Citigroup faces $15 billion write off, cut to 'sell'

Goldman Sachs & Co on Monday downgraded Citigroup Inc to "sell" from "neutral," and said the largest US bank may have to write off $15 billion over the next two quarters as mortgage losses reduce earnings.
The report from analyst William Tanona came shortly after Citigroup's own chief US equity strategist, Tobias Levkovich, upgraded the nation's banking sector to "overweight" from "market weight," calling selling pressure "overdone." Citigroup shares fell $1.13, or 3.3 percent, to $32.87 in morning trading. They began the year at $55.70.
Goldman's forecast compares with the $8 billion to $11 billion that Citigroup on November 4 said it may write off this quarter for exposure to subprime mortgages and collateralised debt obligations. Charles Prince, Citigroup's chief executive, resigned the same day.
"With deteriorating consumer and housing metrics, Citigroup is facing mounting pressure across many businesses," Tanona wrote. "The lack of leadership at this point in Citigroup's storied history could not have come at a worse time."
Tanona also cut Citigroup's price target to $33 from $48, and his profit-per-share forecast to $3.80 from $4.65 for 2008, and to $4.60 from $5.20 in 2009. He said the bank may need to cut its 54-cents-per-share quarterly dividend or find new capital to shore up capital levels.
The analyst also lowered his price targets for six other banks and brokerages: Bear Stearns Cos, E*Trade Financial Corp , J.P. Morgan Chase & Co, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc, Merrill Lynch & Co and Morgan Stanley.
Banks have announced more than $50 billion of write-downs tied to the US housing slump, as defaults soared and the value of mortgages that investors deemed too risky plummeted. The projected $8 billion to $11 billion write-down is on top of a top of a $1.83 billion mortgage-related loss that Citigroup took in the third quarter. The New York-based bank on November 4 said it had no plans to cut its dividend.
Goldman expects an $11 billion write-down this quarter, and $4 billion in the first quarter of 2008. A $15 billion loss would, after taxes, wipe out close to six months of profit. "(The) risk taking culture may be irreparably damaged," Tanona wrote. Among 19 analysts who cover Citigroup, eight rate it "buy" or the equivalent, eight rate it "hold" and three rate it "sell," according to Reuters Estimates.
Tanona issued his report after Citigroup strategist Levkovich on November 16 upgraded the banking sector, saying it has "compelling valuations and beaten down earnings estimate revisions, not to mention repulsive sentiment around these stocks, a contrarian signal."