What drove EWBC's strong earnings performance in Q3?

East West Bancorp's (EWBC) strong earnings performance in Q3 2024 can be attributed to several key factors: 1. **Revenue Outperformance**: The bank's total revenue for the quarter was $675.79 million, surpassing the anticipated $658.3 million. This revenue surprise can be attributed to strong business operations and market conditions. 2. **Loan Growth**: East West Bancorp experienced notable increases in loans and deposits, which contributed to the rise in net income. The company's guidance for end-of-period loan growth between 4% to 6% for 2025 indicates a positive outlook on loan demand. 3. **Efficient Cost Management**: The bank's ability to manage costs effectively likely played a role in its strong earnings. For instance, the company reported a net interest income of $553 million with a net interest margin of 3.27%, suggesting efficient use of assets to generate income. 4. **Strategic Positioning**: East West Bancorp's proactive approach to managing potential credit risks and its balanced growth strategy have likely contributed to its robust financial performance. In summary, EWBC's strong earnings in Q3 2024 can be attributed to revenue outperformance, loan growth, efficient cost management, and strategic positioning. These factors collectively drove the bank's strong financial performance during the quarter.