How did CHTR's Q4 earnings surprise the market?

Charter Communications Inc. (CHTR) delivered mixed results in its Q4 2024 earnings report, with positive revenue growth and earnings per share (EPS) exceeding expectations, yet facing challenges in customer growth and facing external disruptions.

1. **Revenue and EPS Performance**:
- Charter reported a revenue of $13.88 billion for Q4 2024, reflecting a 1.6% increase year-over-year, surpassing the market's estimate of $13.88 billion.
- The company's EPS came in at $9.29, which also exceeded market expectations.

2. **Earnings Surprise**:
- Charter's reported revenue exceeded expectations by 0.69%, marking the second quarter in a row where revenues have surpassed analyst estimates.
- The EPS of $9.29 represented a significant upside from the expected $8.55, with an EPS surprise of approximately $0.27.
3. **Challenges and Negative Points**:
- Despite the positive financial results, Charter experienced a loss of 110,000 Internet customers in the third quarter, partly due to the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This decline could have impacted Q4 growth.
- The company faced challenges from new competition and the expansion of wireline overbuild and cell phone Internet services. Additionally, Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused significant service disruptions, which are expected to affect Q4 performance.
4. **Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings**:
- Following the earnings release, Charter's stock traded up, reflecting investor confidence in the company's performance despite the challenges.
- Analysts have shown mixed reactions, with some upgrading their ratings based on Charter's strong financial performance and strategic initiatives, while others maintain neutral stances due to the competitive pressures and potential headwinds in the coming years.

In conclusion, Charter Communications' Q4 2024 earnings report showcased the company's resilience in maintaining revenue growth and exceeding EPS expectations. However, the challenges in customer retention and external disruptions posed by competition and natural events present hurdles for future performance.