How did LIEN's Q4 earnings surprise impact investor confidence?

**Chicago Atlantic BDC Inc (LIEN)’s Q4 earnings report had a positive impact on investor confidence**, as evidenced by several key indicators:

1. **Significant Increase in Gross Investment Income**: LIEN reported a substantial rise in gross investment income to $12.7 million for Q4, up from $3.7 million in the same quarter the previous year. This significant uptick suggests a strong performance in generating income from investments, which is likely to boost investor confidence in the company's ability to deliver returns.
2. **Improved Net Asset Value (NAV)**: The company's NAV per share was reported at $13.20, which is a key metric for BDCs (Business Development Companies) as it reflects the value of the company's investments. An increase in NAV can indicate effective portfolio management and potentially higher shareholder value, which may enhance investor confidence.
3. **Dividend Increase**: LIEN declared two dividends of $0.34 per share, a 36% increase from the previous quarter. Dividend increases can be a sign of the company's confidence in its cash flow and its ability to sustain and grow dividend payments, which is attractive to income-focused investors.
4. **Positive Market Reaction**: The market's reaction to the earnings report is likely to have been positive, given the company's successful debt investments and the closing of a new $100 million credit facility. The ability to secure financing and deploy capital effectively can enhance investor confidence in the company's growth prospects.

In conclusion, LIEN's Q4 earnings report showcased strong performance in investment income generation, effective portfolio management, and a commitment to returning value to shareholders through dividend increases. These factors combined likely contributed to an overall boost in investor confidence.