How did HSTM's Q4 2024 earnings surprise analysts?

HealthStream Inc. (HSTM) delivered mixed results in Q4 2024, with some deviations from analysts' expectations:

1. **Revenue Surprise**: HealthStream's actual revenue for Q4 2024 was $74.2 million, slightly exceeding the consensus estimate of $73.54 million. This indicates a stronger-than-expected performance in terms of revenue generation.

2. **Earnings Per Share (EPS) Surprise**: The company reported an actual EPS of $0.16 for the quarter, which was significantly lower than the expected $0.13 per share. This suggests that analysts underestimated the company's earnings, with HealthStream delivering a stronger performance in terms of profitability.

3. **Overall Performance**: HealthStream's full-year 2024 revenue was expected to be $290.95 million, with earnings per share (EPS) expected at $0.63. The company achieved a full-year revenue of $291.6 million, slightly exceeding the estimate, and delivered an EPS of $0.63, which was in line with expectations. The fourth quarter's revenue beat and EPS miss may balance out, resulting in a neutral overall impression.

In summary, HealthStream's Q4 2024 earnings showed a positive revenue surprise with a slight increase, while the EPS fell short of expectations. The company's strong revenue growth and operational efficiency highlight its solid business model, despite some deviations from analyst forecasts.