Capital Southwest Increases Credit Facility to $325 Million

DALLAS, March 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Southwest Corporation (“Capital Southwest” or the “Company”; Nasdaq: CSWC), an internally managed business development company focused on providing flexible financing solutions to support the acquisition and growth of middle market businesses, today announced an increase of its Senior Secured Credit Facility (the “Credit Facility”) from $295 million to $325 million. The $30 million increase in total commitments was the result of the addition of a new lender, bringing the total lender group to 11 participants. The increase was executed under the accordion feature of the Credit Facility, which allows for an increase in total commitments under the facility from new and existing lenders on the same terms and conditions as the existing commitments in an amount up to $350 million. 

Michael Sarner, Chief Financial Officer, commented, “We are pleased to expand our primary funding source through the addition of a respected lending partner. We now have nearly $200 million in unfunded credit facility capacity to utilize to continue to generate attractive risk adjusted returns for our shareholders.  Our capitalization strategy has always been, and remains, focused on maintaining significant funding capacity through the economic cycle.  In light of the pandemic gripping this country and the world, we believe this strategy takes on even more significance.  We will continue to explore additional capital sources to further capitalize and de-risk the balance sheet.”

Bowen Diehl, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are pleased with the continued support of the bank lending community of our track record and investing strategy, especially in this turbulent time in the market.  Liquidity is a premium in this market, as it allows us to thoughtfully seek ways to generate attractive returns for all our stakeholders in ways such as investing in an environment where loan spreads are widening and LIBOR is dropping, effectuating our previously disclosed share repurchase program at prices meaningfully below NAV per share, and lowering our cost of capital as we selectively repurchase a portion of our higher cost unsecured notes outstanding with lower cost bank financing.  In addition, we are working with our portfolio companies and private equity sponsor relationships to creatively seek ways to support our portfolio companies, as needed, during this tumultuous time.  Finally, and most importantly in this uncertain time in the world, we are ensuring that we have a safe work environment for our employees as modern technology allows for working from home while facilitating constant communication almost as if we were in the office together.”