NICOLET BANKSHARES INC - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from…………to………….

Commission file number 001-37700

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



WISCONSIN	47-0871001
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

111 North Washington Street

Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301

(920) 430-1400

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:



Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	NCBS	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

As of June 30, 2019, (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) the aggregate market value of the common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was approximately $505 million based on the closing sale price of $62.06 per share as reported on Nasdaq on June 30, 2019.

As of February 27, 2020 10,495,311 shares of common stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III of Form 10-K – Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTS



			PAGE
PART I

	Item 1.	Business	3

	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	10

	Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	16

	Item 2.	Properties	16

	Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	16

	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	16

PART II

	Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	16

	Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	18

	Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	20

	Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	43

	Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	44

	Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	90

	Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	90

	Item 9B.	Other Information	90

PART III

	Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	91

	Item 11.	Executive Compensation	91

	Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	91

	Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	91

	Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	91

PART IV

	Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	92

	Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	93

	Signatures		94

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in any documents that are incorporated by reference which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including any statements regarding descriptions of management's plans, objectives, or goals for future operations, products or services, and forecasts of its revenues, earnings, or other measures of performance. Forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements generally may be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “should,” “will,” “intend,” or similar expressions. Shareholders should note that many factors, some of which are discussed elsewhere in this document, could affect the future financial results of Nicolet and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements contained in this document. These factors, many of which are beyond Nicolet's control, include but are not necessarily limited to the following:


•	operating, legal and regulatory risks, including the effects of legislative or regulatory developments affecting the financial industry generally or Nicolet specifically;


•	economic, market, political and competitive forces affecting Nicolet's banking and wealth management businesses;


•	changes in interest rates, monetary policy and general economic conditions, which may impact Nicolet's net interest income;


•	potential difficulties in integrating the operations of Nicolet with future acquisition targets following any merger;


•	adoption of new accounting standards, including the effects from the adoption of the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) model on January 1, 2020, or changes in existing standards;


•	compliance or operational risks related to new products, services, ventures, or lines of business, if any, that Nicolet may pursue or implement; and


•	the risk that Nicolet's analysis of these risks and forces could be incorrect and/or that the strategies developed to address them could be unsuccessful.

These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Nicolet specifically disclaims any obligation to update factors or to publicly announce the results of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements or comments included herein to reflect future events or developments.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (individually referred to herein as the “Parent Company” and together with all its subsidiaries collectively referred to herein as “Nicolet,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and under the bank holding company laws of the State of Wisconsin. At December 31, 2019, Nicolet had total assets of $3.6 billion, loans of $2.6 billion, deposits of $3.0 billion and total stockholders’ equity of $516 million. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Nicolet earned net income of $54.6 million, or $5.52 per diluted common share. For 2019, Nicolet’s return on average assets was 1.75%.

Nicolet was founded upon five core values (Be Real, Be Responsive, Be Personal, Be Memorable, and Be Entrepreneurial) which are embodied within each of our employees and create a distinct competitive positioning in the markets within which we operate. Our mission is to be the leading community bank within the communities we serve, while our vision is to optimize the long-term return to our customers and communities, employees and shareholders.

The Parent Company is a Wisconsin corporation, originally incorporated on April 5, 2000 as Green Bay Financial Corporation, a Wisconsin corporation, to serve as the holding company for and the sole shareholder of Nicolet National Bank. The Parent Company amended and restated its articles of incorporation and changed its name to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. on March 14, 2002. It subsequently became the holding company for Nicolet National Bank upon the completion of the bank’s reorganization into a holding company structure on June 6, 2002. Nicolet elected to become a financial holding company in 2008.

Nicolet conducts its primary operations through its wholly owned subsidiary, Nicolet National Bank, a commercial bank which was organized in 2000 as a national bank under the laws of the United States and opened for business, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on November 1, 2000 (referred to herein as the “Bank”). Structurally, the Parent Company also wholly owns a registered investment advisory firm, Brookfield Investment Partners, LLC (“Brookfield”), that principally provides investment strategy and transactional services to select community banks, wholly owns a registered investment advisory firm, Nicolet Advisory Services, LLC (“Nicolet Advisory”), that conducts brokerage and financial advisory services primarily to individual consumers, and entered into a joint venture that provides for 50% ownership of the building in which Nicolet is headquartered. Structurally, the Bank wholly owns

an investment subsidiary based in Nevada, a subsidiary in Green Bay that provides a web-based investment management platform for financial advisor trades and related activity, and the Bank owns 10% of UFS, LLC through its ownership of United Financial Services, Inc, a data processing services company located in Grafton, Wisconsin (collectively referred to herein as “UFS”). Other than the Bank, these subsidiaries are closely related to or incidental to the business of banking and none are individually or collectively significant to Nicolet’s financial position or results as of December 31, 2019.

Nicolet’s profitability is significantly dependent upon net interest income (interest income earned on loans and other interest-earning assets such as investments, net of interest expense on deposits and other borrowed funds), and noninterest income sources (including but not limited to service charges on deposits, trust and brokerage fees, and mortgage income from sales of residential mortgages into the secondary market), offset by the level of the provision for loan losses, noninterest expenses (largely employee compensation and overhead expenses tied to processing and operating the Bank’s business), and income taxes.

Since its opening in late 2000, though more prominently since 2013, Nicolet has supplemented its organic growth with branch purchase and acquisition transactions. Merger and acquisition (“M&A”) activity has continued to be a source of strong growth for Nicolet. Since 2012, Nicolet has successfully completed six acquisitions. For information on recent transactions, see Note 2, “Acquisitions,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8. In fourth quarter 2019, Nicolet completed the all-stock acquisition of Choice Bancorp Inc. (“Choice”) and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Choice Bank, increasing Nicolet's total assets to $3.6 billion, at December 31, 2019.

Products and Services Overview

Nicolet’s principal business is banking, consisting of lending and deposit gathering, as well as ancillary banking-related products and services, to businesses and individuals of the communities it serves, and the operational support to deliver, fund and manage such banking products and services. Additionally, trust, brokerage and other investment management services for individuals and retirement plan services for business customers are offered. Nicolet delivers its products and services principally through 39 bank branch locations, on-line banking, mobile banking and an interactive website. Nicolet’s call center also services customers.

Nicolet offers a variety of loans, deposits and related services to business customers (especially small and medium-sized businesses and professional concerns), including but not limited to: business checking and other business deposit products and cash management services, international banking services, business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction loans, agricultural real estate or production loans, and letters of credit, as well as retirement plan services. Similarly, Nicolet offers a variety of banking products and services to consumers, including but not limited to: residential mortgage loans and mortgage refinancing, home equity loans and lines of credit, residential construction loans, personal loans, checking, savings and money market accounts, various certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts, safe deposit boxes, and personal brokerage, trust and fiduciary services. Nicolet also provides on-line services including commercial, retail and trust on-line banking, automated bill payment, mobile banking deposits and account access, remote deposit capture, and other services such as wire transfers, debit cards, credit cards, pre-paid gift cards, direct deposit, and official bank checks.

Lending is critical to Nicolet’s balance sheet and earnings potential. Nicolet seeks creditworthy borrowers principally within the geographic area of its branch locations. As a community bank with experienced commercial lenders and residential mortgage lenders, the primary lending function is to make loans in the following categories:

•commercial-related loans, consisting of:

◦commercial, industrial, and business loans and lines of credit;

◦owner-occupied commercial real estate (“owner-occupied CRE”);

◦agricultural (“AG”) production and AG real estate;

◦commercial real estate investment loans (“CRE investment”);

◦construction and land development loans;

•residential real estate loans, consisting of:

◦residential first lien mortgages;

◦residential junior lien mortgages;

◦home equity loans and lines of credit;

◦residential construction loans; and

•other loans (mainly consumer in nature).

Lending involves credit risk. Nicolet has and follows extensive loan policies and procedures to standardize processes, meet compliance requirements and prudently manage underwriting, credit and other risks. Credit risk is further controlled and monitored through active asset quality management including the use of lending standards, thorough review of current and potential borrowers through Nicolet’s underwriting process, close relationships with and regular check-ins with borrowers, and active asset quality administration. For further discussion of the loan portfolio composition and credit risk management, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” under Part II, Item 7.

Employees and Diversity

At December 31, 2019, Nicolet had approximately 575 full-time equivalent employees. None of our employees are represented by unions.

Nicolet believes that diversity is directly linked to organizational performance and is committed to affirmative action and diversity, including women, minorities, age, personality, and life experiences, among others. In support of this, all employees complete annual diversity training, managers complete additional diversity training in management foundation training, and we expect our employees to be active in promoting diversity within the Company and communities we serve.

Market Area and Competition

The Bank is a full-service community bank, providing a full range of traditional commercial, wealth (directly and through Nicolet Advisory) and retail banking products and services throughout northeastern and central Wisconsin and in Menominee, Michigan. Nicolet markets its services to owner-managed companies, the individual owners of these businesses, and other residents of its market area, which at December 31, 2019 is through 39 branches located principally in its trade area of northeastern and central Wisconsin, and in Menominee, Michigan. Based on deposit market share data published by the FDIC as of June 30, 2019, the Bank ranks in the top three of market share for Brown, Clark, Door, Kewaunee, Taylor and Winnebago counties and in the top five for Marinette, Menominee and Oneida counties.

The financial services industry is highly competitive. Nicolet competes for loans, deposits and wealth management or financial services in all its principal markets. Nicolet competes directly with other bank and nonbank institutions located within our markets (some that may have an established customer base or name recognition), internet-based banks, out-of-market banks that advertise or otherwise serve its markets, money market and other mutual funds, brokerage houses, mortgage companies, insurance companies or other commercial entities that offer financial services products. Competition involves efforts to retain current or procure new customers, obtain new loans and deposits, increase the scope and type of products or services offered, and offer competitive interest rates paid on deposits or earned on loans, as well as to deliver other aspects of banking competitively. Many of Nicolet’s competitors may enjoy competitive advantages, including greater financial resources, fewer regulatory requirements, broader geographic presence, more accessible branches or more advanced technologic delivery of products or services, more favorable pricing alternatives and lower origination or operating costs.

We believe our competitive pricing, personalized service and community engagement enable us to effectively compete in our markets. Nicolet employs seasoned banking and wealth management professionals with experience in its market areas and who are active in their communities. Nicolet’s emphasis on meeting customer needs in a relationship-focused manner, combined with local decision making on extensions of credit, distinguishes Nicolet from its competitors, particularly in the case of large financial institutions. Nicolet believes it further distinguishes itself by providing a range of products and services characteristic of a large financial institution while providing the personalized service, real conversation, and convenience characteristic of a local, community bank.

Supervision and Regulation

Set forth below is an explanation of the major pieces of legislation and regulation affecting the banking industry and how that legislation and regulation affects Nicolet’s business. The following summary is qualified by reference to the statutory and regulatory provisions discussed. Changes in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on the business and prospects of Nicolet or the Bank, and legislative changes and the policies of various regulatory authorities may significantly affect their operations. We cannot predict the effect that fiscal or monetary policies, or new federal or state legislation or regulation may have on the future business and earnings of Nicolet or the Bank.

Both the scope of the laws and regulations and intensity of supervision to which Nicolet's business is subject have increased over the past decade in response to the financial crisis as well as other factors such as technological and market changes. Many of these changes have occurred as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and its implementing regulations, most of which are now in place. Since 2018, with the passage of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”), as described below, there has been some recalibration of the post-financial crisis framework; however, Nicolet's business remains subject to extensive regulation and supervision.

EGRRCPA was enacted to modify or remove certain financial reform rules and regulations, including some of those implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act. While the EGRRCPA maintains most of the regulatory structure established by the Dodd-Frank Act, it amends certain aspects of the regulatory framework for small depository institutions with assets of less than $10 billion, which could result in meaningful regulatory relief for community banks such as the Bank. Several of the reforms implemented by EGRRCPA are discussed below. In addition, the EGRRCPA includes regulatory relief for community banks regarding regulatory examination cycles, call reports, the Volcker Rule (proprietary trading prohibitions), mortgage disclosures and risk weights for certain high-risk commercial real estate loans. Effective January 1, 2020, the EGRRCPA enacted an optional alternative Community Bank Leverage Ratio (“CBLR”), discussed in greater detail below. It is difficult at this time to predict when or how any new

standards under the EGRRCPA will ultimately be applied to us or what specific impact the EGRRCPA and the yet-to-be-written implementing rules and regulations will have on community banks.

Regulation of Nicolet

Because Nicolet owns all of the capital stock of the Bank, it is a bank holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Bank Holding Company Act”). As a result, Nicolet is primarily subject to the supervision, examination, and reporting requirements of the Bank Holding Company Act and the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”). As a bank holding company located in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (the “WDFI”) also regulates and monitors all significant aspects of its operations.

Acquisitions of Banks. The Bank Holding Company Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before:


•	acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank if, after the acquisition, the bank holding company will directly or indirectly own or control more than 5% of the bank’s voting shares;


•	acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of any bank; or


•	merging or consolidating with any other bank holding company.

Additionally, the Bank Holding Company Act provides that the Federal Reserve may not approve any of these transactions if it would result in or tend to create a monopoly, substantially lessen competition, or otherwise function as a restraint of trade, unless the anti-competitive effects of the proposed transaction are clearly outweighed by the public interest in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve is also required to consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the bank holding companies and banks involved in the transaction and the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve’s consideration of financial resources generally focuses on capital adequacy, which is discussed below.

Change in Bank Control. Subject to various exceptions, the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, together with related regulations, require Federal Reserve approval prior to any person or company acquiring “control” of a bank holding company. Control is conclusively presumed to exist if an individual or company acquires 25% or more of any class of voting securities of the bank holding company. Control is rebuttably presumed to exist if a person or company acquires 10% or more, but less than 25%, of any class of voting securities of the bank holding company. The regulations provide a procedure for challenging rebuttable presumptions of control.

Permitted Activities. The Bank Holding Company Act has generally prohibited a bank holding company from engaging in activities other than banking or managing or controlling banks or other permissible subsidiaries and from acquiring or retaining direct or indirect control of any company engaged in any activities other than those determined by the Federal Reserve to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act have expanded the permissible activities of a bank holding company that qualifies as a financial holding company to engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complementary to financial activities. Those activities include, among other activities, certain insurance, advisory and security activities.

Nicolet meets the qualification standards applicable to financial holding companies, and elected to become a financial holding company in 2008. In order to remain a financial holding company, Nicolet must continue to be considered well managed and well capitalized by the Federal Reserve, and the Bank must continue to be considered well managed and well capitalized by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) and have at least a “satisfactory” rating under the Community Reinvestment Act.

Support of Subsidiary Institutions. Under Federal Reserve policy and the Dodd-Frank Act, Nicolet is expected to act as a source of financial strength for the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank. This support may be required at times when, without this Federal Reserve policy or the related rules, Nicolet might not be inclined to provide it.

In addition, any capital loans made by Nicolet to the Bank will be repaid only after the Bank’s deposits and various other obligations are repaid in full.

Capital Adequacy. Nicolet is subject to capital requirements applied on a consolidated basis, which are substantially similar to those required of the Bank, which are summarized under “Regulation of the Bank” below.

Dividend Restrictions. Under Federal Reserve policies, bank holding companies may pay cash dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization's expected future needs and financial condition and if the organization is not in danger of not meeting its minimum regulatory capital requirements. Federal Reserve policy also provides that bank holding companies should not maintain a level of cash dividends that undermines the bank holding company's ability to serve as a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Under Federal Reserve policy,

bank holding companies are expected to inform the Federal Reserve reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period (e.g., quarter) for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse change to the organization's capital structure.

Stock Buybacks and Other Capital Redemptions. Under Federal Reserve policies and regulations, bank holding companies must seek regulatory approval prior to any redemption that would reduce the bank holding company's consolidated net worth by 10% or more, prior to the redemption of most instruments included in Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital with features permitting redemption at the option of the issuing bank holding company, or prior to the redemption of equity or other capital instruments included in Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital prior to stated maturity, if such redemption could have a material effect on the level or composition of the organization's capital base. Bank holding companies are also expected to inform the Federal Reserve reasonably in advance of a redemption or repurchase of common stock if such buyback results in a net reduction of the company's outstanding amount of common stock below the amount outstanding at the beginning of the fiscal quarter.

Regulation of the Bank

Because the Bank is chartered as a national bank, it is primarily subject to the supervision, examination, and reporting requirements of the National Bank Act and the regulations of the OCC. The OCC regularly examines the Bank’s operations and has the authority to approve or disapprove mergers, the establishment of branches and similar corporate actions. The OCC also has the power to prevent the continuance or development of unsafe or unsound banking practices or other violations of law. Because the Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent provided by law, it is also subject to certain FDIC regulations and the FDIC also has examination authority and back-up enforcement power over the Bank. The Bank is also subject to numerous state and federal statutes and regulations that affect Nicolet, its business, activities, and operations.

Branching. National banks are required by the National Bank Act to adhere to branching laws applicable to state banks in the states in which they are located. Under Wisconsin law and the Dodd-Frank Act, and with the prior approval of the OCC, the Bank may open branch offices within or outside of Wisconsin, provided that a state bank chartered by the state in which the branch is to be located would also be permitted to establish a branch. In addition, with prior regulatory approval, the Bank may acquire branches of existing banks located in Wisconsin or other states.

Capital Adequacy. Banks and bank holding companies, as regulated institutions, are required to maintain minimum levels of capital. The Federal Reserve and the OCC have adopted minimum risk-based capital requirements (Tier 1 capital, common equity Tier 1 capital (“CET1”) and total capital) and leverage capital requirements, as well as guidelines that define components of the calculation of capital and the level of risk associated with various types of assets. Financial institutions are expected to maintain a level of capital commensurate with the risk profile assigned to their assets in accordance with the guidelines.

In addition to the minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios, effective January 1, 2019 banking organizations must maintain a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of CET1 in an amount equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets in order to avoid restrictions on their ability to make capital distributions and to pay certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. In order to avoid those restrictions, the capital conservation buffer effectively increases the minimum well-capitalized CET1 capital, Tier 1 capital, and total capital ratios for U.S. banking organizations to 7.0%, 8.5%, and 10.5%, respectively. Banking organizations with capital levels that fall within the buffer will be required to limit dividends, share repurchases or redemptions (unless replaced within the same calendar quarter by capital instruments of equal or higher quality), and discretionary bonus payments. The following table presents the risk-based and leverage capital requirements applicable to the Bank:



	Adequately Capitalized Requirement		Well-Capitalized Requirement		Well-Capitalized with Buffer
Leverage	4.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%
CET1	4.5	%	6.5	%	7.0	%
Tier 1	6.0	%	8.0	%	8.5	%
Total Capital	8.0	%	10.0	%	10.5	%

Although capital instruments such as trust preferred securities and cumulative preferred shares are excluded from Tier 1 capital for certain larger banking organizations, Nicolet’s trust preferred securities are grandfathered as Tier 1 capital (provided they do not exceed 25% of Tier 1 capital) so long as Nicolet has less than $15 billion in total assets.

The capital rules require that goodwill and other intangible assets (other than mortgage servicing assets), net of associated deferred tax liabilities (“DTLs”), be deducted from CET1 capital. Additionally, deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) that arise from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, net of associated DTLs and valuation allowances, are fully deducted from CET1 capital. However, DTAs arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks, along with mortgage

servicing assets and “significant” (defined as greater than 10% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the unconsolidated financial institution) investments in the common stock of unconsolidated “financial institutions” are partially includible in CET1 capital, subject to deductions defined in the rules.

The OCC also considers interest rate risk (arising when the interest rate sensitivity of the Bank’s assets does not match the sensitivity of its liabilities or its off-balance sheet position) in the evaluation of the bank’s capital adequacy. Banks with excessive interest rate risk exposure are required to hold additional amounts of capital against their exposure to losses resulting from that risk. Through the risk-weighting of assets, the regulators also require banks to incorporate market risk components into their risk-based capital. Under these market risk requirements, capital is allocated to support the amount of market risk related to a bank’s lending and trading activities.

Effective January 1, 2020, the OCC enacted an alternative CBLR framework for qualifying institutions. Banks and bank holding companies that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets and meet other qualifying criteria, including a Tier 1 leverage ratio of greater than 9 percent and trading assets plus trading liabilities of 5 percent or less of total consolidated assets, are eligible to opt into the CBLR framework. A qualifying bank that elects to use the new CBLR framework will be considered to have satisfied the risk-based and leverage capital requirements for the purposes of the generally applicable capital rule and to be well-capitalized requirements for purposes of Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act so long as bank maintains a leverage ratio of greater than 9 percent.

This new CBLR framework also includes a two-quarter grace period. This grace period applies when the bank’s leverage ratio falls below 9 percent but is greater than 8 percent. Pursuant to the grace period rules, if a qualifying bank falls below the 9 percent threshold but remains above the 8 percent floor, the bank has two quarters to either meet the qualifying criteria (leverage ratio of 9 percent or greater) or to comply with the generally applicable capital requirements. The grace period is not available if the qualifying bank’s leverage ratio falls below 9 percent as a result of a merger or acquisition.

The Bank’s capital categories are determined solely for the purpose of applying the “prompt corrective action” rules described below and they are not necessarily an accurate representation of its overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes. Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank or bank holding company to a variety of enforcement remedies, including issuance of a capital directive, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, a prohibition on accepting brokered deposits, and certain other restrictions on its business. See “Prompt Corrective Action” below.

Prompt Corrective Action. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) establishes a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized financial institutions. Under this system, the federal banking regulators have established five capital categories: well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, in which all institutions are placed. The federal banking agencies have also specified by regulation the relevant capital levels for each category.

A “well-capitalized” bank is one that is not required to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure pursuant to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive, and has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a CET1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%. Generally, a classification as well-capitalized will place a bank outside of the regulatory zone for purposes of prompt corrective action. However, a well-capitalized bank may be reclassified as “adequately capitalized” based on criteria other than capital, if the federal regulator determines that a bank is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or is engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, which requires certain remedial action.

As of December 31, 2019, the Bank satisfied the requirements of “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. See Note 16, “Regulatory Capital Requirements,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8, for Nicolet and the Bank regulatory capital ratios.

As a bank’s capital position deteriorates, federal banking regulators are required to take various mandatory supervisory actions and are authorized to take other discretionary actions with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories: undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. The severity of the action depends upon the capital category in which the institution is placed. Generally, subject to a narrow exception, the banking regulator must appoint a receiver or conservator for an institution that is critically undercapitalized.

CECL. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) adopted a new credit loss accounting standard applicable to all banks, savings associations, credit unions, and financial holding companies, regardless of size. This standard is effective for the Bank for our fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2020. The final rule allows for an optional three-year phase in of the day-one adverse effects on a bank’s regulatory capital. This Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) standard requires financial institutions to determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans, and recognize the expected credit losses as an allowance for loan losses.

The CECL rules change the current “incurred losses” method of providing Allowances for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”), which we expect may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses, and to greatly increase the data we would need to collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the ALLL. Under CECL, the allowance for credit losses is an estimate of the expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, which is measured using relevant information about past events, including historical credit loss experience on financial assets with similar risk characteristics, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the remaining cash flows over the contractual term of the financial assets. CECL requires an allowance to be created upon the origination or acquisition of a financial asset measured at amortized cost, which may significantly impact the cost of M&A activity in the future. Any increase in our ALLL, or expenses incurred to determine the appropriate level of the ALLL, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For additional discussion of CECL, see section “Future Accounting Pronouncements” within “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” under Part II, Item 7.

FDIC Insurance Assessments. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC up to $250,000, the maximum amount permitted by law. The FDIC uses the Deposit Insurance Fund to protect against the loss of insured deposits if an FDIC-insured bank or savings association fails. The Bank is thus subject to FDIC deposit premium assessments. The cost of premium assessments are impacted by, among other things, a bank’s capital category under the prompt corrective action system.

Commercial Real Estate Lending. The federal banking regulators have issued the following guidance to help identify institutions that are potentially exposed to significant commercial real estate lending risk and may warrant greater supervisory scrutiny:


•	total reported loans for construction, land development and other land represent 100% or more of the institution’s total capital, or


•	total commercial real estate loans represent 300% or more of the institution’s total capital, and the outstanding balance of the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more.

At December 31, 2019 the Bank’s commercial real estate lending levels are below the guidance levels noted above.

Enforcement Powers. The Financial Institution Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act (“FIRREA”) expanded and increased civil and criminal penalties available for use by the federal regulatory agencies against depository institutions and certain “institution-affiliated parties.” Institution-affiliated parties primarily include management, employees, and agents of a financial institution, as well as independent contractors and consultants such as attorneys and accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution’s affairs. These practices can include the failure of an institution to timely file required reports or the filing of false or misleading information or the submission of inaccurate reports. Civil penalties may be over $1.9 million per day for such violations. Criminal penalties for some financial institution crimes have been increased to 20 years.

Community Reinvestment Act. The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) requires that, in connection with examinations of financial institutions within their respective jurisdictions, the federal banking agencies evaluate the record of each financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. These facts are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could impose additional requirements and limitations on the Bank. Additionally, the Bank must publicly disclose the terms of various Community Reinvestment Act-related agreements. The Bank received an “outstanding” CRA rating in its most recent evaluation.

Payment of Dividends. Statutory and regulatory limitations apply to the Bank’s payment of dividends to the Parent Company. If, in the opinion of the OCC, the Bank were engaged in or about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice, the OCC could require that the Bank stop or refrain from engaging in the practice. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depository institution’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice.

The Bank is required by federal law to obtain prior approval of the OCC for payments of dividends if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any year will exceed (1) the total of the Bank’s net profits for that year, plus (2) the Bank’s retained net profits of the preceding two years. The payment of dividends may also be affected by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain adequate capital above regulatory guidelines or any conditions or restrictions that may be imposed by regulatory authorities.

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders. The Bank is subject to the provisions of Regulation W promulgated by the Federal Reserve, which implements Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. Regulation W places limits and conditions on the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, investments in, or certain other transactions with, affiliates and on the amount of advances to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates. Regulation W also prohibits, among other things, an institution from engaging in certain transactions with certain affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to such institution or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies. Federal law also places restrictions on the Bank’s ability to extend credit to its executive officers,

directors, principal shareholders and their related interests. These extensions of credit must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated third parties; and must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

USA PATRIOT Act. The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA PATRIOT Act") requires each financial institution to: (i) establish an anti-money laundering program; and (ii) establish due diligence policies, procedures and controls with respect to its private and correspondent banking accounts involving foreign individuals and certain foreign banks. In addition, the USA PATRIOT Act encourages cooperation among financial institutions, regulatory authorities and law enforcement authorities with respect to individuals, entities and organizations engaged in, or reasonably suspected of engaging in, terrorist acts or money laundering activities.

Customer Protection. The Bank is also subject to consumer laws and regulations intended to protect consumers in transactions with depository institutions, as well as other laws or regulations affecting customers of financial institutions generally. While the list set forth herein is not exhaustive, these laws and regulations include the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act, among others. These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits or making loans to such customers.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Dodd-Frank Act centralized responsibility for consumer financial protection including implementing, examining and enforcing compliance with federal consumer financial laws with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”). Depository institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as the Bank, are subject to rules promulgated by the CFPB but will continue to be examined and supervised by federal banking regulators for consumer compliance purposes.

UDAP and UDAAP. Bank regulatory agencies have increasingly used a general consumer protection statute to address “unethical” or otherwise “bad” business practices that may not necessarily fall directly under the purview of a specific banking or consumer finance law. The law of choice for enforcement against such business practices has been Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act—the primary federal law that prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” and unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce (“UDAP” or “FTC Act”). “Unjustified consumer injury” is the principal focus of the FTC Act. Prior to the Dodd-Frank Act, there was little formal guidance to provide insight to the parameters for compliance with the UDAP law. However, the UDAP provisions have been expanded under the Dodd-Frank Act to apply to “unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices” (“UDAAP”). The CFPB has brought a variety of enforcement actions for violations of UDAAP provisions and CFPB guidance continues to evolve.

Mortgage Reform. The CFPB has adopted final rules implementing minimum standards for the origination of residential mortgages, including standards regarding a customer's ability to repay, restricting variable-rate lending by requiring that the ability to repay variable-rate loans be determined by using the maximum rate that will apply during the first five years of a variable-rate loan term, and making more loans subject to provisions for higher cost loans, new disclosures, and certain other revisions. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act allows borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure if they receive any loan other than a “qualified mortgage” as defined by the CFPB. EGRRCPA, among other matters, expands the definition of qualified mortgages which may be held by a financial institution.

Available Information

Nicolet became a public reporting company under Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) on March 26, 2013, when Nicolet’s registration statement related to its acquisition of Mid-Wisconsin Financial Services, Inc. (Registration Statement on Form S-4, Regis. No. 333-186401) became effective. Nicolet registered its common stock under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act on February 24, 2016 in connection with listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nicolet files annual, quarterly, and current reports, and other information with the SEC. These filings are available to the public on the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Nicolet’s internet address is www.nicoletbank.com. We make available free of charge on or through our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves risks. If any of the following risks, or other risks which have not been identified or which we may believe are immaterial or unlikely, actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed. In such a case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.

Risks Relating to Nicolet’s Business

Nicolet may not be able to sustain its historical rate of growth, or may encounter issues associated with its growth, either of which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and share price.

We have grown over the past several years and intend to continue to pursue a significant growth strategy for our business. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in significant growth stages of development. We may not be able to further expand our market presence in existing markets or to enter new markets successfully, nor can we guarantee that any such expansion would not adversely affect our results of operations. Failure to manage growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on the business, future prospects, financial condition or results of our operations, and could adversely affect our ability to successfully implement business strategies. Also, if such growth occurs more slowly than anticipated or declines, our operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Our ability to grow successfully will depend on a variety of factors including the continued availability of desirable business opportunities, the competitive responses from other financial institutions in our market areas and the ability to manage our growth. While we believe we have the management resources and internal systems in place to manage future growth successfully, there can be no assurance that growth opportunities will be available or that any growth will be managed successfully. In addition, our recent growth may distort some of our historical financial ratios and statistics.

As part of our growth strategy, we regularly evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities and conduct due diligence activities related to possible transactions with other financial institutions and financial services companies. As a result, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt, or equity securities may occur at any time. We seek merger or acquisition partners that are culturally similar, have experienced management, 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 branches involves potential adverse impact to our financial results and various other risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things, difficulty in estimating the value of the target company, payment of a premium over book and market values that may dilute our tangible book value and earnings per share in the short and long term, potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company, exposure to potential asset quality issues of the target company, potential volatility in reported income as goodwill impairment losses could occur irregularly and in varying amounts, difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the target company, inability to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and / or other projected benefits, potential disruption to our business, potential diversion of our management’s time and attention, and the possible loss of key employees and customers of the target company.

As a community bank, Nicolet’s success depends upon local and regional economic conditions and has different lending risks than larger banks.

We provide services to our local communities. Our ability to diversify economic risks is limited by our own local markets and economies. We lend primarily to individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses, which may expose us to greater lending risks than those of banks lending to larger, better-capitalized businesses with longer operating histories.

We manage our credit exposure through careful monitoring of loan applicants and loan concentrations in particular industries, and through loan approval and review procedures. We have established an evaluation process designed to determine the appropriateness of our allowance for loan losses. While this evaluation process uses historical and other objective information, the classification of loans and the establishment of loan losses is an estimate based on experience, judgment and expectations regarding borrowers and economic conditions, as well as regulator judgments. We can make no assurance that our loan loss reserves will be sufficient to absorb future loan losses or prevent a material adverse effect on our business, profitability or financial condition.

The core industries in our market area are manufacturing, wholesaling, paper, packaging, food production and processing, agriculture, forest products, retail, service, and businesses supporting the general building industry. The area has a broad range of diversified equipment manufacturing services related to these core industries and others. The residential and commercial real estate markets throughout these areas depend primarily on the strength of these core industries. A material decline in any of these sectors will affect the communities we serve and could negatively impact our financial results and have a negative impact on profitability.

If the communities in which we operate do not grow or if the prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally are less favorable than we have assumed, our ability to maintain our low volume of nonperforming loans and other real estate owned and implement our business strategies may be adversely affected and our actual financial performance may be materially different from our projections.

Nicolet may experience increased delinquencies and credit losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition, results of operations, and share price.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the quality of our assets, particularly loans. In originating loans, there is a substantial likelihood that we will experience credit losses. The risk of loss will vary with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan, and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the quality of the collateral for the loan.

Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to the terms of these loans, and the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to assure repayment. As a result, we may experience significant loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Management makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. We maintain an allowance for loan losses in an attempt to cover any loan losses that may occur. In determining the size of the allowance, we rely on an analysis of our loan portfolio based on historical loss experience, volume and types of loans, trends in classification, volume and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals, national and local economic conditions, and other pertinent information.

If management’s assumptions are wrong, our current allowance may not be sufficient to cover future loan losses, and we may need to make adjustments to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in our loan portfolio. Material additions to our allowance would materially decrease net income. We expect our allowance to continue to fluctuate; however, given current and future market conditions, we can make no assurance that our allowance will be appropriate to cover future loan losses.

The introduction of CECL will likely have an adverse effect on our regulatory capital. Under CECL, we will be required to increase our ALLL, particularly upon acquisition of any financial institutions. We are required to greatly increase the type of data we need to collect in order to comply with CECL. Accordingly, expenses incurred to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the market value of the real estate securing our loans as collateral could be adversely affected by the economy and unfavorable changes in economic conditions in our market areas. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 40% of our loans were secured by commercial-based real estate, 2% of loans were secured by agriculture-based real estate, and 24% of our loans were secured by residential real estate. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures, or losses caused by adverse market and economic conditions, including another downturn in the real estate market, in our markets could adversely affect the value of our assets, results of operations, and financial condition.

Nicolet is subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or share price.

We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various regulatory agencies. Our compliance with these regulations, including compliance with regulatory commitments, is costly and restricts certain of our activities, including the declaration and payment of cash dividends to stockholders, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates charged, interest rates paid on deposits, and locations of offices. We are also subject to capitalization guidelines established by our regulators, which require us to maintain adequate capital to support our growth and operations.

The laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry have changed and are likely to continue to change, and we cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Some or all of the changes, including the rule-making authority granted to the CFPB, may result in greater reporting requirements, assessment fees, operational restrictions, capital requirements, and other regulatory burdens for us, and many of our competitors that are not banks or bank holding companies may remain free from such limitations. This could affect our ability to attract and retain depositors, to offer competitive products and services, and to expand our business. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies, the cost of compliance could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

Congress may consider additional proposals to substantially change the financial institution regulatory system and to expand or contract the powers of banking institutions, bank holding companies and financial holding companies. Such legislation may change existing banking statutes and regulations, as well as the current operating environment significantly. If enacted, such legislation could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities, or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether new legislation will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any regulations, would have on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Nicolet’s profitability is sensitive to changes in the interest rate environment.

As a financial institution, our earnings significantly depend on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income that we earn on interest-earning assets, such as investment securities and loans, and the interest expense that we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Therefore, any change in general market interest rates, including changes in federal fiscal and monetary policies, affects us more than non-financial institutions and can have a significant effect on our net interest income and total income. Our assets and liabilities may react differently to changes in overall market rates or conditions because there may be mismatches between the repricing or maturity characteristics of the assets and liabilities. As a result, an increase or decrease in market interest rates could have material adverse effects on our net interest margin and results of operations.

In addition, we cannot predict whether interest rates will continue to remain at present levels, or the timing of any anticipated changes. Changes in interest rates may cause significant changes, up or down, in our net interest income. If the interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and investment securities, our net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings also could be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and investment securities fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings. In addition, if there is a substantial increase in interest rates, our investment portfolio is at risk of experiencing price declines that may negatively impact our total capital position through changes in other comprehensive income. Any significant increase in prevailing interest rates could also adversely affect our mortgage banking business because higher interest rates could cause customers to request fewer refinancing and purchase money mortgage originations.

Nicolet may be required to transition from the use of LIBOR interest rate index in the future.

Certain of our trust preferred securities, loans, and investment securities are currently indexed to LIBOR to calculate the interest rate. The continued availability of the LIBOR index is not guaranteed after 2021. We cannot predict whether and to what extent banks will continue to provide LIBOR submissions to the administrator of LIBOR or whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR (with the exception of overnight repurchase agreements, which are expected to be based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR). The language in our LIBOR-based contracts and financial instruments has developed over time and may have various events that trigger when a successor rate to the designated rate would be selected. If a trigger is satisfied, contracts and financial instruments may give the calculation agent discretion over the substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates to be selected.

Nicolet faces significant operational risk, including risk of loss related to cybersecurity breaches, due to the financial services industry’s increased reliance on technology.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business, and we rely on third party vendors to provide key components of these systems, including our core application processing. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan functionality and the effective operation of other systems. We rely on third parties to compile, process or store computer systems, company data and infrastructure, and such information may be vulnerable to attack by hackers or unauthorized access. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of a failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, damage vendor relationships, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We do not control the actions of the third party vendors we have selected to provide key components of our business infrastructure. Any problems caused by these third parties, including as a result of their not providing us their services for any reason or their performing their services poorly, or any failure, interruption or breach in security of the services they provide, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise to conduct our business. Replacing these third party vendors could also entail significant delay and expense.

Our business may be adversely affected by an increasing prevalence of fraud and other financial crimes.

As a financial institution, we are also susceptible to fraudulent activity that may be committed against us, our third party vendors, or our clients, which may result in financial losses or increased costs to us or our clients, disclosure or misuse of our information or our clients' information, misappropriation of assets, privacy breaches against our clients, litigation, or damage to our reputation. These risks may increase in the future as we continue to increase our mobile-payment and other internet-based product offerings and expand our internal usage of web-based products and applications.

Negative publicity could damage our reputation.

Reputation risk, or the risk to our earnings and capital from negative public opinion, is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion could adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers and expose us to adverse legal and regulatory consequences. Negative public opinion could result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending or foreclosure practices, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and disclosure, sharing or inadequate protection of customer information, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to that conduct.

Competition in the banking industry is intense and Nicolet faces strong competition from larger, more established competitors.

The banking business is highly competitive, and we experience strong competition from many other financial institutions, as well as financial technology companies (“fintechs”). We compete with commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market funds, and other financial institutions that operate in our primary market areas and elsewhere. Because technology and other changes have lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, we also compete with fintechs seeking to disrupt conventional banking markets. In particular, the activity of fintechs has grown significantly over recent years and is expected to continue to grow. Fintechs have and may continue to offer bank or bank-like products and a number of fintechs have applied for bank or industrial loan charters. In addition, other fintechs have partnered with existing banks to allow them to offer deposit products to their customers.

We compete with these institutions both in attracting deposits and in making loans. In addition, we have to attract our customer base from other existing financial institutions and from new residents. Many of our competitors are well-established, much larger financial institutions. While we believe we can and do successfully compete with these other financial institutions, we may face a competitive disadvantage as compared to large national or regional banks as a result of our smaller size and relative lack of geographic diversification.

Although we compete by concentrating our marketing efforts in our primary market area with local advertisements, personal contacts, and greater flexibility in working with local customers, we can give no assurance that this strategy will be successful.

Nicolet continually encounters technological change, we may have fewer resources than our competition to continue to invest in technological improvements.

The banking and financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that enhance customer convenience, as well as create additional efficiencies in operations. Many of our competitors have greater resources to invest in technological improvements, and we may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services, which could reduce our ability to effectively compete.

Risks Related to Ownership of Nicolet’s Common Stock

Our stock price can be volatile.

Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to sell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. Our stock price can fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors including, among other things:

•actual or anticipated variations in quarterly results of operations or financial condition;

•operating results and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us;

•news reports relating to trends, concerns, and other issues in the financial services industry;

•perceptions in the marketplace regarding us and / or our competitors;

•new technology used or services offered by competitors;


•	significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors;

•failure to integrate acquisitions or realize anticipated benefits from acquisitions;

•changes in government regulations;

•geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts;

•available supply and demand of investors interested in trading our common stock;

•our own participation in the market through our buyback program; and

•recommendations by securities analysts.

General market fluctuations, industry factors, and general economic and political conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns or recessions, interest rate changes, or credit loss trends, could also cause our stock price to decrease regardless of our operating results.

Nicolet has not historically paid dividends to our common shareholders, and we cannot guarantee that it will pay dividends to such shareholders in the future.

The holders of our common stock receive dividends if and when declared by the Nicolet board of directors out of legally available funds. Nicolet’s board of directors has not declared a dividend on the common stock since our inception in 2000. Any future determination relating to dividend policy will be made at the discretion of Nicolet’s board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including the company’s future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future prospects, regulatory restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant.

Our principal business operations are conducted through the Bank. Cash available to pay dividends to our shareholders is derived primarily, if not entirely, from dividends paid by the Bank. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends to us, as well as our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders, is subject to and limited by certain legal and regulatory restrictions, as well as contractual restrictions related to our junior subordinated debentures. Further, any lenders making loans to us may impose financial covenants that may be more restrictive than regulatory requirements with respect to the payment of dividends by us. There can be no assurance of whether or when we may pay dividends in the future.

Nicolet may need to raise additional capital in the future but that capital may not be available when it is needed or may be dilutive to our shareholders.

We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate capital levels to support our operations. In order to support our growth and operations and to comply with regulatory standards, we may need to raise capital in the future. Our ability to raise additional capital will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, on favorable terms. The capital and credit markets have experienced significant volatility in recent years. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. If current levels of volatility worsen, our ability to raise additional capital may be disrupted. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected, and our banking regulators may subject us to regulatory enforcement action, including receivership. In addition, the issuance of additional shares of our equity securities will dilute the economic ownership interest of our common shareholders.

Nicolet’s directors and executive officers own a significant portion of our common stock and can influence shareholder decisions.

Our directors and executive officers, as a group, beneficially owned approximately 14% of our fully diluted issued and outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2019. As a result of their ownership, our directors and executive officers have the ability, if they voted their shares in concert, to influence the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, including the election of directors.

Holders of Nicolet’s subordinated debentures have rights that are senior to those of its common shareholders.

We have supported our continued growth by issuing trust preferred securities and accompanying junior subordinated debentures and by assuming the trust preferred securities and accompanying junior subordinated debentures issued by companies we have acquired. As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding trust preferred securities and associated junior subordinated debentures with an aggregate par principal amount of approximately $37.1 million and $38.2 million, respectively.

We have unconditionally guaranteed the payment of principal and interest on our trust preferred securities. Also, the junior debentures issued to the special purpose trusts that relate to those trust preferred securities are senior to our common stock. As a result, we must make payments on the junior subordinated debentures before we can pay any dividends on our common stock, and in the event of our bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, holders of our junior subordinated debentures must be satisfied before any distributions can be made on our common stock. We do have the right to defer distributions on our junior subordinated debentures (and related trust preferred securities) for up to five years, but during that time would not be able to pay dividends on our common stock.

Because Nicolet is a regulated bank holding company, your ability to obtain “control” or to act in concert with others to obtain control over Nicolet without the prior consent of the Federal Reserve or other applicable bank regulatory authorities is limited and may subject you to regulatory oversight.

Nicolet is a bank holding company and, as such, is subject to significant regulation of its business and operations. In addition, under the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, certain regulatory provisions may become applicable to individuals or groups who are deemed by the regulatory authorities to “control” Nicolet or our subsidiary bank. The Federal Reserve and other bank regulatory authorities have very broad interpretive discretion in this regard and it is possible that the Federal Reserve or some other bank regulatory authority may, whether through a merger or through subsequent acquisition of Nicolet’s shares, deem one or more of Nicolet’s shareholders to control or to be acting in concert for purposes of gaining or exerting control over Nicolet. Such a determination may require a shareholder or group of shareholders, among other things, to make voluminous regulatory filings under the Change in Bank Control Act, including disclosure to the regulatory authorities of significant amounts of confidential personal or corporate financial information. In addition, certain groups or entities may also be required to either register as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act, becoming themselves subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve under that Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, which may include requirements to materially limit other operations or divest other business concerns, or to divest immediately their investments in Nicolet.

In addition, these limitations on the acquisition of our stock may generally serve to reduce the potential acquirers of our stock or to reduce the volume of our stock that any potential acquirer may be able to acquire. These restrictions may serve to generally limit the liquidity of our stock and, consequently, may adversely affect its value.

Nicolet’s securities are not FDIC insured.

Our securities are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of the Bank, and are not insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund, or any other agency or private entity and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of some or all of the value of your investment.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The corporate headquarters of both the Parent Company and the Bank are located at 111 North Washington Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin. At year-end 2019, including the main office, the Bank operated 39 bank branch locations, 30 of which are owned and nine that are leased. In addition, Nicolet owns or leases other real property that, when considered in aggregate, is not significant to its financial position. Most of the offices are free-standing, newer buildings that provide adequate access, customer parking, and drive-through and/or ATM services. The properties are in good condition and considered adequate for present and near term requirements. None of the owned properties are subject to a mortgage or similar encumbrance.

Two of the leased locations involve directors, executive officers, or direct relatives of a director or executive officer, each with lease terms that management considers arms-length. For additional disclosure, see Note 14, “Related Party Transactions,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We and our subsidiaries may be involved from time to time in various routine legal proceedings incidental to our respective businesses. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries are currently engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Nicolet registered its common stock under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act on February 24, 2016, in connection with listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and trades under the symbol “NCBS”. As of February 27, 2020, Nicolet had approximately 2,500 shareholders of record.

Nicolet has not paid dividends on its common stock since its inception in 2000. Any cash dividends paid by Nicolet on its common stock must comply with applicable Federal Reserve policies described further in “Business—Regulation of Nicolet—Dividend Restrictions.” The Bank is also subject to regulatory restrictions on the amount of dividends it is permitted to pay to Nicolet as

further described in “Business—Regulation of the Bank – Payment of Dividends” and in Note 16, “Regulatory Capital Requirements,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8.

Following are Nicolet’s monthly common stock purchases during the fourth quarter of 2019.



Period:	Total Number of Shares Purchased (#)^{(a) (b)}	Average Price Paid per Share ($)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (#) ^(b)	Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (#) ^{(a) (b)}
October 1 – October 31, 2019	—	$	—	—	596,700
November 1– November 30, 2019	113,734	$	70.47	40,228	556,500
December 1 – December 31, 2019	9,729	$	73.39	7,500	549,000
Total	123,463	$	70.70	47,728	549,000

(a) During fourth quarter 2019, the Company repurchased 3,051 shares for minimum tax withholding settlements on restricted stock and repurchased 72,684 shares to satisfy the exercise price and/or tax withholding requirements of stock options, respectively. These purchases do not count against the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the board of directors’ authorization.

(b) During 2014 the board of directors approved a common stock repurchase program which authorized, with subsequent modifications, the use of up to $86 million to repurchase up to 1,975,000 shares of outstanding common stock. The common stock repurchase program has no expiration date. During fourth quarter 2019, Nicolet spent $8.7 million to repurchase and cancel 47,728 shares at a weighted average price of $70.70 per share, bringing the life-to-date cumulative totals to $65.0 million to repurchase and cancel 1.4 million shares at a weighted average price of $45.59 per share. At December 31, 2019, approximately $21.0 million remained available to repurchase common shares.

Performance Graph

The following graph shows the cumulative stockholder return on our common stock compared with the KBW NASDAQ Bank Index and the S&P 500 Index for the period of December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2019. The graph assumes the value of the investment in the Company's common stock and in each index was $100 on December 31, 2014. Historical stock price performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of the future price performance.



	Period Ending
Index	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.	$	100.00	$	127.16	$	190.76	$	218.96	$	195.20	$	295.40
S&P 500 Index	100.00		101.38		113.51		138.29		132.33		173.86
KBW Nasdaq Bank Index	100.00		100.49		129.14		153.15		126.02		171.55

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected consolidated financial data presented as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The selected consolidated financial data for all other periods shown is derived from audited consolidated financial statements that are not required to be included in this report.

EARNINGS SUMMARY AND SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



	At and for the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2019			2018			2017			2016			2015
Results of operations:
Interest income	$	138,588		$	125,537		$	109,253		$	75,467		$	48,597
Interest expense	22,510			18,889			10,511			7,334			7,213
Net interest income	116,078			106,648			98,742			68,133			41,384
Provision for loan losses	1,200			1,600			2,325			1,800			1,800
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	114,878			105,048			96,417			66,333			39,584
Noninterest income	53,367			39,509			34,639			26,674			17,708
Noninterest expense	96,799			89,758			81,356			64,942			39,648
Income before income tax expense	71,446			54,799			49,700			28,065			17,644
Income tax expense	16,458			13,446			16,267			9,371			6,089
Net income	54,988			41,353			33,433			18,694			11,555
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	347			317			283			232			127
Net income attributable to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.	54,641			41,036			33,150			18,462			11,428
Preferred stock dividends	—			—			—			633			212
Net income available to common shareholders	$	54,641		$	41,036		$	33,150		$	17,829		$	11,216
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	5.71		$	4.26		$	3.51		$	2.49		$	2.80
Diluted	$	5.52		$	4.12		$	3.33		$	2.37		$	2.57
Common shares:
Basic weighted average	9,562			9,640			9,440			7,158			4,004
Diluted weighted average	9,900			9,956			9,958			7,514			4,362
Outstanding	10,588			9,495			9,818			8,553			4,154
Year-End Balances:
Loans	$	2,573,751		$	2,166,181		$	2,087,925		$	1,568,907		$	877,061
Allowance for loan losses ("ALLL")	13,972			13,153			12,653			11,820			10,307
Securities available for sale, at fair value	449,302			400,144			405,153			365,287			172,596
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	165,967			124,307			128,406			87,938			3,793
Total assets	3,577,260			3,096,535			2,932,433			2,300,879			1,214,439
Deposits	2,954,453			2,614,138			2,471,064			1,969,986			1,056,417
Short-term and long-term borrowings	67,629			77,305			78,046			37,617			39,788
Common equity	516,262			386,609			364,178			275,947			97,301
Stockholders’ equity	516,262			386,609			364,178			275,947			109,501
Book value per common share	$	48.76		$	40.72		$	37.09		$	32.26		$	23.42
Tangible book value per common share *	$	33.08		$	27.62		$	24.01		$	21.98		$	22.51
Average Balances:
Loans	$	2,257,033		$	2,127,470		$	1,899,225		$	1,346,304		$	883,904
Interest-earning assets	2,794,641			2,671,560			2,351,451			1,723,600			1,083,967
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	129,112			126,284			115,447			61,588			4,287
Total assets	3,126,535			2,977,457			2,648,754			1,934,770			1,185,921
Deposits	2,598,271			2,508,952			2,228,408			1,641,894			1,021,155
Interest-bearing liabilities	1,939,639			1,951,846			1,750,099			1,307,471			851,957
Common equity	423,952			371,635			332,897			217,432			90,787
Stockholders’ equity	423,952			371,635			332,897			226,265			112,012
Financial Ratios:
Return on average assets	1.75		%	1.38		%	1.25		%	0.95		%	0.96		%
Return on average equity	12.89			11.04			9.96			8.16			10.20
Return on average common equity	12.89			11.04			9.96			8.20			12.35
Return on average tangible common equity *	18.53			16.73			15.24			11.44			12.97
Average equity to average assets	13.56			12.48			12.57			11.69			9.45
Net interest margin	4.19			4.04			4.30			4.01			3.88
Stockholders’ equity to assets	14.43			12.49			12.42			11.99			9.02
Tangible common equity to tangible assets *	10.27			8.83			8.41			8.50			7.72
Net loan charge-offs to average loans	0.02			0.05			0.08			0.02			0.09
Nonperforming loans to total loans	0.55			0.25			0.63			1.29			0.40
Nonperforming assets to total assets	0.42			0.19			0.49			0.97			0.32
Allowance for loan losses to loans	0.54			0.61			0.61			0.75			1.18

* 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.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion is management’s analysis to assist in the understanding and evaluation of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Nicolet. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes and the selected financial data presented elsewhere in this report.

Evaluation of financial performance and certain balance sheet line items between 2019 and 2018 was impacted to a modest degree by the timing and size of Nicolet's 2019 acquisition of Choice Bancorp, Inc. (“Choice”). The inclusion of the Choice balance sheet (at 12% of Nicolet's then pre-merger asset size) and operational results for nearly two months in 2019 and nothing in 2018, explains a portion of the increase in certain period end balances, average balances and income statement line items between 2019 and 2018. At consummation in November 2019, Choice added $457 million in assets, loans of $348 million, deposits of $289 million, core deposit intangible of $1.7 million, and goodwill of $45 million, for a total purchase price that included $79.8 million of common equity (or 1.2 million shares) and $1.7 million of cash.

Similarly, the evaluation of financial performance and average balances between 2018 and 2017 was generally impacted, though to a modest degree, from the timing and size of Nicolet’s 2017 acquisition. The inclusion of the First Menasha Bancshares, Inc. (“First Menasha”) balance sheet (at about 20% of Nicolet’s then pre-merger asset size) and operational results for 12 months in 2018 and 8 months in 2017, explains a portion of the increase in certain average balances and income statement line items between 2018 and 2017. At consummation in April 2017, First Menasha added $480 million in assets, loans of $351 million, deposits of $375 million, core deposit intangible of $4 million and goodwill of $41 million, for a total purchase price that included $62 million of common equity (or 1.3 million shares) and $19 million of cash. Additionally, the tax expense comparison between 2018 and 2017 was impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed on December 22, 2017, with 2018 tax expense favorably affected by the lower corporate tax rate (from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018), and 2017 tax expense unfavorably affected by $0.9 million related to write-downs associated with the impact of the new tax law on deferred tax assets and investment securities.

The detailed financial discussion that follows focuses on 2019 results compared to 2018. See “2018 Compared to 2017” for the summary comparing 2018 and 2017 results. Some tabular information is shown for trends of three years or for five years as required under SEC regulations.

Overview

Nicolet provides a diversified range of traditional commercial and retail banking services, as well as wealth management services, to individuals, business owners, and businesses in its market area primarily through, as of year-end 2019, the 39 bank branch offices of its banking subsidiary, located in northeast and central Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan.

In 2019, Nicolet delivered on growth, profitability and capital management, as well as maintained sound asset quality. At December 31, 2019, Nicolet had total assets of $3.6 billion, loans of $2.6 billion, deposits of $3.0 billion and stockholders’ equity of $516 million, representing increases over December 31, 2018 of 16%, 19%, 13% and 34%, in assets, loans, deposits and total equity, respectively, largely due to the Choice acquisition. Excluding Choice balances at acquisition (noted above), loans increased 3% organically and deposits increased 2% since December 31, 2018, reflective of the growth in Nicolet's markets. On average for 2019, loans of $2.3 billion were 6% stronger than 2018 (or up 4% excluding the acquisition) and deposits of $2.6 billion were 4% higher than 2018 (or up 2% excluding the acquisition). Nicolet has used acquisitions as part of its growth strategy over the past few years and has successfully integrated and realized cost efficiencies related to scale quickly after each acquisition. Asset quality remained sound, with net charge-offs to average loans of 0.02% for 2019 (0.05% for 2018) and nonperforming assets to assets of 0.42% at December 31, 2019 (up slightly from 0.19% at year-end 2018). Nicolet repurchased nearly 310,800 shares of common stock for $18.7 million in 2019 under its common stock repurchase program. At December 31, 2019 there remained $21.0 million authorized under the repurchase program, as modified, which Nicolet may from time to time repurchase shares in the open market or through block transactions as market conditions warrant or in private transactions as an alternative use of capital. With total stockholders’ equity to assets of 14.43% at year-end 2019 (largely from common stock issued in the 2019 acquisition and earnings exceeding stock repurchases for the year), Nicolet has capacity to act on targets of interest in relevant or growth markets that provide a path to or support our position as the lead-local community bank.

For 2019, net income attributable to Nicolet was $54.6 million (33% higher than 2018), and return on average assets was 1.75% (compared to 1.38% for 2018). Diluted earnings per common share for 2019 was $5.52 (34% higher than 2018), with only minimal impact to 2019 earnings or diluted average shares from the Choice acquisition given the size and late timing. During second quarter 2019, net income favorably included $5.4 million (or $0.55 of diluted earnings per share) related to two one-time actions combined, the sale of 80% of Nicolet's equity investment in a data processing entity ($7.4 million after-tax gain) and $2.75 million retirement-related compensation declared to benefit all employees after that sale ($2.0 million after-tax cost), impacting the 2019 year comparisons. Excluding these second quarter actions, 2019 net income would be $49.2 million (20% over 2018), return on average assets would be 1.58% and diluted earnings per share would be $4.98 (or 21% over 2018).

Net income before taxes was $71.4 million ($16.6 million or 30% higher than 2018), on overall stronger revenues (including the one-time gain noted above), lower provision for loan losses and controlled expenses. Net interest income increased $9.4 million or 9% over 2018, as we exercised discipline in the challenging rate environment of 2019. Interest income grew $13.1 million (overcoming $0.9 million lower aggregate discount income on purchased loans), aided by a 5% increase in average interest-earning assets and the elevated rate environment particularly on new, renewed and variable rate loans through the first half of 2019, before rates declined during the second half. Interest expense increased $3.6 million, primarily due to the initially rising rates on a relatively unchanged funding base. The provision for loan losses was $1.2 million for 2019 (exceeding $0.4 million of net charge-offs, representing 0.02% of average loans), lower than $1.6 million for 2018 (exceeding $1.1 million of net charge-offs). Noninterest income, excluding net asset gains, increased $7.1 million (19% over 2018), most notably in net mortgage income (up $5.5 million or 87% on significantly higher volumes), trust and brokerage fees combined (up $0.8 million or 6%), and card interchange income (up $0.8 million or 15%), benefiting from increased business and activity. Noninterest expense increased $7.0 million or 8%, mostly due to the continued investment in people and improvements. Personnel expense increased (up $5.0 million or 10% over 2018, including the one-time compensation action noted above), largely due to merit increases on a minimally changed workforce (with average full-time equivalent employees up 1% between the years), and higher cash and equity incentives supporting strong performance. Non-personnel expenses also increased on a combined basis (up $2.1 million or 5%), mostly due to volume-based processing costs partially offset by process efficiencies, as well as a $0.7 million lease termination charge on a branch closure related to the Choice acquisition and $0.8 million full write-off of non-bank goodwill given a recent change in strategy. Tax expense increased (up $3.0 million or 22% versus 2018), partly due to 30% higher pre-tax earnings. The 2019 effective tax rate was 23.0%, due mostly to the tax treatment of the partial sale of the equity investment in a data processing entity noted above.

For 2020, Nicolet’s focus will be on driving growth in core earnings through our expanded customer base. Our objective is to achieve solid organic growth in loans, deposits, wealth management services and other revenue lines within all our markets, in a cost-effective, profitable manner to sustain a healthy return on average assets. Acquisition-related growth remains a key and actively-pursued goal, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities in bank consolidations. That said, when evaluating transactions, quantitative and qualitative factors need to make sense in combination with each other, including but not limited to the economics of the transaction, cultural and strategic fit, geographic and business line relevance, and current or potential talent. Additional resources are planned in 2020 for digital innovation (to enhance customer experiences), for personnel expenses (in support of deepening talent and leadership in light of growth and succession needs, as well as a new commercial team in our Wausau market), and for capital investment related to a 2020 branch renovation and other infrastructure (to further gain operating leverage). While Nicolet believes delivering strong earnings, return on assets, and disciplined capital management aligned with growth will provide upward pressure on our common stock performance throughout the year, the 2020 political and economic enivronment are expected to be choppy and provide uncertainty.

INCOME STATEMENT ANALYSIS

Net Interest Income

Net interest income in the consolidated statements of income (which excludes any tax-equivalent adjustment) was $116.1 million in 2019, up $9.4 million or 9% compared to $106.6 million in 2018, on disciplined rate management in a lower interest rate environment and overcoming $0.9 million lower aggregate discount income. Tax-equivalent adjustments (adjustments to bring tax-exempt interest to a level that would yield the same after-tax income had that been subject to a 21% tax rate) were $1.0 million for 2019 and $1.2 million for 2018, resulting in tax-equivalent net interest income of $117.1 million for 2019 and $107.8 million for 2018.

Tax-equivalent net interest income is a non-GAAP measure, but is a preferred industry measurement of net interest income (and is used in calculating a net interest margin) as it enhances the comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources.

Net interest income is the primary source of Nicolet’s revenue, and is the difference between interest income on earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings. Net interest income is directly impacted by the sensitivity of the balance sheet to changes in interest rates and by the amount, mix and composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, including characteristics such as the fixed or variable nature of the financial instruments, contractual maturities, and repricing frequencies.

Tables 1, 2, and 3 present information to facilitate the review and discussion of selected average balance sheet items, tax-equivalent net interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin.

Table 1: Average Balance Sheet and Net Interest Income Analysis - Tax-Equivalent Basis



	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019						2018						2017
	Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Rate		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Rate		Average Balance		Interest		Average Yield/Rate
ASSETS
Interest-earning assets
Loans, including loan fees ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	$	2,257,033	$	125,715	5.57	%	$	2,127,470	$	114,140	5.37	%	$	1,899,225	$	100,905	5.31	%
Investment securities:
Taxable	276,742		7,584		2.74	%	261,107		6,068		2.32	%	238,433		4,728		1.98	%
Tax-exempt ⁽²⁾	132,419		2,927		2.21	%	149,900		3,259		2.17	%	160,328		4,365		2.72	%
Other interest-earning assets	128,447		3,405		2.65	%	133,083		3,220		2.42	%	53,465		1,624		3.04	%
Total non-loan earning assets	537,608		13,916		2.59	%	544,090		12,547		2.31	%	452,226		10,717		2.37	%
Total interest-earning assets	2,794,641		$	139,631	5.00	%	2,671,560		$	126,687	4.74	%	2,351,451		$	111,622	4.75	%
Other assets, net	331,894						305,897						297,303
Total assets	$	3,126,535					$	2,977,457					$	2,648,754
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities
Savings	$	318,525	$	1,528	0.48	%	$	285,777	$	1,181	0.41	%	$	254,961	$	405	0.16	%
Interest-bearing demand	486,139		4,852		1.00	%	524,924		4,530		0.86	%	432,513		2,408		0.56	%
Money market accounts (“MMA”)	582,646		3,676		0.63	%	634,947		3,926		0.62	%	583,708		1,781		0.31	%
Core time deposits	402,141		8,136		2.02	%	337,100		5,266		1.56	%	292,084		2,323		0.80	%
Brokered deposits	75,159		773		1.03	%	91,379		517		0.57	%	119,234		769		0.65	%
Total interest-bearing deposits	1,864,610		18,965		1.02	%	1,874,127		15,420		0.82	%	1,682,500		7,686		0.46	%
Other interest-bearing liabilities	75,029		3,545		4.72	%	77,719		3,469		4.46	%	67,599		2,825		4.18	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	1,939,639		22,510		1.16	%	1,951,846		18,889		0.97	%	1,750,099		10,511		0.60	%
Noninterest-bearing demand	733,661						634,825						545,908
Other liabilities	29,283						19,151						19,850
Stockholders’ equity	423,952						371,635						332,897
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,126,535					$	2,977,457					$	2,648,754
Tax-equivalent net interest income and rate spread			$	117,121	3.84	%			$	107,798	3.77	%			$	101,111	4.15	%
Tax-equivalent adjustment and net free funds			1,043		0.35	%			1,150		0.27	%			2,369		0.15	%
Net interest income and net interest margin			$	116,078	4.19	%			$	106,648	4.04	%			$	98,742	4.30	%


(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% for 2019 and 2018, and 35% for 2017, and adjusted for the disallowance of interest expense.

Table 2: Volume/Rate Variance - Tax-Equivalent Basis



(in thousands)	2019 Compared to 2018 Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in								2018 Compared to 2017 Increase (Decrease) Due to Changes in
	Volume			Rate		Net ⁽¹⁾			Volume			Rate			Net ⁽¹⁾
Interest-earning assets
Loans ^{(2) (3)}	$	7,347		$	4,228	$	11,575		$	12,551		$	684		$	13,235
Investment securities:
Taxable	638			878		1,516			991			349			1,340
Tax-exempt ⁽³⁾	(385		)	53		(332		)	(272		)	(834		)	(1,106		)
Other interest-earning assets	(33		)	218		185			1,480			116			1,596
Total non-loan earning assets	220			1,149		1,369			2,199			(369		)	1,830
Total interest-earning assets	$	7,567		$	5,377	$	12,944		$	14,750		$	315		$	15,065

Interest-bearing liabilities
Savings	$	145		$	202	$	347		$	54		$	722		$	776
Interest-bearing demand	(352		)	674		322			594			1,528			2,122
MMA	(329		)	79		(250		)	168			1,977			2,145
Core time deposits	1,134			1,736		2,870			406			2,537			2,943
Brokered deposits	(105		)	361		256			(165		)	(87		)	(252		)
Total interest-bearing deposits	493			3,052		3,545			1,057			6,677			7,734
Other interest-bearing liabilities	(32		)	108		76			298			346			644
Total interest-bearing liabilities	461			3,160		3,621			1,355			7,023			8,378
Net interest income	$	7,106		$	2,217	$	9,323		$	13,395		$	(6,708	)	$	6,687


(1)	The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated in proportion to the relationship of dollar amounts of change in each.


(2)	Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale are included in the daily average loan balances outstanding.


(3)	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% for 2019 and 2018, and 35% for 2017, and adjusted for the disallowance of interest expense.

Table 3: Interest Rate Spread, Margin and Average Balance Mix - Tax-Equivalent Basis



	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019 Average						2018 Average						2017 Average
	Balance		% of Earning Assets		Yield/Rate		Balance		% of Earning Assets		Yield/Rate		Balance		% of Earning Assets		Yield/Rate
Loans	$	2,257,033	81	%	5.57	%	$	2,127,470	80	%	5.37	%	$	1,899,225	81	%	5.31	%
Non-loan earning assets	537,608		19	%	2.59	%	544,090		20	%	2.31	%	452,226		19	%	2.37	%
Total interest-earning assets	$	2,794,641	100	%	5.00	%	$	2,671,560	100	%	4.74	%	$	2,351,451	100	%	4.75	%

Interest-bearing liabilities	$	1,939,639	69	%	1.16	%	$	1,951,846	73	%	0.97	%	$	1,750,099	74	%	0.60	%
Noninterest-bearing funds, net	855,002		31	%			719,714		27	%			601,352		26	%
Total funds sources	$	2,794,641	100	%	0.84	%	$	2,671,560	100	%	0.73	%	$	2,351,451	100	%	0.47	%
Interest rate spread					3.84	%					3.77	%					4.15	%
Contribution from net free funds					0.35	%					0.27	%					0.15	%
Net interest margin					4.19	%					4.04	%					4.30	%

Comparison of 2019 versus 2018

The interest rate environment in 2019 presented unique challenges. We saw the Federal Reserve shift policy full circle and managed customer expectations of a rising rate environment with the new reality of falling rates. The Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates by 25 bps in three moves in 2017 and four moves in 2018 (up 175 bps total) to 2.50% at December 31, 2018, then reduced rates by 75 bps in three moves during the second half of 2019 to 1.75% at December 31, 2019. These changes impacted the rate earned or paid on short-term assets and shorter-term borrowings, but have not proportionately influenced rates further out on the yield curve; hence, contributing to the flattening yield curve over the two years with periods of an inverted yield curve in 2019.

Tax-equivalent net interest income was $117.1 million for 2019, up $9.3 million or 9%, compared to 2018, on disciplined rate management in a more challenging interest rate environment and overcoming $0.9 million lower aggregate discount income. The $9.3 million increase included $7.1 million from net favorable volume and mix variances and $2.2 million from favorable rate variances. Tax-equivalent interest income on earning assets increased $12.9 million between the years, mostly due to $11.6 million more interest from loans ($7.3 million from greater volume and $4.2 million from rates, despite lower aggregate discount income). Interest expense increased $3.6 million, led by $3.1 million higher interest from net unfavorable rate variances on deposits, mostly time deposits due to the gradual ramp up of rates in 2018, followed by the late 2019 drop in rates.

The interest rate spread increased 7 bps between the periods, due to the increase in the interest-earning asset yield (up 26 bps to 5.00% for 2019), exceeding the rise in the cost of funds (up 19 bps to 1.16% for 2019). The contribution from net free funds increased 8 bps due to stronger net free fund balances (led by a 16% increase in average noninterest-bearing demand deposits) and the higher cost of funds. As a result, the net interest margin was 4.19% for 2019, up 15 bps versus 2018.

Average interest-earning assets were $2.8 billion for 2019, $123 million or 5% higher than 2018, mostly due to loan growth. The change in average interest-earning assets included a $130 million increase in average loans (up 6% to $2.3 billion, roughly 4% organic and 2% acquisition growth), net of a slight reduction in other interest-earning assets. The mix of average interest-earning assets shifted favorably to higher yielding loans (from 80% in 2018 to 81% in 2019), from lower yielding other interest-earning assets (from 5% in 2018 to 4% in 2019), while investments held steady at 15% for both years.

Tax-equivalent interest income was $140 million, up $13 million or 10% over 2018, and the related interest-earning asset yield increased 26 bps to 5.00%. Interest income on loans increased $12 million or 10% over 2018, despite $0.9 million lower aggregate discount accretion income between the years (predominantly attributable to aging discounts on purchased loans, offset partly by higher recovered discount income on resolved purchased credit impaired loans). The 2019 loan yield was 5.57%, up 20 bps over 2018 (which, if excluding the aggregate discount accretion income from both years, would have increased 27 bps), as improved yields on new, renewed, and variable rate loans in the initially higher rate environment more than offset the lower aggregate discount income. Between the years, interest income on non-loan earning assets combined increased $1 million or 11%, while the related yield increased 28 bps to 2.59%, due mostly to the higher rate on cash levels, as well as higher yields on new investments added in the higher rate environment.

Average interest-bearing liabilities were $1.9 billion for 2019, minimally changed from 2018 (down less than 1%). The mix of average interest-bearing liabilities was 92% core deposits, 4% brokered deposits, and 4% other funding for 2019, compared to 91% core deposits, 5% brokered deposits, and 4% other funding in 2018. Average core interest-bearing deposits were relatively level at $1.8 billion between the years; however, there was a shift from interest-bearing demand and money market (down $91 million combined) to core time deposits and savings (up $98 million combined). In addition, noninterest-bearing demand deposits grew $99 million or 16%, aiding the net free funds position. With the growth in total core average deposits, higher costing brokered deposits were reduced.

Interest expense was $23 million for 2019, up $4 million or 19% over 2018, and the related cost of funds increased 19 bps to 1.16%, driven predominantly by the cost, mix and volume of deposits. Interest expense on deposits increased $4 million over 2018 and the average cost of interest-bearing deposits increased 20 bps to 1.02%, influenced by the larger proportion of core time deposits as well as increases in select deposit rates from general rate pressures of the higher interest rate environment through 2018 into the first half of 2019.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses in 2019 was $1.2 million, exceeding $0.4 million of net charge-offs. Comparatively, 2018 provision for loan losses and net charge-offs were $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively. At December 31, 2019, the ALLL was $14.0 million or 0.54% of loans compared to $13.2 million or 0.61% of loans at December 31, 2018.

The provision for loan losses is predominantly a function of Nicolet’s methodology and judgment as to qualitative and quantitative factors used to determine the appropriateness of the ALLL. The appropriateness of the ALLL is affected by changes in the size and character of the loan portfolio, changes in levels of impaired and other nonperforming loans, historical losses and delinquencies in each portfolio segment, the risk inherent in specific loans, concentrations of loans to specific borrowers or industries, existing economic conditions, the fair value of underlying collateral, and other factors which could affect potential credit losses. For additional information regarding asset quality and the ALLL, see “Balance Sheet Analysis — Loans,” and “— Allowance for Loan Losses” and “—Nonperforming Assets.”

Noninterest Income

Table 4: Noninterest Income



(in thousands)	Years Ended December 31,						Change From Prior Year
	2019		2018		2017		$ Change 2019			% Change 2019		$ Change 2018			% Change 2018
Trust services fee income	$	6,227	$	6,498	$	6,031	$	(271	)	(4	)%	$	467		8	%
Brokerage fee income	8,115		7,042		5,736		1,073			15	%	1,306			23	%
Mortgage income, net	11,878		6,344		5,361		5,534			87	%	983			18	%
Service charges on deposit accounts	4,824		4,845		4,604		(21		)	—	%	241			5	%
Card interchange income	6,498		5,665		4,646		833			15	%	1,019			22	%
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) income	2,369		2,418		1,778		(49		)	(2	)%	640			36	%
Other income	5,559		5,528		4,454		31			1	%	1,074			24	%
Noninterest income without net gains	45,470		38,340		32,610		7,130			19	%	5,730			18	%
Asset gains (losses), net	7,897		1,169		2,029		6,728			N/M		(860		)	N/M
Total noninterest income	$	53,367	$	39,509	$	34,639	$	13,858		35	%	$	4,870		14	%
Trust services fee income & Brokerage fee income combined	$	14,342	$	13,540	$	11,767	$	802		6	%	$	1,773		15	%
N/M means not meaningful.

Comparison of 2019 versus 2018

Noninterest income grew $13.9 million or 35% over 2018, mostly due to the $7.4 million gain on the equity investment sale in second quarter 2019 previously noted in the “Overview” section. Noninterest income excluding net asset gains increased $7.1 million or 19% between 2019 and 2018. Notable contributions to the change in noninterest income were:


•	Trust services fee income and brokerage fee income combined were $14.3 million for 2019, up $0.8 million or 6% from 2018, consistent with the growth in assets under management and including the migration of some trust accounts into brokerage accounts.

•

Mortgage income represents net gains received from the sale of residential real estate loans into the secondary market, capitalized mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”), servicing fees, fair value marks on the mortgage interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments, offsetting MSR amortization, MSR valuation changes if any, and to a smaller degree some related income. Net mortgage income was $11.9 million for 2019, up $5.5 million or 87% over 2018, predominantly from higher gains on sale (including 76% more volume sold into the secondary market, aided by the current refinance boom and better pricing), higher MSR gains (reflective of greater volume), and increased net servicing fees on the growing portfolio of mortgage loans serviced for others, partially offset by unfavorable changes in the fair value of the mortgage-related derivatives. See also “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Lending-Related Commitments and Contractual Obligations.”

•

Service charges on deposit accounts were minimally changed at $4.8 million for both 2019 and 2018. The change in the deposit base had minimal impact on service charges since most of the deposit growth of 2019 occurred in time deposits and the increase in the earnings credit rate in mid-2018 available to business transaction accounts mostly offset the charges that would have been earned on higher balances.


•	Card interchange income grew $0.8 million or 15% to $6.5 million in 2019 due to higher volume and activity.


•	BOLI income was minimally changed at $2.4 million for both years, attributable to the difference in BOLI death benefits received in each year (down $0.2 million), offset by income on the higher average balances largely from $5 million new BOLI purchased in mid-2019 and $6 million BOLI from the November 2019 acquisition.


•	Other income of $5.6 million was up slightly (1%) over 2018, as the fee earned on a customer loan interest rate swap in 2019 was substantially offset by lower income from the smaller equity interest in UFS, LLC given the previously noted sale.

•

The $7.9 million net asset gains in 2019 were comprised primarily of the $7.4 million gain on the equity investment sale in second quarter 2019 and $1.1 million of favorable fair value marks on equity securities, partially offset by losses of $0.6 million on the disposal and write-down of fixed assets, OREO, and an other investment. Net asset gains in 2018 of $1.2 million were primarily attributable to net gains on the sale of OREO and other assets. Additional information on the net gains is also included in Note 15, “Asset Gains (Losses), Net,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

Noninterest Expense

Table 5: Noninterest Expense



($ in thousands)	Years Ended December 31,						Change From Prior Year
	2019		2018		2017		Change 2019			% Change 2019		Change 2018			% Change 2018
Personnel	$	54,437	$	49,476	$	44,458	$	4,961		10	%	$	5,018		11	%
Occupancy, equipment and office	14,788		14,574		13,308		214			1	%	1,266			10	%
Business development and marketing	5,685		5,324		4,700		361			7	%	624			13	%
Data processing	9,950		9,514		8,715		436			5	%	799			9	%
Intangibles amortization	3,872		4,389		4,695		(517		)	(12	)%	(306		)	(7	)%
Other expense	8,067		6,481		5,480		1,586			24	%	1,001			18	%
Total noninterest expense	$	96,799	$	89,758	$	81,356	$	7,041		8	%	$	8,402		10	%
Non-personnel expenses	$	42,362	$	40,282	$	36,898	$	2,080		5	%	$	3,384		9	%
Average full-time equivalent employees	560		553		522		7			1	%	31			6	%

Comparison of 2019 versus 2018

Noninterest expense was $96.8 million, an increase of $7.0 million or 8% over 2018. Personnel costs increased $5.0 million, and non-personnel expenses combined increased $2.1 million over 2018. Notable contributions to the change in noninterest expense were:

•

Personnel expense (including salaries, brokerage variable pay, overtime, cash and equity incentives, and employee benefit and payroll-related expenses) was $54.4 million for 2019, up $5.0 million or 10% over 2018. As previously noted in the “Overview” section, $2.75 million of the increase in personnel expense was attributable to retirement-related compensation actions in second quarter 2019, including a discretionary profit sharing contribution of $1.05 million to the 401k plan and a $1.7 million contribution to the nonqualified deferred compensation plan. Consistent with our philosophy of aligning outcomes to customers, shareholders, and employees, the board approved these retirement-related compensation actions to benefit all employees following the recognition of the gain on the equity investment sale as previously noted. Personnel expense, excluding the $2.75 million, increased 4% over 2018, impacted by merit increases between the years (though on a minimally changed workforce, with average full-time equivalents up 1%), as well as higher cash and equity incentives.

•

Occupancy, equipment and office expense was $14.8 million for 2019, up $0.2 million or 1% from 2018, due to higher expense for software and technology solutions to drive operational efficiencies and product or service enhancements. Both periods also included accelerated depreciation or impairment charges given new branches or branch facility upgrades totaling $0.4 million in 2019 and $0.6 million in 2018.


•	Business development and marketing expense was $5.7 million for 2019, up $0.4 million or 7%, largely due to the timing and extent of donations, marketing campaigns, promotions, and media.


•	Data processing expense was $10.0 million for 2019, up $0.4 million or 5% over 2018, with volume-based increases in core processing charges partially offset by savings in data communication.


•	Intangible amortization decreased $0.5 million mainly from declining amortization on the aging intangibles of previous acquisitions, with minimal impact from the new intangible balances from the November 2019 acquisition given timing.

•

Other expense was $8.1 million for 2019, up $1.6 million or 24%, mostly due to a $0.7 million lease termination charge for the closure of Nicolet's Oshkosh branch in conjunction with the Choice acquisition and a $0.8 million full write-off of non-bank goodwill given a recent change in strategy. Both periods also included expense related to a 2018 fraud contingency loss matter totaling $0.7 million in 2019 and $0.5 million in 2018.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $16.5 million, up 3.0 million or 22% over 2018, partly due to 30% higher pre-tax earnings. The 2019 effective tax rate was 23.0%, lower than 24.5% for 2018, mostly due to the tax treatment of the partial sale of the equity investment in data processing entity and the tax benefit on stock-based compensation (see Note 10, “Stock-Based Compensation” for additional information on the tax benefit on stock-based compensation), partially offset by nondeductible compensation from compensation limits.

The accounting for income taxes requires deferred income taxes to be analyzed to determine if a valuation allowance is required. A valuation allowance is required if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. This analysis involves the use of estimates, assumptions, interpretation, and judgment concerning accounting pronouncements and federal and state tax codes; therefore, income taxes are considered a critical accounting policy. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, no valuation allowance was determined to be necessary. Additional information on the subjectivity of income taxes is discussed

further under “Critical Accounting Policies-Income Taxes.” The Company’s accounting policy for income taxes are described in Note 1, “Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies,” and additional disclosures relative to income taxes are included in Note 12, “Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Loans

Nicolet services a diverse customer base throughout northeastern and central Wisconsin and in Menominee, Michigan including the following industries: manufacturing, wholesaling, paper, packaging, food production and processing, agriculture, forest products, retail, service, and businesses supporting the general building industry. The Company concentrates on originating loans in its local markets and assisting current loan customers. Nicolet actively utilizes government loan programs such as those provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration to help customers with current economic conditions and positioning their businesses for the future. In addition to the discussion that follows, accounting policies behind loans are described in Note 1, “Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies,” and additional disclosures are included in Note 4, “Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses, and Credit Quality,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

Table 6: Period End Loan Composition



	December 31, 2019				December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Amount		% of Total		Amount		% of Total		Amount		% of Total		Amount		% of Total		Amount		% of Total
Commercial & industrial	$	806,189	31	%	$	684,920	32	%	$	637,337	30	%	$	428,270	28	%	$	294,419	33	%
Owner-occupied CRE	496,372		19	%	441,353		20	%	430,043		21	%	360,227		23	%	185,285		21	%
AG production	35,982		2	%	35,625		2	%	35,455		2	%	34,767		2	%	15,018		2	%
Commercial	1,338,543		52	%	1,161,898		54	%	1,102,835		53	%	823,264		53	%	494,722		56	%
AG real estate	59,468		2	%	53,444		2	%	51,778		3	%	45,234		3	%	43,272		5	%
CRE investment	443,218		17	%	343,652		16	%	314,463		15	%	195,879		12	%	78,711		9	%
Construction & land development	92,970		4	%	80,599		4	%	89,660		4	%	74,988		5	%	36,775		4	%
Commercial real estate	595,656		23	%	477,695		22	%	455,901		22	%	316,101		20	%	158,758		18	%
Commercial-based loans	1,934,199		75	%	1,639,593		76	%	1,558,736		75	%	1,139,365		73	%	653,480		74	%
Residential construction	54,403		2	%	30,926		1	%	36,995		2	%	23,392		1	%	10,443		1	%
Residential first mortgage	432,167		17	%	357,841		17	%	363,352		17	%	300,304		19	%	154,658		18	%
Residential junior mortgage	122,771		5	%	111,328		5	%	106,027		5	%	91,331		6	%	51,967		6	%
Residential real estate	609,341		24	%	500,095		23	%	506,374		24	%	415,027		26	%	217,068		25	%
Retail & other	30,211		1	%	26,493		1	%	22,815		1	%	14,515		1	%	6,513		1	%
Retail-based loans	639,552		25	%	526,588		24	%	529,189		25	%	429,542		27	%	223,581		26	%
Total loans	$	2,573,751	100	%	$	2,166,181	100	%	$	2,087,925	100	%	$	1,568,907	100	%	$	877,061	100	%

Total loans were $2.6 billion at December 31, 2019, an increase of $408 million, or 19%, compared to total loans of $2.2 billion at December 31, 2018, largely due to the acquisition of Choice. Excluding the $348 million loans Choice added at acquisition in 2019, loans increased $60 million or 3% over year-end 2018, reflective of the growth in Nicolet's markets. As noted in Table 6 above, year-end 2019 loans were broadly 75% commercial-based and 25% retail-based compared to 76% commercial-based and 24% retail-based at year-end 2018. Commercial-based loans are considered to have more inherent risk of default than retail-based loans, in part because the commercial balance per borrower is typically larger than that for retail-based loans, implying higher potential losses on an individual customer basis.

Commercial and industrial loans consist primarily of commercial loans to small businesses and, to a lesser degree, to municipalities within a diverse range of industries. The credit risk related to commercial and industrial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations, or on the value of underlying collateral, if any. Commercial and industrial loans continue to be the largest segment of Nicolet’s portfolio, representing 31% of the portfolio at year-end 2019, due to strong organic loan growth.

Owner-occupied CRE loans represented 19% of loans at year-end 2019, compared to 20% of loans at year-end 2018. This category primarily consists of loans within a diverse range of industries secured by business real estate that is occupied by borrowers who operate their businesses out of the underlying collateral and who may also have commercial and industrial loans. The credit risk

related to owner-occupied CRE loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations, or on the value of underlying collateral.

Agricultural production and agricultural real estate loans consist of loans secured by farmland and related farming operations. The credit risk related to agricultural loans is largely influenced by the prices farmers can get for their production and/or the underlying value of the farmland. Combined, these loans represented 4% of loans at year-end 2019, unchanged from a year ago.

The CRE investment loan classification primarily includes commercial-based mortgage loans that are secured by non-owner occupied, nonfarm/nonresidential real estate properties, and multi-family residential properties. Lending in this segment has been focused on loans that are secured by commercial income-producing properties as opposed to speculative real estate development. These loans increased to represent 17% of loans at December 31, 2019, compared to 16% a year ago.

Loans in the construction and land development portfolio represented 4% of total loans at year-end 2019. Construction and land development loans provide financing for the development of commercial income properties, multi-family residential development, and land designated for future development. Nicolet controls the credit risk on these types of loans by making loans in familiar markets, reviewing the merits of individual projects, controlling loan structure, and monitoring the progress of projects through the analysis of construction advances. Credit risk is managed by employing sound underwriting guidelines, lending primarily to borrowers in local markets, periodically evaluating the underlying collateral, and formally reviewing the borrower’s financial soundness and relationships on an ongoing basis.

On a combined basis, Nicolet’s residential real estate loans represented 24% of total loans at year-end 2019 compared to 23% of total loans at year-end 2018. Residential first mortgage loans include conventional first-lien home mortgages. Residential junior mortgage real estate loans consist of home equity lines and term loans secured by junior mortgage liens. Nicolet has not experienced significant losses in its residential real estate loans; however, if declines in market values in the residential real estate markets worsen, particularly in Nicolet’s market area, the value of collateral securing its real estate loans could decline, which could cause an increase in the provision for loan losses. As part of its management of originating residential mortgage loans, the vast majority of Nicolet’s long-term, fixed-rate residential real estate mortgage loans are sold in the secondary market with the servicing rights retained. Nicolet’s mortgage loans are typically of high quality and have historically had low net charge-off rates.

Loans in the retail and other classification represented approximately 1% of the total loan portfolio, and include predominantly short-term and other personal installment loans not secured by real estate. Credit risk is primarily controlled by reviewing the creditworthiness of the borrowers, monitoring payment histories, and taking appropriate collateral and/or guaranty positions.

Factors that are important to managing overall credit quality are sound loan underwriting and administration, systematic monitoring of existing loans and commitments, effective loan review on an ongoing basis, early problem loan identification and remedial action to minimize losses, an appropriate ALLL, and sound nonaccrual and charge-off policies. An active credit risk management process is used for commercial loans to further ensure that sound and consistent credit decisions are made. The credit management process is regularly reviewed and the process has been modified over the past several years to further strengthen the controls.

The loan portfolio is widely diversified by types of borrowers, industry groups, and market areas. Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to multiple numbers of borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2019, no significant industry concentrations existed in Nicolet’s portfolio in excess of 10% of total loans. Nicolet has also developed guidelines to manage its exposure to various types of concentration risks.

Table 7: Loan Maturity Distribution

The following table presents the maturity distribution of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2019.



(in thousands)	Loan Maturity
	One Year or Less			Over One Year to Five Years			Over Five Years			Total
Commercial & industrial	$	346,274		$	404,198		$	55,717		$	806,189
Owner-occupied CRE	76,516			338,393			81,463			496,372
AG production	24,477			7,484			4,021			35,982
AG real estate	21,342			35,996			2,130			59,468
CRE investment	69,192			310,147			63,879			443,218
Construction & land development	50,600			37,817			4,553			92,970
Residential construction *	48,458			883			5,062			54,403
Residential first mortgage	35,851			144,082			252,234			432,167
Residential junior mortgage	9,370			7,816			105,585			122,771
Retail & other	17,694			8,101			4,416			30,211
Total loans	$	699,774		$	1,294,917		$	579,060		$	2,573,751
Percent by maturity distribution	27		%	50		%	23		%	100		%
Fixed rate	$	328,825		$	1,228,218		$	274,149		$	1,831,192
Floating rate	370,949			66,699			304,911			742,559
Total	$	699,774		$	1,294,917		$	579,060		$	2,573,751
Fixed rate percent	47		%	95		%	47		%	71		%
Floating rate percent	53		%	5		%	53		%	29		%

* The residential construction loans with a loan maturity over five years represent a construction to permanent loan product introduced in 2018.

Allowance for Loan Losses

In addition to the discussion that follows, accounting policies behind the allowance for loan losses are described in Note 1, “Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies,” and additional ALLL disclosures are included in Note 4, “Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses, and Credit Quality,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

Credit risks within the loan portfolio are inherently different for each loan type as described under “Balance Sheet Analysis – Loans.” Credit risk is controlled and monitored through the use of lending standards, a thorough review of potential borrowers, and ongoing review of loan payment performance. Active asset quality administration, including early problem loan identification and timely resolution of problems, aids in the management of credit risk and minimization of loan losses.

The ALLL is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense to provide for potential credit losses in the existing loan portfolio. Loans are charged against the ALLL when management believes that the collection of principal is unlikely. The level of the ALLL represents management’s estimate of an amount of reserves that provides for estimated probable credit losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. To assess the ALLL, an allocation methodology is applied by Nicolet which focuses on evaluation of qualitative and environmental factors, including but not limited to: (i) evaluation of facts and issues related to specific loans; (ii) management’s ongoing review and grading of the loan portfolio; (iii) consideration of historical loan loss and delinquency experience on each portfolio segment; (iv) trends in past due and nonperforming loans; (v) the risk characteristics of the various loan segments; (vi) changes in the size and character of the loan portfolio; (vii) concentrations of loans to specific borrowers or industries; (viii) existing economic conditions; (ix) the fair value of underlying collateral; and (x) other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses. Assessing these factors involves significant judgment; therefore, management considers the ALLL a critical accounting policy, as further discussed under "Critical Accounting Policies – Allowance for Loan Losses."

Management allocates the ALLL by pools of risk within each loan portfolio segment. The allocation methodology consists of the following components. First, a specific reserve for the estimated shortfall is established for all loans determined to be impaired. The specific reserve in the ALLL is equal to the aggregate collateral or discounted cash flow shortfall calculated from the impairment analysis. For determining the appropriateness of the ALLL, management defines impaired loans as nonaccrual credit relationships over $250,000, all loans determined to be troubled debt restructurings (“restructured loans”), plus additional loans with impairment risk characteristics. Second, management allocates ALLL with historical loss rates by loan segment. The loss factors applied are periodically re-evaluated and adjusted to reflect changes in historical loss levels on an annual basis. The look-back period on which the average historical loss rates are determined is a rolling 20-quarter (5 year) average. Lastly, management allocates ALLL to the remaining loan portfolio using the qualitative factors mentioned above. Consideration is given to those current qualitative or environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses as of the evaluation date to differ from the historical loss experience of each loan segment. Management conducts its allocation methodology on the originated loans and the acquired loans separately to account for differences, such as different loss histories and qualitative factors, between the two loan portfolios.

Management performs ongoing intensive analysis of its loan portfolio to allow for early identification of customers experiencing financial difficulties, maintains prudent underwriting standards, understands the economy in its markets, and considers the trend of deterioration in loan quality in establishing the level of the ALLL.

In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the ALLL. These agencies may require the Company to make additions to the ALLL or may require that certain loan balances be charged off or downgraded into classified loan categories when their credit evaluations differ from those of management based on their judgments of collectability from information available to them at the time of their examination.

At December 31, 2019, the ALLL was $14.0 million compared to $13.2 million at December 31, 2018. The components of the ALLL are detailed further in Tables 8 and 9 below. Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans were 0.02% in 2019 compared to 0.05% in 2018. Loans charged off are subject to continuous review, and specific efforts are taken to achieve maximum recovery of principal, interest, and related expenses.

The ratio of the ALLL as a percentage of period-end loans was 0.54% at December 31, 2019, compared to 0.61% at December 31, 2018. The ALLL to loans ratio is impacted by the accounting treatment of Nicolet’s bank acquisitions, which combined at their acquisition dates (from 2013 to 2019) added no ALLL to the numerator and $1.7 billion of loans into the denominator. Remaining acquired loans were $918 million (36% of total loans) and $681 million (31% of total loans) at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, with the Choice acquisition adding $348 million of loans at acquisition, partially offsetting reductions from amortization, refinances and payoffs. Events occurring in the acquired loan portfolio post acquisition may result in the recording of an ALLL for this portfolio. At December 31, 2019, the $14.0 million ALLL was comprised of $1.9 million for acquired loans (0.20% of acquired loans) and $12.1 million for originated loans (0.73% of originated loans). In comparison, the $13.2 million ALLL at December 31, 2018 was comprised of $1.7 million for acquired loans (0.25% of acquired loans) and $11.4 million for originated loans (0.77% of originated loans).

Table 8: Allowance for Loan Losses



(in thousands)	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017			2016			2015
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	13,153		$	12,653		$	11,820		$	10,307		$	9,288
Loans charged off:
Commercial & industrial	(159		)	(813		)	(1,442		)	(279		)	(374		)
Owner-occupied CRE	(93		)	(74		)	—			(108		)	(229		)
AG production	—			—			—			—			—
AG real estate	—			—			—			—			—
CRE investment	—			(37		)	—			—			(50		)
Construction & land development	—			—			(13		)	—			—
Residential construction	(226		)	—			—			—			—
Residential first mortgage	(22		)	(85		)	(8		)	(80		)	(84		)
Residential junior mortgage	(80		)	—			(72		)	(57		)	(111		)
Retail & other	(347		)	(204		)	(69		)	(60		)	(35		)
Total loans charged off	(927		)	(1,213		)	(1,604		)	(584		)	(883		)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Commercial & industrial	420			43			38			26			36
Owner-occupied CRE	2			14			30			5			4
AG production	—			—			—			—			—
AG real estate	—			—			—			—			—
CRE investment	—			—			1			221			17
Construction & land development	—			—			—			—			—
Residential construction	—			—			—			—			—
Residential first mortgage	36			5			25			31			20
Residential junior mortgage	39			35			3			8			12
Retail & other	49			16			15			6			13
Total recoveries	546			113			112			297			102
Total net charge-offs	(381		)	(1,100		)	(1,492		)	(287		)	(781		)
Provision for loan losses	1,200			1,600			2,325			1,800			1,800
Ending balance of ALLL	$	13,972		$	13,153		$	12,653		$	11,820		$	10,307
Ratios:
ALLL to total loans	0.54		%	0.61		%	0.61		%	0.75		%	1.18		%
ALLL to net charge-offs	3,667		%	1,196		%	848		%	4,118		%	1,320		%
Net charge-offs to average loans	0.02		%	0.05		%	0.08		%	0.02		%	0.09		%

The allocation of the ALLL for each of the past five years is based on Nicolet’s estimate of loss exposure by category of loans and is shown in Table 9. The largest portions of the ALLL were allocated to commercial & industrial loans and owner-occupied CRE loans combined, representing 61% and 62% of the ALLL at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The change in allocated ALLL from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2019 was consistent with changes in outstanding loan balances between the years and risk trends within loan categories.

Table 9: Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019		ALLL Category as a % of Total ALLL *		December 31, 2018		ALLL Category as a % of Total ALLL *		December 31, 2017		ALLL Category as a % of Total ALLL *		December 31, 2016		ALLL Category as a % of Total ALLL *		December 31, 2015		ALLL Category as a % of Total ALLL *
Commercial & industrial	$	5,471	39	%	$	5,271	40	%	$	4,934	39	%	$	3,919	33	%	$	3,721	36	%
Owner-occupied CRE	3,010		22	%	2,847		22	%	2,607		21	%	2,867		24	%	1,933		19	%
AG production	210		1	%	121		1	%	129		1	%	150		1	%	85		1	%
AG real estate	369		3	%	301		2	%	296		2	%	285		2	%	380		4	%
CRE investment	1,600		11	%	1,470		11	%	1,388		11	%	1,124		10	%	785		7	%
Construction & land development	414		3	%	510		4	%	726		5	%	774		7	%	1,446		14	%
Residential construction	368		3	%	211		2	%	251		2	%	304		3	%	147		1	%
Residential first mortgage	1,669		12	%	1,646		12	%	1,609		13	%	1,784		15	%	1,240		12	%
Residential junior mortgage	517		4	%	472		4	%	488		4	%	461		4	%	496		5	%
Retail & other	344		2	%	304		2	%	225		2	%	152		1	%	74		1	%
Total ALLL	$	13,972	100	%	$	13,153	100	%	$	12,653	100	%	$	11,820	100	%	$	10,307	100	%

* See Table 6 for the ratio of loans by category to total loans.

Nonperforming Assets

As part of its overall credit risk management process, management is committed to an aggressive problem loan identification philosophy. This philosophy has been implemented through the ongoing monitoring and review of all pools of risk in the loan portfolio to ensure that problem loans are identified early and the risk of loss is minimized. In addition to the discussion that follows, accounting policies behind loans are described in Note 1, “Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies,” and additional credit quality disclosures are included in Note 4, “Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses, and Credit Quality,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

Nonperforming loans are considered one indicator of potential future loan losses. Nonperforming loans are defined as nonaccrual loans, including those defined as impaired under current accounting standards, and loans 90 days or more past due but still accruing interest. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal payments. Additionally, whenever management becomes aware of facts or circumstances that may adversely impact the collectability of principal or interest on loans, it is management’s practice to place such loans on nonaccrual status immediately. Nonaccrual loans were $14.1 million (consisting of $6.3 million originated loans and $7.8 million acquired loans) at December 31, 2019, compared to $5.5 million (consisting of $1.4 million originated loans and $4.1 million acquired loans) at December 31, 2018. Nonperforming assets (which include nonperforming loans and other real estate owned “OREO”) were $15.1 million at December 31, 2019, compared to $5.9 million at December 31, 2018. OREO was $1.0 million at December 31, 2019, up from $0.4 million at year-end 2018, with the increase primarily due to the addition of two closed bank branch properties. Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets increased to 0.42% at December 31, 2019 compared to 0.19% at December 31, 2018.

The level of potential problem loans is another predominant factor in determining the relative level of risk in the loan portfolio and in determining the appropriate level of the ALLL. Potential problem loans are generally defined by management to include loans rated as Substandard by management but that are in performing status; however, there are circumstances present which might adversely affect the ability of the borrower to comply with present repayment terms. The decision of management to include performing loans in potential problem loans does not necessarily mean that Nicolet expects losses to occur, but that management recognizes a higher degree of risk associated with these loans. The loans that have been reported as potential problem loans are predominantly commercial-based loans covering a diverse range of businesses and real estate property types. Potential problem loans totaled $22.6 million (0.9% of total loans) and $21.9 million (1.0% of total loans) at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Potential problem loans require a heightened management review of the pace at which a credit may deteriorate, the duration of asset quality stress, and uncertainty around the magnitude and scope of economic stress that may be felt by Nicolet’s customers and on underlying real estate values.

Table 10: Nonperforming Assets



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017			December 31, 2016			December 31, 2015
Nonaccrual assets:
Commercial & industrial	$	6,249		$	2,816		$	6,016		$	358		$	204
Owner-occupied CRE	3,311			673			533			2,894			951
AG production	1,062			—			—			9			13
AG real estate	836			164			186			208			230
CRE investment	1,073			210			4,531			12,317			1,040
Construction & land development	20			80			—			1,193			280
Residential construction	—			1			80			260			—
Residential first mortgage	1,090			1,265			1,587			2,990			674
Residential junior mortgage	480			262			158			56			141
Retail & other	1			—			4			—			—
Total nonaccrual loans	14,122			5,471			13,095			20,285			3,533
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more	—			—			—			—			—
Total nonperforming loans	14,122			5,471			13,095			20,285			3,533
OREO:
Commercial real estate owned	—			420			185			991			52
Residential real estate owned	—			—			70			29			—
Bank property real estate owned	1,000			—			1,039			1,039			315
Total OREO	1,000			420			1,294			2,059			367
Total nonperforming assets (NPAs)	$	15,122		$	5,891		$	14,389		$	22,344		$	3,900
Performing troubled debt restructurings	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Ratios:
Nonperforming loans to total loans	0.55		%	0.25		%	0.63		%	1.29		%	0.40		%
NPAs to total loans plus OREO	0.59		%	0.27		%	0.69		%	1.42		%	0.44		%
NPAs to total assets	0.42		%	0.19		%	0.49		%	0.97		%	0.32		%
ALLL to nonperforming loans	98.9		%	240.4		%	96.6		%	58.3		%	291.7		%

Table 11 shows the approximate gross interest that would have been recorded if the loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis at the end of each year shown had performed in accordance with their original terms, in contrast to the amount of interest income that was included in interest income on such loans for the period. The interest income recognized generally includes cash interest received and potentially includes prior nonaccrual interest on acquired loans which existed at acquisition and was subsequently collected.

Table 11: Foregone Loan Interest



(in thousands)	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
Interest income in accordance with original terms	$	1,178		$	1,046		$	1,405
Interest income recognized	(935		)	(948		)	(1,130		)
Reduction in interest income	$	243		$	98		$	275

Investment Securities Portfolio

The investment securities portfolio is intended to provide Nicolet with adequate liquidity, flexible asset/liability management and a source of stable income. The portfolio is structured with minimal credit exposure to Nicolet. All securities are classified as available for sale (“AFS”) and are carried at fair value. In addition to the discussion that follows, the investment securities portfolio accounting policies are described in Note 1, “Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies,” and additional disclosures are included in Note 3, “Securities Available for Sale,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

Table 12: Investment Securities Portfolio



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019						December 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		% of Total		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		% of Total		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		% of Total
U.S. government agency securities	$	16,516	$	16,460	4	%	$	22,467	$	21,649	6	%	$	26,586	$	26,209	6	%
State, county and municipals	155,501		156,393		35	%	163,702		160,526		40	%	186,128		184,044		46	%
Mortgage-backed securities	193,223		195,018		43	%	134,350		131,644		33	%	157,705		155,532		38	%
Corporate debt securities	78,009		81,431		18	%	87,352		86,325		21	%	36,387		36,797		9	%
Equity securities *	—		—		—	%	—		—		—	%	1,287		2,571		1	%
Total securities AFS	$	443,249	$	449,302	100	%	$	407,871	$	400,144	100	%	$	408,093	$	405,153	100	%

* Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted a new accounting standard which requires equity securities with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. These equity securities are no longer reflected in securities AFS and are now reflected within other investments. For additional information on this new accounting standard, see Note 1 Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

At December 31, 2019, the total fair value of investment securities was $449 million, compared to $400 million at December 31, 2018, and represented 13% of total assets at both December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in securities AFS from year-end 2018 was primarily due to the $19 million of investments Choice added at acquisition and a $14 million change in the unrealized gain position (from an unrealized loss of $8 million at December 31, 2018 to an unrealized gain of $6 million at December 31, 2019, as the lower interest rate environment in 2019 improved the fair value of investments held). In addition, the mix of securities AFS shifted between the years as the Company reinvested the proceeds from sales, calls, and maturities of state, county and municipal securities and corporate debt securities into mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2019, the securities AFS portfolio did not contain securities of any single issuer, including any securities issued by a state or political subdivision that were payable from and secured by the same source of revenue or taxing authority where the aggregate carrying value of such securities exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity.

In addition to securities AFS, Nicolet had other investments of $24 million and $18 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, consisting of capital stock in the Federal Reserve, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) (required as members of the Federal Reserve Bank System and the FHLB System), equity securities with readily determinable fair values, and to a lesser degree equity investments in other private companies. The FHLB and Federal Reserve investments are “restricted” in that they can only be sold back to the respective institutions or another member institution at par, and are thus not liquid, have no ready market or quoted market value, and are carried at cost. The private company equity investments have no quoted market prices, and are carried at cost less other than temporarily impaired (“OTTI”) charges, if any. The other investments are evaluated periodically for impairment, considering financial condition and other available relevant information. A $0.1 million OTTI charge was recorded on a private company equity investment during 2019, and no OTTI was recorded on other investments during 2018.

Table 13: Investment Securities Portfolio Maturity Distribution ⁽¹⁾



December 31, 2019	Within One Year					After One but Within Five Years					After Five but Within Ten Years					After Ten Years					Mortgage- related Securities					Total Amortized Cost				Total Fair Value
(in thousands)	Amount			Yield		Amount			Yield		Amount			Yield		Amount			Yield		Amount			Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount
U.S. government agency securities	$	997		1.3	%	$	14,950		0.7	%	$	569		2.7	%	$	—		—	%	$	—		—	%	$	16,516	0.8	%	$	16,460
State, county and municipals	17,665			2.7	%	100,755			2.5	%	34,871			2.7	%	2,210			2.6	%	—			—	%	155,501		2.6	%	156,393
Mortgage-backed securities	—			—	%	—			—	%	—			—	%	—			—	%	193,223			3.0	%	193,223		3.0	%	195,018
Corporate debt securities	—			—	%	71,305			3.1	%	—			—	%	6,704			4.9	%	—			—	%	78,009		3.3	%	81,431
Total amortized cost	$	18,662		2.6	%	$	187,010		2.6	%	$	35,440		2.7	%	$	8,914		4.4	%	$	193,223		3.0	%	$	443,249	2.8	%	$	449,302
Total fair value and carrying value	$	18,679				$	190,149				$	35,829				$	9,627				$	195,018								$	449,302
	4		%			42		%			8		%			2		%			44		%							100		%

(1) The yield on tax-exempt investment securities is computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a federal tax rate of 21% adjusted for the disallowance of interest expense.

Deposits

Deposits represent Nicolet’s largest source of funds. Nicolet competes with other bank and nonbank institutions for deposits, as well as with a growing number of non-deposit investment alternatives available to depositors, such as mutual funds, money market funds, annuities, and other brokerage investment products. Challenges to deposit growth include competitive deposit product features, price changes on deposit products given movements in the rate environment and other competitive pricing pressures, and customer preferences regarding higher-costing deposit products or non-deposit investment alternatives. Additional disclosures on deposits are included in Note 7, “Deposits,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

Table 14: Period End Deposit Composition



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019				December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
	Amount		% of Total		Amount		% of Total		Amount		% of Total
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	819,055	28	%	$	753,065	29	%	$	631,831	26	%
Money market and interest-bearing demand	1,241,642		42	%	1,163,369		45	%	1,222,401		49	%
Savings	343,199		11	%	294,068		11	%	269,922		11	%
Time	550,557		19	%	403,636		15	%	346,910		14	%
Total deposits	$	2,954,453	100	%	$	2,614,138	100	%	$	2,471,064	100	%

Brokered transaction accounts	$	48,497	1	%	$	62,021	2	%	$	76,141	3	%
Brokered time deposits	51,312		2	%	19,130		1	%	44,645		2	%
Total brokered deposits	$	99,809	3	%	$	81,151	3	%	$	120,786	5	%

Customer transaction accounts	2,355,399		80	%	$	2,148,481	82	%	$	2,048,013	83	%
Customer time deposits	499,245		17	%	384,506		15	%	302,265		12	%
Total customer deposits (core)	$	2,854,644	97	%	$	2,532,987	97	%	$	2,350,278	95	%

Total deposits were $3.0 billion at December 31, 2019, an increase of $340 million or 13% over December 31, 2018, largely due to the acquisition of Choice. Excluding the $289 million deposits Choice added at acquisition in 2019, deposits increased $51 million or 2% over 2018. Customer (core) deposits increased $322 million over year-end 2018, including $207 million in transaction accounts and $115 million in time deposits, while total brokered deposits increased $19 million (largely assumed in the Choice acquisition).

On average, deposits grew $89 million or 4% between 2019 and 2018 (as detailed in Table 1), aided partly by the timing of the Choice acquisition, and solid growth in noninterest-bearing demand deposits (up $99 million or 16%), core time deposits (up $65 million or 19%), and savings (up $33 million or 11%), while average interest-bearning demand and MMA combined declined (down $91 million or 8%) and average brokered deposits declined (down $16 million or 18%).

Table 15: Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 or More



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
3 months or less	$	55,464	$	28,466	$	21,847
Over 3 months through 6 months	55,000		30,438		15,552
Over 6 months through 12 months	54,700		68,983		40,226
Over 12 months	120,346		57,992		54,319
Total	$	285,510	$	185,879	$	131,944

Other Funding Sources

Other funding sources include short-term borrowings (zero at both December 31, 2019 and 2018) and long-term borrowings (totaling $68 million and $77 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively). Short-term borrowings consist mainly of customer repurchase agreements maturing in less than nine months or federal funds purchased. Long-term borrowings include FHLB advances, junior subordinated debentures (largely qualifying as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes given their long maturity dates, even though they are redeemable in whole or in part at par), and subordinated debt (issued in 2015 with 10-year maturities, callable on or after the fifth anniversary date of their respective issuance dates, and qualifying as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes). The interest on all long-term borrowings is current. The subordinated debt will become callable at par plus any accrued but unpaid interest starting in the first quarter of 2020, and the various junior subordinated debentures are already callable at par plus any accrued but unpaid interest. The Company may in 2020 redeem all or some of the subordinated notes and / or the Nicolet junior subordinated debentures as part of its capital management efforts. See Note 8, “Short and Long-Term Borrowings,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 for additional details.

Additional funding sources at December 31, 2019 consist of a $10 million available and unused line of credit at the holding company, $175 million of available and unused Federal funds lines, available borrowing capacity at the FHLB of $169 million, and borrowing capacity in the brokered deposit market.

RISK MANAGEMENT AND CAPITAL

Liquidity Management

Liquidity management refers to the ability to ensure that cash is available in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet cash flow requirements of depositors and borrowers and to meet other commitments as they fall due, including the ability to pay dividends to shareholders, service debt, invest in subsidiaries, repurchase common stock, and satisfy other operating requirements.

Funds are available from a number of basic banking activity sources including, but not limited to, the core deposit base; repayment and maturity of loans; investment securities calls, maturities, and sales; and procurement of brokered deposits or other wholesale funding. All securities AFS and equity securities (included in other investments) are reported at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2019, approximately 37% of the $449 million securities AFS portfolio was pledged to secure public deposits and short-term borrowings, as applicable, and for other purposes as required by law. Additional funding sources at December 31, 2019, consist of a $10 million available and unused line of credit at the holding company, $175 million of available and unused Federal funds lines, available borrowing capacity at the FHLB of $169 million, and borrowing capacity in the brokered deposit market.

Management is committed to the Parent Company being a source of strength to the Bank and its other subsidiaries, and therefore, regularly evaluates capital and liquidity positions of the Parent Company in light of current and projected needs, growth or strategies. The Parent Company uses cash for normal expenses, debt service requirements and, when opportune, for common stock repurchases or investment in other strategic actions such as mergers or acquisitions. At December 31, 2019, the Parent Company had $70 million in cash. Additional cash sources, among others, available to the Parent Company include its $10 million available and unused line of credit, and access to the public or private markets to issue new equity, subordinated debt or other debt. Dividends from the Bank and, to a lesser extent, stock option exercises, represent significant sources of cash flows for the Parent Company. The Bank is required by federal law to obtain prior approval of the OCC for payments of dividends if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any year will exceed certain thresholds, as more fully described in “Business—Regulation of the Bank – Payment of Dividends” and in Note 16, “Regulatory Capital Requirements,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8. Management does not believe that regulatory restrictions on dividends from the Bank will adversely affect its ability to meet its cash obligations.

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $182 million and $250 million, respectively. The $67 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents since year-end 2018 included $58 million net cash provided by operating activities (mostly earnings), more than offset by $63 million net cash used in investing activities (primarily to fund loan growth) and $62 million net cash used in financing activities (with funds from increased deposits more than offset by early redemption of FHLB debt acquired with Choice and common stock repurchases). Nicolet’s liquidity resources were sufficient as of December 31, 2019 to fund loans, accommodate deposit trends and cycles, and to meet other cash needs as necessary.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Management and Impact of Inflation

A reasonable balance between interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and maintenance of yield, is highly important to Nicolet’s business success and profitability. As an ongoing part of its financial strategy and risk management, Nicolet attempts to understand and manage the impact of fluctuations in market interest rates on its net interest income. The consolidated balance sheet consists mainly of interest-earning assets (loans, investments and cash) which are primarily funded by interest-bearing liabilities (deposits and other borrowings). Such financial instruments have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in market rates of interest. Market rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including but not limited to general economic conditions and policies of governmental and regulatory authorities. Our operating income and net income depends, to a substantial extent, on “rate spread” (i.e., the difference between the income earned on loans, investments and other earning assets and the interest expense paid to obtain deposits and other funding liabilities).

Asset-liability management policies establish guidelines for acceptable limits on the sensitivity to changes in interest rates on earnings and market value of assets and liabilities. Such policies are set and monitored by management and the board of directors’ Asset and Liability Committee.

To understand and manage the impact of fluctuations in market interest rates on net interest income, Nicolet measures its overall interest rate sensitivity through a net interest income analysis, which calculates the change in net interest income in the event of hypothetical changes in interest rates under different scenarios versus a baseline scenario. Such scenarios can involve static balance sheets, balance sheets with projected growth, parallel (or non-parallel) yield curve slope changes, immediate or gradual changes in market interest rates, and one-year or longer time horizons. The simulation modeling uses assumptions involving market spreads, prepayments of rate-sensitive instruments, renewal rates on maturing or new loans, deposit retention rates, and other assumptions.

Among other scenarios, Nicolet assessed the impact on net interest income in the event of a gradual +/-100 bps and +/-200 bps change in market rates (parallel to the change in prime rate) over a one-year time horizon to a static (flat) balance sheet. The interest rate scenarios are used for analytical purposes only and do not necessarily represent management’s view of future market

interest rate movements. Based on financial data at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the projected changes in net interest income over a one-year time horizon, versus the baseline, are presented in Table 16 below. The results were within Nicolet’s guidelines of not greater than -10% for +/- 100 bps and not greater than -15% for +/- 200 bps and consistent with the short-to-moderate duration embedded in our overall balance sheet position.

Table 16: Interest Rate Sensitivity



	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
200 bps decrease in interest rates	(1.8	)%	(0.6	)%
100 bps decrease in interest rates	(1.0	)%	—	%
100 bps increase in interest rates	0.8	%	(0.1	)%
200 bps increase in interest rates	1.7	%	—	%

Actual results may differ from these simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes, as well as changes in market conditions and their impact on customer behavior and management strategies.

The effect of inflation on a financial institution differs significantly from the effect on an industrial company. While a financial institution’s operating expenses, particularly salary and employee benefits, are affected by general inflation, the asset and liability structure of a financial institution consists largely of monetary items. Monetary items, such as cash, investments, loans, deposits and other borrowings, are those assets and liabilities which are or will be converted into a fixed number of dollars regardless of changes in prices. As a result, changes in interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than does general inflation. Inflation may also have impacts on the Bank’s customers, on businesses and consumers and their ability or willingness to invest, save or spend, and perhaps on their ability to repay loans. As such, there would likely be impacts on the general appetite of banking products and the credit health of the Bank’s customer base.

Capital

Management regularly reviews the adequacy of its capital to ensure that sufficient capital is available for current and future needs and is in compliance with regulatory guidelines and actively reviews capital strategies in light of perceived business risks associated with current and prospective earning levels, liquidity, asset quality, economic conditions in the markets served, and level of returns available to shareholders. Management intends to maintain an optimal capital and leverage mix for growth and for shareholder return.

Capital balances and changes in capital are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity in Part II, Item 8. Further discussion of capital components is included in Note 11, “Stockholders' Equity,” and a summary of dividend restrictions, as well as regulatory capital amounts and ratios for Nicolet and the Bank is presented in Note 16, “Regulatory Capital Requirements,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8.

The Company’s regulatory capital ratios remain well above minimum regulatory ratios, including the capital conservation buffer. At December 31, 2019, the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios qualify the Bank as well-capitalized under the prompt-corrective action framework. This strong base of capital has allowed Nicolet to be opportunistic in the current environment and in strategic growth. For a discussion of the regulatory restrictions applicable to the Company and the Bank, see section “Business-Regulation of Nicolet” and “Business-Regulation of the Bank,” included within Part I, Item 1. A summary of Nicolet’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital amounts and ratios, as well as selected capital metrics are presented in Table 17.

Table 17: Capital



($ in thousands)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Company Stock Repurchases: *
Common stock repurchased during the year (dollars)	$	18,701		$	22,178
Common stock repurchased during the year (shares)	310,781			408,071
Company Risk-Based Capital:
Total risk-based capital	$	404,573		$	326,235
Tier 1 risk-based capital	378,608			301,125
Common equity Tier 1 capital	348,454			271,435
Total capital ratio	13.4		%	12.9		%
Tier 1 capital ratio	12.6		%	11.9		%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio	11.6		%	10.7		%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	11.9		%	10.4		%
Bank Risk-Based Capital:
Total risk-based capital	$	323,432		$	274,492
Tier 1 risk-based capital	309,460			261,339
Common equity Tier 1 capital	309,460			261,339
Total capital ratio	10.8		%	10.8		%
Tier 1 capital ratio	10.3		%	10.3		%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio	10.3		%	10.3		%
Tier 1 leverage ratio	9.8		%	9.1		%
* Reflects only the common stock repurchased under board of director authorizations.

At December 31, 2019, Nicolet’s total capital was $516 million, compared to $387 million at December 31, 2018 (largely from common stock issued in the 2019 Choice acquisition and earnings exceeding common stock repurchases for the year). Common equity to total assets at December 31, 2019 was 14.43%, up from 12.49% at December 31, 2018. Book value per common share increased to $48.76 at year-end 2019, up 20% over $40.72 at year-end 2018.

In managing capital for optimal return, we evaluate capital sources and uses, pricing and availability of our stock in the market, and alternative uses of capital (such as the level of organic growth or acquisition opportunities) in light of strategic plans. The Board has authorized since the inception of its common stock repurchase program in 2014 and as subsequently modified, the use of up to $86 million to repurchase up to 1,975,000 shares of Nicolet common stock as an alternative use of capital. During 2019, $18.7 million was used to repurchase and cancel nearly 310,800 shares at a weighted average price per share of $60.17, bringing the life-to-date totals through December 31, 2019, to $65.0 million used to repurchase and cancel just over 1.4 million shares at a weighted average price of $45.59 per share.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Lending-Related Commitments and Contractual Obligations

Nicolet is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. At December 31, 2019, interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale of $43 million (included in the commitments to extend credit) and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans held for sale of $16 million are considered derivative instruments. Further information and discussion of these commitments is included in Note 13, “Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

The table below outlines the principal amounts and timing of Nicolet's contractual obligations. The amounts presented below exclude amounts due for interest, if applicable, and include any unamortized premiums / discounts or other similar carrying value adjustments. Most of these obligations are routinely refinanced into similar replacement obligations. However, renewal of these obligations is dependent on the ability to procure competitive interest rates, liquidity needs, availability of collateral for pledging purposes supporting the long-term advances, or other borrowing alternatives. As of December 31, 2019, Nicolet had the following contractual obligations.

Table 18: Contractual Obligations



(in thousands)	Note	Maturity by Years
	Reference	Total		1 or less		1-3		3-5		Over 5
Time deposits	7	$	550,557	$	317,693	$	165,677	$	64,813	$	2,374
Long-term borrowings	8	67,629		10,061		10,000		—		47,568
Operating leases	5	4,023		1,088		1,813		1,106		16
Total long-term contractual obligations		$	622,209	$	328,842	$	177,490	$	65,919	$	49,958

Fourth Quarter 2019 Results

Nicolet recorded net income of $12.3 million for fourth quarter 2019, or $1.18 for diluted earnings per common share, compared to $10.9 million, or $1.11, respectively for fourth quarter 2018. Return on average assets was 1.46% and 1.44% for fourth quarter 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Table 19 for selected quarterly information.

Between the comparable fourth quarter periods, interest income increased $3.9 million and interest expense increased $0.4 million, primarily due to disciplined balance sheet management in a different rate environment between the fourth quarters. The net interest margin between the comparable quarters was up 8 bps to 4.06% in fourth quarter 2019, comprised of a 6 bps higher interest rate spread (to 3.70%, as the yield on earning assets increased 6 bps and the rate on interest-bearing liabilities was level at 1.12%) and a 2 bps higher contribution from net free funds.

Average interest-earning assets were $3.0 billion for fourth quarter 2019 (inclusive of the November 2019 Choice acquisition) compared to $2.7 billion for fourth quarter 2018, mainly due to a $296 million increase in average loans, offset by a $15 million decrease in non-loan interest-earning assets. The mix of average earning assets between fourth quarter periods shifted favorably from 80% in average loans and 20% in non-loan earning assets (including a higher proportion of low interest-earning cash assets) to 82% in loans and 18% in non-loan earning assets for fourth quarter 2019. On the funding side, average interest-bearing deposits were up $165 million and, assisting net free funds, average demand deposits increased $73 million.

Noninterest income for fourth quarter 2019 increased $3.5 million (36%) to $13.3 million versus fourth quarter 2018. Of note, net mortgage income increased $3.1 million (reflecting strong mortgage volumes), brokerage fee income grew $0.2 million, and card interchange income was up $0.1 million between the comparable fourth quarter periods.

On a comparable quarter basis, noninterest expense increased $3.8 million (18%) to $25.4 million in fourth quarter 2019. Personnel expense of $13.6 million, increased $2.3 million (20%) from fourth quarter 2018, mostly due to merit increases between the years, and 3% higher average full-time equivalent employees, and higher deferred compensation and equity awards for 2019 performance, as well as non-repeating downward adjustments made in fourth quarter 2018 in the wealth compensation structure. All nonpersonnel expense categories combined were up $1.5 million (15%), with fourth quarter 2019 including a $0.7 million lease termination charge for the closure of Nicolet's Oshkosh branch in conjunction with the Choice acquisition and a $0.8 million full write-off of non-bank goodwill given a recent change in strategy, while fourth quarter 2018 included a $0.5 million fraud contingency loss.

For fourth quarter 2019, Nicolet recognized income tax expense of $5.7 million with an effective tax rate of 31.4%, compared to income tax expense of $4.0 million with an effective tax rate of 26.8% for fourth quarter 2018. The 41% increase in income tax expense was attributable to a 21% increase in pretax income and salary deduction limitations that exceeded the tax benefit on stock-based compensation between the comparable fourth quarter periods (tax benefit of $1.3 million and $0.1 million in fourth quarter 2019 and 2018, respectively, mainly due to large stock option exercises in fourth quarter 2019). Additional information on income taxes is also included in “Income Taxes,” and Note 12, “Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

Selected Quarterly Financial Data

The following is selected financial data summarizing the results of operations for each quarter in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Table 19: Selected Quarterly Financial Data



(in thousands, except per share data)	2019 Quarter Ended
	December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,
Interest income	$	36,192	$	34,667	$	34,570	$	33,159
Interest expense	5,723		5,477		5,626		5,684
Net interest income	30,469		29,190		28,944		27,475
Provision for loan losses	300		400		300		200
Noninterest income	13,309		12,312		18,560		9,186
Noninterest expense	25,426		22,887		25,727		22,759
Income before income tax expense	18,052		18,215		21,477		13,702
Income tax expense	5,670		4,603		2,833		3,352
Net income	12,382		13,612		18,644		10,350
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	87		82		95		83
Net income attributable to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.	$	12,295	$	13,530	$	18,549	$	10,267
Basic earnings per common share*	$	1.22	$	1.45	$	1.98	$	1.09
Diluted earnings per common share*	$	1.18	$	1.40	$	1.91	$	1.05



	2018 Quarter Ended
	December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,
Interest income	$	32,327	$	31,880	$	30,545	$	30,785
Interest expense	5,298		4,938		4,742		3,911
Net interest income	27,029		26,942		25,803		26,874
Provision for loan losses	240		340		510		510
Noninterest income	9,797		10,649		10,239		8,824
Noninterest expense	21,621		23,044		22,451		22,642
Income before income tax expense	14,965		14,207		13,081		12,546
Income tax expense	4,015		3,268		3,255		2,908
Net income	10,950		10,939		9,826		9,638
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	87		80		89		61
Net income attributable to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.	$	10,863	$	10,859	$	9,737	$	9,577
Basic earnings per common share*	$	1.14	$	1.13	$	1.01	$	0.98
Diluted earnings per common share*	$	1.11	$	1.09	$	0.98	$	0.94

*Cumulative quarterly per share performance may not equal annual per share totals due to the effects of the amount and timing of capital increases. When computing earnings per share for an interim period, the denominator is based on the weighted average shares outstanding during the interim period, and not on an annualized weighted average basis. Accordingly, the sum of the quarters' earnings per share data will not necessarily equal the year to date earnings per share data.

2018 Compared to 2017

Net income attributable to Nicolet was $41.0 million for 2018, or $4.12 per diluted common share. Comparatively, 2017 net income attributable to Nicolet was $33.2 million or $3.33 per diluted common share. Return on average assets was 1.38% and 1.25% for 2018 and 2017, respectively, while return on average common equity was 11.04% for 2018 and 9.96% for 2017. Book value per common share was $40.72 at December 31, 2018, up 10% over $37.09 at December 31, 2017.

Key factors contributing to the 2018 versus 2017 results are discussed below.

•

Net interest income was $106.6 million for 2018, an increase of $7.9 million or 8% compared to 2017, as we exercised discipline in the consistently rising rate environment of 2018. Interest income grew $16.3 million (overcoming $4.2 million lower aggregate discount income on purchased loans), aided by a 14% increase in average interest-earning assets and the elevated rate environment particularly on new, renewed and variable rate loans. Interest expense increased $8.4 million, primarily due to rising rates on a larger average deposit base, up 13% over 2017. The improvement consisted of favorable volume and mix variances, partially offset by net unfavorable rate variances from a flat earning asset yield and higher overall cost of funds between the periods. The earning asset yield was 4.74% for 2018 and 4.75% for 2017, influenced by the mix of underlying earning assets, particularly carrying a higher proportion of low-earning cash partly

offset by loans and taxable investments (each at higher yields in 2018 than 2017). The cost of funds was 0.97% for 2018, 37 bps higher than 2017, driven by the average cost of interest-bearing deposits. As a result, the interest rate spread was 3.77% for 2018, 38 bps lower than 2017. The net interest margin was 4.04% for 2018 compared to 4.30% for 2017, with a 12 bps higher contribution from net free funds. Tables 1, 2, and 3 show additional average balance sheet, net interest income, and net interest margin information.


•	Loans were $2.2 billion at December 31, 2018, an increase of $78 million or 4% over December 31, 2017. Average loans were $2.1 billion in 2018 yielding 5.37%, compared to $1.9 billion in 2017 yielding 5.31%, a 12% increase in average balances. Table 6 shows additional information on loans.


•	Total deposits were $2.6 billion at December 31, 2018, an increase of $143 million or 6% over December 31, 2017. Between 2018 and 2017, average deposits were up $281 million or 13%, with solid growth in noninterest-bearing demand deposits (up $89 million to represent 25% of total deposits for 2018 versus 24% for 2017). Tables 14 and 15 show additional information on deposits.

•

Asset quality measures remained strong. Nonperforming assets declined to $5.9 million, representing 0.19% of total assets at December 31, 2018, down favorably from 0.49% of assets at December 31, 2017. For 2018, the provision for loan losses was $1.6 million, exceeding net charge-offs of $1.1 million, versus provision of $2.3 million and net charge-offs of $1.5 million for 2017. The ALLL was $13.2 million at December 31, 2018 (representing 0.61% of loans), compared to $12.7 million (representing 0.61% of loans) at December 31, 2017. Tables 8, 9, 10, and 11 show additional information on asset quality measures.

•

Noninterest income was $39.5 million for 2018 (including $1.2 million of net asset gains), compared to $34.6 million for 2017 (including $2.0 million of net asset gains, largely from a $1.2 million gain to record the fair value of Nicolet's pre-acquisition interest in First Menasha and a $0.7 million gain on sale of assets). Removing these net gains, noninterest income was up $5.7 million or 18%, with increases in all line items. The most notable increases were trust and brokerage fees combined (up $1.8 million or 15%), card interchange income (up $1.0 million or 22%), and net mortgage income (up $1.0 million or 18%), all benefiting from increased business, and BOLI income (up $0.6 million, largely due to a death benefit in third quarter 2018). Table 4 shows additional noninterest income information.

•

Noninterest expense was $89.8 million for 2018, an increase of $8.4 million or 10% over 2017 noninterest expense of $81.4 million, mostly due to the larger operating base and continued investment in people and improvements. Personnel expense was $49.5 million for 2018, up $5.0 million or 11% over 2017, partly due to the expanded workforce (with average full-time equivalent employees up 6%), as well as merit increases, additional competitive market-based wage increases made after tax reform passed, higher cash and equity incentives, and higher health costs. All remaining noninterest expense categories on a combined basis grew $3.4 million or 9%, mostly due to the larger operating base, but also from $0.6 million higher charitable giving, $0.6 million accelerated depreciation given branch facility upgrades, and a $0.5 million fraud contingency loss in fourth quarter 2018. Table 5 shows additional noninterest expense information.

Critical Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements of Nicolet are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and follow general practices within the industry in which it operates. This preparation requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, actual results could differ from the estimates, assumptions and judgments reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include the valuation of loan acquisition transactions, as well as the determination of the allowance for loan losses and income taxes and, therefore, are critical accounting policies. The critical accounting policies are discussed directly with Nicolet’s Audit Committee. In addition to the discussion that follows, these critical accounting policies are further described in Note 1, “Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, under Part II, Item 8.

Business Combinations and Valuation of Loans Acquired in Business Combinations

We account for acquisitions under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date. As provided for under GAAP, management has up to 12 months following the date of the acquisition to finalize the fair values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities, where it was not possible to estimate the acquisition date fair value upon consummation. Management finalized the fair values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities within this 12-month period and management currently considers such values to be the Day 1 Fair Values for the acquisition transactions.

In particular, the valuation of acquired loans involves significant estimates, assumptions and judgment based on information available as of the acquisition date. Substantially all loans acquired in the transaction are evaluated either individually or in pools of loans with similar characteristics; and since the estimated fair value of acquired loans includes a credit consideration, no carryover of any previously recorded allowance for loan losses is recorded at acquisition. A number of factors are considered in determining the estimated fair value of purchased loans including, among other things, the remaining life of the acquired loans, estimated prepayments, estimated loss ratios, estimated value of the underlying collateral, estimated holding periods, contractual interest rates compared to market interest rates, and net present value of cash flows expected to be received.

In determining the Day 1 Fair Values of acquired loans, management calculates a nonaccretable difference (the credit mark component of the acquired loans) and an accretable difference (the market rate or yield component of the acquired loans). The nonaccretable difference is the difference between the undiscounted contractually required payments and the undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected in accordance with management’s determination of the Day 1 Fair Values. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan losses; while subsequent increases in cash flows will result in a reversal of the provision for loan losses to the extent of prior charges and then an adjustment to accretable yield, and nonaccretable difference which would have a positive impact on interest income.

The accretable yield on acquired loans is the difference between the expected cash flows and the initial investment in the acquired loans. The accretable yield is recognized into earnings using the effective yield method over the term of the loans. Management separately monitors the acquired loan portfolio and periodically reviews loans contained within this portfolio against the factors and assumptions used in determining the Day 1 Fair Values.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Management’s evaluation process used to determine the appropriateness of the ALLL is subject to the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgment. The evaluation process involves gathering and interpreting many qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect probable credit losses. Because interpretation and analysis involves judgment, current economic or business conditions can change, and future events are inherently difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan losses and therefore the appropriateness of the ALLL could change significantly.

The allocation methodology applied by Nicolet is designed to assess the appropriateness of the ALLL and includes allocations for specifically identified impaired loans and loss factor allocations for all remaining loans, with a component primarily based on historical loss rates and a component primarily based on other qualitative factors. The methodology includes evaluation and consideration of several factors, such as, but not limited to, management’s ongoing review and grading of loans, facts and issues related to specific loans, historical loan loss and delinquency experience, trends in past due and nonaccrual loans, existing risk characteristics of specific loans or loan pools, the fair value of underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses. While management uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or circumstances underlying the collectability of loans. Because each of the criteria used is subject to change, the allocation of the ALLL is made for analytical purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the trend of future loan losses in any particular loan category. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any segment of the loan portfolio. Management believes the ALLL is appropriate at December 31, 2019. The allowance analysis is reviewed by the board of directors on a quarterly basis in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Consolidated net income and stockholders’ equity could be affected if management’s estimate of the ALLL necessary to cover expected losses is subsequently materially different, requiring a change in the level of provision for loan losses to be recorded. While management uses currently available information to recognize losses on loans, future adjustments to the ALLL may be necessary based on newly received appraisals, updated commercial customer financial statements, rapidly deteriorating customer cash flow, and changes in economic conditions that affect Nicolet’s customers. As an integral part of their examination process, federal regulatory agencies also review the ALLL. Such agencies may require additions to the ALLL or may require that certain loan balances be charged-off or downgraded into criticized loan categories when their credit evaluations differ from those of management based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company changed its methodology for accounting for the allowance for loan losses due to the adoption of a new accounting standard. See section “Future Accounting Pronouncements,” for additional information on this new accounting standard.

Income taxes

The assessment of income tax assets and liabilities involves the use of estimates, assumptions, interpretation, and judgment concerning certain accounting pronouncements and federal and state tax codes. There can be no assurance that future events, such as court decisions or positions of federal and state taxing authorities, will not differ from management’s current assessment, the impact of which could be significant to the consolidated results of operations and reported earnings.

Nicolet files a consolidated federal income tax return and a combined state income tax return (both of which include Nicolet and its wholly owned subsidiaries). Accordingly, amounts equal to tax benefits of those companies having taxable federal losses or credits are reimbursed by the companies that incur federal tax liabilities. Amounts provided for income tax expense are based on income reported for financial statement purposes and do not necessarily represent amounts currently payable under tax laws. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed quarterly for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax law rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through provision for income tax expense. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that a portion of the full amount of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Nicolet may also recognize a liability for unrecognized tax benefits from uncertainty in income taxes. Unrecognized tax benefits represent the differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured in the financial statements. Penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax expense.

Future Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements adopted are included in Note 1, “Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. The updated guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. As the new ASU only revises disclosure requirements, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments intended to improve the financial reporting by requiring earlier recognition of credit losses on loans and certain other financial assets. Topic 326 replaces the current incurred loss impairment model (which recognizes losses when a probable threshold is met) with a requirement to recognize lifetime expected credit losses immediately when a financial asset is originated or purchased. The measurement of lifetime expected credit losses will be based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The ASU is effective for SEC filers for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Entities should apply the amendment by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company will adopt the new accounting standard on January 1, 2020, as required.

Based on our current analysis, we expect the standard may potentially have a material impact on the financial statements and we expect more volatility in the credit loss estimate over economic cycles and in acquisitive periods. Nicolet expects to increase the allowance for loans losses by approximately $9 million and to incur an after-tax charge of approximately $6 million to retained earnings upon adoption, and is in the process of finalizing the review of the most recent model run and the related underlying assumptions. Going forward, the quarterly evaluation of the allowance for loan losses will likely introduce additional volatility to earnings from changes in economic conditions and forecasts, as well as changes in the underlying loan portfolio.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For additional disclosure, see section, “Interest Rate Sensitivity Management and Impact of Inflation,” of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation under Part II, Item 7.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA



NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	75,433		$	85,896
Interest-earning deposits	106,626			163,630
Federal funds sold	—			—
Cash and cash equivalents	182,059			249,526
Certificates of deposit in other banks	19,305			993
Securities available for sale (“AFS”), at fair value	449,302			400,144
Other investments	24,072			17,997
Loans held for sale	2,706			1,639
Loans	2,573,751			2,166,181
Allowance for loan losses	(13,972		)	(13,153		)
Loans, net	2,559,779			2,153,028
Premises and equipment, net	56,469			48,173
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”)	78,140			66,310
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	165,967			124,307
Accrued interest receivable and other assets	39,461			34,418
Total assets	$	3,577,260		$	3,096,535

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	$	819,055		$	753,065
Interest-bearing deposits	2,135,398			1,861,073
Total deposits	2,954,453			2,614,138
Short-term borrowings	—			—
Long-term borrowings	67,629			77,305
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities	38,188			17,740
Total liabilities	3,060,270			2,709,183
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock	106			95
Additional paid-in capital	312,733			247,790
Retained earnings	199,005			144,364
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,418			(5,640		)
Total Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. stockholders’ equity	516,262			386,609
Noncontrolling interest	728			743
Total stockholders’ equity and noncontrolling interest	516,990			387,352
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity	$	3,577,260		$	3,096,535

Preferred shares authorized (no par value)	10,000,000			10,000,000
Preferred shares issued and outstanding	—			—
Common shares authorized (par value $0.01 per share)	30,000,000			30,000,000
Common shares outstanding	10,587,738			9,495,265
Common shares issued	10,610,259			9,524,777

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Income	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	2019		2018		2017
Interest income:
Loans, including loan fees	$	125,524	$	113,953	$	100,541
Investment securities:
Taxable	7,584		6,068		4,728
Tax-exempt	2,075		2,296		2,360
Other interest income	3,405		3,220		1,624
Total interest income	138,588		125,537		109,253
Interest expense:
Deposits	18,965		15,420		7,686
Short-term borrowings	5		9		84
Long-term borrowings	3,540		3,460		2,741
Total interest expense	22,510		18,889		10,511
Net interest income	116,078		106,648		98,742
Provision for loan losses	1,200		1,600		2,325
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	114,878		105,048		96,417
Noninterest income:
Trust services fee income	6,227		6,498		6,031
Brokerage fee income	8,115		7,042		5,736
Mortgage income, net	11,878		6,344		5,361
Service charges on deposit accounts	4,824		4,845		4,604
Card interchange income	6,498		5,665		4,646
BOLI income	2,369		2,418		1,778
Asset gains (losses), net	7,897		1,169		2,029
Other income	5,559		5,528		4,454
Total noninterest income	53,367		39,509		34,639
Noninterest expense:
Personnel	54,437		49,476		44,458
Occupancy, equipment and office	14,788		14,574		13,308
Business development and marketing	5,685		5,324		4,700
Data processing	9,950		9,514		8,715
Intangibles amortization	3,872		4,389		4,695
Other expense	8,067		6,481		5,480
Total noninterest expense	96,799		89,758		81,356
Income before income tax expense	71,446		54,799		49,700
Income tax expense	16,458		13,446		16,267
Net income	54,988		41,353		33,433
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	347		317		283
Net income attributable to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.	$	54,641	$	41,036	$	33,150
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	5.71	$	4.26	$	3.51
Diluted	$	5.52	$	4.12	$	3.33
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	9,561,978		9,640,258		9,439,951
Diluted	9,900,319		9,956,353		9,958,160

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Net income	$	54,988		$	41,353		$	33,433
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities AFS:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	13,758			(3,715		)	2,752
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income	22			212			(1,220		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(3,722		)	946			(598		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	10,058			(2,557		)	934
Comprehensive income	$	65,046		$	38,796		$	34,367

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands)	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Non- controlling Interest			Total
Balances at December 31, 2016	$	86		$	209,700		$	68,888	$	(2,727	)	$	418		$	276,365
Comprehensive income:
Net income	—			—			33,150		—			283			33,433
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			—		934			—			934
Stock-based compensation expense	—			3,064			—		—			—			3,064
Exercise of stock options, net	2			3,799			—		—			—			3,801
Issuance of common stock in acquisitions, net of capitalized issuance costs of $186	13			62,047			—		—			—			62,060
Issuance of common stock	—			229			—		—			—			229
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(3		)	(15,004		)	—		—			—			(15,007		)
Reclassification of stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income	—			—			353		(353		)	—			—
Balances at December 31, 2017	$	98		$	263,835		$	102,391	$	(2,146	)	$	701		$	364,879
Comprehensive income:
Net income	—			—			41,036		—			317			41,353
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			—		(2,557		)	—			(2,557		)
Stock-based compensation expense	—			4,901			—		—			—			4,901
Exercise of stock options, net	1			1,517			—		—			—			1,518
Issuance of common stock	—			282			—		—			—			282
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(4		)	(22,745		)	—		—			—			(22,749		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—		—			(275		)	(275		)
Adoption of ASU 2016-01 (See Note 1)	—			—			937		(937		)	—			—
Balances at December 31, 2018	$	95		$	247,790		$	144,364	$	(5,640	)	$	743		$	387,352
Comprehensive income:
Net income	—			—			54,641		—			347			54,988
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—			—		10,058			—			10,058
Stock-based compensation expense	—			5,038			—		—			—			5,038
Exercise of stock options, net	3			8,147			—		—			—			8,150
Issuance of common stock in acquisitions, net of capitalized issuance costs of $163	12			79,622			—		—			—			79,634
Issuance of common stock	—			592			—		—			—			592
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(4		)	(28,456		)	—		—			—			(28,460		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—		—			(362		)	(362		)
Balances at December 31, 2019	$	106		$	312,733		$	199,005	$	4,418		$	728		$	516,990

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	54,988		$	41,353		$	33,433
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	7,311			6,282			7,067
Provision for loan losses	1,200			1,600			2,325
Provision for deferred taxes	(2,652		)	(1,521		)	6,962
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance	(1,967		)	(1,857		)	(1,778		)
Stock-based compensation expense	5,038			4,901			3,064
Assets (gains) losses, net	(7,897		)	(1,169		)	(2,029		)
Gain on sale of loans held for sale, net	(11,244		)	(5,499		)	(4,777		)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale	425,530			241,739			222,879
Origination of loans held for sale	(418,229		)	(234,416		)	(219,696		)
Net change in accrued interest receivable and other assets	(2,951		)	(666		)	(5,360		)
Net change in accrued interest payable and other liabilities	9,010			242			(1,377		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	58,137			50,989			40,713
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Net (increase) decrease in certificates of deposit in other banks	(1,924		)	753			2,238
Purchases of securities AFS	(95,627		)	(76,564		)	(63,117		)
Proceeds from sales of securities AFS	23,405			5,280			10,798
Proceeds from calls and maturities of securities AFS	53,933			66,706			47,569
Net (increase) decrease in loans	(57,156		)	(71,629		)	(160,624		)
Purchases of other investments	(2,669		)	(1,550		)	(3,320		)
Proceeds from sales of other investments	17,144			807			6,678
Net increases in premises and equipment	(4,392		)	(4,260		)	(2,018		)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate and other assets	457			2,824			1,724
Purchase of BOLI	(5,000		)	—			—
Proceeds from redemption of BOLI	1,348			561			—
Net cash received in business combinations	7,331			—			9,119
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(63,150		)	(77,072		)	(150,953		)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net increase in deposits	49,259			143,153			126,782
Net decrease in short-term borrowings	(4,233		)	—			—
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	—			—			30,000
Repayments of long-term borrowings	(87,237		)	(1,253		)	(9,549		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(362		)	(275		)	—
Capitalized issuance costs, net	(163		)	—			(186		)
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(28,460		)	(22,749		)	(15,007		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	8,742			1,800			4,030
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(62,454		)	120,676			136,070
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(67,467		)	94,593			25,830
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	249,526			154,933			129,103
Ending cash and cash equivalents *	$	182,059		$	249,526		$	154,933
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest	$	22,334		$	18,537		$	10,932
Cash paid for taxes	16,140			10,821			12,789
Transfer of loans and bank premises to other real estate owned	1,025			607			828
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights	2,876			1,203			876
Transfer of loans from held for sale to held for investment	—			—			3,236
Acquisitions:
Fair value of assets acquired	$	412,000		$	—		$	439,000
Fair value of liabilities assumed	377,000			—			398,000
Net assets acquired	$	35,000		$	—		$	41,000
Common stock issued in acquisitions	79,797			—			62,246

* Cash and cash equivalents include restricted cash of $6.0 million, $6.3 million, and $5.4 million at December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, for the reserve balance required with the Federal Reserve Bank. At December 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents also includes restricted cash of $1.3 million pledged as collateral on interest rate swaps.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Banking Activities and Subsidiaries: Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “Nicolet”) was incorporated on April 5, 2000, to serve as the holding company and sole shareholder of Nicolet National Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank opened for business on November 1, 2000. Since its opening in late 2000, Nicolet has supplemented its organic growth with branch purchase and acquisition transactions. See Note 2 for additional information on the Company’s recent acquisitions.

The Company partnered with Nicolet Joint Ventures, LLC (the “JV”), a real estate development and investment firm (the “Firm”), to develop and own the Company’s headquarters facility. The Firm is considered a related party, as one of its principals is a Board member and shareholder of the Company. The JV involves a 50% ownership by the Company. See Note 14 for additional related party disclosures.

The Company also owns Brookfield Investment Partners, LLC (“Brookfield Investments”), a wholly owned investment advisory firm that provides investment strategy and transactional services to financial institutions. During late 2016, the Company formed Nicolet Advisory Services, LLC (“Nicolet Advisory”), a wholly owned registered investment advisor subsidiary that provides brokerage and investment advisory services to customers.

During 2019, the Bank liquidated a portion of its equity interest in United Financial Services, LLC (“LLC”), a data processing and e-banking entity. Prior to the partial liquidation, the Bank owned a 49.8% indirect interest in LLC through its stock ownership of United Financial Services, Inc. (“INC”), collectively referred to as “UFS”. In May 2019, LLC sold membership units to various community banks through a private placement offering, with the full proceeds used to redeem a portion of the membership units held in INC. In turn, INC used the full proceeds net of tax to redeem 80% of the shares of its stock owned by Nicolet, and Nicolet recognized an after-tax gain of $7.4 million on the partial sale. Given the level of control, the investment in UFS is carried in other assets under the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of the Bank’s investment in UFS was $2.8 million and $11.5 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Bank’s pro rata share of UFS income is included in other noninterest income, and was $0.9 million, $1.8 million, and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Amounts paid to UFS for data processing services by the Bank were $3.2 million, $2.8 million, and $2.6 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Bank, Brookfield Investments, Nicolet Advisory and the JV. The JV underlies the noncontrolling interest reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and conform to general practices within the banking industry. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Results of operations of companies purchased, if any, are included from the date of acquisition.

Operating Segment: The consolidated income of the Company is derived principally from the Bank, which conducts lending (primarily commercial-based loans, as well as residential and consumer loans) and deposit gathering (including other banking- and deposit-related products and services, such as ATMs, safe deposit boxes, check cashing, wires, and debit cards) to businesses, consumers and governmental units principally in its trade area of northeastern and central Wisconsin, and Menominee, Michigan, trust services, brokerage services (delivered through the Bank and Nicolet Advisory), and the support to deliver, fund and manage all such banking and wealth management services to its customer base. The individual contributions of the JV, Brookfield Investments and Nicolet Advisory were not significant to the consolidated balance sheet or net income for 2019, 2018, or 2017. While the chief operating decision makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, and evaluate costs, balance sheet positions and quality, all such products, services and activities are directly or indirectly related to the business of community banking, with no regular, formal or material segment delineations. Operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a company-wide basis, and accordingly, all the financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

Use of Estimates: Preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, the allowance for loan losses, valuation of loans in acquisition transactions, useful lives for depreciation and amortization, fair value of financial instruments, other-than-temporary impairment calculations, valuation of deferred tax assets, uncertain income tax positions, and contingencies. Estimates that are particularly

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

susceptible to significant change for the Company include the determination of the allowance for loan losses, determination and assessment of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation of loans acquired in acquisition transactions; therefore, these are critical accounting policies. Factors that may cause sensitivity to the aforementioned estimates include but are not limited to: external market factors such as market interest rates and employment rates, changes to operating policies and procedures, changes in applicable banking or tax regulations, and changes to deferred tax estimates. Actual results may ultimately differ from estimates, although management does not generally believe such differences would materially affect the consolidated financial statements in any individual reporting period presented.

Business Combinations: The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). The Company recognizes the full fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and immediately expenses transaction costs. There is no separate recognition of the acquired allowance for loan losses on the acquirer’s balance sheet as credit related factors are incorporated directly into the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. If the amount of consideration exceeds the fair value of assets purchased less the fair value of liabilities assumed, goodwill is recorded. Alternatively, if the amount by which the fair value of assets purchased exceeds the fair value of liabilities assumed and consideration paid, a gain (“bargain purchase gain”) is recorded. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of an acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. Results of operations of the acquired business are included in the statements of income from the effective date of the acquisition. Additional information regarding recent acquisitions is provided in Note 2.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits in other banks with original maturities of less than 90 days, if any, and federal funds sold. The Bank maintains amounts in due from banks which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. Management monitors these correspondent relationships. The Bank has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Bank may have restrictions on cash and due from banks as it is required to maintain certain vault cash and reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank to meet specific reserve requirements. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the reserve balance required with the Federal Reserve Bank approximated $6.0 million and $6.3 million, respectively, of which there was sufficient cash to cover the reserve requirement. In addition, cash and cash equivalents includes restricted cash of $1.3 million pledged as collateral on an interest rate swap.

Securities Available for Sale: Securities classified as AFS are those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity, and includes U.S. government agency securities; state, county and municipal securities; mortgage-backed securities; and corporate debt securities. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted a new accounting standard, which requires equity securities with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income (see Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted within Note 1 for the impact of this new accounting guidance). Such securities are no longer reflected as securities AFS, and are now reflected within other investments on the consolidated balance sheets. Prior periods have not been restated for the impact of this accounting change.

Any decision to sell a security classified as AFS would be based on various factors, including significant movements in interest rates, changes in the maturity mix of the Company’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations, and other similar factors. Securities classified as AFS are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses, net of related deferred income taxes, reported as increases or decreases in accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses on sales of securities AFS (using the specific identification method) and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in the consolidated statements of income under asset gains (losses), net. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the related securities using the effective interest method. See Note 3 for additional disclosures on AFS securities.

Management evaluates securities AFS for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. A decline in the market value of any investment below amortized cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is charged to earnings for the decline in value deemed to be credit related and a new cost basis in the security is established. The decline in value attributed to non-credit related factors considered temporary in nature is recognized in other comprehensive income. In evaluating other-than-temporary impairment, management considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer for a period sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term.

Other Investments: Other investments include equity securities with readily determinable fair values, “restricted” equity securities, and private company securities. At December 31, 2019, other investments included $3.4 million of equity securities with readily determinable fair values, $16.8 million of "restricted" equity securities, and $3.9 million of private company securities. As a member

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

of the Federal Reserve Bank System, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, and the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System, the Bank is required to maintain an investment in the capital stock of these entities. These equity securities are “restricted” in that they can only be sold back to the respective institutions or another member institution at par. Therefore, they are less liquid than other exchange traded equity securities. As no ready market exists for these stocks, and they have no quoted market value, these investments are carried at cost. Also included are investments in other private companies that do not have quoted market prices, which are carried at cost less other-than-temporary impairment charges, if any. Management’s evaluation of these other investments for impairment includes consideration of the financial condition and other available relevant information of the issuer.

Loans Held for Sale: Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value as determined on an aggregate basis and generally consist of current production of certain fixed-rate residential first mortgages. The amount by which cost exceeds market value is recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Changes, if any, in the valuation allowance are also included in earnings in the period in which the change occurs. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, no valuation allowance was necessary. Loans held for sale may be sold servicing retained or servicing released, and are generally sold without recourse. The carrying value of mortgage loans sold with servicing retained is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right at the time of sale. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans held for sale are included in earnings in mortgage income, net.

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (“ALLL”) – Originated Loans: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are carried at their principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance using the simple interest method. The accrual of interest income on loans is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the borrower’s ability to meet payment of interest or principal when due. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or principal, though may be placed in such status earlier based on the circumstances. Loans past due 90 days or more may continue on accrual only when they are well secured and/or in process of collection or renewal. When interest accrual is discontinued, all previously accrued but uncollected interest is reversed against current period interest income. Except in very limited circumstances, cash collections on nonaccrual loans are credited to the loan receivable balance and no interest income is recognized on those loans until the principal balance is paid in full. Accrual of interest may be resumed when the customer is current on all principal and interest payments and has been paying on a timely basis for a sustained period of time. See Note 4 for additional information and disclosures on originated loans.

Management considers a loan to be impaired when it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. For determining the appropriateness of the ALLL, management defines impaired loans as nonaccrual credit relationships over $250,000, all loans determined to be troubled debt restructurings, plus additional loans with impairment risk characteristics. At the time an individual loan goes into nonaccrual status, management evaluates the loan for impairment and possible charge-off regardless of loan size. Typically, impairment amounts for loans under the scope criteria are charged off when the impairment amount is determined.

The ALLL represents management’s estimate of probable and inherent credit losses in the Company’s loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. In general, estimating the amount of the ALLL is a function of a number of factors, including but not limited to changes in the loan portfolio, net charge-offs, trends in past due and impaired loans, and the level of potential problem loans, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. Actual credit losses, net of recoveries, are deducted from the ALLL. Loans are charged off when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ALLL. A provision for loan losses, which is a charge against income, is recorded to bring the ALLL to a level that, in management’s judgment, is appropriate to absorb probable losses in the loan portfolio.

The allocation methodology applied by the Company is designed to assess the overall appropriateness of the ALLL and includes allocations for specifically identified impaired loans and loss factors for all remaining loans, with a component primarily based on historical loss rates and another component primarily based on other qualitative factors. Impaired loans are individually assessed and are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Loans that are determined not to be impaired are collectively evaluated for impairment, stratified by type and allocated loss ranges based on the Company’s actual historical loss ratios for each strata, and adjustments are also provided for certain current environmental and qualitative factors. An internal loan review function rates loans using a grading system based on nine different categories. Loans with grades of seven or higher (“classified loans”) represent loans with a greater risk of loss and may be assigned allocations for loss based on specific review of the weaknesses observed in the individual credits if classified as impaired. Classified loans are constantly monitored by the loan review function to ensure early identification of any deterioration.

Allocations to the ALLL may be made for specific loans but the entire ALLL is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off or for which an actual loss is realized. The allowance analysis is reviewed by the Board on a quarterly basis in compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.

Loans and ALLL – Acquired Loans: The loans purchased in acquisition transactions are acquired loans. Acquired loans are recorded at their estimated fair value at the acquisition date, and are initially classified as either purchase credit impaired (“PCI”) loans (i.e., loans that reflect credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at acquisition that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments) or purchased non-impaired loans (i.e., “performing acquired loans”). See Note 4 for additional information and disclosures on acquired loans.

PCI loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality, found in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 310-30, Receivables—Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. The Company estimates the amount and timing of expected principal, interest and other cash flows for each loan or pool of loans meeting the criteria above, and determines the excess of the loan’s scheduled contractual principal and contractual interest payments over all cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition as an amount that should not be accreted. These credit discounts (“nonaccretable marks”) are included in the determination of the initial fair value for acquired loans; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not recorded at the acquisition date. Differences between the estimated fair values and expected cash flows of acquired loans at the acquisition date that are not credit-based (“accretable marks”) are subsequently accreted to interest income over the estimated life of the loans using a method that approximates a level yield if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable. Subsequent to the acquisition date for PCI loans, increases in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date result in a move of the discount from nonaccretable to accretable. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are recognized through the provision for loan losses. All fair value discounts initially recorded on PCI loans were deemed to be credit related.

Performing acquired loans are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs. Performance of certain loans may be monitored, and based on management’s assessment of the cash flows and other facts available, portions of the accretable difference may be delayed or suspended if management deems appropriate. The Company’s policy for determining when to discontinue accruing interest on performing acquired loans and the subsequent accounting for such loans is essentially the same as the policy for originated loans described above.

An ALLL is calculated using a methodology similar to that described for originated loans. Performing acquired loans are subsequently evaluated for any required allowance at each reporting date. Such required allowance for each loan pool is compared to the remaining fair value discount for that pool. If greater, the excess is recognized as an addition to the allowance through a provision for loan losses charge. If less than the discount, no additional allowance is recorded. Charge-offs and losses first reduce any remaining fair value discount for the loan pool and once the discount is depleted, losses are applied against the allowance established for that pool.

For PCI loans after acquisition, cash flows expected to be collected are recast for each loan periodically as determined appropriate by management. If the present value of expected cash flows for a loan is less than its carrying value, impairment is reflected by an increase in the ALLL and a charge to the provision for loan losses. If the present value of the expected cash flows for a loan is greater than its carrying value, any previously established ALLL is reversed and any remaining difference increases the accretable yield which will be taken into income over the remaining life of the loan. Loans which were considered troubled debt restructurings prior to the acquisition transaction are not required to be classified as troubled debt restructurings in the Company’s consolidated financial statements unless or until such loans would subsequently meet criteria to be classified as such, since acquired loans were recorded at their estimated fair values at the time of the acquisition.

Credit-Related Financial Instruments: In the ordinary course of business the Company has entered into financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, financial standby letters of credit, and performance standby letters of credit. Financial

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

standby letters of credit are issued specifically to facilitate commerce and typically result in the commitment being drawn on when the underlying transaction is consummated between the customer and the third party, while performance standby letters of credit generally are contingent upon the failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of the underlying contract with the third party. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they are funded. See Note 13 for additional information and disclosures on credit-related financial instruments.

Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets, primarily in loan participation activities, are accounted for as sales only when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of the right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return assets.

Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Premises and equipment from acquisitions were recorded at estimated fair value on the respective dates of acquisition. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the terms of the related leases. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. See Note 5 for additional information on premises and equipment.

Estimated useful lives of new premises and equipment generally range as follows:



Building and improvements		25 – 40 years
Leasehold improvements		5 – 15 years
Furniture and equipment		3 – 10 years

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”): OREO acquired through partial or total satisfaction of loans or bank facilities no longer in use are carried at fair value less estimated costs to sell. Any write-down in the carrying value of loans or vacated bank premises at the time of transfer to OREO is charged to the ALLL or to write-down of assets, respectively. OREO properties acquired in conjunction with the acquisition transactions were recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. Any subsequent write-downs to reflect current fair value, as well as gains or losses on disposition and revenues and expenses incurred to hold and maintain such properties, are treated as period costs. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, OREO was $1.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if certain events or circumstances occur. Other intangibles include core deposit intangibles (which represent the value of acquired customer core deposit bases) and customer list intangibles. The core deposit intangibles have an estimated finite life, are amortized on an accelerated basis over a 10-year period, and are subject to periodic impairment evaluation. The customer list intangibles have finite lives and are amortized on a straight-line basis to expense over their initial weighted average life of approximately 12 years as of acquisition. See Note 6 for additional information on goodwill and other intangibles.

Management periodically reviews the carrying value of its intangible assets to determine if any impairment has occurred, in which case an impairment charge would be recorded as an expense in the period of impairment, or whether changes in circumstances have occurred that would require a revision to the remaining useful life which would impact expense prospectively. In making such determination, management evaluates whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist, as well as the performance, on an undiscounted basis, of the underlying operations or assets which give rise to the intangible. The Company’s annual assessments resulted in a $0.8 million impairment charge on goodwill in late 2019 for a recent change in business strategy, while no other impairment was indicated on the remaining goodwill and other intangibles for 2019 or 2018.

Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSRs”): If the Company sells originated residential mortgages into the secondary market and retains the right to service the loans sold, then a mortgage servicing right asset (liability) is capitalized upon sale with the offsetting effect recorded as a gain (loss) on sale of loans in earnings (included in mortgage income, net), representing the then-current estimated fair value of future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing the servicing activities. MSRs when purchased (including MSRs purchased in acquisitions) are initially recorded at their then-estimated fair value. As the Company has not elected to measure any class of servicing assets under the fair value method, the Company utilizes the amortization method. MSRs are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, with the amortization charged to earnings

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(included in mortgage income, net). MSRs are carried at the lower of initial capitalized amount, net of accumulated amortization, or estimated fair value, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Loan servicing fee income for servicing loans is typically based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal and is recorded as income when earned (included in mortgage income, net with less material late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing).

The Company periodically evaluates its MSRs for impairment. At each reporting date impairment is assessed based on estimated fair value using estimated prepayment speeds of the underlying mortgage loans serviced and stratifications based on the risk characteristics of the underlying loans (predominantly loan type and note interest rate). The value of MSRs is adversely affected when mortgage interest rates decline and mortgage loan prepayments increase. A valuation allowance is established through a charge to earnings (included in mortgage income, net) to the extent the amortized cost of the MSRs exceeds the estimated fair value by stratification. If it is later determined that all or a portion of the temporary impairment no longer exists for a stratification, the valuation is reduced through a recovery to earnings, though not beyond the net amortized cost carried. An other-than-temporary impairment (i.e., recoverability is considered remote when considering interest rates and loan payoff activity) is recognized as a write-down of the MSRs and the related valuation allowance (to the extent a valuation allowance is available) and then against earnings. A direct write-down permanently reduces the carrying value of the MSRs and valuation allowance, precluding subsequent recoveries. No valuation allowance or impairment charge was recorded for 2019 or 2018. See Note 6 for additional information on MSRs.

Bank-owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”): The Company owns BOLI on certain executives and employees. BOLI balances are recorded at their cash surrender values. Changes in the cash surrender values and death proceeds exceeding carrying values are included in noninterest income.

Short-term Borrowings: Short-term borrowings consist primarily of overnight Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repos”), or other short-term borrowing arrangements with an original maturity of one year or less. Repos are with commercial deposit customers, and are treated as financing activities carried at the amounts that will be subsequently repurchased as specified in the respective agreements. Repos generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. The Company may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. There were no outstanding agreements at December 31, 2019 or 2018.

Stock-based Compensation: Share-based payments to employees, including grants of restricted stock or stock options, are valued at fair value of the award on the date of grant and expensed on a straight-line basis as compensation expense over the applicable vesting period. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options and the quoted market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant is used to estimate the fair value of restricted stock awards. See Note 10 for additional information on stock-based compensation.

Income Taxes: The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and a combined state income tax return (both of which include the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries). Accordingly, amounts equal to tax benefits of those companies having taxable federal losses or credits are reimbursed by the companies that incur federal tax liabilities.

Amounts provided for income tax expense are based on income reported for financial statement purposes and do not necessarily represent amounts currently payable under tax laws. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed quarterly for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through income tax expense. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that a portion of the full amount of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies.

At acquisition, deferred taxes were evaluated in respect to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities (including the acquired net operating losses), and a net deferred tax asset was recorded. Certain limitations within the provisions of the tax code are placed on the amount of net operating losses which can be utilized as part of acquisition accounting rules and were incorporated into the calculation of the deferred tax asset. In addition, a portion of the fair market value discounts on PCI loans which resolved in the first twelve months after the acquisition were disallowed under provisions of the tax code.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company may also recognize a liability for unrecognized tax benefits from uncertainty in income tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits represent the differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured in the consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2019, the Company determined it had no significant uncertainty in income tax positions. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax expense. See Note 12 for additional information on income taxes.

Earnings per Common Share: Basic earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of outstanding common stock awards, if any. See Note 19 for additional information on earnings per common share.

Treasury Stock: Treasury stock is accounted for at cost on a first-in-first-out basis. It is the Company’s general practice to cancel treasury stock shares in the same quarter as purchased, and thus, not carry a treasury stock balance.

Comprehensive Income: Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on securities AFS, bypass the statement of income and instead are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet. Realized gains or losses are reclassified to current period income. Changes in these items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. The Company presents comprehensive income in a separate consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Revenue Recognition: Accounting principles require that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance includes a five-step model to apply to revenue recognition, consisting of the following: (1) identify the contract; (2) identify the performance obligation in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when or as the performance obligation is satisfied. See Note 20 for additional information on Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).

Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the 2018 and 2017 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2019 presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted: In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. ASU 2017-12 expands the activities that qualify for hedge accounting and simplifies the rules for reporting hedging transactions. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the updated guidance effective January 1, 2019 with no material impact on its consolidated financial statements, because the Company does not have any significant derivatives and does not currently apply hedge accounting to derivatives.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), with several subsequent updates. Topic 842 introduced a new accounting model for lessors and lessees. For lessees, almost all leases are now recognized on the balance sheet as a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability, unlike previous GAAP which required only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The accounting applied by lessors is largely unchanged from existing guidance. Topic 842 also requires additional disclosures concerning the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The updated guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and provides a modified retrospective transition approach that allows lessees to recognize and measure leases on the balance sheet at the beginning of either the earliest period presented or as of the beginning of the period of adoption (the "effective date" method), with the option to elect certain practical expedients. Nicolet adopted the new guidance prospectively as of January 1, 2019, using the effective date method; thus, prior comparative periods have not been restated.

Upon adoption, Nicolet recognized an ROU asset and lease liability of approximately $5 million. There was no impact to its consolidated statements of income or cash flows compared to the prior lease accounting model. The ROU asset and lease liability are recorded in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. As part of the adoption, Nicolet elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance of the new standard which allowed the carry

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

forward of the historical lease classification. Nicolet also elected the practical expedient to group lease and non-lease components as a single lease component; thus, the Company's leases include both lease (e.g., fixed payments including rent, taxes, and insurance costs) and non-lease components (e.g., common area or other maintenance costs). See Note 5 for the new disclosures required by Topic 842.

NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS

Choice Bancorp, Inc. (“Choice”):

On November 8, 2019, the Company consummated its merger with Choice, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 26, 2019, (the “Choice Merger Agreement”), whereby Choice was merged with and into Nicolet, and Choice Bank, the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Choice, was merged with and into the Bank. The system integration was completed, and the two branches of Choice opened on November 12, 2019, as Nicolet National Bank branches, expanding its presence in the Oshkosh marketplace. The Company closed its legacy Oshkosh location concurrently with the consummation of the Choice merger.

The purpose of the merger was to continue Nicolet’s interest in strategic growth, consistent with its plan to improve profitability through efficiency, leverage the strengths of each bank across the combined customer base, and add shareholder value. With the merger, Nicolet became the leading community bank to serve the Oshkosh marketplace.

Pursuant to the Choice Merger Agreement, the final purchase price consisted of issuing 1,184,102 shares of the Company's common stock (given the final stock-for-stock exchange ratio of 0.497, and not exchanging the Choice shares owned by the Company immediately prior to the time of the merger), for common stock consideration of $79.8 million (based on $67.39 per share, the volume weighted average closing price of the Company's common stock over the preceding 30 trading day period) plus cash consideration of $1.7 million. Approximately $0.2 million in direct stock issuance costs for the merger were incurred and charged against additional paid-in capital.

Upon consummation, the Company added $457 million in assets, including $348 million in loans, $289 million in deposits, $1.7 million in core deposit intangible, and $45 million of goodwill. The Company accounted for the transaction under the acquisition method of accounting, and thus, the financial position and results of operations of Choice prior to the consummation date were not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The accounting required assets purchased and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

Brokerage business acquired:

During the third quarter of 2018, Nicolet purchased a small brokerage book of business from a retiring financial advisor in support of the Company's initiative to expand its wealth management business. As a result of this purchase, the Company recorded a customer list intangible of $290,000 which will be amortized on a straight-line basis.

First Menasha Bancshares, Inc. (“First Menasha”):

On April 28, 2017, the Company consummated its merger with First Menasha pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 3, 2016, (the “First Menasha Merger Agreement”), whereby First Menasha was merged with and into the Company, and The First National Bank-Fox Valley, the wholly owned commercial bank subsidiary of First Menasha, was merged with and into the Bank. The system integration was completed, and five branches of First Menasha opened on May 1, 2017, as Nicolet National Bank branches, expanding its presence in Calumet and Winnebago Counties, Wisconsin. The Company closed one of its Calumet County locations concurrently with the consummation of the First Menasha merger.

Pursuant to the First Menasha Merger Agreement, the final purchase price consisted of issuing 1,309,885 shares of the Company’s common stock (given the final stock-for-stock exchange ratio of 3.126, and not exchanging the First Menasha shares owned by the Company immediately prior to the time of the merger), for common stock consideration of $62.2 million (based on $47.52 per share, the volume weighted average closing price of the Company’s common stock over the preceding 20 trading day period) plus cash consideration of $19.3 million. Approximately $0.2 million in direct stock issuance costs for the merger were incurred and charged against additional paid-in capital.

Upon consummation, the Company added $480 million in assets, $351 million in loans, $375 million in deposits, $4 million in core deposit intangible, and $41 million of goodwill. The Company accounted for the transaction under the acquisition method of accounting, and thus, the financial position and results of operations of First Menasha prior to the consummation date were not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The accounting required assets purchased and liabilities assumed to be recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 3. SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale are summarized as follows.



	December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
U.S. government agency securities	$	16,516	$	4	$	60	$	16,460
State, county and municipals	155,501		1,049		157		156,393
Mortgage-backed securities	193,223		2,492		697		195,018
Corporate debt securities	78,009		3,422		—		81,431
	$	443,249	$	6,967	$	914	$	449,302



	December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
U.S. government agency securities	$	22,467	$	—	$	818	$	21,649
State, county and municipals	163,702		76		3,252		160,526
Mortgage-backed securities	134,350		328		3,034		131,644
Corporate debt securities	87,352		66		1,093		86,325
	$	407,871	$	470	$	8,197	$	400,144

The following table presents gross unrealized losses and the related estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale, aggregated by investment category and the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.



	December 31, 2019
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Number of Securities
U.S. government agency securities	$	1,035	$	2	$	11,091	$	58	$	12,126	$	60	6
State, county and municipals	22,451		132		7,605		25		30,056		157		56
Mortgage-backed securities	49,626		245		47,271		452		96,897		697		150
Corporate debt securities	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	$	73,112	$	379	$	65,967	$	535	$	139,079	$	914	212



	December 31, 2018
	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
(in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Number of Securities
U.S. government agency securities	$	—	$	—	$	21,649	$	818	$	21,649	$	818	3
State, county and municipals	16,136		98		130,975		3,154		147,111		3,252		440
Mortgage-backed securities	20,568		132		89,189		2,902		109,757		3,034		204
Corporate debt securities	51,592		677		9,757		416		61,349		1,093		33
	$	88,296	$	907	$	251,570	$	7,290	$	339,866	$	8,197	680

As of December 31, 2019, the Company does not consider its securities AFS with unrealized losses to be other-than-temporarily impaired as the unrealized losses in each category have occurred as a result of changes in interest rates, market spreads, and market

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

conditions subsequent to purchase, not credit deterioration. The Company has the ability and intent to hold its securities to maturity. There were no other-than-temporary impairment charges recognized in earnings on securities AFS during 2019, 2018, or 2017.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities AFS by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties; as this is particularly inherent in mortgage-backed securities, these securities are not included in the maturity categories below. See Note 17 for additional information on the Company’s fair value measurements.



	December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in less than one year	$	18,662	$	18,679
Due in one year through five years	187,010		190,149
Due after five years through ten years	35,440		35,829
Due after ten years	8,914		9,627
	250,026		254,284
Mortgage-backed securities	193,223		195,018
Securities AFS	$	443,249	$	449,302

AFS securities with a carrying value of $166 million and $157 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were pledged as collateral on public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

Proceeds from sales of securities AFS is summarized as follows.



	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Gross gains	$	152		$	—		$	1,227
Gross losses	(174		)	(212		)	(7		)
Gains (losses) on sales of securities AFS, net	$	(22	)	$	(212	)	$	1,220
Proceeds from sales of securities AFS	$	23,405		$	5,280		$	10,798

NOTE 4. LOANS, ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES, AND CREDIT QUALITY

The loan composition is summarized as follows.



	December 31, 2019					December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Amount			% of Total		Amount			% of Total
Commercial & industrial	$	806,189		31	%	$	684,920		32	%
Owner-occupied commercial real estate (“CRE”)	496,372			19		441,353			20
Agricultural (“AG”) production	35,982			2		35,625			2
AG real estate	59,468			2		53,444			2
CRE investment	443,218			17		343,652			16
Construction & land development	92,970			4		80,599			4
Residential construction	54,403			2		30,926			1
Residential first mortgage	432,167			17		357,841			17
Residential junior mortgage	122,771			5		111,328			5
Retail & other	30,211			1		26,493			1
Loans	2,573,751			100	%	2,166,181			100	%
Less ALLL	13,972					13,153
Loans, net	$	2,559,779				$	2,153,028
ALLL to loans	0.54		%			0.61		%

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

As a further breakdown, loans are summarized by originated and acquired as follows.



	December 31, 2019										December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Originated Amount			% of Total		Acquired Amount			% of Total		Originated Amount			% of Total		Acquired Amount			% of Total
Commercial & industrial	$	641,341		39	%	$	164,848		18	%	$	568,100		38	%	$	116,820		17	%
Owner-occupied CRE	329,138			20		167,234			18		283,531			19		157,822			23
AG production	11,824			1		24,158			3		11,113			1		24,512			4
AG real estate	38,983			2		20,485			2		31,374			2		22,070			3
CRE investment	183,746			11		259,472			28		171,087			12		172,565			25
Construction & land development	56,086			3		36,884			4		66,478			4		14,121			2
Residential construction	43,460			3		10,943			1		30,926			2		—			—
Residential first mortgage	232,580			14		199,587			22		220,368			15		137,473			20
Residential junior mortgage	90,284			5		32,487			4		78,379			5		32,949			5
Retail & other	28,373			2		1,838			—		23,809			2		2,684			1
Loans	1,655,815			100	%	917,936			100	%	1,485,165			100	%	681,016			100	%
Less ALLL	12,116					1,856					11,448					1,705
Loans, net	$	1,643,699				$	916,080				$	1,473,717				$	679,311
ALLL to loans	0.73		%			0.20		%			0.77		%			0.25		%

Practically all of the Company’s loans, commitments, and letters of credit have been granted to customers in the Company’s market area. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, the credit risk in the loan portfolio is largely influenced by general economic conditions and trends of the counties and markets in which the debtors operate, and the resulting impact on the operations of borrowers or on the value of underlying collateral, if any. See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy on loans and the allowance for loan losses.

A roll forward of the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows.



	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Beginning balance	$	13,153		$	12,653		$	11,820
Provision for loan losses	1,200			1,600			2,325
Charge-offs	(927		)	(1,213		)	(1,604		)
Recoveries	546			113			112
Net charge-offs	(381		)	(1,100		)	(1,492		)
Ending balance	$	13,972		$	13,153		$	12,653

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables present the balance and activity in the ALLL by portfolio segment and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment for the year ended December 31, 2019.



	TOTAL – Year Ended December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Commercial & industrial			Owner- occupied CRE			AG production			AG real estate			CRE investment			Construction & land development			Residential construction			Residential first mortgage			Residential junior mortgage			Retail & other			Total
ALLL:
Beginning balance	$	5,271		$	2,847		$	121		$	301		$	1,470		$	510		$	211		$	1,646		$	472		$	304		$	13,153
Provision	(61		)	254			89			68			130			(96		)	383			9			86			338			1,200
Charge-offs	(159		)	(93		)	—			—			—			—			(226		)	(22		)	(80		)	(347		)	(927		)
Recoveries	420			2			—			—			—			—			—			36			39			49			546
Net charge-offs	261			(91		)	—			—			—			—			(226		)	14			(41		)	(298		)	(381		)
Ending balance	$	5,471		$	3,010		$	210		$	369		$	1,600		$	414		$	368		$	1,669		$	517		$	344		$	13,972
As % of ALLL	39		%	22		%	1		%	3		%	11		%	3		%	3		%	12		%	4		%	2		%	100		%
ALLL:
Individually evaluated	$	625		$	—		$	116		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	741
Collectively evaluated	4,846			3,010			94			369			1,600			414			368			1,669			517			344			13,231
Ending balance	$	5,471		$	3,010		$	210		$	369		$	1,600		$	414		$	368		$	1,669		$	517		$	344		$	13,972
Loans:
Individually evaluated	$	5,932		$	3,430		$	1,061		$	1,073		$	2,426		$	382		$	—		$	2,357		$	218		$	12		$	16,891
Collectively evaluated	800,257			492,942			34,921			58,395			440,792			92,588			54,403			429,810			122,553			30,199			2,556,860
Total loans	$	806,189		$	496,372		$	35,982		$	59,468		$	443,218		$	92,970		$	54,403		$	432,167		$	122,771		$	30,211		$	2,573,751
Less ALLL	5,471			3,010			210			369			1,600			414			368			1,669			517			344			13,972
Net loans	$	800,718		$	493,362		$	35,772		$	59,099		$	441,618		$	92,556		$	54,035		$	430,498		$	122,254		$	29,867		$	2,559,779

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

As a further breakdown, the ALLL is summarized by originated and acquired as follows.



	Originated – Year Ended December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Commercial & industrial			Owner- occupied CRE			AG production			AG real estate			CRE investment			Construction & land development			Residential construction			Residential first mortgage			Residential junior mortgage			Retail & other			Total
ALLL:
Beginning balance	$	4,683		$	2,439		$	110		$	255		$	1,230		$	431		$	211		$	1,400		$	408		$	281		$	11,448
Provision	(207		)	212			85			57			124			(81		)	340			5			25			335			895
Charge-offs	(59		)	(93		)	—			—			—			—			(226		)	(22		)	(20		)	(347		)	(767		)
Recoveries	420			2			—			—			—			—			—			36			33			49			540
Net charge-offs	361			(91		)	—			—			—			—			(226		)	14			13			(298		)	(227		)
Ending balance	$	4,837		$	2,560		$	195		$	312		$	1,354		$	350		$	325		$	1,419		$	446		$	318		$	12,116
As % of ALLL	40		%	21		%	2		%	2		%	11		%	3		%	3		%	12		%	4		%	2		%	100		%
ALLL:
Individually evaluated	$	625		$	—		$	116		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	741
Collectively evaluated	4,212			2,560			79			312			1,354			350			325			1,419			446			318			11,375
Ending balance	$	4,837		$	2,560		$	195		$	312		$	1,354		$	350		$	325		$	1,419		$	446		$	318		$	12,116
Loans:
Individually evaluated	$	1,993		$	1,845		$	1,008		$	862		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,708
Collectively evaluated	639,348			327,293			10,816			38,121			183,746			56,086			43,460			232,580			90,284			28,373			1,650,107
Total loans	$	641,341		$	329,138		$	11,824		$	38,983		$	183,746		$	56,086		$	43,460		$	232,580		$	90,284		$	28,373		$	1,655,815
Less ALLL	4,837			2,560			195			312			1,354			350			325			1,419			446			318			12,116
Net loans	$	636,504		$	326,578		$	11,629		$	38,671		$	182,392		$	55,736		$	43,135		$	231,161		$	89,838		$	28,055		$	1,643,699



	Acquired – Year Ended December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Commercial & industrial			Owner- occupied CRE			AG production			AG real estate			CRE investment			Construction & land development			Residential construction			Residential first mortgage			Residential junior mortgage			Retail & other			Total
ALLL:
Beginning balance	$	588		$	408		$	11		$	46		$	240		$	79		$	—		$	246		$	64		$	23		$	1,705
Provision	146			42			4			11			6			(15		)	43			4			61			3			305
Charge-offs	(100		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(60		)	—			(160		)
Recoveries	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			6			—			6
Net charge-offs	(100		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(54		)	—			(154		)
Ending balance	$	634		$	450		$	15		$	57		$	246		$	64		$	43		$	250		$	71		$	26		$	1,856
As % of ALLL	34		%	24		%	1		%	3		%	13		%	4		%	2		%	14		%	4		%	1		%	100		%
ALLL:
Individually evaluated	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated	634			450			15			57			246			64			43			250			71			26			1,856
Ending balance	$	634		$	450		$	15		$	57		$	246		$	64		$	43		$	250		$	71		$	26		$	1,856
Loans:
Individually evaluated	$	3,939		$	1,585		$	53		$	211		$	2,426		$	382		$	—		$	2,357		$	218		$	12		$	11,183
Collectively evaluated	160,909			165,649			24,105			20,274			257,046			36,502			10,943			197,230			32,269			1,826			906,753
Total loans	$	164,848		$	167,234		$	24,158		$	20,485		$	259,472		$	36,884		$	10,943		$	199,587		$	32,487		$	1,838		$	917,936
Less ALLL	634			450			15			57			246			64			43			250			71			26			1,856
Net loans	$	164,214		$	166,784		$	24,143		$	20,428		$	259,226		$	36,820		$	10,900		$	199,337		$	32,416		$	1,812		$	916,080

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For comparison, the following tables present the balance and activity in the ALLL by portfolio segment and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment for the year ended December 31, 2018.



	TOTAL – Year Ended December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Commercial & industrial			Owner- occupied CRE			AG production			AG real estate			CRE investment			Construction & land development			Residential construction			Residential first mortgage			Residential junior mortgage			Retail & other			Total
ALLL:
Beginning balance	$	4,934		$	2,607		$	129		$	296		$	1,388		$	726		$	251		$	1,609		$	488		$	225		$	12,653
Provision	1,107			300			(8		)	5			119			(216		)	(40		)	117			(51		)	267			1,600
Charge-offs	(813		)	(74		)	—			—			(37		)	—			—			(85		)	—			(204		)	(1,213		)
Recoveries	43			14			—			—			—			—			—			5			35			16			113
Net charge-offs	(770		)	(60		)	—			—			(37		)	—			—			(80		)	35			(188		)	(1,100		)
Ending balance	$	5,271		$	2,847		$	121		$	301		$	1,470		$	510		$	211		$	1,646		$	472		$	304		$	13,153
As % of ALLL	40		%	22		%	1		%	2		%	11		%	4		%	2		%	12		%	4		%	2		%	100		%
ALLL:
Individually evaluated	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated	5,271			2,847			121			301			1,470			510			211			1,646			472			304			13,153
Ending balance	$	5,271		$	2,847		$	121		$	301		$	1,470		$	510		$	211		$	1,646		$	472		$	304		$	13,153
Loans:
Individually evaluated	$	2,927		$	1,506		$	—		$	222		$	1,686		$	603		$	—		$	2,750		$	233		$	12		$	9,939
Collectively evaluated	681,993			439,847			35,625			53,222			341,966			79,996			30,926			355,091			111,095			26,481			2,156,242
Total loans	$	684,920		$	441,353		$	35,625		$	53,444		$	343,652		$	80,599		$	30,926		$	357,841		$	111,328		$	26,493		$	2,166,181
Less ALLL	5,271			2,847			121			301			1,470			510			211			1,646			472			304			13,153
Net loans	$	679,649		$	438,506		$	35,504		$	53,143		$	342,182		$	80,089		$	30,715		$	356,195		$	110,856		$	26,189		$	2,153,028

As a further breakdown, the December 31, 2018 ALLL is summarized by originated and acquired as follows.



	Originated – Year Ended December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Commercial & industrial			Owner- occupied CRE			AG production			AG real estate			CRE investment			Construction & land development			Residential construction			Residential first mortgage			Residential junior mortgage			Retail & other			Total
ALLL:
Beginning balance	$	4,192		$	2,115		$	112		$	235		$	1,154		$	628		$	200		$	1,297		$	409		$	200		$	10,542
Provision	1,262			385			(2		)	20			113			(197		)	11			187			(31		)	266			2,014
Charge-offs	(813		)	(64		)	—			—			(37		)	—			—			(85		)	—			(201		)	(1,200		)
Recoveries	42			3			—			—			—			—			—			1			30			16			92
Net charge-offs	(771		)	(61		)	—			—			(37		)	—			—			(84		)	30			(185		)	(1,108		)
Ending balance	$	4,683		$	2,439		$	110		$	255		$	1,230		$	431		$	211		$	1,400		$	408		$	281		$	11,448
As % of ALLL	41		%	21		%	1		%	2		%	11		%	4		%	2		%	12		%	4		%	2		%	100		%
ALLL:
Individually evaluated	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated	4,683			2,439			110			255			1,230			431			211			1,400			408			281			11,448
Ending balance	$	4,683		$	2,439		$	110		$	255		$	1,230		$	431		$	211		$	1,400		$	408		$	281		$	11,448
Loans:
Individually evaluated	$	227		$	321		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	548
Collectively evaluated	567,873			283,210			11,113			31,374			171,087			66,478			30,926			220,368			78,379			23,809			1,484,617
Total loans	$	568,100		$	283,531		$	11,113		$	31,374		$	171,087		$	66,478		$	30,926		$	220,368		$	78,379		$	23,809		$	1,485,165
Less ALLL	4,683			2,439			110			255			1,230			431			211			1,400			408			281			11,448
Net loans	$	563,417		$	281,092		$	11,003		$	31,119		$	169,857		$	66,047		$	30,715		$	218,968		$	77,971		$	23,528		$	1,473,717

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



	Acquired – Year Ended December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Commercial & industrial			Owner- occupied CRE			AG production			AG real estate			CRE investment			Construction & land development			Residential construction			Residential first mortgage			Residential junior mortgage			Retail & other			Total
ALLL:
Beginning balance	$	742		$	492		$	17		$	61		$	234		$	98		$	51		$	312		$	79		$	25		$	2,111
Provision	(155		)	(85		)	(6		)	(15		)	6			(19		)	(51		)	(70		)	(20		)	1			(414		)
Charge-offs	—			(10		)	—			—			—			—			—			—			—			(3		)	(13		)
Recoveries	1			11			—			—			—			—			—			4			5			—			21
Net charge-offs	1			1			—			—			—			—			—			4			5			(3		)	8
Ending balance	$	588		$	408		$	11		$	46		$	240		$	79		$	—		$	246		$	64		$	23		$	1,705
As % of ALLL	34		%	24		%	1		%	3		%	14		%	5		%	—		%	14		%	4		%	1		%	100		%
ALLL:
Individually evaluated	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated	588			408			11			46			240			79			—			246			64			23			1,705
Ending balance	$	588		$	408		$	11		$	46		$	240		$	79		$	—		$	246		$	64		$	23		$	1,705
Loans:
Individually evaluated	$	2,700		$	1,185		$	—		$	222		$	1,686		$	603		$	—		$	2,750		$	233		$	12		$	9,391
Collectively evaluated	114,120			156,637			24,512			21,848			170,879			13,518			—			134,723			32,716			2,672			671,625
Total loans	$	116,820		$	157,822		$	24,512		$	22,070		$	172,565		$	14,121		$	—		$	137,473		$	32,949		$	2,684		$	681,016
Less ALLL	588			408			11			46			240			79			—			246			64			23			1,705
Net loans	$	116,232		$	157,414		$	24,501		$	22,024		$	172,325		$	14,042		$	—		$	137,227		$	32,885		$	2,661		$	679,311

The following tables present nonaccrual loans by portfolio segment in total and then as a further breakdown by originated or acquired.



	Total Nonaccrual Loans
(in thousands)	December 31, 2019			% to Total		December 31, 2018			% to Total
Commercial & industrial	$	6,249		44	%	$	2,816		52	%
Owner-occupied CRE	3,311			23		673			12
AG production	1,062			8		—			—
AG real estate	836			6		164			3
CRE investment	1,073			8		210			4
Construction & land development	20			—		80			1
Residential construction	—			—		1			—
Residential first mortgage	1,090			8		1,265			23
Residential junior mortgage	480			3		262			5
Retail & other	1			—		—			—
Nonaccrual loans	$	14,122		100	%	$	5,471		100	%
Percent of total loans	0.5		%			0.2		%

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



	Originated and Acquired Nonaccrual Loans
	December 31, 2019										December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Originated Amount			% of Total		Acquired Amount			% of Total		Originated Amount			% of Total		Acquired Amount			% of Total
Commercial & industrial	$	2,283		36	%	$	3,966		51	%	$	352		25	%	$	2,464		61	%
Owner-occupied CRE	1,846			29		1,465			19		362			26		311			8
AG production	1,009			16		53			1		—			—		—			—
AG real estate	625			10		211			3		—			—		164			4
CRE investment	—			—		1,073			14		—			—		210			5
Construction & land development	—			—		20			—		—			—		80			2
Residential construction	—			—		—			—		1			—		—			—
Residential first mortgage	434			7		656			8		629			45		636			15
Residential junior mortgage	126			2		354			4		65			4		197			5
Retail & other	1			—		—			—		—			—		—			—
Nonaccrual loans	$	6,324		100	%	$	7,798		100	%	$	1,409		100	%	$	4,062		100	%
Percent of nonaccrual loans	45		%			55		%			26		%			74		%

The following tables present past due loans by portfolio segment.



	December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	30-89 Days Past Due (accruing)			90 Days & Over or nonaccrual			Current			Total
Commercial & industrial	$	1,729		$	6,249		$	798,211		$	806,189
Owner-occupied CRE	112			3,311			492,949			496,372
AG production	—			1,062			34,920			35,982
AG real estate	—			836			58,632			59,468
CRE investment	—			1,073			442,145			443,218
Construction & land development	2,063			20			90,887			92,970
Residential construction	302			—			54,101			54,403
Residential first mortgage	2,736			1,090			428,341			432,167
Residential junior mortgage	217			480			122,074			122,771
Retail & other	110			1			30,100			30,211
Total loans	$	7,269		$	14,122		$	2,552,360		$	2,573,751
Percent of total loans	0.3		%	0.5		%	99.2		%	100.0		%

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



	December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	30-89 Days Past Due (accruing)			90 Days & Over or nonaccrual			Current			Total
Commercial & industrial	$	—		$	2,816		$	682,104		$	684,920
Owner-occupied CRE	557			673			440,123			441,353
AG production	19			—			35,606			35,625
AG real estate	35			164			53,245			53,444
CRE investment	180			210			343,262			343,652
Construction & land development	—			80			80,519			80,599
Residential construction	—			1			30,925			30,926
Residential first mortgage	758			1,265			355,818			357,841
Residential junior mortgage	12			262			111,054			111,328
Retail & other	10			—			26,483			26,493
Total loans	$	1,571		$	5,471		$	2,159,139		$	2,166,181
Percent of total loans	0.1		%	0.2		%	99.7		%	100.0		%

A description of the loan risk categories used by the Company follows.

Grades 1-4, Pass: Credits exhibit adequate cash flows, appropriate management and financial ratios within industry norms and/or are supported by sufficient collateral. Some credits in these rating categories may require a need for monitoring but elements of concern are not severe enough to warrant an elevated rating.

Grade 5, Watch: Credits with this rating are adequately secured and performing but are being monitored due to the presence of various short-term weaknesses which may include unexpected, short-term adverse financial performance, managerial problems, potential impact of a decline in the entire industry or local economy and delinquency issues. Loans to individuals or loans supported by guarantors with marginal net worth or collateral may be included in this rating category.

Grade 6, Special Mention: Credits with this rating have potential weaknesses that, without the Company’s attention and correction may result in deterioration of repayment prospects. These assets are considered Criticized Assets. Potential weaknesses may include adverse financial trends for the borrower or industry, repeated lack of compliance with Company requests, increasing debt to net worth, serious management conditions and decreasing cash flow.

Grade 7, Substandard: Assets with this rating are characterized by the distinct possibility the Company will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected. All foreclosures, liquidations, and nonaccrual loans are considered to be categorized in this rating, regardless of collateral sufficiency.

Grade 8, Doubtful: Assets with this rating exhibit all the weaknesses as one rated Substandard with the added characteristic that such weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable.

Grade 9, Loss: Assets in this category are considered uncollectible. Pursuing any recovery or salvage value is impractical but does not preclude partial recovery in the future.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables present total loans by risk categories.



	December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Grades 1-4			Grade 5			Grade 6			Grade 7			Grades 8-9			Total
Commercial & industrial	$	765,073		$	20,199		$	7,663		$	13,254		$	—		$	806,189
Owner-occupied CRE	464,661			20,855			953			9,903			—			496,372
AG production	27,521			3,174			1,229			4,058			—			35,982
AG real estate	49,561			3,611			2,046			4,250			—			59,468
CRE investment	430,794			8,085			2,578			1,761			—			443,218
Construction & land development	90,523			2,213			15			219			—			92,970
Residential construction	53,286			1,117			—			—			—			54,403
Residential first mortgage	424,044			4,677			668			2,778			—			432,167
Residential junior mortgage	122,249			35			—			487			—			122,771
Retail & other	30,210			—			—			1			—			30,211
Total loans	$	2,457,922		$	63,966		$	15,152		$	36,711		$	—		$	2,573,751
Percent of total loans	95.5		%	2.5		%	0.6		%	1.4		%	—		%	100.0		%



	December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Grades 1-4			Grade 5			Grade 6			Grade 7			Grades 8-9			Total
Commercial & industrial	$	649,475		$	16,145		$	6,178		$	13,122		$	—		$	684,920
Owner-occupied CRE	405,198			22,776			6,569			6,810			—			441,353
AG production	29,363			3,302			2,351			609			—			35,625
AG real estate	46,248			3,246			2,983			967			—			53,444
CRE investment	334,080			6,792			—			2,780			—			343,652
Construction & land development	75,365			5,138			16			80			—			80,599
Residential construction	30,926			—			—			—			—			30,926
Residential first mortgage	353,239			1,406			510			2,686			—			357,841
Residential junior mortgage	111,037			17			—			274			—			111,328
Retail & other	26,493			—			—			—			—			26,493
Total loans	$	2,061,424		$	58,822		$	18,607		$	27,328		$	—		$	2,166,181
Percent of total loans	95.1		%	2.7		%	0.9		%	1.3		%	—		%	100.0		%

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables present impaired loans.



	December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Commercial & industrial	$	5,932	$	7,950	$	625	$	5,405	$	1,170
Owner-occupied CRE	3,430		4,016		—		3,677		256
AG production	1,061		1,090		116		1,221		28
AG real estate	1,073		1,082		—		1,090		9
CRE investment	2,426		2,790		—		2,497		364
Construction & land development	382		382		—		460		—
Residential construction	—		—		—		—		—
Residential first mortgage	2,357		2,629		—		2,412		178
Residential junior mortgage	218		349		—		224		58
Retail & other	12		12		—		12		—
Total	$	16,891	$	20,300	$	741	$	16,998	$	2,063
Originated impaired loans	$	5,708	$	5,938	$	741	$	5,978	$	230
Acquired impaired loans	11,183		14,362		—		11,020		1,833
Total	$	16,891	$	20,300	$	741	$	16,998	$	2,063



	December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Commercial & industrial	$	2,927	$	6,736	$	—	$	4,041	$	660
Owner-occupied CRE	1,506		1,833		—		1,659		137
AG production	—		—		—		—		—
AG real estate	222		281		—		238		26
CRE investment	1,686		2,484		—		1,606		163
Construction & land development	603		1,506		—		603		21
Residential construction	—		—		—		—		—
Residential first mortgage	2,750		2,907		—		2,478		176
Residential junior mortgage	233		262		—		62		15
Retail & other	12		12		—		12		1
Total	$	9,939	$	16,021	$	—	$	10,699	$	1,199
Originated impaired loans	$	548	$	548	$	—	$	899	$	154
Acquired impaired loans	9,391		15,473		—		9,800		1,045
Total	$	9,939	$	16,021	$	—	$	10,699	$	1,199

Total purchased credit impaired loans (in aggregate since the Company’s 2013 acquisitions) were initially recorded at a fair value of $45.5 million on their respective acquisition dates, net of an initial $35.3 million nonaccretable mark and a zero accretable mark. At December 31, 2019, $11.2 million of the $45.5 million remain in impaired loans.



Nonaccretable discount on PCI loans:	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018
Balance at beginning of period	$	6,408		$	9,471
Acquired balance, net	911			—
Accretion to loan interest income	(4,713		)	(1,976		)
Transferred to accretable	—			(990		)
Disposals of loans	(679		)	(97		)
Balance at end of period	$	1,927		$	6,408

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Troubled Debt Restructurings

At December 31, 2019, there were five loans classified as troubled debt restructurings with a current outstanding balance of $1.1 million and a pre-modification balance of $1.4 million. In comparison, at December 31, 2018, there were four loans classified as troubled debt restructurings with an outstanding balance of $0.6 million and a pre-modification balance of $2.7 million. There were no loans which were classified as troubled debt restructurings during the previous twelve months that subsequently defaulted during 2019. As of December 31, 2019, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings.

NOTE 5. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, is summarized as follows.



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
Land	$	7,418	$	6,220
Land improvements	3,865		3,842
Building and improvements	50,818		42,238
Leasehold improvements	4,580		4,092
Furniture and equipment	20,262		18,590
	86,943		74,982
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	30,474		26,809
Premises and equipment, net	$	56,469	$	48,173

Depreciation and amortization expense amounted to $3.8 million in 2019, $4.4 million in 2018, and $4.2 million in 2017. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for facilities, certain of which provide for increased rentals based upon increases in cost of living adjustments and other indices. Rent expense under leases totaled $1.2 million in 2019, $1.4 million in 2018, and $1.1 million in 2017.

As of January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 (Topic 842) on a prospective basis using the effective date method. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on Nicolet's financial statements; however, additional disclosures have been added in accordance with the ASU. See Note 1 for additional information on this new accounting standard.

The operating lease ROU asset represents the right to use an underlying asset during the lease term, while the operating lease liability represents the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The ROU asset and lease liability are recognized at lease commencement based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, considering a discount rate that represents Nicolet's incremental borrowing rate. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recognized in occupancy, equipment, and office on the consolidated statements of income.

Nicolet leases space under non-cancelable operating lease agreements for certain bank and nonbank branch facilities with remaining lease terms of 2 to 6 years. Certain lease arrangements contain extension options which typically range from 5 to 10 years at the then fair market rental rates. The lease asset and liability considers renewal options when they are reasonably certain of being exercised.

A summary of net lease cost and selected other information related to operating leases was as follows.



	Year Ended
($ in thousands)	December 31, 2019
Net lease cost:
Operating lease cost	$	970
Variable lease cost	233
Net lease cost	$	1,203
Selected other operating lease information:
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)	4.3
Weighted average discount rate	2.5		%

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table summarizes the maturity of remaining lease liabilities.



Years Ending December 31,	(in thousands)
2020	$	1,088
2021	962
2022	851
2023	607
2024	499
Thereafter	16
Total future minimum lease payments	4,023
Less: amount representing interest	(100		)
Present value of net future minimum lease payments	$	3,923

During the fourth quarter of 2019, a $0.7 million lease termination charge was recorded to other expense due to the closure of a branch, concurrent with the consummation date of the Choice merger.

NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES AND MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS

A summary of goodwill and other intangibles was as follows.



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
Goodwill	$	151,198	$	107,366
Core deposit intangibles	10,897		12,562
Customer list intangibles	3,872		4,379
Other intangibles	14,769		16,941
Goodwill and other intangibles, net	$	165,967	$	124,307

Goodwill: Goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if certain events or circumstances occur. During 2019, goodwill increased due to the Choice acquisition and impairment was recognized on goodwill initially recorded in 2008 for a recent change in business strategy. See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy for goodwill and see Note 2 for additional information on the Company’s acquisitions.



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Goodwill:
Goodwill at beginning of year	$	107,366		$	107,366
Acquisition	44,594			—
Impairment	(762		)	—
Goodwill at end of year	$	151,198		$	107,366

Other intangibles: Other intangible assets, consisting of core deposit intangibles and customer list intangibles, are amortized over their estimated finite lives. During 2019, core deposit intangibles increased due to the Choice acquisition, while during 2018 customer list intangibles increased due to the purchase of a brokerage book of business. See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy for other intangibles and see Note 2 for additional information on the Company’s acquisitions.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Core deposit intangibles:
Gross carrying amount	$	30,715		$	29,015
Accumulated amortization	(19,818		)	(16,453		)
Net book value	$	10,897		$	12,562
Additions during the period	$	1,700		$	—
Amortization during the period	$	3,365		$	3,915
Customer list intangibles:
Gross carrying amount	$	5,523		5,523
Accumulated amortization	(1,651		)	(1,144		)
Net book value	$	3,872		$	4,379
Additions during the period	$	—		$	290
Amortization during the period	$	507		$	474

Mortgage servicing rights: A summary of the changes in the MSR asset was as follows.



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
MSR asset:
MSR asset at beginning of year	$	3,749		$	3,187
Capitalized MSR	2,876			1,203
MSR asset acquired	160			—
Amortization during the period	(866		)	(641		)
MSR asset at end of year	$	5,919		$	3,749
Fair value of MSR asset at end of period	$	8,420		$	6,347
Residential mortgage loans serviced for others	$	847,756		$	603,446
Net book value of MSR asset to loans serviced for others	0.70		%	0.62		%

The Company periodically evaluates its mortgage servicing rights asset for impairment. No valuation allowance or impairment charge was recorded for 2019 or 2018. See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy for MSRs, see Note 2 for additional information on the Company’s acquisitions, and see Note 17 for additional information on the fair value of the MSR asset.

The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets and the MSR asset. The projections are based on existing asset balances, the current interest rate environment and prepayment speeds as of December 31, 2019. The actual amortization expense the Company recognizes in any given period may be significantly different depending upon acquisition or sale activities, changes in interest rates, prepayment speeds, market conditions, regulatory requirements and events or circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.



(in thousands)	Core deposit intangibles		Customer list intangibles		MSR asset
Years Ending December 31,
2020	$	2,993	$	507	$	1,048
2021	2,453		507		865
2022	1,987		507		865
2023	1,490		483		835
2024	1,010		449		503
Thereafter	964		1,419		1,803
Total	$	10,897	$	3,872	$	5,919

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 7. DEPOSITS

At December 31, 2019, the scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows.



Years Ending December 31,	(in thousands)
2020	$	317,693
2021	114,728
2022	50,949
2023	45,040
2024	19,773
Thereafter	2,374
Total time deposits	$	550,557

Time deposits of $250,000 or more were $91.2 million and $77.6 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

NOTE 8. SHORT AND LONG-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-Term Borrowings:

The Company did not have any short-term borrowings (borrowing with an original contractual maturity of one year or less) outstanding at December 31, 2019 or 2018.

Long-Term Borrowings:

The components of long-term borrowings (borrowing with an original contractual maturity greater than one year) were as follows.



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
FHLB advances	$	25,061	$	35,252
Junior subordinated debentures	30,575		30,096
Subordinated notes	11,993		11,957
Total long-term borrowings	$	67,629	$	77,305

FHLB Advances: The FHLB advances bear fixed rates, require interest-only monthly payments, and have maturity dates through March 2025. The weighted average rate of the FHLB advances was 1.57% and 1.72% at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on qualifying first mortgages, home equity loans, multi-family loans and certain farmland loans which had a pledged balance of $273.5 million and $295.3 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The following table shows the maturity schedule of the FHLB advances as of December 31, 2019.



Maturing in:	(in thousands)
2020	$	10,061
2021	10,000
2022	—
2023	—
2024	—
2025	5,000
	$	25,061

The Company has a $10 million line of credit with a third party bank, bearing a variable rate of interest based on one-month LIBOR plus a 2.25% margin, but subject to a floor rate of 3.25%, with quarterly payments of interest only. At December 31, 2019, the available line was $10 million. The outstanding balance was zero at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the line was not used during 2019 or 2018.

Junior Subordinated Debentures: The following table shows the breakdown of junior subordinated debentures. Interest on all debentures is current. Any applicable discounts (initially recorded to carry an acquired debenture at its then estimated fair market value) are being accreted to interest expense over the remaining life of the debentures. All the debentures below are currently callable and may be redeemed in part or in full, at par, plus any accrued but unpaid interest.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



		Junior Subordinated Debentures
(in thousands)	Maturity Date	Par		12/31/2019 Unamortized Discount			12/31/2019 Carrying Value		12/31/2018 Carrying Value
2004 Nicolet Bankshares Statutory Trust⁽¹⁾	7/15/2034	$	6,186	$	—		$	6,186	$	6,186
2005 Mid-Wisconsin Financial Services, Inc.⁽²⁾	12/15/2035	10,310		(3,172		)	7,138		6,939
2006 Baylake Corp.⁽³⁾	9/30/2036	16,598		(3,883		)	12,715		12,478
2004 First Menasha Bancshares, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	3/17/2034	5,155		(619		)	4,536		4,493
Total		$	38,249	$	(7,674	)	$	30,575	$	30,096


(1)	The interest rate is 8.00% fixed.


(2)	The debentures, assumed in April 2013 as the result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of the three-month LIBOR plus 1.43%, adjusted quarterly. The interest rates were 3.32% and 4.22% as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.


(3)	The debentures, assumed in April 2016 as a result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of the three-month LIBOR plus 1.35%, adjusted quarterly. The interest rates were 3.31% and 4.15% as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.


(4)	The debentures, assumed in April 2017 as the result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of the three-month LIBOR plus 2.79%, adjusted quarterly. The interest rate was 4.69% and 5.58% as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Each of the junior subordinated debentures was issued to an underlying statutory trust (the “statutory trusts”), which issued trust preferred securities and common securities and used the proceeds from the issuance of the common and the trust preferred securities to purchase the junior subordinated debentures of the Company. The debentures represent the sole asset of the statutory trusts. All of the common securities of the statutory trusts are owned by the Company. The statutory trusts are not included in the consolidated financial statements. The net effect of all the documents entered into with respect to the trust preferred securities is that the Company, through payments on its debentures, is liable for the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, $29.4 million and $28.9 million, respectively, of trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital.

Subordinates Notes: In 2015, the Company placed an aggregate of $12 million in subordinated Notes in private placements with certain accredited investors. All Notes were issued with 10-year maturities, have a fixed annual interest rate of 5% payable quarterly, are callable on or after the fifth anniversary of their respective issuances dates, and qualify for Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes.

NOTE 9. EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTOR BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors two deferred compensation plans, one for certain key management employees and another for directors. Under the management plan, which was amended in 2016, employees designated by the Board of Directors may elect to defer compensation and the Company may at its discretion make nonelective contributions on behalf of one or more eligible plan participants. Upon retirement, termination of employment or at their election, the employee shall become entitled to receive the deferred amounts plus earnings thereon. The liability for the cumulative employee contributions and earnings thereon at December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled approximately $906,000 and $527,000, respectively, and is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company made discretionary contributions totaling $1,800,000 and $175,000 during 2019 and 2018, respectively, to selected recipients. The contributions made in 2019 vested immediately and were expensed upon grant; while the 2018 contributions will vest and be expensed ratably over the four or five year vesting period from the date of grant.

Under the director plan, participating directors may defer up to 100% of their Board compensation towards the purchase of Company common stock at market prices on a quarterly basis that is held in a Rabbi Trust and distributed when each such participating director ends his or her board service. During 2019 and 2018, the director plan purchased 3,769 and 3,889 shares of Company common stock valued at approximately $220,000 and $213,000, respectively. Common stock valued at approximately $33,000 (and representing 672 shares) and $32,000 (and representing 600 shares) was distributed to past directors during 2019 and 2018, respectively. The common stock outstanding and the related director deferred compensation liability are offsetting components of the Company’s equity in the amount of $1,030,000 at December 31, 2019 and $831,000 at December 31, 2018 representing 29,202 shares and 26,105 shares, respectively.

The Company sponsors a 401(k) savings plan under which eligible employees may choose to save up to 100% of salary compensation on either a pre-tax or after-tax basis, subject to certain IRS limits. Under the plan, the Company matches 100% of participating employee contributions up to 6% of the participant’s eligible compensation. The Company contribution vests over five years. The Company can make additional annual discretionary profit sharing contributions, as determined by the Board of Directors. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s 401(k) expense was approximately $2.9 million (including a $1.1 million profit sharing contribution), $1.8 million, and $2.0 million (including a $0.5 million profit sharing contribution), respectively.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company may grant stock options and restricted stock under its stock-based compensation plans to certain officers, employees and directors. These plans are administered by a committee of the Board of Directors. The Company's stock-based compensation plans at December 31, 2019 are described below.

2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2011 LTIP"): The Company’s 2011 LTIP, as subsequently amended with shareholder approval, has reserved 3,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock for potential stock-based awards. This plan provides for certain stock-based awards such as, but not limited to, stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted common stock, as well as cash performance awards. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 1.4 million shares were available for grant under this plan.

2002 Stock Incentive Plan: The Company’s 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as subsequently amended with shareholder approval, reserved a total of 1,175,000 shares of the Company's common stock for potential stock options. This plan became fully utilized in 2012 and no further awards may be granted under this plan.

Acquired Equity Incentive Plan: In 2016, the Company assumed sponsorship of an equity incentive plan of an acquired company to allow for that company's already granted awards that became exercisable upon acquisition to be honored. No further awards may be granted under this assumed plan.

In general, for stock options granted the exercise price will not be less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, the options will become exercisable based upon vesting terms determined by the committee, and the options will expire ten years after the date of grant. In general, for restricted stock granted the shares are issued at the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, are restricted as to transfer, but are not restricted as to dividend payments or voting rights, and the transfer restrictions lapse over time, depending upon vesting terms provided for in the grant and contingent upon continued employment.

A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options. See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy on stock-based compensation. The weighted average assumptions used in the model for valuing stock option grants were as follows.



	2019			2018			2017
Dividend yield	—		%	—		%	—		%
Expected volatility	25		%	25		%	25		%
Risk-free interest rate	1.75		%	2.61		%	2.14		%
Expected average life	7 years			7 years			7 years
Weighted average per share fair value of options	$	21.30		$	17.36		$	15.80

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is summarized below.



Stock Options	Option Shares Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding – December 31, 2016	922,026		$	24.39
Granted	949,500		49.93
Exercise of stock options *	(209,371	)	18.15
Forfeited	(18,900	)	35.36
Outstanding – December 31, 2017	1,643,255		$	39.82	8.1	$	24,525
Granted	15,500		52.76
Exercise of stock options *	(70,556	)	21.52
Forfeited	(6,500	)	39.43
Outstanding – December 31, 2018	1,581,699		$	40.77	7.4	$	13,825
Granted	203,000		69.69
Exercise of stock options *	(337,428	)	24.15
Forfeited	(3,538	)	27.43
Outstanding – December 31, 2019	1,443,733		$	48.75	7.4	$	36,428
Exercisable – December 31, 2019	561,633		$	42.91	6.7	$	17,384

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

*The terms of the stock option agreements permit having a number of shares of stock withheld, the fair market value of which as of the date of exercise is sufficient to satisfy the exercise price and/or tax withholding requirements, and accordingly 142,752 shares, 6,411 shares, and 85,422 shares were surrendered during 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock options. The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2019, 2018, and 2017 was approximately $13.9 million, $2.2 million, and $7.5 million, respectively.

The following options were outstanding at December 31, 2019.



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
	Outstanding	Exercisable	Outstanding		Exercisable		Outstanding	Exercisable
$13.73 – $30.00	130,436	94,936	$	22.37	$	21.85	4.2	4.1
$30.01 – $40.00	155,747	89,747	35.92		35.51		6.4	6.3
$40.01 – $50.00	804,050	319,850	48.86		48.86		7.4	7.4
$50.01 – $60.00	155,500	57,100	56.09		56.23		7.9	7.9
$60.01 – $70.50	198,000	—	70.01		—		9.9	0.0
	1,443,733	561,633	$	48.75	$	42.91	7.4	6.7

A summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity is summarized below.



Restricted Stock	Restricted Shares Outstanding		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding – December 31, 2016	42,949		$	26.80
Granted	9,240		57.75
Vested *	(20,514	)	29.87
Forfeited	(755	)	16.50
Outstanding – December 31, 2017	30,920		$	34.26
Granted	18,256		52.55
Vested *	(19,661	)	43.58
Forfeited	(3	)	16.50
Outstanding – December 31, 2018	29,512		$	39.37
Granted	12,498		67.59
Vested *	(19,081	)	51.77
Forfeited	(408	)	16.50
Outstanding – December 31, 2019	22,521		$	44.94

*The terms of the restricted stock agreements permit the surrender of shares to the Company upon vesting in order to satisfy applicable tax withholding at the minimum statutory withholding rate, and accordingly 4,688 shares, 3,948 shares, and 5,266 shares were surrendered during 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

The Company recognized $4.8 million, $4.7 million and $3.1 million of stock-based compensation expense (included in personnel on the consolidated statements of income) during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, associated with its common stock awards granted to officers and employees. As of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $13.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to equity award grants. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately three years. The Company recognized a tax benefit of approximately $2.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, for the tax impact of stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock. In addition, during 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of director expense (included in other expense on the consolidated statements of income) for restricted stock grants with immediate vesting to non-employee directors totaling 4,257 shares in 2019 and 3,510 shares in 2018.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 11. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

As of December 31, 2019, the Board of Directors has authorized the use of up to $86 million to repurchase up to 1,975,000 shares of outstanding common stock through our common stock repurchase program. During 2019, $18.7 million was utilized to repurchase and cancel nearly 310,800 common shares at a weighted average price of $60.17, bringing the life-to-date cumulative totals to $65.0 million to repurchase and cancel over 1.4 million common shares. As of December 31, 2019, there remained $21.0 million authorized under the repurchase program to be utilized from time-to-time to repurchase common shares in the open market, through block transactions or in private transactions. See Note 14, “Related Party Transactions” for additional information on common stock repurchases in private transactions with related parties.

On November 8, 2019, in connection with its acquisition of Choice, the Company issued 1,184,102 shares of its common stock for consideration of $79.8 million plus cash consideration of $1.7 million for outstanding stock options. Approximately $0.2 million in direct stock issuance costs for the merger were incurred and charged against additional paid-in capital. See Note 2 for additional information on the Company’s acquisitions.

On April 28, 2017, in connection with its acquisition of First Menasha, the Company issued 1,309,885 shares of its common stock for consideration of $62.2 million plus cash consideration of $19.3 million. Approximately $0.2 million in direct stock issuance costs for the merger were incurred and charged against additional paid-in capital.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES

The current and deferred amounts of income tax expense were as follows.



	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019		2018			2017
Current	$	15,353	$	14,967		$	10,952
Deferred	1,105		(1,521		)	4,430
Adjustment to the net deferred tax asset for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	—		—			885
Income tax expense	$	16,458	$	13,446		$	16,267

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. The new law amended the Internal Revenue Code to reduce corporate tax rates and modify various tax policies, credits, and deductions. The corporate federal tax rate was reduced from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, which was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018. As a result of the corporate tax rate reduction, the Company reduced its net deferred tax asset for the year ended December 31, 2017, by $885,000, which was recognized as additional income tax expense.

The differences between the income tax expense recognized and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate (21% for 2019 and 2018 and 35% for 2017) to the income before income taxes, less noncontrolling interest, for the years ended as indicated are included in the following table.



	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Tax on pretax income, less noncontrolling interest, at statutory rates	$	14,931		$	11,441		$	17,296
State income taxes, net of federal effect	3,672			3,308			2,242
Tax-exempt interest income	(609		)	(574		)	(1,073		)
Non-deductible interest disallowance	29			30			28
Increase in cash surrender value life insurance	(573		)	(508		)	(807		)
Non-deductible business entertainment	189			156			168
Stock-based employee compensation	(2,347		)	(232		)	(62		)
Non-deductible compensation	3,122			—			—
Adjustment to the net deferred tax asset for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	—			—			885
Deduction attributable to share-based payments	—			—			(1,854		)
Sale of UFS	(2,176		)	—			—
Other, net	220			(175		)	(556		)
Income tax expense	$	16,458		$	13,446		$	16,267

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The net deferred tax asset includes the following amounts of deferred tax assets and liabilities.



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
ALLL	$	4,985		$	5,240
Net operating loss carryforwards	1,808			2,202
Credit carryforwards	43			43
Compensation	3,477			2,408
Other	2,830			2,549
Other real estate	201			103
Unrealized loss on securities AFS	—			1,740
Total deferred tax assets	13,344			14,285
Deferred tax liabilities:
Premises and equipment	(1,390		)	(821		)
Prepaid expenses	(778		)	(693		)
Investment securities	(755		)	(1,723		)
Core deposit and other intangibles	(2,836		)	(3,563		)
Purchase accounting adjustments to liabilities	(2,375		)	(2,011		)
Other	(1,391		)	(1,021		)
Unrealized gain on securities AFS	(1,879		)	—
Total deferred tax liabilities	(11,404		)	(9,832		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,940		$	4,453

A valuation allowance is required if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, no valuation allowance was determined to be necessary.

At December 31, 2019, the Company had a federal and state net operating loss carryforward of $3.7 million and $24.7 million, respectively. The entire federal and state net operating loss carryforwards were the result of the Company’s mergers with Mid-Wisconsin, Baylake, First Menasha, and Choice. The federal and state net operating loss carryovers resulting from the mergers have been included in the IRC section 382 limitation calculation and are being limited to the overall amount expected to be realized. The Company’s federal income tax returns are open and subject to examination from the 2015 tax return year and forward. The years open to examination by state and local government authorities varies by jurisdiction.

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, financial guarantees, and standby letters of credit. Such commitments may involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy on commitments and contingencies.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and issuing letters of credit as they do for on-balance sheet instruments.

A summary of the contract or notional amount of the Company’s exposure to off-balance sheet risk was as follows.



(in thousands)	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
Commitments to extend credit	$	773,555	$	721,098
Financial standby letters of credit	10,730		8,571
Performance standby letters of credit	8,469		7,094

Interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans held for sale are considered derivative instruments and the contractual amounts were $43.4 million and $16.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019. The fair value of these commitments was not material at December 31, 2019.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commercial-related commitments to extend credit represented 74% and 77% of the total year-end commitments for 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were predominantly commercial lines of credit that carry a term of one year or less. The commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Financial and performance standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Financial standby letters of credit are issued specifically to facilitate commerce and typically result in the commitment being drawn on when the underlying transaction is consummated between the customer and the third party, while performance standby letters of credit generally are contingent upon the failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of the underlying contract with the third party. Both of these guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements and, generally, have terms of one year or less. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds collateral, which may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, equipment, and income-producing properties, supporting those commitments if deemed necessary. In the event the customer does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third-party, the Company would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount. If the commitment is funded, the Company would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, no amounts have been recorded as liabilities for the Company’s potential obligations under these guarantees.

The Company has federal funds lines available with other financial institutions where funds may be borrowed on a short-term basis at the market rate in effect at the time of the borrowing. Total federal funds lines of $175 million were available at both December 31, 2019 and 2018.

In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company conducts transactions, in the normal course of business, with its directors and officers, including companies in which they have a beneficial interest. It is the Company’s policy to comply with federal regulations that require that these transactions with directors and executive officers be made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time made for comparable transactions to other persons. Related party loans totaled approximately $86 million and $84 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Nicolet has an active common stock repurchase program that allows for the repurchase of common stock in the open market, through block transactions, or in private transactions. During 2019, Nicolet repurchased common stock in private transactions from two executives under this repurchase program, including 32,415 shares for $2.2 million (or an average cost per share of $69.21) from Robert B. Atwell and 33,993 shares for $2.2 million (or an average cost per share of $64.02) from Michael E. Daniels. These private transactions were made in conjunction with large stock option exercises by the executives. See Note 10 for additional information on stock option activity and see Note 11 for additional information on the common stock repurchase program.

As described in Note 1, the Company has a 50% ownership in a joint venture with the Firm in connection with the Company’s headquarters facility. The Firm is considered a related party, as one of its principals is a Board member and shareholder of the Company. The Bank incurred approximately $1.2 million in annual rent expense to the joint venture during 2019, and $1.1 million in annual rent during both 2018 and 2017.

In October 2013, the Company entered into a lease for a branch location in a facility owned by a different member of the Company’s Board and incurred less than $120,000 annually of rent expense on this facility during 2019, 2018, and 2017. During 2019, this same Board member participated in a competitive bid process for and was awarded the contract as general contractor for the 2019 reconstruction of a different existing branch location, payments for which are estimated to total $1.3 million but not yet paid in full. Payments made during 2019 for progress on this branch reconstruction were $0.4 million, of which at least 75% was passed through to various subcontractors. In addition, during 2018, this Board member participated in a competitive bid process for and was awarded the contract as general contractor for the 2018 reconstruction of another branch location. Total payments for the 2018 branch reconstruction were $1.0 million, of which at least 75% of these payments were passed through to various subcontractors.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

In February 2016, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a non-branch location owned by a relative of a senior management team member and paid approximately $138,000 in both 2018 and 2017, to the company owned by the relative. This non-branch location was vacated and the lease terminated in first quarter 2019 for a final payment of $47,500 This same relative, who is employed by the Company as a financial advisor, received approximately $650,000, $657,000, and $668,000 in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, in compensation. Another relative of the same senior management team member, who is also employed by the Company as a financial advisor, received approximately $287,500, $284,000, and $257,000 in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, in compensation.

NOTE 15. ASSET GAINS (LOSSES), NET

Components of the net gains (losses) on assets are as follows.



	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Gains (losses) on sales of securities AFS, net	$	(22	)	$	(212	)	$	1,220
Gains (losses) on equity securities, net	1,115			77			—
Gains (losses) on sales of OREO, net	(88		)	1,032			258
Write-downs of OREO	(300		)	(120		)	(127		)
Write-down of other investment	(100		)	—			—
Gains (losses) on sales of other investments, net	7,442			187			—
Gains (losses) on sales or dispositions of other assets, net	(150		)	205			678
Asset gains (losses), net	$	7,897		$	1,169		$	2,029

NOTE 16. REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company and Bank’s financial statements.

Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total, Tier 1 and common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the most recent notifications from the regulatory agencies categorized the Bank as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well-capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum Total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, CET1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since these notifications that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual regulatory capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.



	Actual				For Capital Adequacy Purposes				To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions ⁽²⁾
(in thousands)	Amount		Ratio ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Ratio ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Ratio ⁽¹⁾
December 31, 2019
Company
Total risk-based capital	$	404,573	13.4	%	$	241,333	8.0	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital	378,608		12.6		181,000		6.0
Common equity Tier 1 capital	348,454		11.6		135,750		4.5
Leverage	378,608		11.9		127,036		4.0
Bank
Total risk-based capital	$	323,432	10.8	%	$	240,551	8.0	%	$	300,688	10.0	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital	309,460		10.3		180,413		6.0		240,551		8.0
Common equity Tier 1 capital	309,460		10.3		135,310		4.5		195,447		6.5
Leverage	309,460		9.8		126,660		4.0		158,325		5.0
December 31, 2018
Company
Total risk-based capital	$	326,235	12.9	%	$	202,836	8.0	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital	301,125		11.9		152,127		6.0
Common equity Tier 1 capital	271,435		10.7		114,095		4.5
Leverage	301,125		10.4		115,483		4.0
Bank
Total risk-based capital	$	274,492	10.8	%	$	202,800	8.0	%	$	253,501	10.0	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital	261,339		10.3		152,100		6.0		202,800		8.0
Common equity Tier 1 capital	261,339		10.3		114,075		4.5		164,775		6.5
Leverage	261,339		9.1		115,280		4.0		144,100		5.0

(1)

The Total risk-based capital ratio is defined as Tier 1 capital plus tier 2 capital divided by total risk-weighted assets. The Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is defined as Tier 1 capital divided by total risk-weighted assets. CET1 risk-based capital ratio is defined as Tier 1 capital, with deductions for goodwill and other intangible assets (other than mortgage servicing assets), net of associated deferred tax liabilities, and limitations on the inclusion of deferred tax assets, mortgage servicing assets and investments in other financial institutions, in each case as provided further in the rules, divided by total risk-weighted assets. The Leverage ratio is defined as Tier 1 capital divided by the most recent quarter’s average total assets as adjusted.


(2)	Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable at the bank holding company level.

Dividends declared by the Bank that exceed the retained net income for the most current year plus retained net income for the preceding two years must be approved by Federal regulatory agencies. At December 31, 2019, the Bank could pay dividends of approximately $6 million to the Company without seeking regulatory approval.

NOTE 17. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value represents the estimated price at which an orderly transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (i.e., an exit price concept), and is a market-based measurement versus an entity-specific measurement.

The Company records and/or discloses financial instruments on a fair value basis. These financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the observability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:


•	Level 1 - quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that a company has the ability to access at the measurement date


•	Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly


•	Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

In instances where the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels, the level within which the entire fair value measurement will be categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. This assessment of the significance of an input requires management judgment.

Recurring basis fair value measurements:

The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods presented.



(in thousands)			Fair Value Measurements Using
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
December 31, 2019
U.S. government agency securities	$	16,460	$	—	$	16,460	$	—
State, county and municipals	156,393		—		156,393		—
Mortgage-backed securities	195,018		—		195,018		—
Corporate debt securities	81,431		—		78,301		3,130
Securities AFS	$	449,302	$	—	$	446,172	$	3,130
Other investments (equity securities)	$	3,375	$	3,375	$	—	$	—
December 31, 2018
U.S. government agency securities	$	21,649	$	—	$	21,649	$	—
State, county and municipals	160,526		—		160,460		66
Mortgage-backed securities	131,644		—		131,644		—
Corporate debt securities	86,325		—		77,901		8,424
Securities AFS	$	400,144	$	—	$	391,654	$	8,490
Other investments (equity securities)	$	2,650	$	2,650	$	—	$	—

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used by the Company for the Securities AFS and equity securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, noted in the tables above. Where quoted market prices on securities exchanges are available, the investments are classified as Level 1. Level 1 investments primarily include exchange-traded equity securities. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is generally determined using prices obtained from independent pricing vendors who use pricing models (with typical inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades for similar securities, issuer spreads or relationship to other benchmark quoted securities), or discounted cash flows, and are classified as Level 2. Examples of these investments include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of state, county and municipals, and certain corporate debt securities. Finally, in certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the estimated fair value, investments are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. Examples of these include private municipal bonds and corporate debt securities, which include trust preferred security investments. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, it was determined that carrying value was the best approximation of fair value for these Level 3 securities, based primarily on the internal analysis on these securities.

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 securities AFS measured at fair value on a recurring basis.



(in thousands)	Years Ended
Level 3 Fair Value Measurements:	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,490		$	9,151
Acquired balances	300			—
Paydowns/Sales/Settlements	(5,660		)	(661		)
Balance at end of year	$	3,130		$	8,490

Nonrecurring basis fair value measurements:

The following table presents the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



(in thousands)			Fair Value Measurements Using
Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis:	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
December 31, 2019
Impaired loans	$	16,150	$	—	$	—	$	16,150
OREO	1,000		—		—		1,000
MSR asset	8,420		—		—		8,420
December 31, 2018
Impaired loans	$	9,939	$	—	$	—	$	9,939
OREO	420		—		—		420
MSR asset	6,347		—		—		6,347

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used by the Company for the items noted in the table above. For individually evaluated impaired loans, the amount of impairment is based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans, or the estimated liquidity of the note. For OREO, the fair value is based upon the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral adjusted for the expected costs to sell. To estimate the fair value of the MSR asset, the underlying serviced loan pools are stratified by interest rate tranche and term of the loan, and a valuation model is used to calculate the present value of the expected future cash flows for each stratum. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as costs to service, a discount rate, ancillary income, default rates and losses, and prepayment speeds. Although some of these assumptions are based on observable market data, other assumptions are based on unobservable estimates of what market participants would use to measure fair value.

Financial instruments:

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are shown below.



December 31, 2019
(in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	182,059	$	182,059	$	182,059	$	—	$	—
Certificates of deposit in other banks	19,305		19,310		—		19,310		—
Securities AFS	449,302		449,302		—		446,172		3,130
Other investments	24,072		24,072		3,375		16,759		3,938
Loans held for sale	2,706		2,753		—		2,753		—
Loans, net	2,559,779		2,593,110		—		—		2,593,110
BOLI	78,140		78,140		78,140		—		—
MSR asset	5,919		8,420		—		—		8,420
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	2,954,453	$	2,956,229	$	—	$	—	$	2,956,229
Long-term borrowings	67,629		66,816		—		25,075		41,741

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



December 31, 2018
(in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	249,526	$	249,526	$	249,526	$	—	$	—
Certificates of deposit in other banks	993		993		—		993		—
Securities AFS	400,144		400,144		—		391,654		8,490
Other investments	17,997		17,997		2,650		13,189		2,158
Loans held for sale	1,639		1,662		—		1,662		—
Loans, net	2,153,028		2,139,322		—		—		2,139,322
BOLI	66,310		66,310		66,310		—		—
MSR asset	3,749		6,347		—		—		6,347
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	2,614,138	$	2,614,995	$	—	$	—	$	2,614,995
Long-term borrowings	77,305		75,923		—		34,907		41,016

The carrying value of certain assets and liabilities such as cash and cash equivalents, BOLI, nonmaturing deposits, and short-term borrowings, approximate their estimated fair value. For those financial instruments not previously disclosed, the following is a description of the valuation methodologies used.

Certificates of deposits in other banks: Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on current interest rates being offered by instruments with similar terms and represents a Level 2 measurement.

Other investments: The valuation methodologies utilized for the exchange-traded equity securities are discussed under "Recurring basis fair value measurements" above. The carrying amount of Federal Reserve Bank, Bankers Bank, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, and FHLB stock is a reasonably accepted fair value estimate given their restricted nature. Fair value is the redeemable (carrying) value based on the redemption provisions of the instruments which is considered a Level 2 measurement. The carrying amount of the remaining other investments (particularly common stocks of companies or other banks that are not publicly traded) approximates their fair value, determined primarily by analysis of company financial statements and recent capital issuances of the respective companies or banks, if any, and represents a Level 3 measurement.

Loans held for sale: The fair value estimation process for the loans held for sale portfolio is segregated by loan type. The estimated fair value was based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics and represents a Level 2 measurement.

Loans, net: For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk or other optionality, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for all other loans are estimated by discounting contractual cash flows using estimated market discount rates, which reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. Collateral-dependent impaired loans are included in loans, net. The fair value of loans is considered to be a Level 3 measurement due to internally developed discounted cash flow measurements.

Deposits: The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity (such as demand deposits, savings, interest and noninterest checking, and money market accounts) is, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market place on certificates of similar remaining maturities. Use of internal discounted cash flows provides a Level 3 fair value measurement.

Long-term borrowings: The fair value of the FHLB advances is obtained from the FHLB which uses a discounted cash flow analysis based on current market rates of similar maturity debt securities and represents a Level 2 measurement. The fair values of the junior subordinated debentures and subordinated notes utilize a discounted cash flow analysis based on an estimate of current interest rates being offered by instruments with similar terms and credit quality. Since the market for these instruments is limited, the internal valuation represents a Level 3 measurement.

Lending-related commitments: At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the estimated fair value of letters of credit, interest rate lock commitments on residential mortgage loans, and outstanding mandatory commitments to sell residential mortgage loans into the secondary market were not significant.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Limitations: Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Fair value estimates may not be realizable in an immediate settlement of the instrument. In some instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments, in which case fair values may be based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques, or based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of the financial instruments, or other factors. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimate of future cash flows. Subsequent changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

NOTE 18. PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed Parent Company only financial statements of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. follow.



Balance Sheets	December 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018
Assets
Cash and due from subsidiary	$	70,426		$	45,279
Investments	6,650			4,500
Investments in subsidiaries	487,644			384,839
Goodwill	(3,266		)	(3,266		)
Other assets	396			53
Total assets	$	561,850		$	431,405
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Junior subordinated debentures	$	30,575		$	30,096
Subordinated notes	11,993			11,957
Other liabilities	3,020			2,743
Stockholders’ equity	516,262			386,609
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	561,850		$	431,405



Statements of Income	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Interest income	$	55		$	52		$	46
Interest expense	2,936			2,844			2,415
Net interest expense	(2,881		)	(2,792		)	(2,369		)
Dividend income from subsidiaries	50,363			40,775			32,000
Operating expense	(321		)	(364		)	(369		)
Gain (loss) on investments, net	1,015			265			1,411
Income tax benefit	506			305			1,329
Earnings before equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries	48,682			38,189			32,002
Equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries	5,959			2,847			1,148
Net income attributable to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.	$	54,641		$	41,036		$	33,150

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



Statements of Cash Flows	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2019			2018			2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income attributable to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.	$	54,641		$	41,036		$	33,150
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Accretion of discounts	515			515			501
(Gain) loss on investments, net	(1,015		)	(265		)	(1,411		)
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	(421		)	(25		)	(1,384		)
Equity in undistributed (income) loss of subsidiaries, net of dividends	(5,959		)	(2,847		)	(1,148		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	47,761			38,414			29,708
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of investments	—			708			317
Purchases of investments	(2,484		)	(920		)	—
Net cash paid in business combinations	(412		)	—			(19,287		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,896		)	(212		)	(18,970		)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(28,460		)	(22,749		)	(15,007		)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	8,742			1,800			4,030
Net cash used in financing activities	(19,718		)	(20,949		)	(10,977		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from subsidiary	25,147			17,253			(239		)
Beginning cash and due from subsidiary	45,279			28,026			28,265
Ending cash and due from subsidiary	$	70,426		$	45,279		$	28,026

NOTE 19. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy on earnings per common share. Earnings per common share and related information are summarized as follows.



	Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2019		2018		2017
Net income attributable to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.	$	54,641	$	41,036	$	33,150
Weighted average common shares outstanding	9,562		9,640		9,440
Effect of dilutive common stock awards	338		316		518
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	9,900		9,956		9,958
Basic earnings per common share	$	5.71	$	4.26	$	3.51
Diluted earnings per common share	$	5.52	$	4.12	$	3.33

Options to purchase less than 0.1 million shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2019 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as the effect of their exercise would have been anti-dilutive. Options to purchase approximately 0.1 million shares outstanding for years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the effect of their exercise would have been anti-dilutive.

NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 20. REVENUE RECOGNITION

See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy on revenue recognition in accordance with Topic 606. This guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and securities. In addition, certain noninterest income categories such as gains or losses associated with mortgage servicing rights, derivatives, and income from BOLI are not within the scope of the new guidance. The main types of revenue contracts within the scope of Topic 606 include trust services income, brokerage fee income, service charges on deposit accounts, card interchange income, and certain other noninterest income. These contracts are discussed in detail below:

Trust services and brokerage fee income: A contract between the Company and its customers to provide fiduciary and / or investment administration services on trust accounts and brokerage accounts in exchange for a fee. Trust services and brokerage fee income is generally based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management and the applicable fee rate, which is recognized over the period the underlying trust or brokerage account is serviced (generally on a monthly basis). Such contracts are generally cancellable at any time, with the customer subject to a pro-rated fee in the month of termination.

Service charges on deposit accounts: The deposit contract obligates the Company to serve as a custodian of the customer’s deposited funds and is generally terminable at will by either party. This contract permits the customer to access the funds on deposit and request additional services related to the deposit account. Service charges on deposit accounts consist of account analysis fees (net fees earned on analyzed business and public checking accounts), monthly service charges, nonsufficient fund (“NSF”) charges, and other deposit account related charges. The Company’s performance obligation for account analysis fees and monthly service charges is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, over the period in which the service is provided (typically on a monthly basis); while NSF charges and other deposit account related charges are largely transactional based and the related revenue is recognized at the time the service is provided.

Card interchange income: A contract between the Company, as a card-issuing bank, and its customers whereby the Company receives a transaction fee from the merchant’s bank whenever a customer uses a debit or credit card to make a purchase. The performance obligation is completed and the fees are recognized as the service is provided (i.e., when the customer uses a debit or credit card).

Other noninterest income: Other noninterest income includes several items, such as wire transfer income, check cashing fees, check printing fees, safe deposit box rental fees, management fee income, and consulting fees. These fees are generally recognized at the time the service is provided.

NOTE 21. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On February 17, 2020, Nicolet entered into a definitive merger agreement with Commerce Financial Holdings, Inc. (“Commerce”) pursuant to which Commerce will merge with and into Nicolet, providing entry into Wisconsin's largest MSA. The acquisition will involve stock-for-stock consideration at a fixed exchange ratio, subject to cap and collar provisions provided for in the merger agreement. At December 31, 2019, Commerce had total assets of $713 million, loans of $604 million, deposits of $610 million, and equity of $66 million. Commerce would represent approximately 16% of the combined company's assets at December 31, 2019. The merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2020 and remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Commerce shareholders and regulatory approvals.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2019.

Atlanta, Georgia

February 28, 2020

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.

Atlanta, Georgia

March 8, 2019

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management, under the supervision, and with the participation, of our Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon, and as of the date of such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and President and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to Nicolet that is required to be included in Nicolet’s periodic filings with the SEC. During the fourth quarter of 2019 there were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

As of December 31, 2019, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 2013. Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, was effective.

Wipfli LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 is included under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its senior financial officers. A copy is available, without charge, upon telephonic or written request addressed to Ann K. Lawson, Chief Financial Officer, Nicolet Bankshares, Inc., 111 North Washington Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301, telephone (920) 430-1400.

The remaining information required in Part III, Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required in Part III, Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Equity Compensation Plan Information



	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) ⁽¹⁾	Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) ⁽²⁾		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c)
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	1,466,254	$	48.75	1,414,166
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	—	—		—
Total at December 31, 2019	1,466,254	$	48.75	1,414,166

(1) Includes 22,521 shares potentially issuable upon the vesting of outstanding restricted stock.

(2) The weighted average exercise price relates only to the exercise of outstanding options included in column (a).

The remaining information required in Part III, Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required in Part III, Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required in Part III, Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit		Description of Exhibit
2.1		Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. and First Menasha Bancshares, Inc., dated November 3, 2016. ⁽¹⁾
2.2		Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. and Choice Bancorp, Inc., dated June 26, 2019. ⁽²⁾
2.3		Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. and Commerce Financial Holdings, Inc., dated February 17, 2020. ⁽³⁾
3.1		Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. ⁽⁴⁾
3.2		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.⁽⁵⁾
4.1		Form of Common Stock Certificate of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. ⁽⁶⁾
4.7		Form of Subordinated Note. ⁽⁷⁾
4.8		Description of Nicolet's Registered Securities.
10.1		[Reserved]
10.2		[Reserved]
10.3		[Reserved]
10.4†		Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and forms of award documents.⁽⁸⁾
10.5†		Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective February 19, 2019, and approved by the shareholders of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. on May 13, 2019, and forms of award documents. ⁽⁹⁾
10.6†		Nicolet National Bank 2002 Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended.⁽¹⁰⁾
10.7†		Nicolet National Bank 2009 Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. ⁽⁶⁾
10.8†		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 7, 2019, by and among the Registrant, Nicolet National Bank and Michael E. Daniels. ⁽¹¹⁾
10.9†		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 7, 2019, by and among the Registrant, Nicolet National Bank and Robert B. Atwell. ⁽¹¹⁾
10.10		Lease, dated May 31, 2000, between Washington Square Green Bay, LLC and Green Bay Financial Corporation D/B/A Nicolet National Bank, as amended. ⁽⁶⁾
10.11		[Reserved]
10.12†		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 7, 2019, by and among the Registrant, Nicolet National Bank and Ann K. Lawson. ⁽¹¹⁾
10.13†		Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (formerly the Baylake Corp. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan), and forms of award documents. ⁽¹²⁾
10.14		[Reserved]
10.15†		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 7, 2019, by and among the Registrant, Nicolet National Bank and Eric J. Witczak. ⁽¹¹⁾
10.16†		Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. ⁽¹³⁾
10.17†		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 7, 2019, by and among the Registrant, Nicolet National Bank and Brad V. Hutjens. ⁽¹¹⁾
21.1		Subsidiaries of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
23.1		Consent of Wipfli LLP.
23.2		Consent of Porter Keadle Moore, LLC.
31.1		Certification of CEO under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2		Certification of CFO under Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1		Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2		Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101		The following material from Nicolet’s Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2019, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

† Denotes a management compensatory agreement.

(1) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2016 (File No. 001-37700).

(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2019 (File No. 001-37700).

(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2020 (File No. 001-37700).

(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed on March 12, 2014 (File No. 333-90052).

(5) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2016 (File No. 001-37700).

(6) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, filed on February 1, 2013 (Regis. No. 333-186401).

(7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2015 (File No. 333-90052).

(8) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, filed on March 9, 2015 (File No. 333-90052).

(9) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed March 8, 2019.

(10) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, filed on March 10, 2017 (File No. 001-37700).

(11) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number in the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, filed on March 8, 2019 (File No. 001-37700).

(12) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2016 (File No. 001-37700).

(13) Incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed March 7, 2018.

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



	NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC.

February 28, 2020	By:	/s/ Robert B. Atwell
		Robert B. Atwell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

February 28, 2020



/s/ Robert B. Atwell		/s/ Andrew F. Hetzel, Jr.
Robert B. Atwell		Andrew F. Hetzel, Jr.
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer		Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Ann K. Lawson		/s/ Donald J. Long, Jr.
Ann K. Lawson		Donald J. Long, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer		Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Michael E. Daniels		/s/ Dustin J. McClone
Michael E. Daniels		Dustin J. McClone
Director, Executive Vice President and Secretary		Director

/s/ Rachel Campos-Duffy		/s/ Susan L. Merkatoris
Rachel Campos-Duffy		Susan L. Merkatoris
Director		Director

/s/ John N. Dykema		/s/ Randy J. Rose
John N. Dykema		Randy J. Rose
Director		Director

/s/ Terrence R. Fulwiler		/s/ Oliver Pierce Smith
Terrence R. Fulwiler		Oliver Pierce Smith
Director		Director

/s/ Christopher J. Ghidorzi		/s/ Robert J. Weyers
Christopher J. Ghidorzi		Robert J. Weyers
Director		Director