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Creative Realities Inc (CREX)
NASDAQ:CREX
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Creative Realities (CREX) AI Stock Analysis

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CREX

Creative Realities

(NASDAQ:CREX)

Rating:47Neutral
Price Target:
$3.00
▲(9.09%Upside)
Creative Realities' stock score is primarily impacted by its financial performance, which is hindered by inconsistent profitability and high debt levels. Technical analysis indicates bearish trends, and valuation metrics highlight the unprofitable nature of the company. The earnings call provides some optimism, but immediate challenges remain significant.

Creative Realities (CREX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Creative Realities Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCreative Realities, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides digital marketing technology and solutions to retail companies, individual retail brands, enterprises, and organizations in the United States and internationally. Its technology and solutions include digital merchandising systems and omni-channel customer engagement systems; interactive digital shopping assistants; advisors and kiosks; and other interactive marketing technologies, such as mobile, social media, point-of-sale transactions, beaconing, and Web-based media that enables its customers to engage with their consumers. The company also provides system hardware; professional and implementation services; software design and development; and software licensing, deployment, and maintenance and support services, as well as media management and distribution software platforms and networks; device and product management; and customized software service layers, systems, experiences, workflows, and integrated solutions. The company sells its solutions to the automotive, apparel and accessories, banking, baby/children, beauty, CPG, department stores, digital out-of-home, electronics, fashion, fitness, foodservice/quick service restaurant, financial services, gaming, luxury, mass merchants, mobile operators, and pharmacy retail industries. Creative Realities, Inc. is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
How the Company Makes MoneyCreative Realities generates revenue through the sale and installation of its digital signage solutions, which encompass hardware components, software licensing, and ongoing service contracts. The company also earns from custom content creation services tailored to client needs. Additionally, Creative Realities benefits from long-term partnerships with major brands and retailers who require continuous updates and maintenance of their digital display networks, ensuring a steady stream of recurring income. By leveraging these diverse revenue streams, Creative Realities capitalizes on the growing demand for digital transformation in customer engagement strategies.

Creative Realities Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 14, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 54.49%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 13, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture with notable achievements like a significant new partnership and effective cost management, but these were balanced by revenue declines, increased debt, and project delays. While the company is optimistic about future growth and financial flexibility, the immediate challenges reflect a balanced sentiment.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Quick Service Restaurant Win
CRI was selected by a well-known upscale quick service restaurant chain with over 1,000 locations to lead the transformation of its indoor and outdoor menu boards. This partnership will play a key role in the chain's digital transformation strategy with a national rollout expected after a successful pilot.
Operating Cost Reduction
Aggregate SG&A expenses were reduced by 11% to $5.2 million in Q1 2025 compared to $5.8 million in Q1 2024, improving profitability as revenue is expected to scale back for the rest of the year.
Adjusted EBITDA Stability
Despite revenue declines, adjusted EBITDA was nominally changed at $0.5 million due to active management of overhead costs.
Debt Contingency Settlement
CRI resolved a $12.8 million contingent liability for $7 million, providing financial visibility and flexibility.
New Product Introduction
The introduction of the AdLogic CPM platform is progressing well, offering customers a self-serve interface that enhances targeting precision and reduces campaign costs.
Negative Updates
Revenue Decline
Revenue decreased to $9.7 million in Q1 2025 from $12.3 million in Q1 2024, attributed to installation timing on several large projects.
Gross Profit Decline
Gross profit fell to $4.5 million from $5.8 million in Q1 2024, although gross margin remained stable at 46%.
Increased Debt Levels
Gross and net debt increased to approximately $23.2 million and $22.1 million, respectively, at the end of Q1 2025 from $13 million and $12 million at the start of the year.
BCTV Project Delay
The BCTV project experienced slower progress in the first two quarters of 2025, impacting expected revenue timelines.
Company Guidance
In the first quarter of 2025, Creative Realities reported a revenue of $9.7 million, a decrease from $12.3 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to installation timing on several large projects. Gross profit for the quarter stood at $4.5 million compared to $5.8 million the previous year, maintaining a gross margin of 46%. The company experienced a slight increase in annual recurring revenue, reaching a run rate of $17.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at $0.5 million, attributed to a reduction in SG&A expenses by 11%, down to $5.2 million from $5.8 million in the prior year. Operating costs also decreased sequentially from $5.6 million in Q4. Despite an increase in debt to $23.2 million, due to the settlement of a contingent liability, the company managed to reduce its contingent liability risk significantly. Creative Realities remains optimistic about its future, forecasting an acceleration in revenue beginning in the second quarter and aiming for an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15% by the end of the year. The company continues to focus on strategic growth and debt management while engaging in promising new opportunities, such as a major partnership with a national quick service restaurant chain.

Creative Realities Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Creative Realities shows potential with revenue growth and stable gross margins, but faces challenges with inconsistent profitability and weak cash flow management. The balance sheet is moderately stable, yet high debt levels present a risk. Improving operational efficiencies and cash flow generation is crucial.
Income Statement
55
Neutral
Creative Realities has shown inconsistent profitability with fluctuating net income, moving from a profit in 2022 to notable losses in subsequent periods. Despite increased revenues over the years, the net profit margin remains negative due to operating inefficiencies and costs. The gross profit margin is relatively stable, indicating good cost management in production. Revenue growth has been positive, but the company needs to improve its profitability metrics to achieve a healthier financial position.
Balance Sheet
62
Positive
The company's balance sheet reflects moderate financial stability with a reasonable debt-to-equity ratio, although total debt remains high. Stockholders' equity has strengthened over the years, supported by asset growth and increased retained earnings. However, the equity ratio shows room for improvement. The company must focus on reducing liabilities to enhance financial resilience.
Cash Flow
48
Neutral
Creative Realities has experienced volatility in cash flow, with operating cash flow turning negative in the most recent TTM period. Free cash flow has also been negative, reflecting high capital expenditures and operational challenges. The cash flow to net income ratios indicate that cash generation is weak relative to reported net income, underscoring the need for better cash management strategies.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue50.85M45.17M43.35M18.44M17.46M
Gross Profit24.01M22.18M17.74M8.36M8.12M
EBITDA2.45M3.36M945.00K-667.00K-14.51M
Net Income-3.51M-2.94M1.88M232.00K-16.84M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets65.21M70.78M66.02M22.88M20.62M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.04M2.91M1.63M2.88M1.83M
Total Debt13.85M14.56M19.16M7.53M10.84M
Total Liabilities39.75M41.95M40.44M14.15M16.28M
Stockholders Equity25.46M28.83M25.58M8.73M4.33M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow580.00K1.14M-5.00M-688.00K-4.19M
Operating Cash Flow3.38M5.17M-708.00K471.00K-3.53M
Investing Cash Flow-2.80M-4.03M-21.48M-1.16M-657.00K
Financing Cash Flow-2.45M137.00K20.93M1.75M3.48M

Creative Realities Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price2.75
Price Trends
50DMA
3.18
Negative
100DMA
2.47
Positive
200DMA
2.79
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.10
Positive
RSI
35.73
Neutral
STOCH
26.92
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CREX, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 2.75 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 3.10, below the 50-day MA of 3.18, and below the 200-day MA of 2.79, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.10 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 35.73 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 26.92 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CREX.

Creative Realities Risk Analysis

Creative Realities disclosed 39 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Creative Realities reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Creative Realities Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
62
Neutral
$34.85B5.63-12.19%2.01%5.91%-17.91%
49
Neutral
$18.46M-49.11%19.37%-197.96%
47
Neutral
$29.35M27.05-0.11%1.68%98.96%
47
Neutral
$18.75M-17.07%-13.06%-151.73%
43
Neutral
$15.24M-55.77%-45.77%67.69%
$168.10M-55.41%
38
Underperform
$9.16M0.61%-18.93%-1133.29%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CREX
Creative Realities
2.75
-1.80
-39.56%
SMSI
Smith Micro Software
0.71
-1.77
-71.37%
XTKG
X3 Holdings
1.86
-5.86
-75.91%
IPM
Intelligent Protection Management
2.01
-2.34
-53.79%
NXPL
NextPlat
0.71
-0.38
-34.86%
QH
Quhuo
0.11
-0.32
-74.42%

Creative Realities Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Creative Realities Amends Credit Agreement with Bank
Neutral
Jul 28, 2025

On July 24, 2025, Creative Realities, Inc. and its subsidiaries, in collaboration with First Merchants Bank, executed a Second Amendment to their Credit Agreement. This amendment adjusts the borrowing base margin for the company’s revolving line of credit, setting it at 95% until September 29, 2025, 90% until October 30, 2025, and 85% thereafter, impacting the company’s financial flexibility and credit availability.

The most recent analyst rating on (CREX) stock is a Buy with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Creative Realities stock, see the CREX Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Creative Realities Grants Stock Units to Executives
Neutral
Jul 3, 2025

On July 3, 2025, Creative Realities, Inc. granted restricted stock units to its CEO, Richard Mills, and Interim CFO, David Ryan Mudd. Mills received 450,000 units, vesting in installments by 2028, while Mudd received 50,000 units, also vesting by 2028. These grants are part of the company’s 2023 Stock Incentive Plan and are subject to specific conditions including continued service, sale transactions, or changes in control.

The most recent analyst rating on (CREX) stock is a Buy with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Creative Realities stock, see the CREX Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesM&A Transactions
Creative Realities Resolves Dispute with CEO Stock Options
Neutral
Jun 4, 2025

On June 2, 2025, Creative Realities, Inc. fully vested an option for 333,334 shares of common stock to its CEO, Richard Mills, as a result of resolving a dispute related to the Guaranteed Consideration from a merger agreement. Additionally, the company issued stock options to Mr. Mills and Interim CFO David Ryan Mudd, with a ten-year term, under its 2023 Stock Incentive Plan, reflecting strategic incentives for leadership retention and alignment with shareholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (CREX) stock is a Buy with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Creative Realities stock, see the CREX Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 23, 2025