Citigroup reported earnings of $1.34 per share for the fourth quarter, surpassing Wall Street estimates of $1.22. A year ago, the bank posted a loss of $1.16 a share. Shares rose 3.6% in premarket trading.

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 (NYSE:C) stock gained 5.6% in Wednesday premarket trading after the megabank posted better-than-expected Q4 results and approved a $20B stock buyback program. Furthermore, the company expects its net interest income to rise in 2025.

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.