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, 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 16, 2018

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.

February-----, 2018

Medium-Term Senior Notes, Series N

Pricing Supplement No. 2018-USNCH1019

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration Statement Nos. 333-216372 and 333-216372-01

Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023

The securities offered by this pricing supplement are unsecured senior debt securities issued by Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and guaranteed by Citigroup Inc. The securities offer the potential for quarterly 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; (ii) your actual yield may be negative because, at maturity, you may receive significantly less than the stated principal amount of your securities and possibly nothing; and (iii) the securities may be automatically redeemed prior to maturity beginning approximately six months after the issue date. Each of these risks will depend on the performance of the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (the “underlying shares”), as described below. Although you will be exposed to downside risk with respect to the underlying shares, you will not participate in any appreciation of the underlying shares or receive any dividends paid on the underlying shares.
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.
Underlying shares: Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ symbol: “IBB”) (the “underlying share issuer” or “ETF”)
Aggregate stated principal amount: $
Stated principal amount: $1,000 per security
Pricing date: February     , 2018 (expected to be February 23, 2018)
Issue date: February     , 2018 (three business days after the pricing date). See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in this pricing supplement for additional information
Valuation dates: Expected to be May 23, 2018, August 23, 2018, November 23, 2018, February 25, 2019, May 23, 2019, August 23, 2019, November 25, 2019, February 24, 2020, May 26, 2020, August 24, 2020, November 23, 2020, February 23, 2021, May 24, 2021, August 23, 2021, November 23, 2021, February 23, 2022, May 23, 2022, August 23, 2022, November 23, 2022 and February 23, 2023 (the “final valuation date”), each subject to postponement if such date is not a scheduled trading day or if certain market disruption events occur
Maturity date: Unless earlier redeemed, February     , 2023 (expected to be February 28, 2023)
Contingent coupon payment dates: For each valuation date, the fifth business day after such valuation date, except that the contingent coupon payment date for the final valuation date will be the maturity date
Contingent coupon: On each quarterly contingent coupon payment date, unless previously redeemed, the securities will pay a contingent coupon equal to 2.5625% to 2.6875% (approximately 10.25% to 10.75% per annum) (to be determined on the pricing date) of the stated principal amount of the securities if and only if the closing price of the underlying shares on the related valuation date is greater than or equal to the coupon barrier price.  If the closing price of the underlying shares on any quarterly valuation date is less than the coupon barrier price, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment date.
Automatic early redemption: If, on any potential redemption date, the closing price of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to the initial share price, each security you then hold will be automatically redeemed on the related contingent coupon payment date for an amount in cash equal to $1,000 plus the related contingent coupon payment.
Potential redemption dates: Each quarterly valuation date beginning in August 2018 and ending in November 2022
Payment at maturity:

If the securities are not automatically redeemed prior to maturity, you will be entitled to receive at maturity, for each security you then hold:

  If the final share price is greater than or equal to the coupon barrier price: $1,000 plus the contingent coupon payment due at maturity

  If the final share price is less than the coupon barrier price but greater than or equal to the final barrier price: $1,000

  If the final share price is less than the final barrier price: $1,000 x the share performance factor

If the final share price is less than the final barrier price, you will receive less than 65.00% of the stated principal amount of your securities, and possibly nothing, at maturity, and you will not receive any contingent coupon payment at maturity.

Initial share price: $     , the closing price of the underlying shares on the pricing date
Final share price: The closing price of the underlying shares on the final valuation date
Coupon barrier price: $     , 85.00% of the initial share price
Final barrier price: $     , 65.00% of the initial share price
Share performance factor: The final share price divided by the initial share price
Listing: The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange
CUSIP / ISIN: 17324CS98 / US17324CS987
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 $1,000.00
Total: $ $

(1) Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. currently expects that the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date will be at least $940.00 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) For more information on the distribution of the securities, see “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in this pricing supplement. 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-3.

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, prospectus supplement and prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. You should read this pricing supplement together with the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below:

Product Supplement No. EA-04-06 dated April 7, 2017         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.

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 


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, certain events may occur that could affect whether you receive a contingent coupon payment on a contingent coupon payment date as well as your payment at maturity. These events, including market disruption events and other events affecting the underlying shares, and their consequences are described in the accompanying product supplement in the sections “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to Company Shares or ETF Shares—Consequences of a Market Disruption Event; Postponement of a Valuation Date,” “—Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments” and “—Delisting, Liquidation or Termination of an ETF,” and not in this pricing supplement. It is important that you read the accompanying product 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.

 

Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments. The initial share price, the coupon barrier price and the final barrier price are each a “Relevant Price” for purposes of the section “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to Company Shares or ETF Shares—Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments” in the accompanying product supplement. Accordingly, the initial share price, the coupon barrier price and the final barrier price are each subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of any of the events described in that section.

 

Hypothetical Examples

 

The table below illustrates hypothetical total returns you might receive on the securities for a range of hypothetical final share prices and a varying number of contingent coupon payments hypothetically received over the term of the securities, assuming the securities are not automatically redeemed prior to maturity. You should understand that the term of the securities, and your opportunity to receive the contingent coupon payments on the securities, may be limited to as short as approximately six months by the automatic call feature of the securities, which is not reflected in the table below. The hypothetical total return figures in the table below represent a total return on your investment if the securities are held to maturity. The outcomes illustrated in the table below are not exhaustive, and your actual total return on the securities may differ from any example illustrated below. For ease of analysis, figures in the table below have been rounded.

 

The table below is based on the following hypothetical values and assumptions in order to illustrate how the securities work and does not reflect the actual initial share price, final barrier price or contingent coupon rate, each of which will be determined on the pricing date:

 

Initial share price: $110.00 (the hypothetical closing price of the underlying shares on the pricing date)
Coupon barrier price: $93.50 (85.00% of the hypothetical initial share price)
Final barrier price: $71.50 (65.00% of the hypothetical initial share price)
Contingent coupon: 10.25% of the stated principal amount per annum, paid quarterly

 

Hypothetical final share price Hypothetical percentage change from initial share price to final share price Hypothetical payment at maturity1 per security Hypothetical total return on the securities2 if the closing price of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to the coupon barrier price on:
All valuation dates 16 valuation dates 12 valuation dates 8 valuation dates 4 valuation dates No valuation dates
$126.50 15.00% $1,000.00 51.25% 41.00% 30.75% 20.50% 10.25% N/A
$110.00 0.00% $1,000.00 51.25% 41.00% 30.75% 20.50% 10.25% N/A
$99.00 -10.00% $1,000.00 51.25% 41.00% 30.75% 20.50% 10.25% N/A
$82.50 -25.00% $1,000.00 N/A 41.00% 30.75% 20.50% 10.25% 0.00%
$71.50 -35.00% $1,000.00 N/A 41.00% 30.75% 20.50% 10.25% 0.00%
$71.49 -35.01% $649.91 N/A 5.99% -4.26% -14.51% -24.76% -35.01%
$55.00 -50.00% $500.00 N/A -9.00% -19.25% -29.50% -39.75% -50.00%
$27.50 -75.00% $250.00 N/A -34.00% -44.25% -54.50% -64.75% -75.00%
$0.00 -100.00% $0.00 N/A -59.00% -69.25% -79.50% -89.75% -100.00%

 

(1)       Excluding the final contingent coupon payment, if any.

 

(2)       Unless earlier redeemed, during the term of the securities, there are twenty valuation dates. The examples above do not show the hypothetical total return if the closing price of the underlying shares is greater than or equal to the coupon barrier price on 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18 or 19 valuation dates. The hypothetical total return on the securities is calculated as (a) (i) the payment at maturity (excluding the final contingent coupon payment, if any) per security plus the aggregate contingent coupon payments per security received over the term of the securities minus (ii) the $1,000 stated principal amount per security divided by (b) the $1,000 stated principal amount per security.

 

February 2018PS-2

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

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 the underlying shares. 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-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 provide for the repayment of the stated principal amount at maturity in all circumstances. If the securities are not automatically redeemed prior to maturity and the final share price is less than the final barrier price, you will lose 1% of the stated principal amount of the securities for every 1% by which the final share price is less than the initial share price. 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 payment for any quarter in which the closing price of the underlying shares is less than the coupon barrier price on the related valuation date. A contingent coupon payment will be made on a contingent coupon payment date if and only if the closing price of the underlying shares on the related valuation date is greater than or equal to the coupon barrier price. If the closing price of the underlying shares is less than the coupon barrier price on any quarterly valuation date, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment date. If the closing price of the underlying shares is below the coupon barrier price on each valuation date, you will not receive any contingent coupon payments over the term of the securities.

 

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 risks that you may not receive a contingent coupon payment on one or more, or any, contingent coupon payment dates, the securities will not be automatically redeemed and the amount you receive at maturity may be significantly less than the stated principal amount of your securities and may be zero. The volatility of the underlying shares is an important factor affecting these risks. Greater expected volatility of the underlying shares as of the pricing date may result in a higher contingent coupon rate, but it also represents a greater expected likelihood as of the pricing date that (i) the closing price of the underlying shares will be less than the coupon barrier price on one or more valuation dates, such that you will not receive one or more, or any, contingent coupon payments during the term of the securities, (ii) the closing price of the underlying shares will be less than the initial share price on each potential redemption date, such that the securities are not automatically redeemed and (iii) the final share price will be less than the final barrier price, such that you will not be repaid the stated principal amount of your securities at maturity.

 

You may not be adequately compensated for assuming the downside risk of the underlying shares. The potential contingent coupon payments on the securities are the compensation you receive for assuming the downside risk of the underlying shares, 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 underlying shares, but also for all of the other risks of the securities, including the risk that the securities may be automatically redeemed beginning approximately six months after the issue date, interest rate risk and our 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 underlying shares.

 

The securities may be automatically redeemed prior to maturity, limiting your opportunity to receive contingent coupon payments. On any valuation date beginning approximately six months after issuance and prior to the final valuation date, the securities will be automatically redeemed if the closing price of the underlying shares on that valuation date is greater than or equal to the initial share price. Thus, the term of the securities may be limited to as short as approximately six months. If the securities are automatically redeemed 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.

 

The securities offer downside exposure to the underlying shares, but no upside exposure to the underlying shares. You will not participate in any appreciation in the price of the underlying shares over the term of the securities. Consequently, any positive

 

February 2018PS-3

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

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 the underlying shares over the term of the securities. In addition, you will not receive any dividends or other distributions or have any other rights with respect to the underlying shares over the term of the securities.

 

The performance of the securities will depend on the closing price of the underlying shares solely on the relevant valuation dates, which makes the securities particularly sensitive to the volatility of the underlying shares. Whether the contingent coupon will be paid for any given quarter and whether the securities will be automatically redeemed prior to maturity will depend on the closing price of the underlying shares solely on the applicable quarterly valuation dates, regardless of the closing price of the underlying shares on other days during the term of the securities. If the securities are not automatically redeemed, the amount you receive at maturity will depend solely on the final share price of the underlying shares on the final valuation date, and not on any other day during the term of the securities. Because the performance of the securities depends on the closing price of the underlying shares on a limited number of dates, the securities will be particularly sensitive to volatility in the closing price of the underlying shares. You should understand that the underlying shares have historically been highly volatile.

 

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) hedging and other costs incurred by us and our affiliates in connection with the offering of the securities and (ii) 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 the underlying shares, dividend yields on the underlying shares and the securities held by the underlying share issuer 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 the same as the coupon 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.

 

February 2018PS-4

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

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 price and volatility of the underlying shares and a number of other factors, including the price and volatility of the securities held by the underlying share issuer, the dividend yields on the underlying shares and the securities held by the underlying share issuer, 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 price of the underlying shares 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 underlying shares are subject to risks associated with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.  The securities held by the underlying share issuer are generally concentrated in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.  Companies in these industries invest heavily in research and development which may not necessarily lead to commercially successful products. These industries are also subject to increased governmental regulation which may delay or inhibit the release of new products. Governmental policies on reimbursement for medical expenses may also inhibit the profitability of these companies. Many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are dependent upon their ability to use and enforce intellectual property rights and patents, and any impairment of such rights may have adverse financial consequences. These companies can also be significantly affected by technological change and obsolescence, product liability lawsuits and consequential high insurance costs. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical securities, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. As a result, the underlying shares may be more volatile and be more adversely affected by a single negative economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries than a different investment in a more broadly diversified group of industries.

 

Our offering of the securities does not constitute a recommendation of the underlying shares. The fact that we are offering the securities does not mean that we believe that investing in an instrument linked to the underlying shares 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 underlying shares or the securities held by the underlying share issuer over the term of the securities or in instruments related to the underlying shares or such securities over the term of the securities and may publish research or express opinions, that in each case are inconsistent with an investment linked to the underlying shares. These and other activities of our affiliates’ may affect the price of the underlying shares in a way that has a negative impact on your interests as a holder of the securities.

 

The price of the underlying shares 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 underlying shares or the securities held by the underlying share issuer and other financial instruments related to the underlying shares or such securities and may adjust such positions during the term of the securities. Our affiliates also trade the underlying shares or the securities held by the underlying share issuer and other financial instruments related to the underlying shares or such securities 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 price of the underlying shares 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.

 

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 underlying share issuer or the issuers of the securities held by the underlying share issuer, 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.

 

February 2018PS-5

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

Even if the underlying share issuer 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 on the underlying shares unless the amount of the dividend per underlying share, together with any other dividends paid in the same fiscal quarter, exceeds the dividend paid per underlying share in the most recent fiscal quarter by an amount equal to at least 10% of the closing price of the underlying shares on the date of declaration of the dividend. Any dividend will reduce the closing price of the underlying shares by the amount of the dividend per underlying share. If the underlying share issuer 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 Company Shares or ETF Shares—Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments—Certain Extraordinary Cash Dividends” in the accompanying product supplement.

 

The securities will not be adjusted for all events that could affect the price of the underlying shares. For example, we will not make any adjustment for ordinary dividends or extraordinary dividends that do not meet the criteria described above. 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.

 

The securities may become linked to shares of an issuer other than the original underlying share issuer upon the occurrence of a reorganization event or upon the delisting of the underlying shares. For example, if the underlying share issuer enters into a merger agreement that provides for holders of underlying shares to receive shares of another entity, the shares of such other entity will become the underlying shares for all purposes of the securities upon consummation of the merger. Additionally, if the underlying shares are delisted or the underlying share issuer is otherwise terminated, the calculation agent may, in its sole discretion, select shares of another underlying share issuer to be the underlying shares. See “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to Company Shares or ETF Shares—Consequences of a Market Disruption Event; Postponement of a Valuation Date”, “—Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments” and “—Delisting, Liquidation or Termination of an ETF” in the accompanying product supplement.

 

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, events with respect to the underlying share issuer that may require a dilution adjustment or the delisting of the underlying shares, 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.

 

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

During periods of market volatility, securities held by the underlying share issuer may be unavailable in the secondary market, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately the net asset value per share of the underlying shares and the liquidity of the underlying shares 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 share issuer. Further, market volatility may adversely affect, sometimes materially, the prices at which market participants are willing to buy and sell the underlying shares. As a result, under these circumstances, the market value of the underlying shares may vary substantially from the net asset value per share of the underlying share issuer. For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the underlying shares may not correlate with the performance of the ETF underlying index and/or the net asset value per share of the underlying share issuer, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the securities in the secondary market and/or reduce your payment at maturity.

 

Changes made by the investment adviser to the underlying share issuer or by the sponsor of the ETF underlying index may adversely affect the underlying shares. We are not affiliated with the investment adviser to the underlying share issuer or with the sponsor of the ETF underlying index. Accordingly, we have no control over any changes such investment adviser or sponsor may make to the underlying share issuer or the ETF underlying index. Such changes could be made at any time and could adversely affect the performance of the underlying shares.

 

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

 

February 2018PS-6

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

“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 in 2018 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 iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF

 

The iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF is an exchange-traded fund that seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the performance, before fees and expenses, of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index®. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index® is calculated, published and disseminated by The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (“NASDAQ OMX”), and is designed to measure the performance of NASDAQ-listed companies that are classified according to the Industry Classification Benchmark as either biotechnology or pharmaceuticals which also meet other eligibility criteria determined by NASDAQ OMX.

 

The iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF is an investment portfolio managed by iShares Trust. BlackRock Fund Advisors is the investment adviser to the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF. iShares Trust is a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios, including the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF. Information provided to or filed with the SEC by iShares®, Inc. 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 iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol “IBB.”

 

This pricing supplement relates only to the securities offered hereby and does not relate to the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF or other securities of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF. We have derived all disclosures contained in this pricing supplement regarding the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF from the publicly available documents described above. In connection with the offering of the securities, none of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc., Citigroup Inc. or CGMI has participated in the preparation of such documents or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF or the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index®.

 

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

 

Neither we nor any of our affiliates make any representation to you as to the performance of the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF.

 

Historical Information

 

The graph below shows the closing prices of the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF for each day such prices were available from September 23, 2008 to February 14, 2018. The table that follows shows the high and low closing prices of, and dividends paid on, the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF for each quarter in that same period. We obtained the closing prices and other information below from Bloomberg L.P., without independent verification. You should not take the historical prices of the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF as an indication of future performance.

 

February 2018PS-7

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF – Historical Closing Prices
September 23, 2008 to February 14, 2018

 

iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF High Low Dividends
2008      
Third Quarter (beginning September 23, 2008) $28.13 $26.76 $0.00000
Fourth Quarter $26.91 $20.21 $0.00000
2009      
First Quarter $24.83 $19.68 $0.00000
Second Quarter $24.32 $21.04 $0.00000
Third Quarter $27.87 $23.10 $0.00000
Fourth Quarter $27.52 $24.44 $0.00000
2010      
First Quarter $31.13 $27.21 $0.00000
Second Quarter $30.90 $25.86 $0.00000
Third Quarter $29.01 $25.23 $0.16995
Fourth Quarter $31.58 $28.56 $0.00000
2011      
First Quarter $33.39 $30.91 $0.00000
Second Quarter $36.50 $33.63 $0.00000
Third Quarter $36.53 $28.26 $0.00000
Fourth Quarter $34.78 $29.71 $0.00482
2012      
First Quarter $41.36 $34.97 $0.00910
Second Quarter $43.33 $39.25 $0.06206
Third Quarter $48.25 $43.16 $0.11327
Fourth Quarter $49.05 $42.80 $0.03444
2013      
First Quarter $53.31 $47.21 $0.00000
Second Quarter $62.08 $53.16 $0.00000
Third Quarter $70.52 $59.42 $0.02413
Fourth Quarter $75.75 $64.73 $0.00000

February 2018PS-8

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

2014      
First Quarter $91.08 $74.61 $0.00000
Second Quarter $85.68 $71.79 $0.00000
Third Quarter $93.10 $81.02 $0.14901
Fourth Quarter $105.73 $85.09 $0.00000
2015      
First Quarter $122.17 $100.27 $0.00000
Second Quarter $127.75 $111.22 $0.01933
Third Quarter $132.67 $96.49 $0.00000
Fourth Quarter $114.37 $99.59 $0.01149
2016      
First Quarter $108.99 $81.35 $0.05093
Second Quarter $96.11 $80.50 $0.05405
Third Quarter $100.03 $86.80 $0.02861
Fourth Quarter $97.70 $82.29 $0.03063
2017      
First Quarter $100.83 $90.00 $0.09966
Second Quarter $106.91 $94.77 $0.05893
Third Quarter $111.95 $101.35 $0.03955
Fourth Quarter $113.62 $101.68 $0.12544
2018      
First Quarter (through February 14, 2018) $118.50 $104.86 $0.00000

 

The closing price of the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF on February 14, 2018 was $109.73.

 

We make no representation as to the amount of dividends, if any, that may be paid on the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF in the future. In any event, as an investor in the securities, you will not be entitled to receive dividends, if any, that may be payable on the shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF.

 

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.

 

February 2018PS-9

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

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 in 2018 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 not receive any underwriting fee for any securities sold in this offering.

 

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.

 

Secondary market sales of securities typically settle two business days after the date on which the parties agree to the sale. Because the issue date for the securities is more than two business days after the pricing date, investors who wish to sell the securities at any time prior to the second business day preceding the issue date will be required to specify an alternative settlement date for the secondary market sale to prevent a failed settlement. Investors should consult their own investment advisers in this regard.

 

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 price of the underlying shares 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

 

February 2018PS-10

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

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 four 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 four-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, 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, 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, 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

 

February 2018PS-11

Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
Autocallable Contingent Coupon Equity Linked Securities Based on Shares of the iShares® Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF Due February-----, 2023
 

(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.

 

Prohibition of Sales to EEA Retail Investors

 

The securities may not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area.  For the purposes of this provision:

 

(a)the expression “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

 

(i)a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or

 

(ii)a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or

 

(iii)not a qualified investor as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC; and

 

(b)the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the securities.

 

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.

 

February 2018PS-12