Brings Over 25 Years of Experience Transforming Organizations for Rapid GrowthLOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Creative Realities, Inc. (“Creative Realities,” “CRI,” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CREX), a leading provider of digital signage, media and AdTech solutions, today announced that it has hired Dan McAllister as Chief Revenue Officer (“CRO”) effective November 17, 2025. Mr. McAllister is a veteran revenue and transformation leader with more than 25 years of experience driving growth a ...

Core Insights - Creative Realities, Inc. has won the 2025 Digital Signage Experience (DIZZIE) Award in the Venues category for its Digital Transformation project at Rogers Arena, highlighting its innovative approach to enhancing the live venue experience through integrated digital design and fan engagement [1][4] Company Achievements - The award recognizes the collaboration between Creative Realities and Canucks Sports & Entertainment, which resulted in a large-scale digital transformation that improves fan experience, operational efficiency, and revenue generation [1][4] - This marks Creative Realities' first DIZZIE Award in the Venues category and its first large-scale deployment in a Canadian venue, indicating the company's expanding international presence in the sports and entertainment sector [4] Technological Innovations - The digital modernization at Rogers Arena included the installation of over 900 IPTV and digital signage endpoints, utilizing Creative Realities' Clarity™ Digital Menu Board software for real-time content delivery and synchronized fan experiences [2][3] - Key innovations featured in the project include "Moments of Exclusivity" that synchronize screens during significant events, POS-integrated digital menu boards for instant pricing updates, and a hospitality-driven content strategy that enhances the overall fan experience [7] Industry Recognition - The DIZZIE Awards, presented annually by the Digital Signage Experience (DSE) and Questex, honor excellence in digital signage, recognizing installations that combine creativity, innovation, and measurable results across various sectors [3]

Group 1: Cenovus and MEG Offer - Cenovus has made an offer valuing MEG at $8.6 billion, which includes assumed debt, structured as half cash and half stock [1] - MEG shareholders are scheduled to vote on the proposal on October 22 [1] - Both companies have neighboring oilsands properties located at Christina Lake, south of Fort McMurray, Alberta [1] Group 2: Parkland and Sunoco Deal - Sunoco LP's proposed acquisition of Parkland Corp. has received approval under the Investment Canada Act, marking a significant regulatory milestone [2] - The deal, valued at US$9.1 billion including assumed debt, was announced in May following a proxy battle with investors dissatisfied with Parkland's performance [4] - Parkland operates various gas station chains and a refinery in Burnaby, B.C., supplying nearly one-third of the region's gasoline and jet fuel [5] Group 3: Regulatory and Market Context - The Parkland-Sunoco deal comes amid heightened Canada-U.S. relations and increased resource nationalism, particularly in light of U.S. tariffs [3] - The Canadian government has updated national security guidelines to assess foreign investments based on their potential impact on economic security [3] - The deal has cleared a U.S. antitrust hurdle, with shareholders approving the takeover in June [6] Group 4: Cineplex Digital Media Sale - Cineplex Inc. has agreed to sell its Cineplex Digital Media subsidiary to Creative Realities Inc. for $70 million [8] - The sale is expected to provide Cineplex with significant capital to enhance shareholder value, with proceeds aimed at strengthening the balance sheet and funding share buybacks and debt reduction [9] - The transaction is anticipated to close in the coming weeks, pending regulatory approvals [9]

Summary of Creative Realities (NasdaqCM:CREX) M&A Announcement Company and Industry - **Company**: Creative Realities, Inc. (CRI) - **Industry**: Digital Media and Advertising, specifically focusing on digital signage and retail media networks Key Points and Arguments Acquisition Overview - CRI announced the acquisition of Cineplex Digital Media (CDM) to enhance its scale and market presence [2][3] - The acquisition is expected to double CRI's revenue from $50 million to $100 million, creating one of the largest North American digital media companies [2][3] Rationale for Acquisition - **Scale**: The acquisition significantly increases CRI's operational scale, which is crucial in the digital media industry [3][4] - **Market Expansion**: It expands CRI's total addressable market, particularly in the lottery vertical and media revenue generation [4] - **Cost Synergies**: Identified cost synergies of approximately $10 million, including personnel and support structure optimizations [4][12] Financial Details - The purchase price for CDM is approximately $50 million, financed through $48.5 million in bank debt and $30 million in convertible preferred equity [9][10] - The acquisition is expected to add $18 million in day-one SaaS revenue and $20 million in media revenue [10][13] - By the end of 2025, CRI anticipates reaching about $46 million in recurring revenue [13] Growth Projections - Revenue is projected to exceed $100 million in 2026, with adjusted EBITDA margins expected to exceed 20% after realizing synergies [14][15] - The acquisition is expected to generate significant free cash flow [15] Strategic Benefits - The acquisition strengthens CRI's leadership in digital signage and ad tech, enhancing its capabilities in retail media networks and lottery [10][11] - CRI now owns the largest mall digital out-of-home network in Canada, which is expected to grow [11] - The addition of CDM's capabilities allows CRI to pursue larger deals and enhance credibility with enterprise clients [17][18] Market Opportunities - CRI sees significant opportunities in the U.S. lottery market, with several upcoming RFPs expected to be released [19][20] - The company plans to leverage its existing relationships with major Canadian retailers and financial institutions to expand its market presence [19][20] Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape in the lottery market is favorable for CRI, as it aims to capitalize on the North Carolina Lottery contract as a reference point [24][25] - CRI's existing expertise in retail media networks is expected to enhance its competitive position in both Canada and the U.S. [54][56] Operational Insights - The integration of CDM is expected to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery through CRI's existing infrastructure [12][13] - The transition of support services from outsourced to in-house is anticipated to reduce operational costs significantly [12][13] Additional Important Information - The acquisition is currently under review by the Competition Bureau in Canada, which may affect the closing timeline [42][45] - The existing credit facility of $21 million was paid off as part of the financing for the acquisition [29][30] - The Stellantis contract, which generated approximately $2.4 million annually, is being phased out due to budget constraints in the U.S. [31][32] This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of the acquisition announcement and the strategic direction of Creative Realities following the merger with Cineplex Digital Media.

DALLAS & ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Glass-Media, the leading provider of purpose-built, highly configurable digital signage solutions, today announced the launch of its new FiberCraftâ"¢ line of sustainable visual-digital solutions in partnership with Samsung Electronics America. The collaboration brings Samsung's customers a first-of-its-kind signage solution, powered by Samsung's cloud- native Visual eXperience Transformation (VXT) platform. Combining rapid customization, modular d. ...

Core Insights - Creative Realities, Inc. has been named a finalist in the Venues category of the 2025 Digital Signage Experience Awards for its project at Rogers Arena, which enhanced fan engagement and operational efficiency while creating new revenue streams through advanced digital signage [1][4] Company Overview - Creative Realities, Inc. specializes in digital signage and media solutions, offering platforms such as Clarity™, ReflectView™, and iShowroom™ for enterprise-level networks [5] - The company provides recurring SaaS and support services across various sectors, including retail, automotive, digital-out-of-home advertising, and stadium venues [5] - Creative Realities assists clients in leveraging place-based digital media to achieve business goals like increased revenue and improved customer experiences [5] Project Details - The project at Rogers Arena involved significant upgrades, including cabling and infrastructure enhancements for over 900 IPTV endpoints and digital signage displays [3] - High-definition displays were installed in various locations, including concourses, suites, food courts, retail outlets, and premium clubs [3] - The Clarity™ Digital Menu Board software is utilized for real-time promotions on these displays, integrated with a third-party IPTV and Digital Signage platform managed by Creative Realities [3] Industry Recognition - The DIZZIE awards highlight the most innovative digital signage installations globally, with this year's competition featuring numerous entries from top systems integrators and software providers [2] - Finalists are selected by an independent panel based on creativity, technical excellence, and measurable business impact [2]

Company Overview - ZetaDisplay AB is a leading European corporation in the digital signage market, founded in 2003 in Sweden [3] - The company operates in eight European countries and the US, with over 125,000 active installations in more than 50 countries [3] - ZetaDisplay has a turnover exceeding SEK 600 million and employs approximately 250 staff members [4] Industry Position - ZetaDisplay is recognized as a pioneer in digital signage, providing innovative solutions and consulting services that influence millions of people daily across various environments [3] - The company is a preferred business partner for many respected blue-chip brands globally [3] Financial Reporting - The Q2 Interim report for April to June 2025 has been published, with full details available on the investor relations website [1][2] - The report was made public in compliance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation [2]

Core Viewpoint - ZetaDisplay AB announces the resignation of CEO Anders Olin and the appointment of Daniel Nergard as the new CEO, effective October 1 [1][3]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Anders Olin has served as CEO for nearly two years, during which he has made significant contributions to the company's operations and growth [2]. - Under Olin's leadership, ZetaDisplay expanded into the UK market through an acquisition, professionalized operations, and fostered organizational unity [2]. - Daniel Nergard, with over 20 years of experience in the global enterprise software sector, will take over as CEO, bringing a focus on customer-centric product development [4]. Group 2: Company Overview - ZetaDisplay, founded in 2003 in Sweden, is a leading player in the digital signage market, with operations in eight European countries and the US [6][8]. - The company has a turnover exceeding SEK 600 million and employs approximately 250 staff members [8]. - ZetaDisplay boasts over 125,000 active installations across more than 50 countries, serving many respected blue-chip brands [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $13 million for Q2 2025, a 34% increase compared to Q1 and roughly flat year-over-year [6] - Gross profit was $5 million in Q2 2025, down from $6.8 million in Q2 2024, with a gross margin of 39% compared to 52% in the prior year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA rose to $1.2 million for Q2 2025 from $500,000 in Q1, but was down slightly from $1.5 million in the previous year [8] - The annual recurring revenue (ARR) run rate was $18.1 million at the end of Q2 2025, up from $17.3 million at the end of Q1 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a shift in revenue mix towards more hardware sales, impacting profitability due to fewer service revenues [7] - The company is focusing on four primary vertical markets: Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Convenience Stores (C store), Retail, and Sports & Entertainment [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company announced a significant engagement with a well-known upscale quick service restaurant chain with over 1,000 locations, currently in pilot program [10] - The retail media network business is expected to grow revenue and recurring SaaS in 2026 and beyond, with over 25 million ads delivered daily [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to improve drive-thru performance in the QSR vertical, with a new digital display solution priced at $14,999, which is 20% lower than competitors [18] - The company is also expanding its presence in the C store vertical, with plans from a long-time customer, 7-Eleven, to open 1,100 new restaurants [19] - The company is focused on digital transformation and expects to see significant growth in the live venue IPTV market [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in revenue acceleration in the second half of the year, driven by a backlog of installations and new customer engagements [13][30] - The management noted that the transition to digital solutions is creating pressure on businesses, particularly in the QSR sector [34] Other Important Information - The company achieved SOC 2 Type 2 certification, enhancing its credibility with enterprise customers [23] - The company reduced approximately $3.1 million in debt during the quarter, reflecting improved cash flow management [8][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the progression of deals in the pipeline - Management indicated that deals are moving forward slowly but expects announcements in the calendar year [28] Question: Confidence in revenue and profitability acceleration - Confidence stems from a backlog of installations and new customer engagements, with significant deployments expected soon [30] Question: Pressure on businesses to modernize technology - The most pressure is seen in the QSR drive-thru sector, where digital solutions can significantly improve efficiency [34] Question: Impact of pre-buys of screens on hardware side - Pre-buys may create some pressure on hardware revenue but will lead to increased service revenue in subsequent quarters [52] Question: Updates on 7-Eleven deployments - The company expects to service 1,100 new restaurants and 1,300 enhanced stores over the next five years [55] Question: Importance of Circle K project in Mexico - The Circle K project is a proof of concept, with potential for future deployments in Latin America [67] Question: Acquisition strategy update - The company remains interested in acquisitions but is focused on finding the right fit [72] Question: Expectations for debt reduction - Future debt reduction will depend on cash generation and working capital needs, with no drastic reductions expected [74] Question: Competitors' SOC 2 compliance status - The top competitors have achieved SOC 2 compliance, while many smaller companies have not [80] Question: Breakeven quarter expectations - Management anticipates reaching breakeven as they exit the year, driven by revenue growth and operational efficiency [82]

Core Viewpoint - Creative Realities, Inc. reported a revenue growth of 34% sequentially in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, with expectations for stronger performance in the second half of the year, aiming for record results in 2025 [3][4]. Financial Performance - Sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 were $13.0 million, slightly down from $13.1 million in the same period of fiscal 2024 [4][8]. - Hardware revenue increased to $7.1 million from $5.0 million year-over-year, driven by demand from quick-serve restaurants and sports/entertainment sectors [4][8]. - Service revenue decreased to $6.0 million from $8.1 million, attributed to a reduction in SaaS subscriptions and the exit from media sales [4][5]. Profitability Metrics - Consolidated gross profit was $5.0 million, down from $6.8 million in the prior-year period, with a gross margin of 38.5% compared to 51.8% [5][8]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $1.2 million, down from $1.5 million in the prior-year period [9][8]. Operating Expenses - Sales and marketing expenses decreased to $1.2 million from $1.7 million, while general and administrative expenses rose to $5.2 million from $4.5 million [6][8]. - The company reported an operating loss of approximately $1.3 million, compared to an operating profit of $0.6 million in the same quarter of the previous year [7][8]. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of June 30, 2025, the company had cash on hand of approximately $0.6 million, down from $1.0 million at the end of 2024, with outstanding debt increasing to $20.1 million from $13.0 million [10][8]. - The trailing twelve-month gross and net leverage ratios were 4.53x and 4.40x, respectively, compared to 2.59x and 2.39x at the beginning of 2025 [10][8]. Annual Recurring Revenue - The company ended the second quarter with an annual recurring revenue (ARR) run-rate of approximately $18.1 million, up from $17.3 million as of March 31, 2025 [5][8].