The information in this preliminary
pricing supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. This preliminary pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, underlying
supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities, nor are they soliciting an offer to
buy these securities, in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY
27, 2017
|
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
March
-----
,
2017
Medium-Term Senior Notes, Series
N
Pricing Supplement No. 2017-USNCH0402
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration Statement Nos.
333-214120 and 333-214120-03
|
Dual Directional Barrier
Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due
April
-----
, 2021
|
▪
|
The securities offered by this pricing supplement are unsecured senior debt securities issued by Citigroup Global Markets Holdings
Inc. and guaranteed by Citigroup Inc. Unlike conventional debt securities, the securities do not pay interest and do not repay
a fixed amount of principal at maturity. Instead, the securities offer a payment at maturity that may be greater than, equal to
or less than the stated principal amount, depending on the performance of the
worst performing
of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index (the “worst performing index”) from its initial index level
to its final index level.
|
|
▪
|
The securities offer leveraged exposure to the potential appreciation of the worst performing index from its initial index
level to its final index level as described below. In addition, if the worst performing index depreciates within a limited range
(not more than 30.00%), the securities provide for a positive return at maturity based on the absolute value of that depreciation.
In exchange for these features, investors in the securities must be willing to accept a return based on whichever underlying index
is the worst performing index, forgo any positive participation in the absolute value of any depreciation of the worst performing
index if the worst performing index depreciates by more than 30% and forgo any dividends that may be paid on the stocks that constitute
either underlying index. In addition, investors in the securities must be willing to accept full downside exposure to the worst
performing index if the worst performing index depreciates by more than 30.00%.
If the worst performing index depreciates by
more than 30.00% from its initial index level to its final index level, you will lose 1% of the stated principal amount of your
securities for every 1% by which the worst performing index has declined from its initial index level.
|
|
▪
|
Your return on the securities will depend
solely
on the performance of the worst performing index. You will not benefit
in any way from the performance of the better performing index. You may incur a significant loss if
either
underlying index
performs poorly, even if the other performs favorably.
|
|
▪
|
Investors in the securities must be willing to accept (i) an investment that may have limited or no liquidity and (ii) the
risk of not receiving any amount due under the securities if we and Citigroup Inc. default on our obligations.
All payments
on the securities are subject to the credit risk of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc.
|
KEY TERMS
|
|
Issuer:
|
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Citigroup Inc.
|
Guarantee:
|
All payments due on the securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Citigroup
Inc.
|
Underlying indices:
|
Underlying
indices
|
Initial
index level*
|
Barrier
level**
|
|
S&P
500
®
Index
|
|
|
|
Russell
2000
®
Index
|
|
|
|
* The closing level of the applicable underlying index
on the pricing date
** For each underlying index, 70% of its initial index level
|
Aggregate stated principal amount:
|
$
|
Stated principal amount:
|
$1,000 per security
|
Pricing date:
|
March , 2017 (expected to be March 28, 2017)
|
Issue date:
|
March , 2017 (three business days after the pricing date)
|
Valuation date:
|
March , 2021 (expected to be March 29, 2021), subject to postponement if such date is not a scheduled trading day or if certain market disruption events occur with respect to either underlying index
|
Maturity date:
|
April , 2021 (expected to be April 1, 2021)
|
Payment at maturity:
|
For each $1,000 stated principal amount security you hold at maturity:
▪
If the final index level of the worst performing index is
greater than
its initial index level:
$1,000 + the leveraged return amount
▪
If the final index level of the worst performing index is
less than or equal to
its initial index level but
greater than or equal to
its barrier level:
$1,000 + ($1,000 × the absolute index return of the worst performing index)
▪
If the final index level of the worst performing index is
less than
its barrier level:
$1,000 + ($1,000 × the index percent change of the worst performing index)
If the final index level of the worst performing index is less
than its barrier level, your payment at maturity will be less, and possibly significantly less, than $700.00 per security. You
should not invest in the securities unless you are willing and able to bear the risk of losing a significant portion of your investment.
|
Final index level:
|
For each underlying index, its closing level on the valuation date
|
Worst performing index:
|
The underlying index with the lowest index percent change
|
Leveraged return amount:
|
$1,000 × the index percent change of the worst performing index × the leverage factor
|
Leverage factor:
|
Between 125.00% and 135% (to be determined on the pricing date)
|
Absolute index return:
|
For each underlying index, the absolute value of its index percent change
|
Index percent change:
|
For each underlying index, its final index level
minus
its initial index level,
divided by
its initial index level
|
Listing:
|
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange
|
CUSIP / ISIN:
|
17324CFP6 / US17324CFP68
|
Underwriter:
|
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), an affiliate of the issuer, acting as principal
|
Underwriting fee and issue price:
|
Issue price
(1)
|
Underwriting fee
(2)
|
Proceeds to issuer
|
Per security:
|
$1,000.00
|
$40.00
|
$960.00
|
Total:
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
(1) Citigroup Global Markets Holdings
Inc. currently expects that the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date will be at least $920.00 per security, which
will be less than the issue price. The estimated value of the securities is based on CGMI’s proprietary pricing models and
our internal funding rate. It is not an indication of actual profit to CGMI or other of our affiliates, nor is it an indication
of the price, if any, at which CGMI or any other person may be willing to buy the securities from you at any time after issuance.
See “Valuation of the Securities” in this pricing supplement.
(2) CGMI will receive an underwriting
fee of $40.00 for each $1,000 security sold in this offering. For more information on the distribution of the securities, see
“Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in this pricing supplement. In addition to the underwriting fee, CGMI and its
affiliates may profit from expected hedging activity related to this offering, even if the value of the securities declines. See
“Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying prospectus.
Investing in the securities involves risks not associated with
an investment in conventional debt securities. See “Summary Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-4.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities or determined that this pricing supplement and
the accompanying product supplement, underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Y
ou
should read this pricing supplement together with the accompanying
product
supplement
, underlying supplement
, prospectus supplement and prospectus
,
each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below.
Product Supplement No. EA-02-05 dated October 14, 2016
Underlying Supplement No. 5 dated October 14, 2016
Prospectus Supplement and Prospectus each dated October 14, 2016
The securities are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
governmental agency, nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
-----
, 2021
|
|
Additional
Information
The terms of the securities are set forth in the accompanying
product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, as supplemented by this pricing supplement. The accompanying product
supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus contain important disclosures that are not repeated in this pricing supplement.
For example, certain events may occur that could affect your payment at maturity, such as market disruption events and other events
affecting the underlying indices. These events and their consequences are described in the accompanying product supplement in the
sections “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to an Underlying Index—Consequences
of a Market Disruption Event; Postponement of a Valuation Date” and “—Discontinuance or Material Modification
of an Underlying Index,” and not in this pricing supplement. The accompanying underlying supplement contains important disclosures
regarding each underlying index that are not repeated in this pricing supplement. It is important that you read the accompanying
product supplement, underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus together with this pricing supplement before deciding
whether to invest in the securities. Certain terms used but not defined in this pricing supplement are defined in the accompanying
product supplement.
Postponement of the valuation date.
If the valuation date
is not a scheduled trading day for either of the underlying indices or if a market disruption event occurs with respect to either
of the underlying indices on the valuation date, the valuation date will be subject to postponement as described in the accompanying
product supplement in the section “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to
an Underlying Index —Consequences of a Market Disruption Event; Postponement of a Valuation Date.” If the valuation
date is postponed, the final index level of each of the underlying indices in respect of the valuation date will be determined
based on (i) for any underlying index for which the originally scheduled valuation date is a scheduled trading day and as to which
a market disruption event does not occur on the originally scheduled valuation date, the final index level of such underlying index
on the originally scheduled valuation date and (ii) for any other underlying index, the final index level of such underlying index
on the valuation date as postponed (or, if earlier, the first scheduled trading day for such underlying index following the originally
scheduled valuation date on which a market disruption event did not occur with respect to such underlying index).
Hypothetical
Examples
The diagram below illustrates your payment at maturity for a
range of hypothetical percentage changes from the initial index level to the final index level of the worst performing index. The
diagram and examples below are based on a hypothetical leverage factor of 125.00%. The actual leverage factor will be determined
on the pricing date. Your return on the securities will depend solely on the performance of the worst performing index. You will
not benefit in any way from the performance of the better performing index.
Investors in the securities will not receive any dividends
on the stocks that constitute either underlying index. The diagram and examples below do not show any effect of lost dividend yield
over the term of the securities.
See “Summary Risk Factors—Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing
in either of the underlying indices” below.
Dual Directional Barrier Securities
Payment at Maturity Diagram
|
|
n
The Securities
|
n
The Worst Performing Index
|
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
-----
, 2021
|
|
Your actual payment at maturity per security will depend on the
actual leverage factor, which will be determined on the pricing date, the actual initial index levels of the underlying indices
and the actual final index level of the worst performing index. The examples below illustrate how your payment at maturity will
depend on whether the final index level of the worst performing index is greater than or less than its initial index level and
by how much. The examples are based on the hypothetical initial index levels, barrier levels and final index levels specified below.
Example 1—Upside Scenario A.
Underlying index
|
Hypothetical initial index level
|
Hypothetical barrier level
|
Hypothetical final index level
|
Hypothetical index percent change
|
S&P 500
®
Index
|
2,400.00
|
1,680.00
|
2,640.00
|
10%
|
Russell 2000
®
Index
|
1,400.000
|
980.000
|
2,100.000
|
50%
|
In this example, the S&P 500
®
Index has the
lowest index percent change and is, therefore, the worst performing index. Because the worst performing index appreciated from
its hypothetical initial index level to its hypothetical final index level, your payment at maturity in this example would reflect
leveraged exposure to the appreciation of the worst performing index and would be calculated as follows:
Payment at maturity per security = $1,000 + the leveraged return
amount
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × the index percent change of the worst
performing index × the hypothetical leverage factor)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × 10.00% × 125.00%)
= $1,000 + $125.00
= $1,125.00
Example 2—Upside Scenario B.
Underlying index
|
Hypothetical initial index level
|
Hypothetical barrier level
|
Hypothetical final index level
|
Hypothetical index percent change
|
S&P 500
®
Index
|
2,400.00
|
1,680.00
|
2,160.00
|
-10%
|
Russell 2000
®
Index
|
1,400.000
|
980.000
|
1,680.000
|
20%
|
In this example, the S&P 500
®
Index has the
lowest index percent change and is, therefore, the worst performing index. Because the worst performing index depreciated from
its hypothetical initial index level to its hypothetical final index level, but not by more than 30%, your payment at maturity
per security would reflect 1-to-1 positive exposure to the absolute value of the negative performance of the worst performing index
and would be calculated as follows:
Payment at maturity per security = $1,000 + ($1,000 × the
absolute index return of the worst performing index)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × |-10.00%|)
=$1,000 + $100 = $1,100.00
Example 3—Downside Scenario.
Underlying index
|
Hypothetical initial index level
|
Hypothetical barrier level
|
Hypothetical final index level
|
Hypothetical index percent change
|
S&P 500
®
Index
|
2,400.00
|
1,680.00
|
720.00
|
-70%
|
Russell 2000
®
Index
|
1,400.000
|
980.000
|
1,680.000
|
20%
|
In this example, the S&P 500
®
Index has the
lowest index percent change and is, therefore, the worst performing index. Because the hypothetical final index level of the worst
performing index is
less than
its hypothetical barrier level, your payment at maturity in this example would reflect 1-to-1
downside exposure to the negative performance of the worst performing index from its hypothetical initial index level to its hypothetical
final index level and would be calculated as follows:
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
-----
, 2021
|
|
Payment at maturity per security = $1,000 + ($1,000 × the
index percent change of the worst performing index)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -70.00%)
= $1,000 - $700.00
= $300.00
You would incur a significant loss on your investment in the
securities in this scenario based on the decline of the worst performing index, even though the other underlying index performed
favorably.
Summary Risk
Factors
An investment in the securities is significantly riskier than
an investment in conventional debt securities. The securities are subject to all of the risks associated with an investment in
our conventional debt securities (guaranteed by Citigroup Inc.), including the risk that we and Citigroup Inc. may default on our
obligations under the securities, and are also subject to risks associated with each underlying index. Accordingly, the securities
are suitable only for investors who are capable of understanding the complexities and risks of the securities. You should consult
your own financial, tax and legal advisers as to the risks of an investment in the securities and the suitability of the securities
in light of your particular circumstances.
The following is a summary of certain key risk factors for investors
in the securities. You should read this summary together with the more detailed description of risks relating to an investment
in the securities contained in the section “Risk Factors Relating to the Securities” beginning on page EA-6 in the
accompanying product supplement. You should also carefully read the risk factors included in the accompanying prospectus supplement
and in the documents incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus, including Citigroup Inc.’s most recent Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which describe risks relating to the business of Citigroup
Inc. more generally.
|
▪
|
You may lose some or all of your investment.
Unlike conventional debt securities, the securities do not repay a fixed
amount of principal at maturity. Instead, your payment at maturity will depend on the performance of the worst performing index.
If the final index level of the worst performing index is less than its barrier level, the absolute return feature will no longer
be available and you will lose more, and possibly significantly more, than 30.00% of the stated principal amount of the securities.
In this scenario, you will lose 1% of the stated principal amount of the securities for every 1% by which the final index level
of the worst performing index has declined from its initial index level. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities,
and you may lose up to all of your investment.
|
|
▪
|
The securities do not pay interest.
Unlike conventional debt securities, the securities do not pay interest or any other
amounts prior to maturity. You should not invest in the securities if you seek current income during the term of the securities.
|
|
▪
|
Your potential for positive return from depreciation of the worst performing index is limited.
The return potential
of the securities in the event that the final index level of the worst performing index is less than its initial index level is
limited to 30%. Any decline in the final index level of the worst performing index from its initial index level by more than 30%
will result in a loss, rather than a positive return, on the securities.
|
|
▪
|
The securities are subject to the risks of both underlying indices and will be negatively affected if either of the underlying
indices performs poorly, even if the other underlying index performs well.
You are subject to risks associated with both of
the underlying indices. If either underlying index performs poorly, you will be negatively affected, even if the other underlying
index performs well. The securities are not linked to a basket composed of the underlying indices, where the better performance
of one could ameliorate the poor performance of the other. Instead, you are subject to the full risks of whichever of the underlying
indices is the worst performing index.
|
|
▪
|
You will not benefit in any way from the performance of the better performing index.
The return on the securities depends
solely on the performance of the worst performing index, and you will not benefit in any way from the performance of the better
performing index. The securities may underperform a similar investment in both of the underlying indices or a similar alternative
investment linked to a basket composed of the underlying indices, since in either such case the performance of the better performing
index would be blended with the performance of the worst performing index, resulting in a better return than the return of the
worst performing index.
|
|
▪
|
You will be subject to risks relating to the relationship between the underlying indices.
It is preferable from your
perspective for the underlying indices to be correlated with each other, in the sense that they tend to increase or decrease at
similar times and by similar magnitudes. By investing in the securities, you assume the risk that the underlying indices will not
exhibit this relationship. The less correlated the underlying indices, the more likely it is that one or the other of the underlying
indices will decline by more than 30% over the term of the securities. All that is necessary for the securities to perform poorly
is for one of the underlying indices to decline by more than 30%; the performance of the underlying index that is not the worst
performing index is
|
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
-----
, 2021
|
|
not relevant to your return on the
securities. It is impossible to predict what the relationship between the underlying indices will be over the term of the securities.
One underlying index represents large capitalization stocks in the United States and the other represents small capitalization
stocks in the United States. Accordingly, the underlying indices represent markets that differ in significant ways and, therefore,
may not be correlated with each other.
|
▪
|
Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in either of the underlying indices.
You will not have voting
rights, rights to receive any dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to either of the underlying indices.
The payment scenarios described in this pricing supplement do not show any effect of lost dividend yield over the term of the securities.
It is important to understand that, for purposes of measuring the performance of the underlying indices, the levels used will not
reflect the receipt or reinvestment of dividends on either of the underlying indices. Dividend yield on the underlying indices
would be expected to represent a significant portion of the overall return on a direct investment in the underlying indices, but
will not be reflected in the performance of either of the underlying indices as measured for purposes of the securities (except
to the extent that dividends reduce the levels of the underlying indices).
|
|
▪
|
Your payment at maturity depends on the closing level of the worst performing index on a single day.
Because your payment
at maturity depends on the closing levels of the underlying indices solely on the valuation date, you are subject to the risk that
the closing level of the worst performing index on that day may be lower, and possibly significantly lower, than on one or more
other dates during the term of the securities. If you had invested directly in the stocks that constitute either of the underlying
indices or in another instrument linked to the underlying indices that you could sell for full value at a time selected by you,
or if the payment at maturity were based on an average of closing levels of the underlying indices, you might have achieved better
returns.
|
|
▪
|
The securities are subject to the credit risk of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc.
If we default
on our obligations under the securities and Citigroup Inc. defaults on its guarantee obligations, you may not receive anything
owed to you under the securities.
|
|
▪
|
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange and you may not be able to sell them prior to maturity.
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the securities.
CGMI currently intends to make a secondary market in relation to the securities and to provide an indicative bid price for the
securities on a daily basis. Any indicative bid price for the securities provided by CGMI will be determined in CGMI’s sole
discretion, taking into account prevailing market conditions and other relevant factors, and will not be a representation by CGMI
that the securities can be sold at that price, or at all. CGMI may suspend or terminate making a market and providing indicative
bid prices without notice, at any time and for any reason. If CGMI suspends or terminates making a market, there may be no secondary
market at all for the securities because it is likely that CGMI will be the only broker-dealer that is willing to buy your securities
prior to maturity. Accordingly, an investor must be prepared to hold the securities until maturity.
|
|
▪
|
The estimated value of the securities on the pricing date, based on CGMI’s proprietary pricing models and our internal
funding rate, will be less than the issue price.
The difference is attributable to certain costs associated with selling, structuring
and hedging the securities that are included in the issue price. These costs include (i) the selling concessions paid in connection
with the offering of the securities, (ii) hedging and other costs incurred by us and our affiliates in connection with the offering
of the securities and (iii) the expected profit (which may be more or less than actual profit) to CGMI or other of our affiliates
in connection with hedging our obligations under the securities. These costs adversely affect the economic terms of the securities
because, if they were lower, the economic terms of the securities would be more favorable to you. The economic terms of the securities
are also likely to be adversely affected by the use of our internal funding rate, rather than our secondary market rate, to price
the securities. See “The estimated value of the securities would be lower if it were calculated based on our secondary market
rate” below.
|
|
▪
|
The estimated value of the securities was determined for us by our affiliate using proprietary pricing models.
CGMI
derived the estimated value disclosed on the cover page of this pricing supplement from its proprietary pricing models. In doing
so, it may have made discretionary judgments about the inputs to its models, such as the volatility of and correlation between
the underlying indices, dividend yields on the stocks that constitute the underlying indices and interest rates. CGMI’s views
on these inputs may differ from your or others’ views, and as an underwriter in this offering, CGMI’s interests may
conflict with yours. Both the models and the inputs to the models may prove to be wrong and therefore not an accurate reflection
of the value of the securities. Moreover, the estimated value of the securities set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement
may differ from the value that we or our affiliates may determine for the securities for other purposes, including for accounting
purposes. You should not invest in the securities because of the estimated value of the securities. Instead, you should be willing
to hold the securities to maturity irrespective of the initial estimated value.
|
|
▪
|
The estimated value of the securities would be lower if it were calculated based on our secondary market rate.
The estimated
value of the securities included in this pricing supplement is calculated based on our internal funding rate, which is the rate
at which we are willing to borrow funds through the issuance of the securities. Our internal funding rate is generally lower than
our secondary market rate, which is the rate that CGMI will use in determining the value of the securities for purposes of any
|
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
-----
, 2021
|
|
purchases of the securities from
you in the secondary market. If the estimated value included in this pricing supplement were based on our secondary market rate,
rather than our internal funding rate, it would likely be lower. We determine our internal funding rate based on factors such as
the costs associated with the securities, which are generally higher than the costs associated with conventional debt securities,
and our liquidity needs and preferences. Our internal funding rate is not an interest rate that we will pay to investors in the
securities, which do not bear interest.
Because there is not an active market
for traded instruments referencing our outstanding debt obligations, CGMI determines our secondary market rate based on the market
price of traded instruments referencing the debt obligations of Citigroup Inc., our parent company and the guarantor of all payments
due on the securities, but subject to adjustments that CGMI makes in its sole discretion. As a result, our secondary market rate
is not a market-determined measure of our creditworthiness, but rather reflects the market’s perception of our parent company’s
creditworthiness as adjusted for discretionary factors such as CGMI’s preferences with respect to purchasing the securities
prior to maturity.
|
▪
|
The estimated value of the securities is not an indication of the price, if any, at which CGMI or any other person may be
willing to buy the securities from you in the secondary market.
Any such secondary market price will fluctuate over the term
of the securities based on the market and other factors described in the next risk factor. Moreover, unlike the estimated value
included in this pricing supplement, any value of the securities determined for purposes of a secondary market transaction will
be based on our secondary market rate, which will likely result in a lower value for the securities than if our internal funding
rate were used. In addition, any secondary market price for the securities will be reduced by a bid-ask spread, which may vary
depending on the aggregate stated principal amount of the securities to be purchased in the secondary market transaction, and the
expected cost of unwinding related hedging transactions. As a result, it is likely that any secondary market price for the securities
will be less than the issue price.
|
|
▪
|
The value of the securities prior to maturity will fluctuate based on many unpredictable factors.
The value of your
securities prior to maturity will fluctuate based on the levels and volatility of the underlying indices and a number of other
factors, including the price and volatility of the stocks that constitute the underlying indices, the correlation between the underlying
indices, the dividend yields on the stocks that constitute the underlying indices, interest rates generally, the time remaining
to maturity and our and Citigroup Inc.’s creditworthiness, as reflected in our secondary market rate. Changes in the levels
of the underlying indices may not result in a comparable change in the value of your securities. You should understand that the
value of your securities at any time prior to maturity may be significantly less than the issue price.
|
|
▪
|
Immediately following issuance, any secondary market bid price provided by CGMI, and the value that will be indicated on
any brokerage account statements prepared by CGMI or its affiliates, will reflect a temporary upward adjustment.
The amount
of this temporary upward adjustment will steadily decline to zero over the temporary adjustment period. See “Valuation of
the Securities” in this pricing supplement.
|
|
▪
|
The securities are linked to the Russell 2000
®
Index and will be subject to risks associated with small capitalization
stocks.
The stocks that constitute the Russell 2000
®
Index are issued by companies with relatively small market
capitalization. The stock prices of smaller companies may be more volatile than stock prices of large capitalization companies.
These companies tend to be less well-established than large market capitalization companies. Small capitalization companies may
be less able to withstand adverse economic, market, trade and competitive conditions relative to larger companies. Small capitalization
companies are less likely to pay dividends on their stocks, and the presence of a dividend payment could be a factor that limits
downward stock price pressure under adverse market conditions.
|
|
▪
|
Our offering of the securities does not constitute a recommendation of either underlying index.
The fact that we are
offering the securities does not mean that we believe that investing in an instrument linked to the underlying indices is likely
to achieve favorable returns. In fact, as we are part of a global financial institution, our affiliates may have positions (including
short positions) in the stocks that constitute the underlying indices or in instruments related to the underlying indices or the
stocks that constitute the underlying indices, and may publish research or express opinions, that in each case are inconsistent
with an investment linked to the underlying indices. These and other activities of our affiliates may affect the levels of the
underlying indices in a way that has a negative impact on your interests as a holder of the securities.
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▪
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The levels of the underlying indices may be adversely affected by our or our affiliates’ hedging and other trading
activities.
We expect to hedge our obligations under the securities through CGMI or other of our affiliates, who may take positions
directly in the stocks that constitute the underlying indices or in financial instruments related to the underlying indices and
may adjust such positions during the term of the securities. Our affiliates also trade the stocks that constitute the underlying
indices and other financial instruments related to the underlying indices on a regular basis (taking long or short positions or
both), for their accounts, for other accounts under their management or to facilitate transactions on behalf of customers. These
activities could affect the levels of the underlying indices in a way that negatively affects the value of the securities. They
could also result in substantial returns for us or our affiliates while the value of the securities declines.
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Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
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Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
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, 2021
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▪
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We and our affiliates may have economic interests that are adverse to yours as a result of our affiliates’ business
activities.
Our affiliates may currently or from time to time engage in business with the issuers of the stocks that constitute
the underlying indices, including extending loans to, making equity investments in or providing advisory services to such issuers.
In the course of this business, we or our affiliates may acquire non-public information about such issuers, which we will not disclose
to you. Moreover, if any of our affiliates is or becomes a creditor of any such issuer, they may exercise any remedies against
such issuer that are available to them without regard to your interests.
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▪
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The calculation agent, which is an affiliate of ours, will make important determinations with respect to the securities.
If certain events occur, such as market disruption events or the discontinuance of either underlying index, CGMI, as calculation
agent, will be required to make discretionary judgments that could significantly affect your payment at maturity. In making these
judgments, the calculation agent’s interests as an affiliate of ours could be adverse to your interests as a holder of the
securities.
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▪
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Adjustments to either underlying index may affect the value of your securities.
The sponsors of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index may add, delete or substitute the stocks that constitute those indices or make
other methodological changes that could affect the levels of those indices. We are not affiliated with any such index sponsor and,
accordingly, we have no control over any changes any such index sponsor may make. Such changes could be made at any time and could
adversely affect the performance of the underlying indices and the value of and your payment at maturity on the securities.
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▪
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The U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities are unclear.
There is no direct legal authority
regarding the proper U.S. federal tax treatment of the securities, and we do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service (the “IRS”). Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain, and the
IRS or a court might not agree with the treatment of the securities as prepaid forward contracts. If the IRS were successful in
asserting an alternative treatment of the securities, the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the securities might
be materially and adversely affected. As described below under “United States Federal Tax Considerations,” in 2007,
the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a notice requesting comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income
tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments. Any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated
after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities,
including the character and timing of income or loss and the degree, if any, to which income realized by non-U.S. persons should
be subject to withholding tax, possibly with retroactive effect.
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In addition, Section 871(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), imposes a withholding tax of up to 30% on “dividend equivalents”
paid or deemed paid to non-U.S. investors in respect of certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities. In light of IRS
regulations providing a general exemption for financial instruments issued in 2017 that do not have a “delta” of one,
as of the date of this preliminary pricing supplement the securities should not be subject to withholding under Section 871(m).
However, information about the application of Section 871(m) to the securities will be updated in the final pricing supplement.
Moreover, the IRS could challenge a conclusion that the securities should not be subject to withholding under Section 871(m). If
withholding applies to the securities, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.
You should read carefully the discussion
under “United States Federal Tax Considerations” and “Risk Factors Relating to the Securities” in the accompanying
product supplement and “United States Federal Tax Considerations” in this pricing supplement. You should also consult
your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities, as well as tax consequences arising
under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Information
About the S&P 500
®
Index
The S&P 500
®
Index consists of 500 common
stocks selected to provide a performance benchmark for the large capitalization segment of the U.S. equity markets. It is calculated
and maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. The S&P 500
®
Index is reported by Bloomberg L.P. under the
ticker symbol “SPX.”
“Standard & Poor’s,” “S&P”
and “S&P 500
®
” are trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC and have been
licensed for use by Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates. For more information, see “Equity Index Descriptions—The S&P
U.S. Indices—License Agreement” in the accompanying underlying supplement. Please refer to the sections “Equity
Index Descriptions—The S&P U.S. Indices—The S&P 500
®
Index” in the accompanying underlying
supplement for important disclosures regarding the S&P 500
®
Index.
Historical Information
The closing level of the S&P 500
®
Index on
February 23, 2017 was 2,363.81.
The graph below shows the closing levels of the S&P 500
®
Index for each day such level was available from January 2, 2008 to February 23, 2017. We obtained the closing levels from
Bloomberg L.P., without independent verification. You should not take the historical levels of the S&P 500
®
Index
as an indication of future performance.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
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, 2021
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S&P 500
®
Index – Historical Closing Levels
January 2, 2008
to February 23, 2017
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*The red line indicates the hypothetical barrier level with respect
to the S&P 500
®
Index of 1,654.667, assuming the closing level on February 23, 2017 were the initial index level
of the S&P 500
®
Index.
Information
About the Russell 2000
®
Index
The Russell 2000
®
Index is designed to track the
performance of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. All stocks included in the Russell 2000
®
Index are traded on a major U.S. exchange. It is calculated and maintained by Russell Investments, a subsidiary of Russell Investment
Group. The Russell 2000
®
Index is reported by Bloomberg L.P. under the ticker symbol “RTY.”
“Russell 2000
®
Index” is a trademark
of Russell Investment Group and has been licensed for use by Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates. For more information, see “Equity
Index Descriptions—The Russell Indices—License Agreement” in the accompanying underlying supplement. Please refer
to the section “Equity Index Descriptions—Russell 2000
®
Index” in the accompanying underlying
supplement for important disclosures regarding the Russell 2000
®
Index.
Historical Information
The closing level of the Russell 2000
®
Index on
February 23, 2017 was 1,394.623.
The graph below shows the closing levels of the Russell 2000
®
Index for each day such level was available from January 2, 2008 to February 23, 2017. We obtained the closing levels from Bloomberg
L.P., without independent verification. You should not take the historical levels of the Russell 2000
®
Index as
an indication of future performance.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
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, 2021
|
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Russell 2000
®
Index – Historical Closing Levels
January 2, 2008
to February 23, 2017
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*The red line indicates the hypothetical barrier level of the
Russell 2000
®
Index of 976.236, assuming the closing level on February 23, 2017 were the initial index level of
the Russell 2000
®
Index.
United States
Federal Tax Considerations
You should read carefully the discussion under “United
States Federal Tax Considerations” and “Risk Factors Relating to the Securities” in the accompanying product
supplement and “Summary Risk Factors” in this pricing supplement.
In the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP,
which is based on current market conditions, a security should be treated as a prepaid forward contract for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. By purchasing a security, you agree (in the absence of an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the
contrary) to this treatment. There is uncertainty regarding this treatment, and the IRS or a court might not agree with it.
Assuming this treatment of the securities is respected and subject
to the discussion in “United States Federal Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product supplement, the following
U.S. federal income tax consequences should result under current law:
·
You should not recognize taxable income over the term of the securities prior to maturity, other than pursuant to a sale
or exchange.
·
Upon a sale or exchange of a security (including retirement at maturity), you should recognize capital gain or loss equal
to the difference between the amount realized and your tax basis in the security. Such gain or loss should be long-term capital
gain or loss if you held the security for more than one year.
Subject to the discussions below under “Possible Withholding
Under Section 871(m) of the Code” and in “United States Federal Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product
supplement, if you are a Non-U.S. Holder (as defined in the accompanying product supplement) of the securities, you generally should
not be subject to U.S. federal withholding or income tax in respect of any amount paid to you with respect to the securities, provided
that (i) income in respect of the securities is not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United
States, and (ii) you comply with the applicable certification requirements.
In 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS released a
notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar instruments.
The notice focuses in particular on whether to require holders of these instruments to accrue income over the term of their investment.
It also asks for comments on a number of related topics, including the character of income or loss with respect to these instruments;
whether short-term instruments should be subject to any such accrual regime; the relevance of factors such as the exchange-traded
status of the instruments and the nature of the underlying property to which the instruments are linked; the degree, if any, to
which income (including any mandated accruals) realized by non-U.S. investors should be
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
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Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
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, 2021
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subject to withholding tax; and whether these instruments are
or should be subject to the “constructive ownership” regime, which very generally can operate to recharacterize certain
long-term capital gain as ordinary income and impose an interest charge. While the notice requests comments on appropriate transition
rules and effective dates, any Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially
and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the securities, including the character and timing of income or loss
and the degree, if any, to which income realized by non-U.S. persons should be subject to withholding tax, possibly with retroactive
effect.
Possible Withholding Under Section 871(m) of the Code.
As discussed under “United States Federal Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders” in the accompanying
product supplement, Section 871(m) of the Code and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 871(m)”) generally
impose a 30% withholding tax on dividend equivalents paid or deemed paid to Non-U.S. Holders with respect to certain financial
instruments linked to U.S. equities (“U.S. Underlying Equities”) or indices that include U.S. Underlying Equities.
Section 871(m) generally applies to instruments that substantially replicate the economic performance of one or more U.S. Underlying
Equities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury regulations (a “Specified Security”). However,
the regulations exempt financial instruments issued in 2017 that do not have a “delta” of one. Based on the terms of
the securities and representations provided by us, our counsel is of the opinion that the securities should not be treated as transactions
that have a “delta” of one within the meaning of the regulations with respect to any U.S. Underlying Equity and, therefore,
should not be Specified Securities subject to withholding tax under Section 871(m).
A determination that the securities are not subject to Section
871(m) is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this treatment. Moreover, Section 871(m) is complex and its application
may depend on your particular circumstances. For example, if you enter into other transactions relating to an underlier, you could
be subject to withholding tax or income tax liability under Section 871(m) even if the securities are not Specified Securities
subject to Section 871(m) as a general matter. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the potential application of Section
871(m) to the securities.
This information is indicative and will be supplemented and superseded
in the final pricing supplement or as may otherwise be updated by us in writing from time to time. Non-U.S. Holders should be warned
that Section 871(m) may apply to the securities based on circumstances as of the pricing date for the securities and, therefore,
it is possible that the securities will be subject to withholding tax under Section 871(m).
If withholding tax applies to the securities, we will not be
required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.
You should read the section entitled “United States
Federal Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product supplement. The preceding discussion, when read in combination with
that section, constitutes the full opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP regarding the material U.S. federal tax consequences
of owning and disposing of the securities.
You should also consult your tax adviser regarding all aspects
of the U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of an investment in the securities and any tax consequences arising under
the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Supplemental
Plan of Distribution
CGMI, an affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
and the underwriter of the sale of the securities, is acting as principal and will receive an underwriting fee of $40.00 for each
$1,000 security sold in this offering. CGMI will pay selected dealers not affiliated with CGMI a fixed selling concession of $40.00
for each $1,000 security they sell.
CGMI is an affiliate of ours. Accordingly, this offering will
conform with the requirements addressing conflicts of interest when distributing the securities of an affiliate set forth in Rule
5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Client accounts over which Citigroup Inc. or its subsidiaries have investment
discretion will not be permitted to purchase the securities, either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of
the client.
See “Plan of Distribution; Conflicts of Interest”
in the accompanying product supplement and “Plan of Distribution” in each of the accompanying prospectus supplement
and prospectus for additional information.
A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities
will be used to hedge our obligations under the securities. We expect to hedge our obligations under the securities through CGMI
or other of our affiliates. CGMI or such other of our affiliates may profit from this expected hedging activity even if the value
of the securities declines. This hedging activity could affect the closing levels of the underlying indices and, therefore, the
value of and your return on the securities. For additional information on the ways in which our counterparties may hedge our obligations
under the securities, see “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying prospectus.
Valuation of
the Securities
CGMI calculated the estimated value of the securities set forth
on the cover page of this pricing supplement based on proprietary pricing models. CGMI’s proprietary pricing models generated
an estimated value for the securities by estimating the value of a hypothetical package of financial instruments that would replicate
the payout on the securities, which consists of a fixed-income bond (the “bond component”) and one or more derivative
instruments underlying the economic terms of the securities (the “derivative component”). CGMI calculated the estimated
value of the bond component using a discount rate based on our internal funding rate.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
-----
, 2021
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CGMI calculated the estimated value of the derivative component
based on a proprietary derivative-pricing model, which generated a theoretical price for the instruments that constitute the derivative
component based on various inputs, including the factors described under “Summary Risk Factors—The value of the securities
prior to maturity will fluctuate based on many unpredictable factors” in this pricing supplement, but not including our or
Citigroup Inc.’s creditworthiness. These inputs may be market-observable or may be based on assumptions made by CGMI in its
discretionary judgment.
The estimated value of the securities is a function of the terms
of the securities and the inputs to CGMI’s proprietary pricing models. As of the date of this preliminary pricing supplement,
it is uncertain what the estimated value of the securities will be on the pricing date because certain terms of the securities
have not yet been fixed and because it is uncertain what the values of the inputs to CGMI’s proprietary pricing models will
be on the pricing date.
For a period of approximately three months following issuance
of the securities, the price, if any, at which CGMI would be willing to buy the securities from investors, and the value that will
be indicated for the securities on any brokerage account statements prepared by CGMI or its affiliates (which value CGMI may also
publish through one or more financial information vendors), will reflect a temporary upward adjustment from the price or value
that would otherwise be determined. This temporary upward adjustment represents a portion of the hedging profit expected to be
realized by CGMI or its affiliates over the term of the securities. The amount of this temporary upward adjustment will decline
to zero on a straight-line basis over the three-month temporary adjustment period. However, CGMI is not obligated to buy the securities
from investors at any time. See “Summary Risk Factors—The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange
and you may not be able to sell them prior to maturity.”
Certain Selling Restrictions
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The contents of this pricing supplement and the accompanying
product supplement, underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority
in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (“Hong Kong”). Investors are
advised to exercise caution in relation to the offer. If investors are in any doubt about any of the contents of this pricing supplement
and the accompanying product supplement, underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, they should obtain independent
professional advice.
The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be
offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document, other than
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(i)
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to persons whose ordinary business is to buy or sell shares or debentures (whether as principal or agent); or
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(ii)
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to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (the “Securities
and Futures Ordinance”) and any rules made under that Ordinance; or
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(iii)
|
in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance
(Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance; and
|
There is no advertisement, invitation or document relating to
the securities which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except
if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to securities which are or are intended to
be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and
Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Non-insured Product: These securities are not insured by any
governmental agency. These securities are not bank deposits and are not covered by the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Scheme.
Singapore
This pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement,
underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus have not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority
of Singapore, and the securities will be offered pursuant to exemptions under the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore
(the “Securities and Futures Act”). Accordingly, the securities may not be offered or sold or made the subject of an
invitation for subscription or purchase nor may this pricing supplement or any other document or material in connection with the
offer or sale or invitation for subscription or purchase of any securities be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly,
to any person in Singapore other than (a) to an institutional investor pursuant to Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act,
(b) to a relevant person under Section 275(1) of the Securities and Futures Act or to any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of
the Securities and Futures Act and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the Securities and Futures Act,
or (c) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the Securities and Futures
Act. Where the securities are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the Securities and Futures Act by a relevant person
which is:
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(a)
|
a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act)) the sole business
of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited
investor; or
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Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Dual Directional Barrier Securities Based on the Worst Performing of the S&P 500
®
Index and the Russell 2000
®
Index Due April
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, 2021
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(b)
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a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is
an individual who is an accredited investor, securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the Securities and Futures Act) of that
corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interests (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferable for
6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the relevant securities pursuant to an offer under Section 275 of the
Securities and Futures Act except:
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(i)
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to an institutional investor or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the Securities and Futures Act or to any
person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the Securities and Futures Act; or
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(ii)
|
where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or
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(iii)
|
where the transfer is by operation of law; or
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(iv)
|
pursuant to Section 276(7) of the Securities and Futures Act; or
|
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(v)
|
as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005
of Singapore.
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Any securities referred to herein may not be registered with
any regulator, regulatory body or similar organization or institution in any jurisdiction.
The securities are Specified Investment Products (as defined
in the Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products and Notice on the Sale of Investment Product issued by the Monetary Authority
of Singapore on 28 July 2011) that is neither listed nor quoted on a securities market or a futures market.
Non-insured Product: These securities are not insured by any
governmental agency. These securities are not bank deposits. These securities are not insured products subject to the provisions
of the Deposit Insurance and Policy Owners’ Protection Schemes Act 2011 of Singapore and are not eligible for deposit insurance
coverage under the Deposit Insurance Scheme.
Additional
Terms of the Securities
The section “Description of Debt Securities—Covenants—Limitations
on Mergers and Sales of Assets” in the accompanying prospectus shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
The indenture provides that neither Citigroup Global Markets
Holdings nor Citigroup will merge or consolidate with another entity or sell other than for cash or lease all or substantially
all its assets to another entity, except, in the case of Citigroup, if such lease or sale is to one or more of its Subsidiaries,
unless:
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·
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either (1) the Citi entity is the continuing entity, or (2) the successor entity, if other than the Citi entity, is a U.S.
corporation, partnership or trust and expressly assumes by supplemental indenture the obligations of the Citi entity evidenced
by the securities issued pursuant to the indenture; and
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·
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immediately after the transaction, there would not be any default in the performance of any covenant or condition of the indenture
(
Sections 5.05 and 16.05
).
|
Other than the restrictions described above, the indenture does
not contain any covenants or provisions that would protect holders of the debt securities in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.
Contact
Clients may contact their local brokerage representative. Third-party
distributors may contact Citi Structured Investment Sales at (212) 723-7005.
© 2017 Citigroup Global Markets Inc. All rights reserved.
Citi and Citi and Arc Design are trademarks and service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates and are used and registered throughout
the world.
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