U.S. Bancorp (USB -1.49%) investors, prepare to hurry up and wait. For this conservative, well-run bank, the big opportunity for investors comes from the potential for long-term appreciation.

The past decade hasn't been kind to banks -- just ask Bank of America (BAC -1.07%) or Citigroup (C -1.09%) -- but investors in U.S. Bancorp have nonetheless pocketed an enviable return. And thanks to the way the bank is run, it looks as if more of the same is ahead.

See more in the following video.