Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $9.7 million for Q1 2025, down from $12.3 million in Q1 2024, attributed to installation timing on several large projects [5][6] - Gross profit decreased to $4.5 million from $5.8 million year-over-year, with a gross margin of 46%, consistent with the prior year [6] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) increased to a run rate of $17.3 million at the end of the quarter, up from $16.8 million at the start of 2025 [6] - Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at $500,000, with SG&A expenses down 11% to $5.2 million compared to $5.8 million in Q1 2024 [7] - Total debt rose to approximately $23.2 million, primarily due to the settlement of a contingent liability, while cash on hand increased to $1.1 million from $1 million at the end of 2024 [9][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on a significant project with a well-known upscale quick service restaurant chain, which is expected to enhance its digital transformation strategy [10][11] - The BCTV project is progressing, with over 300 site installations completed and plans for an additional 200 sites in Q3, potentially generating $3 million in revenue [19][20] - The DigiPoint Media Network is set to deploy approximately 2,000 sites, expected to generate over $4 million in hardware and installation revenue [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sports and entertainment vertical shows a high appetite for spending, with multiple proof of concepts (POCs) underway, including three MLB projects [18][19] - The company is engaged in discussions for potential projects in Mexico, indicating a positive outlook for revenue growth in 2026 [61] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize its capital structure and manage debt while pursuing commercial growth opportunities [10][12] - The introduction of the AdLogic CPM platform is expected to enhance revenue potential, with significant interest from large retail customers [13][33] - The company is focused on enhancing its technology and operational capabilities to support anticipated growth in the second half of the year [22][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in revenue acceleration beginning in Q2 and throughout the second half of the year, with expectations for adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue to rise to 15% by year-end [12][14] - The company remains optimistic about its pipeline of opportunities, despite global trade uncertainties not significantly impacting current projects [28][29] Other Important Information - The company achieved SOC 2 Type 1 compliance and expects to achieve Type 2 compliance by year-end, enhancing its credibility with enterprise customers [21] - The company has revamped its operations and warehouse facilities to increase capacity for processing orders and projects [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for screen installs related to the large QSR win - Management expects to begin installations at 20 locations or more per month by the end of Q3, with 600 out of 1,000 locations expressing interest in converting to digital [25][26] Question: Details on delays in the first quarter - Delays were due to three separate projects, not a broad-based issue, and management has seen a reversal in the second quarter [27] Question: Pipeline of large procurements and impact of global trade uncertainty - Management remains optimistic about the quality and size of top opportunities, with no current projects on hold due to tariffs [28][29] Question: Demand for the ad tech solution and its impact - The ad tech market is in early stages, with significant interest from large retail customers, indicating potential revenue growth in 2026 and 2027 [31][33] Question: Insights on the sports and entertainment vertical - The vertical has a high appetite for spending, with many customers looking to upgrade facilities to enhance fan experiences [53][54] Question: Update on the DigiPoint Media Network - The network will utilize the company's entire tech stack, expected to generate incremental revenue and enhance day two services [58] Question: Opportunities in Mexico - Management is optimistic about potential projects in Mexico, including a POC with a top convenience store chain [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $9.7 million for Q1 2025, down from $12.3 million in Q1 2024, attributed to installation timing on several large projects [6][7] - Gross profit decreased to $4.5 million from $5.8 million year-over-year, with a gross margin of 46%, consistent with the prior year [7] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) increased to a run rate of $17.3 million at the end of Q1 2025, up from $16.8 million at the start of the year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at $500,000, with SG&A expenses down 11% to $5.2 million compared to $5.8 million in Q1 2024 [8][16] - The company’s gross and net debt rose to approximately $23.2 million and $22.1 million respectively, compared to $13 million and $12 million at the start of 2025 [16][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is engaged in multiple projects, including three MLB projects and a significant partnership with a well-known upscale quick service restaurant chain [11][20] - The BCTV project is progressing, with over 300 site installations completed and plans for an additional 200 sites starting in Q3 2025, expected to generate approximately $3 million in revenue [20][21] - The DigiPoint Media Network is set to deploy approximately 2,000 sites, potentially generating over $4 million in hardware and installation revenue [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has expanded its sports entertainment team and completed its largest deployment in an NHL arena, indicating strong momentum in this sector [19] - The company is actively pursuing opportunities in Mexico, with a POC scheduled for a top convenience store chain and discussions with major retailers [58][60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize its capital structure and manage debt while focusing on growth opportunities and improving margins [11][13] - The introduction of the AdLogic CPM platform is expected to enhance the company's position in the market, providing targeted campaign capabilities [14] - The company is committed to achieving SOC 2 Type 2 compliance by year-end, enhancing its credibility with enterprise customers [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about revenue acceleration beginning in Q2 2025 and expects adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue to rise to 15% by year-end [13] - The company is confident in its pipeline of opportunities and the quality of its top prospects, despite global trade uncertainties [28][29] - Management noted that the sports and entertainment vertical has a high appetite for spending, with many clients looking to upgrade facilities [51] Other Important Information - The company has revamped its operations and warehouse facilities, increasing capacity to handle anticipated growth in the second half of the year [23][41] - The company is strategically using cash flow to manage debt and optimize its capital structure [11][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for screen installs related to the large QSR win - Management expects to begin installations at 20 locations or more per month by the end of Q3 2025, with 600 out of 1,000 locations expressing interest in converting to digital [25][26] Question: Details on delays in the first quarter - Delays were due to three separate projects, not a broad-based issue, and management is seeing a reversal in the second quarter [27] Question: Pipeline of large procurements and impact of global trade uncertainty - Management is still progressing with discussions on large opportunities, with no current projects on hold due to tariffs [28][29] Question: Demand for the ad tech solution and improvements in attach rates - The ad tech market is in the early stages, with significant interest from large retail customers exploring media networks [31][33] Question: Insights on the sports and entertainment vertical - The vertical has a high appetite for spending, with many clients looking to enhance facilities and generate income from digital screens [51][52]

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Creative Realities, Inc. (NASDAQ:CREX) (the "Company" or "CRI), a leading provider of digital signage and media solutions for the food and beverage industry, has been selected by a well-known, upscale Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) chain, with over 1,000 locations across more than 25 U.S. states, to lead the transformation of its indoor and outdoor menu boards. The restaurant chain is nationally recognized by its cooked-to-order food, farm-fresh ingredient ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenue of $11 million for Q4 2024, down from $14.5 million in Q4 2023, with a gross profit of $4.9 million compared to $7.5 million last year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was approximately $500,000, a decrease from $2.8 million in the previous year, with annual recurring revenue (ARR) at a run rate of $16.8 million [7][10] - The company achieved a record annual revenue exceeding $50 million with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10% for the full year [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed 56 site installations in Q4 at an average sale price of $30,000, with expectations for a moderate increase in installations in the second half of 2025 [18] - The introduction of the AdLogic CPM plus platform is expected to enhance targeting precision and reduce costs for customers, positioning the company as a comprehensive ad tech solution provider [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing strong demand for its solutions, particularly in the quick-service restaurant and retail sectors, with significant projects in the pipeline [12][16] - The sports and entertainment sector has seen growth, with three MLB projects awarded in Q1 2025 and additional POCs ongoing at various venues [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate revenue growth in the second half of 2025, driven by better economies of scale and higher margins [10] - The focus is on enhancing customer experience through innovative solutions and expanding the retail media network offerings [12][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in overcoming the current operational challenges and anticipates a strong performance in 2025, despite a weaker Q1 [52] - The company is optimistic about the resolution of contingent liabilities, which will provide financial flexibility and allow a focus on growth [10][11] Other Important Information - The company has settled its contingent liability related to the acquisition of Reflex Systems, involving a $3 million cash payment and a $4 million promissory note [10][11] - The company achieved SOC2 Type one compliance, with expectations to reach Type two certification by year-end, enhancing its credibility with enterprise customers [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Commentary on customer conversations regarding the frozen pipeline - Management noted that customers are beginning to move projects forward after a period of stagnation, with expectations for several projects to finalize soon [21][22] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - Management indicated that while there are concerns about tariffs, most components are domestically sourced, and only slight increases in costs are expected [24] Question: Adoption of the new AdLogic platform by existing customers - Customers are embracing the AdLogic platform as it enhances their digital operations, leading to potential margin improvements [34] Question: Visibility and flexibility from the new ERP system - The new ERP system is expected to provide significant cost management benefits and improve operational metrics [37][38] Question: Progress with channel partners - The company is actively recruiting and signing new channel partners, with demand for licenses increasing [42] Question: Details on the contingent consideration settlement - The settlement includes a six-year warrant with a strike price of $3.25, totaling approximately $800,000 [48] Question: Expectations for revenue growth in 2025 - Management expects year-over-year revenue growth in 2025 to exceed 2024 levels, with adjusted EBITDA profitability anticipated in Q1 [52][53] Question: Dynamics of customer adjustments impacting ARR - Two large customers made adjustments that led to a temporary decline in ARR, but management expects to recover this revenue in 2025 [101][102] Question: Future cash flow dynamics on major projects - Cash flow can vary significantly based on whether projects are privately or publicly funded, with deposits typically required for private projects [78] Question: Clarification on adjusted EBITDA margin expectations - Management aims to achieve a 15% adjusted EBITDA margin by the end of the year, with expectations for revenue growth to support this target [81][84]