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Capital Southwest Corp. (CSWC)
NASDAQ:CSWC

Capital Southwest (CSWC) AI Stock Analysis

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Capital Southwest

(NASDAQ:CSWC)

71Outperform
Capital Southwest's strong financial performance and attractive valuation are tempered by cash flow challenges and moderate leverage. Technical indicators and positive earnings call sentiment contribute to a solid overall stock score, reflecting balanced growth prospects and income potential.
Positive Factors
Earnings
Capital Southwest reported solid earnings with interest and dividend income totaling $47M, and fee income rising significantly compared to the previous quarter.
Investment Portfolio
The investment portfolio increased 13% sequentially to $1.70B, driven by strong originations, which is a positive indication of growth.
Negative Factors
Industry Competition
Competition across the industry remains fierce, putting pressure on spreads in the direct lending market.
Portfolio Yields
Lower base rates are putting downward pressure on portfolio yields, which is a challenge for CSWC.

Capital Southwest (CSWC) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Capital Southwest Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCapital Southwest Corporation is a business development company specializing in credit and private equity and venture capital investments in middle market companies, mezzanine, later stage, mature, late venture, emerging growth, buyouts, recapitalizations and growth capital investments. It does not invest in startups, publicly traded companies, real estate developments, project finance opportunities, oil and gas exploration businesses, troubled companies, turnarounds, and companies in which significant senior management is departing. In lower middle market, the firm typically invests in growth financing, bolt-on acquisitions, new platform acquisitions, refinancing, dividend recapitalizations, sponsor-led buyouts, and management buyouts situations. The investment structures are Unitranche debt, subordinated debt, senior debt, first and second lien debt, and preferred and common equity. The firm makes equity co-investments alongside debt investments, up to 20% of total check and only makes non-control investments. It prefers to invest in Industrial manufacturing and services, value-added distribution, healthcare products and services, business services, specialty chemicals, food and beverage, tech-enabled services and SaaS models. The firm seeks to invest in energy services and products, industrial technologies, and specialty chemicals and products. Within energy services and products, the firm seeks to invest in each segment of the industry, including upstream, midstream and downstream, excluding exploration and production with a focus on differentiated products and services, equipment and tool rental, consumable products, and drilling and completion chemicals. Within industrial technologies, it seeks to invest in automation and process controls, handling and packaging equipment, industrial filtration and fluid handling, measurement, monitoring and testing, professional tools, and sensors and instrumentation. Within and specialty chemicals and products, the firm seeks to invest in businesses that develop and manufacture highly differentiated chemicals and products including adhesives, coatings and sealants, catalysts and absorbents, cosmeceuticals, fine chemicals, flavors and fragrances, performance lubricants, polymers, plastics and composites, chemical dispensing and filtration equipment, professional and industrial trade consumables and tools, engineered solutions for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical installations, specified high performance materials for fire protection and oilfield applications. It may also invest in exceptional opportunities in building products. The firm seeks to invest in the United States. The firm seeks to make investments ranging from $5 to $25 million in securities. It seeks to make equity investments ranging from $5 million to $50 million and debt investments between $5 million and $20 million and co-invest in transaction size up to $40 million. It prefers to invest in companies with revenues approaching above $10 million, profitable operations, historical growth rate of at least 15 percent per year. Within the lower middle market, it seeks to invest in with less than $15 million in EBITDA and also opportunistically invests in the upper middle market, generally defined as companies with EBITDA in excess of $50 million. In addition to making direct investments, the firm allocates capital to syndicated first and second lien term loans in the upper middle market. Criteria for Upper Middle Market Syndicated 1st Lien is EBITDA Size more than $30 million, Closing Leverage greater than 4 times, investment hold size between $5 million and $7 million, investment yield greater than 6.5%. Criteria for Upper Middle Market Syndicated 2nd Lien is EBITDA Size more than $50 million, Closing Leverage greater than 6 times, investment hold size between $5 million and $7 million, investment yield greater than 9%. It prefers to take a majority and minority stake. The firm has the flexibility to hold investments for very long period in its portfolio companies. It may also invest through warrants. The firm prefers to take Board participation in its portfolio companies. Capital Southwest Corporation was founded on April 19, 1961 and is based in Dallas, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyCapital Southwest makes money primarily through interest income and fees generated from its loan and investment portfolio. The company provides senior and subordinated debt, as well as equity investments, to middle-market businesses. Interest income from these debt instruments forms a significant portion of its revenue. Additionally, Capital Southwest may earn income through equity appreciation and dividends from its equity investments. The company also benefits from origination and structuring fees associated with the financing deals it arranges. Partnerships with private equity sponsors and relationships with management teams of portfolio companies further enhance its ability to generate earnings.

Capital Southwest Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Capital Southwest demonstrates strong revenue growth and profitability with high profit margins. However, cash flow challenges and moderate leverage indicate potential risks, highlighting the need for strategic cash management and cost control.
Income Statement
78
Positive
The company shows strong profitability with a TTM gross profit margin of 97.77% and a net profit margin of 47.57%. Revenue growth is impressive with a significant increase from the previous year, indicating a positive growth trajectory. However, the EBIT margin of 71.54% and EBITDA margin of 72.59% show some room for improvement compared to their gross margins, suggesting potential cost management opportunities.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The balance sheet reveals a reasonable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, indicating moderate leverage. Return on equity is robust at 9.69%, suggesting effective use of shareholder capital. However, the equity ratio of 46.42% suggests a balanced but cautious approach to financing assets, indicating moderate risk exposure.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
The cash flow statement indicates challenges with negative operating cash flow, which is concerning for liquidity. Free cash flow remains negative, highlighting cash management issues. The free cash flow to net income ratio is negative, suggesting operational inefficiencies. Positive financing cash flow offsets some of these concerns, but reliance on financing is evident.
Breakdown
TTMMar 2024Mar 2023Mar 2022Mar 2021Mar 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
169.22M178.13M61.45M83.00M72.58M62.04M
Gross Profit
165.45M178.13M58.70M80.77M70.61M-236.00K
EBIT
90.35M158.34M68.94M66.76M55.56M-16.14M
EBITDA
122.84M158.34M71.69M65.46M54.02M-1.36M
Net Income Common Stockholders
66.46M83.39M33.09M42.81M50.88M-22.35M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
20.53M32.27M21.59M11.43M31.61M13.74M
Total Assets
402.85M1.56B1.26B973.96M735.58M584.96M
Total Debt
90.24M774.05M637.64M528.59M381.30M303.30M
Net Debt
69.71M741.78M616.06M517.16M349.69M289.55M
Total Liabilities
104.32M801.08M667.28M553.09M381.30M303.30M
Stockholders Equity
298.53M755.68M590.41M420.87M336.25M272.22M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-130.67M-188.51M-227.38M-184.67M-68.25M-47.95M
Operating Cash Flow
-130.66M-188.50M-227.10M-182.68M-68.25M-47.95M
Investing Cash Flow
-131.24M-13.00K-281.00K-2.00M-103.92M-72.85M
Financing Cash Flow
274.31M199.20M237.53M164.49M86.12M51.77M

Capital Southwest Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price19.73
Price Trends
50DMA
21.97
Negative
100DMA
21.71
Negative
200DMA
22.55
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.09
Negative
RSI
55.02
Neutral
STOCH
63.90
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CSWC, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 19.73 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 21.52, below the 50-day MA of 21.97, and below the 200-day MA of 22.55, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of 0.09 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 55.02 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 63.90 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CSWC.

Capital Southwest Risk Analysis

Capital Southwest disclosed 60 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Capital Southwest reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Capital Southwest Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$890.32M6.7416.12%14.40%48.54%6.64%
74
Outperform
$824.32M8.619.67%10.85%14.33%25.35%
71
Outperform
$864.61M7.0612.06%13.40%93.63%24.41%
71
Outperform
$997.98M14.228.57%11.71%4.85%-37.38%
66
Neutral
$1.06B9.608.49%12.97%-3.55%-20.43%
66
Neutral
$964.70M8.0710.49%11.25%12.24%-3.21%
64
Neutral
$13.46B9.449.34%4.72%16.14%-8.80%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CSWC
Capital Southwest
18.93
-3.07
-13.95%
NMFC
New Mountain Finance
9.31
-1.79
-16.13%
PFLT
Pennantpark $
9.52
-0.58
-5.74%
SLRC
SLR Investment Corp.
14.50
1.09
8.13%
BCSF
Bain Capital Specialty Finance
14.25
0.13
0.92%
TRIN
Trinity Capital
13.81
1.25
9.95%

Capital Southwest Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 4, 2025 | % Change Since: -8.74% | Next Earnings Date: May 26, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a strong performance with solid dividend coverage, robust portfolio activity, and successful issuance of convertible notes. However, challenges such as non-accrual loans and competitive pressures were noted. The sentiment leans positive due to the outweighing highlights.
Highlights
Strong Dividend Coverage and Growth
Pre-tax net investment income of $0.64 per share fully covered both the regular and supplemental dividends. Dividend sustainability and strong credit performance were emphasized, with a 29x increase in the regular dividend since the launch of the credit strategy.
Robust Portfolio Activity
Total capital commitments during the quarter reached $317.5 million, with 41% being follow-on financings in performing companies. The portfolio grew to $1.5 billion, a 31% increase year-over-year.
Successful Convertible Notes Issuance
Issued $230 million in convertible notes with a 5.125% coupon, using proceeds to redeem $140 million January 2026 notes. This resulted in significant interest expense savings.
SBA License Progress
Received a green light letter from SBA to submit the final application for a second SBIC license, indicating continued participation in the SBA program.
Portfolio Health and Performance
95% of the portfolio is rated in the top two categories, with cash flow coverage of debt service obligations at a healthy 3.5x. The portfolio's weighted average yield was 12.1%.
Lowlights
Non-Accrual Challenges
Loans on non-accrual represented 2.7% of the investment portfolio at fair value. Some restructurings occurred, contributing to realized losses.
Competitive Market Pressures
The lower middle market remains competitive, with tight loan pricing, resulting in potential spread compression and refinancing risks.
Tariff and Policy Concerns
Approximately 10% of the portfolio could see impacts from tariffs and changing policies, with ongoing assessments needed.
Company Guidance
During the Capital Southwest Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 earnings call, the company provided detailed guidance on its financial and operational performance. Key metrics included a pre-tax net investment income of $0.64 per share, which covered both the regular dividend of $0.58 per share and a supplemental dividend of $0.05 per share. The company announced an increase in the supplemental dividend to $0.06 per share for the March quarter, bringing the total dividend to $0.64 per share. Portfolio activity was robust, with $317.5 million in new commitments to nine new and 20 existing portfolio companies, and add-on financings comprised 41% of total capital commitments. The company issued $230 million in convertible notes with a 5.125% coupon, used to redeem $140 million of January 2026 notes and reduce the senior secured revolving credit facility debt. The portfolio's weighted average yield was 12.1%, and 98% of the credit portfolio was first lien senior secured. Additionally, the company announced expectations to receive final approval for a second SBIC license soon and raised approximately $54 million in equity.

Capital Southwest Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Capital Southwest Announces New Leadership Team Transition
Neutral
Feb 18, 2025

On February 17, 2025, Capital Southwest Corporation announced significant leadership changes, with Michael Sarner succeeding Bowen S. Diehl as President and CEO, and Chris Rehberger and Tabitha Geiger being promoted to Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, respectively. These transitions are part of the company’s strategic succession planning, aiming for a smooth transition and continued growth under the new leadership, with former CEO Diehl remaining as an advisor.

Private Placements and FinancingDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Capital Southwest Reports Strong Q3 2024 Financials
Positive
Feb 3, 2025

Capital Southwest Corporation announced its financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024, reporting a pre-tax net investment income of $0.64 per share. The company declared an increase in total dividends to $0.64 per share for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, and successfully raised $230 million of unsecured convertible notes due 2029. Capital Southwest experienced significant investment activity, with $317.5 million in new commitments, while also receiving prepayments on two debt investments totaling $26.7 million. The company maintained its net asset value at $16.59 per share and received approval to apply for a second SBIC license, potentially providing access to an additional $175 million in debt capital.

Dividends
Capital Southwest Announces 2024 Dividend Tax Treatment
Neutral
Jan 31, 2025

On January 31, 2025, Capital Southwest Corporation announced the U.S. federal income tax treatment of its 2024 dividends, with the total amount of $2.53 per share classified entirely as ordinary income. The company also detailed the tax implications for non-U.S. shareholders, who are exempt from U.S. withholding tax on interest-related dividends and short-term capital gains, which constituted approximately 92.89% of their total 2024 dividends.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.