233,393		$	252,829
Brokered time deposits			448,582			457,433			566,405			289,181			339,066
Total brokered deposits		$	615,443		$	603,950		$	739,512		$	522,574		$	591,895
Customer transaction accounts		$	5,507,056		$	5,551,575		$	5,575,077		$	5,752,348		$	6,027,873
Customer time deposits			1,075,301			1,026,863			884,015			653,657			559,153
Total customer deposits (core)		$	6,582,357		$	6,578,438		$	6,459,092		$	6,406,005		$	6,587,026

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin Analysis (Unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended
		December 31, 2023									September 30, 2023									December 31, 2022
		Average						Average			Average						Average			Average						Average
(In thousands)		Balance			Interest			Rate			Balance			Interest			Rate			Balance			Interest			Rate
ASSETS
Total loans (1) (2)		$	6,263,971		$	90,313		5.66	%		$	6,230,336		$	87,701		5.54	%		$	6,087,146		$	76,406		4.93	%
Investment securities (2)			897,437			6,567		2.93	%			962,607			6,235		2.59	%			1,701,531			8,302		1.95	%
Other interest-earning assets			522,087			7,149		5.37	%			483,952			6,452		5.23	%			174,808			1,703		3.85	%
Total interest-earning assets			7,683,495		$	104,029		5.32	%			7,676,895		$	100,388		5.15	%			7,963,485		$	86,411		4.27	%
Other assets, net			731,674									740,561									725,256
Total assets		$	8,415,169								$	8,417,456								$	8,688,741
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing core deposits		$	4,570,493		$	29,730		2.58	%		$	4,491,858		$	27,628		2.44	%		$	4,175,671		$	8,477		0.81	%
Brokered deposits			601,379			6,853		4.52	%			651,745			7,336		4.47	%			611,226			4,035		2.62	%
Total interest-bearing deposits			5,171,872			36,583		2.81	%			5,143,603			34,964		2.70	%			4,786,897			12,512		1.04	%
Wholesale funding			186,573			2,680		5.62	%			241,689			3,446		5.58	%			475,381			5,152		4.27	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities			5,358,445		$	39,263		2.90	%			5,385,292		$	38,410		2.83	%			5,262,278		$	17,664		1.33	%
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits			2,017,778									2,012,974									2,435,518
Other liabilities			42,201									36,057									35,975
Stockholders' equity			996,745									983,133									954,970
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	8,415,169								$	8,417,456								$	8,688,741
Net interest income and rate spread					$	64,766		2.42	%					$	61,978		2.32	%					$	68,747		2.94	%
Net interest margin								3.30	%								3.16	%								3.39	%
Loan purchase accounting accretion (3)					$	1,587		0.10	%					$	1,637		0.10	%					$	1,935		0.09	%
		For the Years Ended
		December 31, 2023									December 31, 2022
		Average						Average			Average						Average
(In thousands)		Balance			Interest			Rate			Balance			Interest			Rate
ASSETS
Total loans (1) (2)		$	6,233,623		$	341,332		5.48	%		$	5,255,646		$	243,819		4.64	%
Investment securities (2)			1,107,105			26,142		2.36	%			1,619,272			27,575		1.70	%
Other interest-earning assets			331,111			17,494		5.28	%			232,531			4,437		1.91	%
Total interest-earning assets			7,671,839		$	384,968		5.02	%			7,107,449		$	275,831		3.88	%
Other assets, net			735,723									730,246
Total assets		$	8,407,562								$	7,837,695
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing core deposits		$	4,417,426		$	99,673		2.26	%		$	3,987,201		$	15,324		0.38	%
Brokered deposits			615,209			26,151		4.25	%			490,871			6,428		1.31	%
Total interest-bearing deposits			5,032,635			125,824		2.50	%			4,478,072			21,752		0.49	%
Wholesale funding			304,190			15,522		5.10	%			298,852			12,205		4.08	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities			5,336,825		$	141,346		2.65	%			4,776,924		$	33,957		0.71	%
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits			2,054,792									2,135,852
Other liabilities			36,579									38,534
Stockholders' equity			979,366									886,385
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	8,407,562								$	7,837,695
Net interest income and rate spread					$	243,622		2.37	%					$	241,874		3.17	%
Net interest margin								3.18	%								3.40	%
Loan purchase accounting accretion (3)					$	6,496		0.10	%					$	4,572		0.06	%

(1)		Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the daily average loan balances outstanding.
(2)		The yield on tax-exempt loans and tax-exempt investment securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21%, and adjusted for the disallowance of interest expense.
(3)		Loan purchase accounting accretion included in Total loans above, and the related impact to net interest margin.

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended																			For the Years Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)		12/31/2023				9/30/2023				6/30/2023			3/31/2023				12/31/2022				12/31/2023			12/31/2022
Adjusted net income (loss) reconciliation: (1)
Net income (loss) (GAAP)		$	30,661			$	17,158			$	22,595		$	(8,898	)		$	27,601			$	61,516		$	94,260
Adjustments:
Provision expense (2)			—				—				—			2,340				—				2,340			8,000
Assets (gains) losses, net			(5,947	)			(31	)			318			38,468				(260	)			32,808			(3,130	)
Merger-related expense			—				—				26			163				492				189			1,664
Contract termination charge			2,689				—				—			—				—				2,689			—
Adjustments subtotal			(3,258	)			(31	)			344			40,971				232				38,026			6,534
Tax on Adjustments (3)			(635	)			(6	)			86			10,243				58				7,415			1,634
Tax - Wisconsin Tax Law Change (4)			—				6,151				—			—				—				9,118			—
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)		$	28,038			$	23,284			$	22,853		$	21,830			$	27,775			$	101,245		$	99,161
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP)		$	2.02			$	1.14			$	1.51		$	(0.61	)		$	1.83			$	4.08		$	6.56
Adjusted Diluted earnings per common share (Non-GAAP)		$	1.85			$	1.54			$	1.53		$	1.45			$	1.84			$	6.72		$	6.90
Tangible assets: (5)
Total assets		$	8,468,678			$	8,416,162			$	8,482,628		$	8,192,354			$	8,763,969
Goodwill and other intangibles, net			394,366				396,208				398,194			400,277				402,438
Tangible assets		$	8,074,312			$	8,019,954			$	8,084,434		$	7,792,077			$	8,361,531
Tangible common equity: (5)
Stockholders’ equity (common)		$	1,039,007			$	974,461			$	977,638		$	961,792			$	972,529
Goodwill and other intangibles, net			394,366				396,208				398,194			400,277				402,438
Tangible common equity		$	644,641			$	578,253			$	579,444		$	561,515			$	570,091
Tangible average common equity: (5)
Average stockholders’ equity (common)		$	996,745			$	983,133			$	967,142		$	970,108			$	954,970			$	979,366		$	886,385
Average goodwill and other intangibles, net			395,158				397,052				399,080			401,212				403,243				398,106			361,471
Average tangible common equity		$	601,587			$	586,081			$	568,062		$	568,896			$	551,727			$	581,260		$	524,914

Note: Numbers may not sum due to rounding.

(1)		The adjusted net income measure and related reconciliation provide information useful to investors in understanding the operating performance and trends of Nicolet and also to aid investors in the comparison of Nicolet’s financial performance to the financial performance of peer banks.
(2)		Provision expense for 2023 is attributable to the expected loss on a bank subordinated debt investment, and the provision expense for 2022 is attributable to the Day 2 allowance from the acquisition of Charter Bankshares, Inc.
(3)		The effective tax rate for periods prior to the July 1, 2023, effective date of the Wisconsin tax law change assumed an effective tax rate of 25%, and periods subsequent to the effective date assumed an effective tax rate of 19.5%.
(4)		The adjusted net income reconciliation for first and second quarter 2023 is as originally reported, and has not been restated to reflect the $3 million excess tax expense of those quarters that was subsequently reversed in third quarter 2023 due to the Wisconsin tax law change. Thus, the adjusted net income reconciliation for the quarters of 2023 will not sum to the full year impact.
(5)		The ratios of tangible book value per common share, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible common equity to tangible assets exclude goodwill and other intangibles, net. These financial ratios have been included as they are considered to be critical metrics with which to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength.

 

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Source: Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.

FAQ

What was Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.'s net income for Q4 2023?

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. reported a net income of $31 million for Q4 2023.

How did Nicolet's net income for Q4 2023 compare to the previous quarters?

Nicolet's net income for Q4 2023 was higher than the $17 million reported in Q3 2023, and the $28 million reported in Q4 2022.

What was Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.'s net income for the year ended December 31, 2023?

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.'s net income for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $62 million.

What was the impact of the Wisconsin State Budget on Nicolet's financial results?

Nicolet's financial results were impacted by the Wisconsin State Budget signed in July 2023, which included language providing financial institutions with an exemption from state taxable income for certain loans.

What was the net interest margin for Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. in Q4 2023?

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.'s net interest margin for Q4 2023 was 3.30%.

What was the percentage of nonperforming assets to total assets at the end of Q4 2023?

Nonperforming assets were 0.33% of total assets at the end of Q4 2023.