Nicolet Bankshares Inc. (NIC)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
NIC
Nicolet Bankshares Inc.
$148.87
+1.66%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.98B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$51.89
-0.48%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $81.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 6696% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $387.79M). NIC leads profitability with a 38.9% profit margin vs 28.7%. USB trades at a lower P/E of 11.3x. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).
NIC
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
USB
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+60.2%
Fair Value
$381.03
Current Price
$148.87
$232.16 discount
Margin of Safety
+75.8%
Fair Value
$214.00
Current Price
$51.89
$162.11 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 52.8%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NIC
The strongest argument for NIC centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.9% and operating margin at 52.8%. Revenue growth of 12.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.
Bear Case : NIC
No major red flags identified for NIC, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
NIC is growing revenue faster at 12.9% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 28.7% margins. NIC offers better value entry with a 60.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Nicolet Bankshares Inc.
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Nicolet National Bank that offers banking products and services for businesses and individuals. The company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Visit Website →U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
Compare with Other BANKS - REGIONAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?