How did SCHW's Q4 2024 earnings surprise investors?

**Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) exceeded investor expectations with its Q4 2024 earnings report**, as evidenced by the following key points:

1. **Earnings Per Share (EPS) and Net Income**:
- Schwab reported an adjusted EPS of $1.01 for Q4 2024, surpassing the analyst forecast of $0.91.
- The company's net income for the quarter was $1.840 billion, which is significantly higher than the expected figure.

2. **Revenue Growth**: Schwab's total revenue for the quarter rose by 20% year-over-year, reaching $5.329 billion. This growth was driven by strong client engagement, increased margin utilization, and record net inflows into its Managed Investing Solutions.
3. **Analyst Ratings and Price Targets**: The consensus rating for SCHW in Q4 2024 was "Neutral" with an average current price target of $80.12. The stock's performance exceeded these expectations, closing at $79.6.
4. **Institutional Activity**: Institutional investors showed confidence in Schwab, with Baxter Bros Inc. increasing its holdings by 26.0% in the fourth quarter. This reflects broader market confidence in the company's performance and future prospects.
5. **Market Reaction**: Schwab's stock gained 10.78% of its value over the last 52 weeks, indicating positive sentiment among investors. The company's strong financial performance and strategic initiatives are likely contributing factors to this positive market perception.

Schwab's Q4 2024 earnings report demonstrated the company's resilience and growth potential, surpassing investor expectations in both earnings and revenue. This performance is a testament to Schwab's strategic focus on enhancing operating efficiency, cost management, and client engagement.