# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001825265
**File Stem:** 0001193125-26-126676
**Filing Date:** 2026-3
**Character Count:** 526528
**Document Hash:** 1a2c200d47cf32c59afcf7af9bfd6aae
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-26-126676.hdr.sgml**: 20260326

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-26-126676

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 73

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260326

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260326

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001825265

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 814-01420
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26799578

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 515 SOUTH FLOWER ST
- **CITY:** LOS ANGELES
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 90071
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 2132440000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 515 SOUTH FLOWER ST
- **CITY:** LOS ANGELES
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 90071

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 10-K

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

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**FORM** 10-K

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 **(Mark One)** 

☒ **ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934** 

**For the fiscal year ended** December 31**,** 2025

**OR**

☐ **TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO** 

**Commission File Number** 814-01420

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TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

**(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Delaware | 86-3307898 |
| **(State or other jurisdiction of**<br>**incorporation or organization)** | **(I.R.S. Employer**<br>**Identification No.)** |
| 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA | 02116 |
| **(Address of principal executive offices)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

## Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 936-2275

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Trading** <br>**Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange** <br>**on which registered** |
| **None** | **Not applicable** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable |

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Limited Liability Company Units **(Title of Class)** 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Secuprities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
| Emerging growth company | ☒ |  |  |

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. Yes ☐ No ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of December 31, 2025, there was no established public market for the Registrant's common units.

The number of the Registrant's common units outstanding at March 26, 2026 was 12,745,660.

**Documents Incorporated by Reference** 

TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not later than 120 days after the close of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, a definitive proxy statement containing the information required to be disclosed under Part III of Form 10-K.

Auditor Firm Id: 34 Auditor Name: Deloitte & Touche LLP Auditor Location: Los Angeles, California, United States of America

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**Table of Contents**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Page** |
| [**<u>PART I</u>**](#part1) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 1. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Business</u>](#item_1_business) | 4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 1A. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Risk Factors</u>](#item_1a_risk_factors_1) | 25 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 1B. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Unresolved Staff Comments</u>](#item_1b_unresolved_staff_comments) | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 1C. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Cybersecurity</u>](#item_1c_cyber) | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 2. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Properties</u>](#item_2_properties) | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 3. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Legal Proceedings</u>](#item_3_legal_proceedings) | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 4. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Mine Safety Disclosures</u>](#item_4_mine_safety_disclosures_1) | 49 |
| [**<u>PART II</u>**](#part2) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 5. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities</u>](#item_5_market_for_registrants_common) | 50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 6. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Selected Financial Data</u>](#item_6_selected_financial_data) | 50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 7. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations</u>](#item7mda) | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 7A. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk</u>](#item7aqandq) | 68 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 8. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Financial Statements and Supplementary Data</u>](#item_8_financial_statements) | 69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 9. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure</u>](#item_9_changes_in_and_disagreements) | 69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 9A. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Controls and Procedures</u>](#item_9a_controls_and_procedures) | 69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 9B. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Other Information</u>](#item_9b_other_information) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;70 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 9C. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections</u>](#item_9c) | 70 |
| [**<u>PART III</u>**](#part3) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 10. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance</u>](#item_10_directors_executive_officers) | 71 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 11. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Executive Compensation</u>](#item_11_executive_compensation) | 71 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 12. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters</u>](#item_12_security_ownership) | 71 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 13. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence</u>](#item_13_certain_relationships) | 71 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 14. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Principal Accounting Fees and Services</u>](#item_14_principal_accounting_fees) | 71 |
| [**<u>PART IV</u>**](#part4) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 15. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules</u>](#item_15_exhibits_financial_statement) | 72 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item 16. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Form 10-K Summary</u>](#item_4_10k_summary) | 74 |

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# CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about us, our prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "would," "should," "targets," "projects," and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and are difficult to predict, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements including, without limitation:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•an economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies' ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•an economic downturn could disproportionately impact the companies which we intend to target for investment, potentially causing us to experience a decrease in investment opportunities and diminished demand for capital from these companies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•a contraction of available credit could impair our ability to obtain leverage;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•a decline in interest rates could adversely impact our results as a majority of our debt investments bear interest based on floating rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the impact of current global economic conditions, including those caused by inflation, an elevated interest rate environment and geopolitical events;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly to the extent we use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our future operating results;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their financial and other business objectives;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•an inability to replicate the historical success of any previously launched fund managed by the private credit team of our investment adviser, TCW Asset Management Company LLC (the "Adviser", also the "Administrator");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•potential illiquidity and lack of a viable trading market for our Units (as defined herein);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the ability of the Adviser to attract and retain highly talented professionals, and the allocation of such professionals' time;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our reliance on management of the portfolio companies in which we invest;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•we may be unable to generate returns for our investors and any losses of the Company will be borne solely by holders of our Units ("Unitholders") and not by the Adviser;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the speculative and illiquid nature of our investments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•operational risks;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•uncertainty surrounding market and geopolitical risk;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•disruptions and instability in the capital markets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•uncertainty with respect to trade policies, treaties and tariffs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our status as a non-diversified investment company may cause our net asset value to fluctuate;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our investments may not be diversified;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•a contraction of available credit could impair our lending and investment activities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our reliance upon un-affiliated co-lenders, consultants, service providers and other counterparties;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•valuation risks;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the risks associated with indirect investments in portfolio companies through joint ventures, partnerships or other special purpose vehicles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•insolvencies of our portfolio companies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•potential lender liability proceedings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•additional risks associated with the highly levered portfolio companies in which we may invest;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the risks associated with the bridge financings, subordinated or mezzanine financings, unitranche loans, delayed draw facilities which we may make to portfolio companies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•loans to middle-market portfolio companies present a greater risk than loans to larger companies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•risks associated payment-in-kind ("PIK") interest and private credit;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•investments in portfolio companies located outside of the US may present additional risks;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•we may be subject to risks in connection with the derivative instruments we use;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•we will pay fees and expenses which will reduce the actual returns to Unitholders, the distributions we make to Unitholders, and the overall value of the Unitholders' investment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•we may retain, in whole or in part, any proceeds attributable to portfolio investments and may use the amounts retained to make investments, pay Company fees and expenses, repay Company borrowings, or fund reasonable reserves for future Company expenses or other obligations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•we may issue Preferred Units with separate rights and privileges;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•compliance with current legal, tax and regulatory framework and changes thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the costs associated with being a public entity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the use of borrowed money to finance a portion of our investments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•uncertainty surrounding global political and financial stability, including the liquidity of the banking industry;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•changes or potential disruptions in our operations and the operations of our portfolio companies, the economy, financial markets or political environment, including those caused by tariffs and trade disputes with other countries, supply chain issues, inflation and an elevated interest rate environment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•risks associated with possible disruption in our operations, the operations of our portfolio companies or the economy generally due to terrorism, war or other geopolitical conflict, natural disasters, pandemics or cybersecurity incidents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the ability of the Adviser to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•defaults by a substantial number of Unitholders or by one or more Unitholders who have made substantial Capital Commitments (as defined herein);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the impact of prepayment on the value of our investments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the allocation of expenses in co-investments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our reliance on the skill and expertise of the Adviser;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•investments at different levels of a capital structure may expose us to additional risks;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•conflicts of interest may arise between the Advisers, Other Clients (as defined herein) and certain of our portfolio companies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•we may be limited in our ability to engage in certain transactions with affiliates under the 1940 Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the ability of the TCW Group, Inc. to attract and retain highly talented professionals that can provide services to the Adviser and Administrator;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our ability to qualify and maintain our qualification as a regulated investment company, or "RIC," under Subchapter M of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and as a business development company ("BDC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and the related tax implications;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the effect of legal, tax and regulatory changes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•information systems failures and other cybersecurity risks significantly disrupting our business, financial condition or operating results;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the risks artificial intelligence pose to us and our portfolio companies; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•the other risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify under "Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, some of those assumptions are based on the work of third parties and any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate; as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could prove to be inaccurate. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this report should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or any other information contained herein, except as required by applicable law. The safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), which preclude civil liability for certain forward-looking statements, do not apply to the forward-looking statements in this report because we are regulated under the 1940 Act as an investment company.

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**PART I**

*In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as otherwise indicated, the terms:* 

*"TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC," "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refers to TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.* 

*The "Adviser" refers to TCW Asset Management Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.* 

**Item 1. Business.**

<u>General Development of Business</u> 

We were formed on September 3, 2020 as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware. We conducted a private offering of our common limited liability company units (the "Units") to investors in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). On May 27, 2021 ("Inception Date"), we sold and issued 10 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 thousand to TCW Asset Management Company LLC ("TAMCO"). On January 21, 2022, we completed the first closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 4,543,770 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $454.4 million. On July 8, 2022, we completed the second closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 2,178,280 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $217.8 million. On November 14, 2022, we completed the third closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 642,500 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $64.3 million.

On January 6, 2023, our board of directors (the "Board" or "Board of Directors") approved a 6-month extension of the period for which we may continue to accept subscription agreements and issue Units (the "Closing Period") from January 21, 2023 to July 21, 2023. On July 26, 2023, our Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "LLC Agreement") was amended to extend the Closing Period to be the twenty-four month period following our initial closing, until January 21, 2024 by a majority vote of our Unitholders. On April 3, 2023, we completed the fourth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,025,550 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $102.6 million. On July 24, 2023, we completed the fifth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,173,625 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $117.4 million. On December 13, 2023, we completed the sixth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,145,325 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $114.5 million. On January 18, 2024, we completed the seventh closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 734,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $73.4 million. On February 16, 2024, our LLC Agreement was amended such that the definition of the Closing Period was amended to be the twenty-six month period following the Initial Closing Date which ended on March 21, 2024. On March 19, 2024, we completed the final closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,302,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $130.2 million. As of December 31, 2025, we have sold 12,745,660 Units for an aggregate offering price of $1.3 billion. Each Unitholder is obligated to contribute capital equal to their Commitment and each Unit's Commitment obligation is $100.00 per unit. The sale of the Units was made pursuant to subscription agreements entered into by us and each investor. Under the terms of the subscription agreements, we may draw down all or any portion of the undrawn commitment with respect to each Unit generally upon at least ten business days' prior written notice to the unitholders. The amount of capital that remains to be drawn down and contributed is referred to as an "Undrawn Commitment." All Units that are issued will be issued prior to the end of the Closing Period.

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. On July 22, 2021, we filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). On October 16, 2023, we filed an election to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a BDC and a RIC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements, such as the requirement to invest at least 70% of our assets in "qualifying assets," source of income limitations, asset diversification requirements, and the requirement to distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income and tax-exempt interest.

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We are a direct lending investment company that seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns primarily through direct investments in senior secured loans to middle market companies or other issuers. We are managed by the TCW Private Credit Group (the "Private Credit Group"), a group of investment professionals that will use the same investment strategy employed by the Private Credit Group over the past 25 years.

Although we are primarily focused on investing in senior secured debt obligations, there may be occasions where our investments may be unsecured. We may also consider making an equity investment, in combination with a debt investment. Our investments are in portfolio companies formed as corporations, partnerships and other business entities. Our typical investment commitment is between $20 million and $150 million. The general maturity and duration for our investments is approximately five years. We focus our investments in portfolio companies in a variety of industries. While we focus on investments in middle market companies, we may invest in larger or smaller companies. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." We will consider financings for many different purposes, including corporate acquisitions, growth opportunities, liquidity needs, rescue situations, recapitalizations, debtor-in-possession ("DIP") loans, bridge loans and Chapter 11 exits.

The issuers in which we invest are typically highly leveraged, and, in most cases, these investments will not be rated by any rating agency. If these investments were rated, we believe that they would likely receive a rating from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization of below investment grade, which is often referred to as "junk." Exposure to below investment grade securities involves certain risks, and those securities are viewed as speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

Because we intend to remain qualified as a RIC under the Code, our portfolio is subject to diversification and other requirements. See "—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences." In addition to those diversification requirements, we will not invest more than 10% of investors' aggregate capital commitments to us through the Units (the "Commitments") in any single portfolio company.

We entered into one or more credit facilities or other borrowings, either directly or through one or more subsidiaries.

We may also be subject to limitations as to how borrowed funds may be used, which may include restrictions on geographic and industry concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status, average life, collateral interests and investment ratings, as well as regulatory restrictions on leverage which may affect the amount of funding that may be obtained. There may also be certain requirements relating to portfolio performance, including required minimum portfolio yield and limitations on delinquencies and charge-offs, a violation of which could limit further advances and, in some cases, result in an event of default. An event of default under a credit facility could result in an accelerated maturity date for all amounts outstanding thereunder, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and could lead to cross defaults under other credit facilities and other borrowings. This could reduce our liquidity and cash flow and impair our ability to manage and grow our business.

Also, any security interests and/or negative covenants required by a credit facility or other borrowings we enter into may limit our ability to create liens on assets to secure additional debt and may make it difficult for us to restructure or refinance indebtedness at or prior to maturity or obtain additional debt or equity financing. Any obligations to our creditors under our credit facilities or other borrowings may be secured by a pledge of and a security interest in some or all of our assets, including our portfolio of investments and cash. If we default, we may be forced to sell a portion of our investments quickly and prematurely at what may be disadvantageous prices to us in order to meet our outstanding payment obligations and/or support working capital requirements, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

As part of certain credit facilities or other borrowings, the right to make capital calls of Unitholders may be pledged as collateral, which will allow our creditors to call for capital contributions upon the occurrence of an event of default. To the extent such an event of default does occur, Unitholders could therefore be required to fund any shortfall up to their remaining Capital Commitments, without regard to the underlying value of their investment.

We borrow money from time to time, but do not intend to exceed a 1:1 debt-to-equity ratio, or such other maximum amount as may be permitted by applicable law. In determining whether to borrow money, we will analyze the maturity, covenant package and rate structure of proposed borrowings as well as the risks of such borrowings

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compared to our investment outlook. The use of borrowed funds or the proceeds of preferred units issued by the Company (the "Preferred Units") to make investments would have its own specific set of benefits and risks, and all of the costs of borrowing funds or issuing preferred units would be borne by the holders of the Units (each, a "Unitholder"). See "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Borrowing Money."

***The Adviser*** 

Our investment activities are managed by the Adviser. Subject to the overall supervision of our Board, the Adviser manages our day-to-day operations and provides investment advisory and management services to us pursuant to the investment advisory and management agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") by and between the Adviser and us.

The Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"), and has been since 1970. The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc. (the "TCW Group") and together with its affiliated companies (collectively, "TCW") manages or has committed to manage approximately $206.2 billion of assets as of December 31, 2025. Such assets are managed in various formats, including managed accounts, funds, structured products and other investment vehicles, including TCW Direct Lending LLC and TCW Direct Lending VII LLC (together with their five predecessor funds, the "Direct Lending Funds").

The Adviser is responsible for sourcing investment opportunities, conducting industry research, performing diligence on potential investments, structuring our investments and monitoring our portfolio companies on an ongoing basis.

***The Private Credit Group*** 

The Private Credit Group joined the TCW Group in December 2012. The Private Credit Group was previously with Regiment Capital Advisors, LP, an independent investment manager based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Private Credit Group launched the Company as its eighth Direct Lending Fund. The Private Credit Group is led by Richard Miller and currently includes a group of 44 investment professionals who have substantial investing, corporate finance, and merger and acquisition expertise and also significant experience in leveraged transactions, high yield financings and restructurings.

The Private Credit Group and other investment professionals of the Adviser have extensive experience in the capital markets, including work on deal origination, due diligence, transaction structuring, and portfolio management in the public and private markets across a wide spectrum of securities and industries. The Adviser believes that the experience of its investment professionals, and the Private Credit Group in particular, should position us to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns.

The investment approach of the Private Credit Group is primarily to originate and invest in loans to middle market companies and generally focuses on the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Investing in adjustable-rate, senior secured investment opportunities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Maintaining a principal preservation/absolute return focus;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Investing capital in a disciplined manner with an eye towards finding opportunities in both positive and negative markets, without attempting to time markets; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Evaluating investment opportunities on a risk-adjusted return basis.

We employ the investment approach and strategy the Private Credit Group developed and implemented over the past 25 years of investing in the middle markets. The approach focuses on the fundamental objectives of preserving capital and generating attractive risk-adjusted returns.

***The Exchange Offer***

The commitment period of the Company (the "Commitment Period") ended on February 1, 2026, and, as a result, we generally are no longer able to make new investments (other than certain follow-on investments and investments

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that were in process prior to the expiration of the Commitment Period and which we reasonably expected to be consummated prior to 90 days subsequent to the expiration date of the Commitment Period). Subject to extension or early termination, the term of the Company will continue until March 2030, after which the Company will wind down operations.

On January 14, 2026, as amended on February 20, 2026, and March 9, 2026, the Company filed a Schedule TO with the SEC relating to an offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") outstanding Units for an equivalent number of limited liability company units of TCW Specialty Lending LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Perpetual Fund"). The Perpetual Fund will operate as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The Exchange Offer is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the offer to exchange, the related subscription agreement and the letter of transmittal that were filed with the SEC.

We are conducting the Exchange Offer in order to provide unitholders with the option to either (i) continue to hold Units for the duration of our remaining term with no material change to the existing economics of the unitholder's investment or (ii) exchange all, or a portion, of their Units for an equivalent number of Perpetual Fund units. The Perpetual Fund will be a perpetual-life BDC, allowing unitholders to remain invested in a direct lending vehicle over an indefinite investment horizon. The Exchange Offer provides unitholders with the optionality that was negotiated for and that was disclosed at the time of their investment in the Company.

***The Private Credit Group's Investment Committee*** 

The Private Credit Group's investment committee (the "Investment Committee") evaluates and approves all investments by the Adviser. The Investment Committee process is intended to bring the diverse experiences and perspectives of the committee members to the analysis and consideration of every investment. The Investment Committee determines appropriate investment sizing, structure, pricing, and ongoing monitoring requirements for each investment, thus serving to provide investment consistency and adherence to the Adviser's investment philosophies and policies. In addition to reviewing investments, the Investment Committee meetings serve as a forum to discuss credit views and outlooks. Potential transactions and deal flow are also reviewed on a regular basis. The team's investment professionals are encouraged to share information and views on credits with the Investment Committee early in their analysis. This process improves the quality of the analysis and enables the investment team members to work more efficiently. Each proposed transaction is presented to the Investment Committee for consideration in a formal written report. Each of our new investments, and the disposition or sale of each existing investment, must be approved by the Investment Committee.

Our investment professionals will typically be in a position to be directly involved with each step of the investment process, beginning with due diligence. Our investment philosophy is to perform a rigorous due diligence investigation designed to better understand a potential portfolio company's risks and opportunities. This investigation will typically include comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify and address risks. The elements of the quantitative analysis may include: examination of financial statements as well as margin trends, financial ratios and other applicable performance metrics; review of financial projections and the impact of certain variables on a portfolio company's performance and ability to service its obligations; analysis of capital required for operations; comparable analysis relative to companies and transactions in similar industries; valuations reflecting a range of enterprise and asset values, the appraisal of working capital, real property machinery, equipment, intellectual property and trademarks; and identification of exit alternatives. Qualitative analysis may include a review of: quality and depth of the management team; product and/or service quality; industry fundamentals; competitive position; performance throughout the economic cycle; production cost drivers and sourcing alternatives; quality of information systems and financial infrastructure; diversity of customers and suppliers; and competition, including the impact of alternate technology.

The Adviser will keep our Board well informed as to the identity and title of each member of its Investment Committee and provide to the Company's Board such other information with respect to such persons and the functioning of the Investment Committee and the Private Credit Group as the Board may from time to time request.

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The Investment Committee will initially be composed of five members of the Private Credit Group. The members of the Investment Committee are Richard T. Miller, Suzanne Grosso, Ryan Carroll, Mark Gertzof and David Wang. Richard T. Miller, Suzanne Grosso, Mark Gertzof and David Wang, are referred to as "Key Persons" of the Company.

We use the expertise of the members of the Investment Committee/Key Persons (including Mr. Miller, Ms. Grosso, Mr. Carroll, Mr. Gertzof, and Mr. Wang), and the Private Credit Group to assess investment risks and determine appropriate pricing for our investments. In addition, we expect that the relationships developed by the Private Credit Group will enable us to learn about, and compete effectively for, financing opportunities with attractive middle market companies. For additional information concerning the competitive risks we face. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Competition for Investment Opportunities."

***Investment Advisory and Management Agreement*** 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•determine the composition of our portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to our portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•identify, evaluate and negotiate the structure of the investments we make (including performing due diligence on our prospective portfolio companies);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•determine the assets we will originate, purchase, retain or sell;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•close, monitor and administer the investments we make, including the exercise of any rights in our capacity as a lender; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•provide us such other investment advice, research and related services as we may, from time to time, require.

The Adviser's services under the Advisory Agreement are not exclusive, and the Adviser is free to furnish similar or other services to others so long as its services to us are not impaired. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will receive a management fee and an incentive fee from us as described below.

The Advisory Agreement was approved by our Board at the initial board meeting. On August 12, 2025, the Advisory Agreement was reapproved by our Board to remain in effect for an additional one-year term through September 15, 2026. Unless earlier terminated as described below, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for a period of two years from its effective date and will remain in effect from year to year thereafter if approved annually by (i) the vote of our Board, or by the vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, and (ii) the vote of a majority of our directors who are not "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Company, the Adviser or any of their respective affiliates (the "Independent Directors"). The Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of an assignment by the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by either party, or by a vote of the majority of our outstanding voting units or, if less, such lower percentage as required by the 1940 Act, without penalty upon not less than 60 days' prior written notice to the applicable party. If the Advisory Agreement is terminated according to this paragraph, we will pay the Adviser a pro-rated portion of the Management Fee and Incentive Fee (each as defined below). See "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Dependence on Key Personnel and Other Management."

The Adviser will not assume any responsibility to us other than to render the services described in, and on the terms of, the Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement, and will not be responsible for any action of our Board in declining to follow the advice or recommendations of the Adviser. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser (and its members, managers, officers, employees, agents, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with it) and any person who otherwise serves at the request of the Board on our behalf (in each case, an "Indemnitee") will not, in the absence of its own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Indemnitee's respective position, be liable to us or to our investors for (a) any mistake in judgment, (b) any act performed or omission made by it or (c) losses due to the mistake, action, inaction or negligence of our other agents.

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We will indemnify each Indemnitee for any loss, damage or expense incurred by such Indemnitee on our behalf or in furtherance of the interests of our investors or otherwise arising out of or in connection with the Company, except for losses (x) arising from such Indemnitee's own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Indemnitee's position or losses due to a violation of an applicable law or regulation by the Indemnitee or (y) arising from the Indemnitee defending an actual or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding against the Indemnitee brought or initiated by the Company, the Board of the Company and/or the Adviser (or brought or initiated by the Indemnitee against the Company, the Board of the Company and/or the Adviser). If we do not have sufficient available funds to satisfy such an indemnification liability or obligation and each Unitholder has already made aggregate contributions pursuant to drawdowns equal to such Unitholder's Commitment plus amounts that can be recalled, then we may require that each Unitholder return distributions we have previously made to such Unitholder to satisfy its proportionate share of the shortfall; provided, however, that no Unitholder shall be required (i) to return an aggregate amount in excess of the lesser of (a) the aggregate amount of distributions we made to such Unitholder and (b) 25% of such Unitholder's aggregate Commitment or (ii) to return amounts distributed to such Unitholder more than three years prior to the date such Unitholder is informed of a potential indemnification claim.

U.S. federal and state securities laws may impose liability under certain circumstances on persons who act in good faith. Nothing in the Advisory Agreement will constitute a waiver or limitation of any rights that we may have under any applicable federal or state securities laws.

***Management Fee*** 

We pay to the Adviser, quarterly in arrears, a management fee (the "Management Fee") calculated as follows: 0.3125% (i.e., 1.25% per annum) of the average gross assets of the Company on a consolidated basis, with the average determined based on the gross assets of the Company as of the end of the three most recently completed calendar months. "Gross assets" means the amortized cost of our portfolio investments (including portfolio investments purchased with borrowed funds and other forms of leverage, such as preferred units, public and private debt issuances, derivative instruments, repurchase agreements and other similar instruments or arrangements) that have not been sold, distributed to members, or written off for tax purposes (but reduced by any portion of such cost basis that has been written down to reflect a permanent impairment of value of any portfolio investment), and excluding cash and cash equivalents. The Management Fee for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated. While the Management Fee accrues from the Initial Closing Date, the Adviser intends to defer payment of such fee to the extent that such fee is greater than the aggregate amount of interest and fee income earned by the Company.

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***Incentive Fee*** 

In addition, the Adviser will receive an incentive fee (the "Incentive Fee") as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)First, no Incentive Fee will be owed until the Unitholders have collectively received cumulative distributions pursuant to this clause (a) equal to their aggregate capital contributions in respect of all Units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Second, no Incentive Fee will be owed until the Unitholders have collectively received cumulative distributions equal to an 8.0% internal rate of return on their aggregate capital contributions in respect of all Units (the "Hurdle");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Third, the Adviser will be entitled to an Incentive Fee out of 100% of additional amounts otherwise distributable to Unitholders until such time as the Incentive Fee paid to the Adviser is equal to 15% of the sum of (i) the amount by which the Hurdle exceeds the aggregate capital contributions of the Unitholders in respect of all Units and (ii) the amount of Incentive Fee being paid to the Adviser pursuant to this clause (c); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Thereafter, the Adviser will be entitled to an Incentive Fee equal to 15% of additional amounts otherwise distributable to Unitholders, with the remaining 85% distributed to the Unitholders.

The Incentive Fee will be calculated on a cumulative basis and the amount of the Incentive Fee payable in connection with any distribution (or deemed distribution) will be determined and, if applicable, paid in accordance with the foregoing formula each time amounts are to be distributed to the Unitholders.

*<u>Example Incentive Fee Calculations</u>* 

<u>Case #1 (5.00% return on contributed capital)</u> 

Assume $100.00 of aggregate contributed capital, with the entire amount contributed on January 1.

The Company produces $5.00 of net profit over the year (after payment of all Company expenses including the Management Fee) and liquidates on December 31, designating $105.00 for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

Step 1: Unitholders receive distributions totaling their $100.00 of aggregate contributed capital. There remains $5.00 designated for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

Step 2: Unitholders are entitled to 100% of the remaining amount until they have received an 8% annual return on their unreturned contributed capital, which in this case totals $8.00. The remaining $5.00 is distributed to the Unitholders in satisfaction of this entitlement, leaving no further amounts designated for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

In this case the total Incentive Fee received by the Adviser is $0.00, or 0% of the $5.00 of net profit to the Company.

<u>Case #2 (8.75% return on contributed capital)</u> 

Assume $100.00 of aggregate contributed capital, with the entire amount contributed on January 1.

The Company produces $8.75 of net profit over the year (after payment of all Company expenses including the Management Fee) and liquidates on December 31, designating $108.75 for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

Step 1: Unitholders receive distributions totaling their $100.00 of aggregate contributed capital. There remains $8.75 designated for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

Step 2: Unitholders are entitled to 100% of the remaining amount until they have received an 8% annual return on their unreturned contributed capital, which in this case totals $8.00. $8.00 is distributed to the Unitholders in satisfaction of this entitlement. There remains $0.75 designated for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

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Step 3: The Adviser is entitled to 100% of the remaining amount until it has received 15% of total distributions and Incentive Fee payments in excess of contributed capital, which in this case totals approximately $1.41. The remaining $0.75 is paid to the Adviser as an Incentive Fee, leaving no further amounts designated for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

In this case the total Incentive Fee received by the Adviser is $0.75, or 8.57% of the $8.75 of net profit to the Company.

<u>Case #3 (12.00% return on contributed capital)</u> 

Assume $100 of aggregate contributed capital, with the entire amount contributed on January 1.

The Company produces $12.00 of net profit over the year (after payment of all Company expenses including the Management Fee) and liquidates on December 31, designating $112.00 for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

Step 1: Unitholders receive distributions totaling their $100.00 of aggregate contributed capital. There remains $12.00 designated for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

Step 2: Unitholders are entitled to 100% of the remaining amount until they have received an 8% annual return on their unreturned contributed capital, which in this case totals $8.00. $8.00 is distributed to the Unitholders in satisfaction of this entitlement. There remains $4.00 designated for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

Step 3: The Adviser is entitled to 100% of the remaining amount until it has received 15% of total distributions and Incentive Fee payments in excess of contributed capital, which in this case totals approximately $1.41. Such amount is paid to the Adviser as an Incentive Fee in satisfaction of this entitlement. There remains approximately $2.59 designated for distribution and Incentive Fee payments.

Step 4: Unitholders are entitled to 85% of the remaining amount and the Adviser is entitled to 15% of the remaining amount. Therefore, the Unitholders receive approximately $2.20 in additional distributions while the Adviser receives approximately $0.39 in additional Incentive Fee payments.

In this case the total Incentive Fee received by the Adviser is $1.80, or 15.00% of the $12.00 of net profit to the Company.

If the Advisory Agreement terminates early for any reason other than (i) the Adviser voluntarily terminating the agreement or our terminating the agreement for cause (as set out in the Advisory Agreement), we will be required to pay the Adviser a final incentive fee payment (the "Final Incentive Fee Payment"). The Final Incentive Fee Payment will be calculated as of the date the Advisory Agreement is so terminated and will equal the amount of Incentive Fee that would be payable to the Adviser if (A) all our investments were liquidated for their current value (but without taking into account any unrealized appreciation of any portfolio investment), and any unamortized deferred portfolio investment-related fees were deemed accelerated, (B) the proceeds from such liquidation were used to pay all our outstanding liabilities, and (C) the remainder were distributed to Unitholders and paid as Incentive Fee in accordance with the "waterfall" (i.e., clauses (a) through (d)) described above for determining the amount of the Incentive Fee. We will make the Final Incentive Fee Payment in cash on or immediately following the date the Advisory Agreement is so terminated. The Adviser Return Obligation (defined below) will not apply in connection with a Final Incentive Fee Payment.

***Adviser Return Obligation*** 

After we have made our final distribution of assets in connection with our dissolution, if the Adviser has received aggregate payments of Incentive Fees in excess of the amount the Adviser was entitled to receive pursuant to "Incentive Fee" above, then the Adviser will return to us, on or before 90 days after such final distribution of assets, an amount equal to such excess (the "Adviser Return Obligation"). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in no event will the Adviser be required to return to us an amount greater than the aggregate Incentive Fees paid to the Adviser, reduced by the excess (if any) of (a) the aggregate federal, state and local income tax liability the Adviser

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incurred in connection with the payment of such Incentive Fees, over (b) an amount equal to the U.S. federal and state tax benefits available to the Adviser by virtue of the payment made by the Adviser pursuant to its Adviser Return Obligation.

***Administration Agreement*** 

We entered into an administration agreement (the "Administration Agreement") with TCW Asset Management Company LLC ("TAMCO" or the "Administrator") under which the Administrator will furnish us with office facilities and equipment, and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services. On August 12, 2025, the Administration Agreement was reapproved by our Board. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator will oversee the maintenance of our financial records and otherwise assist with our compliance with BDC and RIC rules, monitor the payment of our expenses, oversee the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others, be responsible for the financial and other records that we are required to maintain, prepare and disseminate reports to our Unitholders and reports and other materials to be filed with the SEC or other regulators, assist us in determining and publishing (as necessary or appropriate) our net asset value, oversee the preparation and filing of our tax returns, generally oversee the payment of our expenses and provide such other services as the Administrator, subject to review of our Board, shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. The Administrator may perform these services directly, may delegate some or all of them through the retention of a sub-administrator and may remove or replace any sub-administrator.

Payments under the Administration Agreement are equal to an amount that reimburses the Administrator for the costs and expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations and providing personnel and facilities under the Administration Agreement. The amounts paid pursuant to the Administration Agreement are subject to Company Expenses Limitation (as defined herein). The Administrator agrees that it would not charge total fees under the Administration Agreement that would exceed its reasonable estimate of what a qualified third party would charge to perform substantially similar services. The costs and expenses paid by the Company and the applicable caps on certain costs and expenses are described below under "Expenses" below.

The Administration Agreement provides that neither the Administrator, nor any director, officer, agent or employee of the Administrator, shall be liable or responsible to us or any of our Unitholders for any error of judgment, mistake of law or any loss arising out of any investment, or for any other act or omission in the performance by such person or persons of their respective duties, except for liability resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their respective duties. We will also indemnify the Administrator and its members, managers, officers, employees, agents, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with it.

***Expenses*** 

Subject to the Company Expenses Limitation (as defined below), we, and indirectly our Unitholders, shall bear and be responsible for all costs, expenses and liabilities in connection with the organization, operations, administration and transactions of the Company ("Company Expenses"). Company Expenses shall include, without limitation: (a) organizational expenses and expenses associated with the issuance of the Units and organizational expenses of a related entity organized and managed by TCW as a feeder fund for the Company and issuance of interests therein; (b) expenses of calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm); (c) fees payable to third parties, including agents, consultants, attorneys or other advisors, relating to, or associated with, evaluating and making investments; (d) expenses incurred by the Adviser or the Administrator payable to third parties, including agents, consultants, attorneys or other advisors, relating to or associated with, evaluating and making investments; (e) costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act, 1934 Act and other applicable federal or state securities laws; (f) fees and expenses incurred in connection with debt incurred to finance our investments or operations, and payment of interest and repayment of principal on such debt; (g) expenses related to sales and purchases of Units and other securities; (h) Management Fees and Incentive Fees; (i) administrator fees and expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, provided that any such fees payable to the Administrator shall be limited to what a qualified third party would charge to perform substantially similar services; (j) transfer agent, sub-administrator and custodial fees; (k) expenses relating to the issue, repurchase and transfer of Units to the extent not borne by the relevant transferring Unitholders and/or assignees; (l) federal and state registration fees; (m) federal, state and local taxes and other governmental charges assessed against

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us; (n) Independent Directors' fees and expenses and the costs associated with convening a meeting of the Board or any committee thereof; (o) fees and expenses and the costs associated with convening a meeting of the Unitholders or holders of any Preferred Units; (p) costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to Unitholders, including printing and mailing costs; (q) costs and expenses related to the preparation of our financial statements and tax returns; (r) our allocable portion of the fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; (s) direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone, and copying; (t) independent auditors and outside legal costs, including legal costs associated with any requests for exemptive relief, "no-action" positions or other guidance sought from a regulator, pertaining to us; (u) compensation of other third party professionals to the extent they are devoted to preparing our financial statements or tax returns or providing similar "back office" financial services to us; (v) Adviser costs and expenses (excluding travel) in connection with identifying and investigating investment opportunities for us, monitoring our investments and disposing of any such investments; (w) portfolio risk management costs; (x) commissions or brokerage fees or similar charges incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of securities (including merger fees); (y) costs and expenses attributable to normal and extraordinary investment banking, commercial banking, accounting, auditing, appraisal, valuation, administrative agent activities, custodial and registration services provided to us, including in each case services with respect to the proposed purchase or sale of securities by us that are not reimbursed by the issuer of such securities or others (whether or not such purchase or sale is consummated); (z) costs of amending, restating or modifying our operating agreement (the "LLC Agreement") or Advisory Agreement or related documents of us or related entities; (aa) fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with the termination, liquidation or dissolution of us or related entities; and (bb) all other properly and reasonably chargeable expenses incurred by us or the Administrator in connection with administering our business.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not bear more than (a) an amount equal to 10 basis points of our aggregate Commitments for organizational expenses and offering expenses in connection with the offering of Units through the Closing Period (see "The Private Offering—Closing Period") and (b) 12.5 basis points of the greater of total commitments or total assets computed annually for Company Expenses ("Company Expenses Limitation"); provided, that, any amount by which actual annual expenses in (b) exceed the Company Expenses Limitation shall be reimbursed to us by the Adviser in year such excess is incurred with any partial year assessed and reimbursed on a pro rata basis; and provided, further, that in determining the Company Expenses subject to the Company Expenses Limitation in (b), the following expenses shall be excluded and shall be borne by us as incurred without regard to the Company Expenses Limitation in (b): the Management Fee, the Incentive Fee, organizational expenses and offering expenses (which are subject to the separate cap), amounts incurred in connection with our borrowings (including collateral agent (security trustee) fees, interest, bank fees, legal fees and other transactional expenses arising out of or related to any borrowing or borrowing facility and similar costs), transfer agent fees, federal, state and local taxes and other governmental charges assessed against us, out-of-pocket expenses of calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm engaged for that purpose and the costs and expenses of the valuation of our portfolio investments performed by our independent auditors in order to comply with applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board standards), out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with arranging or structuring investments and their ongoing operations (including expenses and liabilities related to the formation and ongoing operations of any special purpose entity or entities in connection with an investment), legal costs associated with any requests for exemptive relief, "no-action" positions or other guidance sought from a regulator pertaining to us, costs and expenses relating to any reorganization or liquidation of the Company, directors, and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses and indemnification payments). Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts reimbursed pursuant to the Company Expenses Limitation in any year may be carried forward by the Adviser and recouped in future years where the Company Expenses Limitation is not exceeded but in no event will we carryforward to future periods the amount by which actual annual Company Expenses for a year exceed the Company Expenses Limitation for more than three years from the date on which such expenses were reimbursed.

"Adviser Operating Expenses" means overhead and operating and administrative expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Adviser or any of its affiliates, including us, in connection with maintaining and operating the Adviser's office, including salaries and other compensation (including compensation due to its officers), rent, routine office equipment expense and liability and insurance premiums (other than (i) those incurred in maintaining fidelity bonds and Indemnitee insurance policies and (ii) the allocable portion of the Administrator's overhead in performing its obligations), in furtherance of providing supervisory investment management services for us. For the avoidance of

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doubt, Adviser Operating Expenses include any expenses incurred by the Adviser or its affiliates in connection with the Adviser's registration as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act of 1940, or with its compliance as a registered investment adviser thereunder.

All Adviser Operating Expenses and all our expenses that we will not bear, as set forth above, will be borne by the Adviser or its affiliates.

***Employees*** 

We do not currently have any employees and do not expect to have any employees. Services necessary for our business will be provided through the Administration Agreement and the Advisory Agreement.

***License Agreement*** 

On January 21, 2022, we entered into a license agreement (the "License Agreement") with an affiliate of the Adviser, pursuant to which we are granted a non-exclusive license to use the name "TCW". Under the License Agreement, we have a right to use the "TCW" name and logo for so long as the Adviser or one of its affiliates remains our investment adviser. Other than with respect to this limited license, we have no legal right to the "TCW" name or logo.

***Competition*** 

We compete for investments with a number of business development companies and other investment funds (including private equity funds and venture capital funds), special purpose acquisition company sponsors, investment banks that underwrite initial public offerings, hedge funds that invest in private investments in public equities, traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks, and other sources of financing. Many of these entities have greater financial and managerial resources than we do. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act and the Code will impose on us as a BDC and a RIC.

***Derivatives*** 

We do not expect derivatives to be a significant component of our investment strategy. We retain the flexibility, however, to utilize hedging techniques, such as interest rate swaps, to mitigate potential interest rate risk on our indebtedness. Such interest rate swaps would principally be used to protect us against higher costs on our indebtedness resulting from increases in both short-term and long-term interest rates.

We also may use various hedging and other risk management strategies to seek to manage additional risks, including changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Such hedging strategies would be utilized to seek to protect the value of our portfolio investments, for example, against foreign currency fluctuations vis-à-vis the U.S. Dollar or possible adverse changes in the market value of securities held in our portfolio.

***Emerging Growth Company*** 

We are an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act and we are eligible to take advantage of certain specified reduced disclosure and other requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies that are not "emerging growth companies" including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Although we have not made a determination whether to take advantage of any or all of these exemptions, we expect to remain an emerging growth company for up to five years following the completion of any initial public offering by us or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.07 billion, (ii) December 31 of the fiscal year that we become a "large accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the 1934 Act which would occur if the market value of our Units that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter and we have been publicly reporting for at least 12 calendar months or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt

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securities during the preceding three-year period. In addition, we may take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards.

***The Private Offering*** 

In connection with its subscription for Units, each of our investors will make a Commitment to us and will receive one Unit for every one hundred dollars of such investor's accepted Commitment (for example, an investor making a Commitment of $200 million would be issued two million Units). Each Unit will be issued for a purchase price of $0.01 per Unit (the "Original Issuance Price") and will obligate the Unitholder to make additional future capital contributions of $99.99. The minimum Commitment by an investor will be $10 million (i.e., 100,000 Units), although Commitments of lesser amounts may be accepted at our discretion.

Each investor will be required to enter into a subscription agreement in connection with its Commitment (a "Subscription Agreement"). The Subscription Agreement sets forth, among other things, the terms and conditions upon which the investors will purchase Units, the circumstances under which we may draw down capital from investors, certain covenants that all investors must agree to, and the remedies available to us in the event that an investor defaults on its obligation to make capital contributions. If an investor fails to fund its capital contribution, interest will accrue at the default rate (as defined herein) on the outstanding unpaid balance of such capital contribution, from and including the date such capital contribution was due until the earlier of the date of payment of such capital contribution by such investor. The "Default Rate" with respect to any period shall be the lesser of (a) a variable rate equal to the prime rate in effect, from time to time, during such period plus 6% or (b) the highest interest rate for such period permitted by applicable law. We may waive the requirement to pay interest, in whole or in part. In addition, the Subscription Agreement includes an Investor Suitability Questionnaire designed to ensure that all investors are "qualified purchasers" as defined in the 1940 Act, and also are either (i) "accredited investors," as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D under the Securities Act, or (ii) in the case of Units sold outside the United States, persons that are not "U.S. persons" in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

While we expect each Subscription Agreement to reflect the terms and conditions summarized in the preceding paragraph, we reserve the right to enter into Subscription Agreements that contain terms and conditions not found in the Subscription Agreements entered into with other investors, subject to applicable law. No Unitholder will be granted, in its Subscription Agreement, the right to invest in Units on more favorable economic terms and conditions than other Unitholders.

***Closing Period*** 

The first date on which we began accepting Subscription Agreements and issue Units to persons not affiliated with the Adviser is referred to as the "Initial Closing Date." On the Inception Date, we sold and issued 10 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 thousand to TAMCO. On January 21, 2022, we completed the first closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 4,543,770 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $454.4 million. On July 8, 2022 we completed the second closing of the sale of our Units pursuant to which we sold 2,178,280 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $217.8 million. On November 14, 2022, we completed the third closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 642,500 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $64.3 million.

On January 6, 2023, our Board approved a 6-month extension of the Closing Period from January 21, 2023 to July 21, 2023. On July 26, 2023, our LLC Agreement was amended to extend the Closing Period to be the twenty-four month period following our initial closing, until January 21, 2024 by a majority vote of our Unitholders. On April 3, 2023, we completed the fourth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,025,550 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $102.6 million. On July 24, 2023, we completed the fifth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,173,625 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $117.4 million. On December 13, 2023, we completed the sixth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,145,325 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $114.5 million. On January 18, 2024, we completed the seventh closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 734,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $73.4 million. On February 16, 2024, our LLC Agreement was amended such that the definition of the Closing Period was amended to be the twenty-six month period following the Initial Closing Date which ended on March 21, 2024. On March 19, 2024, we completed the

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final closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,302,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $130.2 million. As of December 31, 2025 we have sold 12,745,660 Units for an aggregate offering price of $1.3 billion. Each Unitholder is obligated to contribute capital equal to their Commitment and each Unit's Commitment obligation is $100.00 per unit. The sale of the Units was made pursuant to subscription agreements entered into by us and each investor. Under the terms of the subscription agreements, we may draw down all or any portion of the undrawn commitment with respect to each Unit generally upon at least ten business days' prior written notice to the unitholders. All Units that are issued will be issued prior to the end of the Closing Period.

Investors admitted as Initial Closing Members that participated in a closing following the Initial Closing Date, and existing Members receiving newly issued Common Units because their initial commitment did not reflect their total commitment due to regulatory, legal, or other constraints applicable to the Company's or investor's portfolio at the time of initial commitment, are not deemed Later-Closing Investors. Later-Closing Investor status is determined on a look-through basis with respect to any feeder fund. In advance of each additional closing, and as close to it as practicable, the Company allocated its estimated profits and losses through that date, and distributed to Unitholders any undistributed estimated profits in cash to the extent there is available cash and through a deemed capital call and corresponding deemed distribution to the extent there is not sufficient available cash (on each occasion, a "Pre-Closing Distribution").

Each investor who participated in a closing following the Initial Closing Date (a "Later-Closing Investor") was issued Units in exchange for the Original Issuance Price and was required to contribute to us in respect of each Unit newly issued to such investor:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)an amount equal to the amount of any additional capital contributions we had previously drawn down with respect to a Unit issued on the Initial Closing Date (a "True-Up Contribution");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)an amount equal to any increase in the net asset value (as reflected in our books and records after giving effect to the applicable Pre-Closing Distribution) of a Unit issued on the Initial Closing Date through the closing date for the newly issued Unit, excluding any increase in net asset value attributable to additional capital contributions made by the applicable Unitholder or decrease attributable to distributions of True-Up Contributions as described in the paragraph below (an "NAV Balancing Contribution"); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)an amount equal to a rate of 2.0% per annum on the True-Up Contribution for such newly issued Unit, calculated for the period from the Initial Closing Date to the closing date for such newly issued Unit as an administrative fee to compensate us for expenses and activities related to the Later-Closing Investor (a "Late-Closer Contribution").

True-Up Contributions will be retained by us and used for any purpose of the Company. If at any time we determine that because of the True-Up Contributions we have excess cash on hand, we may distribute that excess cash among all the Unitholders pro rata based on the number of Units held by each. Any distribution of True-Up Contributions will be treated as a return of previously made capital contributions in respect of the Units and, consequently, will correspondingly increase the Undrawn Commitment of the Units.

NAV Balancing Contributions will not reduce the Undrawn Commitment of the associated Units and will not be treated as capital contributions for purposes of calculating the Incentive Fee. NAV Balancing Contributions received by us will not be treated as amounts distributed to Unitholders for purposes of calculating the Incentive Fee.

Late-Closer Contributions will not reduce the Undrawn Commitment of the associated Units and will not be treated as capital contributions for purposes of calculating the Incentive Fee. Any distribution of Late-Closer Contributions will not be treated as an amount distributed to the Unitholders for purposes of calculating the Incentive Fee.

Pre-Closing Distributions and NAV Balancing Contributions will be determined by us in good faith on the basis of best commercial efforts and likely will be approximate amounts.

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***Commitment Period*** 

The Commitment Period of the Company commenced on the Initial Closing Date and will end on February 1, 2026, which is the later of (a) January 21, 2026, four years from the Initial Closing Date and (b) February 1, 2026, four years from the date on which the Company first completed an investment; provided, however, that the Commitment Period is subject to termination upon the occurrence and continuance of a Key Person Event, as described below. After the expiration of the Commitment Period, Unitholders will be released from any further obligation with respect to their Undrawn Commitments, except as provided in the LLC Agreement.

A "Key Person Event" will occur if, during the Commitment Period, (i) Mr. Miller and one or more Ms. Grosso, Mr. Gertzof and Mr. Wang (each of such four Persons, a "Key Person" and collectively, the "Key Persons") fail to devote substantially all (i.e. more than 85%) of his or her business time to the investment activities of the Company, the prior funds, any successor funds and any fund(s) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser that are managed within the Private Credit Group (together, the "Related Entities"); or (ii) Ms. Grosso, Mr. Gertzof and Mr. Wang all fail to devote substantially all of his or her business time to the investment activities of the Company and the Related Entities, in each case other than as a result of a temporary disability; provided that if a replacement has been approved as described in the paragraphs below, such replacement shall be specifically designated to take the place of one of the above-named individuals and the definition "Key Person Event" will be amended to take into account such successor.

Upon the occurrence of a Key Person Event, and in the event that the Adviser fails to replace the above-referenced individuals in the manner contemplated by the last sentence of this paragraph, the Commitment Period shall be automatically terminated upon such Key Person Event. The Commitment Period will be re-instated upon the vote or written consent of 66 2/3% in interest of the Unitholders. The Adviser is permitted at any time to replace any person designated above with a senior professional (including a Key Person) selected by the Adviser, provided that such replacement has been approved by a majority of the Unitholders (in which case, the approved substitute will be a Key Person in lieu of the person replaced). The determination of whether a Key Person Event has occurred will be made by the Company in accordance with the criteria set out above. The Company shall provide written notice to Unitholders of such Key Person Event within 30 days of the date of such Key Person Departure. If the Company fails to obtain approval of a replacement of a Key Person following a Key Person Departure as provided herein, then notwithstanding anything herein, the Key Person Departure shall be permanent and the Adviser shall not be permitted to replace such Key Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser is permitted at any time to replace any Person designated above with a senior professional (including a Key Person) selected by the Adviser, with the approval of the majority of the Unitholders (in which case, the approved substitute shall be a Key Person in lieu of the Person replaced) no later than 90 days after the date that the Adviser informs the Company of its proposed replacement of the Key Person. If such replacement(s) end the occurrence of a Key Person Event, the Commitment Period will automatically be re-instated.

**Regulation as a Business Development Company** 

We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between BDCs and their affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. In addition, a BDC must be organized for the purpose of investing in or lending primarily to private companies organized in the United States and making significant managerial assistance available to them.

As with other companies regulated by the 1940 Act, a BDC must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. A majority of our Board must be persons who are not "interested persons," as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. Additionally, we are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against larceny and embezzlement. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our Unitholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of any such person's office. As a BDC, we are currently also required to meet a minimum coverage ratio of the value of total assets to total senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any Preferred Units.

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As a BDC, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC unless authorized by vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, as required by the 1940 Act. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (a) 67% or more of such company's voting securities present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company.

We do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under these limits, we generally cannot acquire more than 3% of the voting stock of any investment company, invest more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one investment company, or invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of investment companies in the aggregate. We may, however, rely on recently adopted Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act and invest in excess of the limits described above. However, to the extent we rely on Rule 12d1-4, we will be subject to certain conditions and requirements under Rule 12d1-4. The portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies ordinarily will subject the Unitholders to additional expenses.

We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of the members of our Board who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC through an exemptive order (other than in certain limited situations pursuant to current regulatory guidance). The Adviser has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC that, subject to certain conditions and limitations, permits us and other funds advised by the Adviser or certain affiliates of the Adviser (referred to herein as "potential co-investment funds") to engage in certain co-investment transactions. Under the exemptive relief, in the case where the interest in a particular investment opportunity exceeds the size of the opportunity, then the investment opportunity will be allocated among us and such potential co-investment funds based on capital available for investment, which generally will be determined based on the amount of cash on hand, existing commitments and reserves, if any, the targeted leverage level, targeted asset mix and other investment policies and restrictions set from time to time by the board or other governing body of the relevant fund or imposed by applicable laws, rules, regulations or interpretations. In situations where we cannot co-invest with other investment funds managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser due to the restrictions contained in the 1940 Act that are not addressed by the exemptive relief or SEC guidance, the investment policies and procedures of the Adviser generally require that such opportunities be offered to us and such other investment funds on an alternating basis. There can be no assurance that we will be able to participate in all investment opportunities that are suitable for us.

We are subject to periodic examination by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act.

***Qualifying Assets*** 

Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any assets other than assets of the type listed in section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the company's total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our business are the following:

Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person,

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subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940 Act as any issuer which:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company wholly owned by us) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•satisfies either of the following:

ohas a market capitalization of less than $250 million or does not have any class of securities listed on a national securities exchange; or

ois controlled by a BDC or a group of companies including a BDC, the BDC actually exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of the eligible portfolio company, and, as a result thereof, the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Securities of any eligible portfolio company that we control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities, was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Securities received in exchange for or distributed in connection with securities described above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

***Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies*** 

A BDC must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described under "Qualifying Assets" above. However, in order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must either control the issuer of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities significant managerial assistance; except that, where the BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, the BDC will satisfy this test if one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does in fact provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

***Temporary Investments*** 

Pending investment in other types of "qualifying assets," as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which is referred to herein, collectively, as temporary investments, such that at least 70% of our assets are qualifying assets.

***Senior Securities*** 

We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of Preferred Units senior to the Units, if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. While any Preferred Units or, in certain limited circumstances, debt securities are

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outstanding, we may be prohibited from making distributions to Unitholders or repurchasing Units unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for generally up to 60 days without regard to the 200% asset coverage requirement described above. Finally, (i) Preferred Units must have the same voting rights as the Units (one Unit, one vote), and (ii) holders of Preferred Units (the "Preferred Unitholders") must have the right, as a class, to appoint two directors to the Board.

***Code of Ethics*** 

We and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics of the Adviser pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, respectively, that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain transactions by our personnel. The code of ethics generally contains restrictions on investments by our personnel in securities that we may purchase or hold. In addition, we have adopted a code of ethics applicable to our Principal Executive and Principal Accounting Officers pursuant to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. You may obtain copies of the codes of ethics on the Adviser's website at www.TCW.com or by written request addressed to the following: Chris Marzullo, Interim Chief Compliance Officer, 515 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, California 90071.

***Insider Trading Policy***

We and the Adviser have adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of the Company's securities by directors and officers that are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and any listing standards applicable to the Company.

***Compliance Policies and Procedures*** 

We and the Adviser have adopted and implemented, written policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent violation of the federal securities laws. We and the Adviser are required to review these compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation and to designate a chief compliance officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures.

***Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures*** 

We delegate our proxy voting responsibility to the Adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Adviser are set forth below. The guidelines will be reviewed periodically by the Adviser and our Independent Directors, and, accordingly, are subject to change.

An investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, the Adviser recognizes that it must vote client securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of its clients. These policies and procedures for voting proxies for the Adviser's investment advisory clients are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.

If the Adviser has responsibility for voting proxies in connection with its investment advisory duties, or has the responsibility to specify to an agent how to vote the client's proxies, it exercises such voting responsibilities through the corporate proxy voting process. The Adviser believes that the right to vote proxies is a significant asset of its clients' holdings. In order to provide a basis for making decisions in the voting of proxies for its clients, the Adviser has established a proxy voting committee (the "Proxy Committee") and adopted proxy voting guidelines (the "Guidelines") and procedures.

The Proxy Committee generally meets quarterly (or at such other frequency as determined by the Proxy Committee), and its duties include establishing proxy voting guidelines and procedures, overseeing the internal proxy voting process, and reviewing proxy voting issues. The members of the Proxy Committee include the Adviser's personnel from the investment, compliance, legal and marketing departments. The Adviser also uses outside proxy voting services (each, an "Outside Service") to help manage the proxy voting process. Each Outside Service facilitates its

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voting according to the Guidelines (or according to guidelines submitted by the Adviser's clients) and helps maintain the Adviser's proxy voting records. The Adviser's proxy voting and record keeping is dependent on the timely provision of proxy ballots by custodians, clients and other third parties. Under circumstances described below involving potential conflicts of interest, the Adviser may also request an Outside Service to help decide certain proxy votes. In those instances, the Proxy Committee shall review and evaluate the voting recommendations of each Outside Service to ensure that recommendations are consistent with the Adviser's clients' best interest. In the event the Adviser inadvertently receives any proxy material on behalf of a client that has retained proxy voting responsibility, and where it is reasonably feasible by the Adviser to determine the identity of the client, the Adviser will promptly forward such materials to the client. As a matter of firm policy, the Adviser does not disclose to unaffiliated third parties how it expects to vote on upcoming proxies and does not disclose the way it voted proxies without a legitimate need to know such information.

The Guidelines provide a basis for the Adviser's decisions in the voting of proxies for clients. When voting proxies, the Adviser's utmost concern is that all decisions be made solely in the interests of the client and with the goal of maximizing the value of the client's investments. Generally, proposals will be voted in accordance with the Guidelines and any applicable guidelines provided by the Adviser's clients. The Adviser's underlying philosophy, however, is that the portfolio managers, who are primarily responsible for evaluating the individual holdings of the Adviser's clients, are best able to determine how best to further client interests and goals. The portfolio managers may, in their discretion, take into account the recommendations of the Adviser's management, the Proxy Committee, and any Outside Service.

Individual portfolio managers, in the exercise of their best judgment and discretion, may from time to time override the Guidelines and vote proxies in a manner that they believe will enhance the economic value of clients' assets, keeping in mind the best interests of the beneficial owners. The Guidelines provide procedures for documenting and, as required, approving such overrides. In the event a potential conflict arises in the context of voting proxies for the Adviser's clients, the primary means by which the Adviser will avoid a conflict of interest is by casting votes with the assistance of an Outside Service according to the Guidelines and any applicable guidelines provided by the Adviser's clients. If a potential conflict of interest arises, and the proxy vote to be decided is predetermined under the Guidelines, then the Adviser will follow the Guidelines and vote accordingly. On the other hand, if a potential conflict of interest arises and there is no predetermined vote, or the Guidelines themselves refer such vote to the portfolio manager for decision, or the portfolio manager would like to override a predetermined vote, then the Guidelines provide procedures for determining whether a material conflict of interest exists and, if so, resolving such conflict.

The Adviser or an Outside Service will keep records of the following items for at least five years: (i) the Guidelines and any other proxy voting procedures; (ii) proxy statements received regarding client securities (unless such statements are available on the SEC's EDGAR system); (iii) records of votes cast on behalf of clients (if maintained by an Outside Service, that Outside Service will provide copies of those records promptly upon request); (iv) records of written requests for proxy voting information and the Adviser's response (whether a client's request was oral or in writing); and (v) any documents the Adviser prepared that were material to making a decision on how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. Additionally, the Adviser or an Outside Service will maintain any documentation related to an identified material conflict of interest.

***Privacy Principles*** 

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and security of nonpublic personal information relating to our investors. The following information is provided to describe generally what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

We may collect nonpublic personal information regarding investors from sources such as subscription agreements, investor questionnaires and other forms; individual investors' account histories; and correspondence between individual investors and the Company. We may share information that we collect regarding an investor with our affiliates and the employees of such affiliates for legitimate business purposes, for example, in order to service the investor's accounts or provide the investor with information about other products and services offered by the Company or our affiliates that may be of interest to the investor. In addition, we may disclose information that we

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collect regarding investors to third parties who are not affiliated with us (i) as required by law or in connection with regulatory or law enforcement inquiries, or (ii) as otherwise permitted by law to the extent necessary to effect, administer or enforce investor or our transactions.

Any party that receives nonpublic personal information relating to investors from the Company is permitted to use the information only for legitimate business purposes or as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law or regulation. In this regard, for our officers, employees and agents and affiliates, access to such information is restricted to those who need such access in order to provide services to us and to our investors. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to seek to guard investor nonpublic personal information.

***Reporting Obligations*** 

In order to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act, we were required to register a class of equity securities under the 1934 Act and filed a Registration Statement for our Units with the SEC under the 1934 Act. We are required to file annual reports, quarterly reports and current reports with the SEC. This information is available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Because we do not currently maintain a corporate website, we do not intend to make available on a website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our current reports on Form 8-K. We do intend, however, to provide electronic or paper copies of our filings free of charge upon request.

**Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences** 

The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations related to an investment in the Units. This summary is based upon the provisions of the Code, as amended, the U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and judicial decisions in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion does not purport to describe all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular investor in light of that investor's particular circumstances (including alternative minimum tax consequences) and is not directed to investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as banks, dealers in securities, persons holding Units as part of hedging transaction, wash sale, conversion transaction or integrated transaction, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, private university endowments and other tax-exempt entities, U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, certain financial institutions and insurance companies. In addition, this summary does not discuss any aspect of state, local or non-U.S. tax law and assumes that investors will hold their Units as capital assets (generally, assets held for investment).

For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" is a Unitholder that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (b) a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (c) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source or (d) a trust if a court within the United States can exercise primary supervision over its administration and certain other conditions are met. A "Non-U.S. Holder" is a Unitholder who is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For tax purposes, our fiscal year is the calendar year.

If a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Units, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective investor that will own Units through a partnership should consult its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of those Units.

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***Tax matters are complex and prospective investors in the Units are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of an investment in the Units, including the potential application of U.S. withholding taxes.*** 

***Classification of the Company as Corporation for Tax Purposes*** 

As a limited liability company, the Company is an eligible entity that is entitled to elect its classification for U.S. federal tax purposes. The Company has made an election to cause it to be classified as an association that is taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the Company is unable to qualify as a RIC (the requirements of which are discussed below) during the liquidation of its portfolio following the Commitment Period, it may consider filing a new election to cause the Company to be classified as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes (from the effective date of such new election forward). The Company has no current intention of making such a new election and would only make such election if it determines it is in the best interests of Unitholders to do so.

***Regulated Investment Company Classification*** 

As a BDC, we elected, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not be required to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our Unitholders as dividends. To continue to qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, to qualify for RIC tax treatment, we must distribute to our Unitholders, for each taxable year, the sum of at least 90% of our "investment company taxable income" for that year, which is generally our ordinary income plus the excess of our realized net short-term capital gains over our realized net long-term capital losses, and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest (the "Annual Distribution Requirement").

***Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company*** 

If we:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•qualify as a RIC; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement;

then we will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) that we distribute to Unitholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to Unitholders.

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, and on which we paid no federal income tax, in preceding years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•In order to maintain our qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:

oat all times during each taxable year, have in effect an election to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act;

oderive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from (a) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities (including loans), gains from the sale of stock or other securities or currencies, or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such

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stock, securities or currencies and (b) net income derived from an interest in a "qualified publicly traded partnership"; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

oat least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and

ono more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in (i) the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, (ii) the securities, other than securities of other RICs, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable tax rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or (iii) the securities of one or more "qualified publicly traded partnerships."

We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with increasing interest rates or debt instruments issued with warrants), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to Unitholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.

We may have difficulty satisfying the diversification requirements as we liquidate our portfolio following the Commitment Period, since we will not be making additional investments. While we generally will not lose our status as a RIC as long as we do not acquire any nonqualifying securities or other property, under certain circumstances we may be deemed to have made an acquisition of nonqualifying securities or other property.

Because we may use debt financing, we will be subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources or are otherwise limited in our ability to make distributions, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.

Certain of our investment practices may be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things: (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions; (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gain into higher taxed short-term capital gain or ordinary income; (iii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited); (iv) cause us to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash; (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of securities is deemed to occur; (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions; and (vii) produce income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income test described above. We will monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the potential adverse effect of these provisions.

If, in any particular taxable year, we do not qualify as a RIC, all of our taxable income (including our net capital gains) will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to Unitholders, and distributions will be taxable to the Unitholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

In the event we invest in non-U.S. securities, we may be subject to withholding and other non-U.S. taxes with respect to those securities. We do not expect to satisfy the conditions necessary to pass through to our Unitholders their share of the non-U.S. taxes paid by the Company. We generally intend to conduct our investment activities to minimize the impact of foreign taxation, but there is no guarantee that it will be successful in this regard.

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**Item 1A. Risk Factors.**

*An investment in our securities involves certain risks relating to our structure and investment objective. The risks set forth below are not the only risks we face, and we face other risks which we have not yet identified, which we do not currently deem material or which are not yet predictable. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.* 

**SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies and industries, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•There can be no assurance that the Adviser will replicate the historical performance of other investment funds with which it has been affiliated. As a result, our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by such other investment funds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The collateral securing a senior loan may be insufficient to protect us against losses or a decline in income in the event of a borrower's non-payment of interest or principal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may make investments in highly levered companies. Price declines in the corporate leveraged loan market may adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio, reducing our net asset value through increased net unrealized depreciation and the incurrence of realized losses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our management and incentive fee structure may create incentives for the Adviser that are not fully aligned with the interests of our Unitholders and may induce the Adviser to make speculative investments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser and its affiliates, including our officers and some of our directors, may face conflicts of interest caused by compensation arrangements with us and our affiliates, which could result in increased risk-taking by us.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We are an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act, and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our Units less attractive to investors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We intend to finance our investments with borrowed money. Our inability to access leverage in a timely fashion may inhibit our ability to make timely investments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital exposes us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•There is no public market for our Units, nor can we give any assurance that one will develop in the future. As a result, an investment in the Units may not be suitable for investors who may need the money they invest in a specified time frame.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You should not expect to be able to sell Units regardless of how we perform. As a result, if you are unable to sell your Units, you will be unable to reduce your exposure on any market downturn that affects our portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We generally will not control the business operations of our portfolio companies and, due to the illiquid nature of our holdings in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our interests in our portfolio companies.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•An investment strategy focused primarily on privately held companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•There is no public market or active secondary market for many of the investments that we intend to make and hold and as a result, these investments may be deemed illiquid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•If we make additional offerings of Units in the future, a Unitholder may be required to make additional purchases of our Units on one or more dates to be determined by us.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We will invest in securities that are rated below investment grade by rating agencies or that would be rated below investment grade if they were rated. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as "junk," have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. They will also be difficult to value and are illiquid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The amount of any distributions we may make on our Units is uncertain. We may not be able to pay you distributions, or be able to sustain distributions at any particular level, and our distributions per unit, if any, may not grow over time, and our distributions per share may be reduced.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•To the extent original issue discount ("OID"), and payment-in-kind ("PIK"), interest income constitute a portion of our income, we will be exposed to risks associated with the deferred receipt of the cash representing such income.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our business model depends to a significant extent upon strong referral relationships with private equity sponsors, financial intermediaries, direct lending institutions and other counterparties that are active in our markets. Any inability of the Adviser to maintain or develop these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The Adviser may frequently be required to make investment analyses and decisions on an expedited basis in order to take advantage of investment opportunities, and our Adviser may not have knowledge of all circumstances that could impact an investment by us.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a BDC or be precluded from investing according to our current business strategy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Efforts to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") will involve significant expenditures, and non-compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act would adversely affect us and the value of our Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We are highly dependent on information systems, and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the value of our Units and our ability to pay distributions.

**RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS** 

<u>Market and geopolitical events could materially and adversely affect certain of our portfolio companies, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.</u> The interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Our business and operations, as well as the business and operations of our portfolio companies, may be materially adversely affected by inflation (or expectations for inflation), trade tensions, tariffs, interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, climate change and climate-related events, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years, such as terrorist attacks around the world, natural disasters, social and political discord or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects. Any

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such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on our business and operations, and on the business and operations of our portfolio companies.

<u>Disruption and Instability in Capital Markets.</u> The U.S. and global capital markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption in the past, leading to recessionary conditions and depressed levels of consumer and commercial spending. For instance, failures in the banking sector have caused significant disruption and volatility in U.S. and global markets. Disruptions in the capital markets increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. We cannot assure you that these conditions will not reoccur which could lead to a period of market illiquidity which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results.

In addition, to the extent that recessionary conditions return, the financial results of small to mid-sized companies, like those in which we invest, will likely experience deterioration, which could ultimately lead to difficulty in meeting debt service requirements and an increase in defaults. Additionally, the end markets for certain of our portfolio companies' products and services have experienced, and continue to experience, negative economic trends. The performances of certain of our portfolio companies have been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted by these economic or other conditions, which may ultimately result in:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•our receipt of a reduced level of interest income from our portfolio companies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•decreases in the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•ultimately, losses or change-offs related to our investments.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the U.S. and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict, have increased and may continue to increase volatility and uncertainty in financial markets worldwide. The U.S. and other countries have imposed broad-ranging economic sanctions on Russia and Russian entities and individuals, and may impose additional sanctions, including on other countries that provide military or economic support to Russia. In addition, recent and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East could potentially cause significant disruptions to all or part of the global financial system, international trade, and the transportation and energy sectors, among other disruptions. Developing and further governmental actions (sanctions-related, military or otherwise) with respect to either or both the Russia-Ukraine conflict or the conflicts in the Middle East may cause additional disruption and constrain or alter existing financial, legal and regulatory frameworks in ways that are adverse to our investment strategy, all of which could adversely affect our ability to fulfill our investment objectives

Furthermore, the political reunification of China and Taiwan, over which China continues to claim sovereignty, is a highly complex issue that has included threats of invasion by China. Political or economic disturbances (including an attempted unification of Taiwan by force), any economic sanctions implemented in response, and any escalation of hostility between China and Taiwan would likely have a significant adverse impact on economies, markets and individual securities globally.

In addition, the occurrence of events such as the recent escalations between the U.S. and Venezuela and the resulting measures that have been taken, and could be taken in the future, may result in market volatility, may have long term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets and may cause further economic uncertainties in the U.S. and worldwide.

<u>Changes to U.S. Tariff and Import/Export Regulations</u>. There have been significant changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs, resulting in significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties and tariffs. These developments have had a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the United States. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our portfolio companies' access to suppliers or customers and have a material

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adverse effect on their business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn would negatively impact us.

<u>Historical Performance.</u> The investment philosophy and techniques used by the Adviser to manage a BDC may differ from the investment philosophy and techniques it previously employed in identifying and managing past investments. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Adviser will replicate the historical performance of other investment funds with which it has been affiliated. As a result, our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by such other investment funds.

<u>Dependence on Key Personnel and Other Management</u>. Unitholders have no right or power to participate in the management of the Company and may not receive detailed financial information regarding investments that is available to the Adviser. An investor in the Company must rely upon the ability of the Adviser (including the Private Credit Group and other investment professionals of the Adviser) to identify, structure and implement investments consistent with our investment objectives and policies. Accordingly, our success is dependent on the Adviser's ability to retain and motivate highly qualified professionals. The loss of services of Mr. Richard Miller, Ms. Suzanne Grosso, Mr. Mark Gertzof and Mr. David Wang during the Commitment Period could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our future success also depends on the Adviser's ability to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified and experienced investment and management professionals. Competition for such professionals is significant, and there can be no assurance that the Adviser will be able to attract or retain other highly qualified professionals in the future. The inability of the Adviser to attract and retain such professionals could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The Advisory Agreement may be terminated under certain circumstances. The termination of the Advisory Agreement may adversely affect the quality of our investment opportunities. Furthermore, if the Advisory Agreement is terminated, it may be challenging for the Adviser to be replaced.

<u>Economic Interest of the Adviser</u>. Because the Adviser will be compensated in part on a basis tied to our performance, the Adviser may have an incentive to make investments that are risky or speculative.

<u>No Assurance of Profits</u>. There is no assurance that we will be able to generate returns for our investors or that the returns will be commensurate with the risks of investing in the types of companies and transactions described herein. The marketability and value of any of our investments will depend upon many factors beyond our control. We will incur organizational expenses, Management Fees and other operating expenses which may exceed our income, and a Unitholder could lose the entire amount of its contributed capital.

<u>No Guarantee of Interests</u>. Any losses in the Company will be borne solely by Unitholders and not by TCW; therefore, TCW's losses in the Company will be limited to such losses as are attributable to any interests in the Company held by it in its capacity as a Unitholder of the Company. Interests in the Company are not insured by or guaranteed by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and are not deposits in, obligations of, or endorsed or guaranteed in any way by any banking entity. Investments in the Company are subject to substantial investment risks, including, among others, those described herein, including the possibility of partial or total loss of an investor's investment.

Therefore, a prospective investor should only invest in the Company if such investor can withstand a total loss of his or her investment. The past investment performance of the entities and accounts with which the Adviser and its investment professionals have been associated cannot be taken to guarantee future results of any investment in the Company.

<u>Effect of Fees and Expenses on Returns</u>. We pay Management Fees and Incentive Fees to the Adviser and generally bear our other Company Expenses. Generally, other than the Incentive Fee, fees and expenses will be paid regardless of whether we produce positive investment returns. The fees and expenses will reduce the actual returns to Unitholders, the distributions we make to Unitholders, and the overall value of the Unitholders' investment. In addition, because the Management Fees payable by us to the Adviser will be calculated based on average gross assets of the Company on a consolidated basis, including the amortized cost of portfolio investments purchased with borrowed funds and other forms of leverage, the Adviser may be incentivized to use leverage, but will not utilize

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more than is permitted by applicable law or regulation. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of the Units.

<u>Regulations Governing our Operation as a BDC</u>. We may issue debt securities or Preferred Units and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which are collectively referred to herein as "senior securities," up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act currently in force, we will be permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% as described below under "—New Legislation Permitting Additional Leverage") of gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our Unitholders. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.

If we issue Preferred Units, the Preferred Units would rank "senior" to the Units in our capital structure, the Preferred Unitholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of the Unitholders.

In addition, as a regulated BDC under the 1940 Act we may, among other things, be prohibited from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of the members of our Board who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC through an exemptive order (other than in certain limited situations pursuant to current regulatory guidance). The Adviser has obtained exemptive relief from the SEC that, subject to certain conditions and limitations, permits us and other funds advised by the Adviser or certain affiliates of the Adviser (referred to herein as "potential co-investment funds") to engage in certain co-investment transactions. Under the exemptive relief, in the case where the interest in a particular investment opportunity exceeds the size of the opportunity, then the investment opportunity will be allocated among us and any other potential co-investment funds based on available capital, which generally is determined based on the amount of cash on hand, existing commitments and reserves, if any, the targeted leverage level, targeted asset mix and other investment policies and restrictions set from time to time by the board or other governing body of the relevant fund or imposed by applicable laws, rules, regulations or interpretations.

<u>We incur significant costs as a result of being registered under the Exchange Act</u>. We incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley. These requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, which requires significant resources and management oversight. We have implemented and may continue to implement procedures, processes, policies and practices for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. These activities may divert management's attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We have incurred and expect to incur significant annual expenses related to these steps and directors' and officers' liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, additional administrative expenses payable to the Administrator to compensate it for hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses associated with being a public company

The systems and resources necessary to comply with public company reporting requirements will increase further once we cease to be an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act. As long as we remain an emerging growth company we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

<u>Borrowing Money</u>. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increases the risks associated with investing in the Company. Subject to the borrowing limitation imposed on us by the 1940 Act, the Company and any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company has and may continue to borrow from or issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders.

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Any wholly owned subsidiary may include subsidiary entities that engage in investment activities in securities or other assets that are primarily controlled by the Company. "Primarily controlled" mean (1) the Company controls the unregistered entity within the meaning of section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act, and (2) the Company's control of the unregistered entity is greater than that of any other person.

Our lenders will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of the Unitholders, and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause net investment income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Our ability to service any debt that we incur will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures.

As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which will include all of our borrowings and any Preferred Units that we may issue in the future, of at least 200% (or 150% as described below under "—New Legislation Permitting Additional Leverage"). If this ratio declines below 200%, we may not be able to incur additional debt, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on the Adviser's assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us. Any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act governing investment policies, capital structure and leverage on an aggregate basis with the Company. In addition, any wholly owned subsidiary will comply with the provisions relating to affiliated transactions and custody of the 1940 Act and the custodian for such wholly owned subsidiary would be disclosed in applicable regulatory filings. The Company does not currently intend to create or acquire primary control of any entity which engages in investment activities in securities or other assets, other than entities wholly owned by the Company.

In addition, our existing credit facilities impose, and future debt facilities into which we may enter would likely impose, financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our status as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In particular, it is anticipated that the credit facility would contain certain financial covenants, which may include requiring us to maintain a minimum amount of equity supporting the credit facility or comply with certain collateral quality and coverage tests.

<u>Additional Leverage</u>. As a BDC, under the Investment Company Act we generally are not permitted to incur borrowings, issue debt securities or issue preferred stock unless immediately after the borrowing or issuance the ratio of total assets (less total liabilities other than indebtedness) to total indebtedness plus preferred stock, is at least 200% or, if certain requirements, which are described below, are met, 150%.

Pursuant to Section 61(a) of the 1940 Act, BDCs may reduce the minimum asset coverage ratio from 200% to 150%, subject to certain approval requirements (including either stockholder approval or approval of the "required majority," as such term is defined in Section 57(o) of the Investment Company Act), certain disclosure requirements and, in the case of a BDC that is not an issuer of common equity securities that are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the Company, the requirement that the BDC must extend to each person that is a stockholder as of the date of an approval described above the opportunity (which may include a tender offer) to sell the securities held by that stockholder as of that applicable approval date, with 25% of those securities to be repurchased in each of the four calendar quarters following the calendar quarter in which that applicable approval date takes place. As a result, BDCs may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future, and the risks associated with an investment in BDCs may increase.

<u>Failure to Qualify as a RIC</u>. We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. The distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to the Unitholders on an annual basis. Because we have incurred debt, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit

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agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax. To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each calendar quarter. Failure to meet these tests may result in the Company having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to qualify as a RIC, or to prevent the loss of such qualification after becoming a RIC. Because most of our investments will be in private or thinly traded public companies, any such dispositions may be made at disadvantageous prices and may result in substantial losses. In addition, we may have difficulty satisfying the diversification requirements after the Commitment Period as we liquidate our portfolio since we will not be making additional investments. While we generally will not lose our status as a RIC as long as we do not acquire any non-qualifying securities or other property, under certain circumstances we may be deemed to have made an acquisition of non-qualifying securities or other property. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate income taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distributions to the Unitholders and the amount of funds available for new investments. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and the Unitholders. See "Item 1. Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company."

<u>Recourse to Our Assets</u>. Our assets, including any investments made by us and any capital held by us, are available to satisfy all our liabilities and other obligations. If we become subject to a liability, parties seeking to have the liability satisfied may have recourse to our assets generally and not be limited to any particular asset, even in the circumstance where a specific investment gave rise to the liability.

<u>Litigation Risks</u>. We will be subject to a variety of litigation risks, particularly if one or more of our portfolio companies face financial or other difficulties. Legal disputes, involving any or all of the Company, the Adviser, or their affiliates, may arise from our activities and investments and could have a significant adverse effect on us.

<u>Limited Liability of the Adviser</u>. To the extent permissible by law, the Adviser will not be liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to us or to any Unitholder for any breach of duty to us or the Unitholders or for any act or failure to act pursuant to the Advisory Agreement or otherwise, except in certain limited circumstances provided by the 1940 Act and as set forth in the Advisory Agreement. In general, we will be required to indemnify the Adviser (and other related and/or affiliated parties) for certain losses arising out of its activities on behalf of us. Such obligations could reduce significantly the returns to the Unitholders.

<u>Conflicts of Interest</u>. Conflicts of interest may exist from time to time between the Adviser and certain of its affiliates involved with us.

<u>Service Providers and Counterparties.</u> Certain advisors and other service providers, or their affiliates (including accountants, administrators, lenders, bankers, brokers, attorneys, consultants, and investment or commercial banking firms) to the Company, the Adviser, TCW, and/or Portfolio Companies also provide goods or services to, or have business, personal, financial or other relationships with, the Adviser, TCW, or the Portfolio Companies. Such advisors and service providers (or their affiliates) may be investors in the Company, affiliates of the Advisor, sources of investment opportunities, co-investors, commercial counterparties and/or portfolio companies in which TCW and/or the Company has a portfolio investment. Accordingly, payments by the Company and/or such entities may indirectly benefit us and/or our affiliates.

Because TCW has many different businesses, including the registered broker dealers TCW Funds Distributors LLC, TCW is subject to a number of actual and potential conflicts of interest, greater regulatory oversight and more legal and contractual restrictions than that to which it would be subject if it had just one line of business. For instance, employees of TCW are registered representatives and principals and may receive compensation from the Adviser for selling interests in open- and closed-end commingled investment vehicles that are managed by the Adviser (including us). Such individuals will not receive sales commissions from those investment vehicles, unless specifically disclosed.

Advisors and service providers, or their affiliates, often charge different rates or have different arrangements for different types of services. With respect to service providers, for example, the fee for a given type of work may vary depending on the complexity of the matter as well as the expertise required and demands placed on the service provider. Therefore, to the extent the types of services used by the Company and/or portfolio companies are

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different from those used by TCW (including their respective personnel) (as the case may be) may pay different amounts or rates than those paid by the Company and/or portfolio companies. In addition, TCW, the Company, Other Clients and/or their respective portfolio companies, may enter into agreements or other arrangements with vendors and other similar counterparties (whether such counterparties are affiliated or unaffiliated with TCW) from time to time whereby such counterparty may charge lower rates and/or provide discounts or rebates for such counterparty's products and/or services depending on certain factors, including without limitation, volume of transactions entered into with such counterparty by TCW, the Company, Other Clients and their portfolio companies in the aggregate.

<u>Allocation of Personnel</u>. The Adviser and its members, partners, officers and employees will devote as much of their time to our activities as they deem necessary and appropriate. Subject to the terms of the LLC Agreement, the Adviser, TCW, and their respective affiliates are not restricted from forming additional investment funds, from entering into other investment advisory relationships or from engaging in other business activities, even though such activities may be in competition with us and/or may involve substantial time and resources of the Adviser. These activities could be viewed as creating a conflict of interest in that the time and effort of the members of the Adviser and its officers and employees will not be devoted exclusively to our business, but will be allocated between our business and the management of the monies of such other advisees of the Adviser.

<u>Portfolio Investment Data</u>. TCW receives various kinds of portfolio company/entity data and information (including from portfolio companies and/or entities of the Company), such as data and information relating to business operations, trends, budgets, customers and other metrics. (This data is sometimes referred to as "big data.") In furtherance of the foregoing, TCW may seek to enter into information-sharing and use arrangements with portfolio companies and/or entities of the Company. TCW believes that access to this information furthers our interests by providing opportunities for operational improvements across portfolio companies and/or entities of the Company and in connection with our investment management activities. Subject to appropriate contractual arrangements, TCW may also utilize such information outside of our activities in a manner that provides a material benefit to TCW, but not us.

**RISKS RELATED TO OUR INVESTMENTS** 

<u>Possible Future Activities</u>*.* TCW may expand the range of services that it provides over time. Except as provided herein, TCW will not be restricted in the scope of its business or in the performance of any such services (whether now offered or undertaken in the future) even if such activities could give rise to conflicts of interest, and whether or not such conflicts are described herein. TCW has, and will continue to develop, relationships with a significant number of companies, financial sponsors and their senior managers, including relationships with clients who may hold or may have held investments similar to those intended to be made by us. These clients may themselves represent appropriate investment opportunities for us or may compete with us for investment opportunities.

<u>Restrictions on Transfer or Withdrawal</u>. Unitholders will generally not be permitted to transfer their Units unless (i) we and, if required by our lending arrangements under any permitted credit facility, our lenders give consent and (ii) the transfer is made in accordance with applicable securities laws. Furthermore, the transferability of the Units may be subject to certain restrictions contained in the Subscription Agreement and LLC Agreement and may be affected by restrictions on resale imposed under U.S. federal, U.S. state or another jurisdiction's securities laws. A public market does not currently exist for the Units and one is not expected to develop.

<u>Illiquid and Long-Term Investments</u>. Many of our portfolio investments are currently expected by the Adviser to take on average at least three to five years (or potentially longer) from the date of initial investment to reach a state of maturity when realization of the portfolio investment can be achieved. Although our portfolio investments will typically generate some current income and/or cash flow in the form of amortization, interest or fee payments, private investment transaction structures often will not provide for liquidity of our portfolio investment prior to repayment upon a refinancing event, and the return of capital and the realization of gains, if any, from a portfolio investment generally will occur only upon the partial or complete disposition of such portfolio investment. While a portfolio investment may be sold at any time, it is not generally expected that this will occur for a number of years after such portfolio investment are made. It is unlikely that there will be a public market for the illiquid and/or long-term securities held by us at the time of their acquisition. Therefore, no assurance can be given that, if we are determined to dispose of a particular portfolio investment, we could dispose of such portfolio investment at a

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prevailing market price, and there is a risk that disposition of such portfolio investment may require a lengthy time period or may result in distributions in-kind to investors. Although the Adviser expects that portfolio investments will either be disposed of prior to the Company being put into liquidation or be suitable for in-kind distribution at liquidation, we may have to sell, distribute or otherwise dispose of portfolio investments at a disadvantageous time as a result of liquidation. We generally will not be able to sell our portfolio investments through the public markets unless their sale is registered under applicable securities laws, or unless an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Additionally, there can be no assurances that the portfolio investments can be sold on a private basis. In addition, we may be prohibited from selling certain securities for a period of time because of contractual, legal, regulatory or other similar reasons and, as a result, may not be permitted to sell a portfolio investment at a time we might otherwise desire to do so.

<u>Economic Recessions or Downturns</u>. Many of the portfolio companies in which we make investments may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay the loans we made to them during these periods. Therefore, our non-performing assets may increase and the value of our portfolio may decrease during these periods as we are required to record our investments at their current fair value. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net investment income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our and our portfolio companies' funding costs, limit our and our portfolio companies' access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us or our portfolio companies. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.

A portfolio company's failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the portfolio company's ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we hold. We may incur additional expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. In addition, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we will actually provide significant managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors.

<u>Suitability of Investments.</u> An investment in us is not suitable for all investors. An investment is suitable only for sophisticated investors, and an investor must have the financial ability to understand and willingness to accept the extent of its exposure to the risks and lack of liquidity inherent in an investment in the Company. Investors with any doubts as to the suitability of an investment in us should consult their professional advisors to assist them in making their own legal, tax, accounting and financial evaluation of the merits and risks of investment in us in light of their own circumstances and financial condition.

<u>Drawdowns of Capital Commitment.</u> Unitholders will be obligated to fund drawdowns to purchase Units based on their Capital Commitment. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreement, the Adviser may draw down on the Unitholders' remaining Capital Commitments upon at least 10 business days' prior notice (or shorter periods if the Adviser determines in good faith that it is necessary or appropriate to facilitate the consummation of a portfolio investment). To satisfy such obligations, Unitholders may need to maintain a substantial portion of their Capital Commitments in assets that can be readily converted to cash. Failure by a Unitholder to timely fund its Capital Commitment may result in some of its Units being forfeited or subject the Unitholder to other remedies available to us. Failure of a Unitholder to contribute its Capital Commitments could also cause us to be unable to realize our investment objectives. A default by a substantial number of Unitholders or by one or more Unitholders who have made substantial Capital Commitments would limit our opportunities for investment or diversification and would likely reduce our returns.

<u>Reliance on Portfolio Company Management</u>. The day-to-day operations of each portfolio company in which we invest will be the responsibility of such entity's management team. In addition, we may make investments in portfolio companies where we have limited influence and the other investors in such portfolio company have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests and goals. Although the Adviser will be responsible for monitoring the performance of each of our investments and we are required, pursuant to a specific 1940 Act provision applicable to BDCs, to offer to provide each of our portfolio companies

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managerial assistance, there can be no assurance that the existing management team of a portfolio company or any successor will be able to operate any such entity in accordance with our expectations. In this situation, we may not be in a position to limit or otherwise protect the value of our investment.

<u>Competition for Investment Opportunities</u>. There can be no assurance that there will be a sufficient number of suitable investment opportunities to enable us to invest all of the Commitments of the Unitholders in opportunities that satisfy our investment strategy, or that such investment opportunities will lead to completed investments by us. The activity of identifying, structuring, completing, implementing and realizing attractive investment opportunities is highly competitive. We will compete for investment opportunities with many other industry participants, including other BDCs, public and private funds, individual and institutional investors, and financial institutions. Many such entities have substantially greater economic and personnel resources than the Company and/or better relationships with borrowers and others and/or the ability to accept more risk than we believe can be prudently managed. Accordingly, competition for investments may have the effect of reducing the number of suitable prospective investments available to us and increasing the bargaining power of borrowers, thereby reducing our investment returns. Furthermore, the availability of investment opportunities generally will be subject to market conditions. It is possible that our capital will not be fully utilized if sufficient attractive investments are not identified and consummated by the Adviser.

<u>No Secondary Market for Securities</u>. Our investments are generally heavily negotiated and, accordingly, do not have the liquidity of conventional securities and will not have readily available market prices. We value such investments at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in its capacity as our "valuation designee" in accordance with our valuation policy. Because there is no single standard for determining fair value, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each investment. In addition, due to their illiquid nature, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in a timely manner, at a fair price and/or in the manner that was thought to be viable when the investment was initiated (due to economic, legal, political or other factors). There is no assurance that we will be able to dispose of an investment in a particular security. The inability to dispose of a security could result in losses incurred by us, including the loss of our entire investment in such security. The debt of highly leveraged companies or companies in default also may be less liquid than other debt. If we voluntarily or involuntarily sold those types of debt securities, we might not receive the full value we expect.

<u>Status as Non-Diversified Investment Company</u>. We are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we are not limited with respect to the proportion of our assets that may be invested in securities of a single issuer. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, our NAV may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market's assessment of the issuer. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. Beyond our asset diversification requirements as a RIC under the Code, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments could be concentrated in relatively few portfolio companies.

<u>Illiquidity of Collateral</u>. Collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of those assets will satisfy a company's obligations. If a company defaults on a secured investment, the Company may receive assets other than cash or securities in full or partial satisfaction of such company's obligations. The Company might not be able to realize the benefit of the assets for legal, practical or other reasons. The Company might hold those assets until it is determined to be appropriate to dispose of them.

<u>Portfolio Concentration</u>. Although the regulatory restrictions applicable to RICs limit the amount that we may generally invest in any single portfolio company, our investments may not be diversified. See "Item 1(c). Description of Business—Regulation as a Business Development Company—Qualifying Assets" and "Item 1(c) Description of Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company." Aside from the diversification requirements that we will have to comply with as a RIC and other contractual investment limitations to which we are subject pursuant to the LLC Agreement, we do not have any specific portfolio diversification or concentration limits. As a result, our portfolio may include a relatively limited number of large positions. If our investments are concentrated in a few issuers or industries, any adverse change in one or more of such issuers or industries could have a material adverse effect on our investments.

<u>Sector Concentration Risk.</u> To the extent that the Company focuses its investments in a particular sector, it will be

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more sensitive to conditions that affect the sector than a portfolio that is not focused on a particular sector. Such a focus may cause a negative effect on Company's investments.

<u>Valuation Risk</u>. Many portfolio securities may not have a readily available market price and the Advisor, as the "valuation designee" will value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Directors, which valuation is inherently subjective and may not reflect what the Company may actually realize for the sale of the investment. The majority of the Company's investments are expected to be in instruments that do not have readily ascertainable market prices. Investments which the Company holds for which market quotes are not readily available or are not considered reliable are valued at fair value according to procedures approved by the Board based on similar instruments, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Advisor as the "valuation designee" with respect to the fair valuation of the Company's portfolio securities, subject to oversight by and periodic reporting to the Board.

<u>Reliance upon Consultants</u>. The Adviser may rely upon independent consultants in connection with its evaluation of proposed investments; however, no assurance can be given that these consultants will accurately evaluate such investments and we may incur liability as a result of such consultants' actions

<u>Credit Risks</u>. Debt investments are subject to credit risk. Credit risk relates to the ability of the borrower to make interest and principal payments on the loan or security as they become due. If the borrower fails to pay interest, our income might be reduced. If the borrower fails to repay principal, the value of that security and the value of the Company might be reduced. Our investments in debt securities are subject to risks of default. We may invest in debt securities made in connection with leveraged buy-out transactions, recapitalizations (i.e., a type of a corporate restructuring that aims to change a company's capital structure) and other highly leveraged transactions. While our investments in senior loans typically will be secured by collateral, we may have difficulty liquidating the collateral or enforcing our rights under the terms of the senior loans in the event of the borrower's default. There is no guarantee that the collateral securing a senior loan will be sufficient to protect us against losses or a decline in income in the event of a borrower's non-payment of interest or principal. In the event that a borrower declares bankruptcy, a court could invalidate our security interest in the loan collateral or subordinate our rights under the senior loan to other creditors of the borrower. Also, we may invest part of our assets in loans and other debt obligations that are not fully secured.

<u>Interest Rate Risk</u>. In general, the value of a debt security changes as prevailing interest rates change. For fixed-rate debt securities, when prevailing interest rates fall, the values of outstanding debt securities generally rise. When interest rates rise, the values of outstanding debt securities generally fall, and they may sell at a discount from their face amount. Our debt investments will generally have adjustable interest rates. For that reason, the Adviser expects that when interest rates change, the amount of interest we receive in respect of such debt investments will change in a corresponding manner. However, the interest rates of some debt investments adjust only periodically.

Between the times that interest rates on debt investments adjust, the interest rates on those investments may not correlate to prevailing interest rates. In recent years the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (the "Fed") increased interest rates from historically low levels in an effort to cause inflation levels to align with the Fed's long-term inflation target, but the Fed has been lowering those rates and may continue to do so in the future. A wide variety of factors can cause interest rates to rise (e.g., central bank monetary policies, inflation rates or general economic conditions).

<u>Reliance upon Unaffiliated Co-Lender</u>. In certain circumstances we may co-invest with an unaffiliated lender, who will sometimes be responsible for performing some of the legal due diligence on the borrower and for negotiating some of the terms of the loan agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of the debt investment and the rights of the borrower and the lenders. In such circumstances, although we will perform our own due diligence, we may rely in part on the quality of the due diligence performed by the co-lender and will be bound by the negotiated terms of the loan documentation. There can be no assurance that the unaffiliated co-lender will perform the same level of due diligence as we would perform or that the co-lender will negotiate terms that are consistent with the terms generally negotiated and obtained by us. If the unaffiliated co-lender is acting as collateral agent under the loan documentation and becomes insolvent, the assets securing the debt investment may be determined by a court or regulatory authority to be subject to the claims of the co-lender's creditors. If that were to occur, we might incur delays and costs in realizing payment on the loan, or we might suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.

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<u>Use of Investment Vehicles</u>. In general, the risks associated with indirect investments in portfolio companies through a joint venture, partnership or other special purpose vehicle (each, an "Investment Vehicle") are similar to those associated with a direct investment in a portfolio company. While we will analyze the credit and business of a potential portfolio company in determining whether or not to make an investment in an Investment Vehicle, we will nonetheless be exposed to the creditworthiness of the Investment Vehicle. In the event of a bankruptcy proceeding against the Investment Vehicle, the risks outlined below under "—Insolvency Considerations with Respect to Portfolio Companies" will be applicable with equal effect. Additionally, in the case of a bankruptcy proceeding against the portfolio company, the assets of the portfolio company may be used to satisfy its obligations prior to the satisfaction of our investment in the Investment Vehicle (i.e., our investment in the Investment Vehicle would be structurally subordinated to the other obligations of the portfolio company).

<u>Insolvency Considerations With Respect to Portfolio Companies</u>. Various laws enacted for the protection of creditors may apply to our debt investments. A bankruptcy proceeding against a borrower could delay or limit our ability to collect the principal and interest payments on that borrower's debt obligations. In a lawsuit brought by creditors of a borrower, a court or a trustee in bankruptcy could take certain actions that would be adverse to us. For example:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Other creditors might convince the court to set aside or subordinate a loan or the security interest in a loan as a "fraudulent conveyance," a "preferential transfer" or for other equitable considerations. In that event, the court could recover from us the interest and principal payments that the borrower made before becoming insolvent. There can be no assurance that we would be able to prevent such recapture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A bankruptcy court may restructure the payment obligations under debt securities so as to reduce the amount to which we would be entitled.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The court might discharge the amount of a loan we make that exceeds the value of the collateral securing the loan. The court could subordinate our rights to the rights of other creditors of the borrower under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Although our senior secured position under a senior loan provides some assurance that we would be able to recover some of our investment in the event of a borrower's default, the collateral might be insufficient to cover the borrower's debts. A bankruptcy court might find that the collateral securing the senior loan is invalid or require the borrower to use the collateral to pay other outstanding obligations. If the collateral consists of stock of the borrower or its subsidiaries, the stock may lose all of its value in the event of a bankruptcy, which would leave us exposed to greater potential loss.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•If a borrower defaults on a scheduled interest or principal payment on a debt obligation, we may experience a reduction of our income. In addition, the value of the debt investment would decline, which may, in turn, cause our value to decline.

<u>Lender Liability</u>. In recent years, a number of judicial decisions in the United States have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lending institutions on the basis of various evolving legal theories (collectively termed "Lender Liability"). Generally, Lender Liability is founded upon the premise that an institutional lender has violated a duty (whether implied or contractual) of good faith and fair dealing owed to the borrower or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or its other creditors or shareholders. Lender Liability claims generally arise in bankruptcy, but can also arise under state law claims. Lender Liability often involves claims of misconduct where a lender (a) intentionally takes an action that exacerbates the insolvency of a borrower or issuer or that results in the undercapitalization of a borrower or issuer to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower or issuer, (b) engages in other inequitable conduct to the detriment of such other creditors, (c) engages in fraud with respect to, or makes misrepresentations to, such other creditors or (d) uses its influence as a shareholder to dominate or control a borrower or issuer to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower or issuer. We could be subject to allegations of Lender Liability because of the nature of certain of our investments. There is also a risk that where Lender Liability is alleged, a court may elect to subordinate the claim of the offending lender or bondholder to the claims of the disadvantaged creditor or creditors (a remedy called "Equitable Subordination"). We do not intend to engage in conduct that would give rise to a claim of Lender Liability or Equitable Subordination. However, as a BDC, we are obligated to offer managerial assistance to each of our portfolio companies. To the extent any of our portfolio companies elect to accept such offer to provide managerial assistance, that level of involvement with a portfolio company could strengthen a Lender Liability claim

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against us. Therefore, claims for Lender Liability or Equitable Subordination affecting our investments could arise as a result of any managerial assistance that we provide in order to fulfill our obligations as a BDC. Moreover, because of the nature of our investments, we may not always be the lead creditor, and security or other agents may act on behalf of the investors in a security owned by us. Therefore, claims for Lender Liability or Equitable Subordination affecting our investments could also arise without our direct managerial or other involvement.

<u>Special Risks of Highly Leveraged or other Risky Portfolio Companies</u>. We can invest up to 100% of our total assets in debt and equity securities of portfolio companies that are highly leveraged and whose debt securities would be considered well below investment grade. We may also invest in obligations of portfolio companies in connection with a restructuring under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (i.e., a debtor in possession financing) if the obligations meet the credit standards of the Adviser. Debtor in possession financings are arranged when an entity seeks the protections of the bankruptcy court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These financings allow an entity to continue its business operations while reorganizing under Chapter 11. Such financings are senior liens on unencumbered security (i.e., security not subject to other creditor claims). These debt obligations tend to offer higher yields than investment grade securities to compensate investors for the higher risk, and are commonly referred to as "high risk securities" or, in the case of bonds, "junk bonds." Similarly, we may also invest in obligations of portfolio companies in connection with rescue situation and Chapter 11 exit financings. Rescue situation financings may avoid a company's need to resort to bankruptcy and provide the company with working capital it needs to continue uninterrupted operations. Chapter 11 exit financings allow a company to deleverage its balance sheet and to emerge from a Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Lending to highly leveraged or other risky borrowers is highly speculative. These investments may expose us to financial market risks, interest rate risks and credit risks that are significantly greater than the risks associated with other securities in which we may invest. An economic downturn or a period of rising interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in the prices of such securities. The prices of securities structured as zero-coupon or pay-in-kind securities may be more volatile than securities that pay interest periodically and in cash. In the event of a default by a portfolio company, we would experience a reduction of our income and could expect a decline in the fair value of the defaulted securities and may incur significant additional expenses to seek recovery.

<u>Risk of Bridge Financing</u>. If we make or invest in a bridge loan or interim financing for a portfolio company that intends to refinance all or a portion of that loan, there is a risk that the borrower will be unable to complete such refinancing successfully. Such failure could lead to the portfolio company having to pay interest at increasing rates along with additional fees and expenses, the result of which may reduce the value of the portfolio company.

<u>Risk of Subordinated or Mezzanine Financing</u>. Our investments in subordinated or mezzanine financing will generally be unsecured or, if secured, will be subordinated to the interests of the senior lender in the borrower's capital structure. In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency involving the borrower where there are insufficient assets to satisfy the obligations of the borrower to its senior lender, there may be no assets available to meet its obligations to the holders of its subordinated or mezzanine debt, including the Company.

<u>Risks of Investing in Unitranche Loans</u>. Unitranche loans provide leverage levels comparable to a combination of first lien and second lien or subordinated loans, and may rank junior to other debt instruments issued by the portfolio company. Unitranche loans generally allow the borrower to make a large lump sum payment of principal at the end of the loan term, and there is a heightened risk of loss if the borrower is unable to pay the lump sum or refinance the amount owed at maturity. From the perspective of a lender, in addition to making a single loan, a unitranche loan may allow the lender to choose to participate in the "first out" tranche, which will generally receive priority with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due, or to choose to participate only in the "last out" tranche, which is generally paid only after the first out tranche is paid. We may participate in "first out" and "last out" tranches of unitranche loans and make single unitranche loans.

<u>Non-U.S. Investment Risk</u>. We may invest up to 30% of our gross assets in portfolio companies domiciled outside of the United States (assuming that the remaining 70% of our gross assets constitute "qualifying assets" (as defined in the 1940 Act and as described under "Item 1(c). Description of Business—Regulation as a Business Development Company—Qualifying Assets")). Non-U.S. obligations have risks not typically involved in domestic investments. For example, non-U.S. obligations not denominated in U.S. dollars will cause our investment performance to vary based on changes in the applicable currency exchange rate. Moreover, even if we attempt to hedge the currency exchange risk, these hedges may be expensive and may not completely protect us in all circumstances. Non-U.S.

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investing can also result in higher transaction and operating costs for the Company. Non-U.S. issuers may not be subject to the same accounting and disclosure requirements that U.S. issuers are subject to. The value of non-U.S. investments may be affected by exchange control regulations, expropriation or nationalization of a company's assets, non-U.S. taxes, delays in settlement of transactions, changes in governmental economic or monetary policies in the United States or abroad, or other political and economic factors. We may have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal actions in non-U.S. courts. Non-U.S. countries may impose withholding taxes on income paid on the debt securities of issuers in those countries.

<u>Risks of Using Derivative Instruments</u>. We may use derivative financial instruments for hedging or managing the risks associated with the assets we hold. The risks posed by such instruments can be extremely complex and difficult to evaluate, including (i) risks relating to our counterparties in such a transaction; (ii) imperfect correlation between movements in the currency, interest rate or other reference on which the derivative is based and movements in the assets of the underlying portfolio; and (iii) reduced ability to meet short-term obligations because of the percentage of our assets segregated to cover derivative obligations. In addition, by hedging a particular position, any potential gain from an increase in value of such position may be limited.

Under an applicable SEC rule, BDCs that use over a certain level of derivatives will be subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, a derivatives risk management program and testing requirements and requirements related to board reporting. These requirements will apply, unless a BDC qualifies as a "limited derivatives user," as defined under the rule. Under the rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. Collectively, these requirements may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts.

<u>Need for Follow-On Investments</u>. We may be called upon to provide follow-on funding or additional loans for, or have the opportunity to increase our investment in, our portfolio companies. There can be no assurance that we will be able to make or arrange for follow-on investments or loans or that we will have sufficient funds to do so. Any decision not to make follow-on investments or loans or the inability to make them may have a substantial negative impact on a portfolio company in need of funds or may diminish our proportionate ownership in such entity and thus our ability to influence the entity's future conduct. The inability to make follow-on investments or loans may also impede, diminish or reduce the number of attractive investments made available to us.

<u>Inability to Take Advantage of Investment Opportunities with Affiliated Funds or Investors</u>. The 1940 Act limits our ability to engage in transactions with affiliated funds and investors. For example, we are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our Independent Directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of our outstanding voting securities will be our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act, and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of the Independent Directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain "joint" transactions with certain of our affiliates, which could include co-investments in the same portfolio company, without prior approval of the Independent Directors and, in some cases, of the SEC. Although the Company benefits from exemptive relief obtained from the SEC by the Adviser and other funds advised by the Adviser to engage in certain "joint" transactions, the relief is limited and subject to certain conditions. We are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to any person who owns more than 25% of our voting securities or controls us (such as the Adviser) or certain of that person's affiliates (such as other investment funds managed by the Adviser), or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than any security of which we are the issuer) from or to any portfolio company of a private equity fund managed by the Adviser or its affiliates without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us. In situations where we cannot co-invest with other investment funds managed by the Adviser due to the restrictions contained in the 1940 Act, the investment policies and procedures of the Adviser generally require that such opportunities be offered to us and such other investment funds on an alternating basis. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to participate in all investment opportunities identified by the Adviser that are suitable for us.

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<u>Effect of BDC and RIC Rules on Investment Strategy</u>. Our having to comply with the various rules necessary to remain qualified as a BDC and a RIC could adversely impact the implementation of our investment strategy and thus reduce returns to investors. For example, the diversification requirements imposed by the RIC rules could, in certain situations, preclude us from making certain investments.

<u>Prepayment Risk.</u> The value of our assets may be affected by prepayment rates on loans. Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic and other factors beyond our control. Therefore, the frequency at which prepayments (including voluntary prepayments by borrowers and liquidations due to defaults and insolvency) occur in respect of our portfolio investments can adversely impact us and prepayment rates cannot be predicted with certainty, making it impossible to insulate ourselves from prepayment or other such risks. Early prepayments give rise to increased reinvestment risk, including, for example, when the prevailing level of interest rates falls, we may be unable to reinvest cash in a new portfolio investment with an expected rate of return at least equal to that of the portfolio investment prepaid.

<u>Allocation of Expenses.</u> To the extent that any fees and expenses were incurred on our behalf and any Other Clients (as defined below), the Company and such Other Clients will generally bear an allocable portion of any such fees and expenses on a pro rata basis (as determined by the Adviser) in proportion to the Company's and such Other Clients' respective percentage interests in the portfolio investment to which such fees and expenses relate (subject to our and such Other Clients' offering and/or governing documents), or in such other manner as the Adviser considers fair and equitable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser may in its sole discretion structure a co-investment opportunity, provided co-investment relief is granted, such that the proposed participants in such co-investment opportunity do not bear aeny Broken Deal Expenses (as defined below), with the result that we will bear all such Broken Deal Expenses; provided, if so structured, that such participants will not be entitled to receive any break-up or similar fee income, if any, that may be earned with respect to such transaction. In most cases, we expect that proposed participants in co-investments will not bear Broken Deal Expenses (such as legal fees, reverse termination fees, extraordinary expenses such as litigation costs and judgments and other expenses), with the result that only we will bear all such Broken Deal Expenses.

To the extent the context permits or otherwise requires, Other Clients refers to clients, investment funds, client accounts and proprietary accounts advised or managed by the Adviser or their respective affiliates, and in which we will not have an interest ("Other Clients"). Broken Deal Expenses refer to fees and expenses for investment and/or divestment transactions not completed by us, including amounts payable to or by third parties, and all fees and expenses of any legal, financial, accounting, advisory, consulting or other advisors or lenders, investment banks and other financing sources in connection with arranging financing for transactions that are not consummated and any deposits or down payments that are forfeited in connection with, or amounts paid as a penalty for, unconsummated transactions ("Broken Deal Expenses").

<u>Reliance on the Adviser and their Professionals.</u> The Adviser will have discretion over approving an investment of our assets. Our success will depend in large part upon the skill and expertise of the Adviser and their respective professionals. There is ever increasing competition among alternative asset firms, financial institutions, private equity firms, investment managers and other industry participants for hiring and retaining qualified investment professionals, and there can be no assurance that such professionals will continue to be associated with the Adviser or their respective affiliates. The loss of the services of one or more of such persons could have a material adverse impact on our ability to realize our investment objectives. Moreover, although we expect to have access to all of the appropriate resources, relationships and expertise of the Adviser, there can be no assurance that such resources, relationships and expertise will be available for every transaction. In addition, investment professionals and committee members may be replaced or added at any time. In addition, members of the investment team will work on other projects for the TCW Group, as applicable. The professionals involved with us are not dedicated exclusively to us and will have other responsibilities for the TCW Group, as applicable. Conflicts of interest may arise in allocating management time, services or functions, and the ability of us and our investment team to access other professionals.

<u>Equity Securities Risks</u>. Equity securities may include common stock, preferred stock or other securities representing an ownership interest or the right to acquire an ownership interest in an issuer. Equity risk is the risk that stocks and other equity securities generally fluctuate in value more than debt securities and may decline in value over short or extended periods. The value of stocks and other equity securities may be affected by changes in an

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issuer's financial condition, factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry, or .as a result of changes in overall market, economic and political conditions that are not specifically related to a company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or generally adverse investor sentiment.

<u>Other Affiliate Transactions and Investments in Different Levels of Capital Structure</u>. From time to time, the Company and Other Clients may make investments at different levels of an issuer's capital structure or otherwise in different classes of an issuer's securities, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act. Such investments may inherently give rise to conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest between or among the various classes of securities that may be held by such entities. To the extent we hold securities that are different (including with respect to their relative seniority) than those held by an Other Client, the Adviser and its affiliates may be presented with decisions when our interests are in conflict, particularly if the Company and Other Clients hold significant or controlling interests in competing or different tranches of a portfolio company's capital structure. For example, conflicts could arise where we lend funds to a portfolio company while an Other Client invests in equity securities of such portfolio company. In this circumstance, for example, if such portfolio company goes into bankruptcy, becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its payment obligations or comply with its debt covenants, conflicts of interest could arise between the holders of different types of securities as to what actions the portfolio company should take. In addition, purchases or sales of securities for our account (particularly marketable securities) will be bunched or aggregated with orders for Other Clients, including other funds. It is frequently not possible to receive the same price or execution on the entire volume of securities sold, and the various prices may be averaged, which may be disadvantageous to us. Further conflicts could arise after the Company and Other Clients have made their respective initial investments. For example, if additional financing is necessary as a result of financial or other difficulties, it may not be in our best interests to provide such additional financing. If the other affiliates were to lose their respective investments as a result of such difficulties, the ability of the Adviser to recommend actions in our best interests might be impaired. TCW may in its discretion take steps to reduce the potential for adversity between us and the Other Clients, including causing us and/or such Other Clients to take certain actions that, in the absence of such conflict, we would not take. In addition, there may be circumstances where TCW agrees to implement certain procedures to ameliorate conflicts of interest that may involve a forbearance of rights relating to us or Other Clients, such as where TCW may cause Other Clients to decline to exercise certain control- and/or foreclosure-related rights with respect to a portfolio investment. There can be no assurance that the return on our investment will be equivalent to or better than the returns obtained by Other Clients participating in the transaction. In addition, it is possible that in a bankruptcy proceeding, our interests will be subordinated or otherwise adversely affected by virtue of an Other Client's or other vehicle's involvement and actions relating to its investment. For example, in circumstances where we hold a junior mezzanine interest in a portfolio company, holders of more senior classes of debt issued by such portfolio company (which can include Other Clients) could take actions for their benefit (particularly in circumstances where such portfolio company faces financial difficulties or distress) that further subordinate or adversely impact the value of our investment in such portfolio company.

Further, parties with material relationships with us (including, but not limited to, (i) Other Clients (including portfolio companies thereof and lenders thereto), (ii) co-investors, (iii) TCW (including equity holders thereof and lenders thereto), and (iv) our investors could provide additional financing to our portfolio companies, subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. TCW could have incentives to cause us and / or our portfolio companies to accept less favorable financing terms from such parties as compared to third party providers. If the Company occupies a different, and in particular, more senior position in the capital structure than such parties, TCW could influence us or the portfolio company to offer financing terms that are more favorable to such parties. In the case of a related party financing between us or our portfolio companies, on the one hand, and TCW or Other Clients' portfolio companies, on the other hand, subject to our governing documents, the Adviser could, but are not obligated to, rely on a third party agent to confirm the terms offered by the counterparty are consistent with market terms, or the Adviser could instead rely on their own internal analysis, which the Adviser believe is often superior to third party analysis given TCW's scale in the market.

If, however, any of TCW, the Company, an Other Client or any of their portfolio companies delegates to a third party, such as another member of a financing syndicate or a joint venture partner, the negotiation of the terms of the financing, the transaction will be assumed to be conducted on an arms-length basis, even though the participation of the TCW-related vehicle impacts the market terms. For example, in the case of a loan extended to us or a portfolio

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company by a financing syndicate in which an Other Client has agreed to participate on terms negotiated by a third-party participant in the syndicate, it might have been necessary to offer better terms to the financing provider to fully subscribe the syndicate if the Other Client had not participated. It is also possible that the frequent participation of Other Clients in such syndicates could dampen interest among other potential financing providers, thereby lowering demand to participate in the syndicate and increasing the financing costs to us. The Adviser does not believe either of these effects is significant, but no assurance can be given to investors that these effects will not be significant in any circumstance.

<u>Limitations on Co-Investments with Affiliates.</u> The 1940 Act may limit our ability to engage in certain transactions with affiliates. As a result, we may be prohibited from co-investing with such affiliates in investments where terms of such investments other than price and amount of securities (such as financial and negative covenants, guarantees, or indemnification provisions) are negotiated, unless in reliance on the SEC co-investment exemptive relief that the Adviser has obtained. These restrictions may limit our access to certain investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.

<u>Debt Financings in Connection with Acquisitions and Dispositions.</u> We may from time to time provide financing (i) as part of a third-party purchaser's bid for, or acquisition of, a portfolio entity or the underlying assets thereof owned by one or more Other Clients and/or (ii) in connection with a proposed acquisition or investment by one or more Other Clients or affiliates of a portfolio investment and/or its underlying assets. This generally would include the circumstance where we are making commitments to provide financing at or prior to the time such third-party purchaser commits to purchase such investments or assets from one or more Other Clients. We may also make portfolio investments and provide debt financing with respect to portfolio investments in which Other Clients and/or affiliates hold or propose to acquire an interest. While the terms and conditions of any such arrangements will generally be at arm's-length terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, the involvement of the Company and/or such Other Clients or affiliates may affect the terms of such transactions or arrangements and/or may otherwise influence the Adviser's decisions with respect to the management of the Company and/or such Other Clients or the relevant portfolio investment, which may give rise to potential or actual conflicts of interest and which could adversely impact us. Subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act and our governing documents, we may invest in loans or other securities, the proceeds of which may refinance or otherwise repay debt or securities of companies whose debt is owned by TCW or other TCW funds.

We may from time to time dispose of all or a portion of a portfolio investment where the Adviser or one or more Other Clients is providing financing to repay debt issued to us. Such involvement may give rise to potential or actual conflicts of interest.

<u>Co-Investment Syndication.</u> The Company may initially consummate a portfolio investment intended as a co-investment as described herein and, later, syndicate such co-investment to certain persons. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in syndicating any such co-investment, in whole or in part, that the closing of such co-investment will be consummated in a timely manner, that any syndication will take place on terms and conditions that will be preferable for the Company or that expenses incurred by the Company with respect to any such syndication will not be substantial. In the event that the Company is not successful in syndicating any such co-investment, in whole or in part, it may consequently hold a greater concentration and have more exposure in the related investment than initially was intended, which could make the Company more susceptible to fluctuations in value resulting from adverse economic and/or business conditions with respect thereto. Moreover, an investment by the Company that is not syndicated to co-investors as originally anticipated could reduce the Company's overall investment returns.

<u>Risks Associated with Delayed-Draw Facilities.</u> We may make investments that require multiple fundings over time or are structured as "revolvers" or "delayed-draws." These types of investments generally have funding obligations that extend over a period of time and that may extend beyond the investment period. In such circumstances, we may be required to reserve remaining Capital Commitments for future funding obligations and may be required to fund such obligations after the termination of the investment period. However, there can be no assurance that the reserved funds will ultimately be utilized for portfolio investments, which may result in us not fully deploying our committed capital. Moreover, borrowers with deteriorating creditworthiness may continue to satisfy their contractual conditions and therefore be eligible to draw unfunded amounts at times when we might prefer not to advance such amounts. In addition, the Advisor may have assumptions as to when a company with which we transact may draw on unfunded amounts when we enter into the commitment. If the borrower does not draw as expected, the commitment may not

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prove as attractive an investment as originally anticipated. Furthermore, any failure to advance requested funds to a borrower with which we transact could result in possible assertions of offsets against amounts previously funded.

<u>Risks of Middle Market Loans.</u> Borrowers under loans originated by us or in which we may invest may include privately owned small and mid-sized companies, which present a greater risk of loss than loans to larger companies. Compared to larger, publicly owned firms, these companies generally have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs, may be in a weaker financial position, and may need more capital to expand or compete. These financial challenges may make it difficult for our borrowers to make scheduled payments of interest or principal on our loans. Accordingly, advances made to these types of borrowers entail higher risks than advances made to companies that are able to access traditional credit sources.

<u>Risks of PIK and OID Instruments.</u> A portfolio investment may have a contractual return that is not paid entirely in cash, but rather features a PIK element paid partially or wholly in-kind or as an accreting liquidation preference, in which case we will be forgoing a cash margin for an accrued interest amount rolled throughout the life of the loan. This may have the effect of lengthening the time before cash is received and increasing our risk exposure. While the Advisor seeks to achieve our targeted returns for any given portfolio investment, other factors, such as overall economic conditions, the competitive environment and the availability of potential purchasers of the securities, may shorten or lengthen our holding period, and some portfolio investments may take several additional years from the initial investment date to achieve a realization. In some cases, we may be prohibited by contract from selling certain securities for a period of time. If we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio positions quickly, then we may realize significantly less than the value at which we previously recorded those portfolio investments. The interest payments deferred on a PIK loan are subject to the risk that the borrower may default when the deferred payments are due in cash at the maturity of the loan. The interest rates on PIK loans are higher to reflect the time-value of money on deferred interest payments and the higher credit risk of borrowers who may need to defer interest payments. Market prices of Original Issue Discount "OID" instruments are more volatile because they are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes than instruments that pay interest periodically in cash. PIK instruments may have unreliable valuations because the accruals require judgments about ultimate collectability of the deferred payments and the value of the associated collateral. Use of PIK and OID securities may provide certain benefits to the Advisor, including increasing management fees and incentive compensation.

The historical investment philosophy, strategy and approach of the Private Credit Group has not involved the use of PIK interest, which represents contractual interest accrued and added to the loan balance that generally becomes due at maturity, or similar arrangements. Although we do not currently expect the Private Credit Group to originate investments for us with PIK interest features, from time to time we may make investments that contain such features or that subsequently incorporate such features after origination. To the extent original issue discount and PIK interest income constitute a portion of our income, we will be exposed to risks associated with the deferred receipt of the cash representing such income.

<u>Risks may arise in connection with the rules under ERISA related to investment by ERISA Plans.</u> We will use reasonable efforts to conduct our affairs so that our assets will not be deemed to be "plan assets" for purposes of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). In this regard, we may be operated as an annual "venture capital operating company," under the ERISA rules in order to avoid our assets being treated as "plan assets" for purposes of ERISA. Accordingly, there may be constraints on our ability to make or dispose of investments at optimal times (or to make certain investments at all).

**RISKS RELATED TO UNITHOLDERS** 

<u>Effect of Varying Terms of Classes of Units</u>. Although we have no current intention to do so, pursuant to the LLC Agreement, we may issue Preferred Units. If we issue Preferred Units, there can be no assurance that such issuance would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the Units. The issuance of Preferred Units would likely cause the net asset value of the Units to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the Preferred Units were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the Units would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the Preferred Units were to exceed the net rate of return on our portfolio, the leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of the Units than if we had not issued Preferred Units. Any decline in the net asset value of our investments would be borne entirely by the holders of the Units. Therefore, if the fair value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of the Units than if we were not leveraged through the issuance of Preferred Units.

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<u>Rights of Preferred Unitholders</u>. Holders of any Preferred Units that we might issue would have the right, voting separately as a single class, to elect two members of the board at all times. In addition, if dividends for Preferred Units become two full years in arrears, the holders of those Preferred Units would have the right to elect a majority of the board until such arrearage is completely eliminated. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of the Units and Preferred Units, both by the 1940 Act and by the terms of our debt financings (if any), might impair our ability to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem the Preferred Units to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to qualify as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.

<u>Retention of Proceeds</u>. The Company may retain, in whole or in part, any proceeds attributable to portfolio investments during the Commitment Period and may use the amounts so retained to make investments, pay Company fees and expenses, repay Company borrowings, or fund reasonable reserves for future Company expenses or other obligations (including obligations to make indemnification advances and payments), provided, that, after the expiration of the Commitment Period, no part of such retained amounts will be used to make any investment for which the Adviser would not be permitted to draw down Commitments. To the extent such retained amounts are reinvested in investments, a Unitholder will remain subject to investment and other risks associated with such investments.

<u>Obligations of Unitholders Relating to Credit Facilities.</u> We intend to enter into one or more credit facilities or other borrowings, either directly or through one or more subsidiaries. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to close a credit facility or obtain other financing.

Further, if our borrowing base under a credit facility or other borrowings were to decrease, we may be required to secure additional assets in an amount sufficient to cure any borrowing base deficiency. In the event that all of our assets are secured at the time of such a borrowing base deficiency, we could be required to repay advances under a credit facility or other borrowings or make deposits to a collection account, either of which could have a material adverse impact on our ability to fund future investments and to make distributions.

We may also be subject to limitations as to how borrowed funds may be used, which may include restrictions on geographic and industry concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status, average life, collateral interests and investment ratings, as well as regulatory restrictions on leverage which may affect the amount of funding that may be obtained. There may also be certain requirements relating to portfolio performance, including required minimum portfolio yield and limitations on delinquencies and charge-offs, a violation of which could limit further advances and, in some cases, result in an event of default. An event of default under a credit facility could result in an accelerated maturity date for all amounts outstanding thereunder, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition and could lead to cross defaults under other credit facilities and other borrowings. This could reduce our liquidity and cash flow and impair our ability to manage and grow our business.

Also, any security interests and/or negative covenants required by a credit facility or other borrowings we enter into may limit our ability to create liens on assets to secure additional debt and may make it difficult for us to restructure or refinance indebtedness at or prior to maturity or obtain additional debt or equity financing. Any obligations to our creditors under our credit facilities or other borrowings may be secured by a pledge of and a security interest in some or all of our assets, including our portfolio of investments and cash. If we default, we may be forced to sell a portion of our investments quickly and prematurely at what may be disadvantageous prices to us in order to meet our outstanding payment obligations and/or support working capital requirements, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

As part of certain credit facilities or other borrowings, the right to make capital calls of Unitholders may be pledged as collateral, which will allow our creditors to call for capital contributions upon the occurrence of an event of default. To the extent such an event of default does occur, Unitholders could therefore be required to fund any shortfall up to their remaining Capital Commitments, without regard to the underlying value of their investment.

<u>A Unitholder's Ownership Percentage Interest in Us Will Be Diluted If We Issue Additional Units</u>. Unitholders do not have preemptive rights to any Units we may issue in the future. We will, at a future date, and in accordance with the process described below, to issue additional Units at or below the NAV per Unit. To the extent we issue

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additional Units, a Unitholder's ownership percentage interest in us may be diluted. In addition, if such Units are issued below NAV, existing Unitholders may also experience dilution in the book value and fair value of their Units.

We are generally not able to issue and sell our Units at a price below NAV. We may, however, sell our Units, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our Units, at a price below the then-current NAV of our Units (i) with the consent of a majority of our Unitholders (and a majority of our Unitholders who are not affiliates of ours) and (ii) if, among other things, a majority of our Independent Directors and a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the transaction determine that a sale is in the best interests of us and our Unitholders.

<u>Consequences of Failure to Pay Commitment in Full</u>. If a Unitholder fails to pay any installment of its Commitment, other Unitholders who have an outstanding Commitment may be required to fund their respective Commitments sooner than they otherwise would have absent such a default. In addition, if funding of Commitments by other Unitholders and our borrowings are inadequate to cover defaulted Commitments, we may be unable to pay our obligations when due or be subjected to penalties or may otherwise suffer adverse consequences that could materially adversely affect the returns to the Unitholders (including non-defaulting Unitholders). If a Unitholder defaults, there is no guarantee that we will recover the full amount of the defaulted Commitment, and such defaulting Unitholder may lose all or a portion of its economic interest in us, as described under "Item 11. Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered—Default Provisions."

<u>No Registration; Limited Transferability of Units</u>. The Units are being offered without registration under the Securities Act or any other laws of applicable jurisdictions. All dispositions and transfers of the Units shall be made pursuant to an effective registration statement or in accordance with an exemption from registration contained in the Securities Act. Unitholders will not be permitted to transfer their Units unless (i) we and, if required by our lending arrangements, our lenders give consent and (ii) the Transfer is made in accordance with applicable securities laws. Furthermore, the transferability of the Units may be subject to certain restrictions contained in the Subscription Agreement and the LLC Agreement and may be affected by restrictions on resale imposed under U.S. federal, U.S. state or another jurisdiction's securities laws. A public market does not currently exist for the Units and one is not expected to develop. Withdrawal from an investment in the Units will not generally be permitted. In light of the restrictions imposed on any such transfer and in light of the limitations imposed on a Unitholder's ability to withdraw all or part of its investment in Units, an investment in the Units should be viewed as illiquid and subject to high risk.

Our Units are illiquid investments for which there is not a secondary market nor is it expected that any such secondary market will develop in the future. We also do not intend to list our Units on a national securities exchange. Our Units are not registered under the 1933 Act, or any state securities law and will be restricted as to transfer by law and the terms of our LLC Agreement and Subscription Agreement.

Unitholders generally may not sell, assign or transfer their Units without the prior written consent of the Adviser, which the Adviser may grant or withhold in its sole discretion. Except in limited circumstances for legal or regulatory purposes, Unitholders are not entitled to redeem their Units. Unitholders must be prepared to bear the economic risk of an investment in us for an indefinite period of time.

<u>Withholding Risk for Foreign Investors</u>. U.S. withholding tax rules require 30% withholding on distributions to Non-U.S. Holders unless there is certainty that such distributions are not subject to such withholding. The Company may make distributions at times of the year when there is uncertainty as to whether the amounts distributed are subject to such withholding. Accordingly, such distributions to Non-U.S. Holders may be subject to overwithholding by the Company (or its withholding agent) and Non-U.S. Holders may be required to file a return with the Internal Revenue Service in order to receive a refund of such overwithheld amounts. Non-U.S. Holders should see the discussion under the heading "Item 1(c). Description of Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders."

<u>Tax Risks</u>. Tax consequences to Unitholders from an investment in the Units are complex. Potential Unitholders are strongly urged to review the discussion in "Item 1. Business—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.

**GENERAL RISK FACTORS** 

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<u>Political, Social and Economic Uncertainty Risk</u>. Social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) will occur that create uncertainty and have significant impacts on issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets, to which companies and their investments are exposed. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets, including in established markets such as the U.S. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat.

Uncertainty can result in or coincide with, among other things: increased volatility in the financial markets for securities, derivatives, loans, credit and currency; a decrease in the reliability of market prices and difficulty in valuing assets (including portfolio company assets); greater fluctuations in spreads on debt investments and currency exchange rates; increased risk of default (by both government and private obligors and issuers); further social, economic, and political instability; nationalization of private enterprise; greater governmental involvement in the economy or in social factors that impact the economy; changes to governmental regulation and supervision of the loan, securities, derivatives and currency markets and market participants and decreased or revised monitoring of such markets by governments or self-regulatory organizations and reduced enforcement of regulations; limitations on the activities of investors in such markets; controls or restrictions on foreign investment, capital controls and limitations on repatriation of invested capital; the significant loss of liquidity and the inability to purchase, sell and otherwise fund investments or settle transactions (including, but not limited to, a market freeze); unavailability of currency hedging techniques; substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation, which can last many years and have substantial negative effects on credit and securities markets as well as the economy as a whole; recessions; and difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments.

We will also be negatively affected if the operations and effectiveness of us or a portfolio company (or any of the key personnel or service providers of the foregoing) is compromised or if necessary or beneficial systems and processes are disrupted.

<u>Changes in Applicable Law</u>. We must comply with various legal requirements, including requirements imposed by United States and non-U.S. anti-money laundering laws, securities laws, commodities laws, tax laws and pension laws. Should any of those laws change over the life of the Company, the legal requirements to which we and the Adviser may be subject could differ materially from current requirements. In addition, if a Unitholder fails to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws and similar laws, the Company may mandatorily repurchase such Unitholder's Units.

<u>Terrorist Action</u>. There is a risk of terrorist attacks on the United States and elsewhere causing significant loss of life and property damage and disruptions in global markets. Economic and diplomatic sanctions may be in place or imposed on certain states and military action may be commenced. The impact of such events is unclear, but could have a material effect on general economic conditions and market liquidity.

<u>Operational Risk.</u> We depend on TCW to develop the appropriate systems and procedures to control operational risk. Operational risks arising from mistakes made in the closing, confirmation or settlement of transactions, from transactions not being properly booked, evaluated, accounted for or managed or other similar disruption in our operations may cause us to suffer financial losses, disruption of our business, liability to third parties, regulatory intervention or damage to our reputation. Our business is highly dependent on our ability to process a large number of transactions across numerous and diverse markets. Consequently, we rely heavily on our financial, accounting, asset management and other data processing systems. The ability of our systems to accommodate an increasing volume of transactions could also constrain our ability to properly manage our portfolio. Generally, none of the Adviser or TCW will be liable to us for losses incurred due to the occurrence of any such errors.

<u>Dependence on Information Systems and Systems Failures</u>. Our business is highly dependent on the communications and information systems of the Adviser, its affiliates and third parties. Further, in the ordinary course of our business we or the Adviser may engage certain third party service providers to provide us with services necessary for our business. Any failure or interruption of those systems or services, including as a result of the termination or suspension of an agreement with any third party service providers, could cause delays or other

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problems in our activities. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and adversely affect our business. There could be:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•sudden electrical or telecommunications outages;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•disease pandemics or other serious public health events, such as the recent global outbreak of COVID-19;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•cyber-attacks.

These events, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

<u>Cybersecurity Risks and Cyber Incidents</u>. Our business depends on the communications and information systems of our Adviser and its affiliates, our portfolio companies and third-party service providers. These systems are subject to potential cybersecurity attacks and incidents, including through adverse events that threaten the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information resources. Cyber hacking could also cause significant disruption and harm to the companies in which we invest. The U.S. government has issued warnings that certain essential assets, specifically those related to energy and infrastructure, including exploration and production facilities, pipelines and transmission and distribution facilities, might be specific targets of terrorist activity. Additionally, digital and network technologies (collectively, "cyber networks") might be at risk of cyberattacks that could potentially seek unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes such as misappropriating sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks might potentially be carried out by persons using techniques that could range from efforts to electronically circumvent network security or overwhelm websites to intelligence gathering and social engineering functions aimed at obtaining information necessary to gain access. These attacks could involve gaining unauthorized access to our information systems for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption and result in disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to our business relationships, any of which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the value of our securities and our ability to pay distributions to our unitholders.

As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our information systems, both internal and those provided by the Adviser and third-party service providers. In addition, we and the Adviser currently or in the future are expected to routinely transmit and receive confidential and proprietary information by email and other electronic means. We and the Adviser may not be able to ensure secure capabilities with all of our clients, vendors, service providers, counterparties and other third parties to protect the confidentiality of the information.

In addition, we, the Adviser and many of our third-party service providers currently have work from home policies. Such a policy of remote working could strain our technology resources and introduce operational risks, including heightened cybersecurity risks and other risks described above. Remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts. There is no assurance that any efforts to mitigate cybersecurity risks undertaken by us or our Adviser will be effective. Network, system, application and data breaches as a result of cybersecurity risks or cyber incidents could result in operational disruptions or information misappropriation that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition of us and of our portfolio companies.

<u>Cybersecurity Breaches and Identity Theft.</u> Cybersecurity incidents and cyber-attacks have been occurring globally at more frequent and severe levels and are expected to continue to increase in frequency in the future. The information and technology systems of the Company, its portfolio investments and their service providers may be vulnerable to damage or interruption, including, without limitation, from computer viruses and other malicious code, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage errors or malfeasance by their respective professionals or service providers, power, communications or other service outages and catastrophic events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or terrorist incidents. If unauthorized parties gain access to such information and technology systems, or if personnel abuse or

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misuse their access privileges, they may be able to steal, publish, delete or modify private and sensitive information. Although the Adviser has implemented, and portfolio investments and service providers may implement, various measures to manage risks relating to these types of events, such measures may be inadequate and, if compromised, information and technology systems could become inoperable for extended periods of time, cease to function properly or fail to adequately secure private information. Even with sophisticated prevention and detection systems, breaches such as those involving covertly introduced malware, impersonation of authorized users and industrial or other espionage may not be identified in a timely manner or at all, potentially resulting in further harm and precluding appropriate remediation. TCW, the Company, Other Clients and/or any portfolio investment may have to make significant investments to fix or replace information and technology systems. The failure of these systems and/or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in the operations of TCW, the Company, any portfolio investment, and/or their service providers and result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to Unitholders (and their beneficial owners) and the intellectual property and trade secrets of TCW, the Company, and/or portfolio investments. Such a failure could harm the reputation of TCW, the Company and/or a portfolio investment, subject any such entity and their respective affiliates to legal claims and adverse publicity, and otherwise affect their business and financial performance. When such issues are present with regard to the issuer of securities in which the Company invests, the Company's portfolio investment in those securities may lose value.

In addition, the SEC has adopted changes to Regulation S-P, which requires, among other things, that registered investment advisers notify affected individuals of a breach involving their personal information when there has been an incident that rises to the level of being a reportable breach. In general, these laws and regulations introduce many new obligations on us, TCW and its affiliates and service providers and create new rights for parties who have given any of us their personal information, such as investors and others.

<u>Risks Associated with Artificial Intelligence.</u> Recent technological advances in artificial intelligence, including machine learning technology ("Machine Learning Technology"), pose risks to us and our portfolio companies. We and our portfolio companies could be exposed to the risks of Machine Learning Technology if third-party service providers or any counterparties use Machine Learning Technology in their business activities. We and the Adviser are not in a position to control the use of Machine Learning Technology in third-party products or services. Use of Machine Learning Technology could include the input of confidential information in contravention of applicable policies, contractual or other obligations or restrictions, resulting in such confidential information becoming partly accessible by other third-party Machine Learning Technology applications and users. Machine Learning Technology and its applications continue to develop rapidly, and we cannot predict the risks that may arise from such developments.

Machine Learning Technology is generally highly reliant on the collection and analysis of large amounts of data, and it is not possible or practicable to incorporate all relevant data into the model that Machine Learning Technology utilizes to operate. Certain data in such models will inevitably contain a degree of inaccuracy and error and could otherwise be inadequate or flawed, which would be likely to degrade the effectiveness of Machine Learning Technology. To the extent we or our portfolio companies are exposed to the risks of Machine Learning Technology use, any such inaccuracies or errors could adversely impact us or our portfolio companies.

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**Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.**

None.

**Item 1C. Cybersecurity.**

Our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing our risk management program, and cybersecurity is a critical element of this program. Management is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Company's risk management program and its cybersecurity policies, processes, and practices. The Adviser's cybersecurity policies, standards, processes, and practices are based on recognized frameworks established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the International Organization for Standardization and other applicable industry standards and are fully integrated into the Adviser's overall risk management processes. In general, the Adviser seeks to address material cybersecurity threats through a entity-wide approach that addresses the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Adviser's information systems or the information that the Adviser collects and stores, by assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity issues as they occur.

*<u>Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy</u>*

The Adviser's cybersecurity risk management strategy focuses on several areas:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** **Identification and Reporting:** The Adviser has implemented a comprehensive, cross-functional approach to assessing, identifying and managing material cybersecurity threats and incidents. The Adviser's program includes controls and procedures to properly identify, classify and escalate certain cybersecurity incidents to provide management visibility and obtain direction from management as to the public disclosure and reporting of material incidents in a timely manner.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.** **Technical Safeguards:** The Adviser implements technical safeguards that are designed to protect the Adviser's information systems from cybersecurity threats, which are evaluated and improved through vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity threat intelligence, as well as assistance from third party experts where necessary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.** **Incident Response and Recovery Planning:** The Adviser has established and maintains comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans designed to address the Adviser's response to a cybersecurity incident. The Adviser conducts occasional tabletop exercises to test these plans and ensure personnel are familiar with their roles in a response scenario.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.** **Third-Party Risk Management:** The Adviser maintains a risk-based approach to identifying and overseeing material cybersecurity threats presented by third parties, including vendors, service providers, and other external users of the Adviser's systems, as well as the systems of third parties that could adversely impact our business in the event of a material cybersecurity incident affecting those third-party systems, including any outside consultants who advise on the Adviser's cybersecurity systems.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.** **Education and Awareness:** The Adviser provides regular, mandatory training for all levels of personnel regarding cybersecurity threats as a means to equip the Adviser's personnel with effective tools to address cybersecurity threats, and to communicate the Adviser's evolving information security policies, standards, processes, and practices.

The Adviser conducts periodic assessment and testing of its policies, standards, processes, and practices in a manner intended to address cybersecurity threats and events. This includes penetration testing of network infrastructure and phishing tests targeting the Adviser's employees. The results of such assessments and reviews are evaluated by management, and the Adviser adjusts its cybersecurity policies, standards, processes, and practices as necessary based on the information provided by these assessments and reviews.

*<u>Governance</u>*

The Board receives annual updates and reports on developments in the cybersecurity space, including risk management practices, recent developments, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, and information security issues encountered by the Company. The Board also receives prompt

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and timely information regarding any material cybersecurity risk, as well as ongoing updates regarding any such risk. On an annual basis, the Board and the Adviser discuss the Company's approach to overseeing cybersecurity threats.

The Adviser has established an internal working group that includes relevant representation from senior management including the CCO, COO and Chief Information Security Officer ("CISO") who work collaboratively to implement a program designed to protect the Company's information systems from cybersecurity threats and to promptly respond to any material cybersecurity incidents in accordance with the Company's incident response and recovery plans.

The CISO has served in various roles in information technology and information security for many years and holds relevant professional certifications. The Adviser's COO and CCO each hold educational and professional degrees in their respective fields, and each has numerous years of experience managing risk at the Company and at similar companies, including assessing cybersecurity threats.

*<u>Material Effects of Cybersecurity Incidents</u>*

Risks from cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected and are not reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.

**Item 2. Properties.**

We maintain our principal executive office at 200 Clarendon Street, 19th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. We do not own any real estate. We believe that our present facilities are adequate to meet our current needs. If new or additional space is required, we believe that adequate facilities are available at competitive prices in the same area.

**Item 3. Legal Proceedings.**

We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us. From time to time, we may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under loans to or other contracts with our portfolio companies. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

**Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.**

None.

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**PART II**

**Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.**

As of December 31, 2025, we have begun accepting subscription agreements from investors for the private sale of our Common Units. On January 21, 2022, we completed the first closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 4,543,770 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $454.4 million. On July 8, 2022, we completed the second closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 2,178,280 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $217.8 million. On November 14, 2022, we completed the third closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 642,500 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $64.3 million. On April 3, 2023, we completed the fourth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,025,550 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $102.6 million. On July 24, 2023, we completed the fifth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,173,625 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $117.4 million. On December 13, 2023, we completed the sixth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,145,325 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $114.5 million. On January 18, 2024, we completed the seventh closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 734,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $73.4 million. On March 19, 2024, we completed the final closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,302,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $130.2 million.

As of December 31, 2025, we have issued and sold 12,745,660 Units at an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 billion to our investors including 10 units issued and outstanding to TAMCO. It is expected that all Units will be issued and sold in reliance upon the available exemptions from registration requirements of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

As of March 26, 2026, there were approximately 150 holders of record of our Common Shares.

**Item 6. Selected Financial Data.**

The selected financial data previously required by Item 301 of Regulation S-K has been omitted in reliance on SEC Release No. 33-10890, Management's Discussion and Analysis, Selected Financial Data, and Supplementary Financial Information.

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## Item 7. M anagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
*The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion also should be read in conjunction with the "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements" set forth on page iii of this annual report.* 

***Overview***

We were formed on September 3, 2020 as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware. We have conducted and expect to further conduct private offerings of our common limited liability company units (the "Units") to investors in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. On July 22, 2021, we filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We also intend to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and will make such an election beginning with the taxable year ending December 31, 2022. As a BDC and a RIC, we are, and will be required to comply with certain regulatory requirements, such as the requirement to invest at least 70% of our assets in "qualifying assets," source of income limitations, asset diversification requirements, and the requirement to distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income and tax-exempt interest.

On the Inception Date, we issued 10 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 thousand to TCW Asset Management Company ("TAMCO"). On the Initial Closing Date we began accepting subscription agreements from investors for the private sale of our Units and we completed the first closing of the sale of our Units pursuant to which we sold 4,543,770 Units for an aggregate purchase price of $454.4 million. On July 8, 2022 we completed the second closing of the sale of our Units pursuant to which we sold 2,178,280 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $217.8 million. On November 14, 2022, we completed the third closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 642,500 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $64.3 million.

On January 6, 2023, our Board approved a 6-month extension of the Closing Period from January 21, 2023 to July 21, 2023. On July 26, 2023, our LLC Agreement was amended to extend the Closing Period to be the twenty-four month period following our initial closing, until January 21, 2024 by a majority vote of our Unitholders. On April 3, 2023, we completed the fourth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,025,550 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $102.6 million. On July 24, 2023, we completed the fifth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,173,625 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $117.4 million. On December 13, 2023, we completed the sixth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,145,325 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $114.5 million. On January 18, 2024, we completed the seventh closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 734,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $73.4 million. On February 16, 2024, our LLC Agreement was amended such that the definition of the Closing Period was amended to be the twenty-six month period following the Initial Closing Date which ended on March 21, 2024. On March 19, 2024, we completed the final closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,302,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $130.2 million.

As of December 31, 2025, we have sold 12,745,660 Units for an aggregate offering price of $1.3 billion. Each Unitholder is obligated to contribute capital equal to their Commitment and each Unit's Commitment obligation is $100.00 per unit. The sale of the Units was made pursuant to subscription agreements entered into by us and each investor. Under the terms of the subscription agreements, we may draw down all or any portion of the undrawn commitment with respect to each Unit generally upon at least ten business days' prior written notice to the unitholders. All Units that are issued will be issued prior to the end of the Closing Period.

Our Commitment Period commenced on the Initial Closing Date and will end on February 1, 2026, which is the later of (a) January 21, 2026, four years from the Initial Closing Date and (b) February 1, 2026, four years from the date in which the Company first completed an investment. However, the Commitment Period is subject to termination upon the occurrence of a Key Person Event defined as follows: A "Key Person Event" will occur if, during the Commitment Period, (i) Richard T. Miller and one or more Suzanne Grosso, Mark Gertzof and David

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Wang (each of such four Persons, a "Key Person" and collectively, the "Key Persons") fail to devote substantially all (i.e. more than 85%) of his or her business time to the investment activities of the Company, the prior funds, any successor funds and any fund(s) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser that are managed within the Private Credit Group (together, the "Related Entities"); or (ii) Ms. Grosso, Mr. Gertzof and Mr. Wang all fail to devote substantially all of their business time to the investment activities of the Company and the Related Entities, in each case other than as a result of a temporary disability; provided that if a replacement has been approved as described in the paragraphs below, such replacement shall be specifically designated to take the place of one of the above-named individuals and the definition "Key Person Event" will be amended to take into account such successor.

Upon the occurrence of a Key Person Event, and in the event that the Adviser fails to replace the above-referenced individuals in the manner contemplated by the last sentence of this paragraph, the Commitment Period shall be automatically terminated upon such Key Person Event. The Commitment Period will be re-instated upon the vote or written consent of 66 2/3% in interest of the Unitholders. The Adviser is permitted at any time to replace any person designated above with a senior professional (including a Key Person) selected by the Adviser, provided that such replacement has been approved by a majority of the Unitholders (in which case, the approved substitute will be a Key Person in lieu of the person replaced). The determination of whether a Key Person Event has occurred will be made by the Company in accordance with the criteria set out above. If, during the Commitment Period, any Key Person shall fail to devote substantially all of his or her business time to the investment activities of the Partnership and the Related Entities other than as a result of temporary disability (the occurrence of such event, a "Key Person Departure"), the Company shall provide written notice to Unitholders of such Key Person Departure within 30 days of the date of such Key Person Departure. If the Company fails to obtain approval of a replacement of a Key Person following a Key Person Departure as provided herein, then notwithstanding anything herein, the Key Person Departure shall be permanent and the Adviser shall not be permitted to replace such Key Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser is permitted at any time to replace any Person designated above with a senior professional (including a Key Person) selected by the Adviser, with the approval of the majority of the Unitholders (in which case, the approved substitute shall be a Key Person in lieu of the Person replaced) no later than 90 days after the date that the Adviser informs the Company of its proposed replacement of the Key Person. If such replacement(s) end the occurrence of a Key Person Event, the Commitment Period will automatically be re-instated.

In accordance with the Company's amended and restated LLC Agreement, the Company may complete investment transactions that were significantly in process as of the end of the Commitment Period and which the Company reasonably expects to be consummated prior to 90 days subsequent to the expiration date of the Commitment Period. The Company may also effect follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies up to an aggregate maximum of 10% of aggregate cumulative invested amounts.

We commenced operations during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.

On April 14, 2025, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, TCW Specialty Lending LLC, a single member Delaware limited liability company designed to offer an exchange (the "Exchange Offer") of the outstanding common limited liability units of ours for units of TCW Specialty Lending LLC. The Exchange Offer is expected to expire on February 20, 2026 unless the Exchange Offer is extended or terminated. On July 17, 2025, we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, TCW DL CL LLC, a single member Delaware limited liability company designed to hold equity investments of ours. As of December 31, 2025, we have four wholly-owned subsidiaries, each a single member Delaware limited liability company.

***Revenues***

We generate revenues in the form of interest income and capital appreciation by providing private capital to middle market companies operating in a broad range of industries primarily in the United States. Our highly negotiated private investments include senior secured loans, unsecured senior loans, subordinated and mezzanine loans, convertible securities, notes and other non-convertible debt securities, equity securities, and equity-linked securities such as options and warrants. However, our investment bias is towards adjustable-rate, senior secured loans. We do not anticipate a secondary market developing for our private investments. Although we do not currently expect the Private Credit Group to originate a significant amount of investments for us with the use of

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payment-in-kind ("PIK") interest features, which represents contractual interest accrued and added to the loan balance that generally becomes due at maturity, from time to time we may make investments that contain such features or that subsequently incorporate such features after origination.

We are primarily focused on investing in senior secured debt obligations, although there may be occasions where the investment may be unsecured. We also consider an equity investment as the primary security, in combination with a debt obligation, or as a part of total return strategy. Our investments are mostly in corporations, partnerships or other business entities. Additionally, in certain circumstances, we may co-invest with other investors and/or strategic partners indirectly in a company through an investment vehicle. While we invest primarily in U.S. companies, there are certain instances where we invest in companies domiciled elsewhere.

***Expenses***

We do not currently have any employees and do not expect to have any employees. Services necessary for our business will be provided through the Administration Agreement and the Advisory Agreement.

We, and indirectly our Unitholders, will bear all Company Expenses. Company Expenses shall include, without limitation: (a) organizational expenses and expenses associated with the issuance of the Units and organizational expenses of a related entity organized and managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser as a feeder fund for the Company and issuance of interests therein; (b) expenses of calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm); (c) fees payable to third parties, including agents, consultants, attorneys or other advisors, relating to, or associated with, evaluating and making investments; (d) expenses incurred by the Adviser or the Administrator payable to third parties, including agents, consultants, attorneys or other advisors, relating to or associated with monitoring our financial and legal affairs, providing administrative services, monitoring or administering our investments and performing due diligence reviews of prospective investments and the corresponding portfolio companies; (e) costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act, the 1934 Act and other applicable federal or state securities laws; (f) fees and expenses incurred in connection with debt incurred to finance our investments or operations, and payment of interest and repayment of principal on such debt; (g) expenses related to sales and purchases of Units and other securities; (h) Management Fees and Incentive Fees; (i) administrator fees and expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, provided that any such fees payable to the Administrator shall be limited to what a qualified third party would charge to perform substantially similar services; (j) transfer agent, sub-administrator and custodial fees; (k) expenses relating to the issue, repurchase and transfer of Units to the extent not borne by the relevant transferring Unitholders and/or assignees; (l) federal and state registration fees; (m) federal, state and local taxes and other governmental charges assessed against us; (n) Independent Directors' fees and expenses and the costs associated with convening a meeting of our Board of Directors or any committee thereof; (o) fees and expenses and the costs associated with convening a meeting of the Unitholders or holders of any Preferred Units; (p) costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to Unitholders, including printing and mailing costs; (q) costs and expenses related to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and tax returns; (r) our allocable portion of the fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; (s) direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone, and copying; (t) independent auditors and outside legal costs, including legal costs associated with any requests for exemptive relief, "no-action" positions or other guidance sought from a regulator, pertaining to us; (u) compensation of other third party professionals to the extent they are devoted to preparing our consolidated financial statements or tax returns or providing similar "back office" financial services to us; (v) Adviser costs and expenses (excluding travel) in connection with identifying and investigating investment opportunities for us, monitoring our investments and disposing of any such investments; (w) portfolio risk management costs; (x) commissions or brokerage fees or similar charges incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of securities (including merger fees); (y) costs and expenses attributable to normal and extraordinary investment banking, commercial banking, accounting, auditing, appraisal, valuation, administrative agent activities, custodial and registration services provided to us, including in each case services with respect to the proposed purchase or sale of securities by us that are not reimbursed by the issuer of such securities or others (whether or not such purchase or sale is consummated); (z) costs of amending, restating or modifying the LLC Agreement or Advisory Agreement or related documents of us or related entities; (aa) fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with the termination, liquidation or dissolution of the Company

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or related entities; and (bb) all other properly and reasonably chargeable expenses incurred by the Company or the Administrator in connection with administering our business.

However, we will not bear more than the Company Expenses Limitation; provided, that, any amount by which actual annual expenses in (b) exceed the Company Expenses Limitation shall be reimbursed to us by the Adviser in the year such excess is incurred with any partial year assessed and reimbursed on a pro rata basis; and provided, further, that in determining the Company Expenses subject to the Company Expenses Limitation in (b), the following expenses shall be excluded and shall be borne by us as incurred without regard to the Company Expenses Limitation in (b): the Management Fee, the Incentive Fee, organizational and offering expenses (which are subject to the separate cap), amounts incurred in connection with our borrowings (including collateral agent (security trustee) fees, interest, bank fees, legal fees and other transactional expenses arising out of or related to any borrowing or borrowing facility and similar costs), transfer agent fees, federal, state and local taxes and other governmental charges assessed against us, out-of-pocket expenses of calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm engaged for that purpose and the costs and expenses of the valuation of our portfolio investments performed by our independent auditors in order to comply with applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board standards), out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with arranging or structuring investments and their ongoing operations (including expenses and liabilities related to the formation and ongoing operations of any special purpose entity or entities in connection with an investment), out-of-pocket legal costs associated with any requests for exemptive relief, "no-action" positions or other guidance sought from a regulator pertaining to us, out-of-pocket costs and expenses relating to any reorganization or liquidation of the Company, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses and indemnification payments). Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts reimbursed pursuant to the Company Expenses Limitation in any year may be carried forward by the Adviser and recouped in future years where the Company Expenses Limitation is not exceeded but in no event will we carryforward to future periods the amount by which actual annual Company Expenses for a year exceed the Company Expenses Limitation for more than three years from the date on which such expenses were reimbursed.

All Adviser Operating Expenses (as defined herein) and all our expenses that we will not bear, as set forth above, will be borne by the Adviser or its affiliates.

In connection with our borrowings, our lenders require us to pledge assets, Commitments and/or the right to draw down on Commitments. In this regard, the Subscription Agreement contractually obligates each of our investors to fund their respective Commitments in order to pay amounts that may become due under any borrowings or other financings or similar obligations.

Costs incurred to organize the Company are expensed as incurred. Offering costs are accumulated and will be charged directly to Members' Capital at the end of the Closing Period. We will not bear more than an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate Commitments of the Company for organization and offering costs in connection with the offering of the Units through the Closing Period. Since inception, we have expensed $0.7 million in organizational costs, of which $0 was expensed during the year ended December 31, 2025. Since inception, we have incurred $0.3 million of offering costs which were charged directly to Members' Capital as of December 31, 2025.

***Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates*** 

*Investments at Fair Value* 

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. Our critical accounting estimates, including those relating to the valuation of our investment portfolio, are described below. The critical accounting estimates should be read in conjunction with our risk factors as disclosed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors." See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for more information on our critical accounting policies.

Investments which we hold for which market quotes are not readily available or are not considered reliable are valued at fair value according to procedures approved by the Board of Directors (the "Board") based on similar

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instruments, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Adviser as the "valuation designee" with respect to the fair valuation of our portfolio securities, subject to oversight by and periodic reporting to the Board.

*Fair Value Hierarchy:* Assets and liabilities are classified by us into three levels based on valuation inputs used to determine fair value:

Level 1 values are based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 values are based on significant observable market inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets and quoted prices in inactive markets or other market observable inputs.

Level 3 values are based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect our determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the assets.

Categorization within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

**Level 1 Assets (Investments)**: The valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value are as follows:

<u>Equity, (Level 1)</u>, generally includes common stock valued at the closing price on the primary exchange in which the security trades.

**Level 2 Assets (Investments)**: The valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value are as follows:

<u>Equity, (Level 2)</u>, generally include warrants valued using quotes for comparable investments.

**Level 3 Assets (Investments):** The following valuation techniques and significant inputs are used to determine the fair value of investments in private debt and equity for which reliable market quotations are not available. Some of the inputs are independently observable however, a significant portion of the inputs and the internal assumptions applied are unobservable.

<u>Debt, (Level 3)</u>, includes investments in privately originated senior secured debt. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs. A discounted cash flow approach incorporating a weighted average cost of capital is generally used to determine fair value or, in some cases, an enterprise value waterfall method. Valuation may also include a shadow rating method. Standard pricing inputs include but are not limited to the financial health of the issuer, place in the capital structure, value of other issuer debt, credit, industry, and market risk and events.

<u>Equity</u>, (Level 3), generally includes common stock, preferred stock and warrants. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs. A market approach is generally used to determine fair value. Pricing inputs include, but are not limited to, financial health and relevant business developments of the issuer; EBITDA; market multiples of comparable companies; comparable market transactions and recent trades or transactions; issuer, industry and market events; and contractual or legal restrictions on the sale of the security. When a Black-Scholes pricing model is used it follows the income approach. The pricing model takes into account the contract terms as well as multiple inputs, including: time value, implied volatility, equity prices and interest rates. A liquidity discount based on current market expectations, future events, minority ownership position and the period management reasonably expects to hold the investment may be applied.

Pricing inputs and weightings applied to determine value require subjective determination. Accordingly, valuations do not necessarily represent the amounts that may eventually be realized from sales or other dispositions of investments.

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*Income Recognition*

Interest income and interest income paid-in-kind are recorded on an accrual basis unless doubtful of collection or the related investment is in default.

Although we do not currently expect the Private Credit Group to originate a significant amount of investments for us with the use of PIK interest features, from time to time we may make investments that contain such features or that subsequently incorporate such features after origination. PIK interest represents accrued interest that is added to the principal amount of the investment on the respective interest payment dates rather than being paid in cash and generally becomes due at maturity or at the occurrence of a liquidation event. To maintain our tax status as a RIC, this non-cash source of income must be paid out to stockholders in the form of dividends for the year the income was earned, even though we have not yet collected the cash. The amortized cost of investments represents the original cost adjusted for any accretion of discounts, amortization of premiums and PIK interest. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, PIK interest income earned was $13.0 million, $9.2 million, and $3.8 million, respectively, representing 7.7%, 6.8%, and 4.4%, respectively, of investment income.

Realized gains and losses on investments are recorded on a specific identification basis. We typically receive a fee in the form of a discount to the purchase price at the time it funds an investment in a loan. The discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the respective loan, using the effective-interest method assuming there are no questions as to collectability, and reflected in the amortized cost basis of the investment. Ongoing facility, commitment or other additional fees including prepayment fees, consent fees and forbearance fees are recognized immediately when earned as income.

We may enter into certain intercreditor agreements or loan agreements that entitle us to the "last out" tranche of first lien secured loans, whereby the "first out" tranche will receive priority as to the "last out" tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest, and any other amounts due thereunder. In certain cases, we may receive a higher interest rate than the contractual stated interest rate as disclosed on our Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

Certain investments have an unfunded loan commitment for a delayed draw term loan or revolving credit. We earn an unused commitment fee on the unfunded commitment during the commitment period. The expiration date of the commitment period may be earlier than the maturity date of the investment stated above. See Note 5—Commitments and Contingencies.

Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management's judgment regarding collectability. If at any point we believe PIK interest is not expected to be realized, the investment generating PIK interest will be placed on non-accrual status. When a PIK investment is placed on non-accrual status, the accrued, uncapitalized interest is generally reversed through interest income. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management's judgment, are likely to remain current. We may make exceptions to this policy if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.

***Investment Activity*** 

As of December 31, 2025, our portfolio consisted of 59 debt investments and four equity investments. Based on fair values as of December 31, 2025, our portfolio was 96.7% invested in debt investments which were all senior secured term loans and revolving loans and 3.3% invested in equity investments which were common units and warrants. Debt investments in one portfolio company were on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2025, representing 1.3% and 3.2% of our portfolio's fair value and cost, respectively.

As of December 31, 2024, our portfolio consisted of 50 debt investments and two equity investments. Based on fair values as of December 31, 2024, our portfolio was 100.0% invested in debt investments which were all senior, secured term loans and revolving loans and 0.0% invested in equity investments which were warrants. A debt

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investment in one portfolio company was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2024, representing 0.0% and 0.6% of our portfolio's fair value and cost, respectively.

The table below describes our debt and equity investments by industry classification and enumerates the percentage, by fair value, of the total portfolio assets by industry as of December 31, 2025:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Percent of Total Investments** |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | 11% |
| Commercial Services & Supplies | 9% |
| Food Products | 8% |
| Containers & Packaging | 8% |
| Energy Equipment & Services | 8% |
| Specialty Retail | 8% |
| Leisure Products | 5% |
| Personal Care Products | 4% |
| Metals & Mining | 4% |
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies | 4% |
| Automobile Components | 4% |
| Information Technology Services | 3% |
| Ground Transportation | 3% |
| Machinery | 3% |
| Software | 3% |
| Household Durables | 3% |
| Professional Services | 3% |
| Construction & Engineering | 2% |
| Paper & Forest Products | 2% |
| Transportation Infrastructure | 2% |
| Trading Companies & Distributors | 1% |
| Consumer Discretionary Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | 1% |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 1% |
| **Total** | **100%** |

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Interest income including interest income paid-in-kind, was $169.3 million, $133.1 million, and $83.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 respectively.

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***Results of Operations*** 

Our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **For the year ended December 31,** | **For the year ended December 31,** | **For the year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Total investment income** | $169640 | $136266 | $87864 |
| **Net expenses** | 69511 | 60662 | 41026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Net investment income** | 100129 | 75604 | 46838 |
| Net realized gain on investments | 449 | 115 | 412 |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments | (11707) | (15078) | 3696 |
| Net realized gain on short-term investments |  |  | 676 |
| **Net increase in Members' Capital from operations** | $88871 | $60641 | $51622 |

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*Total investment income* 

Total investment income for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $169.6 million, $136.3 million, and $87.9 million, respectively, and was comprised of the following (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **For the Year Ended December 31,** | **For the Year Ended December 31,** | **For the Year Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | $156295 | $123857 | $79739 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income paid-in-kind | 13024 | 9207 | 3832 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other fee income | 321 | 3202 | 4293 |
| **Total investment income** | $169640 | $136266 | $87864 |

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The increase in total investment income during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 was due to the increase in our portfolio of the number of debt investments, which increased to 59 as of December 31, 2025 compared to 50 as of December 31, 2024. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in other fee income for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 which was primarily attributable to a decrease in late closer fees received from investors purchasing Units during the closes which occurred during the year ended December 31, 2024 that did not occur during the year ended December 31, 2025.

The increase in total investment income during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to the increase in our portfolio of the number of debt investments, which increased to 50 as of December 31, 2024 compared to 32 as of December 31, 2023 in addition to increases in interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in other fee income for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 which was primarily attributable to a decrease late closer fees received from investors purchasing Units during the fourth, fifth, and sixth closes during the year ended December 31, 2023 that did not occur during the year ended December 31, 2024.

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*Total expenses*

Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **For the year ended December 31,** | **For the year ended December 31,** | **For the year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Expenses** |  |  |  |
| Interest and credit facilities expenses | $36281 | $36728 | $21705 |
| Incentive fees | 15683 | 10696 | 9106 |
| Management fees | 15106 | 11009 | 7214 |
| Administrative fees | 1079 | 904 | 705 |
| Professional fees | 728 | 643 | 555 |
| Directors' fees | 251 | 247 | 301 |
| Organizational costs |  | 27 | 29 |
| Interest expense on repurchase transactions |  |  | 1149 |
| Other expenses | 489 | 408 | 340 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total expenses before expenses recaptured/(reimbursed)** | 69617 | 60662 | 41104 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Expenses reimbursed by Adviser | (106) |  | (78) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total expenses** | $69511 | $60662 | $41026 |

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Our total expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were $69.5 million, $60.7 million, and $41.0 million, respectively. Our total expenses include management fees attributed to the Adviser of $15.1 million, $11.0 million, and $7.2 million; and incentive fees of $15.7 million, $10.7 million, and $9.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

Total expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to increases in incentive fees and management fees. Incentive fees increased during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 due to increases in net investment income during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 (as described below). Management fees increased during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 due to the increase in the size of our portfolio of debt investments as previously described.

Total expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to increases in interest and credit facility expenses caused by a higher weighted average interest rate and higher average outstanding debt balance during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. In addition, management fees increased during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the increase in the size of our portfolio of debt investments as previously described. Incentive fees also increased during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the increase in net investment income during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. These expense increases were partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on repurchase transactions which decreased during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 as we did not enter into any repurchase transactions during the year ended December 31, 2024.

*Net investment income* 

Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $100.1 million, $75.6 million, and $46.8 million, respectively. The increase in our net investment income during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 as well as the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily due to the increase in investment income as described above partially offset by an increase to expenses.

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*Net realized gain on investments*

Our net realized gain on investments for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $0.4 million, $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Our net realized gain on investments during the year ended December 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):investme

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Issuer** | **Investment** | **Realized Gain (Loss)** |
| SigmaTron International, Inc. | Warrants | $484 |
| CEC Entertainment, LLC | Term Loan | 40 |
| HydroSource Logistics, LLC | 3rd Amendment Term Loan | (78) |
| ADAN-B LLC (24 Hour Fitness) | Term Loan | 3 |
| **Net realized gain** |  | $**449** |

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Our net realized gain on investments during the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Issuer** | **Investment** | **Realized Gain** |
| Florida Marine Transporters, LLC | Term Loan B | $109 |
| Connect America.com, LLC | Last Out Term Loan | 15 |
| Great Kitchens Food Company, Inc. | Term Loan | (7) |
| Black Rock Coffee Holdings, LLC | Incremental Term Loan | (2) |
| **Net realized gain** |  | $**115** |

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Our net realized gain on investments during the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Issuer** | **Investment** | **Realized Gain** |
| Jones Industrial Holdings, Inc. | Term Loan | $129 |
| Signature Brands, LLC | Term Loan | 70 |
| The HC Companies, Inc. | Term Loan | 64 |
| CSAT Holdings LLC | Term Loan | 59 |
| All others | Various | 90 |
| **Net realized gain** |  | $**412** |

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*Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments* 

Our net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on non-controlled/non-affiliated investments for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was ($11.7) million, ($15.1) million, and $3.7 million, respectively. Our net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) during the year ended December 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Issuer** | **Investment** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation/<br>(Depreciation)** |
| HydroSource Logistics, LLC | Warrant, expires 4/4/34 | $28180 |
| HydroSource Logistics, LLC | 3rd Amendment Term Loan | 1317 |
| Follett Higher Education Group, Inc. | Term Loan | 1255 |
| CSAT Investment Holdings LLC | Warrant, expires 3/5/32 | 823 |
| The HC Companies, Inc. | Incremental Term Loan | (804) |
| VoltaBrid, LLC | Term Loan | (823) |
| Five Star Buyer, Inc. | Term Loan | (864) |
| Power Acquisition LLC | Term Loan B | (1022) |
| Connect America.com, LLC | Last Out Term Loan | (1320) |
| The HC Companies, Inc. | Term Loan | (1328) |
| Mark Andy, Inc. | Term Loan | (1902) |
| SUP Parent Holdings, LLC | Common Units | (7382) |
| Signature Brands, LLC | Term Loan | (11511) |
| HOP Energy, LLC | Term Loan | (16585) |
| All others | Various | 259 |
| **Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)** |  | $**(11707)** |

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Our net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) during the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Issuer** | **Investment** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation/<br>(Depreciation)** |
| Baxters North America, Inc. | Term Loan | $1222 |
| VoltaGrid, LLC | Term Loan | 823 |
| Harvey Gulf Holdings, LLC | Term Loan B | (1046) |
| Del Real, LLC | Term Loan | (1142) |
| Follett Higher Education Group, Inc. | Term Loan | (1166) |
| The HC Companies, Inc. | Term Loan | (1333) |
| HOP Energy, LLC | Term Loan | (1739) |
| Signature Brands, LLC | Term Loan | (2206) |
| Mark Andy, Inc. | Term Loan | (3195) |
| HOP Energy, LLC | Term Loan B | (5346) |
| All others | Various | 50 |
| **Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)** |  | $**(15078)** |

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Our net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) during the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to the following investments (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Issuer** | **Investment** | **Change in<br>Unrealized<br>Appreciation/<br>(Depreciation)** |
| Del Real, LLC | Term Loan | $1142 |
| Jones Industrial Holdings, Inc. | Term Loan | 1129 |
| Hoffmaster Group, Inc. | Term Loan | 743 |
| Resco Products, Inc. | Term Loan | 639 |
| Florida Marine Transporters, LLC | Term Loan B | 613 |
| Sunland Asphalt & Construction, LLC | Term Loan B | 573 |
| CSAT Holdings LLC | Term Loan | 483 |
| Corcentric, Inc. | Term Loan | 426 |
| Red Robin International, Inc. | Term Loan | 404 |
| Hudson Technologies Company | Term Loan | (471) |
| Triarc Tanks Bidco, LLC | Term Loan | (1036) |
| Baxters North America, Inc. | Term Loan | (1121) |
| All others | Various | 172 |
| **Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)** |  | $**3696** |

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*Net realized gain on short-term investments*

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 we recognized $0, $0, and $0.7 million, respectively, in realized gains from our short-term investments in government treasuries.

*Net increase in Members' Capital from operations* 

Our net increase in Members' Capital from operations during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $88.9 million, $60.6 million, and $51.6 million, respectively.

The increase during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 is primarily attributable to the increase in net investment income coupled with lower net realized and unrealized losses on investments described above.

The increase during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 is primarily attributable to the increase in net investment income partially offset by the net realized and unrealized losses on investments described above.

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***Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources***

On January 21, 2022, we completed the first closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 4,543,770 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $454.4 million. On July 8, 2022, we completed the second closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 2,178,280 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $217.8 million. On November 14, 2022, we completed the third closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 642,500 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $64.3 million. On April 3, 2023, we completed the fourth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,025,550 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $102.6 million. On July 24, 2023, we completed the fifth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,173,625 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $117.4 million. On December 13, 2023, we completed the sixth closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 1,145,325 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $114.5 million. On January 18, 2024, we completed the seventh closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which we sold 734,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $73.4 million. On March 19, 2024, we completed the final closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,302,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $130.2 million. We also commenced operations during the three months ended March 31, 2022. We generate cash from (1) drawing down capital in respect of Units, (2) cash flows from investments and operations and (3) borrowings from banks or other lenders.

Our primary use of cash is for (1) investments in portfolio companies and other investments to comply with certain portfolio diversification requirements, (2) the cost of operations (including expenses, the Management Fee, the Incentive Fee, and any indemnification obligations), (3) debt service of any borrowings and (4) cash distributions to the Unitholders.

As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, aggregate Commitments, Undrawn Commitments and subscribed for Units of the Company were as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
| Commitments | $1274566 | $1274566 |
| Undrawn commitments | $384504 | $623504 |
| Percentage of commitments funded | 69.8% | 51.1% |
| Units | 12745660 | 12745660 |

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On March 8, 2022, we entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Subscription Based Credit Facility" fka the "March 2022 Credit Facility") among us, as borrower, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and committed lender ("PNC"). The Subscription Based Credit Facility provides for a revolving credit line of up to $200.0 million (the "Subscription Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment"), subject to the lesser of (i) a percentage of unfunded commitments from certain classes of eligible investors in the Company (the "Subscription Based Credit Facility Borrowing Base") and (ii) the Subscription Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment. The Subscription Based Credit Facility has an initial commitment of $200.0 million and may be periodically increased in amounts designated by us, up to an aggregate amount of $400.0 million. The maturity date of the Subscription Based Credit Facility is March 7, 2025, unless such date is extended at our option for a term of up to 12 months after the maturity date. Borrowings under the Subscription Based Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (which will never be less than the adjusted SOFR rate plus 1.00%) plus 0.75% or (b) adjusted SOFR rate calculated in a customary manner plus 1.75%.

The Subscription Based Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest, subject to customary exceptions, in (i) all of the capital commitments of the investors in the Company, (ii) our right to make capital calls, receive payment of capital contributions from the investors and enforce payment of the capital commitments and capital contributions under our operating agreement and (iii) a cash collateral account into which the capital contributions from the investors are made. The Subscription Based Credit Facility may be terminated, and any outstanding amounts thereunder may become due and payable, should we fail to satisfy certain covenants. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with such covenants.

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On March 7, 2025 we entered into the first amendment to the Subscription Based Credit Facility (the "First Amendment to the Subscription Based Credit Facility"). The First Amendment to the Subscription Based Credit Facility increased the applicable margin from 1.75% to 2.10%, decreased the Subscription Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment from $200,000 to $50,000 and extended the stated maturity date from March 7, 2025 to March 6, 2026.

On September 13, 2022, TCW DL VIII Financing LLC (the "Borrower" or "TCW DL VIII Financing"), a newly-formed, wholly-owned, special purpose financing subsidiary of ours entered into a senior secured credit facility (the "Asset Based Credit Facility" fka the "September 2022 Credit Facility" and together with the Subscription Based Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities") pursuant to a credit and security agreement with PNC, as facility agent, the lenders from time to time party thereto, U.S. Bank National Association, as custodian, and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as collateral agent and collateral administrator.

The Asset Based Credit Facility provides for an aggregate principal amount of up to $250.0 million of revolving and term loans (the "Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment"), subject to compliance with a borrowing base (the "Asset Based Credit Facility Borrowing Base"). The Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment may be periodically increased in amounts designated by the Borrower up to an aggregate principal amount of $800.0 million, subject to lender consent and obtaining commitments for the increase. Under the Asset Based Credit Facility, the Borrower may make borrowings of (i) revolving loans (the "Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility" fka the "September 2022 Revolving Credit Facility" and together with the Subscription Based Credit Facility, the "Revolving Credit Facilities") during the period commencing September 13, 2022 and ending on September 13, 2025 and (ii) term loans (the "Term Loan") during the period commencing September 13, 2022 and ending on September 13, 2023, unless, in the case of (i) and (ii), there is an earlier termination of the Asset Based Credit Facility or event of default thereunder. The Asset Based Credit Facility will mature on September 13, 2027. Borrowings under the Asset Based Credit Facility will bear interest at a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to, at the Borrower's option, either (i) a SOFR reference rate plus the facility margin of 2.25% per annum or (ii) the Base Rate plus the facility margin of 2.25% per annum.

The Borrower's obligations under the Asset Based Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in all of the assets of the Borrower, including its portfolio of loans which will be contributed by us to the Borrower in exchange for 100% of the membership interest of the Borrower and any payments received in respect of such loans. We may contribute or sell to the Borrower additional loans from time to time after the closing date, which shall be pledged in favor of the lenders under the Asset Based Credit Facility.

Under the Asset Based Credit Facility, the Borrower has made customary representations and warranties and is required to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Asset Based Credit Facility also includes events of default that are customary for similar credit facilities. As of December 31, 2025, the Borrower was in compliance with such covenants.

On August 11, 2023, we amended the Asset Based Credit Facility and entered into the Amendment No. 1 to Credit and Security Agreement ("Amendment No. 1"). Amendment No. 1 increased the Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment from $250 million to $400 million which is comprised of $200 million each of the revolving loan and term loan commitments, respectively. In addition, the term SOFR Adjustment has been deleted and the Facility Margin Level shall be 2.90% per annum.

On February 2, 2024, we amended the Asset Based Credit Facility and entered into the Amendment No. 2 to Credit and Security Agreement ("Amendment No. 2"). Amendment No. 2 increased the Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment from $400 million to $800 million which is comprised of $400 million each of the revolving loan and term loan commitments, respectively.

On August 22, 2025, we amended the Asset Based Credit Facility and entered into the Amendment No. 3 to Credit and Security Agreement ("Amendment No. 3"). Amendment No. 3 decreased the Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment from $800 million to $650 million which is comprised of $325 million each of the revolving loan and term loan commitments, respectively. In addition, Amendment No. 3 extended the maturity date from September 13, 2027 to April 28, 2028 and extended the period in which the Borrower may make borrowings of

------

revolving loans from September 13, 2025 to April 30, 2026. Amendment No. 3 also decreased the facility margin from 2.90% to 2.25%.

Borrowings of the Borrower are non-recourse to us but are considered borrowings of ours for purposes of complying with the asset coverage requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

A summary of amounts outstanding and available under the Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Credit Facilities** | **Total Facility<br>Commitment** | **Borrowings<br>Outstanding** | **Available<br>Amount**<sup>(1)</sup> |
| Subscription Based Credit Facility – December 31, 2025 | $50000 | $40500 | $9500 |
| Asset Based Credit Facility – December 31, 2025 | $650000 | $361200 | $288800 |
| Subscription Based Credit Facility – December 31, 2024 | $200000 | $— | $200000 |
| Asset Based Credit Facility – December 31, 2024 | $800000 | $400000 | $207527 |

---

(1)The amount available considers any limitations related to the debt facility borrowing.

As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 borrowings under the Asset Based Credit Facility consisted of $325.0 million and $400.0 million, respectively of Term Loans and $36.2 million and $0, respectively of revolving credit lines.

Costs associated with the the revolving credit lines are recorded as deferred financing costs on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and such costs are being amortized over the lives of the respective Credit Facilities. Costs associated with the Term Loan are recorded as a reduction of the Term Loan on the our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and such costs are being amortized over the life of the Term Loan.

We incurred financing costs of $0.2 million in connection with the First Amendment to the Subscription Based Credit Facility, all of which was recorded by us as deferred financing costs on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The financing costs are being amortized over the term of the Subscription Based Credit Facility.

We incurred financing costs of $1.3 million in connection with Amendment No. 3, of which $0.7 million was recorded by us as deferred financing costs on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and $0.7 million was recorded by us as a reduction of the Term Loan on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The financing costs are being amortized over the term of the Asset Based Credit Facility.

As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively of deferred financing costs related to the revolving credit lines had yet to be amortized and $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively of deferred financing costs related to the Term Loan have yet to be amortized.

The carrying amount of the Credit Facilities, which is categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2025 approximates its fair value. Valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value include our details; credit, market and liquidity risk and events; financial health of us; place in the capital structure; interest rate; and the respective credit agreement's terms and conditions.

------

The summary information regarding the Credit Facilities for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Credit facilities interest expense | $32398 | $31370 | $19278 |
| Undrawn commitment fees | 1202 | 2037 | 887 |
| Administrative fees | 70 |  | 25 |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 2611 | 3321 | 1515 |
| **Total** | $**36281** | $**36728** | $**21705** |
| Weighted average interest rate | 6.89% | 7.97% | 7.51% |
| Average outstanding balance | $463842 | $387186 | $253114 |

---

------

We had the following unfunded commitments and unrealized depreciation by investment as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (dollar amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| **Unfunded Commitments** | **Investment** | **Maturity/<br>Expiration** | **Amount** | **Unrealized<br>Depreciation** | **Amount** | **Unrealized<br>Depreciation** |
| ADAN-B LLC (24 Hour Fitness) | Revolver | December 2030 | $6195 | $46 | $— | $— |
| Black Rock Coffee Holdings, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | September 2025 |  |  | 9918 |  |
| CF Newco, Inc. | Revolver | December 2029 | 2815 |  | 527 | 5 |
| CG Buyer, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | July 2025 |  |  | 3252 | 7 |
| Cinelease, LLC | ABL Term Loan | July 2030 | 6152 | 185 |  |  |
| Comprehensive Logistics Co., LLC | Revolver | March 2026 | 4556 | 59 | 2657 | 56 |
| CSAT Holdings LLC | Revolver | June 2028 | 1311 | 1 | 2885 | 52 |
| D&D Buyer, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | October 2025 |  |  | 2653 |  |
| D&D Buyer, LLC | Revolver | October 2028 | 1916 |  | 2076 |  |
| Fenix Intermediate LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan B-2 | March 2027 | 11607 | 429 | 11607 | 395 |
| Five Star Buyer, Inc. | Revolver | February 2028 | 1517 | 100 | 1517 | 47 |
| Great Kitchens Food Company, Inc. | Revolver | May 2029 | 6902 |  | 6902 | 55 |
| Helix Sleep, Inc. | Revolver | November 2030 | 1908 | 23 |  |  |
| Hoffmaster Group, Inc. | Revolver | February 2028 | 2096 | 16 | 2096 | 6 |
| HydroSource Logistics, LLC | Revolver | April 2029 | 190 |  | 1329 |  |
| Pallet Logistics of America, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | November 2026 |  |  | 1514 | 30 |
| Pallet Logistics of America, LLC | Revolver | November 2029 | 1589 | 51 | 3027 | 61 |
| Red Robin International, Inc. | Revolver | March 2027 | 1240 | 9 | 752 | 22 |
| RPM Purchaser, Inc. | Delayed Draw Term Loan B | September 2028 | 3035 |  | 3667 |  |
| Signature Brands, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan B | March 2025 |  |  | 3654 | 350 |
| Signature Brands, LLC | 9th Amendment Delayed Draw Term Loan A | November 2026 | 3959 |  |  |  |
| Viva 5 Group, LLC | Revolver | May 2030 | 5418 | 87 |  |  |
| VoltaGrid, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | September 2025 |  |  | 2995 | 24 |
| **Total** |  |  | $**62406** | $**1006** | $**63028** | $**1110** |

---

------

In order to finance certain investment transactions, we may, from time to time, enter into repurchase agreements with Macquarie US Trading LLC ("Macquarie"), whereby we sell to Macquarie an investment that we hold and concurrently enter into an agreement to repurchase the same investment at an agreed-upon price at a future date, not to exceed 90-days from the date it was sold (each, a "Macquarie Transaction").

Additionally, we may, from time to time, enter into repurchase agreements with Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays"), whereby we sell to Barclays our short-term investments and concurrently enter into an agreement to repurchase the same investments at an agreed-upon price at a future date, generally within 30-days (each, a "Barclays Transaction" and together with the Macquarie Transactions, the "Repurchase Transactions").

These Repurchase Transactions are accounted for as secured borrowings. Accordingly, the investments financed by these Repurchase Transactions remain on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and we record a liability to reflect our repurchase obligation to Macquarie and Barclays (the "Repurchase Obligations"). The Repurchase Obligations are presented on our Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as Repurchase Obligations. The Repurchase Obligations are secured by the respective investment or short-term investment that is the subject of the repurchase agreement. Interest expense associated with the Repurchase Obligations is reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations within Interest expense on repurchase transactions.

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we did not enter into any Barclays Transactions. The Barclays Transactions entered into during the year ended December 31, 2023 had an average principal balance of $134.9 million and a weighted average interest rate of 4.86%. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had no outstanding Repurchase Obligations with Barclays.

The net proceeds we received from the Barclays Transactions during the years ended December 31, 2023 was a net loss of $0.5 million (comprised of interest expense of $1.1 million net of realized gains on short-term investments of $0.7 million).

# Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to financial market risks, including valuation risk and changes in interest rates.

<u>Valuation Risk.</u> The majority of our investments are in instruments that do not have readily ascertainable market prices and the Adviser, as our valuation designee, will value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by our Board of Directors. There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while employing a consistently applied valuation process for the types of investments we make. If we were required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, we may realize amounts that are different from the amounts presented and such differences could be material.

<u>Interest Rate Risk.</u> As of December 31, 2025, 99% of our debt investments bore interest based on floating rates, such as SOFR. The interest rates on such investments generally reset by reference to the current market index after one to three months. As of December 31, 2025, the percentage of our floating rate debt investments that bore interest based on an interest rate floor was 0.0%. Floating rate investments subject to a floor generally reset by reference to the current market index after one to three months only if the index exceeds the floor.

Interest rate sensitivity refers to the change in earnings that may result from changes in the level of interest rates. Because we fund a portion of our investments with borrowings, our net investment income is affected by the difference between the rate at which we invest and the rate at which we borrow. As a result, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. We assess our portfolio companies periodically to determine whether such companies will be able to continue making interest payments in the event that interest rates increase. There can be no assurances that the portfolio companies will be able to meet their contractual obligations at any or all levels of increases in interest rates.

------

Based on our December 31, 2025 consolidated statement of assets and liabilities, the following table shows the annual impact on net investment income (excluding the related incentive compensation impact) of base rate changes in interest rates (considering interest rate floors for variable rate instruments) assuming no changes in our investment and borrowing structure (dollar amounts in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Interest Income** | **Interest Expense** | **Net Investment Income (Loss)** |
| Up 300 basis points | $36003 | $12218 | $23785 |
| Up 200 basis points | 24002 | 8146 | 15856 |
| Up 100 basis points | 12001 | 4073 | 7928 |
| Down 100 basis points | (11944) | (4073) | (7871) |
| Down 200 basis points | (22514) | (8146) | (14368) |
| Down 300 basis points | (24669) | (12218) | (12451) |

---

**Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.**

See the audited financial statements set forth herein commencing on page F-1 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

**Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.**

None.

**Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.**

*Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures* 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective, at a reasonable assurance level, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

*Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting* 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and disposition of assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of our management and directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projection of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

------

Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based upon the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2025, we maintained in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting. Pursuant to rules established by the SEC, this annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.

*Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting* 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

**Item 9B.** Other **Information.**

On January 14, 2026, as amended on February 20, 2026, and March 9, 2026, the Company filed a Schedule TO with the SEC relating to an offer to exchange outstanding Units for an equivalent number of limited liability company units of TCW Specialty Lending LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. TCW Specialty Lending LLC will operate as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

**Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.**

Not applicable.

------

**PART III**

**Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.**

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

**Item 11. Executive Compensation.**

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

**Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.**

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

**Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.**

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

**Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.**

The information required by this Item has been omitted and will be incorporated herein by reference, when filed, to our Proxy Statement, which is expected to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

------

**PART IV**

**Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)List separately all financial statements filed.

The financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed on page F-1 and commence on page F-3.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)The following exhibits are filed as part of this report or incorporated herein by reference to exhibits previously filed with the SEC.

------

**Exhibit Index**

3.1 [<u>Certificate of Formation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's registration statement on Form 10, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 25, 2021)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001825265/000119312521172481/d154254dex31.htm)

3.2 [<u>Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated March 9, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's registration statement on Form 10, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 25, 2021)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001825265/000119312521172481/d154254dex32.htm)

3.3 [<u>Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated January 21, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K/A filed on April 28, 2022)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000119312522127846/d332929d10ka.htm)

3.4 [<u>Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated May 24, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2022)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000119312522160956/d289949dex991.htm)

3.5 [<u>Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated January 6, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2024)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000095017024037182/ck0001825265-20231231.htm)

3.6 [<u>Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated July 26, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2023)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000095017023037760/ck0001825265-ex3_6.htm)

3.7 [<u>Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated February 16, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 2024)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000119312524042581/d777165dex37.htm)

4.1 [<u>Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2022)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000119312522086569/d437070dex41.htm)

10.1 [<u>Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, dated January 21, 2022, by and between the Company and TCW Asset Management Company LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K/A filed on April 28, 2022)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001825265/000119312522124362/d332929dex101.htm)

10.2 [<u>Administration Agreement, dated January 21, 2022, by and between the Company and TCW Asset Management Company LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K/A filed on April 28, 2022)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001825265/000119312522124362/d332929dex102.htm)

10.3 [<u>Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2022, among TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC, as borrower, and PNC Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2022)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000119312522074540/d322762dex103.htm)

10.4 [<u>Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2022, by and among TCW DL VIII Financing LLC, as Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto; PNC Bank, National Association, as Facility Agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as Custodian and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as Collateral Agent and Collateral Administrator (incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 19, 2022)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000119312522246996/d404788dex101.htm)

10.5 [<u>Amendment No. 1 to Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 11, 2023, by and among TCW DL VIII Financing LLC, as Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto; PNC Bank, National Association, as Facility Agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as Custodian and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as Collateral Agent and Collateral Administrator (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 the Company's Quarterly Report on form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2023)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000095017023060972/ck0001825265-ex10_5.htm)

10.6 [<u>Amendment No. 2 to Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2024, by and among TCW DL VIII Financing LLC, as Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto; PNC Bank, National Association, as Facility Agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as Custodian and Alter Domus (US)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000095017024037182/ck0001825265-20231231.htm)

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | [<u>LLC, as Collateral Agent and Collateral Administrator (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2024)</u>](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000095017024037182/ck0001825265-20231231.htm) |
| 10.7 | [<u>First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of March 7, 2025, by and among TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC, as Borrower, PNC Bank National Association as administrative agent for the Lenders in such capacity, the Administrative Agent), and the Committed Lenders, Conduit Lenders, and Funding Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2025).</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000095017025045559/ck0001825265-ex10_7.htm) |
| 10.8 | [<u>Amendment No. 3 to Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2025, by and among TCW DL VIII Financing LLC, as Borrower, the Lenders from time to time party thereto; PNC Bank, National Association, as Facility Agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as Custodian and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as Collateral Agent and Collateral Administrator (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2025).</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1825265/000119312525276913/ck0001825265-ex10_8.htm) |
| 19.1\* | [<u>Insider Trading Policy</u>](ck0001825265-ex19_1.htm) |
| 21.1\* | [<u>Subsidiaries of TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC</u>](ck0001825265-ex21_1.htm) |
| 31.1\* | [<u>Certification of President Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</u>](ck0001825265-ex31_1.htm) |
| 31.2\* | [<u>Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</u>](ck0001825265-ex31_2.htm) |
| 32.1\* | [<u>Certification of President Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)</u>](ck0001825265-ex32_1.htm) |
| 32.2\* | [<u>Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)</u>](ck0001825265-ex32_2.htm) |
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |

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\* Filed herewith

**Item 16. Form 10-K Summary**

None.

------

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized**.**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC | TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC |
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | /s/ **Richard T. Miller** |
|  |  | **Richard T. Miller** |
|  |  | **Chairman of the Board, President and Director** |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | **/s/ Richard T. Miller** |
|  |  | **Richard T. Miller** |
|  |  | **Chairman of the Board, President and Director**<br>**(Principal Executive Officer)** |
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | **/s/ Saverio M. Flemma** |
|  |  | **Saverio M. Flemma** |
|  |  | **Director** |
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | **/s/ R. David Kelly** |
|  |  | **R. David Kelly** |
|  |  | **Director** |
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | **/s/ Sheila A. Finnerty** |
|  |  | **Sheila A. Finnerty** |
|  |  | **Director** |
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | **/s/ Andrew W. Tarica** |
|  |  | **Andrew W. Tarica** |
|  |  | **Director** |
| Date: March 26, 2026 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By: | **/s/ David R. Adler** |
|  |  | **David R. Adler** |
|  |  | **Director** |
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | **/s/ Andrew J. Kim** |
|  |  | **Andrew J. Kim** |
|  |  | **Chief Financial Officer** |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)** |

---

------

**INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [<u>Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm</u>](#audit_report) | F-2 |
| [<u>Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2025 and 2024</u>](#soi_cq_unaudited) | F-4 |
| <u>Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024</u> | F-15 |
| [<u>Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023</u>](#statement_of_operations_cq) | F-16 |
| <u>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Capital for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023</u> | F-17 |
| [<u>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023</u>](#stmt_cash_flows) | F-18 |
| [<u>Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements</u>](#notes) | F-19 |

---

------

**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

To the Unitholders and the Board of Directors of TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC

**Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC and subsidiaries (the "Company"), including the consolidated schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in members' capital, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period then ended, financial highlights for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements and financial highlights"). In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations, changes in members' capital, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, by correspondence with the custodian, loan agents, and borrowers; when replies were not received, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Critical Audit Matter** 

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

------

**Investments, at fair value - Level 3 Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements – Refer to Note 2 and 3**

*Critical Audit Matter Description*

The Company held certain investments with fair values based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect management's determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the investments. These investments are classified as Level 3 investments under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These investments included debt and equity securities, which lack observable market prices. Such investments are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs. A market approach is generally used to determine fair value of equity instruments and a discounted cash flow approach or enterprise value waterfall is generally used for debt instruments. Valuation may also include a shadow rating method. The fair value of the Company's Level 3 investments was $1,209,788,377 as of December 31, 2025.

We identified the valuation of Level 3 investments as a critical audit matter because of the judgments necessary for management to select appropriate valuation techniques and to use significant unobservable inputs to estimate the fair value of the investment. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs as determined by management. This required a high degree of auditor judgement and increased effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists who possess significant quantitative and modeling expertise, to audit the internal assumptions and evaluate the appropriateness of these models and the weighting of the available pricing inputs in determining the fair value of these investments.

*How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit*

Our audit procedures related to the valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used by management to estimate the fair value of Level 3 investments included the following, among others:

• We obtained an understanding of the techniques, valuation models, internal assumptions, and weighting for the unobservable inputs used to derive the pricing information as part of the procedures to test the fair value estimates.

• We validated the appropriateness of the valuation techniques, valuation models, internal assumptions, and weighting and tested the valuation by developing an independent expectation. We developed independent estimates of the fair values and compared our estimates to management's estimates.

• For selected investments, with the assistance of our fair value specialists, we developed an independent estimate of the fair value and compared our estimate to management's estimate.

• We inspected all investment transactions within 60 days prior and subsequent to year end, if any, and compared the transaction price to the valuation at year end to assess the reasonableness of the valuation at year end.

• We evaluated the reasonableness of any significant changes in valuation techniques or significant unobservable inputs for those investments from the prior year-end.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Los Angeles, California

March 26, 2026

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies within the group of investment companies since 2014.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC** 

**Consolidated Schedule of Investments**

**As of December 31, 2025**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Par<br>Amount** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **DEBT**<sup>(1)</sup> |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Automobile Components** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Fenix Intermediate, LLC | 03/28/24 | Term Loan B - 10.43%<br>(SOFR + 6.75%, 1.75% Floor) | 3.5% | $29487621 | 03/28/29 | $28909368 | $28396579 |
|  | Fenix Intermediate, LLC | 03/28/24 | Delayed Draw Term Loan B-1 - 10.43%<br>(SOFR + 6.75%, 1.75% Floor) | 0.2% | 1768373 | 03/28/29 | 1768373 | 1702943 |
|  | Superior Industries International, Inc. | 12/08/25 | Take Back Term Loan - 13.78% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 10.00%, 3.50% Floor, all PIK) | 1.0% | 7871926 | 12/08/30 | 7662098 | 7875074 |
|  |  |  |  | 4.7% |  |  | 38339839 | 37974596 |
| **Commercial Services & Supplies** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | CSAT Holdings LLC | 06/30/23 | Term Loan - 14.43% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 10.50%, 2.00% Floor, 2.25% PIK) | 3.5% | 28770282 | 06/30/28 | 28288201 | 28741512 |
|  | CSAT Holdings LLC | 06/30/23 | Revolver - 14.33% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 10.50%, 2.00% Floor, 2.25% PIK) | 0.3% | 2622820 | 06/30/28 | 2622820 | 2620198 |
|  | Comprehensive Logistics Co., LLC | 03/26/24 | Term Loan - 11.32%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 4.2% | 34487535 | 03/26/26 | 34398141 | 34039197 |
|  | Power Acquisition LLC | 01/22/25 | Term Loan B - 9.86%<br>(SOFR + 6.00%, 1.50% Floor) | 4.1% | 35476365 | 01/22/30 | 34724735 | 33702547 |
|  | Power Acquisition LLC | 07/11/25 | Incremental Term Loan B - 9.86%<br>(SOFR + 6.00%, 1.50% Floor) | 0.3% | 2724408 | 01/22/30 | 2680040 | 2604534 |
|  |  |  |  | 12.4% |  |  | 102713937 | 101707988 |
| **Construction & Engineering** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Sunland Asphalt & Construction, LLC | 06/16/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 10.32%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.75% Floor) | 1.0% | 7932833 | 06/16/28 | 7932833 | 8008195 |
|  | Sunland Asphalt & Construction, LLC | 06/16/23 | Term Loan B - 10.32%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.75% Floor) | 2.4% | 19070701 | 06/16/28 | 18723590 | 19251872 |
|  |  |  |  | 3.4% |  |  | 26656423 | 27260067 |
| **Consumer Discretionary Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Helix Sleep, Inc. | 11/07/25 | Term Loan - 9.37%<br>(SOFR + 5.50%, 1.00% Floor) | 2.0% | 16614530 | 11/07/30 | 16345063 | 16415156 |
|  |  |  |  | 2.0% |  |  | 16345063 | 16415156 |
| **Containers & Packaging** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | The HC Companies, Inc. | 08/01/23 | Term Loan - 12.17% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 8.50%, 2.00% Floor, 1.00% PIK) | 4.5% | 39978146 | 08/01/28 | 39465994 | 37007770 |
|  | The HC Companies, Inc. | 05/21/24 | Incremental Term Loan - 12.17% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 8.50%, 2.00% Floor, 1.00% PIK) | 2.7% | 23499528 | 08/01/28 | 23140745 | 21753513 |
|  | Hoffmaster Group, Inc. | 02/24/23 | Term Loan - 10.10%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 2.5% | 20412392 | 02/24/28 | 20316448 | 20261341 |
|  | Hoffmaster Group, Inc. | 03/15/24 | Incremental Term Loan - 10.10%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 2.2% | 18473637 | 02/24/28 | 18272619 | 18336932 |
|  |  |  |  | 11.9% |  |  | 101195806 | 97359556 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC** 

**Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)** 

**As of December 31, 2025**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Par<br>Amount** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **DEBT**<sup>(1)</sup> **(continued)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Energy Equipment & Services** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | HydroSource Logistics, LLC | 04/14/25 | 3rd Amendment Term Loan - 12.43%<br>(SOFR + 8.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 4.9% | $40240512 | 04/04/29 | $38923804 | $40240512 |
|  | HydroSource Logistics, LLC | 04/05/24 | Term Loan - 12.43%<br>(SOFR + 8.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 3.1% | 25401878 | 04/04/29 | 24908179 | 25401878 |
|  | HydroSource Logistics, LLC | 04/05/24 | Revolver - 12.46%<br>(SOFR + 8.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.3% | 2657450 | 04/04/29 | 2657450 | 2657450 |
|  |  |  |  | 8.3% |  |  | 66489433 | 68299840 |
| **Food Products** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Baxters North America, Inc. | 05/31/23 | Term Loan - 10.70%<br>(SOFR + 6.88%, 1.75% Floor) | 4.1% | 33213014 | 05/31/28 | 32794874 | 33253452 |
|  | Great Kitchens Food Company, Inc. | 05/31/24 | Term Loan - 9.72%<br>(SOFR + 6.00%, 1.25% Floor) | 4.5% | 36720427 | 05/31/29 | 36136869 | 36720427 |
|  | Signature Brands, LLC | 05/05/25 | 9th Amendment Term Loan A - 17.50% inc PIK<br>(17.50%, Fixed Coupon, all PIK) | 0.9% | 7419002 | 05/04/28 | 7213727 | 7419002 |
|  | Signature Brands, LLC | 05/05/23 | Term Loan - 13.58% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 9.50%, 1.75% Floor, all PIK) | 2.7% | 36699338 | 05/04/28 | 36356909 | 22276498 |
|  | Signature Brands, LLC | 02/29/24 | Delayed Draw Term Loan A - 10.58% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.75% Floor, all PIK) | 0.2% | 2040852 | 05/04/28 | 2020563 | 2040852 |
|  |  |  |  | 12.4% |  |  | 114522942 | 101710231 |
| **Ground Transportation** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | RPM Purchaser, Inc. | 09/11/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan B - 10.08%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 1.0% | 8392338 | 09/11/28 | 8392338 | 8392338 |
|  | RPM Purchaser, Inc. | 09/11/23 | Term Loan B - 10.08%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 3.4% | 27193615 | 09/11/28 | 26735923 | 27465551 |
|  |  |  |  | 4.4% |  |  | 35128261 | 35857889 |
| **Health Care Equipment & Supplies** | **Health Care Equipment & Supplies** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | ConnectAmerica.com, LLC | 10/11/24 | Last Out Term Loan - 9.42%<br>(SOFR + 5.75%, 1.75% Floor) | 6.1% | 52115726 | 10/11/29 | 51464193 | 50239560 |
|  |  |  |  | 6.1% |  |  | 51464193 | 50239560 |
| **Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | ADAN-B LLC (24 Hour Fitness) | 4/30/2025 & 12/31/25 | Term Loan - 9.42%<br>(SOFR + 5.75%, 1.50% Floor) | 6.8% | 56431197 | 12/31/30 | 55329195 | 56007963 |
|  | Five Star Buyer, Inc. | 05/11/23 | Term Loan - 12.98% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 9.00%, 1.50% Floor, 2.00% PIK) | 2.3% | 19906031 | 02/23/28 | 19557182 | 18592233 |
|  | Five Star Buyer, Inc. | 05/11/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 12.98% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 9.00%, 1.50% Floor, 2.00% PIK) | 0.1% | 711445 | 02/23/28 | 711445 | 664490 |
|  | Red Robin International, Inc. | 04/11/22 | Revolver - 11.40%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor) | 0.2% | 1515706 | 03/04/27 | 1515706 | 1505096 |
|  | Red Robin International, Inc. | 04/11/22 | Term Loan - 11.50%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor) | 1.4% | 11520596 | 03/04/27 | 11408545 | 11439952 |
|  | CEC Entertainment, LLC | 09/26/25 | Term Loan - 9.67%<br>(SOFR + 6.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 5.6% | 46581106 | 09/26/30 | 45528334 | 45556322 |
|  |  |  |  | 16.4% |  |  | 134050407 | 133766056 |
| **Household Durables** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Lenox Holdings, Inc. | 07/08/22 | Term Loan - 12.92%<br>(SOFR + 8.75%, 1.00% Floor) | 4.0% | 32929252 | 12/31/26 | 32782811 | 32929252 |
|  |  |  |  | 4.0% |  |  | 32782811 | 32929252 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC** 

**Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)** 

**As of December 31, 2025**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Par<br>Amount** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **DEBT**<sup>(1)</sup> **(continued)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Information Technology Services** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Corcentric, Inc. | 05/09/23 | Term Loan - 10.93%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 4.7% | $38249808 | 05/09/27 | $38056203 | $38196259 |
|  |  |  |  | 4.7% |  |  | 38056203 | 38196259 |
| **Leisure Products** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Lumos Holdings US Acquisition Co. (Life Fitness) | 08/05/25 | Term Loan - 9.40%<br>(SOFR + 5.50%, 1.50% Floor) | 7.1% | 58680509 | 08/05/30 | 57872125 | 57976343 |
|  |  |  |  | 7.1% |  |  | 57872125 | 57976343 |
| **Machinery** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Mark Andy, Inc. | 06/16/23 | Term Loan - 12.57% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 8.75%, 1.50% Floor, 5.75% PIK) | 2.6% | 26497585 | 06/16/28 | 26182028 | 21198068 |
|  | Triarc Tanks Bidco, LLC | 10/03/22 | Term Loan - 10.93%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor) | 1.7% | 14562898 | 10/03/26 | 14480664 | 13751745 |
|  |  |  |  | 4.3% |  |  | 40662692 | 34949813 |
| **Metals & Mining** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Material Sciences Corporation | 03/14/25 | Term Loan - 10.17%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 6.3% | 52728374 | 03/14/30 | 51732353 | 51251979 |
|  |  |  |  | 6.3% |  |  | 51732353 | 51251979 |
| **Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | HOP Energy, LLC<sup>(2)(5)</sup> | 02/29/24 | Term Loan B - 13.83% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 10.00%, 2.00% Floor, all PIK) | 0.0% | 6644922 | 12/09/27 | 5345831 |  |
|  | HOP Energy, LLC<sup>(2)(5)</sup> | 04/27/25 | Delayed Draw Term Loan B - 13.83% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 10.00%, 2.00% Floor, all PIK) | 0.1% | 726908 | 12/09/27 | 702347 | 726908 |
|  | HOP Energy, LLC<sup>(2)(5)</sup> | 06/17/22 | Term Loan - 12.83% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 9.00%, 2.00% Floor, all PIK) | 1.3% | 31132535 | 12/09/27 | 29208187 | 10379587 |
|  | HOP Energy, LLC<sup>(2)(5)</sup> | 01/14/25 | Term Loan C - 13.83% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 10.00%, 2.00% Floor, all PIK) | 0.6% | 5001338 | 12/09/27 | 4764015 | 5001338 |
|  |  |  |  | 2.0% |  |  | 40020380 | 16107833 |
| **Paper & Forest Products** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Pallet Logistics of America, LLC | 11/22/24 | Revolver - 10.79%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor) | 0.2% | 1438000 | 11/29/29 | 1438000 | 1391984 |
|  | Pallet Logistics of America, LLC | 11/22/24 | Term Loan - 10.79% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor, 0.50% PIK) | 2.8% | 23980095 | 11/22/29 | 23536948 | 23212732 |
|  |  |  |  | 3.0% |  |  | 24974948 | 24604716 |
| **Personal Care Products** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Viva 5 Group, LLC | 05/21/25 | Term Loan - 10.22%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 2.25% Floor) | 6.2% | 51226396 | 05/21/30 | 50089504 | 50406774 |
|  | Viva 5 Group, LLC | 05/21/25 | Revolver - 10.22%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 2.25% Floor) | 0.1% | 1149310 | 05/21/30 | 1149310 | 1130921 |
|  |  |  |  | 6.3% |  |  | 51238814 | 51537695 |
| **Professional Services** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Alorica Inc. | 12/21/22 | Term Loan - 10.59%<br>(SOFR + 6.88%, 1.50% Floor) | 3.8% | 30943677 | 12/21/27 | 30760913 | 30943677 |
|  |  |  |  | 3.8% |  |  | 30760913 | 30943677 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC** 

**Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)** 

**As of December 31, 2025**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Par<br>Amount/Shares** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **DEBT**<sup>(1)</sup> **(continued)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Software** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | CF Newco, Inc. | 12/09/24 | Term Loan - 9.74%<br>(SOFR + 6.00%, 1.50% Floor) | 2.7% | $22153339 | 12/10/29 | $21965431 | $22264106 |
|  | CF Newco, Inc. | 12/09/24 | Revolver - 9.74%<br>(SOFR + 6.00%, 1.50% Floor) | 0.2% | 1515890 | 12/10/29 | 1515890 | 1515890 |
|  | CF Newco, Inc. | 12/11/25 | Amendment No. 1 Term Loan - 9.99%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 1.50% Floor) | 1.3% | 10133264 | 12/10/29 | 9976704 | 10264996 |
|  |  |  |  | 4.2% |  |  | 33458025 | 34044992 |
| **Specialty Retail** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | D&D Buyer, LLC | 10/04/23 | Term Loan - 10.27%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 4.0% | 32589249 | 10/04/28 | 32018673 | 32869516 |
|  | D&D Buyer, LLC | 10/04/23 | Revolver - 10.27%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.4% | 2873529 | 10/04/28 | 2873529 | 2873529 |
|  | D&D Buyer, LLC | 10/04/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 10.42%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 1.0% | 7876392 | 10/04/28 | 7876392 | 7944129 |
|  | D&D Buyer, LLC | 08/20/25 | 4th Amendment Delayed Draw Term Loan - 10.49%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 1.4% | 11733619 | 10/04/28 | 11733619 | 11834528 |
|  | Follett Higher Education Group, Inc. | 07/28/25 | Incremental Term Loan - 10.82%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.3% | 2434155 | 02/28/26 | 2373619 | 2423201 |
|  | Follett Higher Education Group, Inc. | 02/01/22 | Term Loan - 10.82%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 3.9% | 31915394 | 02/01/28 | 31782993 | 31944118 |
|  |  |  |  | 11.0% |  |  | 88658825 | 89889021 |
| **Trading Companies & Distributors** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Cinelease, LLC | 08/07/25 | ABL Term Loan - 11.82%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 2.50% Floor) | 2.0% | 17111644 | 07/31/30 | 16335295 | 16598294 |
|  |  |  |  | 2.0% |  |  | 16335295 | 16598294 |
| **Transportation Infrastructure** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | CG Buyer, LLC | 07/19/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 10.22%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.50% Floor) | 0.1% | 437352 | 07/19/28 | 437352 | 435166 |
|  | CG Buyer, LLC | 07/19/23 | Term Loan - 10.22%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.50% Floor) | 2.4% | 19956923 | 07/19/28 | 19680828 | 19857138 |
|  |  |  |  | 2.5% |  |  | 20118180 | 20292304 |
|  | **Total Debt Investments** |  |  | 143.2% |  |  | 1213577868 | 1169913117 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC** 

**Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)** 

**As of December 31, 2025**

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Shares** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **EQUITY** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Automobile Components** | **Automobile Components** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | SUP Parent Holdings, LLC<sup>(2)(4)</sup> | 08/13/25 | Common Units | 1.2% | 38121 | $16956285 | $9574747 |
|  |  |  |  | 1.2% |  | 16956285 | 9574747 |
| **Commercial Services & Supplies** | **Commercial Services & Supplies** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | CSAT Investment Holdings LLC<sup>(2)(4)</sup> | 03/05/25 | Warrant, expires 03/05/32 | 0.2% | 1145950 | 508373 | 1330907 |
|  |  |  |  | 0.2% |  | 508373 | 1330907 |
| **Energy Equipment & Services** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | HydroSource Logistics, LLC <sup>(2)(4)</sup> | 04/05/24 | Warrant, expires 4/4/34 | 3.5% | 247 | 357421 | 28719739 |
|  |  |  |  | 3.5% |  | 357421 | 28719739 |
| **Trading Companies & Distributors** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Cinelease, LLC<sup>(2)(4)</sup> | 08/07/25 | Warrant, expires 07/31/35 | 0.0% | 215403 | 379334 | 249867 |
|  |  |  |  | 0.0% |  | 379334 | 249867 |
|  | **Total Equity Investments** |  |  | 4.9% |  | 18201413 | 39875260 |
|  | **Total Debt & Equity Investments**<sup>(3)</sup> |  |  | 148.1% |  | 1231779281 | 1209788377 |
|  | **Cash Equivalents** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | **First American Government Obligation Fund, Yield 3.68%, Class X (FGXXX)** | **First American Government Obligation Fund, Yield 3.68%, Class X (FGXXX)** | **First American Government Obligation Fund, Yield 3.68%, Class X (FGXXX)** | 5.0% | 41044908 | 41044908 | 41044908 |
|  | **Total Cash Equivalents** |  |  | 5.0% | 41044908 | 41044908 | 41044908 |
|  | **Total Investments (152.7%)** |  |  |  |  | $**1272824189** | $**1250833285** |
|  | **Net unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments (-0.1%)** | **Net unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments (-0.1%)** |  |  |  |  | (1005800) |
|  | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (-52.6%)** | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (-52.6%)** |  |  |  |  | $**(430727848)** |
|  | **Net Assets (100.0%)** |  |  |  |  |  | $**819099637** |

---

(1)Certain debt investments are subject to contractual restrictions on resale, such as approval of the agent or borrower.

(2)Non-income producing.

(3)The fair value of each debt investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs and such investments are considered to be Level 3 within the Fair Value Hierarchy. See Note 3 "Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements."

(4)All or a portion of such security was acquired in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may be deemed "restricted securities" under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2025, the aggregate fair value of these securities was $39,875,260, or 3.1% of the Company's total assets.

(5)Loan was on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2025.

SOFR - Secured Overnight Financing Rate, generally 1-Month or 3-Month

PIK - Payment-In-Kind

Aggregate acquisitions and aggregate dispositions of investments, other than government securities, totaled $654,603,203 and $385,629,258, respectively, for the period ended December 31, 2025. Aggregate acquisitions includes investment assets received as payment in kind. Aggregate dispositions includes principal paydowns on and maturities of debt investments.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC** 

**Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)** 

**As of December 31, 2025**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Geographic Breakdown of Portfolio** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;United States | 100% |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

## Consolidated Schedule of Investments

## December 31, 2024

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Par<br>Amount** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **DEBT**<sup>(1)</sup> |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Automobile Components** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Fenix Intermediate, LLC | 03/28/24 | Term Loan B - 10.83%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.75% Floor) | 4.7% | $29787749 | 03/28/29 | $29023229 | $28774966 |
|  | Fenix Intermediate, LLC | 03/28/24 | Delayed Draw Term Loan B-1 - 10.83%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.75% Floor) | 0.3% | 1786372 | 03/28/29 | 1786372 | 1725635 |
|  | Superior Industries International, Inc. | 08/14/24 | Term Loan - 11.88%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 2.50% Floor) | 3.3% | 20407179 | 12/15/28 | 19942091 | 20039850 |
|  |  |  |  | 8.3% |  |  | 50751692 | 50540451 |
| **Commercial Services & Supplies** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | CSAT Holdings LLC | 06/30/23 | Term Loan - 12.84%<br>(SOFR + 8.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 4.6% | 28871994 | 06/30/28 | 28171683 | 28352298 |
|  | CSAT Holdings LLC | 06/30/23 | Revolver - 12.71%<br>(SOFR + 8.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.2% | 1049128 | 06/30/28 | 1049128 | 1030244 |
|  | Jones Industrial Holdings, Inc. | 07/31/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 11.46%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.7% | 4247728 | 07/31/28 | 4193023 | 4281710 |
|  | Jones Industrial Holdings, Inc. | 07/31/23 | Term Loan - 11.46%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 2.9% | 17869096 | 07/31/28 | 17437663 | 18012049 |
|  | Comprehensive Logistics Co., LLC | 03/26/24 | Revolver - 11.44%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.3% | 1898179 | 03/26/26 | 1898179 | 1858317 |
|  | Comprehensive Logistics Co., LLC | 03/26/24 | Term Loan - 11.46%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 5.7% | 35389170 | 03/26/26 | 34898845 | 34645998 |
|  |  |  |  | 14.4% |  |  | 87648521 | 88180616 |
| **Construction & Engineering** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Sunland Asphalt & Construction, LLC | 06/16/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 10.96%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.75% Floor) | 1.3% | 8013166 | 06/16/28 | 8013166 | 8173429 |
|  | Sunland Asphalt & Construction, LLC | 06/16/23 | Term Loan B - 10.96%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.75% Floor) | 3.2% | 19070701 | 06/16/28 | 18582347 | 19452115 |
|  |  |  |  | 4.5% |  |  | 26595513 | 27625544 |
| **Containers & Packaging** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | The HC Companies, Inc. | 08/01/23 | Term Loan - 11.86%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 6.3% | 40222800 | 08/01/28 | 39502884 | 38372551 |
|  | The HC Companies, Inc. | 05/21/24 | Incremental Term Loan - 11.84%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 3.7% | 23643338 | 08/01/28 | 23139008 | 22555744 |
|  | Hoffmaster Group, Inc. | 02/24/23 | Term Loan - 10.82%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 3.5% | 21345493 | 02/24/28 | 21198454 | 21281457 |
|  | Hoffmaster Group, Inc. | 03/15/24 | Incremental Term Loan - 10.82%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 3.2% | 19312015 | 02/24/28 | 19004042 | 19254079 |
|  | PaperWorks Industries, Inc. | 07/26/23 | Term Loan - 12.99%<br>(SOFR + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor) | 2.3% | 14295028 | 06/30/27 | 14113725 | 14023422 |
|  |  |  |  | 19.0% |  |  | 116958113 | 115487253 |
| **Electrical Equipment** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | VoltaGrid, LLC | 04/09/24 | Term Loan - 10.93%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 4.00% Floor) | 4.8% | 29720581 | 02/28/29 | 28659576 | 29482816 |
|  |  |  |  | 4.8% |  |  | 28659576 | 29482816 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

## Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

## December 31, 2024

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Par<br>Amount** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **DEBT**<sup>(1)</sup> **(continued)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Energy Equipment & Services** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Harvey Gulf Holdings, LLC | 01/19/24 | Term Loan B - 10.61%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 6.7% | $41115842 | 01/19/29 | $40815030 | $41033611 |
|  | HydroSource Logistics, LLC | 04/05/24 | Revolver - 13.12%<br>(SOFR + 8.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.1% | 569454 | 04/04/29 | 569454 | 569454 |
|  | HydroSource Logistics, LLC | 04/05/24 | Term Loan - 13.09%<br>(SOFR + 8.50%, 2.00% Floor) | 4.5% | 27348048 | 04/04/29 | 26652732 | 27348048 |
|  |  |  |  | 11.3% |  |  | 68037216 | 68951113 |
| **Food Products** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Baxters North America, Inc. | 05/31/23 | Term Loan - 11.76%<br>(SOFR + 7.25%, 1.75% Floor) | 5.8% | 35793900 | 05/31/28 | 35156570 | 35256991 |
|  | Great Kitchens Food Company, Inc. | 05/31/24 | Term Loan - 10.36%<br>(SOFR + 6.00%, 1.25% Floor) | 6.6% | 40917048 | 05/31/29 | 40076314 | 40589711 |
|  | Signature Brands, LLC | 05/05/23 | Term Loan - 14.28% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 9.50%, 1.75% Floor, 3.00% PIK) | 4.7% | 31857043 | 05/04/28 | 31368271 | 28798767 |
|  | Signature Brands, LLC | 02/29/24 | Delayed Draw Term Loan A - 10.97%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.75% Floor) | 0.3% | 1826949 | 02/14/25 | 1826949 | 1810506 |
|  |  |  |  | 17.4% |  |  | 108428104 | 106455975 |
| **Ground Transportation** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | RPM Purchaser, Inc. | 09/11/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan B - 10.72%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.6% | 3890628 | 09/11/28 | 3890628 | 3890628 |
|  | RPM Purchaser, Inc. | 09/11/23 | Term Loan B - 10.72%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 2.00% Floor) | 4.6% | 27471811 | 09/11/28 | 26837925 | 27911360 |
|  |  |  |  | 5.2% |  |  | 30728553 | 31801988 |
| **Health Care Equipment & Supplies** | **Health Care Equipment & Supplies** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | ConnectAmerica.com, LLC | 10/11/24 | Last Out Term Loan - 9.83%<br>(SOFR + 5.50%, 1.75% Floor) | 8.5% | 52443911 | 10/11/29 | 51614738 | 51709696 |
|  |  |  |  | 8.5% |  |  | 51614738 | 51709696 |
| **Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Black Rock Coffee Holdings, LLC | 04/29/22 | Term Loan - 11.28% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.00% Floor, 0.50% PIK) | 3.1% | 18884078 | 09/30/26 | 18834482 | 18884078 |
|  | Black Rock Coffee Holdings, LLC | 05/31/24 | Incremental Term Loan - 11.28% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.00% Floor, 0.50% PIK) | 0.8% | 4934770 | 09/30/26 | 4787582 | 4934770 |
|  | Five Star Buyer, Inc. | 05/11/23 | Term Loan - 12.66% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 8.00%, 1.50% Floor, 1.00% PIK) | 3.2% | 20290390 | 02/23/28 | 19762480 | 19661388 |
|  | Five Star Buyer, Inc. | 05/11/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 12.66% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 8.00%, 1.50% Floor, 1.00% PIK) | 0.1% | 710698 | 02/23/28 | 710698 | 688667 |
|  | Red Robin International, Inc. | 04/11/22 | Revolver - 12.14%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor) | 0.3% | 1753709 | 03/04/27 | 1753709 | 1702852 |
|  | Red Robin International, Inc. | 04/11/22 | Term Loan - 12.21%<br>(SOFR + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor) | 1.7% | 10614365 | 03/04/27 | 10457144 | 10306549 |
|  |  |  |  | 9.2% |  |  | 56306095 | 56178304 |
| **Household Durables** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Lenox Holdings, Inc. | 07/08/22 | Term Loan - 13.67%<br>(SOFR + 8.75%, 1.00% Floor) | 5.8% | 35454800 | 07/08/27 | 35098310 | 35383890 |
|  |  |  |  | 5.8% |  |  | 35098310 | 35383890 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

## Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

## December 31, 2024

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Par<br>Amount** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **DEBT**<sup>(1)</sup> **(continued)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Information Technology Services** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Corcentric, Inc. | 05/09/23 | Term Loan - 11.66%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 6.5% | $39276649 | 05/09/27 | $38930659 | $39669415 |
|  |  |  |  | 6.5% |  |  | 38930659 | 39669415 |
| **Machinery** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Mark Andy, Inc. | 06/16/23 | Term Loan - 13.23% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 8.75%, 1.50% Floor, 1.00% PIK) | 3.8% | 26560127 | 06/16/28 | 26109462 | 23027630 |
|  | Triarc Tanks Bidco, LLC | 10/03/22 | Term Loan - 11.59%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 1.00% Floor) | 2.3% | 15438898 | 10/03/26 | 15236005 | 14358175 |
|  |  |  |  | 6.1% |  |  | 41345467 | 37385805 |
| **Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | HOP Energy, LLC<sup>(2)(5)</sup> | 02/29/24 | Term Loan B - 14.85% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 10.00%, 2.00% Floor, all PIK) | 0.0% | 5608985 | 12/09/27 | 5345831 |  |
|  | HOP Energy, LLC | 06/17/22 | Term Loan - 13.85% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 9.00%, 2.00% Floor, all PIK) | 3.9% | 26585030 | 12/09/27 | 26356060 | 24112623 |
|  |  |  |  | 3.9% |  |  | 31701891 | 24112623 |
| **Paper & Forest Products** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Pallet Logistics of America, LLC | 11/22/24 | Term Loan - 11.01%<br>(SOFR + 6.50%, 1.00% Floor) | 3.9% | 24218954 | 03/02/27 | 23656354 | 23734575 |
|  |  |  |  | 3.9% |  |  | 23656354 | 23734575 |
| **Professional Services** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Alorica Inc. | 12/21/22 | Term Loan - 11.23%<br>(SOFR + 6.88%, 1.50% Floor) | 5.1% | 31631167 | 03/02/27 | 31349501 | 31441380 |
|  |  |  |  | 5.1% |  |  | 31349501 | 31441380 |
| **Software** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Pango Group | 12/09/24 | Term Loan - 10.68%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 1.50% Floor) | 3.7% | 22838494 | 12/10/29 | 22595637 | 22610109 |
|  | Pango Group | 12/09/24 | Revolver - 10.68%<br>(SOFR + 6.25%, 1.50% Floor) | 0.2% | 1229765 | 12/10/29 | 1229765 | 1217467 |
|  |  |  |  | 3.9% |  |  | 23825402 | 23827576 |
| **Specialty Retail** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | D&D Buyer, LLC | 10/04/23 | Term Loan - 11.43%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 5.2% | 31977969 | 10/04/28 | 31180450 | 32041924 |
|  | D&D Buyer, LLC | 10/04/23 | Revolver - 11.43%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.2% | 1384328 | 10/04/28 | 1384328 | 1384328 |
|  | D&D Buyer, LLC | 10/04/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 11.62%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor) | 0.9% | 5408395 | 10/04/28 | 5408395 | 5408395 |
|  | Follett Higher Education Group, Inc. | 02/01/22 | Term Loan - 11.46% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 2.00% Floor, 3.00% PIK) | 4.9% | 31365026 | 02/01/28 | 31110590 | 30016330 |
|  |  |  |  | 11.2% |  |  | 69083763 | 68850977 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

## Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

## December 31, 2024

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Industry** | **Issuer** | **Acquisition<br>Date** | **Investment** | **% of Net Assets** | **Par<br>Amount/Shares** | **Maturity<br>Date** | **Amortized<br>Cost** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **DEBT**<sup>(1)</sup> **(continued)** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals** | **Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Sigmatron International, Inc. | 07/18/22 | Term Loan - 12.97% inc PIK<br>(SOFR + 8.50%, 1.00% Floor, 1.00% PIK) | 1.8% | $11645363 | 07/18/27 | $11532443 | $10725380 |
|  |  |  |  | 1.8% |  |  | 11532443 | 10725380 |
| **Transportation Infrastructure** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | CG Buyer, LLC | 07/19/23 | Delayed Draw Term Loan - 11.36%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 1.50% Floor) | 0.1% | 441787 | 07/19/28 | 441787 | 440904 |
|  | CG Buyer, LLC | 07/19/23 | Term Loan - 11.36%<br>(SOFR + 7.00%, 1.50% Floor) | 3.3% | 19956923 | 07/19/28 | 19572468 | 19917009 |
|  |  |  |  | 3.4% |  |  | 20014255 | 20357913 |
|  | **Total Debt Investments**<sup>(3)</sup> |  |  | 154.2% |  |  | 952266166 | 941903290 |
|  | **EQUITY** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals** | **Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Sigmatron International, Inc.<sup>(2)(4)</sup> | 12/01/24 | Warrant, expires 12/1/29 | 0.0% | 26385 |  | 41412 | 41412 |
|  |  |  |  | 0.0% |  |  | 41412 | 41412 |
| **Energy Equipment & Services** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | HydroSource Logistics, LLC <sup>(2)(4)</sup> | 04/05/24 | Warrant, expires 4/4/34 | 0.0% | 380 |  |  | 182992 |
|  |  |  |  | 0.0% |  |  |  | 182992 |
|  | **Total Equity Investments** |  |  | 0.0% |  |  | 41412 | 224404 |
|  | **Total Debt & Equity Investments** |  |  | 154.2% |  |  | 952307578 | 942127694 |
|  | **Cash Equivalents** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | **First American Government Obligation Fund, Yield 4.39%, Class X (FGXXX)** | **First American Government Obligation Fund, Yield 4.39%, Class X (FGXXX)** | **First American Government Obligation Fund, Yield 4.39%, Class X (FGXXX)** | 14.4% | 87815228 |  | 87815228 | 87815228 |
|  | **Total Cash Equivalents** |  |  | 14.4% | 87815228 |  | 87815228 | 87815228 |
|  | **Total Investments (168.5%)** |  |  |  |  |  | $**1040122806** | $**1029942922** |
|  | **Net unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments (0.2%)** | **Net unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments (0.2%)** |  |  |  |  |  | (1110046) |
|  | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (68.3%)** | **Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (68.3%)** |  |  |  |  |  | $**(417603413)** |
|  | **Net Assets (100.0%)** |  |  |  |  |  |  | $**611229463** |

---

(1)Certain debt investments are subject to contractual restrictions on resale, such as approval of the agent or borrower.

(2)Non-income producing.

(3)The fair value of each debt investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs and such investments are considered to be Level 3 within the Fair Value Hierarchy. See Note 3 "Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements."

(4)All or a portion of such security was acquired in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may be deemed "restricted securities" under the Securities Act. As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate fair value of these securities was $224,404, or 0.0% of the Company's total assets.

(5)Investment is in default as of December 31, 2024.

SOFR - Secured Overnight Financing Rate, generally 1-Month or 3-Month

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

## Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)

## December 31, 2024
PIK - Payment-In-Kind

Aggregate acquisitions and aggregate dispositions of investments, other than government securities, totaled $464,918,831 and $259,464,572, respectively, for the period ended December 31, 2024 Aggregate acquisitions includes investment assets received as payment in kind. Aggregate dispositions includes principal paydowns on and maturities of debt investments.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Geographic Breakdown of Portfolio** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;United States | 100% |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

## Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

## (Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

## December 31, 2025

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **As of December 31,** | **As of December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| **Investments, at fair value** |  |  |
| Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments (amortized cost of $1,231,779 and $952,308, respectively) | $1209788 | $942128 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 52311 | 92946 |
| Interest income receivable | 4870 | 6311 |
| Receivable for investment sold | 155 | 156 |
| Due from adviser | 106 |  |
| Deferred financing costs | 595 | 1150 |
| Prepaid and other assets | 75 | 74 |
| **Total Assets** | $1267900 | $1042765 |
| **Liabilities** |  |  |
| Term loan (net of $563 and $1,081 of deferred financing costs, respectively) | $324437 | $398919 |
| Revolving credit facilities payable | 76700 |  |
| Incentive fee payable | 37358 | 21675 |
| Interest and credit facility expense payable | 4289 | 5910 |
| Management fees payable | 3859 | 2970 |
| Unrealized depreciation on unfunded commitments | 1006 | 1110 |
| Other accrued expenses and other liabilities | 1151 | 952 |
| **Total Liabilities** | 448800 | 431536 |
| Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5) |  |  |
| **Members' Capital** |  |  |
| Common Unitholders' commitment: (12,745,660 units issued and outstanding) | 1274566 | 1274566 |
| Common Unitholders' undrawn commitment: (12,745,660 units issued and outstanding) | (384504) | (623504) |
| Common Unitholders' return of capital | (9729) | (5941) |
| Common Unitholders' offering costs | (347) | (347) |
| Common Unitholders' capital | 879986 | 644774 |
| Accumulated overdistributed earnings | (60886) | (33545) |
| **Total Members' Capital** | 819100 | 611229 |
| **Total Liabilities and Members' Capital** | $1267900 | $1042765 |
| **Net Asset Value Per Unit (accrual base) (Note 11)**<sup>(1)</sup> | $94.43 | $96.87 |

---

(1)Net Asset Value Per Unit (accrual base) equates to the aggregate of the Total Members' Capital and Common Unitholders' undrawn commitment divided by total Common units outstanding.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

# Consolidated Statements of Operations

## (Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

## December 31, 2025

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **For the year ended December 31,** | **For the year ended December 31,** | **For the year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Investment Income** |  |  |  |
| Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments**:** |  |  |  |
| Interest income | $156295 | $123857 | $79739 |
| Interest income paid-in-kind | 13024 | 9207 | 3832 |
| Other fee income | 321 | 3202 | 4293 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total investment income** | 169640 | 136266 | 87864 |
| **Expenses** |  |  |  |
| Interest and credit facilities expenses | 36281 | 36728 | 21705 |
| Incentive fees (Note 4) | 15683 | 10696 | 9106 |
| Management fees (Note 4) | 15106 | 11009 | 7214 |
| Administrative fees | 1079 | 904 | 705 |
| Professional fees | 728 | 643 | 555 |
| Directors' fees | 251 | 247 | 301 |
| Organizational costs |  | 27 | 29 |
| Interest expense on repurchase transactions |  |  | 1149 |
| Other expenses | 489 | 408 | 340 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total expenses before expenses reimbursed** | 69617 | 60662 | 41104 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Expenses reimbursed by Adviser | (106) |  | (78) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total expenses** | 69511 | 60662 | 41026 |
| **Net investment income** | 100129 | 75604 | 46838 |
| **Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments** |  |  |  |
| **Net realized gain:** |  |  |  |
| Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments | 449 | 115 | 412 |
| **Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation):** |  |  |  |
| Non-controlled/non-affiliated investments | (11707) | (15078) | 3696 |
| **Net realized gain on short-term investments** |  |  | 676 |
| **Net realized and unrealized (loss) gain on investments** | (11258) | (14963) | 4784 |
| **Net increase in Members' Capital from operations** | $88871 | $60641 | $51622 |
| Basic and diluted: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income per unit | $6.97 | $4.76 | $4.82 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Units outstanding | 12745660 | 12745660 | 10709060 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

## Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Capital

## (Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

## December 31, 2025

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Common<br>Unitholders'<br>Capital** | **Accumulated Undistributed (Overdistributed) Earnings** | **Total** |
| **Members' Capital at December 31, 2022** | 198894 | (2876) | 196018 |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital Resulting from Operations: |  |  |  |
| Net investment income |  | 46838 | 46838 |
| Net realized gain on investments |  | 1088 | 1088 |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments |  | 3696 | 3696 |
| Distributions to Members from: |  |  |  |
| Distributable earnings |  | (56537) | (56537) |
| Return of capital | (3094) |  | (3094) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital Resulting from Capital Activity: |  |  |  |
| Contributions | 272224 |  | 272224 |
| Offering costs | (23) |  | (23) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital for the year ended December 31, 2023** | 269107 | (4915) | 264192 |
| **Members' Capital at December 31, 2023** | 468001 | (7791) | 460210 |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital Resulting from Operations: |  |  |  |
| Net investment income |  | 75604 | 75604 |
| Net realized gain on investments |  | 115 | 115 |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments |  | (15078) | (15078) |
| Distributions to Members from: |  |  |  |
| Distributable earnings |  | (86395) | (86395) |
| Return of capital | (2847) |  | (2847) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital Resulting from Capital Activity: |  |  |  |
| Contributions | 179651 |  | 179651 |
| Offering costs | (31) |  | (31) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital for the year ended December 31, 2024** | 176773 | (25754) | 151019 |
| **Members' Capital at December 31, 2024** | 644774 | (33545) | 611229 |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital Resulting from Operations: |  |  |  |
| Net investment income |  | 100129 | 100129 |
| Net realized gain on investments |  | 449 | 449 |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments |  | (11707) | (11707) |
| Distributions to Members from: |  |  |  |
| Distributable earnings |  | (116212) | (116212) |
| Return of capital | (3788) |  | (3788) |
| Net Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital Resulting from Capital Activity: |  |  |  |
| Contributions | 239000 |  | 239000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Increase (Decrease) in Members' Capital for the year ended December 31, 2025** | 235212 | (27341) | 207871 |
| **Members' Capital at December 31, 2025** | $879986 | $(60886) | $819100 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

# TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC

## Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

## (Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)

## December 31, 2025

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **For the year ended December 31,** | **For the year ended December 31,** | **For the year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Cash Flows from Operating Activities** |  |  |  |
| **Net increase in net assets resulting from operations** | $88871 | $60641 | $51622 |
| **Adjustments to reconcile the net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash used in operating activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of investments | (641579) | (455712) | (533057) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of short-term investments |  |  | (266108) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income paid-in-kind | (13024) | (9207) | (3832) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sales and paydowns of investments | 385629 | 259465 | 107517 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sales of short-term investments (net of $0, $0 and $676 realized gain on short term investments, respectively) |  |  | 398746 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Realized (gain) loss on investments | (449) | (115) | (412) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in net unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on investments | 11707 | 15078 | (3696) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of premium and accretion of discount, net | (10049) | (8531) | (4085) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of deferred financing costs | 2611 | 3321 | 1515 |
| **Increase (decrease) in operating assets and liabilities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Increase) decrease in interest receivable | 1441 | (534) | (3063) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Increase) decrease in receivable for investment sold | 1 | (156) | 31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Increase) decrease in due from advisor | (106) | 78 | 104 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Increase) decrease in prepaid and other assets | (1) | 504 | (537) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) in payable for short-term investments purchased |  |  | (132638) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) in incentive fee payable | 15683 | 10696 | 9106 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) interest and credit facility expense payable | (1621) | 1878 | 3123 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) management fees payable | 889 | 615 | 1466 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) directors' fees payable |  | (11) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) other accrued expenses and other liabilities | 199 | (40) | 434 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Net cash used in operating activities** | (159798) | (122030) | (373764) |
| **Cash Flows from Financing Activities** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contribution from Members | 239000 | 193517 | 258358 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distributions to Members from distributable earnings | (116212) | (86395) | (58037) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distributions to Members from return of capital | (3788) | (2847) | (3094) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Offering costs |  | (31) | (23) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred financing costs paid | (1537) | (2726) | (1145) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from credit facilities | 560400 | 356000 | 554100 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of credit facilities | (558700) | (325789) | (315000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Net cash provided by financing activities** | 119163 | 131729 | 435159 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents** | (40635) | 9699 | 61395 |
| **Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period** | 92946 | 83247 | 21852 |
| **Cash and cash equivalents, end of period** | $52311 | $92946 | $83247 |
| **Supplemental and non-cash financing activities** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense paid | $33869 | $29628 | $16074 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease in Distribution payable | $— | $— | $(1500) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Decrease) increase in Capital call receivable | $— | $(13866) | $13866 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash purchases of investments due to reorganization | $(22602) | $(326) | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash sales of investments due to reorganization | $22602 | $326 | $— |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**1.** **Organization and Basis of Presentation**

*Organization:* TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC (the "Company"), was formed as a Delaware limited liability company on September 3, 2020. The Company has conducted and expects to further conduct private offerings of its common limited liability company units (the "Units") to investors in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). In addition, the Company may issue preferred units, though it currently has no intention to do so. On May 27, 2021 ("Inception Date"), the Company sold and issued 10 Units at an aggregate purchase price of $1 to TCW Asset Management Company LLC ("TAMCO" or the "Adviser"), the Company's investment adviser and an affiliate of the TCW Group, Inc.

On July 22, 2021 the Company filed an election to be regulated as a business development company ("BDC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). On October 16, 2023, the Company filed an election to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a Regulated Investment Company (a "RIC") under Subchapter M of the U.S Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Company is required to meet the minimum distribution and other requirements for RIC qualification. As a BDC and a RIC, the Company is required to comply with certain regulatory requirements.

On January 21, 2022, the Company entered into the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with the Adviser. On the same date, the Company also completed the first closing of the sale of its Common Units (the "Initial Closing Date") pursuant to which the Company sold 4,543,770 Common Units at an aggregate purchase price of $454,377. The Company may continue to accept subscription agreements and issue Units for a period of twelve-months following the Initial Closing Date (the "Closing Period"). On January 6, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board" or "Board of Directors") approved a six-month extension of the Closing Period from January 21, 2023 to July 21, 2023. On July 26, 2023, the Company's Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "LLC Agreement") was amended to extend the Closing Period to be the twenty-four month period following the Company's initial closing, until January 21, 2024 by a majority vote of the Company's Unitholders. On February 16, 2024, the Company's LLC Agreement was amended such that the definition of the Closing Period was amended to be the twenty-six month period following the Initial Closing Date which ended on March 21, 2024.

The Company commenced operations during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.

On April 14, 2025, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, TCW Specialty Lending LLC, a single member Delaware limited liability company designed to offer an exchange (the "Exchange Offer") of the outstanding common limited liability units of the Company for units of TCW Specialty Lending LLC. The Exchange Offer is expected to expire on February 20, 2026 unless the Exchange Offer is extended or terminated. On July 17, 2025, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, TCW DL CL LLC, a single member Delaware limited liability company designed to hold equity investments of the Company. As of December 31, 2025, the Company has four wholly-owned subsidiaries, each a single member Delaware limited liability company.

The consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 10-K include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**1.** **Organization and Basis of Presentation (Continued)** 

On July 8, 2022, the Company completed the second closing of the sale of its Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 2,178,280 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $217,828. On November 14, 2022, the Company completed the third closing of the sale of our Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 642,500 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $64,250. On April 3, 2023, the Company completed the fourth closing of the sale of its Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,025,550 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $102,555. On July 24, 2023, the Company completed the fifth closing of the sale of its Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,173,625 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $117,363. On December 13, 2023, the Company completed the sixth closing of the sale of its Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,145,325 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $114,533. On January 18, 2024, the Company completed the seventh closing of the sale of its Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 734,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $73,430. On March 19, 2024, the Company completed the final closing of the sale of its Common Units pursuant to which the Company sold 1,302,300 Common Units for an aggregate offering price of $130,230. The additional closings occurred during the 26-month Closing Period. The sale of the Common Units was made pursuant to subscription agreements entered into by the Company and each investor. Under the terms of the subscription agreements, the Company may draw down all or any portion of the undrawn commitment with respect to each Common Unit generally upon at least ten business days' prior written notice to the unitholders.

*Term:* The term of the Company will continue until January 21, 2029, unless extended or the Company is sooner dissolved as provided in the Company's amended and restated limited liability agreement (the "LLC Agreement") or by operation of law. The Company may extend the term for two additional one-year periods upon written notice to the holders of the Units (the "Unitholders") and holders of preferred units, if any (together with the Unitholders, the "Members"), at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the term or the end of the first one-year period. Thereafter, the term may be extended for successive one-year periods, with the vote or consent of a supermajority representing more than 66 2/3% in interest of the holders of the Units.

*Commitment Period:* The Commitment Period commenced on the Initial Closing Date, the day on which the Company completed the first closing of the sale of its Units to persons not affiliated with the Adviser and will end on February 1, 2026, which is the later of (a) January 21, 2026, four years from the Initial Closing Date and (b) February 1, 2026, four years from the date in which the Company first completed an investment. However, the Commitment Period is subject to termination upon the occurrence of a Key Person Event defined as follows: A "Key Person Event" will occur if, during the Commitment Period, (i) Richard T. Miller and one or more Suzanne Grosso, Mark Gertzof and David Wang (each of such four Persons, a "Key Person" and collectively, the "Key Persons") fail to devote substantially all (i.e. more than 85%) of his or her business time to the investment activities of the Company, the prior funds, any successor funds and any fund(s) managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser that are managed within the Private Credit Group (together, the "Related Entities"); or (ii) Ms. Grosso, Mr. Gertzof and Mr. Wang all fail to devote substantially all of their business time to the investment activities of the Company and the Related Entities, in each case other than as a result of a temporary disability; provided that if a replacement has been approved as described in the paragraphs below, such replacement shall be specifically designated to take the place of one of the above-named individuals and the definition "Key Person Event" will be amended to take into account such successor.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**1.** **Organization and Basis of Presentation (Continued)** 

Upon the occurrence of a Key Person Event, and in the event that the Adviser fails to replace the above-referenced individuals in the manner contemplated by the last sentence of this paragraph, the Commitment Period shall be automatically terminated upon such Key Person Event. The Commitment Period will be re-instated upon the vote or written consent of 66 2/3% in interest of the Unitholders. The Adviser is permitted at any time to replace any person designated above with a senior professional (including a Key Person) selected by the Adviser, provided that such replacement has been approved by a majority of the Unitholders (in which case, the approved substitute will be a Key Person in lieu of the person replaced). The determination of whether a Key Person Event has occurred will be made by the Company in accordance with the criteria set out above. If, during the Commitment Period, any Key Person shall fail to devote substantially all of his or her business time to the investment activities of the Company and the Related Entities other than as a result of temporary disability (the occurrence of such event, a "Key Person Departure"), the Company shall provide written notice to Unitholders of such Key Person Departure within 30 days of the date of such Key Person Departure. If the Company fails to obtain approval of a replacement of a Key Person following a Key Person Departure as provided herein, then notwithstanding anything herein, the Key Person Departure shall be permanent and the Adviser shall not be permitted to replace such Key Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser is permitted at any time to replace any Person designated above with a senior professional (including a Key Person) selected by the Adviser, with the approval of the majority of the Unitholders (in which case, the approved substitute shall be a Key Person in lieu of the Person replaced) no later than 90 days after the date that the Adviser informs the Company of its proposed replacement of the Key Person. If such replacement(s) end the occurrence of a Key Person Event, the Commitment Period will automatically be re-instated.

In accordance with the Company's LLC Agreement, the Company may complete investment transactions that were significantly in process as of the end of the Commitment Period and which the Company reasonably expects to be consummated prior to 90 days subsequent to the expiration date of the Commitment Period. The Company may also effect follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies up to an aggregate maximum of 10% of aggregate cumulative invested amounts.

*Capital Commitments:* On the Initial Closing Date, the Company began accepting subscription agreements from investors for the private sale of its Units. As of December 31, 2025, the Company has sold 12,745,660 Units for an aggregate offering price of $1,274,566. Each Unitholder is obligated to contribute capital equal to their respective capital commitment to the Company (each, a "Commitment") and each Unit's Commitment obligation is $100.00 per unit. The sale of the Units was made pursuant to subscription agreements entered into by the Company and each investor. Under the terms of the subscription agreements, the Company may draw down all or any portion of the undrawn commitment with respect to each Unit generally upon at least ten business days' prior written notice to the unitholders. The amount of capital that remains to be drawn down and contributed is referred to as an "Undrawn Commitment".

The commitment amount funded does not include amounts contributed in anticipation of a potential investment that the Company did not consummate and therefore returned to the Members as unused capital. As of December 31, 2025, aggregate Commitments, Undrawn Commitments, percentage of Commitments funded and the number of subscribed for Units of the Company were as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Commitments** | **Undrawn<br>Commitments** | **% of<br>Commitments<br>Funded** | **Units** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Unitholder | $1274566 | $384504 | 69.8% | 12745660 |

---

*Recallable Amount:* A Unitholder may be required to re-contribute amounts distributed equal to (a) such Unitholder's share of all portfolio investments that are repaid to the Company, or otherwise recouped by the Company, and distributed to the Unitholder, in whole or in part, during or after the Commitment period, reduced by (b) all re-contributions made by such Unitholder. This amount, (the "Recallable Amount") is excluded from the calculation of the accrual based net asset value.

The Recallable Amount as of December 31, 2025 was $9,729.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**2.** **Significant Accounting Policies**

*Basis of Presentation:* The Company's consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). The Company is an investment company following accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946, *Financial Services—Investment Companies* ("ASC Topic 946").

*Use of Estimates*: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, (ii) the reported amounts of income and expenses during the years presented and (iii) disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences could be material.

*Investments*: The Company measures the fair value of its investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, *Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure* ("ASC 820"). Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Market participants are defined as buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market (which may be a hypothetical market) that are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact. In accordance with ASC 820, the Company considers the principal market of its investments to be the market in which the investment trades with the greatest volume and level of activity.

*Transactions*: The Company records investment transactions on the trade date. The Company considers the trade date for investments not traded on a recognizable exchange, or traded in the over-the-counter markets, to be the date on which the Company receives legal or contractual title to the asset and bears the risk of loss.

*Income Recognition*: Interest income and interest income paid-in-kind ("PIK") are recorded on an accrual basis unless doubtful of collection or the related investment is in default. Although the Company does not currently expect the Private Credit Group to originate a significant amount of investments for the Company with the use of PIK interest features, from time to time the Company may make investments that contain such features or that subsequently incorporate such features after origination. PIK interest represents accrued interest that is added to the principal amount of the investment on the respective interest payment dates rather than being paid in cash and generally becomes due at maturity or at the occurrence of a liquidation event. To maintain the Company's tax status as a RIC, this non-cash source of income must be paid out to stockholders in the form of dividends for the year the income was earned, even though the Company has not yet collected the cash. The amortized cost of investments represents the original cost adjusted for any accretion of discounts, amortization of premiums and PIK interest. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and, 2023, PIK interest income earned was $13,024, $9,207, and $3,832, respectively, representing 7.7%, 6.8%, and 4.4%, respectively, of investment income.

Realized gains and losses on investments are recorded on a specific identification basis. The Company typically receives a fee in the form of a discount to the purchase price at the time it funds an investment in a loan. The discount is accreted to interest income over the life of the respective loan, using the effective-interest method assuming there are no questions as to collectability, and reflected in the amortized cost basis of the investment. Ongoing facility, commitment or other additional fees including prepayment fees, consent fees and forbearance fees are recognized immediately when earned as income.

The Company may enter into certain intercreditor agreements that entitle the Company to the "last out" tranche of first lien secured loans, whereby the "first out" tranche will receive priority as to the "last out" tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest, and any other amounts due thereunder. In certain cases, the Company may receive a higher interest rate than the contractual stated interest rate as disclosed on the Company's Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**2.** **Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)** 

Certain investments have an unfunded loan commitment for a delayed draw term loan or revolving credit. The Company earns an unused commitment fee on the unfunded commitment during the commitment period. The expiration date of the commitment period may be earlier than the maturity date of the investment stated above. See Note 5—Commitments and Contingencies.

Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected in full. Accrued and unpaid interest is generally reversed when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management's judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management's judgment, are likely to remain current. The Company may make exceptions to this policy if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.

*Deferred Financing Costs:* Deferred financing costs incurred by the Company in connection with the Credit Facility (as defined in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), including arrangement fees, upfront fees and legal fees, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the credit facility.

*Organizational and Offering Costs*: Costs incurred to organize the Company are expensed as incurred. Offering costs are accumulated and will be charged directly to Members' Capital at the end of the Closing Period. The Company will not bear more than an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate capital commitments to the Company through the Units (in aggregate, the "Commitments") of the Company for organizational and offering costs in connection with the offering of the Units through the Closing Period. Organizational costs are expensed as incurred and since inception, the Company has incurred $718 in organizational costs, of which $0 was expensed during the year ended December 31, 2025. Since inception, the Company has incurred $347 in offering costs which were charged directly to Members' Capital as of December 31, 2025.

*Cash and Cash Equivalents*: The Company generally considers investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of acquisition to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents are comprised of demand deposits and highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents are valued at the net asset value of the mutual fund which approximates fair value and are classified as Level 1 in the GAAP valuation hierarchy.

*Income Taxes:* The Company has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The Company also intends to be treated as a RIC under the Code and will make such an election beginning with the taxable year ending December 31, 2022. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it generally will not pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its Unitholders as dividends. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned and distributed by the Company represents obligations of the Company's investors and will not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

*Recent Accounting Pronouncements:* In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures ("ASU 2023-09"), which intends to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and is to be adopted on a prospective basis with the option to apply retrospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2023-09 effective December 31, 2025 and concluded that the application of this guidance did not have any material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**2.** **Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)** 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures ("ASU 2024-03"), which requires disaggregated disclosure of certain costs and expenses, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization and depletion, within relevant income statement captions. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning with the first quarter ended March 31, 2028. Early adoption and retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, however, the Company does not expect a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

**3.** **Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements**

*Investments at Fair Value:* Investments held by the Company are valued at fair value. Fair value is generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices or official closing prices on the primary exchange in which each security trades, or if no sales are reported, generally based on the midpoint of the valuation range obtained for debt investments from a quotation reporting system, established market makers or pricing service.

Investments for which market quotes are not readily available or are not considered reliable are valued at fair value according to procedures approved by the Board based on similar instruments, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs.

Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Adviser as the "valuation designee" with respect to the fair valuation of the Company's portfolio securities, subject to oversight by and periodic reporting to the Board.

*Fair Value Hierarchy:* Assets and liabilities are classified by the Company into three levels based on valuation inputs used to determine fair value:

Level 1 values are based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 values are based on significant observable market inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets and quoted prices in inactive markets or other market observable inputs.

Level 3 values are based on significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company's determination of assumptions that market participants might reasonably use in valuing the assets.

Categorization within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

**Level 1 Assets (Investments)**: The valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value are as follows:

<u>Equity, (Level 1)</u>, generally includes common stock valued at the closing price on the primary exchange in which the security trades.

**Level 2 Assets (Investments)**: The valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value are as follows:

<u>Equity, (Level 2)</u>, generally include warrants valued using quotes for comparable investments.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**3.** **Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements (Continued)**

**Level 3 Assets (Investments):** The following valuation techniques and significant inputs are used to determine the fair value of investments in private debt and equity for which reliable market quotations are not available. Some of the inputs are independently observable however, a significant portion of the inputs and the internal assumptions applied are unobservable.

<u>Debt, (Level 3)</u>, include investments in privately originated senior secured debt. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs. A discounted cash flow approach incorporating a weighted average cost of capital is generally used to determine fair value or, in some cases, an enterprise value waterfall method. Valuation may also include a shadow rating method. Standard pricing inputs include but are not limited to the financial health of the issuer, place in the capital structure, value of other issuer debt, credit, industry, and market risk and events.

<u>Equity</u>, (Level 3), may include common stock, preferred stock and warrants. Such securities are valued based on specific pricing models, internal assumptions and the weighting of the available pricing inputs. A market approach is generally used to determine fair value. Pricing inputs include, but are not limited to, financial health and relevant business developments of the issuer; EBITDA; market multiples of comparable companies; comparable market transactions and recent trades or transactions; issuer, industry and market events; and contractual or legal restrictions on the sale of the security. When a Black-Scholes pricing model is used it follows the income approach. The pricing model takes into account the contract terms as well as multiple inputs, including: time value, implied volatility, equity prices and interest rates. A liquidity discount based on current market expectations, future events, minority ownership position and the period management reasonably expects to hold the investment may be applied.

Pricing inputs and weightings applied to determine value require subjective determination. Accordingly, valuations do not necessarily represent the amounts that may eventually be realized from sales or other dispositions of investments.

The following is a summary by major security type of the fair valuations according to inputs used in valuing investments listed in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2025:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investments** | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| Debt | $— | $— | $1169913 | $1169913 |
| Equity |  |  | 39875 | 39875 |
| Cash equivalents | 41045 |  |  | 41045 |
| **Total** | $**41045** | $**—** | $**1209788** | $**1250833** |

---

The following is a summary by major security type of the fair valuations according to inputs used in valuing investments listed in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2024:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investments** | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| Debt | $— | $— | $941903 | $941903 |
| Equity |  |  | 224 | 224 |
| Cash equivalents | 87815 |  |  | 87815 |
| **Total** | $**87815** | $**—** | $**942127** | $**1029942** |

---

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**3.** **Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements (Continued)**

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for total investments that use Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Debt** | **Equity** | **Total** |
| Balance, January 1, 2025 | $941903 | $224 | $942127 |
| Purchases, including payments received in-kind | 657740 | 19465 | 677205 |
| Sales and paydowns of investments | (406442) | (1789) | (408231) |
| Amortization of premium and accretion of discount, net | 10049 |  | 10049 |
| Net realized (losses) gains | (35) | 484 | 449 |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | (33302) | 21491 | (11811) |
| **Balance, December 31, 2025** | $**1169913** | $**39875** | $**1209788** |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in investments held as of December 31, 2025 | $(32557) | $21674 | $(10883) |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Debt** | **Equity** | **Total** |
| Balance, January 1, 2024 | $742916 | $— | $742916 |
| Purchases, including payments received in-kind | 465204 | 41 | 465245 |
| Sales and paydowns of investments | (259791) |  | (259791) |
| Amortization of premium and accretion of discount, net | 8531 |  | 8531 |
| Net realized gains | 115 |  | 115 |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | (15072) | 183 | (14889) |
| **Balance, December 31, 2024** | $**941903** | $**224** | $**942127** |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in investments held as of December 31, 2024 | $(11461) | $183 | $(11278) |

---

The Company did not have any transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

*Level 3 Valuation and Quantitative Information:* The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and quantitative information utilized in determining the fair value of the Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2025:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Fair Value** | **Valuation<br>Technique** | **Unobservable<br>Input** | **Range** | **Weighted<br>Average\*** | **Impact to<br>Valuation if<br>Input Increases** |
| Debt | $878416 | Income Method | Discount Rate | 8.0% to 19.1% | 11.1% | Decrease |
| Debt | $169177 | Market Method | EBITDA Multiple | 4.5x to 9.5x | 6.8x | Increase |
| Debt | $56008 | Market Method | Indicative Bid | 99.3% to 99.3% | 99.3% | Increase |
| Debt | $31362 | Income Method | Discount Rate | 15.4% to 18.1% | 16.8% | Decrease |
|  |  | Market Method | Indicative Bid | 101.0% to 101.0% | 101.0% | Increase |
| Debt | $34950 | Income Method | Discount Rate | 13.3% to 27.0% | 20.8% | Decrease |
|  |  | Market Method | EBITDA Multiple | 3.8x to 7.5x | 5.9x | Increase |
| Equity | $39625 | Income Method | EBITDA Multiple | 4.8x to 10.8x | 8.1x | Increase |
| Equity | $250 | Market Method | Revenue Multiple | 1.3x to 1.5x | 1.4x | Increase |

---

\* Weighted based on fair value

During the year ended December 31, 2025, four debt investments with an aggregate fair value of $66,312 transitioned from a yield analysis valuation model to a yield analysis and market approach valuation model and four debt investments with an aggregate fair value of $83,079 transitioned from a yield analysis valuation model to a market approach valuation model. The changes in approach were driven by considerations given to the financial performance of each portfolio company.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**3.** **Investment Valuations and Fair Value Measurements (Continued)**

*Level 3 Valuation and Quantitative Information:* The following table summarizes the valuation techniques and quantitative information utilized in determining the fair value of the Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2024:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investment Type** | **Fair Value** | **Valuation<br>Technique** | **Unobservable<br>Input** | **Range** | **Weighted<br>Average\*** | **Impact to<br>Valuation if<br>Input Increases** |
| Debt | $889873 | Income Method | Discount Rate | 10.3% to 22.2% | 13.0% | Decrease |
| Debt | $52030 | Market Method | EBITDA Multiple | 6.5x to 8.0x | 7.1x | Increase |
| Equity | $224 | Market Method | EBITDA Multiple | 5.8x to 7.5x | 6.8x | Increase |

---

\* Weighted based on fair value

The Company generally utilizes the midpoint of a valuation range provided by an external, independent valuation firm in determining fair value.

**4.** **Agreements and Related Party Transactions** 

*Advisory Agreement*: On January 21, 2022, the Company entered into the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Adviser, a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Advisory Agreement became effective upon its execution. Unless earlier terminated, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for a period of two years and will remain in effect from year to year thereafter if approved annually by (i) the vote of the Board, or by the vote of a majority of the Company's outstanding voting securities and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Board who are not "interested persons" (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Company, the Adviser or any of their respective affiliates (the "Independent Directors"). The Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of an assignment by the Adviser. On August 12, 2025, the Company's Board renewed the Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term until September 15, 2026.

The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by either party, by vote of the Company's Board, or by a vote of the majority of the Company's outstanding voting units, without penalty upon not less than 60 days' prior written notice to the applicable party. If the Advisory Agreement is terminated according to this paragraph, the Company will pay the Adviser a pro-rated portion of the Management Fee and Incentive Fee (each as defined below).

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•determine the composition of the Company's portfolio, the nature and timing of the changes to the Company's portfolio and the manner of implementing such changes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•identify, evaluate and negotiate the structure of the investments the Company makes (including performing due diligence on the Company's prospective portfolio companies);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•determine the assets the Company will originate, purchase, retain or sell;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•close, monitor and administer the investments the Company makes, including the exercise of any rights in the Company's capacity as a lender; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•provide the Company such other investment advice, research and related services as the Company may, from time to time, require.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**4.** **Agreements and Related Party Transactions (Continued)**

The Company pays to the Adviser, quarterly in arrears, a management fee in cash (the "Management Fee") calculated as follows: 0.3125% (i.e., 1.25% per annum) of the average gross assets of the Company on a consolidated basis, with the average determined based on the gross assets of the Company as of the end of the three most recently completed calendar months. "Gross assets" means the amortized cost of the Company's portfolio investments (including portfolio investments purchased with borrowed funds and other forms of leverage, such as preferred units, public and private debt issuances, derivative instruments, repurchase agreements and other similar instruments or arrangements) that have not been sold, distributed to members, or written off for tax purposes (but reduced by any portion of such cost basis that has been written down to reflect a permanent impairment of value of any portfolio investment), and excluding cash and cash equivalents. The Management Fee for any partial month or quarter will be appropriately pro-rated.

For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, Management Fees incurred were $15,106, $11,009, and $7,214, respectively, of which $3,859 and $2,970 remained payable as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

In addition, the Adviser will receive an incentive fee (the "Incentive Fee") as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)First, no Incentive Fee will be owed until the Unitholders have collectively received cumulative distributions pursuant to this clause equal to their aggregate capital contributions in respect of all Units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Second, no Incentive Fee will be owed until the Unitholders have collectively received cumulative distributions equal to an 8.0% internal rate of return on their aggregate capital contributions in respect of all Units (the "Hurdle");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Third, the Adviser will be entitled to an Incentive Fee out of 100% of additional amounts otherwise distributable to Unitholders until such time as the Incentive Fee paid to the Adviser is equal to 15% of the sum of (i) the amount by which the Hurdle exceeds the aggregate capital contributions of the Unitholders in respect of all Units and (ii) the amount of Incentive Fee being paid to the Adviser pursuant to this clause (c); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Thereafter, the Adviser will be entitled to an Incentive Fee equal to 15% of additional amounts otherwise distributable to Unitholders, with the remaining 85% distributed to the Unitholders.

The Incentive Fee will be calculated on a cumulative basis and the amount of the Incentive Fee payable in connection with any distribution (or deemed distribution) will be determined and, if applicable, paid in accordance with the foregoing formula each time amounts are to be distributed to the Unitholders.

For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, Incentive Fees incurred were $15,683, $10,696, and $9,106, respectively. The Company has not made any incentive fee payments to the Adviser and as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company's incentive fee payable to the Advisor was $37,358 and $21,675, respectively.

For purposes of calculating the Incentive Fee, as provided in 3.3.2 of the LLC Agreement, Aggregate Contributions shall not include NAV Balancing Contributions or Late-Closer Contributions (as such terms are defined in the LLC Agreement), and the distributions to Common Unitholders shall not include distributions attributable to Late-Closer Contributions. NAV Balancing Contributions received by the Company will not be treated as amounts distributed to Common Unitholders for purposes of calculating the Incentive Fee. In addition if distributions to which a Defaulting Member (as such term is defined in the LLC Agreement) otherwise would have been entitled have been withheld pursuant to 6.2.4 of the LLC Agreement, the amounts so withheld shall be treated for such purposes as having been distributed to such Defaulting Member. The amount of any distribution of securities made in kind shall be equal to the fair market value of those securities at the time of distribution determined pursuant to 13.4 of the LLC Agreement.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**4.** **Agreements and Related Party Transactions (Continued)**

If the Advisory Agreement terminates early for any reason other than (i) the Adviser voluntarily terminating the agreement or (ii) the Company terminating the agreement for cause (as set out in the Advisory Agreement), the Company will be required to pay the Adviser a final incentive fee payment (the "Final Incentive Fee Payment"). The Final Incentive Fee Payment will be calculated as of the date the Advisory Agreement is so terminated and will equal the amount of Incentive Fee that would be payable to the Adviser if (A) all of the Company's investments were liquidated for their current value (but without taking into account any unrealized appreciation of any portfolio investment), and any unamortized deferred portfolio investment-related fees were deemed accelerated, (B) the proceeds from such liquidation were used to pay all of the Company's outstanding liabilities, and (C) the remainder were distributed to Unitholders and paid as Incentive Fee in accordance with the "waterfall" (i.e., clauses (a) through (d)) described above for determining the amount of the Incentive Fee. The Company will make the Final Incentive Fee Payment in cash on or immediately following the date the Advisory Agreement is so terminated. The Adviser Return Obligation (defined below) will not apply in connection with a Final Incentive Fee Payment.

*Adviser Return Obligation*: After the Company has made its final distribution of assets in connection with its dissolution, if the Adviser has received aggregate payments of Incentive Fees in excess of the amount the Adviser was entitled to receive pursuant to "*Incentive Fee*" above, then the Adviser will return to the Company, on or before 90 days after such final distribution of assets, an amount equal to such excess (the "Adviser Return Obligation"). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in no event will the Adviser be required to return to the Company an amount greater than the aggregate Incentive Fees paid to the Adviser, reduced by the excess (if any) of (a) the aggregate federal, state and local income tax liability the Adviser incurred in connection with the payment of such Incentive Fees, over (b) an amount equal to the U.S. federal and state tax benefits available to the Adviser by virtue of the payment made by the Adviser pursuant to its Adviser Return Obligation.

*Administration Agreement*: On January 21, 2022, the Company entered into an Administration Agreement (the "Administration Agreement") with TCW Asset Management Company LLC (in such capacity, the "Administrator"). Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator furnishes us with office facilities and equipment, and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator oversees the maintenance of the Company's financial records and otherwise assists with the Company's compliance with BDC and RIC rules, monitors the payment of expenses, oversees the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Company by others, is responsible for the financial and other records that the Company is required to maintain, prepares and disseminates reports to the Unitholders and reports and other materials to be filed with the SEC or other regulators, assists the Company in determining and publishing (as necessary or appropriate) its net asset value, oversees the preparation and filing of tax returns, generally oversees the payment of expenses and provides such other services as the Administrator, subject to review of the Company's Board, shall from time to time determine to be necessary or useful to perform its obligations under the Administration Agreement. The Administrator may perform these services directly, may delegate some or all of them through the retention of a sub-administrator and may remove or replace any sub-administrator.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**4.** **Agreements and Related Party Transactions (Continued)**

Payments under the Administration Agreement will be equal to an amount that reimburses the Administrator for the costs and expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations and providing personnel and facilities under the Administration Agreement. The amounts paid pursuant to the Administration Agreement are subject to Company Expenses Limitation (as defined herein). The Administrator agrees that it would not charge total fees under the Administration Agreement that would exceed its reasonable estimate of what a qualified third party would charge to perform substantially similar services. The costs and expenses paid by the Company and the applicable caps on certain costs and expenses are described below under "*Expenses*".

The Administration Agreement provides that neither the Administrator, nor any director, officer, agent or employee of the Administrator, shall be liable or responsible to the Company or any of the Unitholders for any error of judgment, mistake of law or any loss arising out of any investment, or for any other act or omission in the performance by such person or persons of their respective duties, except for liability resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of their respective duties. The Company will also indemnify the Administrator and its members, managers, officers, employees, agents, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with it. On August 12, 2025, the Company's Board renewed the Administration Agreement for an additional one-year term until September 15, 2026.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**4.** **Agreements and Related Party Transactions (Continued)**

*Expenses:* The Company, and indirectly the Unitholders, will bear all costs, expenses and liabilities, other than Adviser Operating Expenses (which shall be borne by the Adviser), in connection with the Company's organization, operations, administration and transactions ("Company Expenses"). Company Expenses shall include, without limitation: (a) organizational expenses and expenses associated with the issuance of the Units and organizational expenses of a related entity organized and managed by the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser as a feeder fund for the Company and issuance of interests therein; (b) expenses of calculating net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm); (c) fees payable to third parties, including agents, consultants, attorneys or other advisors, relating to, or associated with, evaluating and making investments; (d) expenses incurred by the Adviser or the Administrator payable to third parties, including agents, consultants, attorneys or other advisors, relating to or associated with monitoring the Company's financial and legal affairs, providing administrative services, monitoring or administering the Company's investments and performing due diligence reviews of prospective investments and the corresponding portfolio companies; (e) costs associated with the Company's reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act, the 1934 Act and other applicable federal or state securities laws; (f) fees and expenses incurred in connection with debt incurred to finance the Company's investments or operations, and payment of interest and repayment of principal on such debt; (g) expenses related to sales and purchases of Units and other securities; (h) Management Fees and Incentive Fees; (i) administrator fees and expenses payable under the Administration Agreement, provided that any such fees payable to the Administrator shall be limited to what a qualified third party would charge to perform substantially similar services; (j) transfer agent, sub-administrator and custodial fees; (k) expenses relating to the issue, repurchase and transfer of Units to the extent not borne by the relevant transferring Unitholders and/or assignees; (l) federal and state registration fees; (m) federal, state and local taxes and other governmental charges assessed against the Company; (n) independent directors' fees and expenses and the costs associated with convening a meeting of the Company's Board or any committee thereof; (o) fees and expenses and the costs associated with convening a meeting of the Unitholders or holders of any Preferred Units; (p) costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to Unitholders, including printing and mailing costs; (q) costs and expenses related to the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements and tax returns; (r) the Company's allocable portion of the fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums; (s) direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone, and copying; (t) independent auditors and outside legal costs, including legal costs associated with any requests for exemptive relief, "no-action" positions or other guidance sought from a regulator, pertaining to the Company; (u) compensation of other third party professionals to the extent they are devoted to preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements or tax returns or providing similar "back office" financial services to the Company; (v) Adviser costs and expenses (excluding travel) in connection with identifying and investigating investment opportunities for the Company, monitoring the Company's investments and disposing of any such investments; (w) portfolio risk management costs; (x) commissions or brokerage fees or similar charges incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of securities (including merger fees); (y) costs and expenses attributable to normal and extraordinary investment banking, commercial banking, accounting, auditing, appraisal, valuation, administrative agent activities, custodial and registration services provided to the Company, including in each case services with respect to the proposed purchase or sale of securities by us that are not reimbursed by the issuer of such securities or others (whether or not such purchase or sale is consummated); (z) costs of amending, restating or modifying the Company's LLC Agreement or Advisory Agreement or related documents of the Company or related entities; (aa) fees, costs, and expenses incurred in connection with the termination, liquidation or dissolution of the Company or related entities; and (bb) all other properly and reasonably chargeable expenses incurred by the Company or the Administrator in connection with administering the Company's business.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**4.** **Agreements and Related Party Transactions (Continued)**

However, the Company will not bear more than (a) an amount equal to 10 basis points of its aggregate Commitments for organizational expenses and offering expenses in connection with the offering of Units through the Closing Period (see "*The Private Offering—Closing Period*") and (b) 12.5 basis points of the greater of total commitments or total assets computed annually for Company Expenses ("Company Expenses Limitation"); provided, that, any amount by which actual annual expenses in (b) exceed the Company Expenses Limitation shall be reimbursed to us by the Adviser in the year such excess is incurred with any partial year assessed and reimbursed on a pro rata basis; and provided, further, that in determining the Company Expenses subject to the Company Expenses Limitation in (b), the following expenses shall be excluded and shall be borne by us as incurred without regard to the Company Expenses Limitation in (b): the Management Fee, the Incentive Fee, organizational and offering expenses (which are subject to the separate cap), amounts incurred in connection with the Company's borrowings (including collateral agent (security trustee) fees, interest, bank fees, legal fees and other transactional expenses arising out of or related to any borrowing or borrowing facility and similar costs), transfer agent fees, federal, state and local taxes and other governmental charges assessed against the Company, out-of-pocket expenses of calculating net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm engaged for that purpose and the costs and expenses of the valuation of the Company's portfolio investments performed by the Company's independent auditors in order to comply with applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board standards), out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with arranging or structuring investments and their ongoing operations (including expenses and liabilities related to the formation and ongoing operations of any special purpose entity or entities in connection with an investment), out-of-pocket legal costs associated with any requests for exemptive relief, "no-action" positions or other guidance sought from a regulator pertaining to the Company, out-of-pocket costs and expenses relating to any reorganization or liquidation of the Company, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any extraordinary expenses (such as litigation expenses and indemnification payments). Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts reimbursed pursuant to the Company Expenses Limitation in any year may be carried forward by the Adviser and recouped in future years where the Company Expenses Limitation is not exceeded but in no event will the Company carryforward to future periods the amount by which actual annual Company Expenses for a year exceed the Company Expenses Limitation for more than three years from the date on which such expenses were reimbursed.

"Adviser Operating Expenses" means overhead and operating and administrative expenses incurred by or on behalf of the Adviser or any of its affiliates, including the Company, in connection with maintaining and operating the Adviser's office, including salaries and other compensation (including compensation due to its officers), rent, routine office equipment expense and liability and insurance premiums (other than (i) those incurred in maintaining fidelity bonds and Indemnitee insurance policies and (ii) the allocable portion of the Administrator's overhead in performing its obligations), in furtherance of providing supervisory investment management services for the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, Adviser Operating Expenses include any expenses incurred by the Adviser or its affiliates in connection with the Adviser's registration as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act"), or with its compliance as a registered investment adviser thereunder.

All Adviser Operating Expenses and all expenses of the Company that the Company will not bear, as set forth above, will be borne by the Adviser or its affiliates.

The Adviser reimbursed $106, $0, and $78 respectively, of the Company's expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. The Adviser's ability to potentially recoup expense reimbursements provided to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023 will expire on December 31, 2026 and will depend on whether the Company's expenses fall below the annual 12.5 basis point limit (i.e. in accordance with our Administration Agreement, the Company will not bear Company Expenses more than an amount equal to 12.5 basis points of aggregate commitments annually). As of December 31, 2025, the Adviser has expense reimbursements available for recoupment of $184 of which $78 will expire on December 31, 2026 and $106 will expire on December 31, 2028, respectively.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.** **Commitments and Contingencies** 

The Company had the following unfunded commitments and unrealized depreciation by investment as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| **Unfunded Commitments** | **Investment** | **Maturity/<br>Expiration** | **Amount** | **Unrealized<br>Depreciation** | **Amount** | **Unrealized<br>Depreciation** |
| ADAN-B LLC (24 Hour Fitness) | Revolver | December 2030 | $6195 | $46 | $— | $— |
| Black Rock Coffee Holdings, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | September 2025 |  |  | 9918 |  |
| CF Newco, Inc. | Revolver | December 2029 | 2815 |  | 527 | 5 |
| CG Buyer, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | July 2025 |  |  | 3252 | 7 |
| Cinelease, LLC | ABL Term Loan | July 2030 | 6152 | 185 |  |  |
| Comprehensive Logistics Co., LLC | Revolver | March 2026 | 4556 | 59 | 2657 | 56 |
| CSAT Holdings LLC | Revolver | June 2028 | 1311 | 1 | 2885 | 52 |
| D&D Buyer, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | October 2025 |  |  | 2653 |  |
| D&D Buyer, LLC | Revolver | October 2028 | 1916 |  | 2076 |  |
| Fenix Intermediate LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan B-2 | March 2027 | 11607 | 429 | 11607 | 395 |
| Five Star Buyer, Inc. | Revolver | February 2028 | 1517 | 100 | 1517 | 47 |
| Great Kitchens Food Company, Inc. | Revolver | May 2029 | 6902 |  | 6902 | 55 |
| Helix Sleep, Inc. | Revolver | November 2030 | 1908 | 23 |  |  |
| Hoffmaster Group, Inc. | Revolver | February 2028 | 2096 | 16 | 2096 | 6 |
| HydroSource Logistics, LLC | Revolver | April 2029 | 190 |  | 1329 |  |
| Pallet Logistics of America, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | November 2026 |  |  | 1514 | 30 |
| Pallet Logistics of America, LLC | Revolver | November 2029 | 1589 | 51 | 3027 | 61 |
| Red Robin International, Inc. | Revolver | March 2027 | 1240 | 9 | 752 | 22 |
| RPM Purchaser, Inc. | Delayed Draw Term Loan B | September 2028 | 3035 |  | 3667 |  |
| Signature Brands, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan B | March 2025 |  |  | 3654 | 350 |
| Signature Brands, LLC | 9th Amendment Delayed Draw Term Loan A | November 2026 | 3959 |  |  |  |
| Viva 5 Group, LLC | Revolver | May 2030 | 5418 | 87 |  |  |
| VoltaGrid, LLC | Delayed Draw Term Loan | September 2025 |  |  | 2995 | 24 |
| **Total** |  |  | $**62406** | $**1006** | $**63028** | $**1110** |

---

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**5. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)**

From time to time, the Company may become a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of its business. As of December 31, 2025, the Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts which provide a variety of representations and warranties, and that provide general indemnifications. Such contracts include those with certain service providers, brokers and trading counterparties. Any exposure to the Company under these arrangements is unknown as it would involve future claims that may be made against the Company; however, based on the Company's experience, the risk of loss is remote and no such claims are expected to occur. As such, the Company has not accrued any liability in connection with such indemnifications.

**6.** **Members' Capital**

The Company's Unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was as follows (See Note 1):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Units at beginning of period | 12745660 | 10709060 | 7364560 |
| Units issued and committed during the period |  | 2036600 | 3344500 |
| Units issued and committed at end of period | 12745660 | 12745660 | 10709060 |

---

No deemed distributions and contributions were processed during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

**7.** **Credit Facilities**

On March 8, 2022, the Company entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Subscription Based Credit Facility" fka the "March 2022 Credit Facility") among the Company, as borrower, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and committed lender ("PNC"). The Subscription Based Credit Facility provides for a revolving credit line of up to $200,000 (the "Subscription Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment"), subject to the lesser of (i) a percentage of unfunded commitments from certain classes of eligible investors in the Company (the "Subscription Based Credit Facility Borrowing Base") and (ii) the Subscription Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment. The Subscription Based Credit Facility has an initial commitment of $200,000 and may be periodically increased in amounts designated by the Company, up to an aggregate amount of $400,000. The maturity date of the Subscription Based Credit Facility is March 7, 2025, unless such date is extended at the Company's option for a term of up to 12 months after the maturity date. Borrowings under the Subscription Based Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) a base rate calculated in a customary manner (which will never be less than the adjusted SOFR rate plus 1.00%) plus 0.75% or (b) adjusted SOFR rate calculated in a customary manner plus 1.75%.

The Subscription Based Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest, subject to customary exceptions, in (i) all of the capital commitments of the investors in the Company, (ii) the Company's right to make capital calls, receive payment of capital contributions from the investors and enforce payment of the capital commitments and capital contributions under the Company's operating agreement and (iii) a cash collateral account into which the capital contributions from the investors are made. The Subscription Based Credit Facility may be terminated, and any outstanding amounts thereunder may become due and payable, should the Company fail to satisfy certain covenants. As of December 31, 2025, the Company was in compliance with such covenants. \

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**7.** **Credit Facilities (Continued)**

On March 7, 2025 the Company entered into the first amendment to the Subscription Based Credit Facility (the "First Amendment to the Subscription Based Credit Facility"). The First Amendment to the Subscription Based Credit Facility increased the applicable margin from 1.75% to 2.10%, decreased the Subscription Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment from $200,000 to $50,000 and extended the stated maturity date from March 7, 2025 to March 6, 2026.

On September 13, 2022, TCW DL VIII Financing LLC (the "Borrower" or "TCW DL VIII Financing"), a newly-formed, wholly-owned, special purpose financing subsidiary of the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility (the "Asset Based Credit Facility" fka the "September 2022 Credit Facility" and together with the Subscription Based Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities") pursuant to a credit and security agreement with PNC, as facility agent, the lenders from time to time party thereto, U.S. Bank National Association, as custodian, and Alter Domus (US) LLC, as collateral agent and collateral administrator.

The Asset Based Credit Facility provides for an aggregate principal amount of up to $250,000 of revolving and term loans (the "Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment"), subject to compliance with a borrowing base (the "Asset Based Credit Facility Borrowing Base"). The Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment may be periodically increased in amounts designated by the Borrower up to an aggregate principal amount of $800,000, subject to lender consent and obtaining commitments for the increase. Under the Asset Based Credit Facility, the Borrower may make borrowings of (i) revolving loans (the "Asset Based Revolving Credit Facility" fka the "September 2022 Revolving Credit Facility" and together with the Subscription Based Credit Facility, the "Revolving Credit Facilities") during the period commencing September 13, 2022 and ending on September 13, 2025 and (ii) term loans (the "Term Loan") during the period commencing September 13, 2022 and ending on September 13, 2023, unless, in the case of (i) and (ii), there is an earlier termination of the Asset Based Credit Facility or event of default thereunder. The Asset Based Credit Facility will mature on September 13, 2027. Borrowings under the Asset Based Credit Facility will bear interest at a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal to, at the Borrower's option, either (i) a SOFR reference rate plus the facility margin of 2.25% per annum or (ii) the Base Rate plus the facility margin of 2.25% per annum.

The Borrower's obligations under the Asset Based Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in all of the assets of the Borrower, including its portfolio of loans which will be contributed by the Company to the Borrower in exchange for 100% of the membership interest of the Borrower and any payments received in respect of such loans. The Company may contribute or sell to the Borrower additional loans from time to time after the closing date, which shall be pledged in favor of the lenders under the Asset Based Credit Facility.

Under the Asset Based Credit Facility, the Borrower has made customary representations and warranties and is required to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. The Asset Based Credit Facility also includes events of default that are customary for similar credit facilities. As of December 31, 2025, the Borrower was in compliance with such covenants.

On August 11, 2023, the Company amended the Asset Based Credit Facility and entered into the Amendment No. 1 to Credit and Security Agreement ("Amendment No. 1"). Amendment No. 1 increased the Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment from $250,000 to $400,000 which is comprised of $200,000 each of the revolving loan and term loan commitments, respectively. In addition, the term SOFR Adjustment has been deleted and the Facility Margin Level shall be 2.90% per annum.

On February 2, 2024, the Company amended the Asset Based Credit Facility and entered into the Amendment No. 2 to Credit and Security Agreement ("Amendment No. 2"). Amendment No. 2 increased the Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment from $400,000 to $800,000 which is comprised of $400,000 each of the revolving and term loan commitments, respectively.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**7.** **Credit Facilities (Continued)**

On August 22, 2025, the Company amended the Asset Based Credit Facility and entered into the Amendment No. 3 to Credit and Security Agreement ("Amendment No. 3"). Amendment No. 3 decreased the Asset Based Credit Facility Maximum Commitment from $800,000 to $650,000 which is comprised of $325,000 each of the revolving loan and term loan commitments, respectively. In addition, Amendment No. 3 extended the maturity date from September 13, 2027 to April 28, 2028 and extended the period in which the Borrower may make borrowings of revolving loans from September 13, 2025 to April 30, 2026. Amendment No. 3 also decreased the facility margin from 2.90% to 2.25%.

Borrowings of the Borrower are non-recourse to the Company but are considered borrowings of the Company for purposes of complying with the asset coverage requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

A summary of amounts outstanding and available under the Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Credit Facilities** | **Total Facility<br>Commitment** | **Borrowings<br>Outstanding** | **Available<br>Amount**<sup>(1)</sup> |
| Subscription Based Credit Facility – December 31, 2025 | $50000 | $40500 | $9500 |
| Asset Based Credit Facility – December 31, 2025 | $650000 | $361200 | $288800 |
| Subscription Based Credit Facility – December 31, 2024 | $200000 | $— | $200000 |
| Asset Based Credit Facility – December 31, 2024 | $800000 | $400000 | $207527 |

---

(1)The amount available considers any limitations related to the debt facility borrowing.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024 borrowings under the Asset Based Credit Facility consisted of $325,000 and $400,000, respectively, of Term Loans and $36,200 and $0, respectively of revolving credit lines.

Costs associated with the revolving credit lines are recorded as deferred financing costs on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and such costs are being amortized over the lives of the respective Credit Facilities. Costs associated with the Term Loan are recorded as a reduction of the Term Loan on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and such costs are being amortized over the life of the Term Loan.

The Company incurred financing costs of $182 in connection with the First Amendment to the Subscription Based Credit Facility, all of which was recorded by the Company as deferred financing costs on its Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The financing costs are being amortized over the term of the Subscription Based Credit Facility.

The Company incurred financing costs of $1,326 in connection with Amendment No. 3, of which $663 was recorded by the Company as deferred financing costs on its Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and $663 was recorded by the Company as a reduction of the Term Loan on its Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The financing costs are being amortized over the term of the Asset Based Credit Facility.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, $595 and $1,150, respectively of deferred financing costs related to the revolving credit lines had yet to be amortized and $563 and $1,081, respectively of deferred financing costs related to the Term Loan have yet to be amortized.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**7.** **Credit Facilities (Continued)**

A reconciliation of amounts presented on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities versus amounts outstanding on the Term Loan is as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **As of December 31, 2025** | **As of December 31, 2024** |
| Principal amount outstanding on Term Loan | $325000 | $400000 |
| Deferred financing costs | (563) | (1081) |
| Term Loan (as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities) | $324437 | $398919 |

---

The carrying amount of the Credit Facilities, which is categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2025 approximates its fair value. Valuation techniques and significant inputs used to determine fair value include Company details; credit, market and liquidity risk and events; financial health of the Company; place in the capital structure; interest rate; and the respective credit agreement's terms and conditions.

The summary information regarding the Credit Facilities for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Credit facilities interest expense | $32398 | $31370 | $19278 |
| Undrawn commitment fees | 1202 | 2037 | 887 |
| Administrative fees | 70 |  | 25 |
| Amortization of deferred financing costs | 2611 | 3321 | 1515 |
| **Total** | $**36281** | $**36728** | $**21705** |
| Weighted average interest rate | 6.89% | 7.97% | 7.51% |
| Average outstanding balance | $463842 | $387186 | $253114 |

---

**8.** **Repurchase Obligations**

In order to finance certain investment transactions, the Company may, from time to time, enter into repurchase agreements with Macquarie US Trading LLC ("Macquarie"), whereby the Company sells to Macquarie an investment that it holds and concurrently enters into an agreement to repurchase the same investment at an agreed-upon price at a future date, not to exceed 90-days from the date it was sold (each, a "Macquarie Transaction").

Additionally, the Company may, from time to time, enter into repurchase agreements with Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays"), whereby the Company sells to Barclays its short-term investments and concurrently enters into an agreement to repurchase the same investments at an agreed-upon price at a future date, generally within 30-days (each, a "Barclays Transaction" and together with the Macquarie Transactions, the "Repurchase Transactions").

In accordance with ASC 860, *Transfers and Servicing*, these Repurchase Transactions meet the criteria for secured borrowings. Accordingly, the investments financed by these Repurchase Transactions remain on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and the Company records a liability to reflect its repurchase obligation to Macquarie and Barclays (the "Repurchase Obligations"). Outstanding Repurchase Obligations are presented on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as Repurchase Obligations. Repurchase Obligations are secured by the respective investment or short-term investment that is the subject of the repurchase agreement. Interest expense associated with the Repurchase Obligations is reported on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations within Interest expense on repurchase transactions.

The Company did not enter into any Barclays Transactions during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. The Barclays Transactions entered into during the year ended December 31, 2023 had an average principal balance of $134,864 and a weighted average interest rate of 4.86%. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had no outstanding Repurchase Obligations with Barclays.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**8.** **Repurchase Obligations (Continued)**

The net proceeds the Company received from the Barclays Transactions during the year ended December 31, 2023 was a net loss of $473 (comprised of interest expense of $1,149 net of realized gains on short-term investments of $676).

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company did not enter into or settle any Macquarie Transactions.

**9.** **Income Taxes** 

The Company has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act and also has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code and has made such an election beginning with the taxable year ending December 31, 2022. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it will generally not pay corporate-level U.S. Federal income or excise taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its Unitholders as dividends. The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing its consolidated financial statements to determine whether the tax positions are "more-likely-than-not" to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the "more-likely-than-not" threshold are reversed and recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. All penalties and interest associated with income taxes are included in income tax expense. Conclusions regarding tax positions are subject to review and may be adjusted at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, on-going analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.

*Federal Income Taxes*: It is the policy of the Company to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and distribute all of its net taxable income and any net realized gains on investments to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

As of December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company's aggregate investment unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Cost of investments for federal income tax purposes | $1272824 | $1040123 | $779654 |
| Unrealized appreciation | $38544 | $8619 | $8396 |
| Unrealized depreciation | $(60535) | $(18798) | $(3687) |
| Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments | $(21991) | $(10179) | $4709 |

---

The following reclassifications have been made for the permanent difference between book and tax accounting as of December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. These differences result primarily from net operating losses, differences in accounting for partnership interest, and amendment fees reclassified as capital gains:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Common Unitholders tax reclassification | $— | $— | $— |
| Undistributed net investment (loss) income | $(11844) | $(3136) | $(368) |
| Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | $11844 | $3136 | $368 |

---

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**9.** **Income Taxes (continued)**

The tax character of shareholder distributions attributable to the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Ordinary income | $110917 | $84416 | $56137 |
| Long-term capital gain | $5295 | $1979 | $400 |
| Return of capital | $3788 | $2847 | $3094 |

---

The tax components of distributable earnings on a tax basis for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** | **Year ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Net tax appreciation (depreciation) | $(22997) | $(11290) | $3788 |
| Other cumulative effect of timing differences | $(37890) | $(22255) | $11579 |

---

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had a net long-term capital loss carryforward of $0 for federal income tax purposes, which may be carried forward indefinitely. These capital loss carryforwards are available to offset net realized gains in future years, thereby reducing future taxable gains distributions.

The Company's investment in HydroSource Logistics, LLC warrant is held through TCW DL HDR LLC, an unconsolidated special purpose vehicle. The fair value of such equity investment as of December 31, 2025 is net of a $9,965 deferred tax liability recorded by TCW DL HDR LLC. TCW DL HDR LLC accounts for income taxes under the liability method prescribed by FASB ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASC 740"). Under ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis.

The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, nor were there any increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits for the period then ended; therefore, no interest or penalties were accrued. The Company files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns, as applicable. The Company is subject to examination by the U.S federal and state tax authorities for returns filed for the prior three and four years, respectively.

**10.** **Segment Reporting**

The Company represents a single operating segment as the operating results of the Company are monitored as a whole and its long-term asset allocation is determined in accordance with the terms of its prospectus, based on defined investment objectives that is executed by the Company's portfolio management team. The Company's Chief Financial Officer, serves as the Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), who acts in accordance with the Board's reviews and approvals. The CODM uses financial information, such as changes in members' capital from operations, changes in members' capital from Company share transactions, and income and expense ratios, consistent with that presented within the accompanying consolidated financial statements and financial highlights to assess the Company's profits and losses and to make resource allocation decisions, such as the need to obtain additional funding or make distributions. Segment assets are reflected in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as members' capital, which consists primarily of investments at fair value, and significant segment expenses are listed in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**11.** **Financial Highlights** 

Selected data for a unit outstanding throughout the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 is presented below.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **For the Year Ended December 31,** | **For the Year Ended December 31,** | **For the Year Ended December 31,** | **For the Year Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025**<sup>(1)</sup> | **2024**<sup>(1)</sup> | **2023**<sup>(1)</sup> | **2022**<sup>(1)</sup> |
| Net Asset Value Per Unit (accrual base), Beginning of Period | $96.87 | $98.95 | $99.57 | $100.00 |
| Net Increase in Common Unitholder NAV from Prior Year<sup>(2)</sup> |  | 0.17 | 0.13 |  |
| Income from Investment Operations: |  |  |  |  |
| Net investment income | 7.86 | 5.93 | 4.37 | 1.45 |
| Net realized and unrealized (loss) gain | (0.89) | (1.17) | 0.45 | 0.03 |
| Total income from investment operations | 6.97 | 4.76 | 4.82 | 1.48 |
| Less Distributions: |  |  |  |  |
| From net investment income | (9.12) | (6.78) | (5.28) | (1.87) |
| Return of Capital | (0.29) | (0.23) | (0.29) |  |
| Total distributions | (9.41) | (7.01) | (5.57) | (1.87) |
| Offering Costs |  |  |  | (0.04) |
| Net Asset Value Per Unit (accrual base), End of Period | $94.43 | $96.87 | $98.95 | $99.57 |
| Unitholder Total Return<sup>(3)</sup> | 11.16% | 11.20% | 14.90% | 8.48% |
| Unitholder IRR before incentive fees<sup>(4)</sup> | 14.71% | 14.95% | 15.73% | 9.96% |
| Unitholder IRR after all fees and expenses<sup>(4)</sup> | 12.74% | 12.86% | 13.43% | 8.45% |
| Ratios and Supplemental Data |  |  |  |  |
| Members' Capital, end of period | $819100 | $611229 | $460210 | $196018 |
| Units outstanding, end of period | 12745660 | 12745660 | 10709060 | 7364560 |
| Ratios based on average net assets of Members' Capital: |  |  |  |  |
| Ratio of total expenses before expenses (reimbursed) recaptured to average net asset | 9.31% | 11.56% | 11.57% | 7.95% |
| Expense (reimbursed) recaptured by Investment Advisor | (0.01)% | —% | -0.02% | 0.31% |
| Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 9.30% | 11.56% | 11.55% | 8.26% |
| Ratio of financing cost to average net assets | 4.85% | 7.00% | 6.10% | 2.87% |
| Ratio of net investment income before expenses (reimbursed) recaptured to average net assets | 13.38% | 14.41% | 13.12% | 8.47% |
| Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 13.39% | 14.41% | 13.14% | 8.16% |
| Ratio of incentive fees to average net assets | 2.10% | 2.04% | 2.56% | 1.45% |
| Credit facility payable | 401700 | 400000 | 369789 | 130689 |
| Asset coverage ratio | 3.04 | 2.53 | 2.24 | 2.50 |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 32.91% | 29.82% | 19.22% | 17.69% |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Per unit data was calculated using the number of Units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.

<sup>(2)</sup> Adjustment to NAV per Unit for the year-ended December 31, 2024 is attributable to the 734,300 Units and 1,302,300 Units issued on January 18, 2024 and March 19 2024, respectively, at $100 per Unit. Adjustment to NAV per Unit for the year-ended December 31, 2023 is attributable to the 1,025,550 Units, 1,173,625 Units, and 1,145,325 Units issued on April 3, 2023, July 24, 2023,and December 13, 2023, respectively, at $100 per Unit. See Note 1 in the financial statements.

<sup>(3)</sup> The Total Return for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, was calculated by taking total income from investment operations for the period divided by the weighted average capital contributions from the Members during the period. The return does not reflect sales load and is net of management fees and expenses.

------

**TCW DIRECT LENDING VIII LLC**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)**

**(Dollar amounts in thousands, except unit data)**

**December 31, 2025**

**11.** **Financial Highlights (continued)**

<sup>(4)</sup> The Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") since inception for the Common Unitholders, after management fees, financing costs and operating expenses, but before incentive fees is 14.71%. The IRR since inception for the Common Unitholders, after management fees, financing costs and operating expenses, and Advisor incentive fees is 12.74% through December 31, 2025. The IRR is computed based on cash flow due dates contained in notices to Members (contributions from and distributions to the Common Unitholders) and the net assets (residual value) of the Members' Capital account at period end. The IRR is calculated based on the fair value of investments using principles and methods in accordance with GAAP and does not necessarily represent the amounts that may be realized from sales or other dispositions. Accordingly, the return may vary significantly upon realization.

**12.** **Subsequent Events** 

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements. There have been no subsequent events that require recognition or disclosure in these consolidated financial statements other than those described below.

On January 14, 2026, as amended on February 20, 2026, March 9, 2026, and March 24, 2026, the Company filed a Schedule TO with the SEC relating to an offer to exchange outstanding Units for an equivalent number of limited liability company units of TCW Specialty Lending LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The tender offer as described in the Schedule TO will result in an Exchange Offer for which approximately 50% of the Company's assets, liabilities and related interests attributable to the exchanged Units will transfer to TCW Specialty Lending LLC with the intention of TCW Specialty Lending LLC splitting off and operating as a stand-alone company. TCW Specialty Lending LLC will operate as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

On March 6, 2026, the Company paid the remaining amounts owed for the Subscription Based Credit Facility in the amount of $40,500 and terminated the agreement on the maturity date of March 6, 2026. As of March 6, 2026, the Company is no longer eligible to borrow amounts using the Subscription Based Credit Facility.

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## Exhibit 19.1

**Exhibit 19.1**

Insider Trading and Market Manipulation Policy

# Insider Trading
*Overview*

Members of the Firm occasionally come into possession of material, non-public information or "inside information". Various laws, court decisions, and general ethical standards impose duties with respect to the use of this inside information.

The U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and other rules provide that any purchase or sale of a security of an issuer while "having awareness" of inside information regarding that issuer or certain related issuers is illegal regardless of whether the information was a motivating factor in making a trade.

Courts may attribute one employee's knowledge of inside information to other employees that trade in the affected security, even if no actual communication of this knowledge occurred. Thus, by buying or selling a particular security in the normal course of business, Firm personnel other than those with actual knowledge of inside information could inadvertently subject the Firm to liability. However, the securities laws provide firms with an affirmative defense to such charges, and that defense depends upon the establishment and enforcement of policies and procedures reasonably designed to control the flow of inside information within the firm.

The risks in this area can be significantly reduced through the use of a combination of trading restrictions and temporary and permanent information barriers ("Information Barrier(s)") designed to confine material non- public information to a given individual, group or department.

See the Reference Table below if you have any questions on this Policy or who to consult in certain situations.

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*What You Should Do If You Have Questions About Inside Information?*

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Topic | &nbsp;&nbsp;You Should Contact: |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;If you have a question about:<br>•This Policy in general<br>•Whether information is "material" or "non-public"<br>•If you have a question about whether you have received inside information on a Firm commingled fund (e.g. partnerships, trusts, mutual funds)<br>•Whether you have received material non-public information about a public company<br>•Obtaining deal-specific information (pre-clearance is required)<br>•Sitting on a Creditors' Committee (preapproval is required)<br>•An Information Barrier<br>•Section 13/16 issues | &nbsp;&nbsp;Any SVP or MD in the Legal Department |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;If you wish to serve on a Board of Directors, serve as an alternate on a Board, serve as a Board Observer or sit on a Creditors Committee<br>*(Pre-approval is required)* | &nbsp;&nbsp;Administrator of the Code of Ethics |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;In the event of inadvertent or non-intentional disclosure of material non-public information | &nbsp;&nbsp;Any SVP or MD in the Legal Department |

---

# Policies and Procedures
*Trading Prohibition*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•No Access Person of the Firm, either for themselves or on behalf of clients or others, may buy or sell a security (i.e., stock, bonds, convertibles, options, warrants or derivatives tied to a company's securities) while in possession of material, non-public information about the company or certain related companies1 (except as listed in Deal- Specific Information below).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•This applies in the case of both publicly traded and private companies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•This means that you may not buy or sell such securities for yourself or anyone, including your spouse, domestic partner, relative, friend, or client and you may not recommend that anyone else buy or sell a security of a company on the basis of inside information regarding that company.

If you believe you have received oral or written material, non-public information, you should not discuss the information with anyone except an SVP or MD member in the Firm's legal Department ("the Legal Department") and should contact the Legal Department immediately. Do not discuss the information with your supervisor, department head or any other individual who is on your team.

*Communication Prohibition*

No Access Person may communicate material, non-public information about a company to others who have no official need to know, regardless of whether the company is on the Restricted List. This is known as "tipping," which also is a violation of the insider trading laws, even if you as the "tipper" did not personally benefit.

Therefore, you should not discuss such information acquired on the job with your spouse, domestic

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partner or with friends, relatives, clients, or anyone else inside or outside of the Firm except on a need-to-know basis relative to your duties at the Firm.

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Remember that TCW Funds, Inc., Metropolitan West Funds, TCW ETF Trust, each of their series, and any other proprietary and registered closed-end investment companies (including TPAY and TSI)), exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and open-end investment companies (mutual funds) advised (or sub-advised) by TAMCO, TIMCO, TABF, or MetWest, respectively (such closed-end investment companies, ETFs and mutual funds, collectively, the "TCW Registered Funds") are publicly traded entities and you may be privy to material non-public information regarding those entities. Communicating such information in violation of the Firm's policies is illegal.

The prohibition on sharing material, non-public information extends to affiliates such as the Carlyle and Nippon Life entities. Please refer to the policies and procedures describing the relevant information barrier to these entities.

*Obligations with respect to the Material, Non-Public Information*

If Firm personnel are presented with the opportunity to learn non-public information to assist in the analysis of any security or other instrument prior to signing any confidentiality letter, a definitive agreement pertaining to an investment, or any other agreement relating to the receipt of confidential information, such personnel must obtain the approval of the Legal Department prior to entering into any such confidentiality letter or agreement. Firm personnel may not knowingly accept any material, non-public information relating to a company prior to the Administrator of the Code of Ethics placing such issuer on the Restricted Securities List.

If Firm personnel obtain information about a company that may be material, non-public information, including, among other things, as a result of a contractual agreement, through an expert or expert network, or by virtue of a Firm representative or observer on a company's board of directors or creditor's committee, you must immediately notify the Administrator of the Code of Ethics of the information. If the Administrator of the Code of Ethics, in coordination with the Legal Department, determines that the information constitutes material, non- public information that might expose the Firm or any of its affiliates to liability for "insider trading," the company to which the information relates and, in certain circumstances, related companies will generally be placed on the Restricted Securities List.

You may contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics at extension 0467 or ace@tcw.com.

*Trading in the Names of Companies on the Restricted List*

When a company is placed on the Restricted Securities List, no member, employee, or other personnel of the Firm or certain of its affiliates (or any member of the family/household of such member, employee, or personnel) may trade in the securities or other instruments of the company, either for their own account or for the account of any TCW Client (as defined below), absent authorization from the Administrator of the Code of Ethics.

In addition, no member, employee, or other personnel of the Firm or certain of its affiliates (or any member of the family/household of such member, employee, or personnel) may recommend trading in such company, or otherwise disclose material, non-public information, to anyone other than the Administrator of the Code of Ethics, the Legal Department and personnel of the firm with whom such person is working on a matter to which such material, non-public information relates.

The Restricted Securities List must be checked before each Firm trade. If an order is not completed on one day, then the open order should be checked against the Restricted Securities List and approval

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must be obtained every day it is open beyond the approved period that was given (e.g., the waiver you received was for a specific period, such as one day).

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*Does TCW Monitor Trading Activities?*

Yes, TCW monitors trading activities through one or more of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Conducts reviews of trading in public securities listed on the Restricted Securities List.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Surveys client account transactions that may violate laws against insider trading and, when necessary, investigates such trades.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Conducts monitoring of the Information Barriers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Reviews personal securities trading to identify insider trading, other violations of the law or violations of the Firm's policies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Obtains securities holding and transaction reports as required by SEC rules and regulations.

*Maintenance of Restricted List*

The Administrator of the Code of Ethics maintains the Restricted Securities List, which is a highly confidential list of companies that includes any company (i) about which the Firm or any of its personnel may possess material non-public information and (ii) the Administrator of the Code of Ethics, in coordination with the Legal Department, deems appropriate to be added to the Restricted Securities List because, for example, trading in such company's securities may involve potential conflicts of interest.

The Administrator of the Code of Ethics distributes the Restricted Securities List as necessary. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics also updates an annotated copy of the list and maintains the history of each item that has been deleted. This annotated Restricted Securities List is available to the General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer, as well as any additional persons, which either of them may approve. The identity of companies included on the Restricted Securities List, as well as information about those companies, must not be discussed with persons outside the Firm without the prior consent of the Administrator of the Code of Ethics.

The Restricted Securities List restricts issuers (i.e., companies) and not just specific securities issued by the issuer. The list of ticker symbols on the Restricted Securities List should not be considered the complete list – the key is that you are restricted as to the company or a derivative that is tied to the company. This is of particular importance to the strategies which may invest in securities listed on foreign exchanges.

*Exceptions*

The Administrator of the Code of Ethics, in coordination with the Legal Department, may grant limited exceptions to the policies and procedures discussed herein on a case by case basis. One such exception is as follows:

For a TCW Registered Fund that is a passive broad-based index fund designed to track a particular broad-based index, when transacting in securities on such index that the fund is designed to track, personnel are exempt from the requirement to check the Restricted Securities List prior to trading in such securities, and transactions in such securities will not be restricted. However, this exception is limited to transactions in securities on the index that the TCW Registered Fund is designed to track and personnel must reference the Restricted Securities List when trading in securities outside of the index on behalf of TCW Registered Funds, and such transactions will generally be restricted.

Documentation of such requested exceptions and approvals shall be maintained by the

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Administrator of the Code of Ethics.

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*Removal of Issuers from the Restricted List*

Issuers are removed from the Restricted Securities List by the Administrator of the Code of Ethics in his or her discretion, but in any event after receipt of written confirmation from the responsible Firm personnel that such persons are no longer in possession of non-public information pertaining to such issuer. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics may, in his or her discretion, impose "cooling off" periods following such confirmation prior to removing an issuer from the Restricted Securities List.

*What is Material Information?*

Information (whether positive or negative) is material:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•When there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making an investment decision and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•When it could reasonably be expected to have an effect on the price of a company's securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The information need not be so important that it would have changed the investor's decision to buy or sell a security.

Some examples of Material Information are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Earnings results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, liquidity problems, dividend changes, defaults;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Projections, major capital investment plans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Significant labor disputes or supply chain disruptions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Significant merger, tender offers, secondary offerings, rights offerings, spin-off, joint venture, stock buy backs, stock splits or acquisition proposals or agreements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•New product releases, services, contracts, price changes, schedule changes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Significant accounting changes, credit rating changes, write-offs or charges;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Major technological discoveries, breakthroughs or failures;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Major contract awards or cancellations, significant regulatory developments (e.g. FDA approvals);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Other events or circumstances affecting the market for a company's securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Governmental investigations, major litigation or disposition of significant investigation or litigation matters; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Significant management developments or changes.

This list is not exhaustive and no clear or "bright line" definition of what is material exists. Due to this, assessments sometimes require a fact- specific inquiry. If you have questions about whether information is material, direct the questions to the Legal Department.

*What is Non-Public Information?*

Non-public information is information that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Has not been disseminated broadly to investors in the marketplace, such as a press release or publication in The Wall Street Journal or other generally circulated publication; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Has not become available to the general public through a public filing with the SEC or some other governmental agency, Bloomberg, or release by Standard & Poor's or Reuters; and

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• The market as a whole has not had adequate time to respond to the information.

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*What Tippee Liability?*

Firm personnel must be wary of material, non-public information disclosed in breach of a corporate insider's duty of trust or confidence that the corporate insider may owe to his or her corporation and/or such corporation's shareholders. Even when there is no expectation of confidentiality, Firm personnel may become an "insider" upon receiving material, non-public information in circumstances in which a person knows, or should know, that a corporate insider is disclosing information in breach of a duty of trust and confidence that he or she owes the corporation and its shareholders. Whether the disclosure is an improper "tip" depends on whether the corporate insider expects to benefit include, for example, a reputational benefit or an expectation of a "quid pro quo." It is also possible for a person to become an "insider" or "tippee" upon obtaining material, non-public information inadvertently, including information derived from social situations, business gatherings, overheard conversations, and misplaced documents. It should be assumed that a duty of trust or confidence exists whenever:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A confidentiality agreement is entered into;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•An oral agreement is made or a reasonable expectation exists based on the manner in which the information was transmitted that you will maintain the information as confidential; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•There is a pattern or practice of sharing confidences so that the recipient knows or reasonably should know that the provider expects the information to be kept confidential.

There is a presumed duty of trust and confidence when a person receives material non-public information from his or her spouse, parent, child, or sibling.

# Examples of How TCW Personnel Could Obtain Inside Information and What You Should Do In These Cases
Examples of how a person could come into possession of inside information include: Board of Directors Seats or Observation Rights

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Most public companies have restrictions on trading by Board members except during trading window periods.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Anyone who wishes to serve on a Board of Directors or as a Board Observer must obtain pre-approval in StarCompliance by submitting an Outside Business Activity request. The Administrator of the Code of Ethics will then coordinate the approval process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•If approval is granted, the Administrator of the Code of Ethics will notify the Legal Department so that the Firm can implement the appropriate safeguards and restrictions, such as placing the issuer on the Firm's restricted securities list (the "Restricted Securities List"). Please see the information Barrier Policy located in the Portfolio Management Policy for further details.

Portfolio Managers:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Sitting on Boards of public companies in connection with an equity or fixed income position that they manage;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Having the intent to control or work with others to attempt to influence or control a company; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Working with expert network consultants who were recent employees of a company

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involving a major transaction.

The Legal Department should be consulted in these situations.

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# Deal-Specific Information
Employees may receive inside information regarding transactions in securities that are not publicly traded for legitimate purposes such as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•In the context of a direct investment, secondary transaction or participation in a transaction for a client account;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•In the context of forming a confidential relationship; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Receiving "private" information through on-line services such as FinDox.

This "deal-specific information" may be used by the department to which it was given for the purpose for which it was given. This type of situation typically arises in:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•mezzanine financings,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•loan participations, bank debt financings (e.g., when the Firm chooses to go "private" when trading in bank loans through the Loan Syndication and Trading Association process),

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•venture capital financing,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•purchases of distressed securities,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•oil and gas investments, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•purchases of substantial blocks of stock from insiders.

Remember that even if the transaction for which the deal-specific information is received involves securities that are not publicly traded, the issuer may have other classes of traded securities and/or the deal-specific information may impact a security-based swap, and the receipt of inside information can affect the ability of other product groups at the Firm to trade in those securities.

If you are to receive any deal-specific information or potentially material, non-public information on a company (whether domestic or foreign), contact the Legal Department, who then will implement the appropriate safeguards and restrictions, such as placing the issuer on the Restricted Securities List.

# Participation in Rapid Fire Capital Infusions
*Overview*

From time to time, public companies may seek rapid-fire capital infusions of capital from institutional investors. In the past, these have involved investment banks contacting potential investors, often over the weekends, on a pre-announcement basis.

*What Should You Do?*

If you work with marketable security strategies and you receive a call to participate in an offering before it is publicly announced, please contact the Legal Department, the Firm's general counsel (the "General Counsel") or the Firm's chief compliance officer (the "Chief Compliance Officer"). <u>Do not</u> ask the name of the company that is the subject of the financing or agree to any confidentiality or standstill agreements. Otherwise, you may restrict trading in your and other portfolios and the Firm. Your email should include the contact information for the person who contacted you.

*What Are The Ramifications For Participating In A Rapid Fire Capital Infusion?*

Historically, the Firm's marketable securities strategies have not received material non-public information

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and have relied solely on public information. Some of the ramifications of your participating in a rapid fire capital infusion are:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Your accounts will be restricted for the company in question as soon as you learn about the name of the company, even if you decide not to participate. There is no ability to preview the names because just knowing about the potential transaction is in itself material non-public information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A restriction in a name could last for a period of time and that period cannot be predicted in advance. In many cases, it may be a fairly short period (a week or so).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You will need to be available or designate someone in your portfolio management group to be fully available at night and possibly over the weekend to consider the transaction(s).

If your group decides to participate in the offering, the Legal Department will work with your group to implement appropriate Information Barrier procedures with the goal of ensuring that others at the Firm who do not have the information will not be frozen in their trading securities of the issuer. The shares of the company at issue will be restricted in accounts managed by your group and possibly others at the Firm until after the terms of the financing (or other material non-public information) are publicly announced.

# Creditors' Committees
Members of the Firm may be asked to participate on a Creditors' Committee which is given access to inside information. Since this could affect the Firm's ability to trade in securities in the company, before agreeing to sit on any Creditors' Committee, contact the Administrator of the Code of Ethics who will obtain any necessary approvals and notify the Legal Department so that the appropriate safeguards and restrictions, such as placing the issuer on the Restricted Securities List, can be made.2

# Information about TCW Products
Employees could come into possession of inside information about the Firm's limited partnerships, trusts, ETFs, and mutual funds that is not generally known to their investors or the public. The following could be considered inside information:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Plans with respect to dividends, closing down a fund or changes in portfolio management personnel

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A large-scale buying or selling program or a sudden shift in allocation that was not generally known

Disclosing holdings of the TCW Registered Funds on a selective basis could also be viewed as an improper disclosure of non-public information and should not be done. The Firm currently discloses holdings of the TCW Registered Funds to the general public and investors through tcw.com on a monthly basis. This disclosure may occur on or prior to the 15th calendar day following the end of that month (or, if the 15th calendar day is not a business day, the next business day thereafter). Disclosure of these funds' holdings at other times, where a general disclosure has not yet been made through tcw.com, requires special confidentiality procedures and must be pre-cleared with the Legal Department (See the Marketing and Communications Policy for further information concerning portfolio holdings disclosure).

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In the event of inadvertent or unintentional disclosure of material non-public information, the person making the disclosure should immediately contact the Legal Department or General Counsel. The Legal Department should notify the Administrator of the Code of Ethics of this type of inside information so that appropriate restrictions can be put in place.

# "Big Boy" Letters
"Big Boy" letters are agreements between investors which address the frequent reality that, as experienced and sophisticated traders, one party to a transaction (usually the seller) has access to non-public information while the other does not, and yet both parties still want to proceed with the sale. In practice, such agreements take a variety of forms and terms vary. Most involve a representation by the buyer in a securities transaction that (a) the buyer is a sophisticated investor, (b) the buyer understands that the seller may possess material non-public information that will not be disclosed to the buyer, and (c) the buyer effectively waives any claim it may have under the federal securities laws, including Section 10(b) or Rule 10b-5 of the Exchange Act. No Firm personnel may effect a purchase or sale of an issuer's securities in reliance on a so-called "Big Boy" letter when that issuer appears on the Restricted Securities List, unless he or she obtains prior approval to do so from the Legal Department. The Legal Department must review the proposed terms and conditions of any "Big Boy" letter prior to its execution.

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# Contacts with Public Companies
Contacts with public companies are an important part of the Firm's research efforts coupled with publicly available information. Difficult legal issues arise when an employee becomes aware of material, non-public information through a company contact. This could happen, for example, if a company's Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results, or if an investor-relations representative makes a selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, the Firm must make a judgment regarding its further trading conduct.

If an issue arises in this area, a research analyst's notes could become subject to scrutiny. Research analyst's notes have become increasingly the target of plaintiffs' attorneys in securities class actions.

The SEC has declared publicly that they will take strict action against what they see as "selective disclosures" by corporate insiders to securities analysts, even when the corporate insider was getting no personal benefit and was trying to correct market misinformation. Analysts and portfolio managers who have private discussions with management of a company should be clear about whether they desire to obtain inside information and become restricted or not receive such information.

If an analyst or portfolio manager receives what he or she believes is inside information and if you feel you received it in violation of a corporate insider's fiduciary duty or for his or her personal benefit, you should not trade and should discuss the situation with the Legal Department.

# Value-Added Investors
TCW Private Funds may accept investments from so-called "value-added" investors. Although the term value- added investor is not defined in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or elsewhere, it is generally understood to refer to an investor who may provide some benefit to the adviser (such as industry expertise or access to individuals in the investor's network) beyond just the amount of their commitment. Examples of such investors may include, without limitation, executive-level officers or directors of a company or personnel who are affiliated with other investment advisers and/or private funds.

Due to the nature of their position, such investors may possess material nonpublic information. Therefore, employees of the Firm should always remain alert to the possibility that they could inadvertently come into possession of material, non-public information when communicating with such investors. Firm personnel should refrain from discussing potentially sensitive topics (e.g., specific information about the investor's employer) with a known value-added investor.

If there is any question as to whether information received from an investor could be material, non-public information, you are expected discuss it with the Legal Department immediately, and otherwise to act in accordance with the procedures in this Policy.

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# Expert Networks
The Firm may, from time to time, execute agreements with companies that provide access to a group of professionals, specialized information or research services ("Expert Networks"). In such circumstances, Expert Networks are engaged to provide authorized TCW employees with information that may be helpful in TCW understanding an industry, legislative initiatives, and many other important topical areas. However, TCW is mindful of the fact that Expert Networks present significant legal, compliance and regulatory risks concerning the receipt and transmission of materially non-public information.

Given this inherent risk, TCW requires that, in addition to the requisite approval from our vendor management team, the compliance policies of each Expert Network are reviewed and approved by the Firm's compliance department (the "Compliance Department") prior to entering into an agreement for services. In the course of the review, the Compliance Department may rely on certifications and affirmations made by the Expert Networks as to the underlying processes. Furthermore, the Firm requires that each employee who wishes to participate in an Expert Network read and confirm their understanding of the Firm Expert Network Guidelines, as well as complete an Insider Trading training module to ensure that they understand the Firm policies regarding material non-public information and insider trading. A TCW employee that participates in a meeting with an Expert Network, regardless of the medium through which the meeting is conducted (i.e. phone, video call, or any other means by which such meeting may occur), should be assigned the task of creating notes during or contemporaneously with the meeting ("Notes"). These Notes should be delivered to the Compliance Department within seven (7) days of the meeting. In conjunction with the appropriate departments, the Compliance Department will maintain a log of all Expert Network calls.

The Compliance Department may chaperone Expert Network calls on a sampling basis, or periodically sample and conduct a review of calls by inspecting the Notes, and/or any written or audio recording of the call that may be available. If, based upon this review, the Compliance Department determines that material non-public information may have been disclosed during a call, they will immediately notify the General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer. A review to determine if material non-public information was received, and any actions to be taken, will be conducted in accordance with TCW's policies and procedures regarding material non-public information. Additionally, the Compliance Department will sample personal trading activity by employees in the securities of publicly traded companies in similar industries as those discussed during the calls.

# Market Manipulation
*Overview*

It is essential that no personnel of the Firm engage in any activity the purpose of which is to interfere with the integrity of the marketplace. Among other things, intentionally manipulating the market, as discussed below, is a violation of the federal securities laws and of the Firm's policies and standards of conduct.

*Policies and Procedures*

Firm personnel may not engage in any deceptive practice intended to manipulate the market in an issuer's publicly traded securities. Examples of such practices are provided below under "Legal Background."

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*Legal Background*

The term "manipulation" generally refers to any intentional or deliberate act or practice in the marketplace that is intended to mislead investors by artificially controlling or affecting the price of a security traded in such marketplace. For example, manipulation may involve efforts to stimulate artificially the public demand for a stock or to create the false appearance of actual trading activity. Practices that may be intended to mislead investors by artificially affecting market activity and thus may constitute manipulative acts include, but are not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•portfolio pumping or painting the tape (submitting orders to purchase securities held by a TCW Registered Fund or other TCW client (each, a "TCW Client") near the close of trading on the last day of a period for which the TCW Client's performance will be reported (e.g., quarter-end));

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•window dressing (adding or eliminating securities holdings of a TCW Client on or around the date for which the TCW Client's holdings will be reported solely in order to make the TCW Client's holdings appear more favorable to the TCW Client's investors (e.g., by eliminating a poorly performing holding or acquiring a security that has performed well));

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•marking the close (executing securities transactions at or near the close with a purpose of inflating the day's price);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•wash sales (selling a security at a loss and purchasing the same or a substantially similar security soon afterwards);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•front running (transacting in a security for one's own account while taking advantage of advance knowledge of a TCW Client's pending transactions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•spreading rumors that can impact the market;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•disseminating false information into the marketplace that could reasonably be expected to cause the price of a security to increase or decrease;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•matched orders (buying a security with a low turnover and subsequently placing contemporaneous buy and sell orders for the security for substantially the same number of securities at substantially the same time and at substantially the same price, with the aim of conveying an appearance of renewed interest in the security);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•runs (also known as pumping and dumping);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•corners (obtaining sufficient control of a particular security or other asset in an attempt to manipulate the market price); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•abusive squeezes (control of a large and dominating security position in a market in order deliberately to increase the price of the security).

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The rules against market manipulation do not mean that merely trying to acquire or to dispose of stock for investment purposes and incidentally affecting the price is unlawful. It is permissible for trading to have a corollary effect upon the price of a security as an ancillary consequence of buying or selling that security, so long as the investor's purpose is not to create an artificial impression about the demand for, or supply of, the security. Further, certain of the practices described above may in certain instances be made in connection with legitimate business purposes and in such instances would not constitute market manipulation. Firm personnel with any questions whether any transaction may constitute market manipulation should contact the Legal Department immediately.

The SEC and the federal courts have emphasized that manipulation, in essence, interferes with the free forces of supply and demand, and, thus, the integrity of the market. As the SEC stated in a 1977 case:

Investors and prospective investors… are… entitled to assume that the prices that they pay and receive are determined by the unimpeded interaction of real supply and demand so that those prices are the collective marketplace judgments that they purport to be. Manipulations frustrate these expectations. They substitute fiction for fact…. The vice is that the market has been distorted and made into a stage-managed performance.

The most cited anti-manipulative provisions of the federal securities laws are Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. Section 10(b) makes it unlawful to use or employ, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security, any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in contravention of such rules and regulations as the SEC may prescribe. The various rules promulgated by the SEC under Section 10(b) define specific activities as manipulative or deceptive acts or practices. Rule 10b-5, however, sometimes referred toas the "anti-manipulation" rule, sets forth the general prohibition on fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative devices. The prohibitions against manipulative and deceptive acts under Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 apply to all securities, not just those registered on a national stock exchange. The SEC and the federal courts have established that pure manipulation – that is, merely undertaking acts to raise or lower the price of a security – constitutes a "manipulative or deceptive device" and a "scheme to defraud."

Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is also a general antifraud provision and applies to manipulation in the over-the-counter market. Section 17(a) proscribes material misrepresentations or omissions, any scheme, device or artifice to defraud, or any fraudulent or deceitful transaction, practice or course of business, in the offer or sale of securities.

Section 9(a) of the Exchange Act specifically prohibits various manipulative practices. For example, Section 9(a)(1) prohibits the use of "wash sales" and "matched orders" for the purpose of creating a false or misleading appearance of active trading in any security registered on a national exchange. Section 9(a)(2) prohibits manipulation of prices by any person, acting alone or with others, who for the purpose of inducing others to buy or sell a particular security, effects a series of transactions in the security which creates actual or apparent active trading in the security or causes a rise or decline in the price of the security. Section 9(a)(3) prevents brokers, dealers and others from circulating or disseminating information about a security to the effect that the price of the security will or is likely to rise or fall for the purpose of raising or lowering the price of the security.

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Rule 9j-1 under the Exchange Act prohibits fraud, manipulation, or deception in connection with transacting in security-based swaps. Examples of such prohibited conduct may include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•a credit default swap ("CDS") buyer working with a CDS reference entity (i.e., the issuer or group of issuers of whose default triggers payment on the CDS) to create an artificial, technical or temporary failure-to-pay event in order to trigger a payment on the CDS;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•causing a CDS reference entity to issue a below-market debt instrument in order to artificially increase the auction settlement price for the CDS;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•endeavoring to influence the timing of a credit event to either ensure or avoid payment on a CDS;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•restructuring CDS reference entities to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of a credit event; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•taking actions to increase (or decrease) the supply of deliverable obligations with respect to a CDS, thereby increasing (or decreasing) the likelihood of a credit event and the cost of CDS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Engaging in wash trades to artificially inflate the price of an equity security in order to benefit from the manipulated price by way of an existing total return swap ("TRS") position.

Rule 10b-21 under the Exchange Act makes it unlawful to submit an order to sell a security if the person submitting the order deceives a broker-dealer, a participant of a registered clearing agency or a purchaser regarding his or her intention or ability to deliver the security by the settlement date and to then fail to deliver the security by the settlement date. Among other things, Rule 10b-21 targets short sellers who deceive broker-dealers about their source of borrowable shares for purposes of complying with the "locate" requirement of Rule 203(b)(1) of Regulation SHO. Rule 10b-21 also applies to sellers who misrepresent to their broker- dealers that they own the shares being sold.

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## Exhibit 21.1

**Exhibit 21.1** 

**Subsidiaries of TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name**<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Jurisdiction**<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TCW DL VIII Financing LLC | Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TCW DL HDR LLC | Delaware  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TCW DL CL LLC | Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TCW Specialty Lending LLC  | Delaware |

---

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## Exhibit 31.1

## Exhibit 31.1
**<u>PRESIDENT CERTIFICATION</u>**

I, Richard T. Miller, certify that:

(1)I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC;

(2)Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

(5)The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | /s/ Richard T. Miller |
|  |  | Richard T. Miller |
|  |  | President |
|  |  | (Principal Executive Officer) |

---

------

## Exhibit 31.2

## Exhibit 31.2
**<u>CFO CERTIFICATION</u>**

I, Andrew J. Kim, certify that:

(1)I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC;

(2)Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

(5)The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: March 26, 2026 | By: | /s/ Andrew J. Kim |
|  |  | Andrew J. Kim |
|  |  | Chief Financial Officer |
|  |  | (Principal Financial Officer) |

---

------

## Exhibit 32.1

**Exhibit 32.1**

**Certification of President Pursuant to**

**Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)**

In connection with the annual report on Form 10-K of TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC (the "Company") for the period ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Richard T. Miller, as President of the Company certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer's knowledge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| /s/ Richard T. Miller | /s/ Richard T. Miller |
| Name: | Richard T. Miller |
| Title: | President |
| Date: | March 26, 2026 |

---

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

------

## Exhibit 32.2

**Exhibit 32.2**

**Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to**

**Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)**

In connection with the annual report on Form 10-K of TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC (the "Company") for the period ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Andrew J. Kim, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer's knowledge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| /s/ Andrew J. Kim | /s/ Andrew J. Kim |
| Name:  | Andrew J. Kim |
| Title:  | Chief Financial Officer |
| Date:  | March 26, 2026 |

---

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

------