Nicolet Bankshares (NIC) vs Simmons First National (SFNC)
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 Simmons First National (SFNC) over the past year, gaining 21.8% versus a gain of 14.5%. Over five years, NIC leads with a +114.6% price change compared with -27.0% for SFNC. Nicolet Bankshares is the larger company by market cap ($3.38 billion vs $3.20 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, Simmons First National trades at a lower forward P/E (9.5x vs 12.0x for Nicolet Bankshares). Simmons First National offers the higher dividend yield (3.86% vs 0.82%). Nicolet Bankshares converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 38.4% versus -385.1%.
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 | NIC | SFNC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $161.16 | $22.14 |
| Market cap | $3.38B | $3.20B |
| 1-day change | -0.45% | -0.34% |
| YTD return | +33.46% | +17.82% |
| 1-year return | +21.81% | +14.54% |
| 5-year return | +114.62% | -27.01% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 18.05 | — |
| Forward P/E | 11.98 | 9.52 |
| EPS (TTM) | $8.93 | $-2.40 |
| Dividend yield | 0.82% | 3.86% |
| Annual dividend | $1.32 | $0.855 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $392.04M | $103.23M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +11.91% | -86.69% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $150.69M | $-397.55M |
| Net margin | 38.44% | -385.10% |
| 52-week high | $180.00 | $24.32 |
| 52-week low | $114.12 | $17.00 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.47% | -8.98% |
| Analyst consensus | none | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.01% | +17.14% |
| Average volume | 172.37K | 1.39M |
| Shares outstanding | 20.96M | 144.51M |
| Employees | 1,429 | 2,909 |
| 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
- Simmons First National offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.86% vs 0.82%).
- Nicolet Bankshares is more profitable, keeping 38.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -385.1 cents for Simmons First National.
- Nicolet Bankshares grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+11.91% vs -86.69%).
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
About Simmons First National
SFNC stock →Simmons First National Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Simmons Bank that provides banking and other financial products and services to individuals and businesses. The company offers deposits, checking, and savings accounts; loan products, such as consumer, real estate, commercial, agricultural, equipment, warehouse lending, and SBA lending; specialized products and services, including credit cards, trust and fiduciary services, investments, and insurance; and treasury management services.
Finance · Major Banks · 2,909 employees
NIC vs SFNC FAQ
Which is bigger, Nicolet Bankshares or Simmons First National?
Nicolet Bankshares (NIC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.38B compared with $3.20B for Simmons First National (SFNC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NIC or SFNC?
NIC returned +21.81% over the past 12 months, compared with +14.54% for SFNC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Nicolet Bankshares or Simmons First National?
Simmons First National has the higher yield at 3.86%, compared with 0.82% for Nicolet Bankshares.
Are Nicolet Bankshares and Simmons First National in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.