NICOLET BANKSHARES INC

*Cash and cash equivalents at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 didnot include any restricted cash. At December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents included restricted cash of $1.9 million pledged as collateral on interest rate swaps and no reserve balance was required with the Federal Reserve.

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.

At December 31, 2023, the Company hadthree wholly owned subsidiaries, the Bank, Nicolet Advisory Services, LLC (“Nicolet Advisory”), and Nicolet Insurance Services, LLC (“Nicolet Insurance”). The consolidated income of the Company is derived principally from the Bank, which conducts lending (primarily commercial and agricultural-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 Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota, 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.

At December 31, 2023, the Bank wholly owns an investment subsidiary based in Nevada, a subsidiary that provides a web-based investment management platform for financial advisor trades and related activity, and an entity that owns the building in which Nicolet is headquartered, Nicolet Joint Ventures, LLC (the “JV”). Nicolet Advisory is a registered investment advisor subsidiary that provides brokerage and investment advisory services to customers. Nicolet Insurance, acquired in 2021, was formed to facilitate the delivery of a crop insurance product associated with Nicolet’s agricultural lending.

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its subsidiaries. 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.

Because the Company is not the primary beneficiary, the consolidated financial statements exclude the following wholly-owned variable interest entities: Mid-Wisconsin Statutory Trust, Baylake Capital Trust II, First Menasha Bancshares Statutory Trust I, First Menasha Bancshares Statutory Trust II, County Bancorp Statutory Trust II, County Bancorp Statutory Trust III, and Fox River Valley Trust I.

Operating Segment: The Bank represents the primary operating segment (as discussed above). 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 inone reportable operating segment.

Use of Estimates: In preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, the Company’s management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the disclosures provided. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term include the fair value of securities available for sale, the determination of the allowance for credit losses, acquisitions accounting, goodwill, and income taxes.

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. 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.

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, 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, and the Bank has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Securities Available for Sale: Securities are classified as AFS on the consolidated balance sheets at the time of purchase and include those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. 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 (loss). Realized gains or losses on sales of securities AFS (using the specific identification method) 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 estimated life of the related securities using the effective interest method.

Management evaluates securities AFS in unrealized loss positions on a quarterly basis to determine whether the decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. In making this evaluation, management considers the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Any impairment that is not credit-related is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of related deferred income taxes. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on the balance sheet based on the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding charge to net income. Both the ACL and charge to net income may be reversed if conditions change. However, if the Company intends to sell an impaired AFS security or more likely than not will be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment must be recognized in net income with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis rather than through the establishment of an ACL.

Securities Held to Maturity: Securities are classified as HTM on the consolidated balance sheets at the time of purchase and include those securities that the Company has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. HTM securities are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the estimated life of the related securities using the effective interest method.

Management evaluates securities HTM on a quarterly basis to determine whether an ACL is necessary. In making this determination, management considers the facts and circumstances of the underlying investment securities. The ACL for HTM securities, if deemed necessary, evaluates expected credit losses on HTM securities by security type, aggregated by similar risk characteristics, and considers historical credit loss information as adjusted for current conditions and supportable forecasts.

Other Investments: Other investments include equity securities with readily determinable fair values, “restricted” equity securities, and private company securities. As a member of the Federal Reserve Bank System 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 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 lien mortgages. The amount by which cost exceeds fair value is recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Changes, if any, in the valuation allowance are included in earnings in the period in which the change occurs. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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 – Originated: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are carried at their amortized cost basis, which is the unpaid principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs, and any direct principal charge-off. The Company made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of loans and report such accrued interest as part of accrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

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.

A description of each segment of the loan portfolio, including the corresponding credit risk, is included below.

Commercial and industrial loans consist primarily of commercial loans to small and mid-sized businesses within a diverse range of industries (manufacturing, wholesaling, paper, packaging, food production and processing, retail, service, and businesses supporting the general building industry). These loans are made for a wide variety of general corporate purposes, including working capital, equipment, and business expansion loans, with varying terms based upon the underlying purpose of the loan. Commercial and industrial loans are based primarily on the historical and projected cash flow of the underlying borrower, and secondarily on any underlying assets pledged by the borrower. 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. Credit risk is managed by employing sound underwriting guidelines, lending primarily to borrowers in local markets, formally reviewing the borrower’s financial condition on an ongoing basis, and generally require a guarantee (in full or part) from the primary business owners. Commercial bankers utilize SBA programs, where appropriate, as Nicolet is a preferred SBA lender.

Owner-occupied CRE loans primarily consist 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. Credit risk is managed by employing sound underwriting guidelines, lending primarily to borrowers in local markets, periodically evaluating the underlying collateral, formally reviewing the borrower’s financial performance on an ongoing basis, and generally require a guarantee (in full or part) from the primary business owners.

Agricultural loans consist of loans secured by farmland and the related farming operations, primarily within the dairy industry. These loans support short-term needs (planting crops or buying feed), as well as longer term needs (fund cattle, equipment or real estate purchases and improvements) of our agricultural customers. The credit risk related to agricultural loans is largely influenced by the agricultural economy, including market prices for the cost of feed and the price of milk, and / or the underlying value of the farmland. Credit risk is managed by employing sound underwriting guidelines, regular personal contact with our agricultural customers, formally reviewing the borrower’s financial condition on an ongoing basis, and generally require a guarantee (in full or part) from the primary business owners. Agricultural bankers utilize FSA programs, where appropriate, as Nicolet is a preferred FSA lender.

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 is focused on loans that are secured by commercial income-producing properties as opposed to speculative real estate development. The credit risk related to CRE investment loans is influenced by the cash flows of the properties, including vacancy experience, credit capacity of the tenants occupying the real estate, and general economic conditions, all of which may impact the borrower’s operations or the value of underlying collateral. Credit risk is managed by employing sound underwriting guidelines, lending primarily to borrowers in local markets, periodically evaluating the underlying collateral, regularly reviewing the borrower’s financial condition, and generally require a guarantee (in full or part) from the principals.

Construction and land development loans provide financing for the development of commercial income properties, multi-family residential development, and land designated for future development. The credit risk on construction loans depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction and the estimated cost of construction. 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, formally reviewing the borrower’s financial soundness and relationships on an ongoing basis, and generally require a guarantee (in full or part) from the principals.

Residential real estate includes residential first mortgage loans and residential junior mortgage loans (home equity lines and term loans secured by junior mortgage liens). Residential real estate also includes residential construction loans. As part of its management of originating residential mortgage loans, Nicolet generally sells the majority of its long-term, fixed-rate residential first mortgage loans in the secondary market with the servicing rights retained, and retains the adjustable-rate mortgage loans in its loan portfolio. The Company may also retain a portion of the long-term, fixed rate residential mortgage loans that do not conform with secondary market standards, but do meet other specific underwriting guidelines. Credit risk for residential real estate loans largely depends upon factors affecting the borrower’s ability to repay as well as general economic trends. Residential real estate loan underwriting is subject to specific regulations, and Nicolet typically underwrites these loans to conform with those widely accepted standards. Residential real estate loans typically have longer terms and higher balances with lower yields, but generally carry lower risks of default.

Retail loans include predominantly credit cards and other personal installment loans to individuals within Nicolet’s market areas. Retail loans are centrally underwritten utilizing the borrower’s financial history and information on the underlying collateral. Retail loans typically have shorter terms and lower balances with higher yields, but generally carry higher risks of default. Collection of these loans depends on the borrower’s financial stability, and is more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances.

Loans – Acquired: Loans purchased in acquisition transactions are acquired loans, and are recorded at their estimated fair value on the acquisition date.

Acquired loans that have evidence of more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination are considered purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. At acquisition, an estimate of expected credit losses is made for PCD loans. This initial allowance for credit losses is allocated to individual PCD loans and added to the purchase price or acquisition date fair value to establish the initial amortized cost basis of the PCD loans. Any difference between the unpaid principal balance of PCD loans and the amortized cost basis is considered to relate to noncredit factors, resulting in a discount or premium that is amortized to interest income. For acquired loans not deemed PCD loans at acquisition, the difference between the initial fair value mark and the unpaid principal balance are recognized in interest income over the estimated life of the loans. In addition, an initial allowance for expected credit losses is estimated and recorded as provision expense at the acquisition date. The subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for all acquired loans is the same as the subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for originated loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans: The ACL-Loans represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses over the lifetime of the loan based on loans in the Company’s loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The Company estimates the ACL-Loans based on the amortized cost basis of the underlying loan and has made an accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest from the loan’s amortized cost basis and the related measurement of the ACL-Loans. Estimating the amount of the ACL-Loans 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 nonaccrual 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 ACL-Loans. Loans are charged-off when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL-Loans. A provision for credit losses, which is a charge against income, is recorded to bring the ACL-Loans to a level that, in management’s judgment, is appropriate to absorb expected credit losses in the loan portfolio.

The Company uses the current expected credit loss model (“CECL”) to estimate the ACL-Loans. This model considers historical loss rates and other qualitative adjustments, as well as a forward-looking component that considers reasonable and supportable forecasts over the expected life of each loan. To develop the ACL-Loans estimate under the CECL model, the Company segments the loan portfolio into loan pools based on loan type and similar credit risk elements; performs an individual evaluation of PCD and other credit-deteriorated loans; calculates the historical loss rates for the segmented loan pools; applies the loss rates over the calculated life of the pooled loans; adjusts for forecasted macro-level economic conditions; and determines qualitative adjustments based on factors and conditions unique to Nicolet’s portfolio.

To assess the overall appropriateness of the ACL-Loans, management applies an allocation methodology which focuses on evaluation of qualitative and environmental factors, including but not limited to: evaluation of facts and issues related to specific loans; management’s ongoing review and grading of the loan portfolio; consideration of historical loan loss and delinquency experience on each portfolio segment; trends in past due and nonaccrual loans; the risk characteristics of the various loan segments; changes in the size and character of the loan portfolio; concentrations of loans to specific borrowers or industries; existing economic conditions; the fair value of underlying collateral; and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect expected credit losses. Assessing these numerous factors involves significant judgment.

Management allocates the ACL-Loans by pools of risk within each loan portfolio segment. The allocation methodology consists of the following components. First, a specific reserve is established for individually evaluated PCD and other credit-deteriorated loans, which management defines as nonaccrual credit relationships over $250,000, collateral dependent loans, and other loans with evidence of credit deterioration. The specific reserve in the ACL-Loans for these credit deteriorated loans is equal to the aggregate collateral or discounted cash flow shortfall. Next, management allocates the ACL-Loans with historical loss rates by loan segment. The loss factors are measured on a quarterly basis and applied to each loan segment based on current loan balances and projected for their expected remaining life. Management also allocates the ACL-Loans using the qualitative and environmental factors mentioned above. Consideration is given to those current qualitative or environmental factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses at the evaluation date to differ from the historical loss experience of each loan segment. Lastly, management considers reasonable and supportable forecasts to assess the collectability of future cash flows.

Allocations to the ACL-Loans may be made for specific loans but the entire ACL-Loans 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.

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 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.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Unfunded Commitments: In addition to the ACL-Loans, the Company has established an allowance for unfunded commitments, included in accrued interest payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, representing expected credit losses over the contractual period for which the Company is exposed to credit risk resulting from a contractual obligation to extend credit. The ACL-Unfunded Commitments is maintained at a level that management believes is sufficient to absorb losses arising from unfunded loan commitments, and is determined quarterly based on methodology similar to the methodology for determining the ACL-Loans.

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 a straight-line basis 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.

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

Operating Leases: The Company accounts for its operating leases in accordance with ASC 842, Leases, which requires lessees to record almost all leases on the balance sheet as a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and lease liability. The operating lease ROU asset represents the right to use an underlying asset during the lease term (included inaccrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets), while the operating lease liability represents the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease (included inaccrued interest payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets). 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.

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 ACL-Loans or to write-down of assets, respectively. OREO properties acquired in conjunction with 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.

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, are amortized on a straight-line basis to expense over their initial weighted average life of approximately 12 years as of acquisition, and are subject to periodic impairment evaluation.

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.

Mortgage Servicing Rights (“MSRs”): The Company sells originated residential mortgages into the secondary market and retains the right to service the loans sold. A mortgage servicing right asset (liability) is capitalized upon sale of such loans 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 (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. Mortgage loan servicing fee income 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).

At each reporting date, the MSR asset is assessed for impairment based on the estimated fair value, which considers the estimated prepayment speeds and stratifications based on the risk characteristics of the underlying loans serviced (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. 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.

Loan Servicing Rights (“LSRs”): The Company acquired agricultural loan servicing rights in connection with its acquisition of County Bancorp, Inc. (“County”) on December 3, 2021. These LSRs were recorded at estimated fair value upon acquisition, and are subsequently accounted for utilizing the amortization method; thus, the LSRs are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, with the amortization charged to earnings. The LSRs are assessed for impairment at each reporting date based on estimated fair value. Impairment is determined by stratifying the rights into tranches based on predominant characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type, and investor type. A valuation allowance is established through a charge to earnings to the extent that estimated fair value is less than the carrying amount of the servicing assets for an individual tranche. The valuation allowance is adjusted to reflect changes in the measurement of impairment through either recovery or additions to the valuation allowance, with such changes reported as a component of loan servicing fees on the consolidated statements of income. Fair value in excess of the carrying amount of servicing assets is not recognized. The amortization of loan servicing rights is reflected net of loan servicing fee income. Loan servicing fee income is based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal and is recorded as income when earned.

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 BOLI income.

Partnership Investments: The Company has invested in certain tax-advantaged projects promoting renewable energy. These investments are designed to generate returns primarily through the realization of federal and state income tax credits and other tax benefits. Such investments are accounted for using the equity method where the Company owns less than fifty percent and has the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnership, while investments where the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for at fair value less impairment (if any) or cost less impairment if the fair value is not readily determinable. The Company uses the hypothetical liquidation book value (“HLBV”) method for equity investments when the liquidation rights and priorities as defined by an equity investment agreement differ from what is reflected by the underlying percentage ownership interests. The HLBV method is commonly applied to equity investments in the renewable energy industry, where the economic benefits corresponding to an equity investment may vary at different points in time and / or are not directly linked to an investor’s ownership percentage. A calculation is prepared at each balance sheet date to determine the amount that the Company would receive if any equity investment entity were to liquidate all of its assets (as valued in accordance with U.S. GAAP) and distribute that cash to the investors based on the contractually defined liquidation priorities. The balance of these investments was not material at either December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022, and is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Stock-based Compensation: Stock-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.

Income Taxes: The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its wholly owned subsidiaries and files state income tax returns with the various taxing jurisdictions based on its taxable presence. Amounts equal to tax benefits of those subsidiaries having taxable federal or state losses or credits are reimbursed by the entities that incur federal or state 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 value discounts on PCD loans which resolved in the first twelve months after the acquisition were disallowed under provisions of the tax code.

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, 2023, 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.

At December 31, 2023, the Company was not under examination by any taxing authority.

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 includes the dilutive effect of outstanding common stock awards unless the impact is anti-dilutive, by application of the treasury stock method.

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, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), 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 (loss). The Company presents comprehensive income in a separate consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Revenue Recognition: Accounting principles (ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers) 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. ASC 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and securities, as well as certain noninterest income categories, such as gains or losses associated with mortgage servicing rights and income from BOLI. Descriptions of the Company’s primary revenue contracts within the scope of this revenue recognition guidance 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 generally can be terminated 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).

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted: In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) and Vintage Disclosures. This ASU eliminated the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors and enhanced the disclosure requirements for loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The ASU also requires public business entities to expand the vintage disclosures to include gross charge-offs by year of origination. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements; however, it resulted in new disclosures. See Note 4 for the new disclosures.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. It provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, which defers the sunset date of the original guidance from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The Company expects to utilize the reference rate reform transition guidance, as applicable, and does not expect such adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements or financial disclosures.

Future Accounting Pronouncements: In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU improve the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation table, as well as income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. These expanded disclosures will allow investors to better assess how an entity’s overall operations, including the related tax risks, tax planning, and operational opportunities, affect its income tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. The updated guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU expands segment disclosure requirements for public entities to include disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method. This ASU permits reporting entities to elect to account for tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program for which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received and recognizes the net amortization and income tax credits and other income tax benefits in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. A reporting entity makes an accounting policy election to apply the proportional amortization method on a tax-credit-program-by-tax-credit-program basis rather than electing to apply the proportional amortization method at the reporting entity level or to individual investments. This ASU also requires specific disclosures of investments that generate income tax credits and other income tax benefits from a tax credit program for which the entity has elected to apply the proportional amortization method. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023.

Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the 2022 and 2021 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2023 presentation.

NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS

Completed Acquisitions:

Charter Bankshares, Inc. (“Charter”): On August 26, 2022, Nicolet completed its merger with Charter, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 29, 2022, at which time Charter merged with and into Nicolet, and Charter Bank, the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Charter, was merged with and into the Bank. In the merger, Nicolet issued approximately 1.26 million shares of common stock for stock consideration of $98 million and cash consideration of $39 million, or a total purchase price of $137 million. With the Charter merger, Nicolet expanded into Western Wisconsin and Minnesota.

A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Charter transaction, as of the acquisition date, including the purchase price allocation was as follows.

The Company purchased loans through the acquisition of Charter for which there was, at the date of acquisition, more than insignificant deterioration of credit quality since origination (purchased credit deteriorated loans or “PCD” loans). The carrying amount of these loans at acquisition was as follows.

The Company accounted for the Charter acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting, and thus, the financial position and results of operations of Charter 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. The estimated fair value was determined with the assistance of third party valuations, appraisals, and third party advisors. Goodwill arising as a result of the Charter acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

County Bancorp, Inc. (“County”): On December 3, 2021, Nicolet completed its merger with County, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 22, 2021, at which time County merged with and into Nicolet, and Investors Community Bank, the wholly owned bank subsidiary of County, was merged with and into the Bank. In the merger, Nicolet issued approximately 2.4 million shares of common stock for stock consideration of $176 million and cash consideration of $48 million, or a total purchase price of $224 million. With the County merger, Nicolet became the premier agriculture lender throughout Wisconsin.

A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the County transaction, as of the acquisition date, including the purchase price allocation was as follows.

The Company purchased loans through the acquisition of County for which there was, at the date of acquisition, more than insignificant deterioration of credit quality since origination (PCD loans). The carrying amount of these loans at acquisition was as follows.

The Company accounted for the County acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting, and thus, the financial position and results of operations of County 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. The estimated fair value was determined with the assistance of third party valuations, appraisals, and third party advisors. Goodwill arising as a result of the County acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

Mackinac Financial Corporation (“Mackinac”): On September 3, 2021, Nicolet completed its merger with Mackinac, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated April 12, 2021, at which time Mackinac merged with and into Nicolet, and mBank, the wholly owned bank subsidiary of Mackinac, was merged with and into the Bank. In the merger, Nicolet issued approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock for stock consideration of $180 million and cash consideration of $49 million, for a total purchase price of $229 million. With the Mackinac merger, Nicolet expanded into Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and added to Nicolet’s presence in upper northeastern Wisconsin.

A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Mackinac transaction, as of the acquisition date, including the purchase price allocation was as follows.

The Company purchased loans through the acquisition of Mackinac for which there was, at the date of acquisition, more than insignificant deterioration of credit quality since origination (PCD loans). The carrying amount of these loans at acquisition was as follows.

The Company accounted for the Mackinac acquisition under the acquisition method of accounting, and thus, the financial position and results of operations of Mackinac 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. The estimated fair value was determined with the assistance of third party valuations, appraisals, and third party advisors. Goodwill arising as a result of the Mackinac acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Information: The following unaudited pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only, and gives effect to the acquisitions of County and Mackinac as if the acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 2021, the beginning of the earliest period presented. The pro forma information should not be relied upon as being indicative of the historical results of operations the companies would have had if the acquisitions had occurred before such periods or the future results of operations that the companies will experience as a result of the mergers. The pro forma information, although helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined company under one set of assumptions, does not reflect the benefits of expected cost savings, opportunities to earn additional revenue, the impact of restructuring and merger-related expenses, or other factors that may result as a consequence of the mergers and, accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future results.

NOTE 3. SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

Securities

Securities are classified as AFS or HTM on the consolidated balance sheets at the time of purchase. AFS securities include those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity, and are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. HTM securities include those securities which the Company has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, and are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale and held to maturity are summarized as follows.

On March 7, 2023, Nicolet executed the sale of $500 million (par value) U.S. Treasury held to maturity securities for a pre-tax loss of $37.7 million or an after-tax loss of $28 million. Proceeds from the sale were used to reduce existing FHLB borrowings with the remainder held in investable cash. As a result of the sale of securities previously classified as held to maturity, the remaining unsold portfolio of held to maturity securities was reclassified to available for sale with a carrying value of approximately $157 million (at the time of reclassification). The unrealized loss on this portfolio of $20 million (at the time of reclassification) increased the balance of accumulated other comprehensive loss $15 million, net of the deferred tax effect, and is subject to future market changes.

Proceeds and realized gains / losses from the sale of securities AFS were as follows.

• Includes proceeds of $21 million recognized on the sale of securities AFS upon acquisition of Charter in August 2022 for which no gain or loss was recognized in the income statement as the investment securities were marked to fair value through purchase accounting.

All mortgage-backed securities included in the securities portfolio were issued by U.S. government agencies and corporations. Securities with a fair value of $364 million and $883 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were pledged as collateral to secure public deposits and borrowings, as applicable, and for liquidity or other purposes as required by regulation. Accrued interest on securities totaled $5 million and $6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is included in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following tables present gross unrealized losses and the related estimated fair value of investment securities for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded, aggregated by investment category and the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.

During first quarter 2023, the Company recognized provision expense of $2.3 million related to the expected credit loss on a bank subordinated debt investment (acquired in an acquisition), and immediately charged-off the full investment. The Company does not consider its remaining securities AFS with unrealized losses to be attributable to credit-related factors, as the unrealized losses in each category have occurred as a result of changes in noncredit-related factors such as changes in interest rates, market spreads and market conditions subsequent to purchase, not credit deterioration. Furthermore, the Company does not have the intent to sell any of these securities AFS and believes that it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. As of December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, no allowance for credit losses on securities AFS was recognized.

The Company evaluated the securities HTM and determinedno allowance for credit losses was necessary at December 31, 2022. The U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities are guaranteed by the U.S. government. For the state, county and municipal securities, management considered issuer bond ratings, historical loss rates by bond ratings, whether issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments per the contractual terms of the investment securities, internal forecasts, and whether or not such investment securities provide insurance, other credit enhancement, or are pre-refunded by the issuers. For the mortgage-backed securities, all such securities were issued by U.S. government agencies and corporations, which are currently explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government and have a long history of no credit losses.

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities 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.

Other Investments

Other investments include “restricted” equity securities, equity securities with readily determinable fair values, and private company securities. The carrying value of other investments are summarized as follows.

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

Loans:

The loan composition was as follows.

Accrued interest on loans totaled $19 million and $15 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and is included inaccrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Allowance for Credit Losses-Loans:

The majority 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.

A roll forward of the allowance for credit losses - loans was as follows.

The following table presents the balance and activity in the ACL-Loans by portfolio segment.

For comparison purposes, the following table presents the balance and activity in the ACL-Loans by portfolio segment for the prior year-end period.

Allowance for Credit Losses-Unfunded Commitments:

In addition to the ACL-Loans, the Company has established an ACL-Unfunded Commitments of $3.0 million at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, classified in accrued interest payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Provision for Credit Losses:

The provision for credit losses is determined by the Company as the amount to be added to the ACL loss accounts for various types of financial instruments (including loans, investment securities, and off-balance sheet credit exposures) after net charge-offs have been deducted to bring the ACL to a level that, in management’s judgment, is necessary to absorb expected credit losses over the lives of the respective financial instruments. The following table presents the components of the provision for credit losses.

Collateral Dependent Loans:

A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when, based upon management’s assessment, the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. For collateral dependent loans, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the balance sheet date, with consideration for estimated selling costs if satisfaction of the loan depends on the sale of the collateral. The following table presents collateral dependent loans by portfolio segment and collateral type, including those loans with and without a related allowance allocation.

Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans:

The following tables present past due loans by portfolio segment.

The following table presents nonaccrual loans by portfolio segment. The nonaccrual loans without a related allowance for credit losses have been reflected in the collateral dependent loans table above.

Credit Quality Information:

The following tables present total loans by risk categories and year of origination. Acquired loans have been included based upon the actual origination date.

An internal loan review function rates loans using a grading system based on different risk categories. Loans with a Substandard grade are considered to have a greater risk of loss and may be assigned allocations for loss based on specific review of the weaknesses observed in the individual credits. Such loans are monitored by the loan review function to help ensure early identification of any deterioration. 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.

Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty:

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, which eliminated the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors and enhanced the disclosure requirements for certain loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The following table presents the amortized cost of loans that were both experiencing financial difficulty and were modified during the year ended December 31, 2023, aggregated by portfolio segment and type of modification.

The loans presented in the table above have had more than insignificant payment delays (which the Company has defined as payment delays in excess of three months). These modified loans are closely monitored by the Company to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts, and such loans generally remain in nonaccrual status pending a sustained period of performance in accordance with the modified terms.

As of December 31, 2023, there were no loans made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that were modified during the current period and subsequently defaulted, and there were no commitments to lend additional funds to such debtors.

Troubled Debt Restructuring Disclosures Prior to Adoption of ASU 2022-02:

As of December 31, 2022, the Company had restructured loans totaling $18 million, with a pre-modification balance of $24 million, all of which were also reflected as nonaccrual loans. There were no restructured loans modified during 2022 that subsequently defaulted, and there were no commitments to lend additional funds to such debtors.

NOTE 5. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

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

Depreciation and amortization expense was $8.2 million in 2023, $7.6 million in 2022, and $5.0 million in 2021. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for facilities, certain of which provide for rental adjustments based upon increases in cost of living adjustments and other indices. Rent expense under leases totaled $2.6 million in 2023, $2.2 million in 2022, and $1.3 million in 2021.

Nicolet leases space under non-cancelable operating lease agreements for certain bank branch facilities with remaining lease terms of 1 to 10 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.

The following table summarizes the maturity of remaining lease liabilities.

During 2021, the Company closed fifteen branch locations (ten acquired with Mackinac and the remainder legacy Nicolet branches) as part of its branch optimization strategy to better align with customer actions. The 2021 closures resulted in accelerated depreciation of $0.9 million (recorded to occupancy, equipment and office expense).

NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES AND SERVICING RIGHTS

Management periodically reviews the carrying value of its goodwill and other intangibles for potential impairment. In making such determination, management evaluates whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist, as well as the overall financial performance of the Company and the performance of the underlying operations or assets which give rise to the intangible. Management also regularly monitors economic factors for potential impairment indications on the value of our franchise, stability of deposits, and wealth client base, underlying our goodwill and other intangibles. Management concluded no impairment was indicated for 2023 or 2022. A summary of goodwill and other intangibles was as follows.

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 2022, goodwill increased due to the acquisition of Charter.

Other intangibles: Other intangible assets, consisting of core deposit intangibles and customer list intangibles, are amortized over their estimated finite lives. During 2022, core deposit intangibles increased due to the acquisition of Charter.

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

The Company periodically evaluates its mortgage servicing rights asset 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 stratification based on the risk characteristics of the underlying loans (predominantly loan type and note interest rate).

Loan servicing rights: The Company acquired an agricultural LSR asset in December 2021 which will be amortized over the estimated remaining loan service period. The Company does not expect to add new loans to this servicing portfolio. A summary of the changes in the LSR asset was as follows.

The following table shows the estimated future amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets and servicing assets. The projections are based on existing asset balances, the current interest rate environment and prepayment speeds as of December 31, 2023. 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.

NOTE 7. OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

A summary of OREO, which is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, for the periods indicated was as follows.

NOTE 8. DEPOSITS

The deposit composition was as follows.

At December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows.

Time deposits in excess of FDIC insurance limits were $310 million and $77 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Brokered deposits were $615 million and $592 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

NOTE 9. SHORT AND LONG-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-Term Borrowings:

Short-term borrowings include any borrowing with an original contractual maturity of one year or less. The Company didnot have any short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2023, while at December 31, 2022, short-term borrowings included $317 million of short-term FHLB advances, comprised of $117 million due in January 2023 at a weighted average rate of 4.29% and $200 million due in September 2023 at a weighted average rate of 4.30%.

Long-Term Borrowings:

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

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 1.55% and 1.09% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on qualifying residential first and junior mortgage loans which had a pledged balance of $807 million and $665 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, $34 million of investments (municipal securities) were pledged to the FHLB at December 31, 2023, compared to $500 million of investments (U.S. Treasury securities) at December 31, 2022.

The following table shows the maturity schedule of the FHLB advances as of December 31, 2023.

Junior Subordinated Debentures: 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. Interest on all debentures is current. Any applicable discounts (initially recorded to carry an acquired debenture at its then estimated fair value) are being accreted to interest expense over the remaining life of the debenture. All the junior subordinated debentures are currently callable and may be redeemed in part or in full, at par, plus any accrued but unpaid interest. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, $39 million and $38 million, respectively, of trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital.

Subordinated Notes (the “Notes”): In July 2021, the Company completed the private placement of $100 million in fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due in 2031, with a fixed annual rate of 3.125% for the first five years, and will reset quarterly thereafter to the then current three-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 237.5 basis points. The Notes due in 2031 are redeemable beginning July 15, 2026 and quarterly thereafter on any interest payment date.

In December 2021, Nicolet assumedtwo subordinated note issuances at a premium as the result of an acquisition. One issuance was $30 million in fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due in 2028, with a fixed annual interest rate of 5.875% for the first five years, and will reset quarterly thereafter to the then current three-month SOFR, as adjusted for the LIBOR to SOFR spread adjustment, plus 2.88%. The Company redeemed these notes on December 1, 2023. The second issuance was $22 million in fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due in 2030, with a fixed annual interest rate of 7.00% for the first five years, and will reset quarterly thereafter to the then current SOFR plus 687.5 basis points. The Notes due in 2030 are redeemable beginning June 30, 2025, and quarterly thereafter on any interest payment date. All Notes qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes, and are discounted in accordance with regulations when the debt has five years or less remaining to maturity.

The following table shows the breakdown of junior subordinated debentures and subordinated notes.

1. Represents the remaining unamortized premium or discount on debt issuances assumed in acquisitions, and represents the unamortized debt issue costs for the debt issued directly by Nicolet.

2. The debentures, assumed in April 2013 as the result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of three-month SOFR plus 1.43%, adjusted quarterly. *

3. The debentures, assumed in April 2016 as a result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of three-month SOFR plus 1.35%, adjusted quarterly. *

4. The debentures, assumed in April 2017 as the result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of three-month SOFR plus 2.79%, adjusted quarterly. *

5. The debentures, assumed in December 2021 as the result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of three-month SOFR plus 1.53%, adjusted quarterly. *

6. The debentures, assumed in December 2021 as the result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of three-month SOFR plus 1.69%, adjusted quarterly. *

7. The debentures, assumed in December 2021 as the result of an acquisition, have a floating rate of 5-year swap rate plus 3.40%, which resets every five years.

• The floating rate on this debenture was originally based on three-month LIBOR. Effective with the cessation of LIBOR, the floating rate on this debenture is now based on three-month CME Term SOFR, plus the spread adjustment of 0.26161%.

NOTE 10. EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTOR BENEFIT PLANS

Nonqualified deferred compensation plans:

The Company sponsorstwo deferred compensation plans, one for certain key management employees and another for directors. Under the management plan, 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 and employer contributions, including earnings thereon, at December 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled approximately $15.9 million and $12.1 million, respectively, and is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recorded discretionary contributions of $1.3 million and $2.4 million to selected participants during 2023 and 2022, respectively, with approximately half vesting over atwo year period (of which, one-third vested immediately and one-third vests on each of the first and second anniversaries of the initial grant) and the remainder vested immediately. The expense related to these discretionary contributions is recognized over the vesting period of the related 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 2023 and 2022, the director plan purchased 2,542 and 1,898 shares of Company common stock valued at approximately $178,000 and $154,000, respectively. Common stock valued at approximately $138,000 (and representing 1,721 shares) was distributed to past directors during 2023, whileno common stock was distributed during 2022. The common stock outstanding and the related director deferred compensation liability are offsetting components of the Company’s equity in the amount of $1.3 million at December 31, 2023 and $1.2 million at December 31, 2022 representing 30,481 shares and 29,660 shares, respectively.

Nicolet 401(k) plan:

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 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s 401(k) expense was approximately $4.1 million (including a $0.6 million profit sharing contribution), $4.0 million (including a $1.0 million profit sharing contribution), and $2.5 million (including a $0.5 million profit sharing contribution), respectively.

Employee stock purchase plan:

The Company sponsors an employee stock purchase plan under which eligible employees may purchase Nicolet common stock at a 10% discount, utilizing payroll deductions that range from a minimum of $20 to a maximum of $400 per payroll, during offering periods (currently quarterly).

NOTE 11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company may grant stock options and restricted stock under its stock-based compensation plan to certain officers, employees and directors. The plan is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors. The Company’s stock-based compensation plan at December 31, 2023 is 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, 2023, approximately 0.7 million shares were available for grant under this plan.

Stock option grants generally will expireten years after the date of grant, have an exercise price equal to the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant, and will become exercisable based upon vesting terms determined by the committee. Restricted stock grants generally are issued at the Company’s closing stock price 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 option grants. The weighted average assumptions used in the model for valuing stock option grants were as follows.

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

*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 55,467 shares,7,957 shares, and 10,354 shares were surrendered during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Intrinsic value represents the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock options. The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2023, 2022, and 2021 was approximately $7.7 million, $3.9 million, and $2.2 million, respectively.

The following options were outstanding at December 31, 2023.

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

*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 3,637 shares,2,249 shares, and 3,215 shares were surrendered during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

The Company recognized $5.8 million, $6.3 million and $6.6 million of stock-based compensation expense (included in personnel on the consolidated statements of income) during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, associated with its common stock awards granted to officers and employees. In addition, during 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company recognized approximately $0.6 million, $0.7 million, and $0.8 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 11,674 shares in 2023,8,852 shares in 2022, and 9,875 shares in 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there was approximately $13.7 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 $0.8 million, $1.1 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 respectively, for the tax impact of stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock.

NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of Nicolet’s outstanding common stock through its common stock repurchase program. During 2023, $2 million was utilized to repurchase and cancel approximately 27,000 common shares at a weighted average price of $56.57, while during 2022, $61 million was utilized to repurchase and cancel approximately 672,000 common shares at a weighted average price of $91.54. As of December 31, 2023, there remained $46 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.

On August 26, 2022, in connection with its acquisition of Charter, the Company issued 1,262,360 shares of its common stock for stock consideration valued at $98 million plus cash consideration of $39 million.

On September 3, 2021, in connection with its acquisition of Mackinac, the Company issued 2,337,230 shares of its common stock for stock consideration valued at $180 million plus cash consideration of $49 million. Approximately $0.4 million in direct stock issuance costs for the merger were incurred and charged against additional paid-in capital.

On December 3, 2021, in connection with its acquisition of County, the Company issued 2,366,243 shares of its common stock for stock consideration valued at $176 million plus cash consideration of $48 million. Approximately $0.4 million in direct stock issuance costs for the merger were incurred and charged against additional paid-in capital.

NOTE 13. INCOME TAXES

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

The differences between the income tax expense recognized and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% to the income before income tax expense for the years ended as indicated are included in the following table.

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

For the year ended December 31, 2023, income tax expense was impacted by a change in Wisconsin state income taxes. The Wisconsin State Budget, signed in July 2023 and retroactive to January 1, 2023, included language that provides financial institutions with an exemption from state taxable income for interest, fees, and penalties earned on loans to existing Wisconsin-based business or agriculture purpose loans that are $5 million or less in balance on January 1, 2023, and to new loans that meet the criteria. The impact of this tax law change to Nicolet moving forward will be a reduction / elimination of State income taxes being recognized. However, the elimination of State income tax expense also required a valuation allowance to be established for the

State-related deferred tax asset as of the effective date of the legislation, resulting in a one-time $9.1 million charge to state income tax expense being recognized in the third quarter of 2023 to establish this valuation allowance.

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, 2022, no valuation allowance was determined to be necessary. The remaining valuation allowance as of December 31, 2023, of $8.7 million is the result of the initial valuation allowance for state related attributes, net of subsequent changes to those attributes along with the state related impact of changes to the unrealized losses on securities AFS disposed.

At December 31, 2023, the Company had a federal and state net operating loss carryforward of $5.9 million and $15.9 million, respectively. The entire federal and state net operating loss carryforwards were the result of the Company’s acquisitions. The federal and state net operating loss carryovers resulting from the acquisitions have been included in the IRC section 382 limitation calculation and are being limited to the overall amount expected to be realized.

NOTE 14. 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. 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. See Note 1 for the Company’s accounting policy on commitments, contingencies, and the allowance for credit losses-unfunded commitments and see Note 4 for information on the allowance for credit losses-unfunded commitments.

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

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 79% of the total year-end commitments for 2023, compared to 80% for 2022, 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.

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 (“mortgage derivatives”) and the contractual amounts of each was $13 million at December 31, 2023. In comparison, interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans held for sale each totaled $9 million at December 31, 2022. The net fair value of these mortgage derivatives combined was a net gain of $0.1 million at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

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. Federal funds lines of $195 million were available at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Nicolet is party to various pending and threatened claims and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business activities, some of which may involve claims for substantial amounts. Although Nicolet has developed policies and procedures to minimize legal noncompliance and the impact of claims and other proceedings and endeavored to procure reasonable amounts of insurance coverage, litigation and regulatory actions present an ongoing risk. With respect to all such claims, Nicolet continuously assesses its potential liability based on the allegations and evidence available. If the facts indicate that it is probable that Nicolet will incur a loss and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated, Nicolet will establish an accrual for the probable loss. For matters where a loss is not probable, or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, Nicolet does not establish an accrual.

Future developments could result in an unfavorable outcome for or resolution of any one or more of the legal proceedings in which Nicolet is a defendant, which may be material to Nicolet’s business or consolidated results of operations or financial condition for a particular fiscal period or periods. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of any of these legal proceedings or the range of possible loss, if any, based on the most recent information available, advice of counsel and available insurance coverage, if applicable, management believes that any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations as of December 31, 2023.

NOTE 15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company conducts transactions, in the normal course of business, with its directors and executive officers, including companies in which they have a beneficial interest. The Company is required to disclose material related party transactions, other than certain compensation arrangements, entered into in the normal course of business.

The Company has granted loans to its directors, executive officers, and their related interests. These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time made for comparable transactions with other unrelated persons. A summary of the loans to related parties was as follows.

In October 2013, the Company entered into a lease for a branch location in a facility owned by a member of the Company’s Board and incurred annual rent expense of $228,000, $153,000, and $124,000, on this facility during 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. This same Board member participated in a competitive bid process for and was awarded the contract as general contractor for the construction oftwo new branch locations (one during 2023 andone during 2022). The 2023 new branch construction is estimated to total $11.5 million, of which, approximately $2.0 million was paid during 2023 as progress was made on the construction. The 2022 new branch construction is estimated to total $2.3 million, of which, approximately $1.2 million was paid during 2023 and $1.1 million was paid during 2022 as progress was made on the construction. In addition, payments of $199,000 and $154,000 were made during 2023 and 2022, respectively, fortwo small branch construction projects attwo other branch locations. At least 75% of all branch construction payments were passed through to various subcontractors.

In August 2022, the Company assumed a lease for a Charter administrative location in a facility owned by an entity for which another Board member has the controlling ownership interest. Rent expense of $149,000 and $49,000 was paid during 2023 and 2022 (from the acquisition of Charter), respectively, on this location.

NOTE 16. ASSET GAINS (LOSSES), NET

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

NOTE 17. 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’s 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.

The Company and Bank must also maintain a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) in an amount equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets in order to avoid certain 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. Failure to meet this capital conservation buffer would result in limitations on dividends, other distributions, and discretionary bonuses.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Total, Tier 1 and 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, 2023 and 2022.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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. The Bank is also subject to legal limitations on dividends that can be paid to the parent company without prior approval of the applicable regulatory agencies. 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, 2023, the Bank could pay dividends of approximately $18 million to the Company without seeking regulatory approval.

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

(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.

NOTE 18. 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 certain 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. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect assumptions of the reporting entity about how market participants would price the asset or liability based on the best information available under the circumstances. The three fair value 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

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.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used by the Company for the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, noted in the table above.

Securities: 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. Treasury securities, 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 corporate debt securities, which are primarily trust preferred security investments, as well as certain municipal bonds and mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, it was determined that carrying value was the best approximation of fair value for these Level 3 securities, based primarily on the internal analysis performed on these securities.

Derivatives: The derivative assets and liabilities include interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans held for sale, which are considered derivative instruments (“mortgage derivatives”). The fair value of interest rate lock commitments are determined using the projected sale price of individual loans based on changes in the market interest rates, projected pull-through rates (the probability that an interest rate lock commitment will ultimately result in an originated loan), the reduction in the value of the applicant’s option due to the passage of time, and the remaining origination costs to be incurred based on management’s estimate of market costs. The fair value of forward commitments are determined using quoted prices of to-be-announced securities in active markets, or benchmarked to such securities. The derivative assets and liabilities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

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

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.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used by the Company for the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, noted in the table above.

Collateral dependent loans: For individually evaluated collateral dependent loans, the estimated fair value 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 with consideration for estimated selling costs if satisfaction of the loan depends upon the sale of the collateral, or the estimated liquidity of the note.

OREO: For OREO, the fair value is based upon the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral adjusted for the expected costs to sell.

MSR asset: 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 servicing 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.

The carrying value of certain assets and liabilities such as cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest receivable, nonmaturing deposits, short-term borrowings, and accrued interest payable approximate their estimated fair value due to their immediate and shorter term maturities. For those financial instruments not previously disclosed, the following is a description of the valuation methodologies used.

Certificates of deposit 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.

Securities HTM: The valuation methodologies for Securities HTM are consistent with the valuation methodologies used for Securities, as discussed under “Recurring basis fair value measurements” above.

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 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 based on market participants. Collateral-dependent 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 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: The estimated fair value of lending-related commitments (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.

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 19. PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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

NOTE 20. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Presented below are the calculations for basic and diluted earnings per common share.

Options to purchase approximately 0.2 million shares for the year ended December 31, 2023, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as the effect of their exercise would have been anti-dilutive. Comparatively, options to purchase approximately 0.1 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as the effect of their exercise would have been anti-dilutive.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

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

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “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, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 based on COSO.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the 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 financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definitions 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 reliable 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 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 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.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Description of the Matter

The Company’s loan portfolio totaled $6.35 billion as of December 31, 2023, and the allowance for credit losses on loans (ACL) was $63.61 million.

As more fully described in Notes 1 and 4 to the financial statements, the ACL is an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses for loans. The estimate of the ACL considers historic loss rates that are adjusted for reasonable and supportable forecasts, as well as other qualitative adjustments. Loans that do not share risk characteristics and purchased credit deteriorated (PCD) loans are evaluated on an individual basis.

The Company measures expected credit losses of loans on a pool basis when the loans share similar characteristics. Historical loss rates are analyzed for the segmented loan pools and applied to their respective loan pools over the expected remaining life of the pooled loans. Historical loss rates are adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, reflect the impact of any current conditions on loss recognition, as well as for certain known model limitations. Forecast factors are developed based on information obtained from external sources, as well as consideration of other internal information, and are included in the ACL model for a reasonable and supportable forecast period. Management re-evaluates the other qualitative and environmental factors that it feels are likely to cause estimated credit losses to differ from the historical loss experience of each loan segment.

We identified the valuation of the ACL as a critical audit matter. Auditing the estimated ACL involved significant judgment and complex review. Auditing the ACL involved a high degree of subjectivity in evaluating management’s estimates, such as evaluating management’s segmentation, estimating the remaining life of loans in a pool, assessment of economic conditions, and other environmental and forecast factors, evaluating the adequacy of specific allowances associated with individually evaluated loans, and assessing the appropriateness of loan risk grades.

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit

Management’s process for establishing the ACL involves a high degree of subjectivity. We evaluated management’s process to assess economic conditions and other environmental factors, the adequacy of specific allowances associated with individually evaluated loans, and appropriateness of loan grades and other data used to calculate and estimate the various components of the ACL.

Our primary audit procedures related to the ACL included the following, among others:

•Obtained an understanding of the Company’s process for establishing the ACL, including the implementation of models and the qualitative factor adjustments of the ACL.

•Tested the design and operating effectiveness of controls, including:

◦data completeness and accuracy,

◦classifications of loans by loan pool,

◦accuracy of historical net loss data and calculated net loss rates over the estimated life of each loan pool,

◦the establishment of qualitative and economic forecast adjustments, loan grades, and risk classification of loans, and

◦establishment of specific allowances associated with individually evaluated loans;

•Tested completeness and accuracy of the data utilized in the ACL;

•Tested the model’s computational accuracy;

•Evaluated the relevance and reliability of data and assumptions used in the estimate;

•Evaluated the qualitative and economic forecast adjustments to the historical loss rates, including assessing the basis for the adjustments and the reasonableness of the significant assumptions;

•Tested the internal loan review function and evaluated the reasonableness of loan grades;

•Assessed the reasonableness of specific allowances associated with individually evaluated loans;

•Evaluated the accuracy and completeness of Topic 326 disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.

FORVIS, LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.

Springfield, Missouri

February 28, 2024