tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Citigroup (C)
NYSE:C

Citigroup (C) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
16,446 Followers

Top Page

C

Citigroup

(NYSE:C)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 60 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
$122.00
â–²(3.35% Upside)
The score is anchored by uneven financial quality: improving earnings and revenue are meaningfully offset by persistently negative operating/free cash flow and rising leverage. The latest earnings call provides a clear positive catalyst via continued NII growth, efficiency targets, and sizable buybacks backed by solid CET1, while technicals and valuation are supportive but only moderate.
Positive Factors
Record, diversified revenues across five businesses
Sustained record revenues across five distinct franchises (Markets, Banking, Services, Wealth, USPB) indicates broad-based client wins and diversification. That reduces reliance on any single business or market and supports steadier top-line resilience and cross-selling over the medium term.
Strong capital position and liquidity supporting returns
A healthy CET1 buffer and ample liquidity provide durable financial flexibility to absorb shocks, fund strategic investments, and sustain capital returns. That gives management scope to execute buybacks and growth plans while meeting regulatory expectations over the next several quarters.
Transformation and AI adoption improving controls and efficiency
High program completion and broad AI deployment materially strengthen control frameworks and operational productivity. Structural automation reduces manual error risk, lowers run-rate costs, and supports the targeted ~60% efficiency ratio, yielding sustainable margin improvement potential.
Negative Factors
Persistent negative operating and free cash flow
Chronic negative operating and free cash flow undermines financial flexibility and makes earnings less cash-backed. Over time this necessitates reliance on capital markets, non-cash accounting, or balance-sheet adjustments to fund buybacks, dividends, and growth, raising long-term funding risk.
Rising leverage with only mid-level returns
A clear upward leverage trend combined with modest ROE increases sensitivity to asset shocks and regulatory scrutiny. Higher leverage magnifies losses and constrains capital allocation, making it harder to sustainably lift returns without either deleveraging or materially improving profitability.
Concentrated consumer credit losses in cards and Mexico
Elevated, concentrated losses in cards and Mexico create a structural headwind to margins and require higher provisioning. Persistent elevated NCLs impair net interest margins, increase capital consumption via reserves, and limit sustainable growth in higher-risk consumer lending segments.

Citigroup (C) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Citigroup Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCitigroup Inc., a diversified financial services holding company, provides various financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions in North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates in two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG). The GCB segment offers traditional banking services to retail customers through retail banking, Citi-branded cards, and Citi retail services. It also provides various banking, credit card, lending, and investment services through a network of local branches, offices, and electronic delivery systems. The ICG segment offers wholesale banking products and services, including fixed income and equity sales and trading, foreign exchange, prime brokerage, derivative, equity and fixed income research, corporate lending, investment banking and advisory, private banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 2,303 branches primarily in the United States, Mexico, and Asia. Citigroup Inc. was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
How the Company Makes MoneyCitigroup generates revenue through multiple streams. Its Global Consumer Banking segment earns money primarily from interest income on loans, fees from credit card services, and various banking fees. The Institutional Clients Group contributes significantly through investment banking services, including advisory fees, underwriting, and trading revenues. Additionally, Citigroup benefits from asset management fees and transaction-related fees in its wealth management services. The company's extensive network of partnerships with financial institutions and corporations enhances its ability to offer integrated financial solutions, further bolstering its earnings. Key factors contributing to its revenue include global economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations, and the performance of the capital markets.

Citigroup Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Institutional Revenue Breakdown
Institutional Revenue Breakdown
Details revenue from institutional clients, highlighting Citigroup's performance in investment banking, trading, and other financial services for large organizations.
Chart InsightsCitigroup's Institutional Revenue shows robust growth in Treasury and Trade Solutions, driven by strategic enhancements in client offerings. Securities Services and Fixed Income Markets also exhibit strong upward trends, aligning with Citi's record performance in Markets and Banking, as highlighted in their earnings call. However, Corporate Lending remains volatile, reflecting broader economic uncertainties. The earnings call underscores Citi's strategic focus on its Services division, which is performing exceptionally well, and anticipates continued revenue growth, supported by significant advisory roles in major transactions.
Data provided by:The Fly

Citigroup Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 14, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 14, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed clear progress: strong revenue growth, record performance across businesses, robust capital returns, improving returns and demonstrable transformation and AI adoption. These positives were tempered by notable one-time impacts (Russia), rising expenses, credit losses concentrated in cards and Mexico, and some near-term revenue volatility in markets and retail services. Management expects continued NII growth, further expense discipline targeting an efficiency ratio around 60% in 2026, and ongoing buybacks, while regulatory timing and certain credit/fee headwinds remain watch items.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Adjusted EPS and Return Improvement
Adjusted Q4 EPS of $1.81 and adjusted ROTCE of 7.7%; full-year adjusted ROTCE improved to 8.8% (a 180 bps improvement after adjusting for Banamex and Russia) and adjusted net income surpassed $16.0 billion.
Top-Line Growth and Record Revenues
Full-year reported revenue of ~$85.2 billion (adjusted $86.6 billion) representing ~7% organic growth (adjusted) — the strongest growth in over a decade — and each of the five businesses delivered record revenues and positive operating leverage at the business and firm level for the second straight year.
Payments, Treasury & Security Services Momentum
Security services assets under custody & administration grew ~24%; cross-border transaction value increased (management cited ~10%–14% growth in different sections); TTS innovations (Citi Token, Payments Express expansion) drove product adoption and market share gains; services ROTCE for the year exceeded 28%.
Markets and Equities Strength
Markets delivered record revenues (surpassing 2020 levels); fixed income up ~10% (despite commodities weakness); equities revenues reached $5.7 billion (a record) and prime balances rose over 50%, contributing to Markets full-year ROTCE of ~11.6%.
Banking / Investment Banking Outperformance
Investment banking fees grew 35% with M&A up ~84% (record quarter and year); DCM up ~19%; the franchise gained wallet and market share, delivering banking ROTCE of ~11.3% for the year and substantial revenue gains while keeping expenses controlled.
Wealth and US Personal Banking Progress
Wealth revenues up ~14% with ~8% organic NNIA growth and full-year ROTCE ~12%; client investment assets up ~14%; US Personal Banking delivered stronger branded cards revenue growth (~8%) and USPB returns more than doubled to mid-teens for the year.
Strong Capital Return and Capital Ratios
Repurchased over $13 billion of common shares in 2025 (including $4.5 billion in Q4) as part of a $20 billion program; total capital return > $17.5 billion; preliminary CET1 ratio ~13.2%, ~160 bps above the regulatory requirement; average LCR ~115% and >$1 trillion of available liquidity.
Transformation, Controls and AI Adoption
Over 80% of transformation programs at or near target state; OCC terminated Article 17 in December; AI and proprietary tools have been used >21 million times across 84 countries with adoption >70%, and the bank has begun automating 50+ large, complex processes to improve efficiency and controls.
Negative Updates
Reported vs Adjusted Results and Russia Notable Item Impact
Reported Q4 net income was $2.5 billion, EPS $1.19 and ROTCE 5.1% (vs adjusted net income $3.6 billion, EPS $1.81 and ROTCE 7.7%), with the held-for-sale accounting treatment of Russia materially affecting reported metrics; total revenues were up only 2% reported vs up 8% adjusted.
Rising Expenses and Compensation/Legal Charges
Q4 expenses were $13.8 billion, up ~6% driven by higher compensation, tax and legal expenses and technology; full-year expenses were $55.1 billion (or $54.4 billion excluding Banamex goodwill impairment) with ~ $800 million of severance in the year and an adjusted efficiency ratio around 63% for the year (target ~60% in 2026).
Credit Costs Concentrated in Cards and Mexico Consumer Loans
Firm cost of credit was $2.2 billion in Q4, primarily net credit losses in U.S. cards; full-year branded cards NCLs ~3.6% and retail services NCLs ~5.73%; total reserves > $21 billion (reserve to funded loan ratio ~2.6%); consumer loan losses in Mexico contributed materially to all-other cost of credit.
Markets and Noninterest Revenue Volatility
Total Markets revenues declined ~1% in the quarter (difficult prior-year comp) and noninterest revenues excluding markets were down ~17% reported (though up on an adjusted basis), highlighting volatility in fee-driven lines and sensitivity to comps and notable items.
Retail Services Softness and Slower NNIA Seasonality
Retail services revenues fell ~7% in the quarter due to partner foot-traffic and sales weakness; net new investment asset flows in Wealth slowed to $7.2 billion in Q4 (management attributed this partly to seasonality), suggesting near-term headwinds in certain client-facing segments.
Remaining Regulatory and Divestiture Uncertainty
Although meaningful progress was made (including Article 17 termination and a 25% Banamex stake sale), remaining regulatory data/control work and the timing of full consent order closure remain uncertain and in regulators' hands; planned further divestitures/IPOs (e.g., Banamex) remain subject to approvals and market conditions.
Company Guidance
Citi’s 2026 guidance calls for net interest income excluding markets to grow 5–6% (after nearly 6% in 2025), a targeted efficiency ratio of around 60% with another year of positive operating leverage across the firm, and a ROTCE target of 10–11%; markets revenues are expected to be roughly flat y/y while fee (non‑interest) revenue ex‑markets should continue to grow and support NIRxMarkets momentum. Management expects loan volumes to rise mid‑single digits and deposit volumes to rise mid‑single digits (driven by services and wealth), card net credit losses to remain within 2025 guidance (2025 branded cards NCL ~3.6%, retail services ~5.73%), continued share buybacks under the $20 billion program (>$13 billion repurchased in 2025, $4.5 billion in Q4), and a capital posture that moves toward a ~100 bps CET1 management buffer (preliminary CET1 13.2%, ~160 bps above the 11.6% requirement, with an eventual path toward ~12.6%).

Citigroup Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement is improving (earnings recovery and higher TTM revenue), but this is offset by rising leverage (higher debt-to-equity and only modest ROE) and persistently negative operating/free cash flow in recent periods, which is a major quality and flexibility concern.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Citigroup shows a clear earnings recovery versus 2023–2024, with TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) net income of ~$14.7B and stronger profitability (net margin ~8.7% vs ~7.4% in 2024). Revenue is also higher on a TTM basis (up ~28.7%), indicating better top-line momentum. The main offset is that profitability is still well below 2021–2022 levels (when margins were materially higher), suggesting the business has not fully regained prior-cycle earnings power.
Balance Sheet
58
Neutral
The balance sheet is very large (~$2.64T assets TTM) with equity of ~$213B, but leverage has increased: debt-to-equity is ~3.38 in TTM (higher than ~2.83 in 2024 and ~1.58 in 2022). Return on equity is modest at ~6.9% TTM, improving from 2023–2024 but still not strong versus earlier years (e.g., ~10.9% in 2021). Overall, the balance sheet looks adequately capitalized on an absolute basis, but the rising leverage trend and only mid-level returns are key watch items.
Cash Flow
27
Negative
Cash generation is the weakest area: operating cash flow is negative in TTM (about -$69.4B) and was also negative in 2024 and 2023, leading to negative free cash flow in those periods as well. While banks can show volatile cash flow timing, the persistence of negative operating and free cash flow reduces financial flexibility and makes earnings quality harder to underwrite from cash conversion. The notable positive is that net income remains solid while cash flow is pressured, implying the core earnings base is holding up even as cash movements are unfavorable.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue168.35B170.71B155.38B100.22B79.87B88.83B
Gross Profit74.33B71.12B67.90B69.37B75.78B58.12B
EBITDA24.11B21.36B17.47B23.07B31.43B17.57B
Net Income14.69B12.68B9.23B14.85B21.95B11.05B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.64T2.35T2.41T2.42T2.29T2.26T
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments672.58B498.02B506.00B580.77B541.33B638.78B
Total Debt720.24B590.56B602.18B521.15B473.63B500.73B
Total Liabilities2.43T2.14T2.21T2.21T2.09T2.06T
Stockholders Equity213.02B208.60B205.45B201.19B201.97B199.44B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-75.97B-26.17B-80.00B19.44B42.97B-26.93B
Operating Cash Flow-69.39B-19.67B-73.42B25.07B47.09B-23.49B
Investing Cash Flow-51.20B86.25B-8.46B-79.45B-110.75B-92.44B
Financing Cash Flow165.44B-38.30B687.00M137.76B17.27B233.59B

Citigroup Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price118.04
Price Trends
50DMA
109.91
Positive
100DMA
104.10
Positive
200DMA
91.55
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.97
Positive
RSI
55.09
Neutral
STOCH
40.17
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For C, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 118.04 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 118.44, above the 50-day MA of 109.91, and above the 200-day MA of 91.55, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 1.97 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 55.09 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 40.17 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for C.

Citigroup Risk Analysis

Citigroup disclosed 27 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Citigroup reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Citigroup Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$283.24B17.428.66%4.14%-9.54%-22.46%
77
Outperform
$288.53B18.7513.91%1.55%2.31%44.49%
75
Outperform
$850.63B15.6116.06%1.79%1.89%12.32%
73
Outperform
$277.43B14.1211.85%1.80%-4.37%26.41%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
65
Neutral
$386.81B13.9010.23%1.93%0.15%33.84%
60
Neutral
$211.20B16.886.72%1.94%-0.62%105.57%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
C
Citigroup
118.04
38.58
48.55%
BAC
Bank of America
52.97
7.37
16.16%
HSBC
HSBC Holdings
82.53
34.55
72.02%
JPM
JPMorgan Chase
312.47
58.52
23.04%
WFC
Wells Fargo
88.38
12.19
16.00%
GS
Goldman Sachs Group
962.00
339.96
54.65%

Citigroup Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Citigroup Board Approves Sale of Remaining Russian Operations
Negative
Dec 29, 2025

On December 29, 2025, Citigroup’s board approved a plan to sell AO Citibank, which houses Citi’s remaining operations in Russia and is currently reported across its Services, Markets, Banking and Legacy Franchises segments. As a result, Citi will classify its Russian business as held for sale beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the transaction expected to be signed and closed in the first half of 2026, triggering an approximately $1.2 billion pre-tax loss on sale in the fourth quarter tied largely to previously accumulated currency translation adjustment losses. The loss recognition, which is recorded as a reduction of Other Revenue via a valuation allowance and incorporates expected benefits from derecognizing a fully reserved net investment and anticipated sale proceeds, is described as capital neutral to Citi’s Common Equity Tier 1 ratio once the related CTA amounts are released from accumulated other comprehensive income, though the ultimate loss remains subject to foreign exchange movements.

The most recent analyst rating on (C) stock is a Buy with a $125.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Citigroup stock, see the C Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Citigroup Establishes New Series of Preferred Stock
Neutral
Dec 10, 2025

On December 9, 2025, Citigroup Inc. filed a Certificate of Designations with the Delaware Secretary of State to establish a new series of preferred stock, the 6.625% Fixed Rate Reset Noncumulative Preferred Stock, Series HH. This move, effective immediately upon filing, is part of Citigroup’s strategic efforts to enhance its capital structure and offer diversified investment options, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (C) stock is a Hold with a $110.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Citigroup stock, see the C Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Citigroup Announces New CFO in Leadership Transition
Positive
Nov 20, 2025

On November 19, 2025, Citigroup announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Gonzalo Luchetti as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective March 2026, succeeding Mark Mason, who will become Executive Vice Chair and Senior Executive Advisor. This change is part of a broader strategic restructuring to integrate Retail Banking into the Wealth business and establish U.S. Consumer Cards as a core business, aiming to enhance Citi’s competitive positioning and growth trajectory.

The most recent analyst rating on (C) stock is a Buy with a $120.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Citigroup stock, see the C Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Citigroup Awards CEO Jane Fraser $25M Equity Package
Positive
Oct 22, 2025

On October 22, 2025, Citigroup‘s Board of Directors awarded CEO Jane Fraser a one-time equity award valued at $25 million in Restricted Stock Units and 1.055 million stock options, reflecting her leadership and strategic execution. This decision underscores the Board’s confidence in Fraser’s ability to drive long-term growth and stability, as evidenced by Citi’s organizational transformation, strategic asset sales, and stock performance improvements since 2022.

The most recent analyst rating on (C) stock is a Hold with a $107.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Citigroup stock, see the C Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 14, 2026