Core Insights - Transformation is essential for survival in the banking sector, with both Goldman Sachs and Citigroup reinventing themselves to adapt to new regulations, technology, and client expectations [1][2]. Goldman Sachs (GS) - Goldman Sachs is focusing on its strengths in investment banking, trading, and asset and wealth management, while exiting non-core consumer banking [3][4]. - The company has seen a 19% year-over-year increase in investment banking revenues for the first nine months of 2025, driven by a rebound in global M&A activity [5]. - Goldman is expanding its asset management unit's private credit portfolio to $300 billion by 2029 and expects high-single-digit annual growth in private banking and lending revenues [7]. - Recent acquisitions, such as Industry Ventures, and partnerships with T. Rowe Price are aimed at enhancing its position in the innovation economy and private markets [6]. Citigroup (C) - Citigroup is undergoing a comprehensive transformation under CEO Jane Fraser, focusing on streamlining operations and exiting non-core markets [8][9]. - The bank has announced plans to sell a 25% stake in Banamex and is winding down its Korean consumer banking operations, which will free up capital for investments in wealth management [9][11]. - Citigroup expects total revenues to exceed $84 billion in 2025, with a projected CAGR of 4-5% through 2026 [11]. - The company has launched an $80 billion customized portfolio offering with BlackRock and partnered with Carlyle Group to expand asset-based private credit [12]. Performance and Valuation Comparison - Over the past year, shares of Goldman Sachs and Citigroup rose 54.3% and 59.2%, respectively, outperforming the industry growth of 42.6% [13]. - Goldman is trading at a forward P/E of 14.6X, while Citigroup trades at a lower P/E of 10.4X, indicating better value for Citigroup [17][20]. - Citigroup has a higher dividend yield of 2.42% compared to Goldman's 2.04%, providing additional appeal to investors [20]. - Both companies are expected to see revenue growth, with Goldman projected to have a 10% increase in 2025 and Citigroup a 6% increase [23][26]. Long-term Outlook - Citigroup's transformation strategy appears to offer greater long-term potential due to its structural changes and focus on high-return, fee-based businesses [28][30]. - Goldman's growth remains closely tied to market cycles, which may expose it to macroeconomic volatility [28].