Q4 2025 Creative Realities Inc Earnings Call

April 14, 2026

Speaker #1: Good morning . At this time , I would like to welcome everyone to Creative Reality's 2025 fourth quarter earnings conference call . This call will be recorded and a copy will be available on the company's website at p.com Following its completion , CREATIVE REALITIES, INC. Prepared remarks summarizing the interim results for the quarter , along with additional industry and company updates .

Operator: Good morning. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Creative Realities' 2025 Q4 Earnings Conference Call. This call will be recorded and a copy will be available on the company's website at cri.com following its completion. Creative Realities has prepared remarks summarizing the interim results for Q4, along with additional industry and company updates. Joining the call today is Rick Mills, Chief Executive Officer, Tamra Koshewa, Chief Financial Officer, and George Sautter, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Corporate Development. Mrs. Koshewa, you may proceed.

Speaker #1: Joining the call today is Rick Mills, Chief Executive Officer; Tamara Kashiwa, Chief Financial Officer; and George Sautter, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Corporate Development.

Speaker #1: Mrs. Kashiwa, you may proceed.

Speaker #2: Thank you and good morning , everyone . Welcome to our earnings call for the fourth quarter ended December 31st , 2025 . I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the remarks today will include forward looking statements .

Tamra Koshewa: Thank you, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to our earnings call for Q4 ended 31 December 2025. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that remarks today will include forward-looking statements. The words anticipated, will, believes, expects, intends, plans, estimates, projects, should, may, propose, and similar expressions or the negative versions of such words or expressions as they relate to us or our management are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such statements. Factors that could cause these results to differ materially are set forth in our Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make on this call are based on assumptions as of today, and we undertake no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events.

Speaker #2: The words anticipated will be leaves , expects , intends , plans , estimates , projects , should , may , propose and similar expressions , or the negative versions of such words or expressions as they relate to us or our management are intended to identify forward looking statements .

Speaker #2: Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such statements. Factors that could cause these results to differ materially are set forth in our Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC.

Speaker #2: Any forward looking statements that we make on this call are based on assumptions . As of today , and we undertake no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events .

Speaker #2: During this call , we will present both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures . We believe the use of certain non-GAAP measures , such as adjusted EBITDA and several important KPIs , represent meaningful ways to track our performance .

Tamra Koshewa: During this call, we will present both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures. We believe the use of certain non-GAAP measures, such as adjusted EBITDA and several important KPIs, represent meaningful ways to track our performance. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures is included in our public filings and in our earnings release that was issued this morning. It is now my pleasure to introduce Rick Mills, CEO of Creative Realities.

Speaker #2: A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures is included in our public filings and in our earnings release that was issued this morning . It is now my pleasure to introduce Rick Mills , CEO of CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.

Speaker #3: Thanks , Tamara . Good morning , everybody . We appreciate everyone joining today's call . I'd like to start by giving some highlights of our Q4 financials and other recent developments , including our integration of the CDM business , which we acquired in November Given the sizable nature of this transaction and the transformative impact it brings to cry , it should come as no surprise that it took longer than normal to close our books for the fourth quarter But first , I'd like to take a moment to introduce our new CFO , Tamara Kashiwa .

Rick Mills: Thanks, Tamra. Good morning, everybody. We appreciate everyone joining today's call. I'd like to start by giving some highlights of our Q4 financials and other recent developments, including our integration of the CDM business, which we acquired in November. Given the sizable nature of this transaction and the transformative impact it brings to CRI, it should come as no surprise that it took longer than normal to close our books for Q4. First, I'd like to take a moment to introduce our new CFO, Tamra Koshewa. Tamra joined our team on 01 December. I know the date because it happens to be my birthday. Tamra, welcome aboard. She brings tremendous experience to the organization. 30 years of executing financial strategies across diverse industries, including manufacturing technology and services.

Speaker #3: Tamara joined our team on December 1st . I know the date because it happens to be my birthday , so Tamara , welcome aboard She brings tremendous experience to the organization 30 years of executing financial strategies across diverse industries , including manufacture , manufacturing , technology , and services .

Speaker #3: Her expertise in leadership credentials include a strong dedication to achieving a high level of performance and orchestrating operational turnarounds . We believe Tamara is uniquely qualified to take on the challenges of integrating CDM into CRE , finding synergies across the enterprise , ensuring margin expansion and ultimately delivering the balance sheet While this should improve returns for our shareholders , she brings tremendous energy She is driving organizational change .

Rick Mills: Her expertise and leadership credentials include a strong dedication to achieving a high level of performance and orchestrating operational turnarounds. We believe Tamra is uniquely qualified to take on the challenges of integrating CDM into CRI, finding synergies across the enterprise, ensuring margin expansion, and ultimately de-levering the balance sheet, while this should improve returns for our shareholders. She brings tremendous energy. She is driving organizational change. She is implementing value-enhancing process improvements and is working to increase our cash flow. She's off to a great start, and Tamra, we're excited to have you on board. More recently, we've also added a couple other key executives. On 30 March 2024, we added Jackie Walker as our Chief Experience Officer.

Speaker #3: She is implementing value-enhancing process improvements and is working to increase our cash flow. She's off to a great start, and Tamara, we're excited to have you on board. More recently, we've also added a couple other key executives.

Speaker #3: So on March 30th , we added Jackie Walker as our chief experience officer Jackie is a veteran digital transformation leader with more than 15 years experience designing , operating and scaling enterprise digital platforms .

Rick Mills: Jackie is a veteran digital transformation leader with more than 15 years' experience designing, operating, and scaling enterprise digital platforms, really at the intersection of customer experience, product vision, and commercial outcomes. She brings a combination of technical execution and business acumen, having authored the digital menu board and drive-thru strategies for seven of the top 10 restaurant brands and two of the largest in-store retail media networks in the US. Her appointment marks an important shift for CRI as the company continues its transition into a software-first platform powered by data analytics and artificial intelligence. Jackie will be instrumental for our next era of growth. She possesses a unique ability to bridge the gap between complex engineering and the strategic needs of the world's largest brands, and we're very pleased to have her here as well.

Speaker #3: Really at the intersection of customer experience , product vision , and commercial outcomes . She brings a combination of technical execution and business acumen , having authored the digital menu board and drive through strategies for seven of the top ten restaurant brands and two of the largest in-store retail , media networks in the US .

Speaker #3: For appointment marks, an important shift for CRE, as the company continues its transition into a software-first platform powered by data analytics and artificial intelligence, Jackie will be instrumental for our next era of growth.

Speaker #3: She possesses a unique ability to bridge the gap between complex engineering and the strategic needs of the world's largest brands , and we're very pleased to have her here as well .

Speaker #3: Yad Jackie's addition with the prior addition of Dan McAllister as our CRO , this rounds out our management team with industry leading veterans , veterans who have track records of accomplishment at a pivotal time in our history .

Rick Mills: You add Jackie's addition with the prior addition of Dan McAllister as our CRO. This rounds out our management team with industry-leading veterans who have track records of accomplishment at a pivotal time in our history as we relaunch ourselves as a much bigger, more technology-focused, service-oriented leader in the digital signage space. We believe we now have the talent at the top to accelerate growth, enhance our margin, and deliver improved bottom-line results going forward. A couple other facts of the business. This past February, we completed the repurchase of all of Slipstream's 1.7 million outstanding warrants for $200,000. The repurchase of these warrants provides greater visibility for the future and our total shares outstanding, which we believe benefits the company as well as our shareholders, alleviating potential overhang on the stock. We want to thank Slipstream for their support in finalizing this transaction.

Speaker #3: As we relaunch ourselves as a much bigger , more technology focused , service oriented lead leader in the digital signage space . We believe we now have the talent at the top to accelerate growth .

Speaker #3: Enhance our margin and deliver improved bottom line results going forward. A couple other facts of the business: This past February, we completed the repurchase of all of Slipstream's 1.7 million outstanding warrants for $200,000.

Speaker #3: The repurchase of these warrants provides greater visibility for the future and our total shares outstanding, which we believe benefits the company as well as our shareholders, alleviating potential overhang on the stock.

Speaker #3: We want to thank Slipstream for their support in finalizing this transaction. Now, let's review a few details of our current results. Tamara will go over the financials in greater detail, but some of the highlights: we posted revenue of $23.9 million in Q4 versus $11 million in the prior year period, including $13.6 million of that revenue from CDM. Our fourth quarter gross profit was $11.5 million as compared to $4.9 million in fiscal 2020.

Rick Mills: Now, let's review a few details of our current results. Tamra will go over the financials in greater detail, but some of the highlights, we posted revenue of $23.9 million in Q4 versus $11 million in the prior year period, including $13.6 million of that revenue from CDM. Our Q4 gross profit was $11.5 million as compared to $4.9 million in fiscal 2024, and our consolidated gross margin was 47.9% versus 44.2% in the prior year period. This reflects both improved mix and the positive impact from CDM joining the company. In addition, as of 31 December 2025, we had an annual recurring revenue run rate, or ARR, of $20.1 million versus $12.3 million at the end of Q3. In addition, we have $4.1 million of SaaS under contract that will come online through the balance of this year and be added to the January 2027 SaaS total.

Speaker #3: Four . And our consolidated gross margin was 47.9% versus 44.2 in the prior year period . This reflects both improved mix and the positive impact from CDM joining the company .

Speaker #3: In addition , as of December 31st , 2025 , we had an annual recurring revenue run rate or RR of 20.1 million versus 12.3 million at the end of the third quarter .

Speaker #3: In addition, we have $4.1 million of SaaS under contract. That will come online through the balance of this year and be added to the January 2027 SaaS total.

Speaker #3: Adjusted EBITDA was 5.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 versus 0.5 million last year , and 0.8 million in the third quarter And just as a reminder to everybody , we closed the transaction on November 7th .

Rick Mills: Adjusted EBITDA was $5.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 versus $0.5 million last year and $0.8 million in the third quarter. And just as a reminder to everybody, we closed the transaction on November 7th, so our Q4 includes two months of the CDM performance, not the full quarter. We anticipate both adjusted EBITDA and our ARR will increase going forward due to the synergies and additional opportunities in our pipeline. We have substantially integrated CDM operations into CRI, and we are making significant progress towards our integration goals this year. As you may recall, acquiring CDM more than doubled the size of our company and significantly increased our market penetration in Canada.

Speaker #3: So our Q4 includes two months of the CDM performance, not the full quarter. We anticipate both adjusted EBITDA and our RR will increase going forward due to the synergies and additional opportunities in our pipeline.

Speaker #3: We have substantially integrated CDM operations into CRE, and we are making significant progress towards our integration goals this year. As you may recall, acquiring CDM more than doubled the size of our company and significantly increased our market penetration in Canada.

Speaker #3: CDM serves thousands of quick serve restaurants , financial institutions , and retail establishments across North America , and the acquisition strengthen our ability to address the growth in retail , media networks .

Rick Mills: CDM serves thousands of quick-serve restaurants, financial institutions, and retail establishments across North America, and the acquisition strengthened our ability to address the growth in retail media networks, literally coast to coast, all throughout North America. In addition, we now own Canada's largest mall retail media network. This digital out-of-home, or DOOH, if you will, media network has over 750 screens with exclusive representation and revenue sharing across 95 shopping destinations. These locations include 76 of the 100 most productive Canadian shopping centers and nine of the 10 busiest malls in Canada, serving approximately 750 million shopper visits annually. As previously announced, we expect synergies of at least $10 million US across North America on an annualized basis by the end of this year, reflecting the operating efficiencies, margin enhancement opportunities, and the cross-pollination of our CMS and AdTech platforms.

Speaker #3: Literally coast to coast all throughout North America In addition , we now own Canada's largest mall , retail , media network . This digital out-of-home or do , if you will , media network has over 750 screens with exclusive exclusive representation and revenue sharing across 95 shopping destinations such .

Speaker #3: These locations include 76 of the 100 most productive Canadian shopping centers and nine of the ten busiest malls in Canada , serving approximately 750 million shopper visits annually As previously announced , we expect synergies of at least 10 million US across North America on an annualized basis by the end of this year , reflecting the operating efficiencies margin enhancement opportunities and the cross of our CMS and adtech platforms .

Speaker #3: At present, we are currently north of 60% of the goal, and we continue to anticipate total company revenue to exceed $100 million in 2026, with adjusted EBITDA margin percentage in the mid-teens.

Rick Mills: At present, we are currently north of 60% of the goal, and we continue to anticipate total company revenue to exceed $100 million in 2026, with adjusted EBITDA margin percentage in the mid-teens. Once all synergies are realized, adjusted EBITDA margins are expected to be above 20%, and free cash flow generation should be significant, allowing us to pay down debt and de-lever the balance sheet once again, as we have done in the past after acquisitions. With all our advancements, unique applications, strong customer relationships, and proprietary technology, we've built a strong foundation for a bright future at CRI. We expect revenue to accelerate, our backlog to grow, and margins to improve as the year plays out, putting us on track for a record performance in fiscal 2026.

Speaker #3: Once all synergies are realized Adjusted EBITDA margins are expected to be above 20% and free cash flow generation should be significant , allowing us to pay down debt and deliver the balance sheet once again , as we have done in the past .

Speaker #3: After acquisitions . With all our advancements unique applications , strong customer relationships , and proprietary technology , we've built a strong foundation for a bright future at CRE We expect revenue to accelerate our backlog to grow and margins to improve as the year plays out , putting us on track for a record performance in fiscal 2026 .

Speaker #3: I'll come back in a minute to talk about specific product and customer trends, but we'll now turn it over to Tamara to share some additional comments on our financials.

Rick Mills: I'll come back in a minute to talk about specific product and customer trends, but will now turn it over to Tamra to share some additional comments on our financials.

Speaker #2: Thanks , Rick . I'm really excited to be part of the team during such an exciting time in our company's growth trajectory An overview of our financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 was provided in our earnings release , and will be provided in our form 10-K , which includes the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31st , 2025 .

Tamra Koshewa: Thanks, Rick. I'm really excited to be part of the team during such an exciting time in our company's growth trajectory. An overview of our financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 was provided in our earnings release and will be provided in our Form 10-K, which includes the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2025, the statement of operations and cash flows for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2025, and a detailed reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, as well as the preceding four quarters. While Rick reviewed our operating results briefly, let me provide more context related to our performance and outlook.

Speaker #2: The statement of operations and cash flows for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025, and a detailed reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, as well as the preceding four quarters.

Speaker #2: While Rick reviewed our operating results briefly , let me provide more context related to our performance and outlook . In terms of the income statement , fourth quarter revenue more than doubled year over year to 23.9 million as compared to 11 million in the same period in fiscal 2024 , with approximately 13.6 million from CDM .

Tamra Koshewa: In terms of the income statement, Q4 revenue more than doubled year-over-year to $23.9 million, as compared to $11 million in the same period in fiscal 2024, with approximately $13.6 million from CDM. Revenue from our legacy CRI business decreased approximately 6% year-over-year, primarily as a result of project timing and decreased SaaS. Hardware revenue rose to $6.6 million, versus $3.9 million in the prior year period, while service revenue increased to $17.3 million from $7.2 million in fiscal 2024, largely reflecting the CDM acquisition as well as deployment timing. Consolidated gross profit was $11.5 million for the fiscal 2025 Q4 versus $4.9 million in the prior year period, and consolidated gross margin was 47.9% versus 44.2% in the fiscal 2024 Q4. Gross margin on hardware revenue was 28% in Q4 of fiscal 2025 as compared to 26.3% in the prior year period.

Speaker #2: Revenue from our legacy CRE business decreased approximately 6% year over year, primarily as a result of project timing and decreased SaaS hardware revenue. Revenue rose to $6.6 million versus $3.9 million in the prior year period.

Speaker #2: While service revenue increased to 17.3 million from 7.2 million in fiscal 2024 , largely reflecting the CDM acquisition as well as deployment timing .

Speaker #2: Consolidated gross profit was $11.5 million for the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter, versus $4.9 million in the prior year period. And consolidated gross margin was 47.9% versus 44.2% in the fiscal 2024 fourth quarter.

Speaker #2: Gross margin on hardware revenue was 28% in Q4 of fiscal 2025 . As compared to 26.3% in the prior year period , while gross margin on service amounted to 55.7% versus 53.9% in the fiscal 2024 fourth quarter .

Tamra Koshewa: While gross margin on service amounted to 55.7% versus 53.9% in the fiscal 2024 Q4, primarily due to improved mix of services profit as a result of the CDM acquisition, sales and marketing expenses in Q4 rose to $2 million versus $1.4 million in the prior year period, while general and administrative expenses increased to $8.9 million versus $4.2 million in fiscal 2024, again, reflecting the acquisition of CDM, which contributed approximately $3.2 million in expense. Approximately $1.2 million of G&A costs were one-time in nature, including legal, accounting, and consulting fees, as well as closing costs related to the transaction. As Rick indicated, we are well on our way to achieving the $10 million of synergies previously announced for fiscal 2026, although we are also investing in the Canadian media business and other technology initiatives meant to drive increased growth across the enterprise.

Speaker #2: Primarily due to improved mix of services profit . As a result of the CDM acquisition Sales and marketing expenses in the fourth quarter rose to 2 million versus 1.4 million in the prior year period , while general and administrative expenses increased to 8.9 million , versus 4.2 million in fiscal 2024 , again reflecting the acquisition of CDM , which contributed approximately 3.2 million in expense , approximately 1.2 million of G&A costs were one time in nature , including legal , accounting and consulting fees , as well as closing costs related to the transaction .

Speaker #2: As Rick indicated , we are well on our way to achieving the $10 million of synergies previously announced for fiscal 2026 . Although we were also investing in the Canadian media business and other technology initiatives meant to drive increased growth across the enterprise , the company posted operating income of approximately a half $1 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 , compared to an operating loss of approximately 700,000 in fiscal 2024 .

Tamra Koshewa: The company posted operating income of approximately a half a million dollars in Q4 of fiscal 2025, compared to an operating loss of approximately $700,000 in fiscal 2024. CRI reported a net loss of $1.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share in the quarter ended 31 December 2025, versus a net loss of $2.8 million, or $0.27 per diluted share in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA was $5.2 million in Q4 of 2025 as compared to a half a million dollars in the prior year period. We anticipate adjusted EBITDA and cash flow to improve going forward as synergies are realized, and, at the appropriate time, intend to reduce debt to decrease interest expense and strengthen our financial flexibility as the company has done in the past.

Speaker #2: Cree reported a net loss of 1.9 million , or $0.19 per diluted share , in the quarter ended December 31st , 2025 , versus a net loss of 2.8 million , or $0.27 per diluted share , in the prior year period .

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA was $5.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, as compared to half a million dollars in the prior year period.

Speaker #2: We anticipate adjusted EBITDA and cash flow to improve going forward as synergies are realized and at the appropriate time , intend to reduce debt to decrease interest expense and strengthen our financial flexibility as the company has done in the past .

Speaker #2: In terms of the balance sheet, as of December 31, 2025, the company had cash on hand of approximately $1.6 million, versus $1.0 million at the start of 2025.

Tamra Koshewa: In terms of the balance sheet, as of 31 December 2025, the company had cash on hand of approximately $1.6 million versus $1 million at the start of 2025. As mentioned on prior earnings calls, we keep a minimum amount of cash in the bank as the company has set up a sweep instrument to apply funds against our revolving debt facility to better manage interest expense. Our gross and net debt stood at approximately $43.3 million and $41.7 million, respectively, at the end of Q4, as compared to $13 million and $12 million, respectively, at the start of 2025. The increase of our indebtedness is largely a result of financing the acquisition of CDM, as previously discussed.

Speaker #2: As mentioned on prior earnings calls, we keep a minimum amount of cash in the bank, as the company has set up a sweep instrument to apply funds against our revolving debt facility to better manage interest expense.

Speaker #2: Our gross and net debt stood at approximately 43.3 million and 41.7 million , respectively . At the end of the fourth quarter , as compared to 13,000,012 million , respectively .

Speaker #2: At the start of 2025, the increase of our indebtedness is largely a result of financing the acquisition of CDM, as previously discussed.

Speaker #2: As a reminder , we financed the transaction through a combination of debt and preferred equity , including a three year , $36 million senior syndicated term loan and $30 million of convertible preferred equity with a $3 convertible conversion price provided by affiliates of North Run Capital .

Tamra Koshewa: As a reminder, we financed the transaction through a combination of debt and preferred equity, including a 3-year $36 million senior syndicated term loan and $30 million of convertible preferred equity with a $3 conversion price provided by affiliates of North Run Capital. Going forward, as I just mentioned, we remain dedicated to using cash generation when possible to lower our debt and migrate to an optimized capital structure in support of financial flexibility. However, in the near term, we are investing in the business to drive growth and improve technology applications across the organization. I will now turn it back to Rick for additional comments on the senior executive additions to the management team, reorganization of our sales team, some customer activities, and the CDM integration.

Speaker #2: Going forward , as I just mentioned , we remain dedicated to using cash generation when possible to lower our debt and migrate to an optimized capital structure in support of financial flexibility .

Speaker #2: However, in the near term, we are investing in the business to drive growth and improve technology applications across the organization. I will now turn it back to Rick for additional comments on the Senior Executive additions to the management team.

Speaker #2: Reorganization of our sales team . Some customer activities , and the CDM integration

Rick Mills: Thanks, Tamra. I've already discussed Tamra's background and unique fit for our business earlier on the call, but I do want to spend a few more moments to introduce Dan McAllister as our CRO and Jackie Walker as our Chief Experience Officer. Dan has been a Chief Revenue Officer at a SaaS company before. He has a history of accelerating go-to-market strategy and reengineering the revenue systems for sustainable growth. His proven track record in aligning sales, marketing, and customer service teams, along with enforcing team structure and process discipline, all lead to revenue growth. His sales organization here has been structured into vertical teams, each led by a senior executive and focused on a vertical market. By the way, this is a team of 42 folks. That's really a sales team that has effectively tripled in size.

Speaker #3: Thanks , Tamara . I've already discussed Tamara's background and unique fit for our business . Earlier on the call , but I do want to spend a few more moments to introduce Dan McAllister as our CRO and Jackie Walker as our chief Experience Officer .

Speaker #3: Dan has been a Chief Revenue officer at a SaaS company before . He has a history of accelerating , accelerating go to market strategy and and re-engineering the revenue systems for sustainable growth .

Speaker #3: His proven track record in aligning sales , marketing , and customer service teams , along with enforcing team structure and process discipline , all lead to revenue growth .

Speaker #3: His sales organization here has been structured into vertical teams , each led by a senior executive and focused on a vertical market By the way , this is a team of 42 folks that's really a sales team that has effectively tripled in size .

Rick Mills: These vertical teams fall into the following markets, sports and entertainment, also known as IPTV, QSR and fast casual restaurants, retail and financial, retail media networks, including AdTech, lottery, and finally, malls and real estate, known internally as MRE. We are now better focused and prepared to go after new customers across the board. More recently, Jackie Walker has joined as our new Chief Experience Officer. She will serve as the internal and external authority on how digital and physical environments converge. She brings and will leverage an outsider's perspective to really disrupt the legacy thinking, overseeing the strategic what and why of our software evolution, while scaling our consulting practice into a high-growth, high-margin engine of the business. Jackie, welcome aboard. Now, there's a lot of activity and news to discuss across our various business vertical markets. Let's start with the IPTV division.

Speaker #3: These vertical teams fall into the following markets sports and entertainment . Also known as IPTV , QSR , and fast casual restaurants , retail and financial , retail , media networks including adtech , lottery and finally , malls and real estate .

Speaker #3: Known internally as MRR . We are now better focused and prepared to go after new customers across the board . More recently , Jackie Walker has joined as our new chief Experience Officer .

Speaker #3: She will serve as the internal and external authority on how digital and physical environments converge. She brings, and will leverage, an outsider's perspective to really disrupt the legacy thinking.

Speaker #3: Overseeing the strategic . What and why of our software revolution , evolution while scaling our consulting practice into a high growth , high margin engine of the business .

Speaker #3: Jackie , welcome aboard . Now , there's a lot of activity and news to discuss to discuss across our various business vertical markets .

Speaker #3: So let's start with the IPTV division . We have been awarded a new stadium project , which will be completed in the second half of this year .

Rick Mills: We have been awarded a new stadium project, which will be completed in H2 of this year. This is a new stadium build from the ground up. This is an $8 million project involving thousands of displays and IPTV throughout the entire venue. In addition, we are in the process of refreshing the entire IPTV system for a Major League Baseball team and several other stadium projects. This division, which is headed by Lee Summers, is expected to double revenue this year to over $17 million. Our QSR and fast casual restaurant division is managed by Natalee Minds, a 15-year veteran of CRI. Our next-gen modular drive-thru digital menu board system, which we introduced in January of this year, is continuing to increase revenue in this division.

Speaker #3: This is a new stadium build from the ground up . This is an $8 million project involving thousands of displays and IPTV throughout the entire venue .

Speaker #3: In addition , we are in the process of refreshing the entire IPTV system for a major League Baseball team and several other stadium projects .

Speaker #3: This division , which is headed by Lee summers , is expected to double revenue this year to over 17 million . Our QSR and fast casual restaurant division is managed by Natalie Maines , a 15 year veteran of CRE , our next gen modular drive through digital menu board system , which we introduced in January of this year , is continuing to increase revenue in this division .

Rick Mills: This drive-thru, as we call it, Version 2.0, is engineered to help operators streamline installation, simplify maintenance, and scale the drive-thru environment over time. This new system allows brands to expand from single digital screen setups to multi-screen configurations without replacing the entire structure. We're currently deploying this product for multiple customers and typically are installing 10 new locations on a weekly basis, or over 500 a year. The retail, financial, retail media network, and AdTech team, headed up by Jessica Creces, has been extremely busy since the acquisition. We had a nice jumpstart on the year by renewing the SaaS contracts of two of the top 10 largest financial institutions in North America. Congrats to the team for getting that done. Our AdTech solutions are now in test by a number of large customers who are evaluating the monetization capabilities of their installed signage network.

Speaker #3: This drive through , as we call it , version 2.0 , is engineered to help operators streamline installation , simplify maintenance and scale the drive through environment over time .

Speaker #3: This new system allows brands to expand from single digital screen setups to multi-screen configurations without replacing the entire structure. We're currently deploying this product for multiple customers and typically are installing ten new locations on a weekly basis, or over 500 a year.

Speaker #3: The retail , financial , retail , media network and ad tech team , headed up by Jessica Crisis , has been extremely busy since the acquisition .

Speaker #3: We had a nice jump start on the year by renewing the SaaS contracts of two of the top ten largest financial institutions in North America.

Speaker #3: Congrats to the team for getting that done . Our ad tech solutions are now in test by a number of large customers who are evaluating the monetization capabilities of their installed signage network .

Rick Mills: We would expect to see three or four deployments in H2 of this year. Today, we're also announcing a $6 million media network project that CRI is deploying across the lobbies of AMC Theatres in the US. Our partner, National CineMedia, or NCM, is the leading cinema platform in the US and the media representative for this new innovative network. We will install this network of 1,200+ screens and large format LEDs through the rest of 2026. By the way, this media network utilizes the Reflect CMS and our AdLogic AdTech software solutions. One other customer-specific update I'd like to mention. North Carolina Lottery, the previously announced 10-year, $54 million contract, is in the process of deployment, excuse me, and has been migrated to the ReflectView CMS platform.

Speaker #3: We would expect to see 3 or 4 deployments in the second half of this year . Today , we're also announcing a $6 million media network project .

Speaker #3: That cry is deploying across the lobbies of AMC theaters in the US . Our partner , National Cinemedia or NCM , is the leading cinema platform in the US , and the media represented representative for this new innovative network .

Speaker #3: We will install this network of 1200 plus screens and large format LEDs through the rest of 2026 . By the way , this media network utilizes the reflex CMS and our ad logic ad tech software solutions .

Speaker #3: One other customer specific update I'd like to mention North Carolina Lottery , the previously announced ten year , $54 million contract is in the process of deployment .

Speaker #3: Excuse me , and has been migrated to the reflect CMS platform . The deployment of all 1550 plus locations is expected to be completed in Q2 , with a few remaining locations in Q3 .

Rick Mills: The deployment of all 1,550-plus locations is expected to be completed in Q2, with a few remaining locations in Q3. And then finally, let's talk about the start of 2026. We had a significant revenue impact in Q1 from the disruptive weather across the Midwest and Southeast. As many of you know, a major cold wave gripped much of North America from mid-January through mid-February, bringing incredibly low temperatures, snow, sleet, freezing rain to the eastern two-thirds of the country. In addition, a very rare storm brought historic snowfalls to the Carolinas, specifically North Carolina. This caused 4 million or more of revenue to push to Q2. I want to remind everybody, this is not lost revenue, however, just delayed. Construction on many of our customers' new QSR facilities was frankly suspended for 30 to 45 days as the weather passed through.

Speaker #3: And then finally , let's talk about the start of 2026 . We had a significant revenue impact in Q1 from the disruptive weather across the Midwest and Southeast .

Speaker #3: As many of you know , a major cold wave gripped much of North America from mid January through mid-February , bringing incredibly low temperatures .

Speaker #3: Snow , sleet , freezing rain to the eastern two thirds of the country . In addition , a very rare storm brought historic snowfalls to the Carolinas , specifically North Carolina .

Speaker #3: This caused 4 million or more of revenue to push to Q2 . I want to remind everybody this is not lost revenue . However , just delayed construction on many of our customers .

Speaker #3: New QSR facilities was, frankly, suspended for 30 to 45 days. As the weather passed through as a result, the February and March new location openings for these QSR customers were delayed until April.

Rick Mills: As a result, the February and March new location openings for these QSR customers were delayed until April, May, some in June, including the installation of 500 locations for our lottery customer. This will shift revenue from Q1 into Q2 and maybe even some into Q3. Excuse me again. With that said, I want to be very clear. We continue to be bullish on our revenue and stand behind our earlier statements that our revenue in 2026 will exceed $100 million, and our adjusted EBITDA will reach a run rate of 20% by year-end. Our pipeline remains robust. We expect to continue to land many new opportunities. We're in excellent position to post higher growth and improve operating results going forward, and we remain on track for our best year ever. With that, we'll now move to the Q&A portion of the call. Operator, please go ahead.

Speaker #3: May . Some . In June , including the installation of 500 locations for our lottery customer . This will shift revenue from Q1 into Q2 and maybe even some into Q3 Excuse me again , with that said , I want to be very clear .

Speaker #3: We continue to be bullish on our revenue and stand behind our earlier statements that our revenue in 2026 will exceed $100 million, and our adjusted EBITDA will reach a run rate of 20% by year-end.

Speaker #3: Our pipeline remains remains robust . We expect to continue to land many new opportunities . We're an an excellent position to post higher growth and improved operating results going forward , and we remain on track for our best year ever .

Speaker #3: With that, we'll now move to the Q&A portion of the call. Operator, please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. To ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Our first question comes from the line of Jason Kreyer with Craig-Hallum. Your line is now open.

Speaker #1: Thank you . To ask a question , please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced to withdraw your question , please press star one one .

Speaker #1: Again, our first question comes from the line of Jason Krier with Craig-Hallum. Your line is now open.

Jason Kreyer: Wonderful. Thank you, gentlemen. Rick, can you just talk maybe about scale gains, how that's changed the go-to-market over the last several months since the acquisition, or just maybe the tone of customer conversations and how that's changed?

Speaker #4: Wonderful . Thank you gentlemen . Rick , can you just talk ? Maybe about like scale gains ? How that's changed the go to market over the last several months since the acquisition or just maybe the tone of customer conversations and how that's changed ?

Rick Mills: Great question, Jason. The tone of conversations is totally different. Number one, most customers would recognize, particularly in some of our verticals, QSR specifically, we're absolutely at the top of the food chain, and so we are now in conversations that we would have never been in before. That's number one. Number two, those conversations are very serious because they understand we are now a true leader in the QSR and drive-thru space and approach us with a very different message than we've experienced in the past.

Speaker #3: Great question . Jason . The tone of conversations is totally different . Number one , most customers would recognize , particularly in some of our verticals , QSR specifically , we're absolutely at the top of the food chain .

Speaker #3: And so we are now in conversations that we would have have never been in before . That's number one . Number two , those conversations are very serious because they understand we are now a true leader in the QSR and drive through space .

Speaker #3: And approach us with a very different message than we've experienced in the past

Jason Kreyer: Great. Good to hear. Thank you. Rick, we've talked for the last few quarters about deals that are kind of sitting at the 1-yard line, or I think you've even talked about the 1-inch line. Just any updates on that? I'm also curious how you see the pipeline building with your AdTech capabilities. I know the last several wins that we've discussed have been more slanted to the QSR side. I'm curious how deal flow or how that pipeline looks on deals that have advertising embedded in them.

Speaker #4: Great . Good to hear . Thank you . Rick , we've talked for the last few quarters about deals that are kind of sitting at the one yard line or I think you've even talked about the one inch line .

Speaker #4: Just any updates on that? I'm also curious how you see the pipeline building with your adtech capabilities. I know the last several wins that we've discussed have been more slanted to the QSR side.

Speaker #4: So I'm curious how deal flow, or how that pipeline looks on deals that have advertising embedded in them.

Rick Mills: Deal flow continues to be strong. Let's go back to the one-inch line comment. First thing I'd tell you is, obviously, we pulled one across the one-inch line with an $8 million stadium project. Finally got that done. Number two, we announced on a prior call, a large QSR had gone through an entire RFP, over 4,000 locations in North America, and they had selected us, and we've been negotiating the contract, and we finally expect to actually sign that contract here in the next couple of weeks. It's been a long time coming, but the contract is getting ready to get executed. That will result in additional drive-thrus, et cetera, moving along. Retail media networks, primarily, we've had a couple C-store customers. One specific large C-store customer that has been in test for probably five, six months at least now, and is now moving to deployment.

Speaker #3: Deal flow continues to be strong . You know , let's go back to the one inch line comment . First thing I'd tell you is obviously we pulled one across the one inch line with an $8 million stadium project .

Speaker #3: Finally got that done . Number two , we announced on a prior call a large QSR had gone through an entire RFP , over 4000 locations in North America , and they had selected us .

Speaker #3: And we've been negotiating the contract , and we finally expect to actually sign that contract here in the next couple of weeks . So it's been a long time coming .

Speaker #3: But the contract is getting ready to get executed . So that will result in additional drive thrus , etc. . Moving along , retail , media networks , primarily , we've had a couple C-store customers , one specific large C store customer that has been in test for probably been 5 or 6 months , at least now , and is now moving to deployment number one .

Rick Mills: Number one. Number two, we are in conversations with three or four other customers who are interested in retail media network. One is a large grocer. One of the largest grocery chains in the US, so we're in significant conversations. Another significant C-store chain. Again, seeing, I would say, two or three, what you would call traditional retailers, tend to be more in luxury beauty area, but we are having substantive conversations with a number of them. Last but not least, I'd also add our sales force has literally tripled in size. We have 40-plus folks who are on the sales team who are out talking to customers every day. The number of folks we are actively engaged with has certainly increased significantly. Part of that's due to our new position and stature in the industry as one of the big guys.

Speaker #3: Number two , we are in conversations with 3 or 4 other customers who are interested in retail , media , network . One is a large grocer , one of the largest grocery chains in the US .

Speaker #3: So we're in significant conversations . Another significant C store chain . So again , seeing and and I would say 2 or 3 , what you would call traditional retailers tend to be more in luxury beauty area .

Speaker #3: But we are having substantive conversations with a number of them. And last but not least, I'd also add our Salesforce has literally tripled in size.

Speaker #3: We have 40-plus folks who are on the sales team who are out talking to customers every day. The number of folks we are actively engaged with has certainly increased significantly.

Speaker #3: Part of that's due to our new position and stature in the industry , is one of the big guys . Number two , it's just also the fact that I've now got 40 plus experienced folks out beating the streets , contacting customers every day across North America .

Rick Mills: Number two, it's just also the fact that I've now got 40+ experienced folks out beating the streets, contacting customers every day across North America. A combination of all those things is really coming into play, and we feel very bullish about the next 12 to 18 months.

Speaker #3: So, a combination of all those things is really coming into play. And we feel very bullish about the next 12 to 18 months.

Jason Kreyer: That was a solid recap there, Rick. Thank you for that. Last one for me. Just want to touch on the lottery sector. I think the last time we talked, you've got the big deployment happening right now in North Carolina. I thought there was some potential momentum with other RFPs that were coming to market. If you could just give us a recap of what you think that RFP landscape looks like today.

Speaker #4: That was a solid recap . There . Rick . Thank you for that last one for me , just want to touch on the lottery sector .

Speaker #4: I think last time we talked, you mentioned you've got the big, big deployment happening right now in North Carolina. But I thought there was some potential momentum with other RFPs that were coming to market.

Speaker #4: So if you could just give us a recap of what you think that that RFP landscape looks like today .

Rick Mills: That's a solid question, Jason. Unfortunately, I don't have a solid answer other than we expect in 2026, seven to eight large RFPs coming out. We have yet to see that happen. We have one that we are actively participating in. We have a couple large West Coast opportunities that were in discussion, but I would not call them active RFPs. Again, well-positioned, and we are certainly talking to everybody, every lottery that's interested. The one thing I would tell you about the lottery market and what we've done with our current lottery customer, is we are showing significant lift, and so we have results of that to show other lottery customers, potential customers, that we can achieve substantial lift, which results in significantly increased lottery ticket sales.

Speaker #3: That's a , that's a solid question , Jason . Unfortunately , I don't have a solid answer . Other than , you know , we , we expect in 2026 , 7 to 8 large RFPs coming out .

Speaker #3: We have yet to see that happen. We have one that we are actively participating in. We have a couple of large West Coast opportunities that we're in discussion, but I would not call them active RFPs.

Speaker #3: But again , well positioned and we are certainly talking to everybody , every lottery that's interested . The one thing I would tell you about the lottery market and what we've done with our current lottery customer is we are showing significant lift .

Speaker #3: And so we have results of that to show other lottery customers potential customers that we can achieve substantial lift , which in which results in significantly increased lottery ticket sales .

Jason Kreyer: Okay. I lied about the last question. Just curious on that point, your ability to take that lottery, go into C-stores, and almost create a cross-sell opportunity. I'm just curious if the rollout of lottery helps build out a greater rollout of C-store. You see a network effect there?

Speaker #4: Okay . I lied about the last question . Just curious on that point , your ability to , you know , take that lottery , go in to see stores and almost create kind of a cross-sell opportunity where just curious if , if the rollout of lottery kind of helps build out a greater rollout of C store , you kind of see a network effect there

Rick Mills: Still unproven yet. Today, when we've rolled out lottery, it's been dedicated to lottery. We have not done a mix of in-store promotion type stuff and then layered in lottery, like a 50/50 mix. Have not done that. It is today been 100% lottery. We are talking to some of our C-store customers who have networks already deployed about improving their schedule and adding lottery on those screens to just increase lift, but no results yet to even talk about.

Speaker #3: Still unproven . Yet today , when we've rolled out lottery , it's been dedicated to lottery . So we have not done a mix of in-store promotion type stuff .

Speaker #3: And then layered in lottery , you know , like a 5050 mix . Have not done that . It is today been 100% lottery .

Speaker #3: We are talking to some of our C store customers who have networks already deployed about improving their schedule and adding lottery on those screens to just increase lift , but no results yet to even talk about .

Jason Kreyer: Got it. Okay. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

Speaker #4: Got it. Okay. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

Rick Mills: Yep, thanks.

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Brian Kinstlinger with Alliance Global Partners. Your line is now open.

Speaker #3: Yep . Thanks .

Speaker #1: Our next question comes from the line of Brian Kisslinger with Alliance Global Partners. Your line is now open.

Brian Kinstlinger: Great. Thanks so much. Solid Q4 results. Prior to the announced partnership, had AMC been a customer of Creative or even CDM? If so, how much revenue did AMC generate last year? The second part of that question is, I'm not sure I heard, what was the installation revenue on this contract versus the potential recurring revenue based on your AdTech and media solution?

Speaker #5: Great, thanks so much. Solid fourth quarter results prior to the announced partnership. Had AMC been a customer of Creative, or even CDM?

Speaker #5: And if so , how much revenue did AMC generate last year ? And then the second part of that question is , I'm not sure I heard what was the installation revenue on this contract versus the potential revenue recurring revenue based on your ad tech and media solution ?

Rick Mills: Great question, Brian. How are you, sir?

Brian Kinstlinger: Great, thanks.

Speaker #3: Great question, Brian. How are you, sir?

Rick Mills: Good. Couple things. Yes, AMC has been a long-time customer of CDM's. Today, I would tell you it's a seven-figure customer in terms of deploying our software, managing all of the screens throughout every AMC Theatre in the US today, number one. Number two, they are actually not a hardware customer. They have always procured hardware internally. They are a software and content customer, so when the opportunity came to build out a network, it seemed to make sense that CRI was already deployed throughout their locations. We were doing a great job, so it was a natural fit for us. In terms of the hardware and installation revenue on this particular network, I'm assuming it's going to be in the typical 70/30 range of hardware and installation. However, that's out of the $6 million bucket. There's ongoing.

Speaker #5: Great , thanks .

Speaker #3: Good , good . A couple things . Yes , AMC has been a long time customer . Okay . Of Cdms . And today I , I would tell you it's a seven figure customer in terms of deploying our software , managing all of the screens throughout every AMC theater in the US today Number one , number two , they are actually not a hardware customer .

Speaker #3: They have always procured hardware internally . So they are a software and content customer . So when the opportunity came to build out a network , it seemed to make sense that Cree was already deployed throughout their locations .

Speaker #3: We were doing a great job , so it was a natural fit for us in terms of the hardware and installation revenue on this particular network , I I'm assuming it's going to be in the typical 70 , 30 range of hardware and installation .

Speaker #3: However , that's out of the $6 million bucket . Then there's ongoing . It is our software ad tech that will be running it .

Rick Mills: It is our software AdTech that will be running it, our CMS, our AdTech, and there is a revenue share for the next five years on that screens.

Speaker #3: Our CMS , our ad tech , and there is a revenue share for the next five years on that . Screens .

Brian Kinstlinger: Great. That's helpful and a great deal. This week, I think it was, and I could be wrong, 7-Eleven announced a store restructuring where it's going to close something like 600 stores, don't quote me, I'm sure you know better, and open something like almost 300 stores over the course of maybe two years. Again, I'm not sure I got the timeframe right. Is there any impact on your business from the store closings? I know you've been a preferred vendor there. Is there going to be a new RFP, or is that under your existing contract? Just maybe talk about 7-Eleven and what's going on there.

Speaker #5: Great . That's helpful . And a great deal . This week , I think it was and I could be wrong . 7-Eleven announced a store restructuring where it's going to close something like 600 stores .

Speaker #5: Don't quote me . I'm sure you know better . And open something like almost 300 stores over the course of maybe two years .

Speaker #5: I'm again , I'm not sure I got the timeframe right . Is there any impact on your business from the store closings ? And then I know you've been a preferred vendor there .

Speaker #5: Is there going to be a new RFP or is that under your existing contract ? Just maybe talk about 711 and what's going on there ?

Rick Mills: No. Great question. Number one, if there is an effect on CRI, it would be de minimis or minimal. The closing of the 600 stores, if those stores had digital, which we don't know, they may have us uninstall digital and reinstall it in some other stores. In the 300 new locations, those typically are going to be full-sized 7-Elevens that are typically going to include at least one, if not two food concepts. Yes, we would do a number of screens through that. Number three, our contract with 7-Eleven is in the process of renewal. It has not been signed, but we're at the end game for another three-year renewal with 7-Eleven. We do not anticipate any change in that customer. They just continue to grow.

Speaker #3: No , we great , great question . Number one , if there is an effect on C r , I , it would be de minimis or minimal .

Speaker #3: The closing of the 600 stores , they may have us if those stores had digital , which we don't know , they may have us uninstall digital and reinstall it in some other stores in the 300 new locations .

Speaker #3: Those typically are going to be full sized seven elevens that are typically going to include at least one , if not two , food concepts .

Speaker #3: And yes, we would do a number of screens through that. Number three, our contract with 7-Eleven is in the process of renewal.

Speaker #3: It has not been signed , but we're at the end game for another three year renewal with 7-Eleven . We do not anticipate any change in that customer .

Brian Kinstlinger: Great. You mentioned, and it was helpful that Q1 was impacted by weather. Clearly, that's going to be the worst quarter of the four. Is there any other thoughts on which are the strongest, maybe Q2 or the Q3 based on known installs at places like AMC in North Carolina?

Speaker #3: They just continue to grow

Speaker #5: Great . You mentioned , and it was helpful that the first quarter was impacted by weather . Clearly , that's going to be the worst quarter of the four .

Speaker #5: Is there any other thoughts on which are the strongest ? Maybe the second or the third quarter based on known places like AMC and North Carolina ?

Rick Mills: I would tell you Q3 is setting up to be a significant quarter because with stadium install, a bunch of hardware will ship in Q3. A bunch of drive-thrus will all go in in Q3 because that's kind of the end of the construction timeframe across the eastern half of the US. They want to get those restaurants open September, October timeframe, right before it gets into bad weather. Generally speaking, that's what we expect to be significant. We have this QSR customer that has not rolled out drive-thru. We're going to sign the new contract. We do expect drive-thru expansion out of their 4,000 locations across North America.

Speaker #3: You know , I would tell you two three is setting up to be a significant quarter because with stadium install , a bunch of hardware will ship in Q3 a bunch of drive thrus will all go in in Q3 because you got that's kind of the end of the construction time frame across the eastern half of the US .

Speaker #3: So they want to get those restaurants open September or October time frame right before it gets into bad weather . So generally speaking , that's what we expect to be significant .

Speaker #3: Then we have this QSR customer that has not rolled out drive through . We're going to sign the new contract . We do expect drive through expansion out of their 4000 locations across North America .

Tamra Koshewa: The other thing that I will add is that Q4 has the largest percentage of our media revenue with the CDM acquisition, so that automatically will increase the value in Q4. We do expect Q4 to be the largest quarter of revenue.

Speaker #2: The other thing that I will add is that Q4 has the largest percentage of our media revenue with the CDM acquisition. So that automatically will increase the value in Q4.

Speaker #2: So we do expect Q4 to be the largest quarter of revenue.

Rick Mills: Great call-out. I forgot that little portion about a bunch of media revenue in Q4. Thank you, Tamra.

Speaker #3: I . Great , great call out . I forgotten that little portion about a bunch of media revenue in Q4 . Thank you .

Brian Kinstlinger: Already adding value. Last question from me, remind us the expectations for interest expense and how much is a cash obligation this year?

Speaker #5: Already adding value . And then and then last question for me . Remind us the expectations for interest expense and how much is a cash obligation this year ?

Rick Mills: That's a great question. George or Tamra, any input on what that would look like?

Speaker #3: That's a great question George . Or Tamara , any input on what that would look like ?

Tamra Koshewa: I think, again, it's going to depend on, obviously, the debt levels of the revolver. Generally, you're going to have the term loan that's going to drive the lion's share of the interest expense that we would expect to see. That generally is somewhere between a half a million and three-quarters of a million dollars a quarter.

Speaker #2: I mean , I think again , it's going to depend on obviously the the debt levels of the revolver . But generally , you know , you're going to have the term loan .

Speaker #2: That's going to drive the lion's share of the interest expense that we would expect to see. And so, you know, that generally is somewhere between half a million dollars and $0.75 million a quarter.

Brian Kinstlinger: Okay. Thank you.

Rick Mills: Hey, Brian, happy to go through that. I think we have a little one-on-one time scheduled with some. Happy to articulate that in detail on that call.

Speaker #5: Okay . Thank you .

Speaker #3: And Brian , happy to go through that . I know , I think we have a little one on one time scheduled with some happy to happy to articulate that in detail on that call .

Brian Kinstlinger: Great. Thank you, guys.

Rick Mills: Yep, thanks.

Speaker #5: Great . Thank you guys .

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Jon Hickman with Ladenburg. Your line is now open.

Speaker #3: Yep . Thanks .

Speaker #1: Our next question comes from the line of John Hickman. Your line is now open.

Rick Mills: Hey, Jon.

Jon Hickman: Hello?

Rick Mills: Yeah.

Jon Hickman: Hi. Can you hear me okay?

Speaker #3: Hey , John .

Speaker #4: Hi

Rick Mills: Yeah, I can hear you just fine, Jon.

Speaker #6: Can you hear me? Okay.

Jon Hickman: Okay. Most of my questions have been asked and answered. I wanted to drill down a little bit on this restaurant chain that you landed last year, and then there were some issues with installation because of the size of the screens and stuff. Where are you with those guys? Did you do business with them in Q4? What's going on?

Speaker #3: Yeah, I can hear you just fine, John.

Speaker #6: Okay , so most of my questions have been asked and answered . I wanted to drill down a little bit on this . You know , restaurant chain that you landed last year .

Speaker #6: And then there were some issues with installation because of the size of the screens and stuff. So, where are you with those guys?

Speaker #6: I mean , did you do business with them in the fourth quarter , even though you and you know what's going on

Rick Mills: No.

Jon Hickman: Can you elaborate?

Rick Mills: The answer is there was some SaaS revenue because we had some of their locations on our SaaS platforms, okay?

Speaker #3: No .

Speaker #6: Elaborate .

Speaker #3: I mean, the answer is there was some SaaS revenue because we had some of their locations on our SaaS platforms.

Jon Hickman: Okay

Rick Mills: They have halted all hardware procurement and installs till the new contract was executed. The new contract, we all had, including the customer and ourselves, we had internal dates we were going to get it done by 15 March 2022. Well, here we are, 14 April 2022, and we still don't have it signed. We do expect it.

Jon Hickman: Okay

Speaker #3: Okay . However , they have halted , halted all hardware procurement and installs till the new contract was executed . So the new contract we we all had , including the customer and ourselves , we had internal dates we were going to get it done by March 15th .

Speaker #3: Well, here we are. April 14th, and we still don't have it signed. We do expect it signed in the next couple of weeks.

Jon Hickman: Right

Rick Mills: Signed in the next couple of weeks.

Jon Hickman: Why did there have to be a new contract? I thought this was a brand-new win last year.

Speaker #3: What we . .

Speaker #6: Why did there have to be a new contract? That—this was a brand new win last year.

Rick Mills: Yeah, they did an RFP. It was a brand-new win. It's a contract that we had to write, create from the ground up.

Speaker #3: Yeah , but so they did an RFP . It was a brand new win . So it's a , it's a it's a contract that we had to .

Jon Hickman: Oh, okay. You won the RFP. Okay.

Speaker #3: Write , create from the ground up .

Rick Mills: Yeah.

Speaker #6: Oh , you okay ? You won the RFP . Okay . And there's a lot of franchisees in this particular customer . Is that been an issue ?

Jon Hickman: There's a lot of franchisees in this particular customer.

Rick Mills: Yeah

Jon Hickman: Has that been an issue?

Rick Mills: Again, it has not been an issue as we started to deploy the SaaS across the franchisees. Now, the franchisees are responsible for hardware updates, and should they desire to upgrade to a Digital Drive-Thru, they would be responsible for that. Now, Jon, I can tell you, we attended the franchisee show in January. The verbal indication we received from the folks who came by our booth, I was there. Talked to our people, indicated significant interest. I've talked to two or three franchisees that owned 30 to 50 locations each that indicated they wanted to pull the trigger and put Digital Drive-Thrus in all locations. Now, Jon, as you know, we have to take that with a little bit of grain of salt, because now when it's time to start to write the check, who knows?

Speaker #3: Again since we it has not been an issue as we've started to deploy the SaaS across the franchisees . Now , the franchisees are responsible for hardware updates and should they desire to put in to upgrade to a digital drive thru , they would be responsible for that .

Speaker #3: Now . John , I can tell you we attended the franchisee show in January . The verbal indication we received from the folks who came by our booth , I was there and so Grant , you know , talk to our people indicated significant interest .

Speaker #3: I've talked to two or three franchisees that owned 30 to 50 locations each, that indicated they were—they wanted to pull the trigger and put digital drive-thrus in all locations.

Speaker #3: Now, John, as you know, we have to take that with a little bit of a grain of salt because now, when it's time to start to write the check, who knows?

Rick Mills: We do expect to see some growth in Q3, because even if they turned it on today, we wouldn't be installing drive-thrus in the next 60 days. It would be Q3 or Q4 revenue that would get an impact once we sign this contract. Right, Tamra? I mean, that's realistically the impact.

Speaker #3: But we do expect to see some growth in Q3, because even if they turned it on today, we wouldn't be installing drive-thrus in the next 60 days.

Speaker #3: It would be Q3 or Q4 revenue that would get an impact . Once we sign this contract . Right ? Tamara . I mean , that's realistically the impact .

Tamra Koshewa: Yeah.

Jon Hickman: Okay. Maybe this is too hard of a math and stuff, but out of the kind of the total addressable market here, not including the AdTech side, do you have any estimate at all of your market share right now?

Speaker #3: Yes .

Speaker #6: Okay . And maybe this is a too hard of a like the math and stuff , but out of the kind of the total addressable market here , not , not including the , the ad tech side , but what do you think ?

Speaker #6: Do you—do you have any estimate at all of your market share right now?

Rick Mills: Boy, really hard number to pin down. I would tell you, in North America today, we are not 2%. If we were 1%, I would be surprised at $100 million. George, any input? I've got George sitting here, who is certainly the math guy on all those things. George, any comment?

Speaker #3: Boy , really hard number to pin down . I would tell you in North America today , we are not 2% . If we were 1% , I would be surprised at 100 million .

Speaker #3: Jorge, any input? I've got Jorge sitting here, who is certainly the math guy on all those things. Jorge, any comments?

George Sautter: Jon, just to clarify, are we talking about market share or market penetration?

Speaker #7: And and John , are we just to clarify , are we talking about market share or market penetration ?

Jon Hickman: I'd say, well, maybe when we talk later today, we can talk about both of those. Just let me ask a different question.

Speaker #6: I'd say Mark . Well Well , maybe , you know , when we talk later today , we could talk about both of those .

Speaker #6: But just let me ask the different question . Now that you were combined with CDM and you say that you can get into different , you know , just a different level of , of , of contracts and opportunities .

Rick Mills: Yeah.

Jon Hickman: Now that you are combined with CDM and you say that you can get into just a different level of contracts and opportunities, have you changed your competitor outlook or the entities you're competing with? Are they different now?

Speaker #6: So who have you changed your competitor outlook or the , the , the individuals or the entities you're competing with ? Are they different now ?

Rick Mills: No. We have always competed against the same three or four or five competitors. Only some were larger than us. Today, they're not larger than us. We occupy a different, unique position, and some of them, I am significantly larger than they are. I represent a real strategic advantage for the end-user customer to align with CRI as a supplier.

Speaker #3: No , we have always competed against the same three or 4 or 5 competitors only some were larger than us . Today , they're not larger than us .

Speaker #3: We occupy a different , unique position . And some of them I am significantly larger than they are . So I represent a real strategic advantage for the end user customer to align with CRI as a supplier .

Jon Hickman: Okay. That makes sense. Well, I'll talk to you later then. Thank you.

Speaker #6: Okay , okay , that makes sense . Well , I'll talk to you later then . Thank you .

Rick Mills: Great. Thanks, Jon. Good to catch up.

Jon Hickman: Sure. Bye.

Speaker #3: Great . Thanks , John . Good to catch up

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Kevin Sheldon, Private Investor. Your line is now open.

Speaker #6: By

Speaker #1: Our next question comes from the line of Kevin Sheldon , private investor . Your line is now open

Rick Mills: Kevin, how are you?

Speaker #3: Kevin , how are you

Operator: Kevin, please check your mute button. All right. I'm currently showing no further questions from the phone lines. Mr. Sautter, are there any email questions?

Speaker #1: Kevin , please check your mute button All right . And I'm currently showing no further questions from the phone lines . Mr. Söder , are there any email questions

George Sautter: No, there are not. Thank you.

Operator: All righty. I would like to turn the call back over to Rick Mills for any closing remarks.

Speaker #7: No, there are not. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Alrighty. I would like to turn the call back over to Richard Mills for any closing remarks.

Rick Mills: Okay. Let me conclude the call, number one, by thanking all our shareholders, clients, partners, and specifically the CRI and CDM employees for their continuing efforts, commitment, and support. We continue to work to transform CRI into the leading brand in digital signage solution. For many of you who've been on these calls for the last couple of years, you've seen us really execute in the market and continue to grow. Thanks for joining the call. We look forward to speaking with you again next quarter.

Speaker #3: Okay . Let me conclude the call number one , by thanking all our shareholders , clients , partners , and specifically the CRE and CDM employees for their continuing efforts , commitment and support .

Speaker #3: You know , we continue to work to transform CRE into the leading brand and digital signage solution . And for many of you who've been on these calls for the last couple of years , you've seen us really execute in the market and continue to grow .

Speaker #3: So thanks for joining the call . We look forward to speaking with you again next quarter .

Operator: This concludes today's conference. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

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