Citigroup Inc. (C) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)

A side-by-side comparison of Citigroup Inc. and Mastercard Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnC vs MA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
C +295.4% (+14.7%/yr)MA +502.8% (+19.7%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$395$603
C MA

C vs MA: by the numbers

  • MA is the larger company ($498.74B vs $233.57B market cap).
  • C trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.71 vs 31.28 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 10.24% net margin).
  • C grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.66% vs 16.09% CAGR).
  • C pays the higher dividend yield (1.78% vs 0.59%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCMA
P/E ratio14.7131.28
Forward P/E12.1728.50
P/S ratio1.3414.22
P/B ratio1.1088.89

Profitability

MetricCMA
Gross margin46.63%100.00%
Operating margin14.18%59.84%
Net margin10.24%46.34%
ROE8.41%289.73%

Dividends

MetricCMA
Dividend yield1.78%0.59%
Payout ratio26.67%18.54%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.66%16.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.77%20.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.79%11.03%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, C or MA?
C has the lower trailing P/E: C trades at 14.71 and MA at 31.28. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, C or MA?
Over the past five years, C grew revenue faster — C at a 16.66% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
Does C or MA pay a bigger dividend?
C yields 1.78% and MA yields 0.59% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is C or MA more profitable?
MA runs the higher net margin — C at 10.24% versus MA at 46.34%.
How have C and MA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, C delivered 14.80% and MA delivered 19.91% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.