Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (CWAN) stock surged 18.71% in the pre-market trading session on Thursday, following the company's impressive fourth-quarter 2024 earnings results and robust growth prospects.

The automated investment accounting software developer reported better-than-expected financial results, with a 28% year-over-year increase in revenue to $126.47 million, exceeding analysts' expectations of $120.30 million. Additionally, Clearwater Analytics delivered adjusted earnings of $0.13 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.11 per share.

The strong performance was driven by several key factors:

• Clearwater Analytics achieved a Net Revenue Retention (NRR) rate of 116%, surpassing its target a year ahead of schedule, indicating strong customer loyalty and increased adoption of its solutions.
• The company's gross margin improved significantly, reaching 78.8% for Q4 2024, reflecting robust profitability and scalability.
• Clearwater Analytics expanded its client base, securing marquee clients such as Imperial Fund Capital Partners and the United Nations Federal Credit Union, further strengthening its market position.
• The strategic acquisition of Infusion is expected to enhance Clearwater Analytics' platform capabilities, offering a comprehensive front-to-back solution for investment management.

While the company faced a one-time negative free cash flow due to a tax agreement termination and acknowledged potential challenges in integrating the larger Infusion acquisition, investors remain optimistic about Clearwater Analytics' long-term growth prospects, driving the stock's pre-market surge.