MetaCap

Nicolet Bankshares (NIC) vs WesBanco (WSBC)

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 WesBanco (WSBC) over the past year, gaining 21.8% versus a gain of 9.4%. Over five years, NIC leads with a +114.6% price change compared with -1.3% for WSBC. WesBanco is the larger company by market cap ($3.49 billion vs $3.39 billion), about 1.0 times the size.

On valuation, WesBanco trades at a lower forward P/E (9.4x vs 12.0x for Nicolet Bankshares). WesBanco offers the higher dividend yield (4.15% vs 0.82%). Nicolet Bankshares converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 38.4% versus 22.7%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

NIC+21.81%WSBC+9.42%
+37%+11%-16%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
NIC+108.27%WSBC-0.36%
+139%+44%-50%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

NIC versus WSBC key metrics
MetricNICWSBC
Share price$161.93$36.40
Market cap$3.39B$3.49B
1-day change+0.02%-0.19%
YTD return+33.46%+9.72%
1-year return+21.81%+9.42%
5-year return+114.62%-1.27%
P/E ratio (TTM)18.1310.49
Forward P/E12.049.42
EPS (TTM)$8.93$3.47
Dividend yield0.82%4.15%
Annual dividend$1.32$1.51
Revenue (latest FY)$392.04M$981.05M
Revenue growth (YoY)+11.91%+61.84%
Net income (latest FY)$150.69M$223.10M
Net margin38.44%22.74%
52-week high$180.00$43.02
52-week low$114.12$29.57
Distance from 52-week high-10.04%-15.39%
Analyst consensusnonebuy
Avg. price target upside+18.45%+21.26%
Average volume172.37K952.73K
Shares outstanding20.96M95.91M
Employees1,4292,996
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryMajor BanksMajor 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 WSBC by 12.4 percentage points over the past year.
  • Nicolet Bankshares trades at a higher earnings multiple (18.1x vs 10.5x trailing P/E).
  • WesBanco offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.15% vs 0.82%).
  • Nicolet Bankshares is more profitable, keeping 38.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 22.7 cents for WesBanco.
  • WesBanco grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+61.84% vs +11.91%).

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 WesBanco

WSBC stock →

WesBanco, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for WesBanco Bank, Inc.

Finance · Major Banks · 2,996 employees

NIC vs WSBC FAQ

Which is bigger, Nicolet Bankshares or WesBanco?

WesBanco (WSBC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.49B compared with $3.39B for Nicolet Bankshares (NIC).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, NIC or WSBC?

NIC returned +21.81% over the past 12 months, compared with +9.42% for WSBC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, NIC or WSBC?

WSBC has the lower trailing P/E at 10.5, 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, Nicolet Bankshares or WesBanco?

WesBanco has the higher yield at 4.15%, compared with 0.82% for Nicolet Bankshares.

Are Nicolet Bankshares and WesBanco in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.

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