Capital Southwest Corporation (CSWC) vs Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC)

A side-by-side comparison of Capital Southwest Corporation and Westamerica Bancorporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — CSWC vs WABC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CSWC +403.1% (+17.5%/yr)WABC +64.2% (+5.1%/yr)CSWC compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$503$164
CSWC WABC

CSWC vs WABC: by the numbers

  • •CSWC is the larger company ($1.47B vs $1.38B market cap).
  • •WABC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.94 vs 13.08 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •CSWC converts more revenue to profit (48.19% vs 41.70% net margin).
  • •CSWC grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.61% vs 4.52% CAGR).
  • •CSWC pays the higher dividend yield (10.86% vs 3.20%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCSWCWABC
P/E ratio13.0812.94
Forward P/E10.2212.67
PEG ratioN/A1.48
P/S ratio6.405.19
P/B ratio1.391.62

Profitability

MetricCSWCWABC
Gross margin94.33%N/A
Operating margin76.87%56.07%
Net margin48.19%41.70%
ROE10.46%12.99%

Westamerica Bancorporation: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Dividends

MetricCSWCWABC
Dividend yield10.86%3.20%
Payout ratio141.48%41.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSWCWABC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)18.61%4.52%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-5.81%8.74%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.79%4.64%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSWC or WABC?
WABC has the lower trailing P/E: CSWC trades at 13.08 and WABC at 12.94. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CSWC or WABC?
Over the past five years, CSWC grew revenue faster — CSWC at a 18.61% CAGR versus WABC at 4.52%.
Does CSWC or WABC pay a bigger dividend?
CSWC yields 10.86% and WABC yields 3.20% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CSWC or WABC more profitable?
CSWC runs the higher net margin — CSWC at 48.19% versus WABC at 41.70%.
How have CSWC and WABC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CSWC delivered 17.43% and WABC delivered 4.55% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.