CSWC trades 2.6% below Wall Street's consensus target of $23.58.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes CSWC achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 9.6x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 10 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of June 21, 2026, Capital Southwest Corporation (CSWC) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $23.58, based on estimates from 10 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $22.98, this represents a potential upside of +2.6%. The company has a market capitalization of $1.43B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $21.50 to a high of $25.00, representing a 15% spread in expectations. The median target of $24.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 7 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,3 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. This overwhelmingly bullish sentiment suggests analysts see significant catalysts for upside ahead.
From a valuation perspective, CSWC trades at a trailing P/E of 12.1x and forward P/E of 9.6x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +31.9% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $29.01, with bear and bull scenarios of $18.28 and $38.22 respectively. Model confidence stands at 45/100, suggesting limited visibility into future performance.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARCCAres Capital Corporation | $12.9B | $18.03 | $19.00 | +5.4% | Buy | 9.4x | 32 |
GBDCGolub Capital BDC, Inc. | $3.2B | $12.35 | $14.25 | +15.4% | Buy | 9.0x | 12 |
TPVGTriplePoint Venture Growth BDC Corp. | $203M | $5.00 | $8.95 | +79.0% | Hold | 5.3x | 12 |
SLRCSLR Investment Corp. | $678M | $12.42 | $14.50 | +16.7% | Buy | 9.1x | 15 |
PFLTPennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. | $742M | $7.48 | $9.75 | +30.3% | Buy | 6.9x | 11 |
TRINTrinity Capital Inc. | $1.2B | $16.83 | $16.30 | -3.1% | Buy | 8.1x | 7 |
OCSLOaktree Specialty Lending Corporation | $1.0B | $11.59 | $12.50 | +7.9% | Hold | 7.7x | 12 |
FDUSFidus Investment Corporation | $696M | $18.35 | — | — | Buy | 8.6x | 12 |
MAINMain Street Capital Corporation | $4.7B | $50.97 | $56.50 | +10.8% | Hold | 13.4x | 14 |
HTGCHercules Capital, Inc. | $2.9B | $15.49 | $16.50 | +6.5% | Buy | 8.0x | 31 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CSWC stock.
The consensus price target for CSWC is $23.58, close to the current price of $22.98 (2.6% implied move). Based on 10 analyst estimates, the stock appears fairly valued near current levels.
CSWC has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 10 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 7 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $23.58 implies 2.6% upside from current levels.
With a forward P/E of 9.6324x, CSWC trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $23.58 implies 2.6% appreciation, suggesting the market may be pricing in risks.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $25 for CSWC, while the most conservative target is $21.5. The consensus of $23.58 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $38 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
CSWC is moderately covered, with 10 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 7 have Buy ratings, 3 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month CSWC stock forecast based on 10 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $23.58, with estimates ranging from $21.5 (bear case) to $25 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $29, with bear/bull scenarios of $18/$38.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates CSWC's fair value at $29 (base case), with a bear case of $18 and bull case of $38. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 45/100.
CSWC trades at a forward P/E ratio of 9.6x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 12.1x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
CSWC appears fairly valued according to analysts, with a "Buy" rating and minimal upside to the $23.58 target. Consider your investment thesis and risk tolerance. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
CSWC analyst price targets range from $21.5 to $25, a 15% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $23.58 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $18-$38 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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