WallStSmart

Nicolet Bankshares Inc. (NIC)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 5255% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $510.22M). NIC leads profitability with a 30.2% profit margin vs 29.9%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.88. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

NIC

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 1.30

USB

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NIC5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Profit MarginProfitability
30.2%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
52.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 52.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
86.1%10/10

Revenue surging 86.1% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

USB6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
39.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.7%

Market CapQuality
$97.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.9%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.6% YoY

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

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.302/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.884/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.423/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NIC

The strongest argument for NIC centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.2% and operating margin at 52.9%. Revenue growth of 86.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.9% and operating margin at 39.7%. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : NIC

The primary concerns for NIC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NIC profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.

NIC is growing revenue faster at 86.1% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (77/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 29.9% margins and 10.4% 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.

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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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.

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