Creative Realities(CREX) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]