There is one reason why Citigroup (C) will not have as much trouble recruiting as people think: Its stock, mired at historic lows, offers a penny stock-like upside. This raises the question: Would you rather be a Citi banker or a Goldman Sachs (GS) banker right now? The knee jerk reaction of course is to go with Goldman Sachs, among the most prized employers. But Breakingviews notes that over the next few years comparable bonuses paid in stock for 2009 may end up being more valuable for the Citi employee.

Indeed, at the top levels, employment boils down to a bet on your firm. In many cases, you will not be able to cash out the performance share bonus for three to five years. Citigroup's stock, at less than $5 dollars, would appear to have some major upside. Goldman Sachs' stock meanwhile has been bid up to high multiples. 

For more:
- here's the Breakingviews article

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