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 DECEMBER 12, 2018

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.

December----, 2018 Medium-Term Senior Notes, Series N Pricing Supplement No. 2018-USNCH1789 Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration Statement Nos. 333-216372 and 333-216372-01

Callable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Linked to the Worst Performing of the S&P 500^® Index, the Russell 2000^® Index and the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF Due December 23, 2022

▪

The securities offered by this pricing supplement are unsecured debt securities issued by Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and guaranteed by Citigroup Inc.  The securities offer the potential for periodic contingent coupon payments at an annualized rate that, if all are paid, would produce a yield that is generally higher than the yield on our conventional debt securities of the same maturity. In exchange for this higher potential yield, you must be willing to accept the risks that (i) your actual yield may be lower than the yield on our conventional debt securities of the same maturity because you may not receive one or more, or any, contingent coupon payments and (ii) your actual yield may be negative because the value of what you receive at maturity may be significantly less than the stated principal amount of your securities, and may be zero. Each of these risks will depend solely on the performance of the worst performing of the underlyings specified below.

▪

We have the right to call the securities for mandatory redemption on any potential redemption date specified below.

▪

You will be subject to risks associated with each of the underlyings and will be negatively affected by adverse movements in any one of the underlyings.  Although you will have downside exposure to the worst performing underlying, you will not receive dividends with respect to any underlying or participate in any appreciation of any underlying.

▪

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 payments 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.

Underlyings:	Underlying	Initial underlying value*	Coupon barrier value**	Final barrier value***
	S&P 500® Index
	Russell 2000® Index
	iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF	$	$	$
	* For each underlying, its closing value on the pricing date ** For each underlying, 80% of its initial underlying value  *** For each underlying, 55% of its initial underlying value

Stated principal amount:	$1,000 per security
Pricing date:	December 20, 2018
Issue date:	December 26, 2018
Valuation date:	December 20, 2022, subject to postponement if such date is not a scheduled trading day or certain market disruption events occur
Maturity date:	Unless earlier redeemed by us, December 23, 2022
Contingent coupon payment dates:	For each observation period, the fifth business day after the observation period end-date for such observation period, except that the contingent coupon payment date for the final observation period will be the maturity date
Contingent coupon:	On each contingent coupon payment date, unless previously redeemed, the securities will pay a contingent coupon equal to 3.00% to 3.50% of the stated principal amount of the securities (equivalent to a contingent coupon rate of 12.00% to 14.00% per annum) (to be determined on the pricing date) if and only if a coupon barrier event has not occurred during the related observation period.  If a coupon barrier event occurs during an observation period, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment date.  A coupon barrier event will occur if the closing value of any underlying is less than its coupon barrier value on any trading day for that underlying during an observation period.
Payment at maturity:	Unless earlier redeemed by us prior to maturity, you will receive at maturity for each security you then hold (in addition to the final contingent coupon payment, if any): ▪   If the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is greater than or equal to its final barrier value:  $1,000 ▪ If the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is less than its final barrier value:  $1,000 + ($1,000 × the underlying return of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date) If the securities are not redeemed prior to maturity and the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is less than its final barrier value, you will receive significantly less than the stated principal amount of your securities, and possibly nothing, at maturity, and you will not receive any contingent coupon payment at maturity.
Listing:	The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange
Underwriter:	Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), an affiliate of the issuer, acting as principal

Underwriting fee and issue price:	Issue price(1)(2)	Underwriting fee(3)	Proceeds to issuer
Per security:	$1,000	$22.50	$977.50
Total:	$	$	$

(Key Terms continued on next page)

(1) Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. currently expects that the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date will be at least $936.50 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) The issue price for investors purchasing the securities in fee-based advisory accounts will be $977.50 per security, assuming no custodial fee is charged by a selected dealer, and up to $982.50 per security, assuming the maximum custodial fee is charged by a selected dealer.  See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in this pricing supplement.

(3) 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-5.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission 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 are truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

You should read this pricing supplement together with the accompanying product supplement, underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below:

Product Supplement No. EA-04-07 dated June 15, 2018

Underlying Supplement No. 7 dated July 16, 2018

Prospectus Supplement and Prospectus each dated April 7, 2017 

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.

 

KEY TERMS (continued)
Coupon barrier event:	A coupon barrier event will occur with respect to an observation period if the closing value of any underlying is less than its coupon barrier value on any trading day for that underlying during that observation period.
Observation periods:	Each observation period will consist of each day from but excluding an observation period end-date to and including the following observation period end-date, provided that the first observation period will consist of each day from but excluding the pricing date to and including the first observation period end-date.
Observation period end-dates:	March 20, 2019, June 20, 2019, September 20, 2019, December 20, 2019, March 20, 2020, June 22, 2020, September 21, 2020, December 21, 2020, March 22, 2021, June 21, 2021, September 20, 2021, December 20, 2021, March 21, 2022, June 20, 2022, September 20, 2022 and December 20, 2022
Trading day:	For any underlying, a scheduled trading day for that underlying on which a market disruption event has not occurred with respect to that underlying.
Redemption:	We may call the securities, in whole and not in part, for mandatory redemption on any potential redemption date upon not less than five business days’ notice.  Following an exercise of our call right, you will receive for each security you then hold an amount in cash equal to $1,000 plus the related contingent coupon payment, if any.
Potential redemption dates:	The contingent coupon payment dates related to the observation period end-dates, beginning in June 2019 and ending in September 2022
Underlying return:	For each underlying, (i) its closing value on the valuation date minus its initial underlying value, divided by (ii) its initial underlying value
Worst performing underlying:	The underlying with the lowest underlying return
CUSIP / ISIN:	17326Y5V4 / US17326Y5V41

Additional Information

 

General. 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, the accompanying product supplement contains important information about how the closing value of each underlying will be determined and about adjustments that may be made to the terms of the securities upon the occurrence of market disruption events and other specified events with respect to each underlying.  The accompanying underlying supplement contains information about each underlying that is 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 in deciding whether to invest in the securities.  Certain terms used but not defined in this pricing supplement are defined in the accompanying product supplement.

 

Closing Value. The “closing value” of an underlying on any date is (i) in the case of an underlying that is an underlying index, its closing level on such date and (ii) in the case of an underlying that is an underlying ETF, the closing price of its underlying shares on such date, as provided in the accompanying product supplement.  The “underlying shares” of an underlying ETF are its shares that are traded on a U.S. national securities exchange.  Please see the accompanying product supplement for more information.

 

Hypothetical Examples

 

The examples in the first section below illustrate how to determine whether a contingent coupon will be paid with respect to an observation period.  The examples in the second section below illustrate how to determine the payment at maturity on the securities, assuming the securities are not redeemed prior to maturity.  The examples are solely for illustrative purposes, do not show all possible outcomes and are not a prediction of any payment that may be made on the securities.

 

The examples below are based on the following hypothetical values and do not reflect the actual initial underlying values, coupon barrier values or final barrier values of the underlyings.  For the actual initial underlying value, coupon barrier value and final barrier value of each underlying, see the cover page of this pricing supplement.  We have used these hypothetical values, rather than the actual values, to simplify the calculations and aid understanding of how the securities work.  However, you should understand that the actual payments on the securities will be calculated based on the actual initial underlying value, coupon barrier value and final barrier value of each underlying, and not the hypothetical values indicated below.  The examples below assume that the contingent coupon rate is set at the lowest value indicated on the cover page of this pricing supplement.  The actual contingent coupon rate will be determined on the pricing date.

 

Underlying	Hypothetical initial underlying value	Hypothetical coupon barrier value	Hypothetical final barrier value
S&P 500® Index	100	80 (80% of its hypothetical initial underlying value)	55 (55% of its hypothetical initial underlying value)
Russell 2000® Index	100	80 (80% of its hypothetical initial underlying value)	55 (55% of its hypothetical initial underlying value)
iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF	$100	$80 (80% of its hypothetical initial underlying value)	$55 (55% of its hypothetical initial underlying value)

 

Hypothetical Examples of Contingent Coupon Payments with Respect to an Observation Period

 

The hypothetical examples below illustrate how to determine whether a contingent coupon will be paid with respect to an observation period, assuming that the lowest closing values of the underlyings on any trading day during an observation period are as indicated below.

 

	Hypothetical lowest closing value of S&P 500® Index on any trading day during an observation period	Hypothetical lowest closing value of Russell 2000® Index on any trading day during an observation period	Hypothetical lowest closing value of iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF on any trading day during an observation period	Hypothetical payment per $1,000 security on related contingent coupon payment date
Example 1	90 (greater than coupon barrier value)	110 (greater than coupon barrier value)	$105 (greater than coupon barrier value)	$30.00 (contingent coupon is paid)
Example 2	120 (greater than coupon barrier value)	50 (less than coupon barrier value)	$120 (greater than coupon barrier value)	$0
Example 3	60 (less than coupon barrier value)	55 (less than coupon barrier value)	$45 (less than coupon barrier value)	$0

 

Example 1: In this example, the closing value of each underlying is greater than its coupon barrier value on each trading day during an observation period.  In this scenario, a coupon barrier event does not occur and investors in the securities would receive the contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment date.

 

Example 2: In this example, the closing value of the Russell 2000^® Index is less than its coupon barrier value on at least one trading day during an observation period. As a result, investors would not receive any payment on the related contingent coupon payment date, even though the closing value of each other underlying is greater than its coupon barrier value on each trading day during that observation period.

 

Investors in the securities will not receive a contingent coupon payment with respect to an observation period if the closing value of any underlying is less than its coupon barrier value on any trading day for that underlying during that observation period, even if the closing value of that underlying is greater than its coupon barrier value on some or all other trading days during that observation period, and even if the closing value of each other underlying is greater than its coupon barrier value on each trading day during that observation period.

 

Example 3: In this example, the closing value of each underlying is less than its coupon barrier value on at least one trading day during an observation period.  In this scenario, investors would not receive any payment on the related contingent coupon payment date.

 

Hypothetical Examples of the Payment at Maturity on the Securities

 

The hypothetical examples below illustrate how, if the securities are not redeemed prior to maturity, your payment at maturity will depend on the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date. Your actual payment at maturity per security will depend on the actual closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date.

 

	Hypothetical closing value of S&P 500® Index on the valuation date	Hypothetical closing value of Russell 2000® Index on the valuation date	Hypothetical closing value of iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF on the valuation date	Hypothetical payment at maturity per $1,000 security
Example 4	150 (underlying return = (150 - 100) / 100 = 50%)	140 (underlying return = (140 - 100) / 100 = 40%)	$135 (underlying return = ($135 - $100) / $100 = 35%)	$1,000, plus the contingent coupon payment, if any
Example 5	40 (underlying return = (40 - 100) / 100 = -60%)	110 (underlying return = (110 - 100) / 100 = 10%)	$120 (underlying return = ($120 - $100) / $100 = 20%)	$400
Example 6	70 (underlying return = (70 - 100) / 100 = -30%)	20 (underlying return = (20 - 100) / 100 = -80%)	$65 (underlying return = ($65 - $100) / $100 = -35%)	$200

 

Example 4: On the valuation date, the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF has the lowest underlying return and, therefore, is the worst performing underlying.  In this scenario, the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is greater than its final barrier value.  Accordingly, at maturity, you would receive the stated principal amount of the securities plus the contingent coupon payment, if any, but you would not participate in the appreciation of any of the underlyings.

 

Example 5: On the valuation date, the S&P 500^® Index has the lowest underlying return and, therefore, is the worst performing underlying.  In this scenario, the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is less than its final barrier value.  Accordingly, at maturity, you would receive a payment per security calculated as follows:

 

Payment at maturity = $1,000 + ($1,000 × the underlying return of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -60%)

= $1,000 + -$600 

= $400

 

In this scenario, because the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is less than its final barrier value, you would lose a significant portion of your investment in the securities. You would incur a loss based on the performance of the worst performing underlying. In addition, because the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is below its coupon barrier value, you would not receive any contingent coupon payment at maturity.

 

Example 6: On the valuation date, the Russell 2000^® Index has the lowest underlying return and, therefore, is the worst performing underlying.  In this scenario, the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is less than its final barrier value.  Accordingly, at maturity, you would receive a payment per security calculated as follows:

 

Payment at maturity = $1,000 + ($1,000 × the underlying return of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -80%)

= $1,000 + -$800 

= $200

 

In this scenario, because the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is less than its final barrier value, you would lose a significant portion of your investment in the securities. In addition, because the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is below its coupon barrier value, you would not receive any contingent coupon payment at maturity.

 

If the closing value of at least one underlying were less than its coupon barrier value on at least one trading day for that underlying during each observation period and the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date were less than its final barrier value, you would not have received any contingent coupon payments and, in addition, would incur a significant loss on your securities at maturity.

 

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.  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 advisors 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-7 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 provide for the repayment of the stated principal amount at maturity in all circumstances.  If we do not redeem the securities prior to maturity, your payment at maturity will depend on the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date.  If the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is less than its final barrier value, you will lose 1% of the stated principal amount of the securities for every 1% by which the worst performing underlying has declined from its initial underlying value.  There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities, and you may lose up to all of your investment.

 

▪

You will not receive any contingent coupon for any observation period during which a coupon barrier event occurs.  A contingent coupon payment will be made on a contingent coupon payment date if and only if a coupon barrier event does not occur during the related observation period.  A coupon barrier event will occur with respect to an observation period if the closing value of any underlying is less than its coupon barrier value on any trading day for that underlying during that observation period.  If a coupon barrier event occurs during any observation period, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment date. If a coupon barrier event occurs during each of the observation period, you will not receive any contingent coupon payments over the term of the securities.

 

▪

The contingent coupon payments are contingent on the closing value of each underlying on each trading day throughout the observation periods.  Whether the contingent coupon payment will be made with respect to an observation period will be based on the closing value of each underlying on each trading day during that observation period. If the closing value of any underlying is less than its coupon barrier value on any trading day during an observation period, you will not receive a contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment date, even if the closing value of that underlying is greater than its coupon barrier value on all other trading days during that observation period, and even if the closing value of each other underlying was greater than its coupon barrier value on each trading day during that observation period.  As a result, the potential to receive a contingent coupon payment with respect to an observation period can be knocked out by a temporary event that affects only one underlying on only one day during that observation period.

 

▪

Higher contingent coupon rates are associated with greater risk. The securities offer contingent coupon payments at an annualized rate that, if all are paid, would produce a yield that is generally higher than the yield on our conventional debt securities of the same maturity. This higher potential yield is associated with greater levels of expected risk as of the pricing date for the securities, including the risk that you may not receive a contingent coupon payment on one or more, or any, contingent coupon payment dates and the risk that the value of what you receive at maturity may be significantly less than the stated principal amount of your securities and may be zero. The volatility of, and correlation between, the closing values of the underlyings are important factors affecting these risks. Greater expected volatility of, and lower expected correlation between, the closing values of the underlyings as of the pricing date may result in a higher contingent coupon rate, but would also represent a greater expected likelihood as of the pricing date that (i) a coupon barrier event will occur during one or more observation periods, such that you will not receive one or more, or any, contingent coupon payments during the term of the securities and (ii) the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date will be less than its final barrier value, such that you will not be repaid the stated principal amount of your securities at maturity.

 

▪

The securities are subject to heightened risk because they have multiple underlyings.  The securities are more risky than similar investments that may be available with only one underlying. With multiple underlyings, there is a greater chance that any one underlying will perform poorly, adversely affecting your return on the securities.

 

▪

The securities are subject to the risks of each of the underlyings and will be negatively affected if any one underlying performs poorly.  You are subject to risks associated with each of the underlyings. If any one underlying performs poorly, you will be negatively affected. The securities are not linked to a basket composed of the underlyings, where the blended performance of the underlyings would be better than the performance of the worst performing underlying alone.  Instead, you are subject to the full risks of whichever of the underlyings is the worst performing underlying.

 

▪

You will not benefit in any way from the performance of any better performing underlying.  The return on the securities depends solely on the performance of the worst performing of the underlyings, and you will not benefit in any way from the performance of any better performing underlying.

 

▪

You will be subject to risks relating to the relationship between the underlyings.  It is preferable from your perspective for the underlyings to be correlated with each other, in the sense that their closing values tend to increase or decrease at similar times and by similar magnitudes.  By investing in the securities, you assume the risk that the underlyings will not exhibit this relationship.  The less correlated the underlyings, the more likely it is that any one of the underlyings will perform poorly over the term of the securities. All that is necessary for the securities to perform poorly is for one of the underlyings to perform poorly.  It is impossible to predict what the relationship between the underlyings will be over the term of the securities.  The underlyings differ in significant ways and, therefore, may not be correlated with each other.

 

▪

You may not be adequately compensated for assuming the downside risk of the worst performing underlying. The potential contingent coupon payments on the securities are the compensation you receive for assuming the downside risk of the worst performing underlying, as well as all the other risks of the securities. That compensation is effectively “at risk” and may, therefore, be less than you currently anticipate. First, the actual yield you realize on the securities could be lower than you anticipate because the coupon is “contingent” and you may not receive a contingent coupon payment on one or more, or any, of the contingent coupon payment dates. Second, the contingent coupon payments are the compensation you receive not only for the downside risk of the worst performing underlying, but also for all of the other risks of the securities, including the risk that the securities may be redeemed prior to maturity, interest rate risk and our and Citigroup Inc.’s credit risk.  If those other risks increase or are otherwise greater than you currently anticipate, the contingent coupon payments may turn out to be inadequate to compensate you for all the risks of the securities, including the downside risk of the worst performing underlying.

 

▪

We may redeem the securities at our option, which will limit your ability to receive the contingent coupon payments. We may redeem the securities on any potential redemption date upon not less than five business days’ notice. In the event that we redeem the securities, you will receive the stated principal amount of your securities and the related contingent coupon payment, if any. Thus, the term of the securities may be limited.  If we redeem the securities prior to maturity, you will not receive any additional contingent coupon payments.  Moreover, you may not be able to reinvest your funds in another investment that provides a similar yield with a similar level of risk.  If we redeem the securities prior to maturity, it is likely to be at a time when the underlyings are performing in a manner that would otherwise have been favorable to you.  By contrast, if the underlyings are performing unfavorably from your perspective, we are less likely to redeem the securities.  If we redeem the securities, we will do so at a time that is advantageous to us and without regard to your interests.

 

▪

The securities offer downside exposure to the worst performing underlying, but no upside exposure to any underlying. You will not participate in any appreciation in the value of any underlying over the term of the securities. Consequently, your return on the securities will be limited to the contingent coupon payments you receive, if any, and may be significantly less than the return on any underlying over the term of the securities.

 

▪

You will not receive dividends or have any other rights with respect to the underlyings. You will not receive any dividends with respect to the underlyings. This lost dividend yield may be significant over the term of the securities. The payment scenarios described in this pricing supplement do not show any effect of such lost dividend yield over the term of the securities. In addition, you will not have voting rights or any other rights with respect to the underlyings or the stocks included in the underlyings.

 

▪

The payment at maturity depends on the closing value of the worst performing underlying on a single day.  If the closing value of the worst performing underlying on the valuation date is less than its final barrier value, you will not receive the full stated principal amount of your securities at maturity, even if the closing value of the worst performing underlying is greater than its final barrier value on other dates during the term of the securities.

 

▪

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, is 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) any selling concessions or other fees 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 closing values of the underlyings, dividend yields on the underlyings 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 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 is payable on the securities.

 

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 closing values of the underlyings, the volatility of, and correlation between, the closing values of the underlyings, dividend yields on the underlyings, interest rates generally, the time remaining to maturity and our and Citigroup Inc.’s creditworthiness, as reflected in our secondary market rate, among other factors described under “Risk Factors Relating to the Securities—Risk Factors Relating to All Securities—The value of your securities prior to maturity will fluctuate based on many unpredictable factors” in the accompanying product supplement.  Changes in the closing values of the underlyings 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 Russell 2000® Index is 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.

 

▪

The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF is subject to risks associated with non-U.S. markets. The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF tracks international equity markets outside of the United States and Canada. Investments linked to the value of non-U.S. stocks involve risks associated with the securities markets in those countries, including risks of volatility in those markets, governmental intervention in those markets and cross-shareholdings in companies in certain countries. Also, there is generally less publicly available information about companies in some of these jurisdictions than about U.S. companies that are subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC. Further, non-U.S. companies are generally subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements and securities trading rules that are different from those applicable to U.S. reporting companies. The prices of securities in foreign markets may be affected by political, economic, financial and social factors in those countries, or global regions, including changes in government, economic and fiscal policies and currency exchange laws. Moreover, the economies in such countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the United States in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency.

 

▪

Fluctuations in exchange rates will affect the closing value of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF.  Because the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF includes securities that trade outside the United States and the closing value of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF is based on the U.S. dollar value of those securities, holders of the securities will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to each of the currencies in which such securities trade. Exchange rate movements for a particular currency are volatile and are the result of numerous factors specific to the relevant country, including the supply of, and the demand for, those currencies, as well as government policy, intervention or actions, but are also influenced significantly from time to time by political or economic developments, and by macroeconomic factors and speculative actions related to each applicable region. An investor’s net exposure will depend on the extent to which the currencies of the applicable countries strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar and the relative weight of each currency. If, taking into account such weighting, the dollar strengthens against the currencies of the securities held by the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF, the price of the underlying shares of the iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF will be adversely affected for that reason alone and your return on the securities may be reduced. Of particular importance to potential currency exchange risk are: existing and expected rates of inflation; existing and expected interest rate levels; the balance of payments; and the extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in the applicable countries and the United States. All of these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of the applicable countries and the United States and other countries important to international trade and finance.

 

▪

Our offering of the securities is not a recommendation of any underlying. The fact that we are offering the securities does not mean that we believe that investing in an instrument linked to the underlyings 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 underlyings or in instruments related to the underlyings, and may publish research or express opinions, that in each case are inconsistent with an investment linked to the underlyings. These and other activities of our affiliates may affect the closing values of the underlyings in a way that negatively affects the value of and your return on the securities.

 

▪

The closing value of an underlying 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 in the underlyings or in financial instruments related to the underlyings and may adjust such positions during the term of the securities.  Our affiliates also take positions in the underlyings or in financial instruments related to the underlyings 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 closing value of the underlyings in a way that negatively affects the value of and your return on the securities. They could also result in substantial returns for us or our affiliates while the value of the securities declines.

 

▪

We and our affiliates may have economic interests that are adverse to yours as a result of our affiliates’ business activities. Our affiliates engage in business activities with a wide range of companies.  These activities include extending loans, making and facilitating investments, underwriting securities offerings and providing advisory services.  These activities could involve or affect the underlyings in a way that negatively affects the value of and your return on the securities. They could also result in substantial returns for us or our affiliates while the value of the securities declines.  In addition, in the course of this business, we or our affiliates may acquire non-public information, which will not be disclosed to you.

 

▪

The calculation agent, which is an affiliate of ours, will make important determinations with respect to the securities.  If certain events occur during the term of the securities, such as market disruption events and other events with respect to an underlying, CGMI, as calculation agent, will be required to make discretionary judgments that could significantly affect your return on the securities.  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.  See “Risks Relating to the Securities—Risks Relating to All Securities—The calculation agent, which is an affiliate of ours, will make important determinations with respect to the securities” in the accompanying product supplement.

 

▪

In the case of an underlying that is an underlying ETF, even if the underlying pays a dividend that it identifies as special or extraordinary, no adjustment will be required under the securities for that dividend unless it meets the criteria specified in the accompanying product supplement.  In general, an adjustment will not be made under the terms of the securities for any cash dividend paid by an underlying that is an underlying ETF unless the amount of the dividend per share, together with any other dividends paid in the same quarter, exceeds the dividend paid per share in the most recent quarter by an amount equal to at least 10% of the closing value of the underlying on the date of declaration of the dividend.  Any dividend will reduce the closing value of the underlying by the amount of the dividend per share.  If an underlying that is an underlying ETF pays any dividend for which an adjustment is not made under the terms of the securities, holders of the securities will be adversely

 

affected.  See “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to an Underlying Company or an Underlying ETF—Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments—Certain Extraordinary Cash Dividends” in the accompanying product supplement.

 

▪

In the case of an underlying that is an underlying ETF, the securities will not be adjusted for all events that may have a dilutive effect on or otherwise adversely affect the closing value of the underlying.  For example, we will not make any adjustment for ordinary dividends or extraordinary dividends that do not meet the criteria described above, partial tender offers or additional underlying share issuances.  Moreover, the adjustments we do make may not fully offset the dilutive or adverse effect of the particular event.  Investors in the securities may be adversely affected by such an event in a circumstance in which a direct holder of the underlying shares would not.

 

▪

In the case of an underlying that is an underlying ETF, the securities may become linked to an underlying other than the original underlying upon the occurrence of a reorganization event or upon the delisting of the underlying shares.  For example, if the underlying enters into a merger agreement that provides for holders of the underlying shares to receive shares of another entity and such shares are marketable securities, the closing value of the underlying following consummation of the merger will be based on the value of such other shares.  Additionally, if the underlying shares are delisted, the calculation agent may select a successor underlying.  See “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to an Underlying Company or an Underlying ETF” in the accompanying product supplement.

 

▪

In the case of an underlying that is an underlying ETF, the value and performance of the underlying shares may not completely track the performance of the underlying index that the underlying seeks to track or the net asset value per share of the underlying.  In the case of an underlying that is an underlying ETF, the underlying does not fully replicate the underlying index that it seeks to track and may hold securities different from those included in its underlying index. In addition, the performance of the underlying will reflect additional transaction costs and fees that are not included in the calculation of its underlying index. All of these factors may lead to a lack of correlation between the performance of the underlying and its underlying index. In addition, corporate actions with respect to the equity securities held by the underlying (such as mergers and spin-offs) may impact the variance between the performance of the underlying and its underlying index.  Finally, because the underlying shares are traded on an exchange and are subject to market supply and investor demand, the closing value of the underlying may differ from the net asset value per share of the underlying.

 

During periods of market volatility, securities included in the underlying’s underlying index may be unavailable in the secondary market, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately the net asset value per share of the underlying and the liquidity of the underlying may be adversely affected.  This kind of market volatility may also disrupt the ability of market participants to create and redeem shares of the underlying. Further, market volatility may adversely affect, sometimes materially, the price at which market participants are willing to buy and sell the underlying shares.  As a result, under these circumstances, the closing value of the underlying may vary substantially from the net asset value per share of the underlying.  For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the underlying may not correlate with the performance of its underlying index and/or its net asset value per share, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the securities and/or reduce your return on the securities.

 

▪

Changes that affect the underlyings may affect the value of your securities.  The sponsors of the underlyings may at any time make methodological changes or other changes in the manner in which they operate that could affect the values of the underlyings.  We are not affiliated with any such underlying sponsor and, accordingly, we have no control over any changes any such sponsor may make.  Such changes could adversely affect the performance of the underlyings and the value of and your return on the securities.

 

▪

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 described in “United States Federal Tax Considerations” below.  If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative treatment, the tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the securities might be materially and adversely affected.  Moreover, as described in the accompanying product supplement 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.  While it is not clear whether the securities would be viewed as similar to the typical prepaid forward contract described in the notice, it is possible that 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 recognized by U.S. investors, possibly with retroactive effect.  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.

 

Non-U.S. investors should note that persons having withholding responsibility in respect of the securities may withhold on any coupon payment paid to a non-U.S. investor, generally at a rate of 30%.  To the extent that we have withholding responsibility in respect of the securities, we intend to so withhold.  

 

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 Treasury regulations, as modified by an IRS notice, that provide a general exemption for financial instruments issued prior to January 1, 2021 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).

 

We will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld.

 

Information About the S&P 500^® Index

 

The S&P 500^® Index consists of the common stocks of 500 issuers 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.

 

Please refer to the section “Equity Index Descriptions— The S&P U.S. Indices—The S&P 500^® Index” in the accompanying underlying supplement for additional information.

 

We have derived all information regarding the S&P 500^® Index from publicly available information and have not independently verified any information regarding the S&P 500^® Index.  This pricing supplement relates only to the securities and not to the S&P 500^® Index.  We make no representation as to the performance of the S&P 500^® Index over the term of the securities.

 

The securities represent obligations of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. (guaranteed by Citigroup Inc.) only.  The sponsor of the S&P 500^® Index is not involved in any way in this offering and has no obligation relating to the securities or to holders of the securities.

 

Historical Information

 

The closing value of the S&P 500^® Index on December 10, 2018 was 2,637.72.

 

The graph below shows the closing value of the S&P 500^® Index for each day such value was available from January 2, 2008 to December 10, 2018. We obtained the closing values from Bloomberg L.P., without independent verification. You should not take historical closing values as an indication of future performance.

 

S&P 500® Index – Historical Closing Values  January 2, 2008 to December 10, 2018

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 FTSE Russell.

 

Please refer to the section “Equity Index Descriptions—The Russell Indices—The Russell 2000^® Index” in the accompanying underlying supplement for additional information.

 

We have derived all information regarding the Russell 2000^® Index from publicly available information and have not independently verified any information regarding the Russell 2000^® Index.  This pricing supplement relates only to the securities and not to the Russell 2000^® Index.  We make no representation as to the performance of the Russell 2000^® Index over the term of the securities.

 

The securities represent obligations of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. (guaranteed by Citigroup Inc.) only.  The sponsor of the Russell 2000^® Index is not involved in any way in this offering and has no obligation relating to the securities or to holders of the securities.

 

Historical Information

 

The closing value of the Russell 2000^® Index on December 10, 2018 was 1,443.095.

 

The graph below shows the closing value of the Russell 2000^® Index for each day such value was available from January 2, 2008 to December 10, 2018. We obtained the closing values from Bloomberg L.P., without independent verification. You should not take historical closing values as an indication of future performance.

 

Russell 2000® Index – Historical Closing Values  January 2, 2008 to December 10, 2018

Information About the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF

 

The iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF is an exchange-traded fund that seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE^® Index. The MSCI EAFE^® Index was developed by MSCI Inc. as an equity benchmark for international stock performance, and is designed to measure equity market performance in certain developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada.

 

The iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF is an investment portfolio managed by iShares^® Trust. BlackRock Fund Advisors is the investment adviser to the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF. iShares^® Trust is a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios, including the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF. Information provided to or filed with the SEC by iShares^® Trust pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, can be located by reference to SEC file numbers 333-92935 and 811-09729, respectively, through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, information may be obtained from other sources including, but not limited to, press releases, newspaper articles and other publicly disseminated documents. The underlying shares of the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF trade on the NYSE Arca under the ticker symbol “EFA.”

 

Please refer to the section “Fund Descriptions—iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF” in the accompanying underlying supplement for additional information.

 

We have derived all information regarding the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF from publicly available information and have not independently verified any information regarding the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF.  This pricing supplement relates only to the securities and not to the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF.  We make no representation as to the performance of the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF over the term of the securities.

 

The securities represent obligations of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. (guaranteed by Citigroup Inc.) only.  The iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF is not involved in any way in this offering and has no obligation relating to the securities or to holders of the securities.

 

Historical Information

 

The closing value of the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF on December 10, 2018 was $60.28.

 

The graph below shows the closing value of the iShares^® MSCI EAFE ETF for each day such value was available from January 2, 2008 to December 10, 2018.  We obtained the closing values from Bloomberg L.P., without independent verification. You should not take historical closing values as an indication of future performance.

 

iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF – Historical Closing Values January 2, 2008 to December 10, 2018

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.

 

Due to the lack of any controlling legal authority, there is substantial uncertainty regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities.  In connection with any information reporting requirements we may have in respect of the securities under applicable law, we intend (in the absence of an administrative determination or judicial ruling to the contrary) to treat the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes as prepaid forward contracts with associated coupon payments that will be treated as gross income to you at the time received or accrued in accordance with your regular method of tax accounting.  In the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, which is based on current market conditions, this treatment of the securities is reasonable under current law; however, our counsel has advised us that it is unable to conclude affirmatively that this treatment is more likely than not to be upheld, and that alternative treatments are possible.  

 

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:

 

·

Any coupon payments on the securities should be taxable as ordinary income to you at the time received or accrued in accordance with your regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

·

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.  For this purpose, the amount realized does not include any coupon paid on retirement and may not include sale proceeds attributable to an accrued coupon, which may be treated as a coupon payment.  Such gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the security for more than one year.

 

We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS regarding the treatment of the securities, and the IRS or a court might not agree with the treatment described herein. In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have released a notice requesting comments on the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts.” While it is not clear whether the securities would be viewed as similar to the typical prepaid forward contract described in the notice, it is possible that 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, possibly with retroactive effect.  You should consult your tax adviser regarding possible alternative tax treatments of the securities and potential consequences of the IRS notice.  

 

Withholding Tax on Non-U.S. Holders. Because significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain, persons having withholding responsibility in respect of the securities may withhold on any coupon payment paid to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined in the accompanying product supplement), generally at a rate of 30%. To the extent that we have (or an affiliate of ours has) withholding responsibility in respect of the securities, we intend to so withhold.  In order to claim an exemption from, or a reduction in, the 30% withholding, you may need to comply with certification requirements to establish that you are not a U.S. person and are eligible for such an exemption or reduction under an applicable tax treaty. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax treatment of the securities, including the possibility of obtaining a refund of any amounts withheld and the certification requirement described above.

 

Moreover, as discussed under “United States Federal Tax Considerations – Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders – Possible Withholding Under Section 871(m) of the Code” 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, as modified by an IRS notice, exempt financial instruments issued prior to January 1, 2021 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 a U.S. Underlying Equity, 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 updated in the final pricing supplement or 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).

 

We will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts 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 $22.50 for each security sold in this offering (or up to $5 for each security in the case of sales to fee-based advisory accounts). From this underwriting fee, CGMI will pay selected dealers not affiliated with CGMI a fixed selling concession of $22.50 for each security they sell to accounts other than fee-based advisory accounts. CGMI will pay selected dealers not affiliated with CGMI, which may include dealers acting as custodians, a variable selling concession of up to $5 for each security they sell to fee-based advisory accounts. For the avoidance of doubt, the fees and selling concessions described in this pricing supplement will not be rebated if we redeem the securities prior to maturity.

 

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.

 

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. 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

 

(i)

to persons whose ordinary business is to buy or sell shares or debentures (whether as principal or agent); or

 

(ii)

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

 

(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:

 

(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

 

(b)

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:

 

(i)

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

 

(ii)

where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or

 

(iii)

where the transfer is by operation of law; or

 

(iv)

pursuant to Section 276(7) of the Securities and Futures Act; or

 

(v)

as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore.

 

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.

 

Contact

 

Clients may contact their local brokerage representative. Third-party distributors may contact Citi Structured Investment Sales at (212) 723-7005.

 

^© 2018 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.