Capital Southwest(US:CSWC)2026-02-03 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pre-tax net investment income was $34.6 million, or $0.60 per share, an increase from the previous quarter [13] - Total investment income rose to $61.4 million, up from $56.9 million in the prior quarter, driven by increases in PIK income, fees, and dividend income [13][14] - The company's undistributed taxable income (UTI) balance increased to $1.02 per share, up from $0.68 per share in December 2024 [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed $244 million in total new commitments across eight new portfolio companies and 16 existing portfolio companies [4] - The weighted average spread on new commitments was approximately 6.4%, considered attractive in the current competitive environment [5] - The on-balance sheet credit portfolio ended the quarter at $1.8 billion, representing a 19% year-over-year growth from $1.5 billion [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 93% of the credit portfolio is sponsor-backed, providing strong governance and operational support [8] - The credit portfolio generated a weighted average yield of 11.3% with a weighted average leverage of 3.6x EBITDA [10] - Non-accruals represented just 1.5% of the investment portfolio at fair value [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a joint venture with a private credit asset manager to enhance competitiveness in the lower middle market [6] - The joint venture is expected to allow participation in larger, higher-quality deals while maintaining disciplined hold sizes [6] - The company aims to maintain a conservative leverage cushion to mitigate capital market volatility [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the competitive position in the lower middle market, noting a reduction in competition from peers who have cut dividends [22] - The company anticipates continued strong deal flow and is bullish about net portfolio growth due to enhanced sponsor relationships and the new joint venture [34] - Management is actively evaluating AI disruption risks in both existing assets and new originations, indicating a proactive approach to potential market changes [67] Other Important Information - The board declared a total of $0.64 per share in dividends for the March quarter, maintaining strong dividend coverage [15] - The company's liquidity position remains robust, with approximately $438 million in cash and undrawn leverage commitments [17] - NAV per share increased to $16.75, up from $16.62 in the prior quarter, driven by the equity ATM program [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Competitive dynamics in the lower middle market - Management noted that while regional banks have entered the market, competition has decreased as many BDCs have cut dividends, positioning the company favorably [22] Question: Outlook for spreads - Current spreads on debt have held steady, with expectations to remain between 7% and 7.25% over the next 12 months [24] Question: Breakdown of portfolio between sponsored and non-sponsored - The portfolio is currently 93% sponsored and 7% non-sponsored, with sponsors still actively seeking deals despite a challenging environment [27] Question: Activity expectations for deal flow - Management expressed bullishness for the upcoming year, citing strong sponsor relationships and the new joint venture as key drivers for growth [34] Question: AI disruption risk evaluation - The company has formed an AI committee to assess risks and opportunities related to AI in their investment process [67]