Citigroup Inc. (C)vsCisco Systems Inc (CSCO)
C
Citigroup Inc.
$125.55
-2.74%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $225.82B
CSCO
Cisco Systems Inc
$96.57
+4.79%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $364.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 33% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $59.05B). C leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 18.8%. 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-
CSCO
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for C.
Margin of Safety
-63.6%
Fair Value
$56.34
Current Price
$96.57
$40.23 premium
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%
Earnings expanding 31.2% YoY
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : CSCO
The strongest argument for CSCO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.8% and operating margin at 24.9%. PEG of 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : CSCO
The primary concerns for CSCO are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
C profiles as a growth stock while CSCO 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 16.9% — sustainability is the question.
CSCO generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
C scores higher overall (82/100 vs 70/100), 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.
Cisco Systems Inc
TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA
Cisco Systems, Inc. is an American multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California, in the center of Silicon Valley. Cisco develops, manufactures and sells networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and other high-technology services and products. Through its numerous acquired subsidiaries, such as OpenDNS, Webex, Jabber and Jasper, Cisco specializes in specific tech markets, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), domain security and energy management. On January 25, 2021, Cisco reincorporated in Delaware.
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