First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK) vs Nicolet Bankshares (NIC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Nicolet Bankshares (NIC) has outperformed First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK) over the past year, gaining 23.4% versus a gain of 10.2%. Over five years, NIC leads with a +117.5% price change compared with -14.2% for FIBK. Nicolet Bankshares is the larger company by market cap ($3.40 billion vs $3.30 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, Nicolet Bankshares trades at a lower forward P/E (12.1x vs 12.1x for First Interstate BancSystem). First Interstate BancSystem offers the higher dividend yield (5.43% vs 0.81%). Nicolet Bankshares converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 38.4% versus 28.5%.
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 | FIBK | NIC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $34.61 | $162.41 |
| Market cap | $3.30B | $3.40B |
| 1-day change | -0.94% | -0.99% |
| YTD return | +0.98% | +35.23% |
| 1-year return | +10.15% | +23.39% |
| 5-year return | -14.17% | +117.46% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 10.72 | 18.19 |
| Forward P/E | 12.15 | 12.07 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.23 | $8.93 |
| Dividend yield | 5.43% | 0.81% |
| Annual dividend | $1.88 | $1.32 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.06B | $392.04M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.91% | +11.91% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $302.10M | $150.69M |
| Net margin | 28.53% | 38.44% |
| 52-week high | $40.60 | $180.00 |
| 52-week low | $29.10 | $114.12 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.75% | -9.77% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +6.91% | +18.10% |
| Average volume | 1.17M | 168.28K |
| Shares outstanding | 95.30M | 20.96M |
| Employees | 3,376 | 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
- NIC has outperformed FIBK by 13.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Nicolet Bankshares trades at a higher earnings multiple (18.2x vs 10.7x trailing P/E).
- First Interstate BancSystem offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (5.43% vs 0.81%).
- Nicolet Bankshares is more profitable, keeping 38.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 28.5 cents for First Interstate BancSystem.
- Nicolet Bankshares grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+11.91% vs +5.91%).
About First Interstate BancSystem
FIBK stock →First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for First Interstate Bank that provides a range of banking products and services in the United States.
Finance · Major Banks · 3,376 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
FIBK vs NIC FAQ
Which is bigger, First Interstate BancSystem or Nicolet Bankshares?
Nicolet Bankshares (NIC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.40B compared with $3.30B for First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FIBK or NIC?
NIC returned +23.39% over the past 12 months, compared with +10.15% for FIBK (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FIBK or NIC?
FIBK has the lower trailing P/E at 10.7, versus 18.2 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 Interstate BancSystem or Nicolet Bankshares?
First Interstate BancSystem has the higher yield at 5.43%, compared with 0.81% for Nicolet Bankshares.
Are First Interstate BancSystem and Nicolet Bankshares in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.