First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) vs Nicolet Bankshares (NIC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Nicolet Bankshares (NIC) has outperformed First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) over the past year, gaining 21.8% versus a gain of 19.4%. Over five years, NIC leads with a +114.6% price change compared with +31.0% for FFBC. Nicolet Bankshares is the larger company by market cap ($3.39 billion vs $3.25 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while First Financial Bancorp. is growing revenue faster (+18.3% vs +11.9%).
On valuation, First Financial Bancorp. trades at a lower forward P/E (8.7x vs 12.0x for Nicolet Bankshares). First Financial Bancorp. offers the higher dividend yield (3.24% vs 0.82%). First Financial Bancorp. converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 319.4% versus 38.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FFBC | NIC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $30.87 | $161.89 |
| Market cap | $3.25B | $3.39B |
| 1-day change | -1.59% | -1.06% |
| YTD return | +23.38% | +33.46% |
| 1-year return | +19.42% | +21.81% |
| 5-year return | +30.97% | +114.62% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 10.91 | 18.13 |
| Forward P/E | 8.75 | 12.03 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.83 | $8.93 |
| Dividend yield | 3.24% | 0.82% |
| Annual dividend | $1.00 | $1.32 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $80.02M | $392.04M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +18.30% | +11.91% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $255.60M | $150.69M |
| Net margin | 319.43% | 38.44% |
| 52-week high | $36.25 | $180.00 |
| 52-week low | $23.06 | $114.12 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.84% | -10.06% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +22.64% | +18.48% |
| Average volume | 924.44K | 172.38K |
| Shares outstanding | 105.17M | 20.96M |
| Employees | 2,371 | 1,429 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Major Banks | Major Banks |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Nicolet Bankshares trades at a higher earnings multiple (18.1x vs 10.9x trailing P/E).
- First Financial Bancorp. offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.24% vs 0.82%).
- First Financial Bancorp. is more profitable, keeping 319.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 38.4 cents for Nicolet Bankshares.
- First Financial Bancorp. grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+18.30% vs +11.91%).
About First Financial Bancorp.
FFBC stock →First Financial Bancorp. operates as the bank holding company for First Financial Bank that provides commercial banking and banking-related services to individuals and businesses in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.
Finance · Major Banks · 2,371 employees
About Nicolet Bankshares
NIC stock →Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Nicolet National Bank that provides banking products and services for businesses and individuals in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.
Finance · Major Banks · 1,429 employees
FFBC vs NIC FAQ
Which is bigger, First Financial Bancorp. or Nicolet Bankshares?
Nicolet Bankshares (NIC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.39B compared with $3.25B for First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FFBC or NIC?
NIC returned +21.81% over the past 12 months, compared with +19.42% for FFBC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FFBC or NIC?
FFBC has the lower trailing P/E at 10.9, versus 18.1 for NIC. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, First Financial Bancorp. or Nicolet Bankshares?
First Financial Bancorp. has the higher yield at 3.24%, compared with 0.82% for Nicolet Bankshares.
Are First Financial Bancorp. and Nicolet Bankshares in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.