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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
9 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of CSW, CSVC and CSMC.

Fair Value Measurements We adopted FASB ASC 820 on April 1, 2008.  ASC 820 (1) creates a single definition of fair value, (2) establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and (3) expands disclosure requirements about items measured at fair value.  ASC 820 applies to both items recognized and reported at fair value in the financial statements and items disclosed at fair value in the notes to the financial statements.  ASC 820 does not change existing accounting rules governing what can or what must be recognized and reported at fair value in our financial statements, or disclosed at fair value in our notes to financial statements. Additionally, ASC 820 does not eliminate practicability exceptions that exist in accounting pronouncements amended by this Topic when measuring fair value.

Fair value is generally determined based on quoted market prices in the active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  If quoted market prices are not available, we use valuation techniques that place greater reliance on observable inputs and less reliance on unobservable inputs.  Due to the inherent uncertainty in the valuation process, our estimate of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed.  In addition, changes in the market environment, portfolio company performance and other events may occur over the lives of the investments that may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be materially different than the valuations currently assigned.  We determine the fair value of each individual investment and record changes in fair value as unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

Pursuant to our internal valuation process, each portfolio company is valued once a quarter.  In addition to our internal valuation process, our Board of Directors retains a nationally recognized firm to provide limited scope third party valuation services on certain portfolio investments at the end of our fiscal year.  Our Board of Directors retained Duff & Phelps to provide limited scope third party valuation services on six investments comprising 85.8% of our net asset value at March 31, 2012.  For full disclosure of Duff & Phelps' services, see page 5 of the Form 10-K under the heading "Determination of Net Asset Value and Portfolio Valuation Process."

We believe our investments at December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012 approximate fair value based on the market in which we operate and other conditions in existence as of these dates.

Investments Investments are stated at fair value determined by our Board of Directors as described in Notes to the Consolidated Schedule of Investments and Note 3 below.  The average cost method is used in determining cost of investments sold.  Investments are recorded on a trade date basis.

Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase.  Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Segment Information We operate and manage our business in a singular segment.  As an investment company, we invest in portfolio companies in various industries and geographic areas as presented in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

Use of Estimates  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Interest and Dividend Income  Interest and dividend income is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent amounts are expected to be collected.  Dividend income is recorded at the ex-dividend date for marketable securities and restricted securities.  In accordance with our valuation policy, accrued interest and dividend income is evaluated periodically for collectability.  When a debt or loan becomes 90 days or more past due, and if we otherwise do not expect the debtor to be able to service all of its debt or other obligations, we will generally establish a reserve against the interest income, thereby placing the loan or debt security's status on non-accrual basis, and cease to recognize interest income on that loan or debt security until the borrower has demonstrated the ability and intent to pay contractual amounts due.  If a loan or debt security's status significantly improves regarding ability to service debt or other obligations, it will be restored to accrual basis.

Federal Income Taxes  CSW and CSVC have elected and intend to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) necessary to qualify as regulated investment companies (RICs).  By meeting these requirements, they will not be subject to corporate federal income taxes on ordinary income distributed to shareholders.  In order to comply as a RIC, each company is required to timely distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the IRC, each year.  Investment company taxable income generally differs from net income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses.  Investment company taxable income generally excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as investment gains and losses are not included in investment company taxable income until they are realized.

In addition to the requirement that we must annually distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, we may either distribute or retain our realized net capital gains from investments, but any net capital gains not distributed may be subject to corporate level tax. Historically, we have not distributed net capital gains; however, during the nine months ended December 31, 2012, we distributed capital gains dividends in the amount of $17.59 per share to our shareholders. When we retain the capital gains, they are classified as a "deemed distribution" to our shareholders and are subject to our corporate tax rate of 35%.  As an investment company that qualifies as a RIC under the IRC, federal income taxes payable on security gains that we elect to retain are accrued only on the last day of our tax year, December 31.  Any capital gains actually distributed to shareholders are generally taxable to the shareholders as long-term capital gains. See Note 4 for further discussion.

CSMC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CSW, is not a RIC and is required to pay taxes at the current corporate rate.
 
We account for interest and penalties as part of operating expenses.  There were no interest or penalties incurred during the nine months ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Deferred Taxes  CSMC sponsors a qualified defined benefit pension plan which covers its employees and employees of certain of its controlled affiliates.  Deferred taxes related to the qualified defined benefit pension plan are recorded as incurred.

Stock-Based Compensation  We account for our stock-based compensation using the fair value method, as prescribed by ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation.  Accordingly, we recognize stock-based compensation cost over the straight-line method for all share-based payments awards granted to employees.  The fair value of stock options are determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model and are expensed over the vesting period of the related stock options. For restricted stock awards, we measured the grant date fair value based upon the market price of our common stock on the date of the grant and will amortize this fair value to shared-based compensation expense over the vesting term.  See Note 6 for further discussion.

Defined Pension Benefits and Other Postretirement Plans  We record annual amounts relating to the defined benefit pension plan based on calculations, which include various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates and assumed rates of return depending on the pension plan.  Material changes in pension costs may occur in the future due to changes in the discount rate, changes in the expected long-term rate of return, changes in level of contributions to the plans and other factors.  The funded status is the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation.  We recognize changes in the funded status of defined benefit plan in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities in the year in which the changes occur and measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employer's fiscal year-end.  We presently use March 31 as the measurement date for our defined benefit plan.

Concentration of Risk  We place our idle cash in financial institutions, and at times, such balances may be in excess of the federally insured limits.

Recent Accounting PronouncementsIn May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (ASC 820), Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs ("ASU 2011-04"). ASU 2011-04 results in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations. See Note 3 Investments, for further information regarding valuation techniques and quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by our Company to value Level 3 investments.