Pricing Supplement No. 2021—USNCH6416 to Product Supplement
No. EA-02-08 dated February 15, 2019,
Registration Statement Nos. 333-224495 and 333-224495-03
(2) CGMI, acting as principal, has agreed to
purchase from Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc., and Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. has agreed to sell to CGMI, the
aggregate stated principal amount of the notes set forth above for $10.00 per note. UBS Financial Services Inc. (“UBS”),
acting as agent for sales of the notes, has agreed to purchase from CGMI, and CGMI has agreed to sell to UBS, all of the notes
for $10.00 per note. UBS will not receive any underwriting discount for any note it sells in this offering. UBS proposes
to offer the notes to the public at a price of $10.00 per note. Investors that purchase and hold the notes in fee-based
advisory accounts will pay advisory fees to UBS based on the amount of assets held in those accounts. For additional
information on the distribution of the notes, see “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in this pricing supplement. It
is expected that CGMI and its affiliates may profit from hedging activity related to this offering, even if the value of the notes
declines. See “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying prospectus.
The terms of the notes 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 coupon payment on a coupon payment date and whether you
are repaid the stated principal amount of your notes at maturity. These events and their consequences are described
in the accompanying product supplement in the sections “Description of the Securities—Consequences of a Market Disruption
Event; Postponement of a Valuation Date” and “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities
Linked to an Underlying Company or an Underlying ETF—Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments” and “—Delisting,
Liquidation or Termination of an Underlying 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 in connection
with your investment in the notes. Certain terms used but not defined in this pricing supplement are defined in the
accompanying product supplement.
You may access the accompanying product supplement, prospectus
supplement and prospectus on the SEC website at www.sec.gov as follows (or if such address has changed, by reviewing our filings
for the relevant dates on the SEC website):
References to “Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.,”
“Citigroup,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
and not to any of its subsidiaries. References to “Citigroup Inc.” refer to Citigroup Inc. and not to any
of its subsidiaries. In this pricing supplement, “notes” refers to the Trigger Callable Yield Notes Linked
to Shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF that are offered hereby, unless the context otherwise requires.
For purposes of the notes offered by this pricing supplement,
the definition of “Permitted Dividend” set forth in the second paragraph under the heading “Certain Extraordinary
Cash Distributions” in the section “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked
to an Underlying Company or an Underlying ETF—Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments” in the accompanying product
supplement shall be replaced with the following:
The suitability considerations identified below are not exhaustive. Whether
or not the notes are a suitable investment for you will depend on your individual circumstances, and you should reach an investment
decision only after you and your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors have carefully considered the suitability
of an investment in the notes in light of your particular circumstances. You should also review “Summary Risk Factors”
beginning on page PS-7 of this pricing supplement, “Shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF” beginning
on page PS-14 of this pricing supplement and “Risk Factors Relating to the Securities” beginning on page EA-7 of the
accompanying product supplement.
Issuer
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Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
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Guarantee
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All payments due on the notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Citigroup Inc.
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Issue price
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100% of the stated principal amount per note
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Stated principal amount per note
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$10.00 per note
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Term
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Approximately 1.25 years, unless called earlier
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Trade date
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January 20, 2021
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Settlement date
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January 25, 2021
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Final valuation date1
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April 21, 2022
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Maturity date
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April 25, 2022
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Underlying
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Shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF (Ticker: IWN)
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Issuer call feature
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Beginning approximately three months after issuance,
the issuer may, in its sole discretion, call the notes in whole, but not in part, on any coupon payment date prior to the maturity
date upon not less than three (3) business days’ notice prior to such coupon payment date (each such third prior business
day, a “call notice date”). See “Call Notice Dates and Coupon Payment Dates for the Offering of the Notes”
on page PS-6.
If the notes are called, we will pay you on the applicable
coupon payment date a cash payment per $10.00 stated principal amount of each note equal to the stated principal amount per note
plus any coupon otherwise due on such coupon payment date.
After the notes are called, no further payments will
be made on the notes.
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Coupon payment dates
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See “Call Notice Dates and Coupon Payment Dates for the Offering of the Notes” on page PS-6.
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Coupon/coupon rate
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Each coupon payment will be in the amount of $0.0593 for each $10.00 stated principal amount note (based on the per annum coupon rate of approximately 7.12%).
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Payment at maturity (per $10.00 stated principal amount of notes)
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If the notes are not called prior to maturity and the final
underlying price is greater than or equal to the downside threshold, we will pay you the $10.00 stated principal amount plus
any coupon otherwise due on the maturity date.
If the notes are not called prior to maturity and the final
underlying price is less than the downside threshold, we will pay you, in addition to the final coupon, a cash payment on the
maturity date that is less than your stated principal amount and may be zero, resulting in a loss that is proportionate to the
negative underlying return, equal to:
$10.00
× (1 + underlying return)
Accordingly, you may lose all or a substantial portion
of your stated principal amount at maturity, depending on how significantly the underlying declines.
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Underlying return
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final underlying price – initial underlying price
initial underlying price
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Downside threshold
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55.00% of the initial underlying price, as specified on the cover of this pricing supplement.
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Initial underlying price
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The closing price of the underlying on the trade date, as specified on the cover page of this pricing supplement.
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Final underlying price
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The closing price of the underlying on the final
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1
Subject to postponement as described under “Description of the Securities—Consequences of a Market Disruption Event;
Postponement of a Valuation Date” in the accompanying product supplement.
INVESTING IN THE NOTES INVOLVES SIGNIFICANT RISKS. YOU MAY LOSE A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OR ALL OF YOUR INITIAL INVESTMENT. THE CONTINGENT REPAYMENT OF THE STATED PRINCIPAL AMOUNT APPLIES ONLY IF YOU HOLD THE NOTES TO MATURITY. ANY PAYMENT ON THE NOTES IS SUBJECT TO THE CREDITWORTHINESS OF THE ISSUER AND THE GUARANTOR. IF CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS HOLDINGS INC. AND CITIGROUP INC. WERE TO DEFAULT ON THEIR OBLIGATIONS, YOU MIGHT NOT RECEIVE ANY AMOUNTS OWED TO YOU UNDER THE NOTES AND YOU COULD LOSE YOUR ENTIRE INVESTMENT.
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Trade date
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The closing price of the underlying (the initial underlying price) is observed, the coupon rate is set and the downside threshold for the underlying is determined.
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Monthly
(callable by the issuer in its sole discretion
after three months)
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We pay the applicable coupon.
Beginning approximately three months after issuance,
the issuer may, in its sole discretion, call the notes in whole, but not in part, on any coupon payment date prior to the maturity
date upon not less than three (3) business days’ notice prior to such coupon payment date.
If the notes are called, we will pay you on the applicable
coupon payment date a cash payment per $10.00 stated principal amount of each note equal to the stated principal amount per note
plus any coupon otherwise due on such coupon payment date.
After the notes are called, no further payments will
be made on the notes.
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Maturity date (if not previously called)
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If the notes are not called prior to maturity, the final
underlying price is observed on the final valuation date.
If the notes are not called prior to maturity and
the final underlying price is greater than or equal to the downside threshold, we will pay you the $10.00 stated principal
amount plus any coupon otherwise due on the maturity date.
If the notes are not called prior to maturity and
the final underlying price is less than the downside threshold, we will pay you, in addition to the final coupon, a cash payment
on the maturity date that is less than your stated principal amount and may be zero, resulting in a loss that is proportionate
to the negative underlying return, equal to:
$10.00
× (1 + underlying return)
Accordingly, you may lose all or a substantial
portion of your stated principal amount at maturity, depending on how significantly the underlying declines.
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Call
Notice Dates and Coupon Payment Dates for the Offering of the Notes
Call Notice Dates1
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Coupon Payment Dates
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N/A
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February 24, 2021
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N/A
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March 24, 2021
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April 20, 2021
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April 22, 2021*
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May 20, 2021
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May 24, 2021
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June 21, 2021
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June 23, 2021
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July 20, 2021
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July 22, 2021
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August 20, 2021
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August 24, 2021
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September 20, 2021
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September 22, 2021
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October 20, 2021
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October 22, 2021
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November 22, 2021
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November 24, 2021
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December 20, 2021
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December 22, 2021
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January 20, 2022
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January 24, 2022
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February 22, 2022
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February 24, 2022
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March 21, 2022
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March 23, 2022
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N/A
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April 25, 2022 (the maturity date)
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* The notes are callable beginning on the third coupon payment
date, which is April 22, 2021.
(1) The actual call notice date related to each coupon payment
date will be the third business day prior to such coupon payment date.
An investment in the notes is significantly riskier than an investment
in conventional debt securities. The notes 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 notes, and are also subject to risks associated with the underlying. Accordingly, the notes are suitable only for
investors who are capable of understanding the complexities and risks of the notes. You should consult your own financial,
tax and legal advisers as to the risks of an investment in the notes and the suitability of the notes in light of your particular
circumstances.
The following is a summary of certain key risk factors for investors
in the notes. You should read this summary together with the more detailed description of risks relating to an investment
in the notes 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.
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You may lose some or all of your investment — The notes differ from ordinary debt securities in that we will not
necessarily repay the full stated principal amount of your notes at maturity. If the notes are not called prior to maturity
(beginning approximately three months after issuance) and the final underlying price is less than the downside threshold, you will
lose 1% of the stated principal amount of the notes for every 1% by which the final underlying price is less than the initial underlying
price. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the notes, and you may lose up to all of your investment in the notes.
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Higher coupon rates are associated with greater risk — The notes offer 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 trade date for the notes, including
the risk that the amount you receive at maturity may be significantly less than the stated principal amount of your notes and may
be zero. The volatility of the underlying is an important factor affecting this risk. Greater expected volatility of the underlying
as of the trade date may result in a higher coupon rate, but would also represent a greater expected likelihood as of the trade
date that the closing price of the underlying will be less than the downside threshold on the final valuation date, such that you
will not be repaid the stated principal amount of your notes at maturity.
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You may not be adequately compensated for assuming the downside risk of the underlying — The coupon payments on
the notes are the compensation you receive for assuming the downside risk of the underlying, as well as all the other risks of
the notes. The coupon payments are the compensation you receive not only for the downside risk of the underlying, but also for
all of the other risks of the notes, including the risk that the notes may be called 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 coupon payments may turn out to be inadequate to compensate you for all the risks of the notes, including the downside risk
of the underlying.
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We may call the notes in our sole discretion, which will limit your ability to receive the coupon payments — Beginning
approximately three months after issuance, we may call the notes on any coupon payment date prior to the maturity date upon not
less than three (3) business days’ notice. In the event that we call the notes, you will receive the stated principal amount
of your notes and any coupon otherwise due on such coupon payment date. Thus, the term of the notes may be limited to
as short as approximately three months. If we call the notes prior to maturity, you will not receive any additional
coupon payments. It is more likely that we will call the notes in our sole discretion prior to maturity to the extent
that the expected coupon payable on the notes is greater than the coupon that would be payable on other instruments issued by us
of comparable maturity, terms and credit rating trading in the market. The greater likelihood of us calling the notes in that environment
increases the risk that you will not be able to reinvest the proceeds from the called notes in an another investment that provides
a similar yield with a similar level of risk. We are less likely to call the notes prior to maturity when the expected
coupon payable on the notes is less than the coupon that would be payable on other comparable instruments issued by us. Therefore,
the notes are more likely to remain outstanding when the expected coupon payable on the notes is less than what would be payable
on other comparable instruments.
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The notes offer downside exposure to the underlying, but no upside exposure to the underlying — You will not participate
in any appreciation in the price of the underlying over the term of the notes. Consequently, your return on the notes will be limited
to the coupon payments you receive and may be significantly less than the return on the underlying over the term of the notes.
In addition, you will not receive any dividends or other distributions or have any other rights with respect to the underlying
or the stocks held by the underlying.
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The payment at maturity depends on the closing price of the underlying on a single day — If the closing price
of the underlying on the final valuation date is less than the downside threshold, you will not receive the full stated principal
amount of your notes at maturity, even if the closing price of the underlying is greater than the downside threshold on other dates
during the term of the notes.
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Investing in the notes is not equivalent to investing in the underlying or the stocks held by the underlying —
You will not have voting rights, rights to receive any dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the
underlying shares or any of the stocks held by the underlying. It is important to understand that, for purposes of measuring
the performance of the underlying, the prices used will not reflect the receipt or reinvestment of dividends or distributions on
the underlying or the stocks held by the underlying. Dividend or distribution yield on the underlying or the stocks
held by the underlying would be expected to represent a significant portion of the overall return on a direct investment in the
underlying or the stocks held by the underlying, but will not be reflected in the performance of the underlying as measured for
purposes of the notes (except to the extent that dividends and distributions reduce the price of the underlying).
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The notes are subject to the credit risk of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc. — Any payment
on the notes will be made by Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and is guaranteed by Citigroup Inc., and therefore is subject
to the credit risk of both Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc. If we default on our obligations under the
notes and Citigroup Inc. defaults on its guarantee obligations, you may not receive any payments that become due under the notes. As
a result, the value of the notes prior to maturity will be affected by changes in the market’s view of our and Citigroup
Inc.’s creditworthiness. Any decline, or anticipated decline, in either of our or Citigroup Inc.’s credit
ratings or increase, or anticipated increase, in the credit spreads charged by the market for taking either of our or Citigroup
Inc.’s credit risk is likely to adversely affect the value of the notes.
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The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange and you may not be able to sell them prior to maturity —
The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the notes. CGMI
currently intends to make a secondary market in relation to the notes and to provide an indicative bid price for the notes on a
daily basis. Any indicative bid price for the notes 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 notes 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 notes because it is likely that CGMI will be the only broker-dealer that is willing to buy your notes prior to maturity. Accordingly,
an investor must be prepared to hold the notes until maturity.
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The probability that the underlying will fall below the downside threshold on the final valuation date will depend in part
on the volatility of the underlying — “Volatility” refers to the frequency and magnitude of changes in the
price of the underlying. In general, the greater the volatility of the underlying, the greater the probability that
the underlying will experience a large decline over the term of the notes and fall below the downside threshold on the final valuation
date. The underlying has historically experienced significant volatility. As a result, there is a significant
risk that the underlying will fall below the downside threshold on the final valuation date, such that you will incur a significant
loss on your investment in the notes. The terms of the notes are set, in part, based on expectations about the volatility
of the underlying as of the trade date. If expectations about the volatility of the underlying change over the term
of the notes, the value of the notes may be adversely affected, and if the actual volatility of the underlying proves to be greater
than initially expected, the notes may prove to be riskier than expected on the trade date.
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The estimated value of the notes on the trade 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 notes 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 notes 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 notes. These
costs adversely affect the economic terms of the notes because, if they were lower, the economic terms of the notes would be more
favorable to you. The economic terms of the notes are also likely to be adversely affected by the use of our internal
funding rate, rather than our secondary market rate, to price the notes. See “The estimated value of the notes
would be lower if it were calculated based on our secondary market rate” below.
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The estimated value of the notes 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, dividend
yields on the underlying and stocks held by the underlying 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 notes. Moreover,
the estimated value of the notes set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement may differ from the value that we or our
affiliates may determine for the notes for other purposes, including for accounting purposes. You should not invest
in the notes because of the estimated value of the notes. Instead, you should be willing to hold the notes to maturity
irrespective of the initial estimated value.
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The estimated value of the notes would be lower if it were calculated based on our secondary market rate — The
estimated value of the notes 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 notes. 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 notes for purposes of
any purchases of the notes 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 notes, 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 rate that is payable on the notes.
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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 notes, 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 notes prior to maturity.
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The estimated value of the notes is not an indication of the price, if any, at which CGMI or any other person may be willing
to buy the notes from you in the secondary market — Any such secondary market price will fluctuate over the term of the
notes 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 notes 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 notes than if our internal funding rate were used. In
addition, any secondary market
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price for the notes will be reduced
by a bid-ask spread, which may vary depending on the aggregate stated principal amount of the notes 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 notes will be less than the issue price.
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The value of the notes prior to maturity will fluctuate based on many unpredictable factors — As described under
“Valuation of the Notes” below, the payout on the notes could be replicated by a hypothetical package of financial
instruments consisting of a fixed-income bond and one or more derivative instruments. As a result, the factors that
influence the values of fixed-income bonds and derivative instruments will also influence the terms of the notes at issuance and
the value of the notes prior to maturity. Accordingly, the value of your notes prior to maturity will fluctuate based
on the price and volatility of the underlying and a number of other factors, including the price and volatility of the stocks held
by the issuer of the underlying, dividend yields on the underlying, 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 may not result in a comparable change in the value of your notes. You should understand that the value
of your notes at any time prior to maturity may be significantly less than the issue price. The stated payout from the
issuer only applies if you hold the notes to maturity or earlier issuer call, as applicable.
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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 decline to zero over the temporary adjustment period. See “Valuation
of the Notes” in this pricing supplement.
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The shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF are subject to risks associated with small capitalization
stocks — The stocks that constitute the index underlying the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF 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.
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The investment strategy represented by the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF may not be successful —
The iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF seeks to track the investment results, before fees and expenses, of an index
composed of small-capitalization U.S. equities that exhibit value characteristics, which is currently the Russell 2000® Value
Index. The Russell 2000® Value
Index measures the capitalization-weighted performance of the stocks included in the Russell 2000® Index
that are determined by the sponsor of the Russell 2000® Value
Index to be value oriented, with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted and historical growth. The basic principle of
a value investment strategy is to invest in stocks that are determined to be relatively cheap or “undervalued” under
the assumption that the value of such stocks will increase over time as the market recognizes and reflects those stocks’
“fair” market value. However, stocks that are considered value stocks may fail to appreciate for extended periods of
time, and may never realize their full potential value. In addition, stocks that are considered to be value oriented may have lower
growth potential than other securities. Moreover, the selection methodology for the Russell 2000® Value
Index includes a significant bias against stocks with strong growth characteristics. Even if a value strategy with respect to the
stocks included in the Russell 2000® Index would
generally be successful, the manner in which the Russell 2000® Value
Index implements its strategy may prove to be unsuccessful. The methodology of the Russell 2000® Value
Index has set parameters to determine whether a stock should be considered a “value” stock. The Russell 2000® Value
Index’s parameters may not effectively implement its value strategy, and there can be no assurance that it will select stocks
that are value oriented, that the Russell 2000® Value
Index’s methodology will not underperform any alternative implementation of such a strategy, or that the iShares®
Russell 2000 Value ETF will outperform any other exchange-traded fund or any index or strategy that tracks U.S. stocks selected
using other criteria. Stocks that are considered to be value oriented may have lower growth potential than other securities, which
may cause the price of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF to decrease over the term of the notes. Accordingly,
the investment strategy represented by the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF may not be successful, and your investment
in the notes may result in a loss. An investment in the notes may also provide a return that is less than an investment linked
to the Russell 2000® Index as a whole.
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Our offering of the notes is not a recommendation of the underlying — The fact that we are offering the notes
does not mean that we believe that investing in an instrument linked to the underlying 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 or the stocks that are held by the issuer of the underlying or in instruments related to the underlying or such stocks,
and may publish research or express opinions, that in each case are inconsistent with an investment linked to the underlying. These
and other activities of our affiliates may affect the price of the underlying in a way that has a negative impact on your interests
as a holder of the notes.
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Our affiliates, or UBS or its affiliates, may publish research, express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent
with investing in or holding the notes — Any such research, opinions or recommendations could affect the closing price
of the underlying and the value of the notes. Our affiliates, and UBS and its affiliates, publish research from time
to time on financial markets and other matters that may influence the value of the notes, or express opinions or provide recommendations
that may be inconsistent with purchasing or holding the notes. Any research, opinions or recommendations expressed by
our affiliates or by UBS or its affiliates may not be consistent with each other and may be modified from time to time without
notice. These and other activities of our affiliates or UBS or its affiliates may adversely affect the price of the
underlying and may have a negative impact on your interests as a holder of the notes. Investors should make their own
independent investigation of the merits of investing in the notes and the underlying to which the notes are linked.
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The notes may become linked to assets other than the original underlying upon the occurrence of a reorganization event or
upon the delisting of the underlying — For example, if the ETF enters into a merger agreement that provides for holders
of the underlying to receive shares of another entity, the shares of such other entity will become the underlying for all purposes
of the notes upon consummation of the merger. Additionally, if the underlying is delisted, or the ETF is otherwise terminated,
the calculation agent may, in its sole discretion, select shares of another ETF to be the underlying. See “Description
of the Securities— Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to an Underlying Company or an Underlying ETF—Dilution
and Reorganization Adjustments” and “—Delisting, Liquidation or Termination of an Underlying ETF” in the
accompanying product supplement.
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An adjustment will not be made for all events that may have a dilutive effect on or otherwise adversely affect the market
price of the underlying — Moreover, the adjustments we do make may not fully offset the dilutive or adverse effect of
the particular event. Investors in the notes may be adversely affected by such an event in a circumstance in which a
direct holder of the underlying would not.
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Trading and other transactions by our affiliates, or by UBS or its affiliates, in the equity and equity derivative markets
may impair the value of the notes — We have hedged our exposure under the notes through CGMI or other of our affiliates,
who have entered into equity and/or equity derivative transactions, such as over-the-counter options or exchange-traded instruments,
relating to the underlying or the stocks held by the ETF and other financial instruments related to the underlying or such stocks
and may adjust such positions during the term of the notes. It is possible that our affiliates could receive substantial
returns from these hedging activities while the value of the notes declines. Our affiliates and UBS and its affiliates
may also engage in trading in the underlying or the stocks held by the ETF or in instruments linked to the underlying or such stocks
on a regular basis as part of their respective general broker-dealer and other businesses, for proprietary accounts, for other
accounts under management or to facilitate transactions for customers, including block transactions. Such trading and
hedging activities may affect the price of the underlying and reduce the return on your investment in the notes. Our
affiliates or UBS or its affiliates may also issue or underwrite other securities or financial or derivative instruments with returns
linked or related to the underlying. By introducing competing products into the marketplace in this manner, our affiliates
or UBS or its affiliates could adversely affect the value of the notes. Any of the foregoing activities described in
this paragraph may reflect trading strategies that differ from, or are in direct opposition to, investors’ trading and investment
strategies relating to the notes.
|
|
¨
|
Our affiliates, or UBS or its affiliates, may have economic interests that are adverse to yours as a result of their respective
business activities — Our affiliates or UBS or its affiliates may currently or from time to time engage in business with
the ETF or the issuers of the stocks held by the ETF, including extending loans to, making equity investments in or providing advisory
services to such issuers. In the course of this business, our affiliates or UBS or its affiliates may acquire non-public information
about those issuers, which they will not disclose to you. Moreover, if any of our affiliates or UBS or any of its affiliates is
or becomes a creditor of any such issuer, they may exercise any remedies against that issuer that are available to them without
regard to your interests.
|
|
¨
|
The calculation agent, which is an affiliate of ours, will make important determinations with respect to the notes —
If certain events occur, such as market disruption events, events with respect to the ETF that may require a dilution adjustment
or the delisting of the underlying, CGMI, as calculation agent, will be required to make discretionary judgments that could significantly
affect the payments on the notes. Such judgments could include, among other things:
|
|
¨
|
determining whether a market disruption event has occurred with respect to the underlying;
|
|
¨
|
if a market disruption event occurs on the final valuation date with respect to the underlying, determining whether to postpone
the final valuation date;
|
|
¨
|
determining the price of the underlying if the price of the underlying is not otherwise available or a market disruption event
has occurred;
|
|
¨
|
determining the appropriate adjustments to be made to the terms of the notes upon the occurrence of an event described under
“Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms for Securities Linked to an Underlying Company or an Underlying
ETF—Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments” in the accompanying product supplement; and
|
|
¨
|
selecting a successor ETF or performing an alternative calculation of the price of the underlying if the underlying is delisted
or the ETF is liquidated or otherwise terminated (see “Description of the Securities—Certain Additional Terms
for Securities Linked to an Underlying Company or an Underlying ETF—Delisting, Liquidation or Termination of an Underlying
ETF” in the accompanying product supplement).
|
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 notes.
|
¨
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The price and performance of the underlying may not completely track the performance
of the index underlying the ETF or the net asset value per share of the ETF — The ETF does not fully replicate the underlying
index that it seeks to track and may hold securities different from those included in the index underlying the ETF. In
addition, the performance of the underlying will reflect transaction costs and fees of the ETF that are not included in the calculation
of the index underlying the ETF. In addition, the ETF may not hold all of the shares included in, and may hold securities and derivative
instruments that are not included in, the index underlying the ETF. All of these factors may lead to a lack of correlation
between the performance of the underlying and the index underlying the ETF. In addition, corporate actions with respect to the
equity securities constituting the index underlying the ETF or held by the ETF (such as mergers and spin-offs) may impact the variance
between the performances of the underlying and the index underlying the ETF. Finally, because the underlying is traded on NYSE
Arca, Inc. and is subject to market supply and investor demand, the market value of the underlying may differ from the net asset
value per share of the underlying.
|
During
periods of market volatility, securities underlying the ETF 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
ETF. Further, market volatility may adversely affect, sometimes materially, the prices at which market participants
are willing to buy and sell the underlying. As a result, under these circumstances, the market 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 the index underlying the ETF and/or the net asset value per share of
the underlying, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the notes in the secondary market and/or reduce one or
more payments on the notes.
|
¨
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Changes made by the investment advisers to the ETF or by the sponsor of the index underlying the ETF may adversely affect
the underlying — We are not affiliated with the investment adviser to the ETF or with the sponsor of the index underlying
the ETF. Accordingly, we have no control over any changes such investment adviser or sponsor may make to the ETF or the index underlying
the ETF. Such changes could be made at any time and could adversely affect the performance of the underlying.
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|
¨
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The U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the notes are unclear — There is no direct legal authority
as to the proper U.S. federal tax treatment of the notes, and we do not intend to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service
(the “IRS”). Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the notes are uncertain, and the
IRS or a court might not agree with the treatment described herein. If the IRS were successful in asserting an alternative
treatment, the tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the notes might be materially and adversely affected. As
described below under “United States Federal Tax Considerations,” the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have requested
comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar
financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the subject of future regulations or other guidance. In
addition, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation,
Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the
tax consequences of an investment in the notes, possibly with retroactive effect.
|
As described below under “United
States Federal Tax Considerations,” in connection with any information reporting requirements we may have in respect of the
notes under applicable law, we intend to treat a portion of each coupon payment as attributable to interest and the remainder to
option premium. However, in light of the uncertain treatment of the notes, it is possible that other persons having
withholding or information reporting responsibility in respect of the notes may treat a note differently, for instance, by treating
the entire coupon payment as ordinary income at the time received or accrued by a holder and/or treating some or all of each coupon
payment made to a non-U.S. investor on a note as subject to withholding tax at a rate of 30%. Moreover, it is possible
that in the future we may determine that we should withhold at a rate of 30% on coupon payments made to a non-U.S. investor on
the notes. If withholding applies to the notes, we will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to
amounts so withheld.
Non-U.S. Holders should also review
the section entitled “United States Federal Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders—Possible
Withholding Under Section 871(m) of the Code” regarding the risk of withholding in respect of “dividend
equivalents” on the notes.
You should review carefully the
section of this pricing supplement entitled “United States Federal Tax Considerations.” You should also consult your
tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the notes, as well as tax consequences arising under
the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Hypothetical terms only. Actual terms
may vary. See the cover page for actual offering terms.
The examples below illustrate the hypothetical payment upon an
issuer call or at maturity for a $10.00 stated principal amount note with the following assumptions* (the actual terms of the notes
are listed on the cover page of this pricing supplement; amounts may have been rounded
for ease of reference):
|
t
|
Stated Principal Amount: $10
|
|
t
|
Term: Approximately 1.25 years, unless called earlier
|
|
t
|
Hypothetical Initial Underlying Price: $140.00
|
|
t
|
Hypothetical Coupon Rate: 6.00% per annum (or 0.5% per month)
|
|
t
|
Hypothetical Monthly Coupon Payment: $0.05 per month per note
|
|
t
|
Issuer Call: Monthly, after approximately three months, as set forth on page PS-6 of this pricing supplement
|
|
t
|
Hypothetical Downside Threshold: $77.00, which is 55% of its hypothetical initial underlying price
|
*The hypothetical coupon rate may not represent the actual
coupon rate and the hypothetical initial underlying price and downside threshold may not represent the actual initial underlying
price and downside threshold, respectively. The actual coupon rate, initial underlying price and downside threshold are
listed on the cover page of this pricing supplement.
Example 1 — The notes are called on the third coupon
payment date.
Date
|
|
Payment (per note)
|
|
|
|
First Coupon Payment Date
|
|
$0.05
|
Second Coupon Payment Date
|
|
$0.05
|
Third Coupon Payment Date
|
|
$10.05 (principal amount plus coupon); notes are called
|
|
Total Payment:
|
$10.15 (1.50% total return)
|
Since the notes are not callable by us prior to the third coupon
payment date, we will pay you a coupon of $0.05 per note on each of the first two coupon payment dates. However, the notes are
called by us in our sole discretion on the third coupon payment date and we will pay you a total of $10.05 per note (equal to the
stated principal amount plus the coupon) on that coupon payment date. When added to the coupon payments of $0.10 received with
respect to the first two coupon payment dates, you would have been paid a total of $10.15 per note, representing a 1.50% total
return on the notes over the approximately three months the notes were outstanding before they were called by us in our sole discretion.
You will not receive any further payments on the notes.
Example 2 — The notes are NOT called and the final underlying
price is above the downside threshold.
Date
|
Closing Price of the Underlying
|
Payment (per note)
|
|
|
|
First through Fourteenth Coupon Payment Dates
|
N/A
|
$0.70 in total coupons; notes are not called
|
Final Valuation Date
|
$100.00 (at or above downside threshold)
|
$10.05 (principal amount plus final coupon)
|
|
Total Payment:
|
$10.75 (7.50%) total return)
|
Since the notes are not called by us on any of the first fourteen
coupon payment dates, we will pay you a coupon of $0.05 per note on each coupon payment date, for a total of $0.70. Because
the final underlying price is greater than the downside threshold, we will pay you $10 per note (equal to the stated principal
amount) on the maturity date, in addition to the final coupon. When added to the coupon payments of $0.70 received with
respect to the first fourteen coupon payment dates, you would have been paid a total of $10.75 per note, representing a 7.50% total
return on the notes over the 1.25 year term of the notes.
Example 3 — Notes are NOT called and the final underlying
price is below the downside threshold.
Date
|
Closing Price of the Underlying
|
Payment (per note)
|
|
|
|
First through Fourteenth Coupon Payment Dates
|
N/A
|
$0.70 in total coupons; notes are not called
|
Final Valuation Date
|
$42.00 (below downside threshold)
|
Final coupon + [$10.00 × (1
+ underlying return)] =
$0.05 + [$10.00 × (1 + -70.00%)]
=
$0.05 + ($10.00 × 0.30) =
$3.05
|
|
Total Payment:
|
$0.70 + $3.05 = $3.75
(-62.50% total return)
|
Since the notes are not called by us on any of the first fourteen
coupon payment dates, we will pay you a coupon of $0.05 per note on each coupon payment date, for a total of $0.70. On
the final valuation date, the underlying closes below the downside threshold. Therefore, at maturity, in addition to receiving
the final coupon, investors are exposed to the downside performance of the underlying and you will receive $3.05 per note, which
reflects the final coupon plus a return reflecting the percentage decrease of the underlying from the trade date to the
final valuation date. When added to the coupon payments of $0.70 received with respect to the first fourteen coupon payment dates,
you would have been paid a total of $3.75 per note, representing a 62.50% loss on the notes over the 1.25 year term of the notes.
Shares
of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF
The iShares®
Russell 2000 Value ETF is an exchange-traded fund that seeks to provide investment results, before expenses, that generally correspond
to the performance of the Russell 2000® Value Index. The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance
of equity securities of issuers included in the Russell 2000® Index (which is designed to track the small-capitalization
sector of the U.S. equity market) with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth relative to all issuers included
in the Russell 2000® Index. The iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF is an investment portfolio managed
by iShares® Trust. BlackRock Fund Advisors is the investment advisor to the iShares® Russell 2000
Value ETF. iShares® Trust is a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios,
including the iShares® Russell 2000 Value 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 iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF trades on the NYSE Arca under the ticker
symbol “IWN.”
We have derived all disclosures
contained in this pricing supplement regarding the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF from the publicly available documents
described above. We have not independently verified such information. Such information reflects the policies of, and is subject
to change by, iShares® Trust. and BlackRock Fund Advisors. In connection with the offering of the notes, 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® Russell 2000 Value ETF.
The following table sets
forth, for each of the quarterly periods indicated, the high and low closing prices of, and dividends paid on, shares of the iShares®
Russell 2000 Value ETF from January 3, 2011 through January 20, 2021. The closing price of the iShares®
Russell 2000 Value ETF on January 20, 2021 was $143.70. The initial underlying price with respect to shares of the iShares®
Russell 2000 Value ETF will be their closing price on the trade date. We obtained the closing prices and other information below
from Bloomberg, L.P., without independent verification. The closing prices and this other information may be adjusted by Bloomberg,
L.P. for corporate actions such as stock splits, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, delistings and bankruptcy. Since
its inception, the price of the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF has experienced significant fluctuations.
The historical performance of the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF should not be taken as an indication
of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the closing prices of the shares of the iShares® Russell
2000 Value ETF during the term of the notes. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the shares of the iShares®
Russell 2000 Value ETF will result in the return of any of your initial investment. We make no representation as to the amount
of dividends, if any, that the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF will pay in the future. In any event, as an investor
in the notes, you will not be entitled to receive dividends, if any, that may be payable on the shares of the iShares®
Russell 2000 Value ETF.
Quarter Begin
|
Quarter End
|
Quarterly
High
|
Quarterly
Low
|
Dividends
|
01/03/11
|
03/31/11
|
$75.38
|
$70.35
|
$0.24601
|
04/01/11
|
06/30/11
|
$76.55
|
$69.46
|
$0.00000
|
07/01/11
|
09/30/11
|
$75.49
|
$57.03
|
$0.65610
|
10/03/11
|
12/30/11
|
$67.49
|
$54.18
|
$0.42939
|
01/03/12
|
03/30/12
|
$74.16
|
$66.57
|
$0.30016
|
04/02/12
|
06/29/12
|
$73.94
|
$65.41
|
$0.00000
|
07/02/12
|
09/28/12
|
$76.87
|
$67.88
|
$0.81516
|
10/01/12
|
12/31/12
|
$75.88
|
$68.41
|
$0.77514
|
01/02/13
|
03/28/13
|
$84.46
|
$77.68
|
$0.00000
|
04/01/13
|
06/28/13
|
$88.13
|
$79.82
|
$0.30708
|
07/01/13
|
09/30/13
|
$92.43
|
$86.48
|
$0.81756
|
10/01/13
|
12/31/13
|
$99.50
|
$89.74
|
$0.63688
|
01/02/14
|
03/31/14
|
$102.18
|
$92.86
|
$0.36396
|
04/01/14
|
06/30/14
|
$103.26
|
$95.91
|
$0.00000
|
07/01/14
|
09/30/14
|
$104.27
|
$93.56
|
$0.89276
|
10/01/14
|
12/31/14
|
$102.97
|
$90.55
|
$0.65711
|
01/02/15
|
03/31/15
|
$104.36
|
$97.35
|
$0.42090
|
04/01/15
|
06/30/15
|
$105.29
|
$100.57
|
$0.00000
|
07/01/15
|
09/30/15
|
$102.30
|
$88.95
|
$0.56267
|
10/01/15
|
12/31/15
|
$98.46
|
$89.90
|
$0.99141
|
01/04/16
|
03/31/16
|
$93.21
|
$80.25
|
$0.39718
|
04/01/16
|
06/30/16
|
$99.66
|
$90.58
|
$0.00000
|
07/01/16
|
09/30/16
|
$105.91
|
$95.97
|
$0.94079
|
10/03/16
|
12/30/16
|
$121.97
|
$98.87
|
$0.73466
|
01/03/17
|
03/31/17
|
$122.02
|
$114.69
|
$0.41700
|
04/03/17
|
06/30/17
|
$121.11
|
$114.21
|
$0.00000
|
07/03/17
|
09/29/17
|
$124.12
|
$112.81
|
$1.00501
|
10/02/17
|
12/29/17
|
$128.04
|
$121.05
|
$0.81410
|
01/02/18
|
03/29/18
|
$130.86
|
$118.48
|
$0.41489
|
04/02/18
|
06/29/18
|
$135.64
|
$119.36
|
$0.00000
|
07/02/18
|
09/28/18
|
$137.10
|
$132.46
|
$0.62993
|
10/01/18
|
12/31/18
|
$131.92
|
$102.04
|
$1.09441
|
01/02/19
|
03/29/19
|
$125.80
|
$107.18
|
$0.51695
|
04/01/19
|
06/28/19
|
$126.06
|
$114.14
|
$0.58420
|
07/01/19
|
09/30/19
|
$123.96
|
$110.84
|
$0.57204
|
10/01/19
|
12/31/19
|
$129.00
|
$115.48
|
$0.79763
|
01/02/20
|
03/31/20
|
$129.50
|
$71.79
|
$0.45049
|
04/01/20
|
06/30/20
|
$109.12
|
$74.44
|
$0.43340
|
07/01/20
|
09/30/20
|
$108.28
|
$91.58
|
$0.57741
|
10/01/20
|
12/31/20
|
$132.30
|
$100.90
|
$0.65179
|
01/04/21
|
01/20/21*
|
$144.17
|
$130.00
|
$0.00000
|
*As of the date of this pricing supplement, available information for the first calendar quarter of 2021 includes data for the period from January 4, 2021 through January 20, 2021. Accordingly, the “Quarterly High,” “Quarterly Low” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the first calendar quarter of 2021.
|
The graph below illustrates
the performance of the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF from January 3, 2011 through January 20, 2021. The
closing price of the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF on January 20, 2021 was $143.70. We obtained
the closing prices of the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF from Bloomberg, and we have not participated
in the preparation of or verified such information. The historical closing prices of the shares of the iShares®
Russell 2000 Value ETF should not be taken as an indication of future performance and no assurance can be given as to the final
underlying price or any future closing price of the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF. We cannot give
you assurance that the performance of the shares of the iShares® Russell 2000 Value ETF will result in a positive
return on your initial investment and you could lose a significant portion or all of the stated principal amount at maturity.
United States Federal Tax Considerations
|
You should note that, other than the discussion
under “United States Federal Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Possible Taxable Event”
regarding the possible assumption of the notes by Citigroup Inc., the discussion under the section called “United
States Federal Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product supplement generally does not apply to the notes issued under
this pricing supplement and is superseded by the following discussion.
The following is a discussion of the material
U.S. federal income and certain estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the notes. It applies to
you only if you are an initial holder of a note that purchases the note for cash at its stated principal amount, and holds the
note as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code.
This discussion does not address all of the
tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances or if you are a holder subject to special
rules, such as:
|
·
|
a
financial institution;
|
|
·
|
a
dealer or trader subject to a mark-to-market method of tax accounting with respect to the notes;
|
|
·
|
a
person holding the notes as part of a “straddle” or conversion transaction or one who enters into a “constructive
sale” with respect to a note;
|
|
·
|
a
U.S. Holder (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
|
|
·
|
an
entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
|
|
·
|
a
regulated investment company;
|
|
·
|
a
tax-exempt entity, including an “individual retirement account” or “Roth IRA”; or
|
|
·
|
an
investor subject to special tax accounting rules under Section 451(b) of the Code.
|
If an entity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal
income tax purposes holds the notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of
the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partnership holding the notes or a partner in such a
partnership, you should consult your tax adviser as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of holding and disposing of
the notes to you.
This discussion is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements,
judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations, all as of the date of this pricing supplement, changes
to any of which may affect the tax consequences described herein, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion
does not address the effects of any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws, or the potential application of the Medicare
contribution tax. You should consult your tax adviser about the application of U.S. federal tax laws to your particular
situation (including the possibility of alternative treatments of the notes), as well as any tax consequences arising under the
laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction.
Tax Treatment of the Notes
Due to the absence of statutory, judicial or administrative authorities
that directly address the U.S. federal tax treatment of the notes or similar instruments, there is substantial uncertainty regarding
the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the notes. In connection with any information reporting requirements
we may have in respect of the notes under applicable law, we intend (in the absence of an administrative determination or judicial
ruling to the contrary) to treat each note for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a unit comprising (i) an option written by you
that, if exercised, requires you to pay us an amount equal to the Deposit (as defined below) in exchange for a cash payment from
us based on the underlying return of the least performing underlying (the “Put Option”) and (ii) a deposit with us
of a fixed amount of cash equal to the stated principal amount of the note to secure your potential obligation under the Put Option
(the “Deposit”). In the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, which is based on current
market conditions, this treatment of the notes is reasonable under current law; however, our counsel has advised us that due to
the lack of any controlling legal authority it is unable to conclude affirmatively that this treatment is more likely than not
to be upheld, and that alternative treatments are possible. Under this treatment:
· a
portion of each coupon payment made with respect to a note will be attributable to interest on the Deposit; and
· the
remainder will represent option premium attributable to your grant of the Put Option (with respect to each coupon payment received
and, collectively, all coupon payments received, “Put Premium”).
We will treat 2.61% of each coupon payment as interest on the
Deposit and 97.39% as Put Premium for each note.
We do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS, and the IRS
or a court might not agree with this treatment. Accordingly, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S.
federal tax consequences of an investment in the notes. Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion is based on
the treatment of each note as a Put Option and a Deposit.
Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders
This section applies only to U.S. Holders. You are
a “U.S. Holder” if for U.S. federal income tax purposes you are a beneficial owner of a note that is:
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a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
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·
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a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any
state thereof or the District of Columbia; or
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·
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an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.
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Coupon Payments. We intend to treat interest paid with
respect to the Deposit as ordinary interest income that is taxable to you at the time it accrues or is received, in accordance
with your method of tax accounting. The Put Premium should not be taken into account until retirement or earlier sale
or exchange of the note.
Sale or Exchange Prior to Retirement. Upon
a sale or exchange of a note prior to retirement, you should apportion the amount realized between the Deposit and the Put Option
based on their respective values on the date of sale or exchange. If the value of the Put Option is negative, you should
be treated as having made a payment of such negative value to the purchaser in exchange for the purchaser’s assumption of
the Put Option, in which case a corresponding amount should be added to the amount realized in respect of the Deposit.
You should recognize gain or loss with respect to the Deposit
in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized that is apportioned to the Deposit (other than any amount
attributable to accrued interest on the Deposit, which should be treated as a payment of interest) and (ii) your basis in the Deposit
(i.e., the price you paid to acquire the note). Such gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if you have
held the note for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss otherwise.
You should recognize gain or loss in respect of the Put Option
in an amount equal to the total Put Premium you previously received, decreased by the amount deemed to be paid by you, or increased
by the amount deemed to be paid to you, in exchange for the purchaser’s assumption of the Put Option. This gain
or loss should be short-term capital gain or loss.
Tax Treatment at Retirement. The coupon payment
received upon retirement will be treated as described above under “Coupon Payments.”
If a note is retired for its stated principal amount (without
taking into account any coupon payment), the Put Option should be deemed to have expired unexercised, in which case you should
recognize short-term capital gain in an amount equal to the sum of all payments of Put Premium received, including the Put Premium
received upon retirement.
At maturity, if you receive an amount of cash, not counting the
final coupon payment, that is different from the stated principal amount, the Put Option should be deemed to have been exercised
and you should be deemed to have applied the Deposit toward the cash settlement of the Put Option. In that case, you should recognise
short-term capital gain or loss with respect to the Put Option in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the
total Put Premium received (including the Put Premium received at maturity) and the cash you receive at maturity, excluding the
final coupon payment, and (ii) the Deposit.
Possible Taxable Event. In the event of a designation
of a successor underlying, it is possible that the notes could be treated, in whole or part, as terminated and reissued for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. In such a case, you might be required to recognize gain or loss (subject to the possible
application of the wash sale rules) with respect to the notes.
Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the
Notes
Alternative U.S. federal income tax treatments of the notes are
possible that, if applied, could materially and adversely affect the timing and/or character of income, gain or loss with respect
to the notes. A note could be treated as a debt instrument issued by us, in which case the timing and character of taxable
income with respect to coupon payments on the notes would differ from that described herein and all or a portion of any gain you
realize would generally be treated as ordinary income. In addition, you could be subject to special reporting requirements
if any loss exceeded certain thresholds. Under other possible treatments, the entire coupon on the notes might either
be (i) treated as income to you at the time received or accrued or (ii) not accounted for separately as giving rise to income to
you until the sale, exchange or retirement of the notes. You should consult your tax adviser regarding these issues.
Other possible U.S. federal income tax treatments of the notes
are possible that could also affect the timing and character of income or loss with respect to the notes. In addition,
the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS have requested comments on various issues regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment
of “prepaid forward contracts” and similar financial instruments and have indicated that such transactions may be the
subject of future regulations or other guidance. In addition, members of Congress have proposed legislative changes
to the tax treatment of derivative contracts. Any legislation, Treasury regulations or other guidance promulgated after
consideration of these issues could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the notes, possibly
with retroactive effect. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment
in the notes.
Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
This section applies only to Non-U.S. Holders. You
are a “Non-U.S. Holder” if you are a beneficial owner of a note that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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·
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an individual who is classified as a nonresident alien;
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a foreign corporation; or
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a foreign trust or estate.
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You are not a Non-U.S. Holder for the purposes of this discussion
if you are (i) an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition or (ii)
a former citizen or resident of the United States. If you are or may become such a person during the period in which
you hold a note, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the notes
to you.
Subject to the discussions below regarding Section 871(m) and
“FATCA,” under current law, you generally should not be subject to U.S. federal withholding or income tax in respect
of payments on the notes or amounts received on the sale, exchange or retirement of the notes, provided that (i) income in respect
of the notes is not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, and (ii) you provide to
the applicable withholding agent an appropriate IRS Form W-8 certifying under penalties of perjury that you are not a U.S. person.
If you are engaged in a U.S. trade or business, and if income
from the notes is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business, you generally will be subject to regular U.S.
federal income tax with respect to that income in the same manner as if you were a U.S. Holder, unless an applicable income tax
treaty provides otherwise. If you are a Non-U.S. Holder to which this paragraph may apply, you should consult your tax
adviser regarding other U.S. tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the notes. If you are a corporation, you should
also consider the potential application of a 30% (or lower treaty rate) branch profits tax.
As described above under “—Tax Consequences to U.S.
Holders—Possible Alternative Tax Treatments of an Investment in the Notes” alternative tax treatments could apply to
the notes, in which case the tax consequences to you could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, potential
legislative or regulatory changes to the tax treatment of the notes could adversely impact your consequences of an investment in
the notes.
Possible Withholding Under Section 871(m) of the Code.
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. However, the regulations, as modified
by an IRS notice, exempt financial instruments issued prior to January 1, 2023 that do not have a “delta” of one. Based
on the terms of the notes and representations provided by us, our counsel is of the opinion that the notes 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 subject to withholding tax under Section 871(m).
A determination that the notes 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, including your other transactions. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the
potential application of Section 871(m) to the notes.
While we currently do not intend to withhold on payments on
the notes to Non-U.S. Holders (subject to the certification requirement described above, the discussion above regarding Section
871(m) and the discussion below regarding “FATCA”), in light of the uncertain treatment of the notes other persons
having withholding or information reporting responsibility in respect of the notes may treat some or all of each coupon payment
on a note as subject to withholding tax at a rate of 30%. Moreover, it is possible that in the future we may determine
that we should withhold at a rate of 30% on coupon payments on the notes. We will not be required to pay any additional
amounts with respect to amounts withheld.
U.S. Federal Estate Tax
If you are an individual Non-U.S. Holder, or an entity the property
of which is potentially includible in such an individual’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example,
a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), you should
note that, absent an applicable treaty exemption, a note may be treated as U.S.-situs property subject to U.S. federal estate tax. If
you are such an individual or entity, you should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of
an investment in the notes.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Amounts paid on the notes, and payment of the proceeds of a sale,
exchange or other taxable disposition of the notes, may be subject to information reporting and, if you fail to provide certain
identifying information (such as an accurate taxpayer identification number if you are a
U.S. Holder) or meet certain other conditions, may also be subject
to backup withholding at the rate specified in the Code. If you are a Non-U.S. Holder that provides the applicable withholding
agent with an appropriate IRS Form W-8, you will generally establish an exemption from backup withholding. Amounts withheld
under the backup withholding rules are not additional taxes and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax
liability, provided the relevant information is timely furnished to the IRS.
FATCA
Legislation commonly referred to as “FATCA” generally
imposes a withholding tax of 30% on payments to certain non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries) with respect to
certain financial instruments, unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements have been satisfied. An
intergovernmental agreement between the United States and the non-U.S. entity’s jurisdiction may modify these requirements. This
legislation generally applies to certain financial instruments that are treated as paying U.S.-source interest, dividend equivalents
or other U.S.-source “fixed or determinable annual or periodical” income (“FDAP income”). Withholding
(if applicable) applies to payments of U.S.-source FDAP income. While existing Treasury regulations would also require
withholding on payments of gross proceeds of the disposition (including upon retirement) of certain financial instruments treated
as providing for U.S.-source interest or dividends, the U.S. Treasury Department has indicated in subsequent proposed regulations
its intent to eliminate this requirement. The U.S. Treasury Department has indicated that taxpayers may rely on these
proposed regulations pending their finalization. Although the application of the FATCA rules to the notes is not entirely
clear because the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes is unclear, it would be prudent to assume that a withholding agent
will treat the notes as subject to the withholding rules under FATCA. If withholding applies to the notes, we will not
be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts withheld. You should consult your tax adviser regarding
the potential application of FATCA to the notes.
The preceding discussion, when read in
conjunction with “United States Federal Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—Possible Taxable
Event” in the accompanying product supplement, constitutes the full opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP regarding the
material U.S. federal tax consequences of owning and disposing of the notes.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding
all aspects of the U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of an investment in the notes, and any tax consequences arising
under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.
Supplemental Plan of Distribution
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CGMI, an affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
and the lead agent for the sale of the notes, will not receive an underwriting discount for any note sold in this offering. UBS,
as agent for sales of the notes, has agreed to purchase from CGMI, and CGMI has agreed to sell to UBS, all of the notes sold in
this offering for $10.00 per note. UBS proposes to offer the notes to the public at a price of $10.00 per note. UBS
will not receive any underwriting discount for any note it sells in this offering. Investors that purchase and hold
the notes in fee-based advisory accounts will pay advisory fees to UBS based on the amount of assets held in those accounts. If
all of the notes are not sold at the initial offering price, CGMI may change the public offering price and other selling terms.
CGMI is an affiliate of ours. Accordingly, this offering will
conform with the requirements addressing conflicts of interest when distributing the notes 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 notes, either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the
client.
See “Plan of Distribution; Conflicts of Interest”
in the accompanying product supplement and “Plan of Distribution” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus
for additional information.
A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes will
be used to hedge our obligations under the notes. We have hedged our obligations under the notes through CGMI or other of our affiliates. It
is expected that CGMI or such other affiliates may profit from this hedging activity even if the value of the notes declines. This
hedging activity could affect the closing price of the underlying and, therefore, the value of and your return on the notes. For
additional information on the ways in which our counterparties may hedge our obligations under the notes, see “Use of Proceeds
and Hedging” in the accompanying prospectus.
Certain Selling Restrictions
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Prohibition of Sales to EEA Retail Investors
The notes may not be offered, sold or otherwise made available
to any retail investor in the European Economic Area. For the purposes of this provision:
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(a)
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the expression “retail investor” means a person who is one (or more) of the following:
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(i)
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a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or
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(ii)
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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
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(iii)
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not a qualified investor as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC; and
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(b)
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the expression “offer” includes the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the
terms of the offer and the notes offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes.
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Valuation
of the Notes
CGMI calculated the estimated value of the notes 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 notes by estimating the value of a hypothetical package of financial instruments that would
replicate the payout on the notes, which consists of a fixed-income bond (the “bond component”) and one or more
derivative instruments underlying the economic terms of the notes (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 notes 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.
During a temporary adjustment period immediately following issuance
of the notes, the price, if any, at which CGMI would be willing to buy the notes from investors, and the value that will be indicated
for the notes on any 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 notes. The amount of this temporary upward
adjustment will decline to zero over the temporary adjustment period. CGMI
currently expects that the temporary adjustment period will be approximately three months, but the actual length of the temporary
adjustment period may be shortened due to various factors, such as the volume of secondary market purchases of the notes and other
factors that cannot be predicted. However, CGMI is not obligated to buy the notes from investors at any time. See
“Summary Risk Factors—The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange and you may not be able to sell them
prior to maturity.”
Validity
of the Notes
In the opinion of Davis
Polk & Wardwell LLP, as special products counsel to Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc., when the notes offered by this
pricing supplement have been executed and issued by Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and authenticated by the trustee pursuant
to the indenture, and delivered against payment therefor, such notes and the related guarantee of Citigroup Inc. will be valid
and binding obligations of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc., respectively, enforceable in accordance with
their respective terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally,
concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability (including, without limitation, concepts of good faith,
fair dealing and the lack of bad faith), provided that such counsel expresses no opinion as to the effect of fraudulent conveyance,
fraudulent transfer or similar provision of applicable law on the conclusions expressed above. This opinion is given as of the
date of this pricing supplement and is limited to the laws of the State of New York, except that such counsel expresses no opinion
as to the application of state securities or Blue Sky laws to the notes.
In giving this opinion,
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has assumed the legal conclusions expressed in the opinions set forth below of Scott L. Flood, General
Counsel and Secretary of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc., and Barbara Politi, Assistant General Counsel—Capital Markets
of Citigroup Inc. In addition, this opinion is subject to the assumptions set forth in the letter of Davis Polk &
Wardwell LLP dated May 17, 2018, which has been filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Citigroup Inc. on
May 17, 2018, that the indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and is a valid, binding and enforceable agreement
of, the trustee and that none of the terms of the notes nor the issuance and delivery of the notes and the related guarantee, nor
the compliance by Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc. with the terms of the notes and the related guarantee
respectively, will result in a violation of any provision of any instrument or agreement then binding upon Citigroup Global Markets
Holdings Inc. or Citigroup Inc., as applicable, or any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction
over Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. or Citigroup Inc., as applicable.
In the opinion of Scott
L. Flood, Secretary and General Counsel of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc., (i) the terms of the notes offered by this pricing
supplement have been duly established under the indenture and the Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee thereof) of
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. has duly authorized the issuance and sale of such notes and such authorization has not been
modified or rescinded; (ii) Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of New York; (iii) the indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.;
and (iv) the execution and delivery of such indenture and of the notes offered by this pricing supplement by Citigroup Global Markets
Holdings Inc., and the performance by Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. of its obligations thereunder, are within its corporate
powers and do not contravene its certificate of incorporation or bylaws or other constitutive documents. This opinion is given
as of the date of this pricing supplement and is limited to the laws of the State of New York.
Scott L. Flood, or other
internal attorneys with whom he has consulted, has examined and is familiar with originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified
to his satisfaction, of such corporate records of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc., certificates or documents as he has deemed
appropriate as a basis for the opinions expressed above. In such examination, he or such persons has assumed the legal capacity
of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of officers of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.),
the authenticity of all documents submitted to him or such persons as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents
submitted to him or such persons as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such copies.
In the opinion of Barbara
Politi, Assistant General Counsel—Capital Markets of Citigroup Inc., (i) the Board of Directors (or a duly authorized committee
thereof) of Citigroup Inc. has duly authorized the guarantee of such notes by Citigroup Inc. and such authorization has not been
modified or rescinded; (ii) Citigroup Inc. is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware; (iii)
the indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by Citigroup Inc.; and (iv) the execution and delivery of such indenture,
and the performance by Citigroup Inc. of its obligations thereunder, are within its corporate powers and do not contravene its
certificate of incorporation or bylaws or
other constitutive documents. This
opinion is given as of the date of this pricing supplement and is limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
Barbara Politi, or other
internal attorneys with whom she has consulted, has examined and is familiar with originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified
to her satisfaction, of such corporate records of Citigroup Inc., certificates or documents as she has deemed appropriate as a
basis for the opinions expressed above. In such examination, she or such persons has assumed the legal capacity of all natural
persons, the genuineness of all signatures (other than those of officers of Citigroup Inc.), the authenticity of all documents
submitted to her or such persons as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to her or such persons
as certified or photostatic copies and the authenticity of the originals of such copies.
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rights reserved. Citi and Citi and Arc Design are trademarks and service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates and
are used and registered throughout the world.
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