Citigroup Inc. (C)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)
C
Citigroup Inc.
$135.13
+1.27%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $223.87B
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+0.91%
UTILITIES · Cap: $94.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 141% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $32.72B). C leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 15.7%. C appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.72. C earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
C
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 34.1%
Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.6% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : C
The strongest argument for C centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.4% and operating margin at 34.1%. Revenue growth of 15.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : DUK
The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
C profiles as a growth stock while DUK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
C carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.
C is growing revenue faster at 15.9% — sustainability is the question.
DUK generates stronger free cash flow (-2.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
C scores higher overall (82/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins and 15.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Citigroup Inc.
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Citigroup Inc. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services corporation headquartered in New York City. The company was formed by the merger of banking giant Citicorp and financial conglomerate Travelers Group in 1998; Travelers was subsequently spun off from the company in 2002. Citigroup owns Citicorp, the holding company for Citibank, as well as several international subsidiaries. Citigroup is incorporated in Delaware.
Duke Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Duke Energy Corporation is an American electric power and natural gas holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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