Citigroup said its board of directors authorized a new multiyear $20 billion stock buyback program that will begin in the first quarter of 2025, helping to trigger a surge in the share price. CFO Mark Mason said the planned buyback reflects confidence in the bank’s strategy.

Citigroup stock is soaring Wednesday after the big bank topped earnings expectations and unveiled a massive stock buyback program. Here's why that's important.

Citigroup (C) reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded expectations, sending shares higher in pre-market trading Wednesday. Citi's net income for the fourth quarter was $2.86 billion, up from a loss of $1.

Citigroup on Wednesday reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter profit and revenue, while authorizing a $20 billion share buyback program, sending its shares by more than 2% before the bell. The bank posted a net income of $2.