WallStSmart

Citigroup Inc. (C)vsStepstone Group Inc (STEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Citigroup Inc. generates 4316% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $1.78B). C leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs -30.7%. C earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

C

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0

STEP

Avoid

33

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 2.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.38

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

C6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$223.88B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
34.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
56.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
20.4%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.718/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

STEP2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
73.0%10/10

Revenue surging 73.0% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
-0.9910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

C1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

STEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-65.1%2/10

ROE of -65.1% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-38.5%2/10

Earnings declined 38.5%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : STEP

The strongest argument for STEP centers on Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 73.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : C

The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity.

Bear Case : STEP

The primary concerns for STEP are Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

C profiles as a growth stock while STEP is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STEP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.

STEP is growing revenue faster at 73.0% — 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 33/100), backed by strong 20.4% margins and 16.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

Stepstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Stepstone Group Inc. (STEP) is a premier global private markets investment firm, recognized for its expertise in providing customized investment solutions to institutional investors. Specializing in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and private debt, the firm leverages a vast network and profound industry insights to identify and access high-quality investment opportunities. Committed to enhancing client portfolios through strategic asset allocation and meticulous due diligence, Stepstone is backed by a team of seasoned professionals and cutting-edge technology, enabling it to adeptly manage the intricacies of private markets and deliver sustainable long-term value.

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