Citigroup Inc. (C)vsSLM Corp (SLM)
C
Citigroup Inc.
$127.44
-0.42%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $223.88B
SLM
SLM Corp
$22.69
-1.69%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 4628% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $1.67B). SLM leads profitability with a 44.9% profit margin vs 20.4%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. C earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).
C
Exceptional Buy82
out of 100
Grade: A-
SLM
Strong Buy76
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 70.1%
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
2.5% revenue growth
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : SLM
The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 44.9% and operating margin at 70.1%. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity.
Bear Case : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
C profiles as a growth stock while SLM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
C carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — 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 76/100), 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.
SLM Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
SLM Corporation originates and provides private education loan services to students and their families to finance the cost of their education in the United States. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.
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