UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

☐For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2026

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 000-56817

TCW SPECIALTY LENDING LLC

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (617) 936-2275

Not applicable

Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, If Changed Since Last Report.

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

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, a 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.

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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of March 31, 2026, there was no established public market for the Registrant’s common units. The number of the Registrant’s common units outstanding at May 13, 2026 was 6,435,400.

TCW SPECIALTY LENDING LLC

FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED March 31, 2026

Table of Contents

TCW SPECIALTY LENDING LLC

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

March 31, 2026

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

TCW SPECIALTY LENDING LLC

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Capital (Unaudited)

March 31, 2026

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

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q. Some of the statements in this report (including in the following discussion) constitute forward- looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which relate to future events or future performance or financial condition of TCW Specialty Lending LLC. For simplicity, this report uses the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” to refer to TCW Specialty Lending LLC.

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 the forward-looking statements including, without limitation:

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 an investment company.

Overview

We were formed on April 14, 2025 as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware and operate pursuant to a limited liability company agreement dated August 12, 2025, which we expect to be amended and restated in connection with the closing of the Exchange Offer (as defined below) (as so amended and restated, the “LLC Agreement”). On August 12, 2025, we changed our name from “TCW Direct Lending VIII Perpetual BDC LLC” to “TCW Specialty Lending LLC.” We expect to conduct a private offering of our 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 anticipate commencing our loan origination and investment activities on the date we issue Units to persons not affiliated with the Adviser, which we refer to as the “Initial Closing Date.” TCW Direct Lending VIII LLC (“DL VIII”), the Company and the Adviser submitted their amended and restated application to the SEC for an order exempting DL VIII, the Company and the Adviser from certain provisions of the 1940 Act (the “Split Off Exemptive Relief Application”) to the extent necessary to permit the completion of the Exchange Offer. DL VIII, the Company and the Adviser obtained relief from the SEC (the “Split-Off Exemptive Order”), which will grant the requested exemptions described in the Split-Off Exemptive Relief Application and is necessary for the completion of the Exchange Offer.

On January 14, 2026, we and DL VIII commenced an offer to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) the outstanding common limited liability units of DL VIII (the “DL VIII Units”) for our Units. The Exchange Offer expired on March 20, 2026.

Prior to or at the time of the completion of the Exchange Offer, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, DL VIII and the Company have taken, or will take, the steps described below (such steps, the “Other Exchange Steps”) in addition to the filing of a registration statement with the SEC:

The completion of the Exchange Offer, together with the Other Exchange Steps, is referred to as the “Exchange.” Immediately after the completion of the Exchange, remaining unitholders of DL VIII and Company Unitholders will beneficially own the same percentage of underlying assets and liabilities in the aggregate as beneficially owned by Unitholders immediately prior to the completion of the Exchange. Following the Exchange, the Company will no longer be a subsidiary of DL VIII.

We are an externally managed, management investment company, that intends to file 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 regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. As a BDC and a RIC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements.

As of March 31, 2026, we were in the development stage and have not commenced investment operations. Since inception, there has been no activity. DL VIII, an affiliate of the TCW Group, Inc. has contributed an initial $1,000 capital contribution to us in exchange for 10 Units. As of March 31, 2026, our efforts have been limited to organizational activities. We will not bear more than an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate capital commitments to the Company through the Units (the “Commitments”) of the Company for organization and offering expenses in connection with the offering of the Units through the Closing Period. If the initial offering is not successful, the Company’s adviser or its affiliates will incur such costs. As there has been no formal commitment of external capital as of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, no such costs have been recorded by us.

We commenced operations during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, but we did not have any investment or cash activity during the period from March 2, 2026 (Inception) to March 31, 2026.

On January 5, 2026 we formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, TCW SL Financing LLC, a single member Delaware limited liability company, in order to undertake financing activities on our behalf.

Revenues

We plan to 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 North America. Our highly negotiated private investments may 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 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 will be primarily focused on investing in senior secured debt obligations, although there may be occasions where the investment may be unsecured. We will 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 will be 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 will invest primarily in North American companies, there may be certain instances where we will 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. Subject to the Company Expenses Limitation (as defined below), we, and indirectly our Unitholders, bear and are responsible for all costs, expenses, and liabilities in connection with the organization, operations, administration and transactions of the Company (“Company Expenses”). Company Expenses 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 DL VIII and issuance of interests therein; (b) expenses of calculating the Company’s NAV (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 (including expenses of senior advisors, industry experts, operating partners and other similar professionals; provided that only the allocable portion of the total fees, costs and expenses associated with such personnel attributable to their work relating to us will be treated as a Company Expense); (e) costs associated with the Company’s reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act, Exchange 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 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, as well as compensation of investor relations professionals responsible for the coordination and administration of the foregoing; (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 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 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 the Company 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 the Company 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 the Company or the Administrator in connection with administering the Company’s business.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not bear more than (a) an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate Commitments to the Company for organizational expenses and offering expenses in connection with the offering of Units 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 the Company 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 the Company’s NAV (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm engaged for that purpose and the costs and expenses of the valuation of the 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 we carry forward 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.

We are permitted to enter into a credit facility. In connection with borrowings, our lenders may require us to pledge assets, Commitments and/or the right to draw down on Commitments. In this regard, each subscription agreement entered into with each tendering unitholder pursuant to the Exchange Offer 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 during the same period in which an initial capital is made. We will not bear more than an amount equal to 10 basis points of the aggregate capital commitments to the Company through the Units (the “Commitments”) of the Company for organization and offering costs in connection with the offering of the Units through the Closing Period. As of March 31, 2026, we have not incurred any organizational costs.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2026, we are in the development stage and have not commenced investment operations.

We expect to 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. We will seek to enter into any bank debt, credit facility or other financing arrangements on at least customary market terms.

Our primary use of cash is expected to be 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.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. We plan to invest primarily in illiquid debt securities of private companies. Most of our investments will not have a readily available market price, and we will value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors in accordance with our valuation policy. 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. As of March 31, 2026, we have not commenced investment activity and there has been no lending or borrowing activity since inception.

ITEM 4. 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). Based on that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

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.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. 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 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Amended Registration Statement on Form 10-12G/A that we filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Sales of unregistered securities

On March 2, 2026, we issued and sold 10 Units at an aggregate purchase price of $1,000 to DL VIII. 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.

Issuer purchases of equity securities

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit Index

* Filed herewith

Pursuant to the requirements 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.