SCHEDULE: Castle Creek Reduces CF Bankshares Stake to 9.9%

Sentiment:

Beneficial Ownership Amendment


Castle Creek Capital Partners VII, LP has reduced its beneficial ownership in CF Bankshares Inc. to 9.9% through recent open-market sales.

Worse than expectedCastle Creek Capital Partners VII, LP, a major institutional investor, has reduced its beneficial ownership in CF Bankshares Inc. from a previously higher stake.The sale of 72,247 shares in open-market transactions suggests a reduction in conviction or a strategic portfolio rebalancing by the investor, which can be interpreted negatively by the market.The weighted average sale prices generally declined over the period of sales (from $24.93 on August 14 to $24.53 on August 22, with a low of $24.31), which could indicate selling into a weakening price or a willingness to accept lower prices to exit.

Summary

  • Castle Creek Capital Partners VII, LP (Fund VII) sold an aggregate of 72,247 shares of CF Bankshares Inc. Voting Common Stock.
  • The sales occurred between August 14, 2025, and August 22, 2025, generating net proceeds of $1,773,909.32 after commissions and fees.
  • Following these transactions, Fund VII directly owns 375,325 shares of Voting Common Stock.
  • Fund VII's total beneficial ownership, including convertible Non-Voting Common Stock up to the Ownership Cap, is 592,998 shares, representing approximately 9.9% of the Voting Common Stock.
  • The 9.9% calculation is based on 5,989,880 shares of Voting Common Stock outstanding, which includes 5,772,207 shares reported as of August 4, 2025, plus 217,673 shares convertible by Fund VII.
  • 380,927 shares of Non-Voting Common Stock are excluded from beneficial ownership as they cannot be converted within 60 days due to the Ownership Cap.

Sentiment

Score: 4

Explanation: The reduction in beneficial ownership by a significant institutional investor, Castle Creek Capital Partners VII, LP, could be interpreted as a slightly negative signal for CF Bankshares Inc. While it may be part of the investor's portfolio rebalancing, it suggests a decreased conviction in the company's near-term prospects or a desire to realize gains.

Negatives

  • A significant shareholder, Castle Creek Capital Partners VII, LP, has reduced its stake in CF Bankshares Inc. by selling 72,247 shares.
  • The reduction in ownership from a major institutional investor could be perceived negatively by the market, potentially signaling a lack of confidence or a strategic shift by the investor.

Risks

  • The 'Ownership Cap' limits the number of shares of Voting Common Stock that Fund VII and its affiliates can acquire upon conversion of Non-Voting Common Stock, potentially restricting their influence or ability to fully convert their holdings.

Future Outlook

N/A

Industry Context

This filing details a significant institutional investor's adjustment to its equity stake in a regional bank, which is a common occurrence in the financial sector as investors rebalance portfolios or realize gains. It does not inherently reflect broader industry trends beyond typical investment activity.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders: May react negatively to a significant institutional investor reducing its stake, potentially leading to downward pressure on the stock price.
  • Company Management: Could face questions regarding the reasons for the investor's reduced position and its implications for future capital allocation or strategic direction.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2019-12-24Original Schedule 13D filed.
2020-03-31Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D filed.
2020-06-01Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13D filed.
2024-11-26Amendment No. 3 to Schedule 13D filed.
2024-12-03Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D filed.
2024-12-12Amendment No. 5 to Schedule 13D filed.
2025-05-14Amendment No. 6 to Schedule 13D filed.
2025-05-22Amendment No. 7 to Schedule 13D filed.
2025-07-03Amendment No. 8 to Schedule 13D filed.
2025-07-10Amendment No. 9 to Schedule 13D filed.
2025-07-23Amendment No. 10 to Schedule 13D filed.
2025-08-045,772,207 shares of Voting Common Stock outstanding as reported in Company's Form 10-Q.
2025-08-08Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC.
2025-08-14Start date of share sales by Fund VII; 8,311 shares sold at a weighted average price of $24.93 per share.
2025-08-15Amendment No. 11 to Schedule 13D filed; 5,908 shares sold by Fund VII at a weighted average price of $24.76 per share.
2025-08-189,671 shares sold by Fund VII at a weighted average price of $24.66 per share.
2025-08-195,011 shares sold by Fund VII at a weighted average price of $24.58 per share.
2025-08-205,233 shares sold by Fund VII at a weighted average price of $24.36 per share.
2025-08-216,497 shares sold by Fund VII at a weighted average price of $24.31 per share.
2025-08-22End date of share sales by Fund VII; 31,616 shares sold at a weighted average price of $24.53 per share. Date of event requiring filing of this statement.
2025-08-26Signature date for Tony Scavuzzo, Managing Principal of Castle Creek Capital Partners VII, LP and Castle Creek Capital VII LLC.

Recommendation

hold

While a significant investor reducing their stake can be a negative signal, this filing alone does not provide enough fundamental information about CF Bankshares Inc. to warrant a 'sell' recommendation. It primarily reflects an investor's portfolio adjustment. A 'hold' recommendation is appropriate, suggesting investors monitor future company performance and further investor activity before making a definitive buy or sell decision.

Keywords

CF Bankshares Inc., Castle Creek Capital Partners VII LP, Schedule 13D/A, Beneficial Ownership, Common Stock, Share Sale, Institutional Investor, Banking Sector, Financial Services, Equity Stake

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