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8-K - FORM 8-K - NICOLET BANKSHARES INCncbs-09302018form8xkcover.htm


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Exhibit 99.1
 
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
NICOLET BANKSHARES, INC. ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER 2018 EARNINGS

Net income of $10.9 million, 12% above second quarter 2018 and 14% above third quarter 2017
Net income of $30.2 million for first nine months of 2018, 25% higher than the comparable 2017 period
Earnings per diluted common share of $1.09 and $3.02 for the three and nine months ended September 30
Annualized return on average assets of 1.45% and 1.36% for the three and nine months ended September 30
$2.1 billion in loans at September 30, 5% increase over a year ago
$2.5 billion in deposits at September 30, 7% higher than a year ago

Green Bay, Wisconsin, October 16, 2018 - Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCBS) (“Nicolet”) announced third quarter 2018 net income of $10.9 million and earnings per diluted common share of $1.09, compared to $9.7 million and $0.98 for second quarter 2018, and $9.5 million and $0.91 for third quarter 2017, respectively. Annualized quarterly return on average assets was 1.45%, 1.28% and 1.34%, for third quarter 2018, second quarter 2018 and third quarter 2017, respectively.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $30.2 million, 25% higher than $24.0 million for the first nine months of 2017, and earnings per diluted common share was $3.02, 23% higher than $2.45 for the comparable period a year ago. Annualized return on average assets for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 was 1.36% and 1.25%, respectively.

“With net income exceeding $10 million this quarter, we are delivering consistently on our earnings potential” said Bob Atwell, Chairman and CEO of Nicolet. “While any individual quarter’s results may vary in response to positive factors or negative headwinds, we are most pleased with our trajectory of earnings through the year and over the long term, while fulfilling customer needs with quality service, investing in our people and future, and actively contributing to our communities.”

“In recent years we have generated a lot of shareholder return from growth in our core earnings but also from highly profitable acquisition activity, with the last one completed in April 2017,” Atwell said. “Some investors have wondered if our profits could weaken if acquisitions slow or stop. Acquisition-based earnings have been very favorable, but the rising trend of our earnings in the face of declining ‘merger math’ should contribute to confidence,” Atwell reflected. “We have also effectively established a solid core deposit base, organically and within acquired markets, which is the foundation of any strong franchise. We intend to continue with acquisitions as part of our growth strategy when they make sense, but we are extremely proud to have built a sustainable high performance engine.”

At September 30, 2018, assets were $3.0 billion (up 5% since September 30, 2017), loans were $2.1 billion (up 5%), and deposits were $2.5 billion (up 7%). Since June 30, period end loans increased $15 million or 3% annualized, with the majority in commercial loans, while deposits increased $67 million or 11% annualized, across almost all deposit categories.

Net interest margin was 4.02% and 3.99% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, even with rising interest rates. Net interest income was $26.9 million for third quarter 2018, $1.1 million or




4% higher than second quarter 2018. For the first nine months of 2018, net interest income was $79.6 million, an increase of $7.4 million or 10% over last year.
  
Pre-tax income increased $1.1 million or 9% between the linked quarters. For third quarter 2018, interest income increased $1.3 million (including $0.2 million higher discount income on resolved purchased credit impaired loans) and interest expense increased $0.2 million, each primarily a result of rate changes between the quarters. Between the linked quarters, noninterest income increased $0.4 million or 4%, most notably due to higher net mortgage income (up $0.4 million on higher volumes), card interchange income (up $0.1 million), and BOLI income (up $0.6 million from a death benefit), partially offsetting lower net asset gains (down $0.8 million). Noninterest expense increased $0.6 million or 3% over second quarter 2018, including a $0.3 million increase in personnel expense (mostly from higher seasonal payroll and health costs), a $0.2 million increase in occupancy (mostly accelerated depreciation on a demolished building), and a $0.1 million increase in all other noninterest expenses combined. Tax expense was $3.3 million, unchanged between the linked quarters, while the effective tax rate was lower for the third quarter given the tax treatment of the BOLI death benefit.

Pre-tax income for the first nine months of 2018 increased $3.0 million or 8% over the comparable period last year. Interest income grew $13.8 million (despite $4.0 million lower discount income on resolved purchased credit impaired loans), aided by a 16% increase in average interest-earning assets and the elevated rate environment on new, renewed and variable rate loans. Interest expense increased $6.4 million primarily due to rising rates on a larger deposit base. Noninterest income grew $3.7 million or 14%, with all categories except net asset gains up year-over-year, most notably trust and brokerage fees combined (up $1.4 million or 16%), card interchange income (up $0.7 million or 21%), BOLI income (up $0.6 million), and net mortgage income (up $0.5 million or 12%). Noninterest expense increased $8.6 million or 15%. Personnel expense increased $5.7 million or 18%, partly due to the expanded workforce (with average full-time equivalent employees up 7% between the nine-month periods), as well as merit increases between the years, additional competitive market-based wage increases made after tax reform was passed, cash and equity incentives timing, and higher health and other benefits. Non-personnel expenses combined increased $2.9 million or 11% mostly due to the larger operating base, but also from $0.7 million higher charitable giving between the nine-month periods. Tax expense declined $3.2 million despite the increase in pre-tax income, principally due to the lower corporate tax rate in effect for 2018.

Nonperforming assets declined to $11 million, representing 0.38% of total assets at September 30, 2018, down favorably from 0.41% at June 30, 2018 and 0.55% at September 30, 2017. For third quarter 2018, the provision for loan losses was $0.3 million compared to net charge-offs of $0.2 million, consistent with the improving loan quality and minimal losses. The allowance for loan losses increased to $13.0 million, representing 0.61% of total loans at September 30, 2018, up slightly from 0.60% of total loans at June 30, 2018.

During third quarter 2018, we utilized $4.4 million to repurchase and cancel approximately 81,300 shares of our common stock pursuant to our common stock repurchase program, bringing the 2018 year-to-date total to nearly 308,000 shares repurchased for $16.9 million. As of September 30, 2018, there remained $12.9 million authorized under the repurchase program, as modified, to be utilized from time-to-time to repurchase shares in the open market, through block transactions or in private transactions.

The timing of Nicolet’s April 2017 First Menasha Bancshares, Inc. (“First Menasha”) acquisition, at approximately 20% of pre-merger assets at the time of acquisition, impacts financial comparisons to 2017 periods. Certain income statement results, average balances and related ratios for 2018 include the full contribution of First Menasha operations, versus five months of contribution of First Menasha in the comparable nine month period of 2017. The first nine months of 2017 also included non-recurring other direct merger and integration pre-tax expenses of $0.5 million.

About Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Nicolet National Bank, a growing, full-service, community bank providing services ranging from commercial and consumer banking to wealth management




and retirement plan services. Founded in Green Bay in 2000, Nicolet National Bank operates branches in Northeast and Central Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. More information can be found at www.nicoletbank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities law. Statements in this release that are not strictly historical are forward-looking and based upon current expectations that may differ materially from actual results. These forward-looking statements, identified by words such as “will”, “expect”, “believe,” “prospects” or other words of similar meaning, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements made herein. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic trends and changes in interest rates, increased competition, regulatory or legislative developments affecting the financial industry generally or Nicolet specifically, the interpretations and impact of the recently enacted tax legislation, changes in consumer demand for financial services, the possibility of unforeseen events affecting the industry generally or Nicolet specifically, the uncertainties associated with newly developed or acquired operations and market disruptions. Nicolet undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements publicly to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unforeseen events, except as required to be reported under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.


 
 
 




Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At or for the Three Months Ended
 
At or for the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
9/30/2018
 
6/30/2018
 
3/31/2018
 
12/31/2017
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2018
 
9/30/2017
Results of operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
31,880

 
$
30,545

 
$
30,785

 
$
29,836

 
$
29,454

 
$
93,210

 
$
79,417

Interest expense
 
4,938

 
4,742

 
3,911

 
3,329

 
3,063

 
13,591

 
7,182

Net interest income
 
26,942

 
25,803

 
26,874

 
26,507

 
26,391

 
79,619

 
72,235

Provision for loan losses
 
340

 
510

 
510

 
450

 
975

 
1,360

 
1,875

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
26,602

 
25,293

 
26,364

 
26,057

 
25,416

 
78,259

 
70,360

Noninterest income
 
10,649

 
10,239

 
8,824

 
8,621

 
10,164

 
29,712

 
26,018

Noninterest expense
 
23,044

 
22,451

 
22,642

 
21,858

 
20,862

 
68,137

 
59,498

Income before income tax expense
 
14,207

 
13,081

 
12,546

 
12,820

 
14,718

 
39,834

 
36,880

Income tax expense
 
3,268

 
3,255

 
2,908

 
3,662

 
5,133

 
9,431

 
12,605

Net income
 
10,939

 
9,826

 
9,638

 
9,158

 
9,585

 
30,403

 
24,275

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
80

 
89

 
61

 
55

 
74

 
230

 
228

Net income attributable to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
 
$
10,859

 
$
9,737

 
$
9,577

 
$
9,103

 
$
9,511

 
$
30,173

 
$
24,047

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.13

 
$
1.01

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.93

 
$
0.97

 
$
3.12

 
$
2.58

Diluted
 
$
1.09

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.94

 
$
0.88

 
$
0.91

 
$
3.02

 
$
2.45

Common Shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average
 
9,633

 
9,639

 
9,765

 
9,805

 
9,837

 
9,679

 
9,317

Diluted weighted average
 
9,949

 
9,970

 
10,225

 
10,368

 
10,409

 
10,004

 
9,821

Outstanding
 
9,577

 
9,643

 
9,699

 
9,818

 
9,799

 
9,577

 
9,799

Noninterest Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust services fee income
 
$
1,638

 
$
1,671

 
$
1,606

 
$
1,600

 
$
1,479

 
$
4,915

 
$
4,431

Brokerage fee income
 
1,732

 
1,738

 
1,604

 
1,544

 
1,500

 
5,074

 
4,192

Mortgage income, net
 
1,902

 
1,528

 
1,080

 
1,339

 
1,774

 
4,510

 
4,022

Service charges on deposit accounts
 
1,247

 
1,200

 
1,190

 
1,237

 
1,238

 
3,637

 
3,367

Card interchange income
 
1,481

 
1,358

 
1,243

 
1,268

 
1,225

 
4,082

 
3,378

Other noninterest income
 
2,503

 
1,772

 
1,897

 
1,675

 
1,643

 
6,172

 
4,557

Noninterest income without net gains
 
10,503

 
9,267

 
8,620

 
8,663

 
8,859

 
28,390

 
23,947

Asset gains (losses), net
 
146

 
972

 
204

 
(42
)
 
1,305

 
1,322

 
2,071

Total noninterest income
 
$
10,649

 
$
10,239

 
$
8,824

 
$
8,621

 
$
10,164

 
$
29,712

 
$
26,018

Noninterest Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personnel expense
 
$
12,983

 
$
12,674

 
$
12,492

 
$
12,054

 
$
11,488

 
$
38,149

 
$
32,404

Occupancy, equipment and office
 
3,660

 
3,454

 
3,787

 
3,695

 
3,559

 
10,901

 
9,613

Business development and marketing
 
1,334

 
1,463

 
1,342

 
1,341

 
1,113

 
4,139

 
3,359

Data processing
 
2,375

 
2,399

 
2,320

 
2,287

 
2,238

 
7,094

 
6,428

FDIC assessments
 
245

 
282

 
273

 
205

 
205

 
800

 
582

Intangibles amortization
 
1,054

 
1,100

 
1,182

 
1,181

 
1,173

 
3,336

 
3,514

Other noninterest expense
 
1,393

 
1,079

 
1,246

 
1,095

 
1,086

 
3,718

 
3,598

Total noninterest expense
 
$
23,044

 
$
22,451

 
$
22,642

 
$
21,858

 
$
20,862

 
$
68,137

 
$
59,498


 
 




Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Summary (Unaudited) - Continued
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At or for the Three Months Ended
 
At or for the Nine Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
9/30/2018
 
6/30/2018
 
3/31/2018
 
12/31/2017
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2018
 
9/30/2017
Period-End Balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
2,143,457

 
$
2,128,624

 
$
2,100,597

 
$
2,087,925

 
$
2,051,122

 
$
2,143,457

 
$
2,051,122

Allowance for loan losses
 
12,992

 
12,875

 
12,765

 
12,653

 
12,610

 
12,992

 
12,610

Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value
 
410,911

 
401,975

 
401,130

 
405,153

 
408,217

 
410,911

 
408,217

Goodwill and other intangibles, net
 
125,360

 
126,124

 
127,224

 
128,406

 
129,588

 
125,360

 
129,588

Total assets
 
3,000,902

 
2,922,151

 
3,223,935

 
2,932,433

 
2,845,730

 
3,000,902

 
2,845,730

Deposits
 
2,522,156

 
2,455,536

 
2,765,090

 
2,471,064

 
2,366,951

 
2,522,156

 
2,366,951

Stockholders’ equity
 
377,171

 
370,584

 
363,988

 
364,178

 
360,426

 
377,171

 
360,426

Book value per common share
 
39.38

 
38.43

 
37.53

 
37.09

 
36.78

 
39.38

 
36.78

Tangible book value per common share
 
26.29

 
25.35

 
24.41

 
24.01

 
23.56

 
26.29

 
23.56

Average Balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
2,134,448

 
$
2,117,828

 
$
2,114,345

 
$
2,066,974

 
$
2,035,277

 
$
2,122,280

 
$
1,842,695

Interest-earning assets
 
2,664,316

 
2,742,976

 
2,584,070

 
2,531,066

 
2,505,073

 
2,664,081

 
2,291,588

Total assets
 
2,971,247

 
3,044,466

 
2,896,533

 
2,852,400

 
2,825,542

 
2,971,022

 
2,580,126

Deposits
 
2,497,439

 
2,583,112

 
2,436,103

 
2,385,821

 
2,377,229

 
2,505,776

 
2,175,360

Interest-bearing liabilities
 
1,931,119

 
2,084,361

 
1,925,443

 
1,835,375

 
1,854,339

 
1,980,329

 
1,721,362

Goodwill and other intangibles, net
 
125,798

 
126,646

 
127,801

 
128,980

 
129,158

 
126,741

 
110,886

Stockholders’ equity
 
375,507

 
364,988

 
366,002

 
361,455

 
358,228

 
368,867

 
323,273

Financial Ratios*:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
 
1.45
%
 
1.28
%
 
1.34
%
 
1.27
%
 
1.34
%
 
1.36
%
 
1.25
%
Return on average common equity
 
11.47

 
10.70

 
10.61

 
9.99

 
10.53

 
10.94

 
9.95

Return on average tangible common equity
 
17.25

 
16.39

 
16.31

 
15.53

 
16.47

 
16.66

 
15.14

Average equity to average assets
 
12.64

 
11.99

 
12.64

 
12.67

 
12.68

 
12.42

 
12.53

Stockholders’ equity to assets
 
12.57

 
12.68

 
11.29

 
12.42

 
12.67

 
12.57

 
12.67

Tangible equity to tangible assets
 
8.76

 
8.74

 
7.65

 
8.41

 
8.50

 
8.76

 
8.50

Loan yield
 
5.35

 
5.10

 
5.39

 
5.23

 
5.29

 
5.28

 
5.26

Earning asset yield
 
4.75

 
4.46

 
4.81

 
4.73

 
4.72

 
4.67

 
4.69

Cost of interest-bearing deposits
 
0.87

 
0.77

 
0.68

 
0.56

 
0.53

 
0.77

 
0.42

Cost of funds
 
1.01

 
0.91

 
0.82

 
0.72

 
0.65

 
0.92

 
0.56

Net interest margin
 
4.02

 
3.77

 
4.20

 
4.21

 
4.24

 
3.99

 
4.27

Net loan charge-offs to average loans
 
0.04

 
0.08

 
0.08

 
0.08

 
0.19

 
0.06

 
0.08

Nonperforming loans to total loans
 
0.48

 
0.51

 
0.56

 
0.63

 
0.70

 
0.48

 
0.70

Nonperforming assets to total assets
 
0.38

 
0.41

 
0.40

 
0.49

 
0.55

 
0.38

 
0.55

Allowance for loan losses to loans
 
0.61

 
0.60

 
0.61

 
0.61

 
0.61

 
0.61

 
0.61

Effective tax rate
 
23.00

 
24.88

 
23.18

 
28.56

 
34.88

 
23.68

 
34.18

Selected Items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income from resolving PCI loans (rounded)
 
$
300

 
$
100

 
$
1,500

 
$
2,100

 
$
2,100

 
$
1,900

 
$
5,900

Tax-equivalent adjustment on net interest income
 
285

 
289

 
298

 
584

 
594

 
872

 
1,785

Tax expense (benefit) on stock-based compensation
 

 

 
(159
)
 
(1,678
)
 
(15
)
 
(159
)
 
(176
)
Tax expense (benefit) of tax reform items
 

 

 

 
896

 

 

 

 *Income statement-related ratios for partial-year periods are annualized.