How did ABUS's Q4 2024 earnings surprise impact investor confidence?

Arbutus Biopharma's (ABUS) Q4 2024 earnings surprise had a positive impact on investor confidence, as evidenced by the following points:

1. **Earnings Surprise**: ABUS reported an earnings per share (EPS) surprise of $0.05 for Q4 2024. This positive surprise indicates that the company's performance exceeded market expectations, which typically boosts investor confidence.

2. **Clinical Trials Progress**: The company's promising phase two clinical trials, which showed significant surface antigen loss in patients, contributed to investor confidence. Positive clinical trial results can lead to increased optimism about a company's future prospects and potential for growth.
3. **Financial Position**: ABUS's strong financial position may have also supported investor confidence. Although the company reported a quarterly loss of $0.10 per share in Q3, this was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and the company had previously been expected to post a loss. The fact that the company's financials were not worse off than expected can be reassuring to investors.
4. **Market Reaction**: The market reacted positively to the earnings news, with ABUS's stock price not experiencing a significant decline despite the earnings surprise. This lack of negative reaction can be interpreted as a sign that investors are confident in the company's prospects.

In conclusion, ABUS's Q4 2024 earnings surprise, along with positive clinical trial updates and the company's strong financial position, likely contributed to increased investor confidence.