Creative Media (CMCT) seeks charter amendment for flexible reverse stock split to meet Nasdaq bid rule
Creative Media & Community Trust Corporation (CMCT) is soliciting stockholder approval at a virtual special meeting on September 23, 2025 to amend its charter to permit, at the Board's discretion, a reverse stock split of common stock at a ratio of 1:4, 1:7 or 1:10 any time before September 23, 2026. The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR each proposal.
The company says the proposals are intended to lift its per-share bid price to remain in compliance with Nasdaq's $1.00 minimum bid rule after sustained downward pressure on the common share price tied to significant issuance of common shares to satisfy redemptions of preferred stock under a VWAP-based formula. If not approved, CMCT warns of possible Nasdaq delisting and transfer to less liquid markets, reduced analyst coverage, and constraints on financing and redemptions. The record date for voting is August 26, 2025, and proxies may be submitted online, by phone or mail.
Positive
- Board unanimously recommends approval of each reverse-split proposal, signaling unified governance support
- Multiple ratio options (1:4, 1:7, 1:10) give the Board flexibility to respond to prevailing market conditions
- Clear disclosure of the Nasdaq minimum bid issue and the role of preferred-stock redemptions in downward price pressure
Negative
- Significant issuance of common shares to satisfy preferred-stock redemptions has pressured the bid price and may continue to do so
- No assurance that any reverse split will result in sustained compliance with Nasdaq or increase market capitalization
- Potential reduced liquidity and increased transaction costs for holders after a reverse split and possible perception of anti-takeover effects
Insights
TL;DR: Company seeks flexible reverse-split authority (1:4,1:7,1:10) to address Nasdaq sub-$1 bid risk driven by preferred-stock redemptions paid in common stock.
The proposals are a common defensive/corrective measure to try to restore compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid requirement. The Board's ability to choose among three exchange ratios gives operational flexibility to react to market conditions without reconvening shareholders. Material drivers disclosed include substantial issuance of common shares to satisfy preferred redemptions under a 20-day VWAP formula, which the company identifies as a primary source of downward price pressure. The company discloses prior voting history: equivalent proposals previously received over 82% of votes cast but failed to reach a majority of all votes entitled to be cast, explaining the need for a re-solicitation and adjournment proposal. The filing appropriately describes implementation mechanics, fractional-share cash-out treatment, tax considerations and Nasdaq listing implications.
TL;DR: The charter amendments provide broad Board discretion and increase authorized-but-unissued relative supply; this raises governance and dilution considerations.
Allowing the Board to elect among multiple split ratios without a subsequent shareholder vote grants agility but also preserves a materially larger pool of authorized unissued shares post-split, which could be used for financings or other issuances without further stockholder approval. The proxy acknowledges potential anti-takeover perceptions and dilution effects. The disclosure is transparent about risks, lack of appraisal rights, and the contingency that implementing a split may not achieve sustained compliance with Nasdaq rules.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 700
Dallas, Texas 75225
Chief Executive Officer
[•], 2025
| | TIME: | | | 9:00 a.m., Pacific Time | |
| | DATE: | | | September 23, 2025 | |
| | PLACE: | | | The special meeting (the “Special Meeting”) of the stockholders of Creative Media & Community Trust Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), will be held by means of remote communication via a live webcast accessible at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMCT2025SM2. You can attend the Special Meeting online and vote your shares during the online meeting. You will also be able to participate in the Special Meeting on the day of the meeting by joining the Special Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CMCT2025SM2 and entering your 16 digit control number. Electronic entry to the Special Meeting will begin 15 minutes prior to the Special Meeting at 8:45 a.m., Pacific Time, on the day of the meeting. Please have your 16 digit control available, which is found on your proxy card or voting instruction form. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the virtual meeting page. | |
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
Stockholder Matters
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Common Stock
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David Thompson
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| | | | [102] | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
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Barry N. Berlin
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| | | | [113] | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
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Richard Ressler
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| | | | [49,908](1)(2) | | | | | | [6.3]% | | | | | | [568,681] | | | | | | [14.1]% | | | | | | [36,663] | | | | | | [0.4]% | | |
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Avraham Shemesh
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| | | | [49,593](1)(3) | | | | | | [6.3]% | | | | | | [568,681] | | | | | | [14.1]% | | | | | | [36,663] | | | | | | [0.4]% | | |
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Shaul Kuba
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| | | | [49,953](1)(3) | | | | | | [6.3]% | | | | | | [568,681] | | | | | | [14.1]% | | | | | | [36,663] | | | | | | [0.4]% | | |
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Douglas Bech
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| | | | [8,993] | | | | | | [1.1]% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
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Marcie Edwards
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| | | | [8,877] | | | | | | [1.1]% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
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John Hope Bryant
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| | | | [8,819] | | | | | | [1.1]% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
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Elaine Wong
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| | | | [8,850] | | | | | | [1.1]% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
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Directors and Executive Officers as a group (9 persons)
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| | | | [86,032] | | | | | | [10.9]% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | |
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Richard Ressler(1)
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| | | | [49,908](2) | | | | | | [6.3]% | | | | | | [568,681] | | | | | | [14.1]% | | | | | | [36,663] | | | | | | [0.4]% | | |
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Avraham Shemesh(1)
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| | | | [49,593](3) | | | | | | [6.3]% | | | | | | [568,681] | | | | | | [14.1]% | | | | | | [36,663] | | | | | | [0.4]% | | |
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Shaul Kuba(1)
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| | | | [49,593](3) | | | | | | [6.3]% | | | | | | [568,681] | | | | | | [14.1]% | | | | | | [36,663] | | | | | | [0.4]% | | |
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FAQ
What is CMCT asking shareholders to approve?
Why does CMCT propose a reverse stock split?
When and how will the special meeting be held?
What happens if the proposals are not approved?
How will fractional shares be handled if a reverse split is implemented?