An updated edition of the Aug. 18, 2025, article.In a market where inflation is finally cooling, interest rates are easing, and geopolitical tensions continue to simmer in the background, investors are becoming more selective about where to put their money. With valuations running high across much of the market, the focus in 2025 has shifted toward something more dependable — companies that generate steady cash and actually return it to shareholders. That’s where shareholder yield stands out. By looking at ...

Core Viewpoint - CION Investment Corporation (CION) shows a significant improvement in earnings outlook, making it an attractive investment option as analysts continue to raise earnings estimates for the company [1][2]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Analysts' optimism regarding CION's earnings prospects is leading to higher estimates, which is expected to positively impact the stock price [2]. - The current-quarter earnings estimate is $0.39 per share, reflecting an increase of +11.4% compared to the previous year [5]. - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CION has risen by 11.43%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [5]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate stands at $1.81 per share, indicating a change of +1.1% from the year-ago figure [6]. - There has been a positive trend in estimate revisions for the current year, with the consensus estimate increasing by 30.22% due to one upward revision and no negative changes [7]. Zacks Rank - CION has achieved a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to favorable estimate revisions, which is a reliable indicator for investors [8]. - The Zacks Rank system has a proven track record, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 2008 [3]. Stock Performance - CION's stock has increased by 10% over the past four weeks, driven by strong estimate revisions, suggesting potential for further upside [9].

Group 1 - The sentiment towards Business Development Companies (BDCs) has shifted to a more bullish outlook compared to earlier in the year when the sector experienced a significant decline [1] Group 2 - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on shaping financial strategies for top-tier corporates and executing large-scale financings [2] - Efforts have been made to institutionalize the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [2] - Development of national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing has been a key policy-level initiative [2]

分组1 - CION Investment Corporation reported quarterly earnings of $0.74 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.35 per share, and showing an increase from $0.4 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +111.43% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $78.71 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 49.73%, compared to $59.63 million in the same quarter last year [2] - CION Investment Corporation has outperformed consensus EPS estimates two times over the last four quarters [2] 分组2 - The stock has underperformed the market, losing about 20% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 gained 15.6% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.35 on revenues of $52.15 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.39 on revenues of $213.04 million [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Financial - SBIC & Commercial Industry is currently in the bottom 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges for stock performance [8]

Financial Performance - For the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, net investment income was $0.74 per share, and earnings per share were $0.69[5] - Total investment income for the quarter was $78.7 million, up from $52.2 million in the previous quarter, driven by higher interest income and transaction fees[7] - Net investment income after taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $38.57 million, compared to $21.62 million for the same period in 2024, representing an increase of 78.5%[24] - Total investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $78.71 million, a 31.9% increase from $59.63 million in the prior year[24] - Net realized losses on non-controlled, non-affiliated investments for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $9.61 million, compared to gains of $3.94 million in the same period last year[24] Asset and Investment Overview - The company had total investments at fair value of $1.74 billion across 91 portfolio companies, with 80% in senior secured first lien investments[5] - Total investments at fair value amounted to $1.84 billion, up from $1.82 billion in the previous quarter[22] - Investments on non-accrual status increased to 1.75% of the total investment portfolio at fair value, up from 1.37% as of June 30, 2025[11] - The net asset value per share increased to $14.86, reflecting a 2.5% increase from $14.50 as of June 30, 2025, primarily due to out-earning distributions by $0.38 per share[5] - The net asset value per share of common stock increased to $14.86 at the end of the period, up from $14.50[22] Debt and Liabilities - The net debt-to-equity ratio improved to 1.28x from 1.39x as of June 30, 2025, with total debt outstanding at $1.09 billion[5] - Total liabilities decreased to $1.11 billion from $1.12 billion in the previous quarter[22] Shareholder Actions - The company repurchased 330,324 shares at an average price of $9.86 per share, totaling $3.3 million during the quarter[5] - Management fees for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $6.53 million, slightly down from $6.85 million in the prior year[24] - The weighted average shares of common stock outstanding were 52,065,707 for the three months ended September 30, 2025[24] Operational Metrics - Operating expenses for the quarter were $40.1 million, an increase from $35.3 million in the previous quarter, primarily due to higher advisory fees[8] - The weighted average interest coverage ratio was 1.94x, slightly improved from 1.93x in the previous quarter[11] - Total assets as of September 30, 2025, were approximately $1.9 billion, reflecting a slight increase from $1.88 billion as of June 30, 2025[25] Future Outlook - The company will shift to monthly base distributions starting January 2026, with a fourth quarter 2025 distribution declared at $0.36 per share[2] - CION Investment Corporation focuses primarily on senior secured loans to U.S. middle-market companies, aiming to generate current income and capital appreciation[25]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from __________ to __________ Commission File Number 814-00941 CĪON Investment Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Maryland 45-3058280 (Sta ...

Core Insights - Business Development Companies (BDCs) are significant for dividend-focused investors, contributing to the growth of dividend income [1] - The author has sold all BDC positions due to anticipated challenges in the market [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company emphasizes a buy-and-hold investment strategy, focusing on quality over quantity in building a portfolio of high-quality, dividend-paying stocks [1] - The goal is to supplement retirement income through dividends within the next 5-7 years [1] Group 2: Target Audience - The company aims to assist hardworking lower and middle-class workers in building investment portfolios [1] - There is a desire to provide a new perspective to help investors achieve financial independence [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a hybrid investment strategy that combines classic dividend growth stocks with Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - A solid base of classic dividend growth stocks is essential for building a strong investment portfolio [1]. - Incorporating a mix of different asset types can lead to a highly efficient way to boost investment income [1]. - The total return achieved through this hybrid system is on par with the S&P index, indicating its effectiveness [1].

Group 1: CION Investment Corporation - CION Investment Corporation is a business development company that primarily provides senior secured loans to U.S. middle-market companies [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 2.2% over the last 60 days [1] - CION has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a dividend yield of 13.8%, compared to the industry average of 10.7% [1] Group 2: Millicom International Cellular - Millicom International Cellular is a leading international operator of cellular telephony services, primarily in emerging markets [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings has increased by 6.1% over the last 60 days [2] - Millicom has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a dividend yield of 6.7%, compared to the industry average of 2.7% [3] Group 3: Enbridge - Enbridge is a leading energy infrastructure company [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 3.3% over the last 60 days [3] - Enbridge has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a dividend yield of 5.8%, compared to the industry average of 4.5% [3]

Group 1 - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, assisting top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [1] - Significant efforts have been made to institutionalize the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [1] - Development of national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing stock has been a focus [1] Group 2 - Roberts Berzins is a CFA Charterholder and holds an ESG investing certificate, indicating a strong background in investment analysis and sustainable finance [1] - Active involvement in "thought-leadership" activities supports the development of pan-Baltic capital markets, showcasing a commitment to industry advancement [1]