Citigroup Inc. (C)vsWestern Alliance Bancorporation (WAL)
C
Citigroup Inc.
$127.97
+0.28%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $223.88B
WAL
Western Alliance Bancorporation
$79.67
-0.99%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $8.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 2231% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $3.38B). WAL leads profitability with a 28.2% profit margin vs 20.4%. C appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. C earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
C
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
WAL
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 31.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 7.8%
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 16.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WAL
The strongest argument for WAL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.2% and operating margin at 31.8%. PEG of 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity.
Bear Case : WAL
The primary concerns for WAL are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
C profiles as a growth stock while WAL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.
C is growing revenue faster at 16.9% — sustainability is the question.
C generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
C scores higher overall (82/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins and 16.9% 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.
Western Alliance Bancorporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
Western Alliance Bancorporation is the banking holding company for Western Alliance Bank offering various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California and Nevada. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
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