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Citigroup (C)
NYSE:C

Citigroup (C) AI Stock Analysis

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C

Citigroup

(NYSE:C)

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Neutral 58 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:58Neutral
Price Target:
$120.00
â–²(3.85% Upside)
Overall score reflects mixed financial performance led by weak recent cash-flow consistency and higher leverage, partially offset by a constructive earnings-call outlook (NII growth, efficiency improvements, ROTCE targets and buybacks). Technicals are broadly neutral and valuation is reasonable with a moderate dividend yield; corporate events add only minor, mixed impact.
Positive Factors
Diversified, record revenues across businesses
Sustained record performance across five core businesses indicates a diversified revenue base that reduces single-market cyclicality. Over time this breadth supports stability in top-line cash flows and makes recovery from segment-specific shocks (markets, cards, wealth) more durable versus peers reliant on one line of business.
Strong capital position and active returns
A robust CET1 buffer, large available liquidity and significant buybacks reflect disciplined capital management that supports investor returns while preserving regulatory headroom. This capital flexibility underpins strategic optionality for future buybacks, M&A once constraints ease, and resilience through macro stress.
Transformation & AI adoption improving efficiency
High completion of transformation programs and broad AI adoption signal durable productivity gains and stronger controls. Ongoing automation of complex processes should reduce operating costs and control risk over time, enabling sustainable efficiency improvements and supporting management's mid-term efficiency targets.
Negative Factors
Persistent negative cash flow
Repeated negative operating and free cash flow over multiple years raises questions about the quality and convertibility of reported earnings into cash. For a bank, persistent cash outflows constrain internal capital generation, increase reliance on external funding or capital issuance, and limit the pace of durable shareholder returns.
Rising leverage with modest returns
Increasing leverage alongside only mid-single-digit returns signals deteriorating capital efficiency. Higher leverage amplifies sensitivity to credit losses or margin compression and leaves less room for growth investments, while subdued returns limit the bank's ability to organically rebuild capital and improve shareholder value persistently.
Concentrated credit losses in cards & Mexico
Credit losses concentrated in cards and Mexico point to structural pockets of underwriting and portfolio risk. Persistent elevated NCLs in these segments can erode margins, necessitate higher reserves, and constrain returns in consumer-facing franchises, limiting durable profitability unless credit performance materially improves.

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
Mixed fundamentals: income statement remains profitable but shows meaningful margin compression and uneven revenue, the balance sheet shows rising leverage with only mid-single-digit ROE, and cash flow is a major weakness with negative operating/free cash flow in 2023–2025.
Income Statement
62
Positive
Revenue has been volatile: strong growth in 2022–2024 was followed by a modest decline in 2025 (annual revenue down ~2.7%). Profitability has also compressed materially versus earlier years—net margin fell from ~27.5% (2021) to ~8.5% (2025)—but the company still delivered positive earnings and improved net income versus 2023–2024. Overall, the income statement shows resilience in absolute profits, but weakening margins and uneven top-line momentum are key watch items.
Balance Sheet
54
Neutral
The balance sheet is asset-heavy as expected for a diversified bank, but leverage has been trending higher recently: debt-to-equity increased to ~3.37x in 2025 from ~2.83x in 2024 and ~2.59x in 2022. Shareholders’ equity has grown modestly over time, supporting stability, while returns on equity remain mid-single-digit (about 6.7% in 2025), below earlier peaks (about 10.9% in 2021). Strength is the steady equity base; the main risk signal is rising leverage paired with only moderate returns.
Cash Flow
28
Negative
Cash generation is a clear weakness: operating cash flow and free cash flow were negative in 2023–2025 (including a large outflow in 2025), after being positive in 2021–2022. The repeated negative operating cash flow suggests elevated volatility in cash movements (common in banking), but the persistence and magnitude of recent outflows raise questions around the quality and consistency of cash earnings relative to reported profits. Improvement back to sustainably positive cash flow would be an important catalyst for a higher score.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue168.35B168.30B170.71B155.38B100.22B79.87B
Gross Profit74.33B74.98B71.12B67.90B69.37B75.78B
EBITDA24.11B23.10B21.36B17.47B23.07B31.43B
Net Income14.69B14.27B12.68B9.23B14.85B21.95B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.64T2.66T2.35T2.41T2.42T2.29T
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments672.58B675.44B498.02B506.00B580.77B541.33B
Total Debt720.24B715.80B590.56B602.18B521.15B473.63B
Total Liabilities2.43T2.44T2.14T2.21T2.21T2.09T
Stockholders Equity213.02B212.29B208.60B205.45B201.19B201.97B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-75.97B-67.63B-26.17B-80.00B19.44B42.97B
Operating Cash Flow-69.39B-67.63B-19.67B-73.42B25.07B47.09B
Investing Cash Flow-51.20B-86.28B86.25B-8.46B-79.45B-110.75B
Financing Cash Flow165.44B0.00-38.30B687.00M137.76B17.27B

Citigroup Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price115.55
Price Trends
50DMA
115.73
Negative
100DMA
107.52
Positive
200DMA
96.86
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.06
Positive
RSI
49.59
Neutral
STOCH
40.61
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 115.55 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 116.03, below the 50-day MA of 115.73, and above the 200-day MA of 96.86, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.06 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 49.59 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 40.61 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
$299.62B18.608.66%4.14%-9.54%-22.46%
78
Outperform
$280.05B18.1913.91%1.55%2.31%44.49%
71
Outperform
$273.88B14.1511.85%1.80%-4.37%26.41%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
67
Neutral
$832.79B15.4216.06%1.79%1.89%12.32%
65
Neutral
$384.86B14.0110.23%1.93%0.15%33.84%
58
Neutral
$208.04B16.636.72%1.94%-0.62%105.57%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
C
Citigroup
115.55
37.92
48.85%
BAC
Bank of America
52.77
8.97
20.48%
HSBC
HSBC Holdings
86.84
33.70
63.41%
JPM
JPMorgan Chase
308.05
49.12
18.97%
WFC
Wells Fargo
87.57
11.72
15.45%
GS
Goldman Sachs Group
916.65
303.56
49.51%

Citigroup Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesFinancial Disclosures
Citigroup Board Sets $42 Million Pay for CEO
Positive
Feb 12, 2026

On February 11, 2026, Citi’s board set CEO Jane Fraser’s 2025 compensation at $42 million, citing record 2025 revenues in each of the firm’s five core businesses, improved returns, and sector‑leading share price performance. The package, heavily weighted to deferred stock and performance share units, reflects progress on regulatory remediation, risk and control transformation, international divestitures and business simplification, and underscores the board’s focus on retention and alignment with shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (C) stock is a Buy with a $134.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Citigroup stock, see the C Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Citigroup Establishes New 6.5% Series JJ Preferred Stock
Neutral
Feb 12, 2026

On February 11, 2026, Citigroup Inc. filed a Certificate of Designations in Delaware to create a new series of preferred stock, the 6.500% Fixed Rate Reset Noncumulative Preferred Stock, Series JJ, which became effective immediately and amended the company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The move expands Citigroup’s capital structure alongside its existing preferred, trust preferred, and medium-term senior note issuances listed on the New York Stock Exchange, underscoring its continued use of tiered securities to manage funding, regulatory capital, and investor demand for yield-bearing instruments.

Citigroup’s roster of listed instruments now includes common stock, depositary shares linked to 6.250% Noncumulative Preferred Stock Series II, multiple trust preferred securities, and several floating rate medium-term senior notes due between 2026 and 2029. This diversified mix of equity-linked and debt securities provides the bank with flexibility in balancing capital requirements and funding costs while offering investors varied risk-return profiles across its capital stack.

The most recent analyst rating on (C) stock is a Buy with a $134.00 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 6.250% Preferred Stock Series II
Positive
Feb 3, 2026

On February 2, 2026, Citigroup Inc. filed a Certificate of Designations in Delaware to create a new series of preferred equity, its 6.250% Noncumulative Preferred Stock, Series II, immediately amending its Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The move expands Citigroup’s capital structure with an additional class of preferred shares, adding to its existing mix of common stock, trust preferred securities and medium‑term notes already listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and underscores the bank’s continued use of preferred instruments as a tool for capital management and funding diversification.

The most recent analyst rating on (C) stock is a Hold 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 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.

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: Feb 21, 2026