What caused HTH's EPS to surge in Q3 2024?

Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH) experienced a significant surge in its Earnings Per Share (EPS) in Q3 2024, primarily driven by the following factors: 1. **Robust Performance in Fee-Based Businesses**: Hilltop's mortgage and securities businesses, which are heavily reliant on fees, benefited from favorable market conditions. Lower interest rates and increased bond market volatility created a conducive environment for these fee-heavy operations, leading to higher income and better profitability. 2. **Strategic Initiatives**: The company's strategic moves, such as the completion of the sale of Moser Acquisition to Atlas Energy, likely contributed to the improved financial performance. Such transactions can lead to better asset alignment, reduced debt, and enhanced profitability. In summary, HTH's Q3 2024 EPS surge was primarily caused by strong performances in its fee-based businesses and strategic initiatives.