Citi reports first quarter net loss of $5.1 billion

Citigroup Inc. reported a net loss for the 2008 first quarter of $5.1 billion, or $1.02 per share, based on 5,086 million shares outstanding(1). Results include $6.0 billion in pre-tax write-downs and credit costs on sub-prime related direct exposures. Results also include write-downs of $3.1 billion (net of underwriting fees) on funded and unfunded highly leveraged finance commitments, a downward credit value adjustment of $1.5 billion related to exposure to monoline insurers, write-downs of $1.5 billion on auction rate securities inventory, and a $3.1 billion increase in credit costs in global consumer.

First Quarter Highlights

Record revenues in transaction services, up 42%, and record net income, up 63%. Liability balances increased 32% and assets under custody grew 21%.

Within fixed income markets, client-related rates and currencies business revenues rose 17%. Local markets sales and trading in emerging markets produced strong results.

Strong growth in equity prime finance revenues.

Smith Barney revenues increased 18% and Private Bank revenues grew 10%.

International retail banking revenues grew 21%.

Management Comment

"Our financial results reflect the continuation of the unprecedented market and credit environment and its impact on our historical risk positions. During the first quarter, valuations of our sub-prime related exposures in fixed income markets and leveraged finance assets have further declined and credit costs in our consumer lending businesses have increased. Despite the negative factors in the broader markets, we continue to see strong momentum throughout the organization with robust volumes in many of our products and regions," said Vikram Pandit, Chief Executive Officer of Citi.

"We have taken decisive and significant actions to strengthen our balance sheet, including over $30 billion of capital raised during December and January, a significant increase in our credit reserves, the sale of Redecard shares, the recently announced divestitures of CitiCapital and Diners Club International, and the realignment of and pending asset reductions in our mortgage business. We continue to enhance our risk management processes, our capital productivity and expense containment, as well as our ability to deliver innovative, world-class products that meet our clients' specific needs. To achieve this, we recently reorganized the businesses along regional and product lines to bring us closer to our clients. At the same time, we are taking the necessary steps to make Citi more efficient while fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork."

"As we move into the second quarter and beyond, we will continue to divest non-strategic assets and allocate capital to the products and regions that will drive increased revenues, enhance the value of our franchise, and ultimately, maximize shareholder value," said Pandit.

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