Horizon Technology Finance Corporation HRZN is scheduled to announce fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 results on Mar 1, after market close. Its quarterly revenues and earnings are anticipated to have improved on a year-over-year basis.In the last reported quarter, the company’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Results reflected an improvement in total investment income and solid portfolio activity. However, higher expenses hurt results to some extent.Horizon Technology has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, the average beat being 5.43%.Horizon Technology Finance Corporation Price and EPS Surprise Horizon Technology Finance Corporation price-eps-surprise | Horizon Technology Finance Corporation QuoteEarnings & Sales Projections for Q4The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter earnings is pegged at 33 cents, unchanged over the past seven days. The figure indicates a jump of 57.1% from the year-ago quarter’s reported number.The consensus estimate for sales of $14.8 million suggests 46.7% growth on a year-over-year basis.Other Key FactorsWhile announcing the fourth-quarter portfolio update in January, Horizon Technology noted that it originated $118.2 million of new loans through its platform during the quarter. Further, HRZN witnessed liquidity events from seven portfolio companies, including principal prepayments of $55.0 million and receipt of warrant and equity proceeds worth $0.4 million.Also, the company received regularly scheduled principal payments on investments totaling $2.9 million. Thus, driven by these factors, the company’s total interest income from investments (constituting a significant portion of its total investment income) is expected to have improved year over year.Horizon Technology has been recording higher expenses over the past several quarters. As it continues to invest in venture growth stage companies, operating expenses are expected to have been elevated in the fourth quarter.Earnings WhispersAccording to our quantitative model, it cannot be conclusively predicted whether Horizon Technology will be able to beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate this time. This is because it does not have the right combination of the two key ingredients — a positive Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or higher.You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Earnings ESP: Horizon Technology has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%.Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Performance of Other Stocks in the Same IndustryHercules Capital Inc.’s HTGC fourth-quarter 2021 net investment income of 35 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 33 cents. However, the bottom line fell 5.4% from the year-ago quarter figure.HTGC recorded a fall in total investment income and higher expenses during the quarter. The balance sheet position remained strong and new commitments were robust.Ares Capital Corporation’s ARCC fourth-quarter 2021 net investment income of 52 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents. The bottom line, however, reflected a fall of 3.7% from the prior-year quarter.The results were aided by a rise in total investment income. Portfolio activity remained solid for ARCC during the quarter. However, an increase in expenses was the undermining factor. Just Released: Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2022 In addition to the investment ideas discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 top picks for the entirety of 2022? From inception in 2012 through 2021, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks portfolios gained an impressive +1,001.2% versus the S&P 500’s +348.7%. Now our Director of Research has combed through 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank and has handpicked the best 10 tickers to buy and hold. Don’t miss your chance to get in…because the sooner you do, the more upside you stand to grab.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC): Free Stock Analysis Report Hercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC): Free Stock Analysis Report Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research