WallStSmart

Citigroup Inc. (C)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Citigroup Inc. generates 184% more annual revenue ($81.71B vs $28.79B). C leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 14.1%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. C earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

C

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.10

HIG

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.23

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

C6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$221.84B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
61.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 61.0% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
21.8%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.728/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

HIG6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.229/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

C3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.903/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-23.29B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.102/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HIG1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.232/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : C

The strongest argument for C centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 36.2%. Revenue growth of 14.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : HIG

The strongest argument for HIG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : C

The primary concerns for C are Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.90 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

C profiles as a mature stock while HIG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

C carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

C is growing revenue faster at 14.5% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

C scores higher overall (82/100 vs 77/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins and 14.5% 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.

Hartford Financial Services Group

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., usually known as The Hartford, is a United States-based investment and insurance company.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?