What factors contributed to CION's 2024 EPS surprises?

CION's 2024 EPS was lower than expected, with an EPS surprise of -0.25, and an estimate EPS of 0.35 for the quarter ending December 31, 2024. Several factors contributed to this outcome: 1. **Market Conditions and Portfolio Composition**: CION's investment portfolio is primarily composed of senior secured loans, which can be sensitive to market volatility and economic conditions. The company's investments in middle-market companies may have been impacted by broader economic challenges, affecting the portfolio's performance and, consequently, EPS. 2. **Interest Income and Expenses**: CION's net investment income decreased slightly to $95.9 million or $1.79 per share for 2024, down from $1.92 in the previous year. This reduction could be due to increased interest expenses or less interest income from investments, influencing the net profit and, subsequently, the EPS. 3. **Non-Accrual Investments**: The company reported a decrease in non-accrual investments to 1.41% of the portfolio at fair value as of December 31, 2024. While this indicates improved credit quality, non-accruals can still impact net investment income and, by extension, EPS. 4. **Strategic Investments and Dividend Coverage**: CION declared a base distribution of $0.36 per share for the third quarter of 2025, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. While this is a positive sign, the company's strategic investments and the timing of dividend payments can affect short-term EPS figures. In summary, CION's 2024 EPS was lower than expected due to a combination of market conditions, interest income and expenses, non-accrual investments, and strategic investments. These factors, among others, can significantly impact the company's financial performance and earnings per share.