Citigroup Inc. (C)vsHSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)
C
Citigroup Inc.
$109.85
+1.09%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $188.42B
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$79.46
-0.60%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $274.80B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 20% more annual revenue ($75.72B vs $63.22B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 18.9%. C appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.78. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
C
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
HSBC
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-130.5%
Fair Value
$47.53
Current Price
$109.85
$62.32 premium
Margin of Safety
+68.7%
Fair Value
$280.80
Current Price
$79.46
$201.34 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%
Generating 2.0B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 55.2%
Revenue surging 58.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 2398.0% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
4.4% revenue growth
ROE of 6.8% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 10.8%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : C
The strongest argument for C centers on Price/Book, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.9% and operating margin at 25.7%. PEG of 0.78 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : HSBC
The strongest argument for HSBC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.2% and operating margin at 55.2%. Revenue growth of 58.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : HSBC
The primary concerns for HSBC are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
C profiles as a value stock while HSBC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
C carries more volatility with a beta of 1.13 — expect wider price swings.
HSBC is growing revenue faster at 58.4% — sustainability is the question.
HSBC generates stronger free cash flow (9.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HSBC scores higher overall (77/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
HSBC Holdings plc offers banking and financial products and services globally. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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