Citigroup Inc. (C) vs Morgan Stanley (MS)

A side-by-side comparison of Citigroup Inc. and Morgan Stanley across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnC vs MS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
C +294.4% (+14.7%/yr)MS +790.6% (+24.4%/yr)MS compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$394$891
C MS

C vs MS: by the numbers

  • MS is the larger company ($338.14B vs $238.06B market cap).
  • C trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.99 vs 17.46 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MS converts more revenue to profit (15.99% vs 10.24% net margin).
  • MS grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.41% vs 16.66% CAGR).
  • MS pays the higher dividend yield (1.95% vs 1.78%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCMS
P/E ratio14.9917.46
Forward P/E12.4016.62
P/S ratio1.372.67
P/B ratio1.123.06

Profitability

MetricCMS
Gross margin46.63%59.72%
Operating margin14.18%20.70%
Net margin10.24%15.99%
ROE8.41%18.32%

Dividends

MetricCMS
Dividend yield1.78%1.95%
Payout ratio26.67%33.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.66%18.41%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.77%9.56%
Total return CAGR (5Y)18.75%19.18%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, C or MS?
C has the lower trailing P/E: C trades at 14.99 and MS at 17.46. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, C or MS?
Over the past five years, MS grew revenue faster — C at a 16.66% CAGR versus MS at 18.41%.
Does C or MS pay a bigger dividend?
C yields 1.78% and MS yields 1.95% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is C or MS more profitable?
MS runs the higher net margin — C at 10.24% versus MS at 15.99%.
How have C and MS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, C delivered 14.78% and MS delivered 24.44% 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 10, 2026.