Citigroup Inc. (C) vs PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)
A side-by-side comparison of Citigroup Inc. and PayPal Holdings, Inc. 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.
C
Citigroup Inc.
$129.53Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 30, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
PYPL
PayPal Holdings, Inc.
$52.53Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 30, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — C vs PYPL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yC +295.4% (+14.7%/yr)PYPL +40.1% (+3.4%/yr)C compounded faster over this window
C PYPL
C vs PYPL: by the numbers
- •C is the larger company ($222.13B vs $44.94B market cap).
- •PYPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (9.93 vs 13.99 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •PYPL converts more revenue to profit (14.36% vs 10.24% net margin).
- •C grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.66% vs 7.43% CAGR).
- •C pays the higher dividend yield (1.78% vs 0.78%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | C | PYPL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 13.99 | 9.93 |
| Forward P/E | 11.57 | 9.75 |
| P/S ratio | 1.27 | 1.32 |
| P/B ratio | 1.05 | 2.27 |
Profitability
| Metric | C | PYPL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 46.63% | 45.75% |
| Operating margin | 14.18% | 18.78% |
| Net margin | 10.24% | 14.36% |
| ROE | 8.41% | 24.73% |
Dividends
| Metric | C | PYPL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.78% | 0.78% |
| Payout ratio | 26.67% | 7.94% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | C | PYPL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.66% | 7.43% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 8.77% | 8.81% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 18.79% | -28.17% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, C or PYPL?
- PYPL has the lower trailing P/E: C trades at 13.99 and PYPL at 9.93. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, C or PYPL?
- Over the past five years, C grew revenue faster — C at a 16.66% CAGR versus PYPL at 7.43%.
- Does C or PYPL pay a bigger dividend?
- C yields 1.78% and PYPL yields 0.78% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is C or PYPL more profitable?
- PYPL runs the higher net margin — C at 10.24% versus PYPL at 14.36%.
- How have C and PYPL total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, C delivered 14.80% and PYPL delivered 3.63% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Citigroup P/E ratioPayPal P/E ratioCitigroup dividend yieldPayPal dividend yieldCitigroup ROEPayPal ROECitigroup operating marginPayPal operating marginCitigroup revenue growthPayPal revenue growth
Citigroup & PayPal appear in these rankings
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.