Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2016 Earnings

GREEN BAY, Wis., April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCBS) ("Nicolet") announces first quarter 2016 net income of $2.7 million, and net income available to common shareholders was $0.57 per diluted common share, compared to $2.8 million and $0.64, respectively, for fourth quarter 2015. A year ago, first quarter net income was $3.1 million and earnings per diluted common share were $0.70.

"Our earnings continue to provide a sound base return to our shareholders as we navigate toward the closure of the Baylake merger," said Bob Atwell, Chairman and CEO of Nicolet. "With all regulatory and shareholder approvals now in place, the merger is scheduled to consummate on April 29 and Baylake branches will open on Monday, May 2 under the Nicolet brand."

"In January 2016 we announced a strategic purchase of a financial advisory business, a portion of which is reflected in our first quarter results," Atwell said. "The final phase of this private transaction was completed in April and will be part of our second quarter results. Keeping our eyes on opportunity includes upfront investment, which will materialize into stronger contribution in this important revenue area as we fulfill the wealth management needs of our customers."

"We believe current and prospective shareholders are watching how we are progressing strategically," Atwell commented. "We began trading on Nasdaq in late February, daily trading volume has grown, and our March 31, 2016 closing stock price of $38.85 was a 52-week high for Nicolet, representing a 1.59 multiple of our book value per share."

As of March 31, 2016, total assets were $1.24 billion, loans were $889 million (up $12 million or 1% over year end 2015), and deposits were $1.08 billion (up $25 million or 2% over year end 2015).  Asset quality metrics remained steady and strong at March 31, 2016, with nonperforming assets to total assets at 0.39%, allowance for loan losses to loans at 1.18%, and annualized net charge offs at 0.10% for the first quarter of 2016. 

Total capital was $114.6 million at March 31, 2016, comprised of $12.2 million preferred and $102.4 million common equity. Common equity increased $5.1 million since year end 2015, largely due to retained earnings and new common stock issued in connection with the financial advisory business purchase. Book value per common share was $24.36, 4% higher than at year end 2015, with outstanding shares growing 1% over the same quarter. Tangible common equity to tangible assets was 7.88% at March 31, compared to 7.72% at December 31, 2015.  

Beginning March 1, 2016, the annual dividend rate on our preferred stock moved from 1% to 9% in accordance with its contractual terms, and in advance of such increase, Nicolet redeemed half of its then outstanding preferred stock in September 2015. Dividends paid on preferred stock, which impact diluted earnings per common share, were $112,000 for first quarter 2016, and $30,500 and $61,000, for the fourth and first quarters of 2015, respectively, varying with the changes in the preferred stock outstanding and the dividend rate.

Net income was $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2016, similar to $2.8 million in fourth quarter 2015. Net interest income held steady at $10.7 million for both quarters despite fewer earning days, benefiting mostly from lower interest expense from deposit rate changes made in December 2015.  Excluding net gains (losses) on sale or writedown of assets for both periods, noninterest income was $3.9 million for both quarters. The provision for loan losses was unchanged at $450,000 for first quarter 2016 and fourth quarter 2015, given no significant changes in asset quality levels. Excluding direct merger-related costs recorded in both periods, noninterest expense was unchanged at $9.6 million for both quarters. 

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" and "prospects", involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statement 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, 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.

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SOURCE Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.nicoletbank.com