Citigroup Inc. (C)vsLazard Ltd (LAZ)
C
Citigroup Inc.
$127.97
+0.28%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $223.88B
LAZ
Lazard Ltd
$47.48
-2.12%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 2441% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $3.10B). C leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 7.6%. 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-
LAZ
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
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
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Grey zone — moderate risk
7.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 43.3%
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 : LAZ
The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity.
Bear Case : LAZ
The primary concerns for LAZ are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
C profiles as a growth stock while LAZ is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — 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 57/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins and 16.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "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.
Lazard Ltd
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
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