How did WTBA's Q4 2024 earnings surprise impact its annual performance?

West Bancorporation (WTBA) experienced a positive earnings surprise in Q4 2024, with an EPS surprise of $0.09 and a revenue surprise of $480,000. This positive surprise contributed to the bank's annual performance, as evidenced by the following:

1. **Enhanced Earnings**: The EPS surprise of $0.09 indicates that WTBA's actual diluted EPS for the quarter was higher than analysts' expectations. This means that the bank earned more profit than anticipated, which is a positive indicator for investors and contributes to the bank's overall annual earnings.
2. **Increased Revenue**: The revenue surprise of $480,000 suggests that WTBA generated additional revenue during the quarter. This additional income, when combined with the bank's existing revenue, enhances the total annual revenue, further bolstering the bank's financial performance.
3. **Impact on Annual Performance**: Considering the cumulative diluted EPS of $1.42 and total revenue of $79.8 million for the year, the Q4 earnings surprise has a direct and positive impact on these annual figures. The higher EPS and revenue in Q4 contribute to a stronger annual performance, reflecting the bank's effective management and market positioning.

In conclusion, WTBA's Q4 2024 earnings surprise had a positive impact on its annual performance, enhancing both earnings and revenue figures. This outcome underscores the bank's solid financial performance and its ability to exceed market expectations.