WallStSmart

BlackRock Inc (BLK)vsCitigroup Inc. (C)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Citigroup Inc. generates 207% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $25.64B). BLK leads profitability with a 24.4% 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-).

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9

C

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BLK5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.6%

Market CapQuality
$165.75B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.9% YoY

C6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$225.82B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
34.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
56.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
20.4%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.718/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.09B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

C2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-23.29B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 35.6%. Revenue growth of 27.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull 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.

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : C

The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor ASSET MANAGEMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

C scores higher overall (82/100 vs 78/100), 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.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?