WallStSmart

Nicolet Bankshares Inc. (NIC)vsSun Life Financial Inc. (SLF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Sun Life Financial Inc. generates 8041% more annual revenue ($34.90B vs $428.66M). NIC leads profitability with a 31.1% profit margin vs 8.8%. SLF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.42. NIC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

NIC

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

SLF

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

SLF2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.11B8/10

Generating 4.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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%

SLF2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.2%4/10

0.2% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-48.4%2/10

Earnings declined 48.4%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : SLF

The strongest argument for SLF centers on Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : NIC

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

Bear Case : SLF

The primary concerns for SLF are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NIC profiles as a growth stock while SLF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

SLF carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — expect wider price swings.

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

SLF generates stronger free cash flow (4.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NIC scores higher overall (65/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 31.1% margins and 46.5% revenue growth. 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.

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Sun Life Financial Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Sun Life Financial Inc., a financial services company, provides insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate clients around the world. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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