How did QFIN's Q4 earnings surprise investors?

Qifu Technology (QFIN) delivered Q4 earnings that surpassed investor expectations, as reflected in several key metrics: 1. **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: QFIN reported an EPS of $1.68 for Q4 2024, which exceeded analysts' estimates of $1.07 per share. This significant beat highlights the company's strong profitability during the period. 2. **Revenue**: The estimated revenue for Q4 2024 was $597.66 million, slightly lower than the consensus estimate of $590.38 million. This minor variance could be attributed to differing assumptions on business operations and market conditions between analysts. 3. **Dividend Increase**: QFIN announced a significant increase in its semi-annual dividend, raising it to $0.70 per American depositary share from $0.60. This move likely enhanced investor confidence and positively influenced the stock's performance post-announcement. 4. **Stock Performance**: Following the earnings release, QFIN's stock surged by 11% in a single trading session. This substantial uptick indicates investor enthusiasm about the company's financial performance and future prospects. 5. **Guidance and Outlook**: QFIN provided robust guidance for Q1 2025, expecting non-GAAP net income ranging from RMB 1.80B to RMB 1.90B, signifying a 58% year-over-year growth. This optimistic outlook likely contributed to the positive market reaction. In summary, QFIN's Q4 earnings exceeded expectations across key financial metrics, coupled with a dividend increase and strong guidance, resulting in a notable positive surprise for investors.