Company History
Funding exceptional businesses for the long term is our passion, and that’s
why we are committed to carrying our company’s heritage forward for years
to come.
- We are one of the oldest sources
of equity capital - We are publicly owned since 1961
(only capital raised)
- Sustained growth to over $667.7 million of total assets
- Over 245 companies funded since inception
Milestones
Select a year below to learn more about important events in our company’s history.
1961
Founded on Strong Principles
With the help of 21 banks and eight individual investors, Capital Southwest was organized as a Texas corporation and licensed as a small business investment company with $15 million in assets.
1968
Structured for Success
We qualified as a regulated investment company, avoiding double taxation on
the distribution of dividends.
1971
Reached a Bigger Audience
We became a NASDAQ-listed company, joining the first electronic stock exchange in the world.
1976
Employees Became Owners
We established our employee stock ownership plan, which currently holds 4.9% of outstanding stock.
1977
Built Net Asset Value
We changed ownership dynamics with two company-sponsored cash tender offers to all shareholders at less than the existing net asset value, delivering 49.5% of our shares in 1976 and 8.1% in 1977. A two-for-one stock dividend also repositioned the total shares outstanding.
1986
Proof of Concept
We reached a net asset value of $50 million and achieved appreciation by investing wisely in promising companies.
1992
Continued to Make the Right Investments
We reached a net asset value of $100 million, which was a reflection of the steady growth and development of our portfolio companies.
2006
Helped Businesses Grow
Our long-term perspective allowed our portfolio clients to steadily build value over time, allowing us to reach a net asset value of $500 million.
2007
More Than Money
Forbes named us one of America’s 100 Most Trustworthy Companies from a field of more than 8,000 publicly traded companies.
2011
Looking Toward the Future
As we celebrated 50 years in business, our net assets were valued at more than 100 times our initial 1961 share price of $1.25. Our successful investment strategy continues.
Learn about our portfolio clients here.
