In case there was any confusion about that. Via the Journal, VP’s memo to the troops last evening.

Dear Citi Colleagues,
After a broad sell off in the markets last week, I thought I would give you a quick update on our position.
Despite the steps we’ve taken to strengthen our capital base, I am, like you, disappointed with our current stock price and the broad-based misperceptions about our company and its financial position. I don’t believe it reflects the strengths of Citi; our newly strengthened capital base, our unique global franchise and most importantly, the quality of our people. These are unprecedented times in the markets, but over time, the markets will recognize the many strengths of Citi.

I believe there are two key issues to focus on — capital strength and earnings power.
First, on capital strength, as you know, the preferred exchange we announced nearly two weeks ago is expected to make Citi the strongest capitalized large U.S. bank as measured by tangible common equity (TCE) and Tier 1 ratios. While our Tier 1 ratio will remain at 11.9% as of December 31, 2008, assuming 100% participation in the exchange, our TCE could increase to as much as $81 billion. Despite this addition of tangible common equity, some people continue to question our capital strength because of our net deferred tax asset (DTA) and the quality of our assets.
* DTA: Even if near-term conditions deteriorate significantly, we expect to be able to realize the majority of our DTAs.
* Asset quality: The Fed will conduct stress tests for all large banks in coming weeks. We’ve done our own stress testing using assumptions that are more pessimistic than the Fed has outlined and we are confident about our capital strength.
* In addition, the Smith Barney joint venture and the conversion of mandatory convertibles is expected to add another $14 billion to our tangible common equity over time.
In addition to our strong capital position, I am most encouraged with the strength of our business so far in 2009. In fact, we are profitable through the first two months of 2009 and are having our best quarter-to-date performance since the third quarter of 2007. In January and February alone, our revenues excluding externally disclosed marks were $19 billion. Our client businesses are strong: our deposits are relatively stable, our client-driven Securities and Banking businesses have been performing well, including our recent #1 rank in M&A, and we continue to provide credit to consumer and corporate customers. You have all done a very impressive job driving revenues and reducing our cost structure, and it is gratifying to see the results first hand.
I also appreciate how distracting the confusion in the markets and the media can be. In case you missed it, you should read the article in Friday’s Wall Street Journal Deal Journal entitled “Citi Woes Don’t Distract Its Investment Bankers” (http://www.citigroup.net/citigrouptoday/2009/inthepress/itp090309a.shtml). It was great to see you get the recognition you deserve and how you have remained focused on your clients and customers.
Lastly, I spent time last week talking to groups of colleagues and clients in Europe. It was good to hear from them. Not only did I learn a lot about what was on their minds, I was able to give them the full story of Citi and where we are today, including our full commitment to our global network and presence in over 100 countries, which is our key competitive differentiator. I would encourage each of you to continually engage with your colleagues and clients to ensure open lines of communication. To help in this effort, I have attached some important information points as an aid in your discussions. Please send me any feedback you may receive or any questions you are not able to answer.
Thank you again for your dedication. These are the times that will define us all.
Best regards,
Vikram

Comments (13)

  1. Posted by BillyRayValentine | March 10, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    Hey Pandit, you work for me – the taxpayer – now.

  2. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 8:34 AM

    My reading:
    “Oh, I’m worth a lot more. Sure, I’m lousy after EBITDA, but I got my brother’s money in the back of the trunk of the car and we don’t have to pay it back for a long, long time. How’s about you wanna come with me to the shore old times’ sake. Pweeeze?”
    Cue shade-lift and guido pout

  3. Posted by NAS Keflavik boi | March 10, 2009 at 8:41 AM

    …won’t someone rid me of this meddlesome priest??

  4. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 8:42 AM

    @2 here again.
    I think Vik’s little memo is about to be nuked…
    by this:
    http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/10/news/economy/moodys_bottom_rung/index.htm?postversion=2009031008

  5. Posted by Seaman Bodine II | March 10, 2009 at 8:46 AM

    Dear Citi Colleage,
    Greetings! We are happy you report we have great stock price! Would you mind having excellent platform delivered to loving home?
    We have much analysis on crisis, and can answer many hard questions. Please visit our website for more information!
    I drink my urine every morning.
    We wish to inform you of greatness in our company earnings. Please call our support line for details.
    Go in peace!
    Honorable V Pandit

  6. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    “Pull their fucking lines!”
    “Pull their fucking lines!”
    Hahahahahaha

  7. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    Vik’s note pad:
    - I am so proud, smile often
    - keep sending out correspondence to the troops, lift their spirits
    - lunch with Bob Rubin, I hope he does not yell at me again
    - flowers for my girlfriend
    - try to get Maria on the corporate jet to show her that my plane is bigger than Todd’s
    - move personal monies to JPM (quietly)
    - send resume to Tim Geithner
    - call Rahm Emmanuel to schedule a basketball game with Barack Obama
    - new socks, with gold toe

  8. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    is this the Vikram Rally???
    if so, lord help us
    TRB

  9. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    Soar Citi! SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE ACROSS THE SKY OF PROFIT!

  10. Posted by Anal_yst | March 10, 2009 at 10:18 AM

    @7
    You forgot
    - Speech Coach, practice slight Texas accent

  11. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    Our earnings are marginally better, so you should pay no mind to the assets on our books that are work 5-30c when we need a valuation of 50-60c to be solvent.

  12. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 11:14 AM

    Citi- after treating your clients like cattle, buying up every business with any connection with Wall Street and handing out HUGE FUCKING payouts to democrat hypocritical ass monkies like Rubin. You have finally sunk so low that the fed had to keep your lights on. Please dont take down the Citi field sign, dont change your business model, send out trite memos and hope one day you will suck just perfectly enough to have Warren buy you out. Then you all can sell car insurance with the gekko. Which is pretty much the perfect industry for you guys anyway.

  13. Posted by guest | March 10, 2009 at 12:26 PM

    This guy is a lying piece of ****.
    He’ll be doing a perp walk for this missive, guaranteed.

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