BAC vs C: Bank of America Corporation vs Citigroup Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This BAC vs C comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Bank of America Corporation and Citigroup Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Bank of America Corporation and Citigroup Inc. have historically performed against each other.
Compare Stock Performance
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 40-year comparison period, Bank of America Corporation outperformed Citigroup Inc. in 22 years, while Citigroup Inc. outperformed Bank of America Corporation in 18 years.
BAC - Bank of America Corporation
C - Citigroup Inc.
Overall Winner: BAC with an average annual return of 14.07% (vs 13.38% for C)
Understanding BAC vs C Performance
When comparing Bank of America Corporation and Citigroup Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in Bank of America Corporation grew to $201,960, compared to $71,247 for Citigroup Inc. over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | BAC Return | BAC Cumulative | C Return | C Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | -1.02% | $9,897.96 | +39.92% | $13,991.68 | -40.94% (C) | C |
| 1988 | -19.52% | $7,965.69 | -41.98% | $8,118.59 | +22.45% (BAC) | BAC |
| 1989 | +54.29% | $12,289.99 | -10.59% | $7,258.84 | +64.88% (BAC) | BAC |
| 1990 | +74.13% | $21,400.20 | +37.31% | $9,967.09 | +36.82% (BAC) | BAC |
| 1991 | -48.76% | $10,966.20 | -21.00% | $7,874.22 | -27.76% (C) | C |
| 1992 | +82.10% | $19,969.53 | +72.88% | $13,612.67 | +9.22% (BAC) | BAC |
| 1993 | +31.40% | $26,240.57 | +25.06% | $17,023.43 | +6.35% (BAC) | BAC |
| 1994 | -0.94% | $25,993.36 | +61.73% | $27,531.82 | -62.67% (C) | C |
| 1995 | -3.19% | $25,164.38 | -18.51% | $22,434.36 | +15.33% (BAC) | BAC |
| 1996 | +57.62% | $39,662.88 | +94.08% | $43,539.89 | -36.46% (C) | C |
| 1997 | +44.94% | $57,486.19 | +48.95% | $64,854.47 | -4.02% (C) | C |
| 1998 | +27.77% | $73,447.57 | +83.40% | $118,945.29 | -55.64% (C) | C |
| 1999 | +1.39% | $74,470.38 | -6.16% | $111,621.03 | +7.55% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2000 | -14.53% | $63,646.72 | +68.00% | $187,525.77 | -82.54% (C) | C |
| 2001 | -1.04% | $62,983.04 | +29.84% | $243,478.76 | -30.88% (C) | C |
| 2002 | +40.03% | $88,194.01 | +1.16% | $246,310.79 | +38.87% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2003 | +14.53% | $101,007.99 | -24.70% | $185,475.19 | +39.23% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2004 | +18.27% | $119,460.16 | +37.04% | $254,173.06 | -18.77% (C) | C |
| 2005 | +23.58% | $147,633.36 | +1.80% | $258,745.04 | +21.78% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2006 | +3.57% | $152,905.24 | +4.43% | $270,203.36 | -0.86% (C) | C |
| 2007 | +18.32% | $180,913.26 | +17.72% | $318,085.42 | +0.60% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2008 | -18.74% | $147,013.38 | -44.30% | $177,187.55 | +25.56% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2009 | -62.46% | $55,194.70 | -75.51% | $43,388.40 | +13.06% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2010 | +5.61% | $58,288.86 | -53.53% | $20,162.12 | +59.14% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2011 | -14.72% | $49,706.05 | +39.12% | $28,049.07 | -53.84% (C) | C |
| 2012 | -60.63% | $19,569.25 | -46.26% | $15,073.34 | -14.37% (C) | C |
| 2013 | +101.14% | $39,362.19 | +39.82% | $21,075.01 | +61.33% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2014 | +29.81% | $51,097.83 | +26.43% | $26,646.08 | +3.38% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2015 | +11.93% | $57,191.38 | +3.60% | $27,606.34 | +8.32% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2016 | -4.83% | $54,429.59 | -4.35% | $26,406.36 | -0.48% (C) | C |
| 2017 | +36.62% | $74,359.21 | +17.31% | $30,976.97 | +19.31% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2018 | +33.10% | $98,968.78 | +24.59% | $38,595.66 | +8.50% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2019 | -16.08% | $83,057.66 | -28.44% | $27,619.75 | +12.36% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2020 | +44.32% | $119,865.51 | +53.49% | $42,392.58 | -9.17% (C) | C |
| 2021 | -12.67% | $104,673.40 | -21.03% | $33,477.85 | +8.35% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2022 | +51.00% | $158,061.02 | +3.48% | $34,643.56 | +47.52% (BAC) | BAC |
| 2023 | -26.61% | $115,999.85 | -25.44% | $25,830.71 | -1.17% (C) | C |
| 2024 | +3.61% | $120,182.76 | +17.55% | $30,364.87 | -13.95% (C) | C |
| 2025 | +32.95% | $159,777.16 | +37.65% | $41,797.84 | -4.71% (C) | C |
| 2026 | +26.40% | $201,959.60 | +70.46% | $71,246.70 | -44.05% (C) | C |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means BAC outperformed C that year.
Company Profiles
Bank of America Corporation
BAC
Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered statewide branch banking in California.
- ✓Introduced the BankAmericard, which later evolved into Visa, revolutionizing consumer credit.
Business Segments
- Consumer BankingOffers a full range of banking services to consumers and small businesses, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and mortgage loans.
- Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM)Provides Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Bank of America Private Bank, and retirement solutions.
- Global BankingProvides lending products, treasury management, and other financial services to corporations, financial institutions, and government entities.
Citigroup Inc.
C
Citigroup Inc., commonly known as Citi, is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City. It is a diversified financial services holding company, offering a wide array of financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions globally.
Key Innovations
- ✓The City Bank of New York was one of the first banks to offer statewide branch banking and became the largest bank in the U.S.
- ✓Pioneered the use of 24-hour ATMs, revolutionizing retail banking accessibility.
Business Segments
- Institutional Clients Group (ICG)Provides a wide range of banking, lending, and advisory services to corporations, financial institutions, and government entities around the world.
- Personal Banking and Wealth Management (PBWM)Offers traditional retail banking services, branded credit cards, and wealth management solutions to individual consumers.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.