RBC vs Citi
RBC and Citi are presented to illustrate how large banks compare, within a neutral frame. This page compares their business models, financial performance, and market context, helping readers understand differences without speculation. Educational content, not financial advice.
RBC and Citi are presented to illustrate how large banks compare, within a neutral frame. This page compares their business models, financial performance, and market context, helping readers understan...
Why It's Moving
RBC lifts dividend and posts stronger-than-expected FY2025 results, sending shares higher on sturdier earnings and capital cushions
- FY2025 revenue rose ~16% year‑over‑year, driven by higher net interest income and expanded investment management, trading and underwriting fees, which translated into a sizeable jump in net income and diluted EPS growth—evidence the bank is benefiting from wider margins and stronger fee businesses over the past year.
- The board approved a 10% increase to the quarterly common share dividend, reflecting management’s confidence in cash flow and capital generation while also returning more capital to shareholders rather than retaining it for loss-absorbing buffers.
- Common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital improved to about 13.5% thanks to internal capital generation and favorable fair-value adjustments, but provisions for credit losses rose ~20% year‑over‑year—concentrated in Commercial Banking, Capital Markets and Personal Banking—highlighting elevated credit costs even as core earnings strengthen.
Citi jumps to fresh highs as liability moves and a base-rate cut reshape near-term margins
- Citi lowered its base lending rate to 6.75% from 7.00%, effective Dec. 11; that reduction eases consumer borrowing costs but implies pressure on future loan yields and could modestly compress NIM if funding costs don’t fall in step.
- The bank fully redeemed $1.5 billion of Series W preferred stock on Dec. 10 as part of liability management; redeeming expensive preferreds reduces ongoing dividend expense and can improve capital efficiency, which investors treat as supportive for earnings per share over time.
- Stock momentum: Citi hit a new 52-week high in recent trading, reflecting strong investor confidence after management presentations and continued buyback authorization — market reaction suggests optimism about transformation progress even as analysts monitor margin implications.
RBC lifts dividend and posts stronger-than-expected FY2025 results, sending shares higher on sturdier earnings and capital cushions
- FY2025 revenue rose ~16% year‑over‑year, driven by higher net interest income and expanded investment management, trading and underwriting fees, which translated into a sizeable jump in net income and diluted EPS growth—evidence the bank is benefiting from wider margins and stronger fee businesses over the past year.
- The board approved a 10% increase to the quarterly common share dividend, reflecting management’s confidence in cash flow and capital generation while also returning more capital to shareholders rather than retaining it for loss-absorbing buffers.
- Common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital improved to about 13.5% thanks to internal capital generation and favorable fair-value adjustments, but provisions for credit losses rose ~20% year‑over‑year—concentrated in Commercial Banking, Capital Markets and Personal Banking—highlighting elevated credit costs even as core earnings strengthen.
Citi jumps to fresh highs as liability moves and a base-rate cut reshape near-term margins
- Citi lowered its base lending rate to 6.75% from 7.00%, effective Dec. 11; that reduction eases consumer borrowing costs but implies pressure on future loan yields and could modestly compress NIM if funding costs don’t fall in step.
- The bank fully redeemed $1.5 billion of Series W preferred stock on Dec. 10 as part of liability management; redeeming expensive preferreds reduces ongoing dividend expense and can improve capital efficiency, which investors treat as supportive for earnings per share over time.
- Stock momentum: Citi hit a new 52-week high in recent trading, reflecting strong investor confidence after management presentations and continued buyback authorization — market reaction suggests optimism about transformation progress even as analysts monitor margin implications.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
Canada Domestic Champions Explained | Trade War Shield
Recent U.S. tariffs have caused a contraction in Canada's export-driven economy, creating a unique investment opportunity. This theme focuses on Canadian companies that serve the domestic market and are insulated from international trade disputes.
Published: August 30, 2025
Explore BasketNorth American Trade Normalization
Canada has lifted retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of U.S. products, a significant step toward normalizing trade relations. This creates a favorable investment landscape for American companies in sectors like apparel and consumer goods that export to Canada.
Published: August 24, 2025
Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
Canada Domestic Champions Explained | Trade War Shield
Recent U.S. tariffs have caused a contraction in Canada's export-driven economy, creating a unique investment opportunity. This theme focuses on Canadian companies that serve the domestic market and are insulated from international trade disputes.
Published: August 30, 2025
Explore BasketNorth American Trade Normalization
Canada has lifted retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of U.S. products, a significant step toward normalizing trade relations. This creates a favorable investment landscape for American companies in sectors like apparel and consumer goods that export to Canada.
Published: August 24, 2025
Explore BasketInvestment Analysis
RBC
RY
Pros
- RBC has a diversified global footprint across retail banking, wealth management, and capital markets, providing multiple revenue streams.
- The bank maintains a dominant position in the Canadian banking sector, supporting steady deposit and loan growth.
- RBC offers an attractive dividend yield, with a forward yield above 3.5% and a history of reliable payouts.
Considerations
- RBC has significant exposure to the Canadian housing market, increasing vulnerability to domestic mortgage and consumer credit risks.
- Analyst consensus suggests limited upside potential, with the average 12-month price target indicating only modest expected appreciation.
- Recent shifts in analyst ratings, including downgrades, reflect concerns over macroeconomic conditions and profit growth challenges.
Citi
C
Pros
- Citigroup operates in over 160 countries, offering global scale and diversified revenue across geographies and financial services.
- The company’s restructuring efforts, including business simplification and cost reductions, aim to improve long-term profitability and efficiency.
- Citigroup trades at a lower valuation multiple than some peers, potentially offering value if execution on strategic changes improves.
Considerations
- Citigroup’s ongoing transformation introduces execution risk, with past strategic pivots having mixed success in enhancing shareholder returns.
- Current performance lags many peers on key fundamental and return metrics, reflected in year-to-date share price underperformance.
- The bank’s large global footprint exposes it to regulatory, geopolitical, and currency risks across multiple jurisdictions.
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