Citigroup Inc. (C)vsWintrust Financial Corporation (WTFC)
C
Citigroup Inc.
$125.55
-2.74%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $225.82B
WTFC
Wintrust Financial Corporation
$151.64
+0.30%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $10.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 2825% more annual revenue ($78.73B vs $2.69B). WTFC leads profitability with a 32.0% 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-
WTFC
Strong Buy77
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 46.3%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Weak financial health signals
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 : WTFC
The strongest argument for WTFC centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.0% and operating margin at 46.3%. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : WTFC
The primary concerns for WTFC are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
C profiles as a growth stock while WTFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
C carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.
C is growing revenue faster at 16.9% — sustainability is the question.
WTFC generates stronger free cash flow (927M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
C scores higher overall (82/100 vs 77/100), 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.
Wintrust Financial Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
Wintrust Financial Corporation is a financial holding company. The company is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois.
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