KEY TERMS
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Issuer:
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Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Citigroup
Inc.
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Guarantee:
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All payments due on the securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed
by Citigroup Inc.
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Underlying
indices:
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Underlying
indices
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Initial
index level*
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Downside
threshold level**
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Russell
2000® Index
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S&P
500® Index
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Nasdaq-100
Index®
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* For each underlying index, its closing
level on the pricing date
** For each underlying index, 80%
of its initial index level
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Aggregate stated principal amount:
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$
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Stated principal amount:
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$1,000 per security
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Pricing date:
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April , 2021 (expected to be April 30, 2021)
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Issue date:
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May , 2021 (three business days after the pricing date)
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Valuation dates:
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Expected to be July 30, 2021, November 1, 2021, January 31, 2022, May 2, 2022, August
1, 2022, October 31, 2022, January 30, 2023 and May 1, 2023 (the “final valuation date”), each subject to postponement
if such date is not a scheduled trading day for any underlying index or if certain market disruption events occur with respect to
any underlying index.
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Maturity date:
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Unless earlier automatically redeemed, May , 2023 (expected
to be May 4, 2023)
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Contingent coupon payment dates:
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For each valuation date, the third business day after such valuation date, except that
the contingent coupon payment date for the final valuation date will be the maturity date.
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Contingent coupon:
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On each quarterly contingent coupon payment date, unless previously automatically redeemed,
the securities will pay a contingent coupon equal to 2.15% of the stated principal amount of the securities (8.60% per annum) if
and only if the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on the related valuation date is greater than or equal
to its downside threshold level. If the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on any quarterly valuation
date is less than its downside threshold level, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon
payment date.
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Payment at maturity:
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If the securities are not automatically
redeemed prior to maturity, for each $1,000 stated principal amount security you hold at maturity, you will receive cash in an amount
determined as follows:
▪ If
the final index level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is greater than or equal to its
downside threshold level: $1,000 + the contingent coupon payment due at maturity
▪ If
the final index level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is less than its downside threshold
level: $1,000 + ($1,000 × the index return of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date)
If the final index level of the
worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is less than its downside threshold level, you will receive less, and
possibly significantly less, than 80% of the stated principal amount of your securities at maturity, and you will not receive any
contingent coupon payment at maturity.
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Listing:
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The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange
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Underwriter:
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Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), an affiliate of the issuer, acting
as principal
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Underwriting fee and issue price:
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Issue price(1)
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Underwriting fee
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Proceeds to issuer
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Per security:
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$1,000.00
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$15.00(2)
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$980.00
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$5.00(3)
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Total:
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$
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$
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$
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(Key Terms continued
on next page)
(1) Citigroup Global Markets Holdings
Inc. currently expects that the estimated value of the securities on the pricing date will be at least $914.50 per security, which will
be less than the issue price. The estimated value of the securities is based on CGMI’s proprietary pricing models and our internal
funding rate. It is not an indication of actual profit to CGMI or other of our affiliates, nor is it an indication of the price, if any,
at which CGMI or any other person may be willing to buy the securities from you at any time after issuance. See “Valuation of the
Securities” in this pricing supplement.
(2) CGMI, an affiliate of Citigroup Global
Markets Holdings Inc. and the underwriter of the sale of the securities, is acting as principal and will receive an underwriting fee
of $20.00 for each $1,000 security sold in this offering. Certain selected dealers, including Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, and their
financial advisors will collectively receive from CGMI a fixed selling concession of $15.00 for each $1,000 security they sell. Additionally,
it is possible that CGMI and its affiliates may profit from expected hedging activity related to this offering, even if the value of
the securities declines. See “Use of Proceeds and Hedging” in the accompanying prospectus.
(3) Reflects a structuring fee payable
to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management by CGMI of $5.00 for each security.
Investing in the securities involves
risks not associated with an investment in conventional debt securities. See “Summary Risk Factors” beginning on page PS-8.
Neither the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities or
determined that this pricing supplement and the accompanying product supplement, underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus
are truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
You should read
this pricing supplement together with the accompanying product supplement, underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus,
each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below:
Product Supplement No. EA-04-08 dated February 15, 2019 Underlying Supplement No. 8 dated February 21, 2019
Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement each dated May 14, 2018
The securities
are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency,
nor are they obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
|
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KEY TERMS (continued)
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Automatic early redemption:
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If, on any valuation date (other than the final valuation date), the closing level of the worst
performing underlying index on that valuation date is greater than or equal to its initial index level, each security you then hold
will be automatically redeemed on the related contingent coupon payment date for an amount in cash equal to the early redemption
payment. If the securities are redeemed, no further payments will be made.
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Early redemption payment:
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The stated principal amount of $1,000 per security plus the related contingent coupon payment
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Final index level:
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For each underlying index, its closing level on the final valuation date
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Index return:
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For each underlying index on any valuation date, (i) its closing level on that valuation date minus
its initial index level, divided by (ii) its initial index level
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Worst performing underlying index:
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For any valuation date, the underlying index with the lowest index return on that valuation date
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CUSIP / ISIN:
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17329FQR8 / US17329FQR81
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Additional Information
General. The terms of the securities are set forth in the accompanying
product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, as supplemented by this pricing supplement. The accompanying product supplement,
prospectus supplement and prospectus contain important disclosures that are not repeated in this pricing supplement. For example, certain
events may occur that could affect whether you receive a contingent coupon payment on a contingent coupon payment date as well as your
payment at maturity. These events 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 Index—Discontinuance or Material Modification of
an Underlying Index,” and not in this pricing supplement. The accompanying underlying supplement contains important disclosures
regarding each underlying index that are not repeated in this pricing supplement. It is important that you read the accompanying product
supplement, underlying supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus together with this pricing supplement before deciding whether
to invest in the securities. Certain terms used but not defined in this pricing supplement are defined in the accompanying product supplement.
Prospectus. The first sentence of “Description of Debt
Securities— Events of Default and Defaults” in the accompanying prospectus shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
Events of default under the indenture are:
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•
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failure of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings or Citigroup to pay required interest on any debt security of such series for 30 days;
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•
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failure of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings or Citigroup to pay principal, other than a scheduled installment payment to a sinking fund, on any debt security of such series for 30 days;
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•
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failure of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings or Citigroup to make any required scheduled installment payment to a sinking fund for 30 days on debt securities of such series;
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•
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failure of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings to perform for 90 days after notice any other covenant in the indenture applicable to it other than a covenant included in the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than such series; and
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•
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certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings, whether voluntary or not (Section 6.01).
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Investment Summary
The securities provide an opportunity for investors to earn a quarterly
contingent coupon payment, which is an amount equal to $21.50 (2.15% of the stated principal amount) per security, with respect to each
quarterly valuation date on which the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on that valuation date is greater than or
equal to 80% of its initial index level, which we refer to as its downside threshold level. The quarterly contingent coupon payment, if
any, will be payable quarterly on the relevant contingent coupon payment date, which is the third business day after the related valuation
date or, in the case of the quarterly contingent coupon payment, if any, with respect to the final valuation date, the maturity date.
If the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on any valuation date is less than its downside threshold level, investors
will receive no quarterly contingent coupon payment for the related quarterly period. It is possible that the closing level of the worst
performing underlying index could be below its downside threshold level on most or all of the valuation dates so that you will receive
few or no quarterly contingent coupon payments. We refer to these payments as contingent because there is no guarantee that you will receive
a payment on any contingent coupon payment date. Even if the closing level of the worst performing underlying index was at or above its
downside threshold level on some quarterly valuation dates, the closing level of the worst performing underlying index may fluctuate below
its downside threshold level on others.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
|
|
If the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on any
valuation date (other than the final valuation date) is greater than or equal to its initial index level, the securities will be automatically
redeemed for an early redemption payment equal to the stated principal amount plus the quarterly contingent coupon payment with
respect to the related valuation date. If the securities have not previously been automatically redeemed and the final index level of
the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is greater than or equal to its downside threshold level, the payment
at maturity will also be the sum of the stated principal amount and the quarterly contingent coupon payment with respect to the final
valuation date. However, if the securities have not previously been automatically redeemed and the final index level of the worst performing
underlying index on the final valuation date is less than its downside threshold level, investors will be exposed to the decline in the
closing level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date, as compared to its initial index level, on a 1-to-1
basis. Under these circumstances, the payment at maturity will be (i) the stated principal amount plus (ii) (a) the stated principal
amount times (b) the index return of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date, which means that the payment
at maturity will be less than 80% of the stated principal amount of the securities and could be zero. Investors in the securities must
be willing to accept the risk of losing their entire principal and also the risk of receiving few or no quarterly contingent coupon payments
over the term of the securities. The stated payments on the securities are based solely on the performance of the worst performing
underlying index on each valuation date. As a result, investors will be negatively affected by adverse movements in any one of the underlying
indices, regardless of the performance of the others. In addition, investors will not participate in any appreciation of any of the underlying
indices.
Key Investment Rationale
The securities offer investors an opportunity to earn a quarterly contingent
coupon payment equal to 2.15% of the stated principal amount with respect to each valuation date on which the closing level of the worst
performing underlying index on that valuation date is greater than or equal to 80% of its initial index level, which we refer to as its
downside threshold level. The securities may be automatically redeemed prior to maturity for the stated principal amount per security
plus the applicable quarterly contingent coupon payment, and the payment at maturity will vary depending on the final index level
of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date, as follows:
Scenario 1
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On any valuation date (other than the final valuation
date), the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on that valuation date is greater than or equal to its initial index
level.
■ The
securities will be automatically redeemed for (i) the stated principal amount plus (ii) the quarterly contingent coupon payment
with respect to the related valuation date.
■ Investors
will not participate in any appreciation of any of the underlying indices from their applicable initial index levels.
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Scenario 2
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The securities are not automatically redeemed prior
to maturity, and the final index level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is greater than or equal to
its downside threshold level.
■ The
payment due at maturity will be (i) the stated principal amount plus (ii) the quarterly contingent coupon payment with respect
to the final valuation date.
■ Investors
will not participate in any appreciation of any of the underlying indices from their applicable initial index levels.
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Scenario 3
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The securities are not automatically redeemed prior
to maturity, and the final index level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is less than its downside
threshold level.
■ The
payment due at maturity will be (i) the stated principal amount plus (ii) (a) the stated principal amount times (b) the
index return of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date.
■ Investors
will lose a significant portion, and may lose all, of their principal in this scenario.
|
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
|
|
How the Securities
Work
The following diagrams illustrate potential payments on the securities.
The first diagram illustrates how to determine whether a contingent coupon payment will be paid with respect to a quarterly valuation
date. The second diagram illustrates how to determine whether the securities will be automatically redeemed following a valuation date
(other than the final valuation date). The third diagram illustrates how to determine the payment at maturity if the securities are not
automatically redeemed prior to maturity.
Diagram #1: Quarterly Contingent Coupon Payments
Diagram #2: Automatic Early Redemption
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
|
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Diagram #3: Payment at Maturity if No Automatic
Early Redemption Occurs
For more information about contingent coupon payments and the
payment upon an early automatic redemption or at maturity in different hypothetical scenarios, see “Hypothetical Examples”
starting on page PS-6.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
|
|
Hypothetical Examples
The examples below illustrate how to determine whether a contingent
coupon will be paid with respect to a quarterly valuation date, how to determine whether the securities will be automatically redeemed
prior to maturity and how to calculate the payment at maturity on the securities if the securities are not automatically redeemed prior
to maturity. You should understand that the term of the securities, and your opportunity to receive the contingent coupon payments on
the securities, may be limited to as short as three months if the securities are automatically redeemed prior to the maturity date. For
ease of analysis, figures in the examples below may have been rounded.
The examples below are based on the following hypothetical values and
assumptions in order to illustrate how the securities work and do not reflect the actual quarterly contingent coupon, initial index levels
of any of the underlying indices or their applicable downside threshold levels, each of which will be determined on the pricing date:
Hypothetical quarterly contingent coupon payment:
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$21.50 (2.15% of the stated principal amount) per security
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Hypothetical initial index level:
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With respect to the Russell 2000® Index, 2,200.000
With respect to the S&P 500® Index, 4,000.00
With respect to the Nasdaq-100 Index®, 13,900.00
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Hypothetical downside threshold level:
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With respect to the Russell 2000® Index, 1,760.000,
which is 80% of its hypothetical initial index level
With respect to the S&P 500® Index, 3,200.000,
which is 80% of its hypothetical initial index level
With respect to the Nasdaq-100 Index®, 11,120.000,
which is 80% of its hypothetical initial index level
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How to determine whether a contingent coupon is payable
with respect to a quarterly valuation date and whether the securities are automatically redeemed following that valuation date:
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Hypothetical closing level of the Russell 2000® Index
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Hypothetical closing level of the S&P 500® Index
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Hypothetical closing level of the Nasdaq-100 Index®
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Hypothetical contingent coupon payment or payment upon automatic early redemption per security
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Example 1: Hypothetical Valuation Date 1
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1,980.000
(index return = -10%)
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4,400.00
(index return = 10%)
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14,595.00
(index return = 5%)
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$21.50
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Example 2: Hypothetical Valuation Date 2
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2,420.000
(index return = 10%)
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2,400.00
(index return = -40%)
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16,680.00
(index return = 20%)
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$0.00
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Example 3: Hypothetical Valuation Date 3
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1,870.000
(index return = -15%)
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3,800.00
(index return = -5%)
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7,645.00
(index return = -45%)
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$0.00
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Example 4: Hypothetical Valuation Date 4
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2,310.000
(index return = 5%)
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4,800.00
(index return = 20%)
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15,290.00
(index return = 10%)
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$1,021.50
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Example 1: In this example,
the Russell 2000® Index has the lowest index return and, therefore, is the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical
valuation date 1. In this scenario, the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical valuation date 1 is greater
than its downside threshold level and, as a result, investors in the securities would receive the contingent coupon payment of $21.50
per security on the related contingent coupon payment date. Because the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical
valuation date 1 is less than its initial index level, the securities would not be automatically redeemed following that valuation date,
even though the closing levels of the other underlying indices on that valuation date are greater than their respective initial index
levels.
Example 2: In this example,
the S&P 500® Index has the lowest index return and, therefore, is the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical
valuation date 2. In this scenario, the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical valuation date 2 is less
than its downside threshold level and, as a result, investors would not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent
coupon payment date, even though the closing levels of the other underlying indices are greater than their respective initial index levels.
In addition, because the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical valuation date 2 is less than its initial
index level, the securities would not be automatically redeemed following that valuation date.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
|
|
Example 3: In this example,
the Nasdaq-100 Index® has the lowest index return and, therefore, is the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical
valuation date 3. In this scenario, the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical valuation date 3 is less
than its downside threshold level and, as a result, investors would not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent
coupon payment date, even though the closing levels of the other underlying indices are greater than their respective downside threshold
levels. In addition, because the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical valuation date 3 is less than
its initial index level, the securities would not be automatically redeemed following that valuation date.
Investors in the securities
will not receive a contingent coupon payment with respect to a valuation date if the closing level of the worst performing underlying
index on that valuation date is less than its downside threshold level, even if the closing levels of the other underlying indices are
greater than their respective downside threshold levels.
Example 4: In this example,
the Russell 2000® Index has the lowest index return and, therefore, is the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical
valuation date 4. In this scenario, the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on hypothetical valuation date 4 is greater
than its initial index level, and the securities would be automatically redeemed on the related contingent coupon payment date for
the early redemption payment, which is an amount in cash equal to the stated principal amount plus the related contingent coupon payment,
or $1,021.50 per security.
How to determine the payment at maturity on the
securities if the securities are not earlier automatically redeemed:
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Hypothetical final index level of the Russell 2000® Index
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Hypothetical final index level of the S&P 500® Index
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Hypothetical final index level of the Nasdaq-100 Index®
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Hypothetical payment at maturity per security
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Example 5
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2,420.000
(index return = 10%)
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4,800.00
(index return = 20%)
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15,985.00
(index return = 15%)
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$1,021.50
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Example 6
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2,310.000
(index return = 5%)
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1,600.00
(index return = -60%)
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13,900.00
(index return = 0%)
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$400.00
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Example 7
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1,870.000
(index return = -15%)
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3,600.00
(index return = -10%)
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2,780.00
(index return = -80%)
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$200.00
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Example 5: In this example,
the Russell 2000® Index is the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date. In this scenario, the final
index level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is greater than its downside threshold level.
Accordingly, at maturity, you would receive the stated principal amount of the securities plus the contingent coupon payment of
$21.50 per security, but you would not participate in the appreciation of any of the underlying indices even though all of the underlying
indices have appreciated from their respective initial index levels.
Example 6: In this example,
the S&P 500® Index is the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date. In this scenario, the final
index level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is less than its downside threshold level. Accordingly,
at maturity, you would receive a payment per security calculated as follows:
Payment at maturity = $1,000
+ ($1,000 × the index return of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -60%)
= $1,000 + -$600
= $400
In this scenario, you would receive
significantly less than the stated principal amount of your securities at maturity. You would incur a loss based on the performance of
the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date, even though the final index levels of the other underlying indices
are greater than their respective downside threshold levels.
Example 7: In this example,
the Nasdaq-100 Index® is the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date and its final index level is
less than its downside threshold level. Accordingly, at maturity, you would receive a payment per security calculated as follows:
Payment at maturity = $1,000
+ ($1,000 × the index return of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date)
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -80%)
= $1,000 + -$800
= $200
In this scenario, because the closing level of the worst performing
underlying index on the final valuation date is less than its downside threshold level, you would lose a significant portion of your investment
in the securities, even though the final index levels of the other underlying indices are greater than their respective downside threshold
levels.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
|
|
Summary Risk Factors
An investment in the securities is significantly riskier than an investment
in conventional debt securities. The securities are subject to all of the risks associated with an investment in our conventional debt
securities that are guaranteed by Citigroup Inc., including the risk that we and Citigroup Inc. may default on our obligations under the
securities, and are also subject to risks associated with each of the underlying indices. Accordingly, the securities are appropriate
only for investors who are capable of understanding the complexities and risks of the securities. You should consult your own financial,
tax and legal advisors as to the risks of an investment in the securities and the appropriateness of the securities in light of your particular
circumstances.
The following is a summary of certain key risk factors for investors
in the securities. You should read this summary together with the more detailed description of risks relating to an investment in the
securities contained in the section “Risk Factors Relating to the Securities” beginning on page EA-7 in the accompanying product
supplement. You should also carefully read the risk factors included in the accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated
by reference in the accompanying prospectus, including Citigroup Inc.’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which describe risks relating to the business of Citigroup Inc. more generally.
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▪
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You may lose a significant portion or all of your investment. Unlike conventional debt securities, the securities do not provide
for the repayment of the stated principal amount at maturity in all circumstances. If the securities are not automatically redeemed prior
to maturity and the final index level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is less than its downside threshold
level, you will lose a significant portion or all of your investment, based on a loss of 1% of the stated principal amount of the securities
for every 1% by which the final index level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date is less than its initial
index level, regardless of the performance of the other underlying indices. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities,
and you may lose up to all of your investment. If the final index level of any underlying index is less than its downside threshold
level, you will be fully exposed to any depreciation of the worst performing underlying index from its initial index level to its final
index level.
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|
▪
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You will not receive any contingent coupon payment for any quarter in which the closing level of the worst performing underlying
index on the related valuation date is less than its downside threshold level. A contingent coupon payment will be made on a contingent
coupon payment date if and only if the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on the related valuation date is greater
than or equal to its downside threshold level. If the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on any quarterly valuation
date is less than its downside threshold level, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on the related contingent coupon payment
date, and if the closing level of the worst performing underlying index is below its downside threshold level on each valuation date,
you will not receive any contingent coupon payments over the term of the securities. If the closing level of any underlying
index on any quarterly valuation date is less than its downside threshold level, you will not receive any contingent coupon payment on
the related contingent coupon payment date.
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|
▪
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The securities are subject to the risks of all of the underlying indices and will be negatively affected if any one of the underlying
indices performs poorly, even if the others perform well. You are subject to risks associated with all of the underlying indices.
If any one of the underlying indices performs poorly, you will be negatively affected, even if the other underlying indices perform well.
The securities are not linked to a basket composed of the underlying indices, where the better performance of one or two could ameliorate
the poor performance of the others. Instead, you are subject to the full risks of whichever of the underlying indices is the worst performing
underlying index on each valuation date.
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▪
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You will not benefit in any way from the performance of the better performing underlying indices. The return on the securities
depends solely on the performance of the worst performing underlying index on each valuation date, and you will not benefit in any way
from the performance of the better performing underlying indices. The securities may underperform a similar alternative investment linked
to a basket composed of the underlying indices, since in such case the performance of the better performing underlying indices would be
blended with the performance of the worst performing underlying index, resulting in a better return than the return of the worst performing
underlying index.
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|
▪
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You will be subject to risks relating to the relationship among the underlying indices. It is preferable from your perspective
for the underlying indices to be correlated with each other, in the sense that they tend to increase or decrease at similar times and
by similar magnitudes. By investing in the securities, you assume the risk that the underlying indices will not exhibit this relationship.
The less correlated the underlying indices, the more likely it is that any one of the underlying indices will perform poorly over the
term of the securities. All that is necessary for the securities to perform poorly is for one of the underlying indices to perform poorly;
the performance of any underlying index that is not the worst performing underlying index is not relevant to your return on the securities.
It is impossible to predict what the relationship among the underlying indices will be over the term of the securities. The Russell
2000® Index represents small capitalization stocks in the United States, the
S&P 500® Index represents large capitalization stocks in the United States and the Nasdaq-100
Index® represents 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Accordingly, the
underlying indices represent markets that differ in significant ways and, therefore, may not be correlated with each other.
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Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
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Higher contingent coupon rates are associated with greater risk. The securities offer contingent coupon payments at an annualized
rate that, if all are paid, would produce a yield that is generally higher than the yield on our conventional debt securities of the same
maturity. This higher potential yield is associated with greater levels of expected risk as of the pricing date for the securities, including
the risk that you may not receive a contingent coupon payment on one or more, or any, contingent coupon payment dates and the risk that
the amount you receive at maturity may be significantly less than the stated principal amount of your securities and may be zero. The
volatility of and the correlation among the underlying indices are important factors affecting these risks. Greater expected volatility
of, and lower expected correlation among, the underlying indices as of the pricing date may result in a higher contingent coupon rate,
but would also represent a greater expected likelihood as of the pricing date that the closing level of the worst performing underlying
index will be less than its downside threshold level on one or more valuation dates, such that you will not receive one or more, or any,
contingent coupon payments during the term of the securities and that the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on the
final valuation date will be less than its downside threshold level, such that you will suffer a substantial loss of principal at maturity.
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You may not be adequately compensated for assuming the downside risk of the worst performing underlying index. The potential
contingent coupon payments on the securities are the compensation you receive for assuming the downside risk of the worst performing underlying
index, as well as all the other risks of the securities. That compensation is effectively “at risk” and may, therefore, be
less than you currently anticipate. First, the actual yield you realize on the securities could be lower than you anticipate because the
coupon is “contingent” and you may not receive a contingent coupon payment on one or more, or any, of the contingent coupon
payment dates. Second, the contingent coupon payments are the compensation you receive not only for the downside risk of the worst performing
underlying index on the final valuation date, but also for all of the other risks of the securities, including the risk that the securities
may be automatically redeemed beginning approximately three months after the issue date, interest rate risk and our and/or Citigroup Inc.’s
credit risk. If those other risks increase or are otherwise greater than you currently anticipate, the contingent coupon payments may
turn out to be inadequate to compensate you for all the risks of the securities, including the downside risk of the worst performing underlying
index on the final valuation date.
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The securities may be automatically called prior to maturity, limiting your opportunity to receive contingent coupon payments.
On any valuation date beginning approximately three months after issuance and prior to the final valuation date, the securities will be
automatically called if the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on that valuation date is greater than or equal to
its initial index level. Thus, the term of the securities may be limited to as short as approximately three months. If the securities
are called prior to maturity, you will not receive any additional contingent coupon payments. Moreover, you may not be able to reinvest
your funds in another investment that provides a similar yield with a similar level of risk.
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The securities offer downside exposure to the worst performing underlying index, but no upside exposure to the underlying indices.
You will not participate in any appreciation in the level of any of the underlying indices over the term of the securities. Consequently,
your return on the securities will be limited to the contingent coupon payments you receive, if any, and may be significantly less than
the return on the underlying indices over the term of the securities. In addition, you will not receive any dividends or other distributions
or have any other rights with respect to the underlying indices or the stocks included in the underlying indices over the term of the
securities.
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The performance of the securities will depend on the closing levels of the underlying indices solely on the relevant valuation
dates, which makes the securities particularly sensitive to the volatility of the underlying indices. Whether the contingent coupon
will be paid for any given quarter and whether the securities will be automatically redeemed prior to maturity will depend on the closing
levels of the underlying indices solely on the applicable quarterly valuation dates, regardless of the closing levels of the underlying
indices on other days during the term of the securities. If the securities are not automatically redeemed, what you receive at maturity
will depend solely on the closing level of the worst performing underlying index on the final valuation date, and not on any other day
during the term of the securities. Because the performance of the securities depends on the closing levels of the underlying indices on
a limited number of dates, the securities will be particularly sensitive to volatility in the closing levels of the underlying indices.
You should understand that each of the underlying indices has historically been highly volatile.
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The securities are subject to the credit risk of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and Citigroup Inc. If we default on
our obligations under the securities and Citigroup Inc. defaults on its guarantee obligations, you may not receive anything owed to you
under the securities.
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The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange and you may not be able to sell them prior to maturity. The securities
will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the securities. CGMI currently
intends to make a secondary market in relation to the securities and to provide an indicative bid price for the securities on a daily
basis. Any indicative bid price for the securities provided by CGMI will be determined in CGMI’s sole discretion, taking into account
prevailing market conditions and other relevant factors, and will not be a representation by CGMI that the securities can be sold at that
price, or at all. CGMI may suspend or terminate making a market and providing indicative bid prices without notice, at any time and for
any reason. If CGMI suspends or terminates making a market, there may be no
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Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
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secondary market at all for the securities
because it is likely that CGMI will be the only broker-dealer that is willing to buy your securities prior to maturity. Accordingly, an
investor must be prepared to hold the securities until maturity.
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The estimated value of the securities on the pricing date, based on CGMI’s proprietary pricing models and our internal funding
rate, will be less than the issue price. The difference is attributable to certain costs associated with selling, structuring and
hedging the securities that are included in the issue price. These costs include (i) the selling concessions and structuring fees paid
in connection with the offering of the securities, (ii) hedging and other costs incurred by us and our affiliates in connection with the
offering of the securities and (iii) the expected profit (which may be more or less than actual profit) to CGMI or other of our affiliates
in connection with hedging our obligations under the securities. These costs adversely affect the economic terms of the securities because,
if they were lower, the economic terms of the securities would be more favorable to you. The economic terms of the securities are also
likely to be adversely affected by the use of our internal funding rate, rather than our secondary market rate, to price the securities.
See “The estimated value of the securities would be lower if it were calculated based on our secondary market rate” below.
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The estimated value of the securities was determined for us by our affiliate using proprietary pricing models. CGMI derived
the estimated value disclosed on the cover page of this pricing supplement from its proprietary pricing models. In doing so, it may have
made discretionary judgments about the inputs to its models, such as the volatility of and correlation among the underlying indices, dividend
yields on the stocks included in the underlying indices and interest rates. CGMI’s views on these inputs may differ from your or
others’ views, and as an underwriter in this offering, CGMI’s interests may conflict with yours. Both the models and the inputs
to the models may prove to be wrong and therefore not an accurate reflection of the value of the securities. Moreover, the estimated value
of the securities set forth on the cover page of this pricing supplement may differ from the value that we or our affiliates may determine
for the securities for other purposes, including for accounting purposes. You should not invest in the securities because of the estimated
value of the securities. Instead, you should be willing to hold the securities to maturity irrespective of the initial estimated value.
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The estimated value of the securities would be lower if it were calculated based on our secondary market rate. The estimated
value of the securities included in this pricing supplement is calculated based on our internal funding rate, which is the rate at which
we are willing to borrow funds through the issuance of the securities. Our internal funding rate is generally lower than our secondary
market rate, which is the rate that CGMI will use in determining the value of the securities for purposes of any purchases of the securities
from you in the secondary market. If the estimated value included in this pricing supplement were based on our secondary market rate,
rather than our internal funding rate, it would likely be lower. We determine our internal funding rate based on factors such as the costs
associated with the securities, which are generally higher than the costs associated with conventional debt securities, and our liquidity
needs and preferences. Our internal funding rate is not the same as the coupon that is payable on the securities.
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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
securities, but subject to adjustments that CGMI makes in its sole discretion. As a result, our secondary market rate is not a market-determined
measure of our creditworthiness, but rather reflects the market’s perception of our parent company’s creditworthiness as adjusted
for discretionary factors such as CGMI’s preferences with respect to purchasing the securities prior to maturity.
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The estimated value of the securities is not an indication of the price, if any, at which CGMI or any other person may be willing
to buy the securities from you in the secondary market. Any such secondary market price will fluctuate over the term of the securities
based on the market and other factors described in the next risk factor. Moreover, unlike the estimated value included in this pricing
supplement, any value of the securities determined for purposes of a secondary market transaction will be based on our secondary market
rate, which will likely result in a lower value for the securities than if our internal funding rate were used. In addition, any secondary
market price for the securities will be reduced by a bid-ask spread, which may vary depending on the aggregate stated principal amount
of the securities to be purchased in the secondary market transaction, and the expected cost of unwinding related hedging transactions.
As a result, it is likely that any secondary market price for the securities will be less than the issue price.
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The value of the securities prior to maturity will fluctuate based on many unpredictable factors. The value of your securities
prior to maturity will fluctuate based on the level and volatility of the underlying indices and a number of other factors, including
the price and volatility of the stocks included in the underlying indices, the correlation among the underlying indices, dividend yields
on the stocks included in the underlying indices, interest rates generally, the time remaining to maturity and our and/or Citigroup Inc.’s
creditworthiness, as reflected in our secondary market rate. Changes in the levels of the underlying indices may not result in a comparable
change in the value of your securities. You should understand that the value of your securities at any time prior to maturity may be significantly
less than the issue price.
|
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
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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 steadily decline to zero over the temporary adjustment period. See “Valuation of the Securities” in this pricing
supplement.
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The securities are linked to the Russell 2000® Index and will be subject to risks associated with small capitalization
stocks. The stocks that constitute the Russell 2000® Index are issued by companies with relatively small market capitalization.
The stock prices of smaller companies may be more volatile than stock prices of large capitalization companies. These companies tend to
be less well-established than large market capitalization companies. Small capitalization companies may be less able to withstand adverse
economic, market, trade and competitive conditions relative to larger companies. Small capitalization companies are less likely to pay
dividends on their stocks, and the presence of a dividend payment could be a factor that limits downward stock price pressure under adverse
market conditions.
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Changes that affect the underlying indices may affect the value of your securities. The sponsors of the Russell 2000®
Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index® may add, delete or substitute the stocks that constitute
those indices or make other methodological changes that could affect the levels of those indices. We are not affiliated with any such
index sponsor and, accordingly, we have no control over any changes any such index sponsor may make. Such changes could be made at any
time and could adversely affect the performance of the underlying indices and the value of and your payment at maturity on the securities.
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Our offering of the securities does not constitute a recommendation of any underlying index. The fact that we are offering
the securities does not mean that we believe that investing in an instrument linked to the underlying indices is likely to achieve favorable
returns. In fact, as we are part of a global financial institution, our affiliates may have positions (including short positions) in the
stocks that constitute the underlying indices or in instruments related to the underlying indices, and may publish research or express
opinions, that in each case are inconsistent with an investment linked to the underlying indices. These and other activities of our affiliates’
may affect the levels of the underlying indices in a way that has a negative impact on your interests as a holder of the securities.
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The level of an underlying index may be adversely affected by our or our affiliates’ hedging and other trading activities.
We expect to hedge our obligations under the securities through CGMI or other of our affiliates, who may take positions directly in the
stocks included in the underlying indices and other financial instruments related to the underlying indices or the stocks included in
the underlying indices and may adjust such positions during the term of the securities. Our affiliates also trade the stocks included
in the underlying indices and other related financial instruments on a regular basis (taking long or short positions or both), for their
accounts, for other accounts under their management or to facilitate transactions on behalf of customers. These activities could affect
the levels of the underlying indices in a way that negatively affects the value of the securities. They could also result in substantial
returns for us or our affiliates while the value of the securities declines.
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We and our affiliates may have economic interests that are adverse to yours as a result of our affiliates’ business activities.
Our affiliates may currently or from time to time engage in business with the issuers of the stocks included in the underlying indices,
including extending loans to, making equity investments in or providing advisory services to such companies. In the course of this business,
we or our affiliates may acquire non-public information which we will not disclose to you. Moreover, if any of our affiliates is or becomes
a creditor of any such company, they may exercise any remedies against such company that are available to them without regard to your
interests.
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The calculation agent, which is an affiliate of ours, will make important determinations with respect to the securities. If
certain events occur, such as market disruption events or the discontinuance of an underlying index, CGMI, as calculation agent, will
be required to make discretionary judgments that could significantly affect your payment at maturity. In making these judgments, the calculation
agent’s interests as an affiliate of ours could be adverse to your interests as a holder of the securities.
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The U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities are unclear. There is no direct legal authority regarding
the proper U.S. federal tax treatment of the securities, and we do not plan to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the
“IRS”). Consequently, significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain, and the IRS or a court might
not agree with the treatment of the securities as described in “United States Federal Tax Considerations” below. If the IRS
were successful in asserting an alternative treatment of the securities, the tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the
securities might be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, future legislation, Treasury regulations or IRS guidance could adversely
affect the U.S. federal tax treatment of the securities, possibly retroactively.
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Non-U.S. investors should note that persons
having withholding responsibility in respect of the securities may withhold on any coupon payment paid to a non-U.S. investor, generally
at a rate of 30%. To the extent that we have withholding responsibility in respect of the securities, we intend to so withhold.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
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You should read carefully the discussion
under “United States Federal Tax Considerations” and “Risk Factors Relating to the Securities” in the accompanying
product supplement and “United States Federal Tax Considerations” in this pricing supplement. You should also consult your
tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities, as well as tax consequences arising under
the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
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Information About
the Russell 2000® Index
The Russell 2000® Index is designed to track the performance
of the small capitalization segment of the U.S. equity market. All stocks included in the Russell 2000® Index are traded
on a major U.S. exchange. It is calculated and maintained by Russell Investments, a subsidiary of Russell Investment Group. The Russell
2000® Index is reported by Bloomberg L.P. under the ticker symbol “RTY.”
“Russell 2000® Index” is a trademark of Russell
Investment Group and has been licensed for use by Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates. For more information, see “Equity Index Descriptions—The
Russell Indices—Disclaimers” in the accompanying underlying supplement.
Please refer to the section “Equity Index Descriptions—The
Russell Indices—The Russell 2000® Index” in the accompanying underlying supplement for important disclosures
regarding the Russell 2000® Index.
Historical Information
The closing level of the Russell 2000® Index on April
19, 2021 was 2,232.001.
The graph below shows the closing levels of the Russell 2000®
Index for each day such level was available from January 3, 2011 to April 19, 2021. We obtained the closing levels from Bloomberg L.P.,
without independent verification. You should not take the historical levels of the Russell 2000® Index as an indication
of future performance.
Russell 2000®
Index – Historical Closing Levels
January 3, 2011 to April 19,
2021
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* The red line indicates the hypothetical downside threshold level with
respect to the Russell 2000® Index of 1,785.601, assuming the closing level of the Russell 2000® Index on
April 19, 2021 were its initial index level.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
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Information About
the S&P 500® Index
The S&P 500® Index consists of 500 common stocks
selected to provide a performance benchmark for the large capitalization segment of the U.S. equity markets. It is calculated and maintained
by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC. The S&P 500® Index is reported by Bloomberg L.P. under the ticker symbol “SPX.”
“Standard & Poor’s,” “S&P” and
“S&P 500®” are trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC and have been licensed
for use by Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates. As of July 31, 2017, the securities of companies with multiple
share class structures are no longer eligible to be added to the S&P 500® Index, but securities already included in
the S&P 500® Index have been grandfathered and are not affected by this change. For more information, see “Equity
Index Descriptions—The S&P U.S. Indices—License Agreement” in the accompanying underlying supplement.
Please refer to the section “Equity Index Descriptions—The
S&P U.S. Indices—The S&P 500® Index” in the accompanying underlying supplement for important disclosures
regarding the S&P 500® Index.
Historical Information
The closing level of the S&P 500® Index on April
19, 2021 was 4,163.26.
The graph below shows the closing levels of the S&P 500®
Index for each day such level was available from January 3, 2011 to April 19, 2021. We obtained the closing levels from Bloomberg L.P.,
without independent verification. You should not take the historical levels of the S&P 500® Index as an indication
of future performance.
S&P 500® Index
– Historical Closing Levels
January 3, 2011 to April 19,
2021
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* The red line indicates the hypothetical downside threshold level with
respect to the S&P 500® Index of 3,330.608, assuming the closing level of the S&P 500® Index on
April 19, 2021 were its initial index level.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
|
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Information About
the Nasdaq-100 Index®
The Nasdaq-100 Index®
is a modified market capitalization-weighted index of stocks of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market.
All stocks included in the Nasdaq-100 Index® are traded on a major U.S. exchange. The Nasdaq-100 Index® was
developed by The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. and is calculated, maintained and published by Nasdaq, Inc. The Nasdaq-100 Index®
is reported by Bloomberg L.P. under the ticker symbol “NDX.”
“Nasdaq-100 Index®”
is a trademark of Nasdaq, Inc and has been licensed for use by Citigroup Inc. and its affiliates. For more information, see “Equity
Index Descriptions—The Nasdaq-100 Index®—License Agreement” in the accompanying underlying supplement.
Please refer to the section “Equity
Index Descriptions—The Nasdaq-100 Index®” in the accompanying underlying supplement for important disclosures
regarding the Nasdaq-100 Index®.
Historical Information
The closing level of the Nasdaq-100 Index® on April 19,
2021 was 13,907.67.
The graph below shows the closing levels of the Nasdaq-100 Index®
for each day such level was available from January 3, 2011 to April 19, 2021. We obtained the closing levels from Bloomberg L.P., without
independent verification. You should not take the historical levels of the Nasdaq-100 Index® as an indication of future
performance.
Nasdaq-100 Index®
– Historical Closing Levels
January 3, 2011 to April 19,
2021
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* The red line indicates the hypothetical downside threshold level with
respect to the Nasdaq-100 Index® of 11,126.136, assuming the closing level of the Nasdaq-100 Index® on April
19, 2021 were its initial index level.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
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United States Federal Tax Considerations
You should read carefully the discussion under “United States
Federal Tax Considerations” and “Risk Factors Relating to the Securities” in the accompanying product supplement and
“Summary Risk Factors” in this pricing supplement.
Due to the lack of any controlling legal authority, there is substantial
uncertainty regarding the U.S. federal tax consequences of an investment in the securities. In connection with any information reporting
requirements we may have in respect of the securities under applicable law, we intend (in the absence of an administrative determination
or judicial ruling to the contrary) to treat the securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes as prepaid forward contracts with associated
coupon payments that will be treated as gross income to you at the time received or accrued in accordance with your regular method of
tax accounting. In the opinion of our counsel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, this treatment of the securities is reasonable under current
law; however, our counsel has advised us that it is unable to conclude affirmatively that this treatment is more likely than not to be
upheld, and that alternative treatments are possible. Moreover, our counsel’s opinion is based on market conditions as of the date
of this preliminary pricing supplement and is subject to confirmation on the pricing date.
Assuming this treatment of the securities is respected and subject to
the discussion in “United States Federal Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product supplement, the following U.S. federal
income tax consequences should result under current law:
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Any coupon payments on the securities should be taxable as ordinary income to you at the time received or accrued in accordance with
your regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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Upon a sale or exchange of a security (including retirement at maturity), you should recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount realized and your tax basis in the security. For this purpose, the amount realized does not include any coupon paid
on retirement and may not include sale proceeds attributable to an accrued coupon, which may be treated as a coupon payment. Such gain
or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the security for more than one year.
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We do not plan to request a ruling
from the IRS regarding the treatment of the securities. An alternative characterization of the securities could materially and adversely
affect the tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the securities, including the timing and character of income recognized. 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. Furthermore, 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 securities, possibly with retroactive effect. You should consult your tax
adviser regarding possible alternative tax treatments of the securities and potential changes in applicable law.
Withholding Tax on Non-U.S. Holders. Because significant aspects
of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain, persons having withholding responsibility in respect of the securities may withhold
on any coupon payment paid to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined in the accompanying product supplement), generally at a rate of 30%. To the
extent that we have (or an affiliate of ours has) withholding responsibility in respect of the securities, we intend to so withhold. In
order to claim an exemption from, or a reduction in, the 30% withholding, you may need to comply with certification requirements to establish
that you are not a U.S. person and are eligible for such an exemption or reduction under an applicable tax treaty. You should consult
your tax adviser regarding the tax treatment of the securities, including the possibility of obtaining a refund of any amounts withheld
and the certification requirement described above.
As discussed under “United
States Federal Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders” in the accompanying product supplement, Section 871(m)
of the Code and Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 871(m)”) generally impose a 30% withholding tax on dividend
equivalents paid or deemed paid to Non-U.S. Holders with respect to certain financial instruments linked to U.S. equities (“U.S.
Underlying Equities”) or indices that include U.S. Underlying Equities. Section 871(m) generally applies to instruments that substantially
replicate the economic performance of one or more U.S. Underlying Equities, as determined based on tests set forth in the applicable Treasury
regulations. 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 securities and representations provided by us as of the date of this
preliminary pricing supplement, our counsel is of the opinion that the securities should not be treated as transactions that have a “delta”
of one within the meaning of the regulations with respect to any U.S. Underlying Equity and, therefore, should not be subject to withholding
tax under Section 871(m). However, the final determination regarding the treatment of the securities under Section 871(m) will be made
as of the pricing date for the securities, and it is possible that the securities will be subject to withholding tax under Section 871(m)
based on the circumstances as of that date.
A determination that the securities
are not subject to Section 871(m) is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS may disagree with this treatment. Moreover, Section 871(m) is
complex and its application may depend on your particular circumstances, including your other transactions. You should consult your tax
adviser regarding the potential application of Section 871(m) to the securities.
We will not be required to pay any additional amounts with respect to
amounts withheld.
Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc.
|
Contingent Income Auto-Callable Securities Due May-----, 2023
Based on the Worst Performing of the Russell 2000® Index, the S&P 500® Index and the Nasdaq-100 Index®
Principal at Risk Securities
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You should read the section entitled “United States Federal
Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product supplement. The preceding discussion, when read in combination with that section,
constitutes the full opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP regarding the material U.S. federal tax consequences of owning and disposing
of the securities.
You should also consult your tax adviser regarding all aspects
of the U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of an investment in the securities and any tax consequences arising under the laws
of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Supplemental Plan
of Distribution
CGMI, an affiliate of Citigroup Global Markets Holdings Inc. and the
underwriter of the sale of the securities, is acting as principal and will receive an underwriting fee of $20.00 for each $1,000 security
sold in this offering. From this underwriting fee, CGMI will pay selected dealers not affiliated with CGMI, including Morgan Stanley Wealth
Management, and their financial advisors collectively a fixed selling concession of $15.00 for each $1,000 security they sell. In addition,
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management will receive a structuring fee of $5.00 for each security they sell. For the avoidance of doubt, the
fees and selling concessions described in this pricing supplement will not be rebated if the securities are automatically redeemed prior
to maturity.
CGMI is an affiliate of ours. Accordingly, this offering will conform
with the requirements addressing conflicts of interest when distributing the securities of an affiliate set forth in Rule 5121 of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Client accounts over which Citigroup Inc. or its subsidiaries have investment discretion will
not be permitted to purchase the securities, either directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the client.
See “Plan of Distribution; Conflicts of Interest” in the
accompanying product supplement and “Plan of Distribution” in each of the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus
for additional information.
A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be
used to hedge our obligations under the securities. We expect to hedge our obligations under the securities through CGMI or other of our
affiliates. CGMI or such other of our affiliates may profit from this expected hedging activity even if the value of the securities declines.
This hedging activity could affect the closing levels of the underlying indices and, therefore, the value of and your return on the securities.
For additional information on the ways in which our counterparties may hedge our obligations under the securities, see “Use of Proceeds
and Hedging” in the accompanying prospectus.
Valuation of the Securities
CGMI calculated the estimated value of the securities set forth on the
cover page of this pricing supplement based on proprietary pricing models. CGMI’s proprietary pricing models generated an estimated
value for the securities by estimating the value of a hypothetical package of financial instruments that would replicate the payout on
the securities, which consists of a fixed-income bond (the “bond component”) and one or more derivative instruments underlying
the economic terms of the securities (the “derivative component”). CGMI calculated the estimated value of the bond component
using a discount rate based on our internal funding rate. CGMI calculated the estimated value of the derivative component based on a proprietary
derivative-pricing model, which generated a theoretical price for the instruments that constitute the derivative component based on various
inputs, including the factors described under “Summary Risk Factors—The value of the securities prior to maturity will fluctuate
based on many unpredictable factors” in this pricing supplement, but not including our or Citigroup Inc.’s creditworthiness.
These inputs may be market-observable or may be based on assumptions made by CGMI in its discretionary judgment.
The estimated value of the securities is a function of the terms of
the securities and the inputs to CGMI’s proprietary pricing models. As of the date of this preliminary pricing supplement, it is
uncertain what the estimated value of the securities will be on the pricing date because it is uncertain what the values of the inputs
to CGMI’s proprietary pricing models will be on the pricing date.
For a period of approximately three months following issuance of the
securities, the price, if any, at which CGMI would be willing to buy the securities from investors, and the value that will be indicated
for the securities on any brokerage account statements prepared by CGMI or its affiliates (which value CGMI may also publish through one
or more financial information vendors), will reflect a temporary upward adjustment from the price or value that would otherwise be determined.
This temporary upward adjustment represents a portion of the hedging profit expected to be realized by CGMI or its affiliates over the
term of the securities. The amount of this temporary upward adjustment will decline to zero on a straight-line basis over the three-month
temporary adjustment period. However, CGMI is not obligated to buy the securities from investors at any time. See “Summary Risk
Factors—The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange and you may not be able to sell them prior to maturity.”
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