WallStSmart

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (MFG)vsNicolet Bankshares Inc. (NIC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. generates 1026770% more annual revenue ($4.40T vs $428.66M). NIC leads profitability with a 31.1% profit margin vs 28.4%. MFG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.65. MFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

MFG

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.29

NIC

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 7/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MFG6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
680.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 680.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$487.72B10/10

Generating 487.7B in free cash flow

Market CapQuality
$115.97B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.4%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

NIC6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
50.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 50.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
46.5%10/10

Revenue surging 46.5% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

MFG3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
5.881/10

Elevated debt levels

NIC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
5.9%3/10

ROE of 5.9% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-61.1%2/10

Earnings declined 61.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MFG

The strongest argument for MFG centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.4% and operating margin at 32.5%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NIC

The strongest argument for NIC centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.1% and operating margin at 50.5%. Revenue growth of 46.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MFG

The primary concerns for MFG are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.88 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NIC

The primary concerns for NIC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NIC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.

NIC is growing revenue faster at 46.5% — sustainability is the question.

MFG generates stronger free cash flow (487.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MFG scores higher overall (78/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 28.4% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. engages in banking, trusts, securities and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, America, Europe, Asia / Oceania and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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.

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