How did ALLT's Q4 earnings surprise investors?

Allot Communications (ALLT) did not experience a positive earnings surprise in Q4. In fact, it was a notable achievement for the company to come close to an earnings surprise, considering the following details:

1. **Consistent Performance**: ALLT has a history of surpassing consensus EPS estimates three times over the last four quarters. This track record indicates a reliable performance that could reasonably be expected by investors.
2. **Q4 Earnings Details**: For Q4, ALLT reported quarterly earnings of $0.03 per share, which remarkably beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.03 per share. This reversal from a potential loss to a profit was a significant positive surprise.
3. **Comparative Analysis**: When compared to the previous quarter's earnings of $0.02 per share, which was itself a surprise, ALLT's Q4 earnings showed an improvement, further highlighting the company's resilience and positive momentum.
4. **Revenue Outperformance**: In addition to the earnings surprise, ALLT posted revenues of $23.24 million for Q4, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.91%. This additional layer of outperformance further underscored the company's strong financial performance.

In conclusion, while the expectation for ALLT's Q4 earnings might have been tempered by its past performance and industry norms, the company's actual results significantly exceeded expectations, leading to a meaningful positive surprise for investors.