Citigroup Inc. (C)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
C
Citigroup Inc.
$125.55
-2.74%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $225.82B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$155.82
-0.19%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 655% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% 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-
ICE
Strong Buy71
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
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%
Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : ICE
The strongest argument for ICE centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.7% and operating margin at 57.3%. Revenue growth of 20.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
C carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.
ICE is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — sustainability is the question.
ICE generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
C scores higher overall (82/100 vs 71/100), 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.
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is an American Fortune 500 company formed in 2000 that operates global exchanges, clearing houses and provides mortgage technology, data and listing services. The company owns exchanges for financial and commodity markets, and operates regulated exchanges and marketplaces.
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