Citigroup Stock in the Spotlight as Major Investor Cuts Stake by Over 50%

Citigroup Stock in the Spotlight as Major Investor Cuts Stake by Over 50

Citigroup Stock in the Spotlight as Major Investor Cuts Stake by Over 50%

So here’s what’s making waves in the financial markets right now—Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) has caught a lot of attention this week, especially after a significant move by SBI Securities Co. Ltd. The firm has drastically reduced its holdings in Citigroup, slashing its position by nearly 52% during the first quarter of 2025. That’s not a small trim—it's a major repositioning. SBI Securities sold off 34,200 shares, leaving them with just 31,697 shares valued at around $2.25 million. This move, naturally, has sparked plenty of speculation and analysis.

Now, while that may sound like a bearish signal, it’s important to keep this in context. Despite the sell-off from SBI, a number of institutional giants have actually increased their stakes in Citigroup. For instance, Capital World Investors increased their position by a whopping 455%, acquiring over 25 million additional shares. Similarly, FMR LLC boosted its stake by nearly 30%. So what we’re really seeing is a rebalancing across the board—some firms reducing exposure, while others are clearly doubling down.

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As for performance, Citigroup stock is on a notable upward trajectory. The stock opened at $87.50 on Tuesday, brushing close to its 52-week high of $88.83. That’s a strong comeback, considering it dipped as low as $53.51 earlier this year. With a market cap sitting north of $163 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.82, and a beta of 1.34, Citigroup is certainly maintaining a healthy momentum.

On the earnings front, Citigroup delivered solid results last quarter, posting earnings per share of $1.96—beating analyst expectations by $0.12. Revenues came in at $21.6 billion, again surpassing estimates. What’s more, the company announced a dividend hike, increasing its quarterly payout from $0.56 to $0.60 per share, which now translates to a 2.74% yield. That’s a nice bump for income-focused investors.

Wall Street’s view? It’s largely positive. Out of the analysts tracking Citigroup, eleven give it a “buy” rating, four say “hold,” and only one recommends selling. The average target price is hovering around $87.89, indicating that the stock is roughly at fair value—but there’s still potential upside if momentum continues.

There was also a notable insider move: Director John Cunningham Dugan sold around 4,400 shares back in April, which is interesting but not alarming given the context. Insider ownership remains quite low at just 0.08%, typical for a major financial institution of this size.

So, what does all of this mean for investors? Despite some high-profile trimming, Citigroup still appears to be in solid shape. The company continues to grow its earnings, increase shareholder returns, and draw long-term confidence from institutional investors. Whether you’re already in or just watching from the sidelines, Citigroup is a stock to keep on your radar right now.

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