How did FUTU's Q4 2024 earnings surprise investors?

Futu Holdings Ltd (FUTU) delivered a strong Q4 2024 earnings report, surpassing investor expectations with a notable increase in net income and robust revenue growth, which was a testament to its strategic expansions and market momentum. 1. **Significant Increase in Net Income**: Futu reported a substantial 138% year-over-year increase in net new paying clients, reaching a total of approximately 2.2 million. This led to a robust net income of $240.67 million for the quarter, significantly higher than the same quarter in the previous year. |code|Ticker|Name|Date|Net Income YoY|Net Income|market_code| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |FUTU|FUTU.O|Futu Holdings|2024 Q1|-12.882340953055351|1.3227015390039E8|185| |FUTU|FUTU.O|Futu Holdings|2024 Q2|8.40270521239954|1.548734041673E8|185| |FUTU|FUTU.O|Futu Holdings|2024 Q3|21.853061223485142|1.6979212482552E8|185| |FUTU|FUTU.O|Futu Holdings|2024 Q4|114.50091946063259|2.4067086141216E8|185| 2. **Earnings Per Share (EPS) Growth**: The company’s adjusted EPS for Q4 2024 was HK$13.93, which was higher than the HK$6.83 reported in the same quarter of the previous year. This indicated a strong profitability period for the company. 3. **Analyst Expectations**: The EPS of HK$13.93 exceeded the mean expectation of four analysts, which was HK$12.06 per share. This suggests that the company performed better than industry experts anticipated. 4. **Comparative Performance**: When compared to the previous quarter's EPS of HK$10.00, the current quarter's EPS indicates a continued upward trend in profitability. 5. **Investor Confidence and Market Position**: Strategic investments by WT Asset Management Ltd and Yong Rong HK Asset Management Ltd in Futu Holdings Limited further bolster confidence in the company's future prospects. In conclusion, Futu Holdings Ltd's Q4 2024 earnings report was a positive surprise for investors, demonstrating the company's strong financial performance and growth potential. The significant increase in net income, coupled with the higher-than-expected EPS and strategic investments, underscore the company's robust market position and optimistic outlook.