October 17, 2021
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Vikram Pandit Feels Like The Market Is Finally Showing Citi Some Love

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For the last few years or so, Citi has been shown relatively little respect by market participants. That may have had to do with the fact that the bank was not a very desirable asset, having decided during the Sandy Weill era that big is beautiful. Unfortunately the C went a little too far with the idea, making it it's business to consume everything in arm's reach. It quite literally became "too big to fail," and the only attention it got was negative. Receiving the sort of admiration and compliments afforded to a place like Goldman or JPMorgan was out of the question; the nicest thing you could say about C was it would take home plenty of ribbons at a pie eating contest-- "best digestion," etc. And Vickles ain't gonna lie the jabs stung. But now? Post-makeover that's included shedding assets, slimming down and getting back to the "core" business? Vikram is feeling hot. Regulation hottie hot. And not just when he and C look in the mirror, but in the eyes of the Street.

Pandit touted moves the bank has made to streamline its operations—winding down Citi Holdings, selling assets and improving efficiency in its global operations. The holding company was separated from Citi's general operations to get rid of the toxic assets that remained on the company balance sheet.

"...the markets are increasingly recognizing who we are..." Pandit told CNBC. The company has made progression in its global business and trading arms and will "have the market appreciate even more what Citi is," he added.

He's right of course. This is just the start. Soon, when C walks down the street, people will be yelling out "Yo Citi! [kissing noise] Gimme a piece of that, girl!" Meredith Whitney will ask friends, "Have I been drinking or does Citi look good?" Mike Mayo will make the "call me" gesture when he sees VP at the bar.

Beating them off with a stick won't even begin to describe it.

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