ITEM 1 BUSINESS
(All currency is rounded to the nearest thousand, except share and per share amounts.)
Our Company
Creative Realities, Inc. is a Minnesota corporation that provides innovative digital marketing technology solutions to a broad range of companies, individual brands, enterprises, and organizations throughout the United States and in certain international markets. We have expertise in a broad range of existing and emerging digital marketing technologies across approximately 15 vertical markets, as well as the related media management and distribution software platforms and networks, device and content management, product management, customized software service layers, systems, experiences, workflows, and integrated solutions. Our technology and solutions include: digital merchandising systems and omni-channel customer engagement systems; content creation, production and scheduling programs and systems; a comprehensive series of recurring maintenance, support, and field service offerings; 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 enable our customers to transform how they engage with consumers.
Our main operations are conducted directly through Creative Realities, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiary Creative Realities Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation. Our other wholly owned subsidiaries are effectively dormant: Creative Realities, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, ConeXus World Global, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, and Allure Global Solutions, Inc., a Georgia corporation.
We generate revenue by:
● consulting with our customers to determine the technologies and solutions required to achieve their specific goals, strategies, and objectives;
● designing our customers’ digital marketing experiences, content, and interfaces;
● engineering the systems architecture delivering the digital marketing experiences we design - both software and hardware - and integrating those systems into a customized, reliable, and effective digital marketing experience;
● managing the efficient, timely and cost-effective deployment of our digital marketing technology solutions for our customers;
● delivering and updating the content of our digital marketing technology solutions using a suite of advanced media, content, and network management software products; and
● maintaining our customers’ digital marketing technology solutions by: providing content production and related services; creating additional software-based features and functionality; hosting the solutions; monitoring solution service levels; and responding to and/or managing remote or onsite field service maintenance, troubleshooting and support calls.
These activities generate revenue through bundled-solution sales; consulting services, experience design, content development and production, software development, engineering, implementation, and field services; software subscription license fees; and maintenance and support services related to our software, managed systems and solutions.
We currently market and sell our technology and solutions primarily through our sales and business development personnel, but we also utilize agents, strategic partners, and lead generators who provide us with access to additional sales, business development and licensing opportunities.
Our digital marketing technology solutions have application in a wide variety of industries. The industries in which we sell our solutions are established and include automotive, apparel & accessories, banking, baby/children, beauty, CPG, department stores, digital out-of-home (“DOOH”), electronics, fashion, fitness, foodservice/quick service restaurant (“QSR”), financial services, gaming, luxury, mass merchants, mobile operators, and pharmacy retail; however, the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of technology-enabled experiences involving combinations of digital marketing technologies is relatively new and evolving. Moreover, a number of participants in these industries have only recently started considering or expanding the adoption of these types of technologies, solutions and experiences as part of their overall marketing strategies. As a result, we remain without an established history of profitability.
We believe that the adoption and evolution of digital marketing technology solutions will increase substantially in years to come in the industries in which we currently focus and in others; however, adoption has not yet accelerated to the extent we expected, in part due to delays in capital expenditures from our current and potential customer base as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also believe that adoption of our solutions depends not only upon the services and solutions that we provide but also upon the cost of hardware used to process and display content. While the costs of hardware configurations and software media players have historically decreased and we believe they will continue to do so at an accelerating rate, flat panel displays and players typically constitute a large portion of the expenditure customers make relative to the entire cost of implementing a digital marketing system implementation and can be a barrier to customer deployment. As a result, we believe that the broader adoption of digital marketing technology solutions is likely to increase, although we cannot predict the rate at which such adoption will occur.
Another key component of our business strategy, given the evolving dynamics of the industry in which we operate, is to acquire and integrate other operating companies in the industry in conjunction with pursuing our organic growth objectives. We believe that the selective acquisition and successful integration of certain companies will: accelerate our growth in targeted vertical and operating markets; enable us to cost-effectively aggregate multiple customer bases onto a single business and technology platform; provide us with greater operating scale on a consolidated basis; enable us to leverage a common set of processes and tools, and cost efficiencies company-wide; and ultimately result in higher operating profitability and cash flow from operations. Our management team evaluates acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis. Our management team and Board of Directors have broad experience with the execution, integration, and financing of acquisitions. We believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our smaller competitors, and as a result, there may exist acquisition opportunities in the future.We also believe that, based on the foregoing, we can successfully serve as a consolidator of multiple business and technology platforms serving similar markets.
In addition to our historical product offerings and solutions, in April 2020, we announced the joint launch of an AI-integrated non-contact temperature inspection kiosk known as the “Thermal Mirror” with our partner, InReality, LLC for use by businesses as COVID-19 related workplace restrictions are reduced or eliminated. The Thermal Mirror involves the development, marketing and sale of a new product to new customers involving a joint effort with InReality compared to our historical products and services. The product also uses hardware and technologies that have not been used with our other customers. Throughout 2020, the Company and InReality continued to develop incremental use cases and subsequently launched a suite of Safe Space Solutions products addressing this market, each of which operate consistently with our primary business model in that they represent a sale of hardware and a SaaS-based subscription license services contract.
You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information about the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The website of the SEC is www.sec.gov. Additional information about the Company and its public disclosures is available on our website at www.cri.com.
Corporate Organization
Our principal offices are located at 13100 Magisterial Drive, Ste 100, Louisville, Kentucky 40223, and our telephone number at that office is (502) 791-8800.
We originally incorporated and organized as a Minnesota corporation under the name “Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.” in March 2003. Our business initially focused on the provision of expertise in digital media marketing solutions to customers, including digital signage, interactive kiosks, mobile, social media and web-based media solutions. We acquired the assets and business of Broadcast International, Inc., a Utah corporation and public registrant, through a merger transaction that was effective as of August 1, 2014. Then on August 20, 2014, we consummated a merger transaction with Creative Realities, LLC, a privately owned Delaware limited liability company, in which we issued a majority of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. In that merger transaction, we acquired the interactive marketing technology business of Creative Realities that we currently operate. Shortly after that merger, we changed our corporate name from “Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.” to “Creative Realities, Inc.” On October 15, 2015, we acquired the assets and business of ConeXus World Global, LLC, a privately-owned Kentucky limited liability company for which we issued preferred and common stock. In that merger transaction, we acquired the systems integration and marketing technology business of ConeXus World that we currently operate. On May 23, 2016, we dissolved Broadcast International, Inc. On November 20, 2018, we acquired Allure Global Solutions, Inc. (“Allure”), an enterprise software development company (as further described below).
Business Strategy
We believe that our existing business model is highly scalable and can be expanded successfully as we continue to grow organically and integrate our recent merger transactions, acquire and integrate other companies which operate directly in our target markets, strengthen our operational practices and procedures, further streamline our administrative office functions, and continue to capitalize on various marketing programs and activities.
Industry Background
We believe certain digital marketing technology industry trends are creating the opportunity for retailers, brands, venue-operators, enterprises, non-profits and other organizations to create innovative shopping, marketing, and informational experiences for their customers and other stakeholders in various venues worldwide. These trends include: (i) the expectations of technology-savvy consumers; (ii) addressing on-line competitors by improving physical experiences; (iii) accelerating decline in the cost of hardware configurations (primarily flat panel displays) and software media players; (iv) the continued evolution of mobile, social, software and hardware technologies, applications and tools; (v) increasing sophistication of social networking platforms; (vi) increasingly complex customer requirements related to their specific digital marketing technology and solution objectives; and (vii) customers challenging service providers with the delivery of a satisfactory consumer experience with the traditional pressure on reducing installation and ongoing operating costs.
As a result, a growing number of retailers, brands, venue-operators and other organizations have identified the need and opportunity to implement increasingly cost-effective and “sales-lifting” digital marketing, and interactive experiences to market to their customers. These experiences include creating unique and customized experiences for targeted, timely offerings and relevant promotions; improving engagement resulting in increased sales; and increasing shopping basket size. We believe our clients consider capitalizing on these industry trends to be increasingly critical to any successful “store of the future” retail and brand sales environment, especially where sales staff turnover is high, training outcomes are inconsistent and product knowledge is low.
Companies are accomplishing their strategies by implementing various digital marketing technology solutions, which: are implemented in multiple forms and types of configurations and locations; attempt to achieve any of a broad range of individual or combination of objectives; contain various levels of targeting; have the ability to instantly manage single or multiple locations remotely from a customer’s desktop or other connected device at each location; and are built to deliver or contain a standard or customized experience unique to and within the customer’s environment. Examples of such solutions include:
● Digital Merchandising Systems, which aim to inform and interact with customers through various types of content in an integrated experience, improve in-store customer experiences and increase overall sales, upsells, and/or cross-sales;
● Digital Sales Assistants, which aim to replace or augment existing sales resources and the level of interactive and informational sales assistance inside the store;
● Digital Way-Finders, which aim to help customers navigate their way around individual retail stores and multi-store locations or venues, or within individual brand categories;
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Digital Kiosks, which aim to provide data, specialized and customized broadcasts, promotional information and coupons, train, and other forms of information and interaction with customers in a variety of deployment forms, types, configurations and experiences;
● Digital Menu-Board Systems, which aim to enable various types of restaurant operators the ability to remotely and on a scheduled basis, update and modify menu information, promotions, and other forms of content dynamically;
● Dynamic Digital Signage which aims to deliver and manage in-store marketing and advertising campaigns, specialized and customized broadcasts, and various other forms of messaging targeting customers in a particular experience or environment.
Our Markets
We currently market and sell our marketing technology solutions through our direct sales force, inside sales team, and word-of-mouth referrals from existing customers. Select strategic partnerships and lead generation programs also drive business to the Company through targeted business development initiatives. We market to companies that seek digital marketing solutions across multiple connected devices and who specifically seek or could benefit from enhancements to the customer experience offered in their stores, venues, brands or organizations. In addition to our direct sales force, we market our Safe Space Solutions suite of products through a network of distribution and reseller partners through which we have expanded our market presence and reach. Distributors operate on either a consignment or direct drop ship approach and no revenue is recognized until a sale is made and product is delivered.
Our digital marketing technology solutions have application in a wide variety of industries. The industries in which we sell our solutions are established and include automotive, apparel & accessories, banking, baby/children, beauty, CPG, department stores, digital out-of-home (“DOOH”), electronics, fashion, fitness, foodservice/quick service restaurant (“QSR”), financial services, gaming, luxury, mass merchants, mobile operators, and pharmacy retail; however, the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of technology-enabled experiences involving combinations of digital marketing technologies is relatively new and evolving. Moreover, a number of participants in these industries have only recently started considering or expanding the adoption of these types of technologies, solutions and experiences as part of their overall marketing strategies.
Seasonality
A portion of our customer activity is influenced by seasonal effects related to traditional end of calendar year peak retail sales periods, traditional spring stadium/venue opening seasons, and certain other factors that arise from our target customer base. Nevertheless, our revenues can be materially affected by the launch of new markets, the timing of production rollouts, and other factors, any of which have the ability to reduce or outweigh certain seasonal effects.
Effect of General Economic Conditions on our Business
We believe that demand for our services will increase in part because of new construction and remodeling activities of pre-existing retail, convenience store, stadium and event venues. While we do see reductions in retail footprints across the U.S., we see a continued focus on integration of digital into the retail marketplace and a focus on digital refreshes within the retail space to stay relevant in an evolving e-commerce marketplace. Recent general economic improvements generally make it easier for our customers to justify decisions to invest in digital marketing technology solutions. A change in the macroeconomic trend in the U.S. could have a negative impact on our customers’ ability and/or willingness to advance their digital initiatives.
Regulation
We are subject to regulation by various federal and state governmental agencies. Such regulation includes radio frequency emission regulatory activities of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, the consumer protection laws of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, product safety regulatory activities of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and environmental regulation in areas in which we conduct business. Some of the hardware components that we supply to customers may contain hazardous or regulated substances, such as lead. A number of U.S. states have adopted or are considering “takeback” bills addressing the disposal of electronic waste, including CRT style and flat panel monitors and computers. Electronic waste legislation is developing. Some of the bills passed or under consideration may impose on us, or on our customers or suppliers, requirements for disposal of systems we sell and the payment of additional fees to pay costs of disposal and recycling. Presently, we do not believe that any such legislation or proposed legislation will have a materially adverse impact on our business.
Our Thermal Mirror and other Safe Space Solutions products are utilized by employers, in part, to evaluate the temperature of their respective employees or guests to their facilities. Consequently, regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as state regulations related to consumer and employee privacy rights, may apply to the sale and use of such devices within the United States. Similarly, because the devices are sold in Canada, regulations related to consumer and employee privacy in provinces where such regulations exist may apply to the sale and use of such devices in those provinces in Canada. Presently, we do not believe that any such legislation or proposed legislation will have a materially adverse impact on our business.
Competition
While we believe there is presently no direct competitor with the comprehensive offering of technologies, solutions and services we provide to our customers, there are multiple individual competitors who offer pieces of our solutions. These include digital signage software companies such as Stratacache, Four Winds Interactive, and Reflect Systems; marketing services companies such as Sapient Nitro or digital signage systems integrators such as SageNet. Some of these competitors may have significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do and may be able to respond more rapidly than we can to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements. We believe that our sales and business development capabilities, network operations / field service management capabilities, our comprehensive offering of digital marketing technology and solutions, brand awareness, and proprietary processes are the primary factors affecting our competitive position.
Major Customers
We had two (2) and one (1) customer(s) that accounted for 27.8% and 18.5% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Decisions by one or more of these key customers to not renew, terminate or substantially reduce their use of our products, technology, services, and platform could substantially slow our revenue growth and lead to a decline in revenue. Our business plan assumes continued growth in revenue, and it is unlikely that we will become profitable without a continued increase in revenue.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had sales of $1,058 (6.1% of consolidated sales) and $1,103 (3.5% of consolidated sales), respectively, with 33 Degrees Convenience Connect, Inc., a related party that is approximately 17.5% owned by a member of our senior management (“33 Degrees”).
Territories
We sell products and services primarily throughout North America.
Employees
We have approximately 75 employees as of March 8, 2021. We do not have any employees that operate under collective-bargaining agreements.
ITEM 1A
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS
Our business involves a high degree of risk. In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the specific risks described below, and any risks described in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any of the risks we describe below could cause our business, financial condition, results of operations or future prospects to be materially adversely affected. In addition, some of the following statements are forward-looking statements. For more information about forward-looking statements, please see the “Forward-Looking Statements” section included in Item 7 of this Annual Report. Amounts within the “Risk Factors” section are stated in thousands with the exception of share information.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND OUR INDUSTRY
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had, and may in the future have, a significant adverse impact on our advertising revenue and also exposes our business to other risks.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in authorities implementing numerous preventative measures to contain or mitigate the outbreak of the virus, such as travel bans and restrictions, limitations on business activity, quarantines, and shelter-in-place orders. These measures have caused, and are continuing to cause, business slowdowns or shutdowns in affected areas, both regionally and worldwide, which have significantly impacted our business and results of operations.
For example, for the year ended December 31, 2020, our revenue declined by $14,141, or 45%, versus the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to a four-year average revenue growth rate of 29.1% from 2015 to 2019, and represented the first revenue reduction for the Company since its merger with ConeXus World Global, LLC in October 2015. This reduction was driven by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, a decrease in revenues generated from (1) installation services of $4,962 following a significant increase in suspended, delayed, and cancelled customer projects, initiatives, and capital expenditures as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) management services of $1,186 related to contracts with customers which were partially or permanently closed during the year, and (3) reductions in new customer acquisition, each of which were directly attributable, either in whole or in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we have seen improved revenue generation and customer activity in the second half of 2020 and first quarter of 2021, there can be no assurance that it will not decrease again as a result of the effects of the pandemic. In addition, we believe that the pandemic has contributed to an acceleration in the shift of commerce from offline to online, potentially altering customer demand for our products and services as our customers evaluate the most effective approach to capture consumer demand.
The demand for and pricing of our services may be materially and adversely impacted by the pandemic for the foreseeable future, and we are unable to predict the duration or degree of such impact with any certainty. In addition to the impact on our installation and managed services business, the pandemic exposes our business, operations, and workforce to a variety of other risks, including:
●delays in product development or releases, or reductions in manufacturing production and sales of hardware, as a result of inventory shortages, supply chain or labor shortages, or diversion of our efforts and resources to projects related to COVID-19;
●our inability to recognize revenue, collect payment, or generate future revenue from customers, including from those that have been or may be forced to close their businesses or are otherwise impacted by the economic downturn;
●significant volatility and disruption of global financial markets, which could negatively impact our ability to access capital in the future;
●negative impact on our workforce productivity, product development, and research and development due to difficulties resulting from our personnel working remotely;
●illnesses to key employees, or a significant portion of our workforce, which may result in inefficiencies, delays, and disruptions in our business; and
●increased volatility and uncertainty in the financial projections we use as the basis for estimates used in our financial statements.
Any of these developments may adversely affect our business, harm our reputation, or result in legal or regulatory actions against us. The persistence of COVID-19, and the preventative measures implemented to help limit the spread of the illness, have impacted, and will continue to impact, our ability to operate our business and may materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The launch of our new Safe Space Solutions products may not be successful.
On April 28, 2020, we announced the joint launch of an AI-integrated non-contact temperature inspection kiosk known as the Thermal Mirror with our partner, InReality, for use by businesses as COVID-19 related workplace restrictions are reduced or eliminated. Although we have experience in providing customers digital integration solutions, our launch of the Thermal Mirror involves the development, marketing and sale of a new product to new customers involving a joint effort with InReality. The product also uses hardware and technologies that have not been used with our other customers. To date, the Company and InReality continued to develop incremental use cases and subsequently launched a suite of Safe Space Solutions products addressing this market, each of which operate consistently with our primary business model in that they represent a sale of hardware and a SaaS-based subscription license services contract.
While we believe this product and our launch will be successful, there are a number of risks involved in such a launch. First, we are investing significant time and resources that take away the attention of management that would otherwise be available for ongoing development of our existing business or to respond to new opportunities. We also have limited cash and we are spending significant costs in the launch, which may ultimately not be successful. This cash could have been used to support our other proven business lines. We face significant competition from other COVID-19 related workplace safety solutions, and our competitors have more capital resources than we do. The failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and marketing of Safe Space Solutions could have a material, adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We have generally incurred losses, and may never become or remain profitable.
Except for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2019, we have incurred historical net losses. As of and for the year-ended December 31, 2020, we had a working capital deficit and negative cash flows from operations. We incurred a net loss for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. While we have been able to achieve profitability in certain recent periods, it is uncertain whether we will be able to sustain or increase our profitability in successive periods.
We have formulated our business plans and strategies based on certain assumptions regarding the acceptance of our business model and the marketing of our products and services. Nevertheless, our assessments regarding market size, market share, market acceptance of our products and services and a variety of other factors may prove incorrect. Our future success will depend upon many factors, including factors beyond our control and those that cannot be predicted at this time. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a significant increase in suspended, delayed, and cancelled customer projects, initiatives, and capital expenditures, and it is not known when these opportunities will be revived for the Company, if at all.
Our digital marketing business is evolving in a rapidly changing market, and we cannot ensure the long-term successful operation of our business or the execution of our business plan.
Our digital marketing technology and solutions are an evolving business offering and the markets in which we compete are rapidly changing and the evolution has slowed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by growing companies in new and rapidly evolving markets. We may be unable to accomplish any of the following, which would materially impact our ability to implement our business plan:
● establishing and maintaining broad market acceptance of our technology, solutions, services, and platforms, and converting that acceptance into direct and indirect sources of revenue;
● establishing and maintaining adoption of our technology, solutions, services, and platforms in and on a variety of environments, experiences, and device types;
● timely and successfully developing new technology, solution, service, and platform features, and increasing the functionality and features of our existing technology, solution, service, and platform offerings;
● developing technology, solutions, services, and platforms that result in a high degree of customer satisfaction and a high level of end-customer usage;
● successfully responding to competition, including competition from emerging technologies and solutions;
● developing and maintaining strategic relationships to enhance the distribution, features, content and utility of our technology, solutions, services, and platforms;
● identifying, attracting and retaining talented engineering, network operations, program management, technical services, creative services, and other personnel at reasonable market compensation rates in the markets in which we employ such personnel; and
● integration of acquisitions.
Our business strategy may be unsuccessful and we may be unable to address the risks we face in a cost-effective manner, if at all. If we are unable to successfully accomplish these tasks, our business will be harmed.
Adequate funds for our operations may not be available, requiring us to raise additional financing or else curtail our activities significantly.
On February 18, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional investor which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”), in a registered direct offering (the “Offering”) at a purchase price of $2.50 per Share, for gross proceeds of $2,000. The net proceeds from the Offering after paying estimated offering expenses were approximately $1,835 which the Company intends to use for general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering occurred on February 22, 2021.
We may nonetheless be required to raise additional funding through public or private financings, including equity financings, through 2021. We have an “at-the-market” offering in place, pursuant to which we may direct Roth Capital Partners, our sale agent, to sell shares of our common stock to investors in the market, subject to the terms and conditions of a sales agreement. These sales are dilutive to shareholders. Any additional equity financings may also be dilutive to shareholders and may be completed at a discount to the then-current market price of our securities. Debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants on our operations or pertaining to future financing arrangements. Nevertheless, we may not successfully complete any future equity or debt financing. Adequate funds for our operations, whether from financial markets, collaborative or other arrangements, may not be available when needed or on terms attractive to us. If adequate funds are not available, our plans to operate our business may be adversely affected and we could be required to curtail our activities significantly and/or cease operating.
We do not have sufficient capital to engage in material research and development, which may harm our long-term growth.
In light of our limited resources in general, we have made no material investments in research and development over the past several years. This conserves capital in the short term. In the long term, as a result of our failure to invest in research and development, our technology and product offerings may not keep pace with the market, and we may lose any current existing competitive advantage. Over the long term, this may harm our revenues growth and our ability to become profitable.
We are reliant on the continued support of a related party for adequate financing of our operations.
As of March 8, 2021, our largest shareholder and investor, Slipstream Communications LLC (“Slipstream”) is the holder of 83.5% of our outstanding debt instruments including a term loan, secured revolving promissory note, and secured special promissory note and has beneficial ownership of approximately 36.2% of our common stock (on an as-converted, fully diluted basis including conversion of outstanding warrants, and assuming no other convertible securities, options and warrants are converted or exercised by other parties) as of December 31, 2020. Slipstream has also provided us with a continued support letter through March 31, 2022. If we are unable to extend the maturity or replace our existing financing agreements in the future, our plans to operate our business may be adversely affected and we could be required to curtail our activities significantly and/or cease operating.
We expect that there will be significant consolidation in our industry. Our failure or inability to lead that consolidation would have a severe adverse impact on our access to financing, customers, technology, and human resources.
Our industry is currently composed of a large number of relatively small businesses, no single one of which is dominant or which provides integrated solutions and product offerings incorporating much of the available technology. Accordingly, we believe that substantial consolidation may occur in our industry in the near future. If we do not play a positive role in that consolidation, either as a leader or as a participant whose capability is merged in a larger entity, we may be left out of this process, with product offerings of limited value compared with those of our competitors. Moreover, even if we lead the consolidation process, the market may not validate the decisions we make in that process.
Our success depends on our interactive marketing technologies achieving and maintaining widespread acceptance in our targeted markets.
Our success will depend to a large extent on broad market acceptance of our interactive marketing technologies among our current and prospective customers. Our prospective customers may still not use our solutions for a number of other reasons, including preference for static advertising, lack of familiarity with our technology, preference for competing technologies or perceived lack of reliability. We believe that the acceptance of our interactive marketing technologies by prospective customers will depend primarily on the following factors:
● our ability to demonstrate the economic and other benefits attendant to our interactive marketing technologies;
● our customers becoming comfortable with using our interactive marketing technologies; and
● the reliability of our interactive marketing technologies.
Our interactive technologies are complex and must meet stringent user requirements. Some undetected errors or defects may only become apparent as new functions are added to our technologies and products. The need to repair or replace products with design or manufacturing defects could temporarily delay the sale of new products and adversely affect our reputation. Delays, costs and damage to our reputation due to product defects could harm our business.
Our financial condition and potential for continued net losses may negatively impact our relationships with customers, prospective customers and third-party suppliers.
Our financial condition and potential for continued net losses may cause current and prospective customers to defer placing orders with us, to require terms that are less favorable to us, or to place their orders with our competitors, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. On the same basis, third-party suppliers may refuse to do business with us, or may do so only on terms that are unfavorable to us, which also could cause our expenses to increase.
Because we do not have long-term purchase commitments from our customers, the failure to obtain anticipated orders or the deferral or cancellation of commitments could have adverse effects on our business.
Our business is characterized by short-term purchase orders and contracts that do not require that purchases be made by our customers. This makes forecasting our sales difficult. The failure to obtain anticipated orders and deferrals or cancellations of purchase commitments because of changes in customer requirements, or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have experienced such challenges in the past and may experience such challenges in the future.
Our continued growth and financial performance could be adversely affected by the loss of several key customers, including a significant related party customer.
Our largest customers account for a significant portion of our total revenue on a consolidated basis. We had two (2) and one (1) customer(s) that accounted for 27.8% and 18.5% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had sales of $1,058 (6.1% of consolidated sales) and $1,103 (3.5% of consolidated sales), respectively, with 33 Degrees Convenience Connect, Inc., a related party that is approximately 17.5% owned by a member of our senior management (“33 Degrees”).
Decisions by one or more of these key customers to not renew, terminate or substantially reduce their use of our products, technology, services, and platform could substantially slow our revenue growth and lead to a decline in revenue. Our business plan assumes continued growth in revenue, and it is unlikely that we will become profitable without a continued increase in revenue.
Most of our contracts are terminable by our customers with limited notice and without penalty payments, and early terminations could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Most of our contracts are terminable by our customers following limited notice and without early termination payments or liquidated damages due from them. In addition, each stage of a project often represents a separate contractual commitment, at the end of which the customers may elect to delay or not to proceed to the next stage of the project. We cannot assure you that one or more of our customers will not terminate a material contract or materially reduce the scope of a large project. The delay, cancellation or significant reduction in the scope of a large project or a number of projects could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
It is common for our current and prospective customers to take a long time to evaluate our products, most especially during economic downturns that affect our customers’ businesses, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lengthy and variable sales cycle makes it difficult to predict our operating results.
It is difficult for us to forecast the timing and recognition of revenue from sales of our products and services because our actual and prospective customers often take significant time to evaluate our products before committing to a purchase. Even after making their first purchases of our products and services, existing customers may not make significant purchases of those products and services for a long period of time following their initial purchases, if at all. The period between initial customer contact and a purchase by a customer may be years with potentially an even longer period separating initial purchases and any significant purchases thereafter. During the evaluation period, prospective customers may decide not to purchase or may scale down proposed orders of our products for various reasons, including:
● reduced need to upgrade existing visual marketing systems;
● introduction of products by our competitors;
● lower prices offered by our competitors; and
● changes in budgets and purchasing priorities.
Our prospective customers routinely require education regarding the use and benefit of our products. This may also lead to delays in receiving customers’ orders.
Our industry is characterized by frequent technological change. If we are unable to adapt our products and services and develop new products and services to keep up with these rapid changes, we will not be able to obtain or maintain market share.
The market for our products and services is characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, changes in customer needs, heavy competition and frequent new product and service introductions. If we fail to develop new products and services or modify or improve existing products and services in response to these changes in technology, customer demands or industry standards, our products and services could become less competitive or obsolete.
We must respond to changing technology and industry standards in a timely and cost-effective manner. We may not be successful in using new technologies, developing new products and services or enhancing existing products and services in a timely and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, even if we successfully adapt our products and services, these new technologies or enhancements may not achieve market acceptance.
A portion of our business involves the use of software technology that we have developed or licensed. Industries involving the ownership and licensing of software-based intellectual property are characterized by frequent intellectual-property litigation, and we could face claims of infringement by others in the industry. Such claims are costly and add uncertainty to our operational results.
A portion of our business involves our ownership and licensing of software. This market space is characterized by frequent intellectual property claims and litigation. We could be subject to claims of infringement of third-party intellectual-property rights resulting in significant expense and the potential loss of our own intellectual property rights. From time to time, third parties may assert copyright, trademark, patent or other intellectual property rights to technologies that are important to our business. Any litigation to determine the validity of these claims, including claims arising through our contractual indemnification of our business partners, regardless of their merit or resolution, would likely be costly and time consuming and divert the efforts and attention of our management and technical personnel. If any such litigation resulted in an adverse ruling, we could be required to:
● pay substantial damages;
● cease the development, use, licensing or sale of infringing products;
● discontinue the use of certain technology; or
● obtain a license under the intellectual property rights of the third party claiming infringement, which license may not be available on reasonable terms or at all.
Our proprietary platform architectures and data tracking technology underlying certain of our services are complex and may contain unknown errors in design or implementation that could result in system performance failures or inability to scale.
The platform architecture, data tracking technology and integration layers underlying our proprietary platforms, our contract administration, procurement, timekeeping, content and network management, network services, device management, virtualized services, software automation and other tools, and back-end services are complex and include specially developed software and code. This software and code are developed internally, licensed from third parties, or integrated by in-house personnel and third parties. Any of the system architecture, system administration, integration layers, software or code may contain errors, or may be implemented or interpreted incorrectly, particularly when they are first introduced or when new versions or enhancements to our tools and services are released. Consequently, our systems could experience performance failure, or we may be unable to scale our systems, which may:
● adversely impact our relationship with customers and others who experience system failure, possibly leading to a loss of affected and unaffected customers;
● increase our costs related to product development or service delivery; or
● adversely affect our revenues and expenses.
Our business may be adversely affected by malicious applications that interfere with, or exploit security flaws in, our products and services.
Our business may be adversely affected by malicious applications that make changes to our customers’ computer systems and interfere with the operation and use of our products or products that impact our business. These applications may attempt to interfere with our ability to communicate with our customers’ devices. The interference may occur without disclosure to or consent from our customers, resulting in a negative experience that our customers may associate with our products and services. These applications may be difficult or impossible to uninstall or disable, may reinstall themselves and may circumvent other applications’ efforts to block or remove them. The ability to provide customers with a superior interactive marketing technology experience is critical to our success. If our efforts to combat these malicious applications fail, or if our products and services have actual or perceived vulnerabilities, there may be claims based on such failure or our reputation may be harmed, which would damage our business and financial condition.
We compete with other companies that have more resources, which puts us at a competitive disadvantage.
The market for interactive marketing technologies is generally highly competitive and we expect competition to increase in the future. Some of our competitors or potential competitors may have significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us. These competitors may be able to respond more rapidly than we can to new or emerging technologies or changes in customer requirements. They may also devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than us.
We expect competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products and to introduce new products, services and technologies. Successful new product and service introductions or enhancements by our competitors could reduce sales and the market acceptance of our products and services, cause intense price competition or make our products and services obsolete. To be competitive, we must continue to invest significant resources in research and development, sales and marketing and customer support. If we do not have sufficient resources to make these investments or are unable to make the technological advances necessary to be competitive, our competitive position will suffer. Increased competition could result in price reductions, fewer customer orders, reduced margins and loss of market share. Our failure to compete successfully against current or future competitors could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Our future success depends on key personnel and our ability to attract and retain additional personnel.
Our key personnel include our:
● Rick Mills, our Chief Executive Officer;
● Will Logan, our Chief Financial Officer; and
● Mike McKim, our Vice President of Operations
If we fail to retain our key personnel or to attract, retain and motivate other qualified employees, our ability to maintain and develop our business may be adversely affected. Our future success depends significantly on the continued service of our key technical, sales and senior management personnel and their ability to execute our growth strategy. The loss of the services of our key employees could harm our business. We may be unable to retain our employees or to attract, assimilate and retain other highly qualified employees who could migrate to other employers who offer competitive or superior compensation packages, especially in light of the compensation reductions that we implemented in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are subject to cyber security risks and interruptions or failures in our information technology systems and will likely need to expend additional resources to enhance our protection from such risks. Notwithstanding our efforts, a cyber incident could occur and result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.
We depend on digital technologies to process and record financial and operating data and rely on sophisticated information technology systems and infrastructure to support our business, including process control technology. At the same time, cyber incidents, including deliberate attacks, have increased. The U.S. government has issued public warnings that indicate that energy assets might be specific targets of cyber security threats. Our technologies, systems and networks and those of our vendors, suppliers and other business partners may become the target of cyberattacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of proprietary and other information, or other disruption of business operations. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, may remain undetected for an extended period. Our systems for protecting against cyber security risks may not be sufficient. As the sophistication of cyber incidents continues to evolve, we will likely be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to cyber incidents. Additionally, any of these systems may be susceptible to outages due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, usage errors by employees, computer viruses, cyber-attacks or other security breaches or similar events. The failure of any of our information technology systems may cause disruptions in our operations, which could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Our reliance on information management and transaction systems to operate our business exposes us to cyber incidents and hacking of our sensitive information if our outsourced service provider experiences a security breach.
Effective information security internal controls are necessary for us to protect our sensitive information from illegal activities and unauthorized disclosure in addition to denial of service attacks and corruption of our data. In addition, we rely on the information security internal controls maintained by our outsourced service provider. Breaches of our information management system could also adversely affect our business reputation. Finally, significant information system disruptions could adversely affect our ability to effectively manage operations or reliably report results.
Because our technology, products, platform, and services are complex and are deployed in and across complex environments, they may have errors or defects that could seriously harm our business.
Our technology, proprietary platforms, products and services are highly complex and are designed to operate in and across data centers, large and complex networks, and other elements of the digital media workflow that we do not own or control. On an ongoing basis, we need to perform proactive maintenance services on our platform and related software services to correct errors and defects. In the future, there may be additional errors and defects in our software that may adversely affect our services. We may not have in place adequate reporting, tracking, monitoring, and quality assurance procedures to ensure that we detect errors in our software in a timely manner. If we are unable to efficiently and cost-effectively fix errors or other problems that may be identified, or if there are unidentified errors that allow persons to improperly access our services, we could experience loss of revenues and market share, damage to our reputation, increased expenses and legal actions by our customers.
We may have insufficient network or server capacity, which could result in interruptions in our services and loss of revenues.
Our operations are dependent in part upon: network capacity provided by third-party telecommunications networks; data center services provider owned and leased infrastructure and capacity; our dedicated and virtualized server capacity located at its data center services provider partner and a geo-redundant micro-data center location; and our own infrastructure and equipment. Collectively, this infrastructure, equipment, and capacity must be sufficiently robust to handle all of our customers’ web-traffic, particularly in the event of unexpected surges in high-definition video traffic and network services incidents. We (and our service providers) may not be adequately prepared for unexpected increases in bandwidth and related infrastructure demands from our customers. In addition, the bandwidth we have contracted to purchase may become unavailable for a variety of reasons, including payment disputes, outages, or such service providers going out of business. Any failure of these service providers or our own infrastructure to provide the capacity we require, due to financial or other reasons, may result in a reduction in, or interruption of, service to our customers, leading to an immediate decline in revenue and possible additional decline in revenue as a result of subsequent customer losses.
Our business operations are susceptible to interruptions caused by events beyond our control.
Our business operations are susceptible to interruptions caused by events beyond our control. We are vulnerable to the following potential problems, among others:
● our platform, technology, products, and services and underlying infrastructure, or that of our key suppliers, may be damaged or destroyed by events beyond our control, such as fires, earthquakes, floods, power outages or telecommunications failures;
● we and our customers and/or partners may experience interruptions in service as a result of the accidental or malicious actions of Internet users, hackers or current or former employees;
● we may face liability for transmitting viruses to third parties that damage or impair their access to computer networks, programs, data or information. Eliminating computer viruses and alleviating other security problems may require interruptions, delays or cessation of service to our customers; and
● failure of our systems or those of our suppliers may disrupt service to our customers (and from our customers to their customers), which could materially impact our operations (and the operations of our customers), adversely affect our relationships with our customers and lead to lawsuits and contingent liability.
The occurrence of any of the foregoing could result in claims for consequential and other damages, significant repair and recovery expenses and extensive customer losses and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The markets in which we operate are rapidly emerging, and we may be unable to compete successfully against existing or future competitors to our business.
The market in which we operate is becoming increasingly competitive. Our current competitors generally include general digital signage companies, specialized digital signage operators targeting certain vertical markets (e.g., financial services), content management software companies, or integrators and vertical solution providers who develop single implementations of content distribution, digital marketing technology, and related services. These competitors, including future new competitors who may emerge, may be able to develop a comparable or superior solution capabilities, software platform, technology stack, and/or series of services that provide a similar or more robust set of features and functionality than the technology, products and services we offer. If this occurs, we may be unable to grow as necessary to make our business profitable.
Whether or not we have superior products, many of these current and potential future competitors have a longer operating histories in their current respective business areas and greater market presence, brand recognition, engineering and marketing capabilities, and financial, technological and personnel resources than we do. Existing and potential competitors with an extended operating history, even if not directly related to our business, have an inherent marketing advantage because of the reluctance of many potential customers to entrust key operations to a company that may be perceived as new, inexperienced or unproven. In addition, our existing and potential future competitors may be able to use their extensive resources to:
● develop and deploy new products and services more quickly and effectively than we can;
● develop, improve and expand their platforms and related infrastructures more quickly than we can;
● reduce costs, particularly hardware costs, because of discounts associated with large volume purchases and longer-term relationships and commitments;
● offer less expensive products, technology, platform, and services as a result of a lower cost structure, greater capital reserves or otherwise;
● adapt more swiftly and completely to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements;
● take advantage of acquisition and other opportunities more readily; and
● devote greater resources to the marketing and sales of their products, technology, platform, and services.
If we are unable to compete effectively in our various markets, or if competitive pressures place downward pressure on the prices at which we offer our products and services, our business, financial condition and results of operations may suffer.
Risks Related to Our Securities and Our Company
The variable sales cycle of some of the combined company’s products will likely make it difficult to predict operating results.
Our revenues in any quarter depend substantially upon contracts signed and the related shipment and installation or delivery of hardware and software products in that quarter. It is therefore difficult for us to accurately predict revenues and this difficulty also will affect the Company. It is difficult to forecast the timing of large individual hardware and software sales with a high degree of certainty due to the extended length of the sales cycle and the generally more complex contractual terms that may be associated with our products that could result in the deferral of some or all of the revenue to future periods.
Accordingly, large individual sales have sometimes occurred in quarters subsequent to when we anticipated or not at all. If we receive any significant cancellation or deferral of customer orders, or it is unable to conclude license negotiations by the end of a fiscal quarter, our operating results may be lower than anticipated. In addition, any weakening or uncertainty in the economy may make it more difficult for the Company to predict quarterly results in the future, and could negatively impact our business, operating results and financial condition for an indefinite period of time.
Our largest shareholder possesses controlling voting power with respect to our common stock, which will limit your influence on corporate matters.
Our largest shareholder, Slipstream Communications, LLC, has beneficial ownership of 6,726,350 shares of common stock, including common shares that are beneficially owned by its affiliate Slipstream Funding, LLC. In addition, the Company may pay off certain of its outstanding principal and interest owed to Slipstream Communications, LLC in shares of its common stock, which would increase the number of shares beneficially owned by Slipstream Communications. These shares represent beneficial ownership of approximately 36.2% of our common stock (on an as-converted basis including conversion of outstanding warrants) as of March 7, 2021. As a result, Slipstream Communications, LLC has significant influence on our management and affairs, including the election and removal of our Board of Directors and all other matters requiring shareholder approval, including the future merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. This stockholder position could discourage others from initiating any potential merger, takeover or other change-of-control transaction that may otherwise be beneficial to our shareholders. Furthermore, this concentrated ownership will limit the practical effect of your participation in Company matters, through shareholder votes and otherwise.
Our Articles of Incorporation grant our Board of Directors the power to issue additional shares of common and preferred stock and to designate other classes of preferred stock, all without shareholder approval.
Our authorized capital consists of 250 million shares of capital stock, 50 million of which is undesignated preferred stock. Pursuant to authority granted by our Articles of Incorporation, our Board of Directors, without any action by our shareholders, may designate and issue shares in such classes or series (including other classes or series of preferred stock) as it deems appropriate and establish the rights, preferences and privileges of such shares, including dividends, liquidation and voting rights, provided it is consistent with Minnesota law. The rights of holders of other classes or series of stock that may be issued could be superior to the rights of holders of our common shares. The designation and issuance of shares of capital stock having preferential rights could adversely affect other rights appurtenant to shares of our common stock. Furthermore, any issuances of additional stock (common or preferred) will dilute the percentage of ownership interest of then-current holders of our capital stock and may dilute our book value per share.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.
We do not plan to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Earnings of the business will be reinvested in future growth strategies or utilized to repay outstanding debt.
We do not have significant tangible assets that could be sold upon liquidation.
We have nominal tangible assets. As a result, if we become insolvent or otherwise must dissolve, there will be no tangible assets to liquidate and no corresponding proceeds to disburse to our shareholders. If we become insolvent or otherwise must dissolve, shareholders will likely not receive any cash proceeds on account of their shares.
We can provide no assurance that our securities will continue to meet Nasdaq listing requirements. If we fail to comply with the continuing listing standards of the Nasdaq, our securities could be delisted.
If we fail to comply with the continuing listing standards of the Nasdaq, our securities could be delisted. A failure to remain listed on Nasdaq could have a material adverse effect on the liquidity and price of our common stock.
Our pending disputes arising out of our Allure acquisition may harm our financial condition and results of operations.
We acquired the capital stock of Allure in 2018 from Christie Digital Systems. We are currently engaged in a dispute involving Allure and its legacy customer based upon alleged deficient products and services provided by Allure prior to our acquisition. The alleged claim seeks $3,200 from us in damages that, if successful, would materially adversely affect our business. We have also tendered an indemnity claim against Christie Digital Systems for the claimed damages in such dispute, and have alleged additional damages related to the Allure acquisition. In connection with our claims against Christie Digital, we asserted an offset right and have not paid to Christie Digital Systems the $1,637 outstanding principal or accrued interest under a promissory note that matured on February 20, 2020. Christie Digital Systems disputes our ability to exercise such offset right. At this time, there is no guarantee that we will prevail on any matter. Our required payment of the foregoing amounts would have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and operations.
General Risk Factors
Unpredictability in financing markets could impair our ability to grow our business through acquisitions.
We anticipate that opportunities to acquire similar businesses will materially depend on, among other things, the availability of financing alternatives with acceptable terms. As a result, poor credit and other market conditions or uncertainty in financial markets could materially limit our ability to grow through acquisitions since such conditions and uncertainty make obtaining financing more difficult.
Because of our limited resources, we may not have in place various processes and protections common to more mature companies and may be more susceptible to adverse events.
We have limited resources as a result of, among other things, significant restructuring and integration costs incurred in connection with prior acquisition activities. As a result, we may not have in place systems, processes and protections that many of our competitors have or that may be essential to protect against various risks. For example, we have in place only limited resources and processes addressing human resources, timekeeping, data protection, business continuity, personnel redundancy, and knowledge institutionalization concerns. As a result, we are at risk that one or more adverse events in these and other areas may materially harm our business, balance sheet, revenues, expenses or prospects.
General global market and economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations.
Our business has been and could continue to be affected by general global economic and market conditions. Any downturn in the United States and worldwide economy could have a negative effect on our operating results, including a decrease in revenue and operating cash flow. To the extent our customers are unable to profitably leverage various forms of digital marketing technology and solutions, and/or the content we create, deliver and publish on their behalf, they may reduce or eliminate their purchase of our products and services. Such reductions in traffic would lead to a reduction in our revenues. Additionally, in a down-cycle economic environment, we may experience the negative effects of increased competitive pricing pressure, customer loss, slowdown in commerce over the Internet and corresponding decrease in traffic delivered over our network and failures by our customers to pay amounts owed to us on a timely basis or at all. Suppliers on which we rely for equipment, field services, servers, bandwidth, co-location and other services could also be negatively impacted by economic conditions that, in turn, could have a negative impact on our operations or revenues. Flat or worsening economic conditions may harm our operating results and financial condition.
In addition, our business could be adversely affected by the effects of a widespread outbreak of contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 respiratory illness. A significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could affect demand for our products, our ability to collect against existing trade receivables and our operating results. Specifically, such event may cause us, our customers or suppliers to temporarily suspend operations in the affected city or country, and customers may suspend or terminate capital improvements including in-store digital deployments or refresh projects, all of which may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Significant issuances of our common stock, or the perception that significant issuances may occur in the future, could adversely affect the market price for our common stock.
Significant actual or perceived potential future issuance of our common stock could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Generally, issuances of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market, and the availability of shares for future sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and could cause the market price of our common stock to remain low for a substantial amount of time.
We cannot foresee the impact of potential securities issuances of common shares on the market for our common stock, but it is possible that the market for our shares may be adversely affected, perhaps significantly. It is also unclear whether or not the market for our common stock could absorb a large number of attempted sales in a short period of time, regardless of the price at which they might be offered.
There may not be an active market for shares of our common stock.
In general, there has been minimal trading volume in our common stock. Small trading volumes would likely make it difficult for our shareholders to sell their shares as and when they choose. Furthermore, small trading volumes are generally understood to depress market prices. As a result, you may not always be able to resell shares of our common stock publicly at the time and prices that you feel are fair or appropriate.
ITEM 2
ITEM 2 PROPERTIES
(All currency is rounded to the nearest thousands, except share and per share amounts.)
Our headquarters is located at 13100 Magisterial Drive, Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40223. There, we have approximately 17,500 square-feet of office space and 6,500 square-feet of warehouse space, which we believe is sufficient for our projected near-term future growth. The monthly lease amount is currently $30 and escalates 1% annually through the end of the lease term in December 2023, should the Company elect to retain the entire space. We restructured this lease during 2020, which allows the Company to right to exit approximately 9,100 square feet of space and reduce the monthly rent expense by $13 per month beginning in July 2021. The restructured lease also provided the Company deferred payment terms of approximately $6 monthly between July 2020 and June 2021. The Consolidated Balance Sheet includes accrued rental payments related to this deferral of $42 as of December 31, 2020.
The corporate phone number is (502) 791-8800.
We also lease office space of approximately 6,000 square feet to support our Canadian operations at a facility located at 4600 Rhodes Drives, Unit 3 & 4, Windsor, Ontario under a lease that expires November 30, 2025 and with a monthly rental, inclusive of CAMS and related realty taxes, of $9 CAD per month.
We also lease office space of approximately 900 square feet to support our Atlanta operations at a facility known as Northridge Center II and having as its street address at 365 Northridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30350. This property is under lease until September 30, 2021 with a monthly rental of $2.
ITEM 3
ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On August 2, 2019, the Company filed suit in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, against a supplier of Allure for breach of contract, breach of warranty, and negligence with respect to equipment installations performed by such supplier for an Allure customer.
On October 10, 2019, the Allure customer that is the basis of our claim above sent a demand to the Company for payment of $3,200 as settlement for an alleged breach of contract related to hardware failures of equipment installations performed by Allure between November 2017 and August 2018, before our acquisition of Allure. The suits filed by and against Allure were consolidated in the Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky in January 2020. These consolidated cases remain in the early stages of litigation and, as a result, the outcome of each and the allocation of liability, if any, remain unclear, so the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the possible liability, recovery, or range of magnitude for either the liability or recovery, if any, at the time of this filing.
The Company has notified its insurance company of potential claims and continues to evaluate both the claim made by the customer and potential avenues for recovery against third parties should the customer prevail.
On February 20, 2020, the Company and Allure filed a demand for arbitration against Seller (Christie Digital Systems, Inc.) for breach of contract, indemnification, and fraudulent misrepresentation under the Purchase Agreement executed in connection with our acquisition of Allure. This demand includes a claim for the right to offset the amounts owing under the Amended and Restated Seller Note due February 20, 2020. On February 27, 2020, Seller sent the Company a notice of breach for failure to pay the Amended and Restated Seller Note on the maturity date of February 20, 2020 and demanding immediate payment. In December 2020, the parties entered a pre-arbitration mediation process in an effort to settle the litigation, which remains ongoing as of the date of this report. We continue to assert the offset right under the Purchase Agreement and Amended and Reseller Note.
Information regarding legal proceeding can be found in Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 4
ITEM 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5
ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
(All currency is rounded to the nearest thousands, except share and per share amounts.)
Market Information
Our common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Markets (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “CREX”. Trading of our common stock on Nasdaq commenced on November 19, 2018. Prior to November 19, 2018, our common stock was listed for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board, the “OTCQX,” under the symbol “CREX.” The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Limited, 401 2nd Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401.
Shareholders
As of March 8, 2021, we had 344 holders of record of our common stock. The actual number of stockholders is greater than this number of record holders, and includes stockholders who are beneficial owners, but whose shares are held in street name by brokers and other nominees. This number of holders of record also does not include stockholders whose shares may be held in trust by other entities.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to operate and expand our business and to finance the development and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
Holders of our common stock are entitled to share pro rata in dividends and distributions with respect to the common stock when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. Our future dividend policy is subject to the sole discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon a number of factors, including future earnings, capital requirements and our financial condition.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
On March 7, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) refinanced their current debt facilities with Slipstream Communications, LLC (“Slipstream”), pursuant to an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The debt facilities continue to be fully secured by all assets of the Borrowers. The maturity date (“Maturity Date”) on the outstanding debt and new debt is extended to March 31, 2023. The Credit Agreement (i) provides a $1,000 of availability under a line of credit (the “Line of Credit”), (ii) consolidates our existing term and revolving line of credit facilities into a new term loan (the “New Term Loan”) having an aggregate principal balance of approximately $4,550 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), (iii) increases the outstanding special convertible term loan (the “Convertible Loan”) to approximately $2,280 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), and (iv) extinguishes the outstanding obligations owed with respect to a $264 existing disbursed escrow loan in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares”), valued at $2.718 per share (the trailing 10-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”)) as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market as of the date of execution of the Credit Agreement). The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan accrue interest at 10% per year, and the New Term Loan accrues interest at 8% per year.
The New Term Loan requires no principal payments until the Maturity Date, and interest payments are payable on the first day of each month until the Maturity Date. All interest payments owed prior to October 1, 2021 are payable as PIK payments, or increases to the principal balance only.
The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan require payments of accrued interest payable on the first day of each month through April 1, 2022. All such interest payments made prior to October 1, 2021 are payable as PIK payments, or increases to the principal balances under the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan only. No principal payments are owed under the Line of Credit or Convertible Loan until April 1, 2022, at which time all principal and interest on each of the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan will be paid in monthly installments until the Maturity Date to fully amortize outstanding principal by the Maturity Date.
All payments of interest (other than PIK payments) and principal on the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan may be paid, in the Borrowers’ sole discretion, in shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Payment Shares,” and together with the Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares, the “Shares”). The Payment Shares will be valued on a per-Share basis at 70% of the VWAP of the Company’s shares of common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the date such payment is due; provided that the Payment Shares shall not be valued below $0.50 per Share (the “Share Price”).
The Credit Agreement limits the Company’s ability to issue Shares as follows (the “Exchange Limitations”): (1) The total number of Shares that may be issued under the Credit Agreement will be limited to 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock on the date the Credit Agreement is signed (the “Exchange Cap”), unless stockholder approval is obtained to issue shares in excess of the Exchange Cap; (2) if Slipstream and its affiliates (the “Slipstream Group”) beneficially own the largest ownership position of shares of Company common stock immediately prior to the proposed issuance of Payment Shares and such shares are less than 19.99% of the then-issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock, the issuance of such Payment Shares will not cause the Slipstream Group to beneficially own in excess of 19.99% of the issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock after such issuance unless stockholder approval is obtained for ownership in excess of 19.99%; and (3) if the Slipstream Group does not beneficially own the largest ownership position of shares of Company common stock immediately prior to the proposed issuance of Payment Shares, the Company may not issue Payment Shares to the extent that such issuance would result in Slipstream Group beneficially owning more than 19.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock unless (A) such ownership would not be the largest ownership position in the Company, or (B) stockholder approval is obtained for ownership in excess of 19.99%.
The Borrowers covenant to, within 30 days of the signing of the Credit Agreement, file a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC to procure an approval of the transactions contemplated herein from its majority stockholders for purposes of complying with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(b), (c) and (d). The Borrowers will thereafter use their commercially reasonable efforts to file a definitive proxy statement to cause to be held a shareholder meeting for such approval.
The Borrowers will use their reasonable best efforts to have declared effective within 45 days of signing of the Credit Agreement (“Effectiveness Date”) a registration statement on Form S-3 covering the resale of the Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares and the Payment Shares.
ITEM 6
ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.
ITEM 7
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(All currency is rounded to the nearest thousands, except share and per share amounts.)
Forward-Looking Statements
The following discussion contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Although we believe that, in making any such statement, our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statement may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. When used in the following discussion, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, certain of which are beyond our control, are set forth in Item 1A under the caption “Risk Factors.”
Our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements. Accordingly, we cannot be certain that any of the events anticipated by forward-looking statements will occur or, if any of them do occur, what impact they will have on us. We caution you to keep in mind the cautions and risks described in this document and to refrain from attributing undue certainty to any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of the document in which they appear. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement.
Overview
Creative Realities, Inc. is a Minnesota corporation that provides innovative digital marketing technology solutions to a broad range of companies, individual brands, enterprises, and organizations throughout the United States and in certain international markets. We have expertise in a broad range of existing and emerging digital marketing technologies across approximately fifteen (15) vertical markets, as well as the related media management and distribution software platforms and networks, device and content management, product management, customized software service layers, systems, experiences, workflows, and integrated solutions. Our technology and solutions include: digital merchandising systems and omni-channel customer engagement systems; content creation, production and scheduling programs and systems; a comprehensive series of recurring maintenance, support, and field service offerings; 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 enable our customers to transform how they engage with consumers.
Our main operations are conducted directly through Creative Realities, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiary Creative Realities Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation. Our other wholly owned subsidiaries are effectively dormant: Creative Realities, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, ConeXus World Global, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, and Allure Global Solutions, Inc., a Georgia corporation.
We generate revenue by:
● consulting with our customers to determine the technologies and solutions required to achieve their specific goals, strategies and objectives;
● designing our customers’ digital marketing experiences, content and interfaces;
● engineering the systems architecture delivering the digital marketing experiences we design - both software and hardware - and integrating those systems into a customized, reliable and effective digital marketing experience;
● managing the efficient, timely and cost-effective deployment of our digital marketing technology solutions for our customers;
● delivering and updating the content of our digital marketing technology solutions using a suite of advanced media, content and network management software products; and
● maintaining our customers’ digital marketing technology solutions by: providing content production and related services; creating additional software-based features and functionality; hosting the solutions; monitoring solution service levels; and responding to and/or managing remote or onsite field service maintenance, troubleshooting and support calls.
These activities generate revenue through: bundled-solution sales; consulting services, experience design, content development and production, software development, engineering, implementation, and field services; software license fees; and maintenance and support services related to our software, managed systems and solutions.
Recent Developments
COVID-19 Pandemic
In January 2020, an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, was identified in Wuhan, China. Through the first quarter of 2020, the disease became widespread around the world, and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. Thereafter, state and local authorities in the United States and worldwide have forced many businesses to temporarily reduce or cease operations to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced rapid and immediate deterioration in our business in each of our key vertical markets. The elective and forced closures of, and implementation of social distancing policies on, businesses across the United States has resulted in materially reduced demand for our services by our customers, as our customers purchase our products and services to engage with their end customers in a physical space through digital technology, particularly in our theater, sports arena and large entertainment markets. The reduced demand has resulted in customer orders being delayed. These conditions resulted in downward revisions of our internal forecasts on current and future projected earnings and cash flows, resulting in a non-cash impairment loss of $10,646 recording during the period, and reduced liquidity as described below.
While we are experiencing an intense curtail in current customer demand, our long-term outlook for the digital signage industry remains strong. We believe that the digital signage industry will experience rapid consolidation, adding scale and enhancing profitability to those companies that emerge as the enterprise-level providers within our industry after the COVID-19 pandemic and consolidations. We believe that one byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic may be the acceleration of industry consolidation as smaller providers may be unwilling or unable to continue business over the course of 2021.
Given the uncertainty around the extent and timing of the potential future spread or mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic and around the imposition or relaxation of protective measures, we cannot reasonably estimate the impact to our future results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition at this time.
See “Employee Related Expenses” within Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies for a discussion of the Company’s cost-control measures, including employment compensation reductions designed to achieve preliminary cost savings in light of the significant economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Safe Space Solutions
On April 28, 2020, we announced the joint launch of an AI-integrated non-contact temperature inspection kiosk known as the Thermal Mirror with our partner, InReality, LLC (“InReality”), for use by businesses as COVID-19 related workplace restrictions are reduced or eliminated. Although we have experience in providing customers digital integration solutions, our launch of the Thermal Mirror involves the development, marketing and sale of a new product to new customers involving a joint effort with InReality. The product also uses hardware and technologies that have not been used with our other customers. Throughout the course of the remainder of 2020, the Company and InReality have continued to develop incremental use cases and have launched a suite of Safe Space Solutions products addressing this market, each of which operate consistently with our primary business model in that they represent a sale of hardware and a SaaS-based subscription license services contract.
Although we believe these products and our launch will be successful, there are a number of risks involved in such launch, including investing significant time and resources in the launch, which may ultimately not be successful. While market response has been encouraging, we may not ultimately recover our investment into the launch of these products.
At-the-market offering
On June 19, 2020, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Roth Capital Partners, LLC (“Roth”) under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $8,000,000 through Roth as the Company’s sales agent. Roth may sell the Common Stock by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Subject to the terms of the Agreement, Roth will use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell the Common Stock from time to time, based upon instructions from the Company (including any price, time or size limits or other customary parameters or conditions the Company may impose). The Company or Roth may suspend the offering of the Common Stock being made through Roth under the Agreement upon proper notice to the other party. The Company will pay Roth a commission of 3.0% of the gross sales proceeds of any Common Stock sold through Roth under the Agreement, and also has provided Roth with customary indemnification rights. The sale of Common Stock under the Agreement is registered on a Form S-3 registration statement (Registration No. 333-238275) and related prospectus supplement filed with the SEC on June 19, 2020. Pursuant to the “baby shelf” rules that apply to such registration statement, we cannot sell our common stock in a public primary offering (including under the Agreement) with a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12 calendar month period so long as our public float remains below $75.0 million.
The Company is not obligated to make any sales of Common Stock under the Agreement. The offering of shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all Common Stock subject to the Agreement or (ii) termination of the Agreement in accordance with its terms.
Through March 8, 2021, the Company received gross proceeds under the Agreement of $1,831 from the issuance of 1,034,068 shares of our Common Stock, and paid an aggregate of $53 to Roth in commissions, yielding net proceeds of $1,778 after commissions, and net proceeds of $1,636 after other offering-related expenses.
Registered Direct Offering
On February 18, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional investor which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”), in a registered direct offering (the “Offering”) at a purchase price of $2.50 per Share, for gross proceeds of $2,000. The net proceeds from the Offering after paying estimated offering expenses were approximately $1,835, which the Company intends to use for general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering occurred on February 22, 2021.
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
On March 7, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) refinanced their current debt facilities with Slipstream Communications, LLC (“Slipstream”), pursuant to an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The debt facilities continue to be fully secured by all assets of the Borrowers. The maturity date (“Maturity Date”) on the outstanding debt and new debt is extended to March 31, 2023. The Credit Agreement (i) provides a $1,000 of availability under a line of credit (the “Line of Credit”), (ii) consolidates our existing term and revolving line of credit facilities into a new term loan (the “New Term Loan”) having an aggregate principal balance of approximately $4,550 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), (iii) increases the outstanding special convertible term loan (the “Convertible Loan”) to approximately $2,280 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), and (iv) extinguishes the outstanding obligations owed with respect to a $264 existing disbursed escrow loan in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares”), valued at $2.718 per share (the trailing 10-day VWAP as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market as of the date of execution of the Credit Agreement). The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan accrue interest at 10% per year, and the New Term Loan accrues interest at 8% per year. See Note 8 Loans Payable for additional information with respect to the Credit Agreement.
Our Sources of Revenue
We generate revenue through digital marketing solution sales, which include system hardware, professional and implementation services, software design and development, software licensing, deployment, and maintenance and support services.
We currently market and sell our technology and solutions primarily through our sales and business development personnel, but we also utilize agents, strategic partners, and lead generators who provide us with access to additional sales, business development and licensing opportunities.
Our Expenses
Our expenses are primarily comprised of three categories: sales and marketing, research and development, and general and administrative. Sales and marketing expenses include salaries and benefits for our sales, business development solution management and marketing personnel, and commissions paid on sales. This category also includes amounts spent on marketing networking events, promotional materials, hardware and software to prospective new customers, including those expenses incurred in trade shows and product demonstrations, and other related expenses. Our research and development expenses represent the salaries and benefits of those individuals who develop and maintain our proprietary software platforms and other software applications we design and sell to our customers. Our general and administrative expenses consist of corporate overhead, including administrative salaries, real property lease payments, salaries and benefits for our corporate officers and other expenses such as legal and accounting fees.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our management is responsible for our financial statements and has evaluated the accounting policies to be used in their preparation. Our management believes these policies are reasonable and appropriate. The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included within Part II, ITEM 8 of this Report. The following discussion identifies those accounting policies that we believe are critical in the preparation of our financial statements, the judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies and the possibility that materially different amounts will be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We recognized revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Under ASC 606, we account for revenue using the following steps:
● Identify the contract, or contracts, with a customer
● Identify the performance obligations in the contract
● Determine the transaction price
● Allocate the transaction price to the identified performance obligations
● Recognize revenue when, or as, we satisfy our performance obligations
See Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 4 Revenue Recognition in our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, ITEM 8 of this Report, for a complete discussion of our revenue recognition policies.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology we use to measure the estimated liability for doubtful accounts during the past two fiscal years. The Company’s methodology for calculating the allowance for doubtful accounts consists of (1) reserving for specific receivables which (a) are known to be facing serious financial problems, (b) have a trade dispute with the Company, or (c) are significantly aged and/or unresponsive, and (2) a general reserve for unaged accounts receivable based on a percentage of revenue each period. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to establish the liability for doubtful accounts. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.
Goodwill
Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually as of September 30 and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that impairment may have occurred. We have no indefinite-lived intangible assets. We test goodwill for impairment by comparing the book value to the fair value at the reporting unit level. We have only one reporting unit, and therefore the entire goodwill is allocated to that reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by using a discounted cash flow analyses consisting of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows based on projections or forecasts derived from analysis of business prospects and economic or market trends that may occur. We use these same expectations in other valuation models throughout the business. In addition to the discounted cash flow analysis, we utilize a leveraged buy-out model, trading comps and market capitalization to ultimately determine an estimated fair value of our reporting unit based on weighted average calculations from these models. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, further analysis is performed to measure the impairment loss.
In addition, our market capitalization could fluctuate from time to time. Such fluctuation may be an indicator of possible impairment of goodwill if our market capitalization falls below its book value. If this situation occurs, we perform the required detailed analysis to determine if there is impairment.
During the first quarter of 2020, we determined that the reduced cash flow projections and the significant decline in our market capitalization as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic during the three months ended March 31, 2020 indicated that an impairment loss may have been incurred during the period. We qualitatively assessed and concluded that it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired as of March 31, 2020. We reviewed our previous forecasts and assumptions based on our updated projections that were subject to various risks and uncertainties, including: (1) forecasted revenues, expenses and cash flows, including the duration and extent of impact to our business and our alliance partners from the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) current discount rates, (3) the reduction in our market capitalization, (4) changes to the regulatory environment and (5) the nature and amount of government support that will be provided. As a result of this qualitative assessment, we concluded that indicators of impairment were present. The subsequent quantitative interim impairment assessment of our goodwill as of March 31, 2020 resulted in recording an impairment of $10,646 as of March 31, 2020. No additional impairment was recorded during the remainder of 2020, including as a result of our annual assessment completed as of September 30, 2020.
We have not made any material changes in our reporting units or the accounting methodology we used to assess impairment of goodwill since September 30, 2020. The valuation of goodwill is subject to a high degree of judgment, uncertainty and complexity. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to test for impairment losses on goodwill. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.
There were no indicators of impairment identified in or recorded for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Income Taxes
Accounting for income taxes requires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. These deferred taxes are measured by applying the provisions of tax laws in effect at the balance sheet date, including the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) enacted on December 22, 2017.
We recognize in income the effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities in the period that includes the enactment date.
As of December 31, 2020, a full valuation allowance is recorded against our deferred tax. The valuation allowance is based, in part, on our estimate of future taxable income, the expected utilization of federal and state tax loss carryforwards, and credits and the expiration dates of such tax loss carryforwards. Significant assumptions are used in developing the analysis of future taxable income for purposes of determining the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets which, in our opinion, are reasonable under the circumstances.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 3 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements in our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, ITEM 8 of this Report, for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on results of operations and financial condition, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Results of Operations
Note: All dollar amounts reported in Results of Operations are in thousands, except per-share information.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2019
The tables presented below compare our results of operations from one period to another, and present the results for each period and the change in those results from one period to another in both dollars and percentage change.
Sales
Sales decreased by $14,141, or 45% in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 driven by reductions in (1) installation services of $4,962 following a significant increase in suspended, delayed, and cancelled customer projects, initiatives, and capital expenditures as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) software development services of $8,754 which included nonrecurrence of approximately $7,937 of 2019 revenue related to software development and licensing arrangements, and (3) management services of $1,186 related to contracts with customers which were partially or permanently closed during the year. Reductions in year over year core digital signage business were partially offset by $3,535 of revenue generated from our Safe Space Solutions products and services during the year ended December 31, 2020 following launch of the suite of products at the end of April 2020.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased $5,618 in absolute dollars to $8,121 in 2020 from $13,739 in 2019, or 41% driven by reductions in revenue which were partially offset by an increase in gross margin to 46.5% in 2020 from 43.5% in 2019. The increase in gross margin relates to the sales of Safe Space Solutions products and a higher percentage of managed services revenue to consolidated revenue.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses generally include the salaries, taxes, and benefits of our sales and marketing personnel, as well as trade show activities, travel, and other related sales and marketing costs. Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $668, or 28%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 driven by a $662 reduction in personnel costs as the result of reduced headcount and salary reductions in March 2020, combined with reduced spend on trade show activity and related travel costs following the cancellation of several key industry events as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We anticipate that our sales and marketing expenses will continue to be significantly lower than those incurred in 2019 as trade shows and industry events planned for throughout 2021 have been suspended, delayed, or completely cancelled. We further anticipate our sales personnel will continue to incur reduced travel costs during the extended pandemic period and utilize virtual meeting technology more commonly moving forward.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses decreased by $330, or 23%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 as the result of a reduction in personnel costs during the period following reduced headcount and salary reductions in March 2020.
General and Administrative Expenses
Total general and administrative expenses increased by $201, or 2%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 from $9,092 to $9,293. Personnel costs, including salaries, benefits, and travel-related expenses, decreased by $1,109 in 2020, partially offset by an increase in stock compensation amortization expense of $273 related to incremental employee and directors’ awards during 2020 which are being amortized over the thirty-six (36) month vesting period based on the grant date fair value calculated using the Black Scholes method. Personnel costs were reduced following completion of a reduction-in-force and salary reductions for remaining personnel in March 2020. The reductions in personnel costs were offset by increases in (1) incremental reserve for bad debts of $616 primarily driven by a customer bankruptcy, (2) legal and deal costs of approximately $500 related to our offering process and ongoing litigation efforts discussed in Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and (3) insurance costs, including director and officer related coverage which is experiencing significant tightening in the most recent twenty-four months.
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $224, or 18%, for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019 driven by a combination of an increased intangible asset base and increased capitalized costs related to the continued development of our software products since the acquisition of Allure.
Lease Termination Expense
On December 31, 2020, we exited our office facilities located in Dallas, TX. In ceasing use of these facilities, we recorded a one-time non-cash charge of $18. There were no such lease terminations during 2019.
Goodwill impairment
See Note 7 Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Company’s interim impairment test and the non-cash impairment charge recorded.
Gain on Earnout Liability
The Company completed an updated fair value analysis at December 31, 2019 of the contingent consideration earnout liability initially recorded at $250 in the opening balance sheet at the time of the Allure Acquisition on November 20, 2018. As a result of that analysis, the Company concluded the fair value of the liability was $0, resulting in a gain of $250 in 2019.
Interest Expense
See Note 8 Loans Payable to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Company’s debt and related interest expense obligations.
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liability
All of the Company’s outstanding warrants classified as liabilities expired during 2019. See Note 5 Fair Value Measurement to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Company’s non-cash change in Warrant Liability.
Gain on Settlement of Obligations
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company settled and/or wrote off obligations of $348 for aggregate cash payments of $139 and recognized a gain of $209 related to legacy accounts payable deemed to no longer be legal obligations to vendors.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company settled and/or wrote off obligations of $3,178 for $1,132 cash payment and recognized a gain of $2,046. $1,619 of this gain related to settlement of legacy sales commissions due to a third party vendor which were settled with a cash payment of $1,100 during the three-months ended December 31, 2019. The remaining settlements related to legacy accounts payable deemed to no longer be legal obligations to vendors.
Supplemental Operating Results on a Non-GAAP Basis
The following non-GAAP data, which adjusts for the categories of expenses described below, is a non-GAAP financial measure. Our management believes that this non-GAAP financial measure is useful information for investors, shareholders and other stakeholders of our Company in gauging our results of operations on an ongoing basis. We believe that EBITDA is a performance measure and not a liquidity measure, and therefore a reconciliation between net loss/income and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA has been provided. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net loss/income as an indicator of performance or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as an indicator of cash flows, in each case as determined in accordance with GAAP, or as a measure of liquidity. In addition, EBITDA does not take into account changes in certain assets and liabilities as well as interest and income taxes that can affect cash flows. We do not intend the presentation of these non-GAAP measures to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should be read only in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We produced net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 but incurred a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 and have negative cash flows from operating activities for both periods. As of December 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,826 and a working capital deficit of $306.
On January 11, 2021, Creative Realities, Inc. received a notice from Old National Bank regarding forgiveness of the loan in the principal amount of $1,552 (the “PPP Loan”) that was made pursuant to the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Air, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020. According to such notice, the full principal amount of the PPP Loan and the accrued interest have been forgiven. Accounting for the forgiveness will be recognized in the first quarter of 2021.
On February 18, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional investor which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”), in a registered direct offering (the “Offering”) at a purchase price of $2.50 per Share, for gross proceeds of $2,000. The net proceeds from the Offering after paying estimated offering expenses were approximately $1,835, which the Company intends to use for general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering occurred on February 22, 2021.
On March 7, 2021, the Company and Slipstream entered into an agreement to refinance the Company’s Loan and Security Agreement, including (1) the extension of all maturity dates therein to March 31, 2023, (2) the conversion of the Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note into equity, (3) access to an additional $1,000 via a multi-advance line of credit facility, and (4) the removal of the three times liquidation preference with respect to the Company’s Secured Convertible Special Loan Promissory Note.
Management believes that, based on (i) the forgiveness of our PPP Loan, (ii) the execution of a registered direct offering and remaining availability for incremental offerings under our previously registered Form S-3, (iii) the refinancing of our debt, including extension of the maturity date on our term and convertible loans, as well as access to incremental borrowings under the new multi-advance line of credit, and (iv) our operational forecast through 2021, we can continue as a going concern through at least March 31, 2022. However, given our net losses, cash used in operating activities and working capital deficit, we obtained a continued support letter from Slipstream through March 31, 2022. We can provide no assurance that our ongoing operational efforts will be successful which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
See Note 8 Loans Payable to the Consolidated Financial Statements for an additional discussion of the Company’s debt obligations and further discussion of the Company’s refinancing activities subsequent to December 31, 2020.
Operating Activities
The cash flows used in operating activities were $3,530 and $970 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The majority of the cash consumed by operations for both periods was attributed to our net losses. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, our net loss was $17,053 and $1,008 when adjusted for gain on settlements of obligations, respectively. The cash flows used in operating activities were further driven by the Company’s increase in inventory on hand as a result of the launch of our Safe Space Solutions product suite, partially offset by non-cash charges of $93, $2,531, and $10,646 related to (1) fair value of our Special Loan, (2) depreciation and amortization expenses, and (3) impairment charge related to goodwill, respectively, combined with an increase of $613 in our allowance for doubtful accounts primarily as a result of a customer bankruptcy.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $657 as compared to $687 for the same period in 2019. Uses of cash in the current and prior period relate primarily to internal and external costs associated with software development. We currently do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2020, nor do we anticipate any significantly expanding our expenditures for investing in 2021.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $3,479 and $1,473, respectively. The increase was driven by our receipt of a PPP Loan of $1,552 and proceeds from our at-the-market offering of $1,832, partially offset by no debt proceeds during the year.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements set forth in Item 303(a) (4) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 7A
ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 8
ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on Page.
ITEM 9
ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A
ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act (“Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020, and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our assessment and those criteria, management believes that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B
ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION
Credit Agreement
On March 7, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) refinanced their current debt facilities with Slipstream Communications, LLC (“Slipstream”), pursuant to an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The debt facilities continue to be fully secured by all assets of the Borrowers. The maturity date (“Maturity Date”) on the outstanding debt and new debt is extended to March 31, 2023. The Credit Agreement (i) provides a $1,000 of availability under a line of credit (the “Line of Credit”), (ii) consolidates our existing term and revolving line of credit facilities into a new term loan (the “New Term Loan”) having an aggregate principal balance of approximately $4,550 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), (iii) increases the outstanding special convertible term loan (the “Convertible Loan”) to approximately $2,280 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), and (iv) extinguishes the outstanding obligations owed with respect to a $264 existing disbursed escrow loan in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares”), valued at $2.718 per share (the trailing 10-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”)) as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market as of the date of execution of the Credit Agreement). The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan accrue interest at 10% per year, and the New Term Loan accrues interest at 8% per year.
The New Term Loan requires no principal payments until the Maturity Date, and interest payments are payable on the first day of each month until the Maturity Date. All interest payments owed prior to October 1, 2021 are payable as PIK payments, or increases to the principal balance only.
The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan require payments of accrued interest payable on the first day of each month through April 1, 2022. All such interest payments made prior to October 1, 2021 are payable as PIK payments, or increases to the principal balances under the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan only. No principal payments are owed under the Line of Credit or Convertible Loan until April 1, 2022, at which time all principal and interest on each of the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan will be paid in monthly installments until the Maturity Date to fully amortize outstanding principal by the Maturity Date.
All payments of interest (other than PIK payments) and principal on the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan may be paid, in the Borrowers’ sole discretion, in shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Payment Shares,” and together with the Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares, the “Shares”). The Payment Shares will be valued on a per-Share basis at 70% of the VWAP of the Company’s shares of common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the date such payment is due; provided that the Payment Shares shall not be valued below $0.50 per Share (the “Share Price”).
The Credit Agreement limits the Company’s ability to issue Shares as follows (the “Exchange Limitations”): (1) The total number of Shares that may be issued under the Credit Agreement will be limited to 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock on the date the Credit Agreement is signed (the “Exchange Cap”), unless stockholder approval is obtained to issue shares in excess of the Exchange Cap; (2) if Slipstream and its affiliates (the “Slipstream Group”) beneficially own the largest ownership position of shares of Company common stock immediately prior to the proposed issuance of Payment Shares and such shares are less than 19.99% of the then-issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock, the issuance of such Payment Shares will not cause the Slipstream Group to beneficially own in excess of 19.99% of the issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock after such issuance unless stockholder approval is obtained for ownership in excess of 19.99%; and (3) if the Slipstream Group does not beneficially own the largest ownership position of shares of Company common stock immediately prior to the proposed issuance of Payment Shares, the Company may not issue Payment Shares to the extent that such issuance would result in Slipstream Group beneficially owning more than 19.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock unless (A) such ownership would not be the largest ownership position in the Company, or (B) stockholder approval is obtained for ownership in excess of 19.99%.
The Borrowers covenant to, within 30 days of the signing of the Credit Agreement, file a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC to procure an approval of the transactions contemplated herein from its majority stockholders for purposes of complying with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(b), (c) and (d). The Borrowers will thereafter use their commercially reasonable efforts to file a definitive proxy statement to cause to be held a shareholder meeting for such approval.
The Borrowers will use their reasonable best efforts to have declared effective within 45 days of signing of the Credit Agreement (“Effectiveness Date”) a registration statement on Form S-3 covering the resale of the Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares and the Payment Shares.
Earnings Release
On March 9, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing its financial condition and results of operations for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference into this Item 9B in lieu of separately furnishing such press release under Item 2.02 of Form 8-K. This disclosure, including Exhibit 99.1 hereto, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
PART III
ITEM 10
ITEM 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
On March 14, 2020, Joseph M. Manko, Jr. resigned as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, effective March 15, 2020. Following the resignation, the Board approved a reduction in the size of the Board of Directors to five directors.
Our Board of Directors consists of Dennis McGill (Chairman), Richard Mills (CEO), David Bell, Donald Harris, and Stephen Nesbit.
The following table sets forth the name and position of each of our current directors and executive officers.
The biographies of the above-identified individuals are set forth below:
Dennis McGill joined our Board of Directors in November 2019. Over the course of a 45-year career, Mr. McGill has served as a director, Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of various public and private companies. From June 2015 to October 2017, Mr. McGill served as the President and CEO of ReCommunity Holdings II, Inc., the largest independent recycling processing company in the US, processing over 1.8 million tons of material annually and employing a team of 1,600 members. Mr. McGill served on the Board of Directors for Lighting Science Group Corp. (“LSGC”) from March 2015 to July 2017 while the company was publicly traded. Mr. McGill also served as the LSGC’s Interim Chief Operating Officer from June 2014 to September 2014 and as LSGC’s Interim Chief Financial Officer from July 2014 to December 2014. Mr. McGill joined Pegasus Capital as an operating advisor in December 2014 and remains in that capacity today. Since June 2014, Mr. McGill has also served on the board of directors of DGSE Companies, Inc., a company listed on the NYSE MKT that buys and sells jewelry, diamonds, fine watches, rare coins and currency (“DGSE”). Mr. McGill previously served on the board of directors of DGSE, ReCommunity Holdings, LP and Fiber Composites, LLC and served as the chairman of DGSE’s audit committee. From February 2013 to October 2013, Mr. McGill served as executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer of Heartland Automotive Services, Inc., where he actively participated with the senior management team to develop and roll-out a new business model. From September 2010 to February 2013, Mr. McGill served as executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer of Blockbuster LLC and was responsible for directing and managing various aspects of the Chapter 11 process. From March 2005 to July 2010, Mr. McGill served as executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer of Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc., during which time he led the company’s merger and acquisition efforts and grew the company from $0 to $160 million in EBITDA during his tenure. Mr. McGill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting and Master of Business Administration degree from the University of California, Berkeley and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California.
David Bell joined our Board of Directors in August 2014 in connection with our acquisition of Creative Realities, LLC. Mr. Bell brings over 40 years of advertising and marketing industry experience to the board, including serving as CEO of three of the largest companies in the industry-Bozell Worldwide, True North Communications and The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. Since 2007, Mr. Bell has led Slipstream Communications, LLC which is an international company providing strategic branding, digital marketing, and public relations services and served as a Senior Advisor to Google Inc. from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Bell previously served as an Operating Advisor at Pegasus Capital Advisors. He is currently a Senior Advisor to AOL and has also served on the boards of multiple publicly traded companies, including Lighting Science Group Corporation and Point Blank Solutions, Inc., and Primedia, Inc., and served as President and CEO of The Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Bell served as an independent director on the Board of Directors of Time, Inc. from June 2014 to January 2018.
Donald A. Harris was appointed to our Board of Directors in August 2014 in connection with our acquisition of Broadcast International, Inc. He has been President of 1162 Management, and the General Partner of 5 Star Partnership, a private equity firm, since June 2006. Mr. Harris has been President and Chief Executive Officer of UbiquiTel Inc., a telecommunications company organized by Mr. Harris and other investors, since its inception in September 1999 and also its Chairman since May 2000. Mr. Harris served as the President of Comcast Cellular Communications Inc. from March 1992 to March 1997. Mr. Harris received a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy and an MBA from Columbia University. Mr. Harris’s experience in the telecommunications industry and his association with private equity funding is valuable to the Company.
Richard Mills is currently our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Mills possesses over 32 years of industry experience. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of ConeXus World Global, a leading digital media services company, which he founded in 2010, and which was acquired by the Company. Prior to founding ConeXus, Mr. Mills was President and Director at Beacon Enterprise Solutions Group, Inc., a public telecom and technology infrastructure services provider. Previous to that, he joined publicly traded Pomeroy Computer Resources, Inc. in 1993 and served as Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board of Directors from 1995 until 1999. Mr. Mills helped grow sales at Pomeroy during his time there from $100 million to $700 million. Mr. Mills was also a founder of Strategic Communications LLC.
Stephen Nesbit has been in the digital signage and digital advertising industry for over 20 years. He is currently the Managing Director of Prestonwood Trail Holdings LLC and has provided advisory services for companies in the Digital Signage and Digital Media Industry for the past 10 years. He has directed and advised projects in North America, Europe, Asia proper, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Africa. Prior to founding Prestonwood Trail, Mr. Nesbit was the President/COO at Reflect Systems, a prominent software and services company in the Digital Signage business. He joined Reflect after serving as President/COO of MarketForward, the Global Digital Media Division owned by the Publicis Groupe S.A. in Paris France. Mr. Nesbit began his career in Digital Signage as the EVP Global Operations & GM International Business for Next Generation Network. NGN was one of the first Digital Place Based Advertising companies in the industry before its sale to Anschutz Investments where the company changed its name to National Cinemedia (NASDAQ: NCMI). He began his career at IBM in the Data Processing Division holding various field and HQ management positions. Mr. Nesbit also held management and executive positions at Wang Labs and BBN Communications Inc., the communications company that was the original architect of the Internet. Mr. Nesbit holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and earned an MBA from the Indiana University Kelly Graduate School of Business.
Will Logan joined the Company as VP of Finance in November 2017 and was promoted to the position of Chief Financial Officer effective May 16, 2018. From January 2007 until November 2017, Mr. Logan was employed by Ernst & Young in the assurance services group where he primarily served large public companies, including a two-year international rotation in London, UK in the asset management practice. He brings over ten years of experience in SEC reporting, technical accounting matters and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance expertise as well as expertise in initial public offerings, acquisitions and integration. He has B.A. degrees in Accounting and Economics from Bellarmine University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Under our corporate bylaws, all of our directors serve for indefinite terms expiring upon the next annual meeting of our shareholders.
When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to enable the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, the Board of Directors focuses primarily on the industry and transactional experience, in addition to any unique skills or attributes associated with a director. With regard to Mr. McGill, the Board of Directors considered his background and experience with running and accelerating growth at public companies. With regard to Mr. Bell, the Board considered his deep experience within the advertising and marketing industries and his prior management of large enterprises. With regard to Mr. Mills, the Board of Directors considered his extensive background and experience in the industry. With regard to Mr. Harris, the Board of Directors considered his extensive experience in the telecommunications industry and association with private equity investors. Finally, with regard to Mr. Nesbit, the Board of Directors considered his extensive experience in the digital signage industry, having run several companies in the industry and acted as a consultant broadly for digital signage companies over the past twenty years.
The Board of Directors has determined that there are presently three “independent” directors as such term is defined in Section 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq listing rules, each of whom also meets the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The directors whom the board has determined to be independent are Messrs. Bell, Harris, and Nesbit.
The Board of Directors has determined that at least two members of the Board, Mr. McGill and Mr. Bell, qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Each of Mr. McGill and Mr. Bell’s relevant experience in this regard is detailed above, which includes past employment experience in finance and through various Director roles at public companies, including experience on the Audit Committee for other publicly traded companies. Mr. Bell is deemed to be independent of the Company. The Board of Directors has determined that each director is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements.
Board Committees
Our Board of Directors has created a standing Compensation Committee and Audit Committee. Messrs. Nesbit, Harris, and Bell serve on the Compensation Committee. Messrs. Bell, Harris and Nesbit serve on the Audit Committee. In the case of the Compensation Committee, Mr. Nesbit serves as chair, and in the case of the Audit Committee, Mr. Bell serves as chair. The Board of Directors has determined that at least one member of the Audit Committee, Mr. Bell, is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Mr. Bell’s relevant experience in this regard is detailed above. Mr. Bell, Mr. Harris and Mr. Nesbit qualify as “independent” member of the board as described above. The Board of Directors has determined that each director serving on the Audit Committee is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements.
The Board of Directors has not created a separate committee for nomination or corporate governance. Instead, the entire Board of Directors shares the responsibility of identifying potential director-nominees to serve on the Board of Directors. Nevertheless, nominees to serve as directors on our Board of Directors are selected by those directors on our board who are independent.
Communications with Board Members
Our Board of Directors has provided the following process for shareholders and interested parties to send communications to our board and/or individual directors. All communications should be addressed to Creative Realities, Inc., 13100 Magisterial Drive, Ste. 100, Louisville, KY 40223, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Communications to individual directors may also be made to such director at our company’s address. All communications sent to any individual director will be received directly by such individuals and will not be screened or reviewed by any company personnel. Any communications sent to the board in the care of the Corporate Secretary will be reviewed by the Corporate Secretary to ensure that such communications relate to the business of the company before being reviewed by the board.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers (including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions) and directors. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics satisfies the requirements of Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available, free of charge, upon written request to our Corporate Secretary at 13100 Magisterial Drive, Ste. 100, Louisville, KY 40223.
ITEM 11
ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our named executive officers for 2020 and 2019 (table and footnotes in whole dollars):
(a) Mr. Mills joined the Company effective October 15, 2015. Mr. Logan joined the Company effective November 2017.
(b) Effective March 19, 2020 and in response to state and local authorities forcing many businesses to temporarily reduce or cease operations to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a six-month reduction of the salaries of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by twenty percent (20%), thereby reducing the salaries payable to such officers in 2020 to $297,000 and $224,100, respectively. The salary reductions remain in-force as of the date of this report, resulting in actual salaries to $277,962 and $209,735, respectively.
(c) On November 6, 2019, the Board approved payment of a $150 cash bonus to Mr. Mills for his significant contributions to the Company’s performance in 2018. $100 was paid during December 2019 and $50 was recorded in accrued expenses as of December 31, 2019 and paid in January 2020.
(d) Represents the grant date fair value based on the Black-Scholes value determined as of September 20, 2018, the grant dates.
(e) There were two tranches of stock options issued to Mr. Mills and Mr. Logan during the year. 50% of the stock options awarded become exercisable in increments of 33 percent of the total shares purchasable under this issuance on June 1 annually, beginning in 2021 and ending in 2023. The fair value of the options on the grant date was $1.87 and was determined using the Black-Scholes model. The values included in the table above represent the number of shares awarded to Mr. Mills (480,000) and Mr. Logan (240,000) multiplied by the grant date fair value of the awards as of the grant date. These calculations exclude any value associated with an equal number of performance restricted stock options issued to both Mr. Mills and Mr. Logan which become exercisable in increments of 33 percent of the total shares purchasable under this issuance on June 1 annually, beginning in 2021 and ending in 2023, subject to satisfying the Company revenue target and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) target for the applicable year. In each of calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022, one-third of the total shares may vest (if the revenue and EBITDA targets are met), and the shares that are subject to vesting each year are allocated equally to each of the revenue and EBITDA targets for such year. These performance options include a catch-up provision, where any options that did not vest during a prior year due to the Company’s failure to meet a prior revenue or EBITDA target may vest in a subsequent vesting year if the revenue or EBITDA target, as applicable, is met in the future year. No value was associated with these awards as of the grant date as the performance metrics had not been deemed to be achieved. The revenue and EBITDA targets for the following years are as follows:
In addition to the employee stock option plan approved by the Board of Directors in May 2020, the Board of Directors also approved an employee bonus plan pursuant to which certain officers and other employees of the Company would be granted incentive compensation in the form of cash bonuses. In each of the calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022, Mr. Mills was provided a target bonus of $165, or 50% of his base salary, and Mr. Logan was provided a target bonus of $62, or 25% of his base salary, subject to satisfying the same Company revenue and EBITDA targets for the applicable year on which vesting of performance-based share compensation were set. The Company targets for calendar year 2020 were not met and there was no impact on the Company’s financial statements of those awards during 2020.
The material terms of employment agreements and payments to be made upon a change in control are discussed below, in the narrative following “Employment Agreements.”
Our named executive officers are eligible for retirement benefits on the same terms as non-executives under the Company’s defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan. Employees may contribute pretax compensation to the plan in accordance with current maximum contribution levels proscribed by the Internal Revenue Service. Beginning on April 1, 2018 but suspended indefinitely as of March 19, 2020, the Company began contributing an employer contribution match of 50% of employee wages up to 6%, for an effective match of 3%.
Richard Mills Employment Agreement
We employ Richard Mills as our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Mills’ employment agreement was initially effective for a two-year term, which automatically renews for additional one-year periods unless either we or Mr. Mills elects not to extend the term. The agreement provided for an initial annual base salary of $270 subject to annual increases but generally not subject to decreases. Mr. Mills’ current annual base salary is $330, but since March 19, 2020 has been reduced by twenty percent (20%) as a result of actions implemented by the Company’s Board of Directors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the agreement, Mr. Mills is eligible to participate in performance-based cash bonus or equity award plans for our senior executives. Mr. Mills will participate in our employee benefit plans, policies, programs, perquisites and arrangements to the extent he meets applicable eligibility requirements. In the event of a termination of employment for good reason, as defined, without cause, as defined, or within 12 months following a change in control, as defined, other than for reason of death, disability or for cause, any of which occur during the first year of Mr. Mills’ employment, Mr. Mills will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to six months of his base salary. After the one-year anniversary of his employment (the current term of Mr. Mills’ employment is beyond the one-year anniversary), the severance amount increases to 12 months of then-current base salary. The agreement provides that any severance payments would be paid in installments over the course of the severance. The agreement contains certain non-solicitation and non-competition provisions that continue after employment for a period of one year. The agreement also contains other customary restrictive and other covenants relating to the confidentiality of information, the ownership of inventions and other matters.
Will Logan Employment Arrangement
Will Logan, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, has an at-will employment arrangement with the Company. Mr. Logan’s current annual base salary is $249, but since March 19, 2020 has been reduced by twenty percent (20%) as a result of actions implemented by the Company’s Board of Directors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Logan participates in our employee benefit plans, policies, programs, perquisites and arrangements to the extent he meets applicable eligibility requirements, and also received the stock options discussed under “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End” below.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth certain information concerning outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2020:
(a) These stock options become exercisable in increments of 33 percent of the total shares purchasable under this issuance on June 1 annually, beginning in 2021 and ending in 2023.
(b) These stock options become exercisable in increments of 33 percent of the total shares purchasable under this issuance on June 1 annually, beginning in 2021 and ending in 2023, subject to satisfying the Company revenue target and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) target for the applicable year. In each of calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022, one-third of the total shares may vest (if the revenue and EBITDA targets are met), and the shares that are subject to vesting each year are allocated equally to each of the revenue and EBITDA targets for such year. These performance options include a catch-up provision, where any options that did not vest during a prior year due to the Company’s failure to meet a prior revenue or EBITDA target may vest in a subsequent vesting year if the revenue or EBITDA target, as applicable, is met in the future year. The revenue and EBITDA targets for the following years are as follows:
(c) These stock options become exercisable in increments of 25 percent of the total shares purchasable under this issuance on November 6 annually, beginning in 2018 and ending in 2021.
(d) These stock options become exercisable in increments of 25 percent of the total shares purchasable under this issuance on September 20 annually, beginning in 2019 and ending in 2020.
Director Compensation
On March 13, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to compensate non-officer directors for their service to the Company in the amount of $25 per year, beginning April 1, 2019, to be issued in either cash or restricted stock vesting immediately upon issuance. Shares of restricted stock are to be issued quarterly in arrears for service the preceding quarter for a value of $6 per director, with the number of shares issued based on the most recent close price of the Company’s common stock at the end of the previous calendar quarter.
During 2020, non-employee directors were issued a total of 20,997 shares, with the exception of Mr. Manko, who was issued a total of 4,085 shares for his service for the three months ended March 31, 2020 prior to his exit from the Board. During 2019, non-employee directors were issued a total of 31,760 shares. The table below sets forth the compensation paid to our non-employee directors during 2020:
(1) Mr. Manko resigned from the Board of Directors effective March 15, 2020.
(2) Each director was awarded shares for service having an aggregate value of $6,250 on a quarterly basis in arrears for services completed during the immediately preceding quarter. Value represents the share aggregate value of shares issued on the date of issuance.
(4) Under a Consulting Agreement (described below), Mr. McGill receives compensation of $5,000 per month.
Consulting Agreement
On November 7, 2019, the Company and Dennis McGill executed a Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”). The term of the Consulting Agreement was one year, and it automatically renews for successive one-year periods. Either party may terminate the Consulting Agreement at any time upon 30 days’ written notice. Under the Consulting Agreement, Mr. McGill will receive compensation of $5 per month in cash in exchange for general business and strategy consulting services to the Company.
ITEM 12
ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth the number of common shares, and percentage of outstanding common shares, beneficially owned as of March 8, 2021, by:
● each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of our outstanding common stock
● each current director
● each executive officer of the Company and other persons identified as a named executive in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and
● all current executive officers and directors as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the following persons is 13100 Magisterial Drive, Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40223, and each such person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite his, her or its name.
* less than 1%
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes general voting power and/or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options or warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the record rate, and shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of other securities currently convertible or convertible within 60 days, are deemed outstanding for computing the beneficial ownership percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the beneficial ownership percentage of any other person. Under applicable SEC rules, each person’s beneficial ownership is calculated by dividing the total number of shares with respect to which they possess beneficial ownership by the total number of outstanding shares of the Company. In any case where an individual has beneficial ownership over securities that are not outstanding, but are issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants or similar rights within the next 60 days, that same number of shares is added to the denominator in the calculation described above. Because the calculation of each person’s beneficial ownership set forth in the “Percentage of Common Shares” column of the table may include shares that are not presently outstanding, the sum total of the percentages set forth in such column may exceed 100%.
(2) Investment and voting power over shares held by Slipstream Funding, LLC is held by Slipstream Communications, LLC, its sole member, and may deemed to be directly or indirectly controlled by Craig Cogut, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pegasus Capital Advisors, LLC. See table footnote 3 for further information regarding Slipstream Communications, LLC.
(3) Investment and voting power over shares held by Slipstream Communications, LLC may be deemed to be directly or indirectly controlled by Craig Cogut, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pegasus Capital Advisors, LLC. Slipstream Communications, LLC (“Slipstream Communications”) is the sole member of Slipstream Funding, LLC (“Slipstream Funding”). BCOM Holdings, LP (“BCOM Holdings”) is the managing member of Slipstream Communications. BCOM GP LLC (“BCOM GP”) is the general partner of BCOM Holdings. Business Services Holdings, LLC (“Business Services Holdings”) is the sole member of BCOM GP. PP IV BSH, LLC (“PP IV BSH”), Pegasus Investors IV, L.P. (“Pegasus Investors”) and Pegasus Partners IV (AIV), L.P. (“Pegasus Partners (AIV)”) are the members of Business Services Holdings. Pegasus Partners IV, L.P. (“Pegasus Partners”) is the sole member of PP IV BSH. Pegasus Investors IV, L.P. (“Pegasus Investors”) is the general partner of each of Pegasus Partners (AIV) and Pegasus Partners and Pegasus Investors IV GP, L.L.C. (“Pegasus Investors GP”) is the general partner of Pegasus Investors. Pegasus Investors GP is wholly owned by Pegasus Capital, LLC (“Pegasus Capital”). Pegasus Capital may be deemed to be directly or indirectly controlled by Craig Cogut. The share figure includes the 952,365 shares of common stock issued to and held by Slipstream Funding, LLC in connection with the merger transaction with Creative Realities, LLC. Share figure also includes 2,449,897 common shares purchasable upon exercise of outstanding warrants issued to and held by Slipstream Communications, LLC.
(4) Mr. Nesbit is a director of the Company.
(5) Mr. Harris is a director of the Company. Share figure includes 21,035 shares purchasable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants.
(6) Mr. McGill is a director of the Company and Chairman of the Board. Share figured includes 8,333 shares purchasable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
(7) Mr. Bell is a director of the Company.
(8) Mr. Mills is a director of the Company and Chief Executive Officer.
(9) Mr. Logan is the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Share figured includes 22,709 shares purchasable upon the exercise of outstanding options.
(10) Includes Messrs. McGill, Mills, Bell, Harris, Nesbit and Logan.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The table below sets forth certain information, as of the close of business on December 31, 2020, regarding equity compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which our securities were then authorized for issuance.
(1) All shares reflected in the table are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options issued under the 2006 Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan or the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan.
(2) Reflects number of securities remaining available for issuance under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan.
ITEM 13
ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Slipstream Financings
On August 17, 2016, the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with Slipstream. As of March 8, 2021, Slipstream is the holder of 83.5% of our outstanding debt instruments including a term loan, secured revolving promissory note, and secured special promissory note and has beneficial ownership of approximately 36.1% of our common stock (on an as-converted, fully diluted basis including conversion of outstanding warrants, and assuming no other convertible securities, options and warrants are converted or exercised by other parties).
On November 6, 2019, Slipstream extended the maturity date of the Term Loan and revolver loan to June 30, 2021 through the Sixth Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement, aligning the maturity date of the Term Loan and Secured Revolving Promissory Note with the Secured Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note.
On December 30, 2019, we entered into the Special Loan as part of the Seventh Amendment under which we obtained $2,000, with interest thereon at 8% per annum payable 6% in cash and 2% via the issuance of SLPIK interest, provided however that upon occurrence of an event of default the interest rate shall automatically be increased by 6% per annum payable in cash. The entry into the Seventh Amendment adjusted the interest rate on the Term Loan and Revolving Loan to 8% per annum, provided, however, at all times when the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan and the Revolving Loan exceeds $4,100 then the Loan Rate shall be 10%, of which eight percent 8% shall be payable in cash and 2% shall be paid by the issuance of and treated as additional PIK.
Upon the earlier to occur of an Event of Default or October 1, 2020, if any of the principal amount of the Special Loan is then outstanding, the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the Special Loan and the outstanding SLPIK shall be automatically converted into shares of a new series of Senior Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (“New Preferred”) having an Appraised Value equal to three times the then outstanding principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest of the Special Loan and the outstanding SLPIK and having the following terms and conditions, as reasonably determined by the Company and Slipstream, the New Preferred shall:
●be the most senior equity security of the Company, including with respect to the payment of dividends and other distributions;
●be on substantially the same terms and conditions as the Company’s Series A-1 6% Convertible Preferred Stock as set forth in its Certificate of Designation immediately before the same was cancelled pursuant to a Certificate of Cancellation dated as of March 13, 2019;
●not be subject to a right of redemption upon the part of a holder thereof;
●accrue and pay quarterly dividends at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum which shall be payable in cash;
●have a Stated Value that is an amount mutually agreed by the Company and Slipstream at the time of issuance;
●Conversion Price shall be an amount equal to 80% of the average for the 30-day period ending two days prior to the required conversion date of the daily average of the range of the Company’s common stock (calculated pursuant to information on The Wall Street Journal Online Edition), subject to appropriate adjustments; and
●neither section 6(e) of the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation nor any similar provision shall apply to the New Preferred.
On April 1, 2020, we entered into an Eighth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement (the “Eighth Amendment”) with Slipstream to amend the terms of the payments and interest accruing on the Term Loan, Secured Revolving Promissory Note, and Special Loan. The Eighth Amendment increased the interest rates of these loans from 8% to 10%, effective April 1, 2020. Until January 1, 2021, rather than cash payments of accrued interest under the term and revolving loans, interest will be paid by the issuance of and treated as additional principal thereunder. Commencing January 2, 2021, such interest will be payable in cash. Interest on the special loan will no longer be paid in cash, but by the issuance of and treated as additional principal thereunder.
On February 28, 2021, January 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, November 30, 2020, and September 29, 2020, the Company entered into several amendments to Loan and Security Agreement with its subsidiaries and Slipstream to amend the automatic conversion date of the Special Loan. Each amendment extended the automatic conversion date of the Special Loan into the defined new class of senior preferred stock of the Company, which was ultimately Amended and Restated in full on March 7, 2021 as discussed further above. The Company paid no fees in exchange for these extensions.
On March 7, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) refinanced their current debt facilities with Slipstream Communications, LLC (“Slipstream”), pursuant to an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The debt facilities continue to be fully secured by all assets of the Borrowers. The maturity date (“Maturity Date”) on the outstanding debt and new debt is extended to March 31, 2023. The Credit Agreement (i) provides a $1,000 of availability under a line of credit (the “Line of Credit”), (ii) consolidates our existing term and revolving line of credit facilities into a new term loan (the “New Term Loan”) having an aggregate principal balance of approximately $4,550 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), (iii) increases the outstanding special convertible term loan (the “Convertible Loan”) to approximately $2,280 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), and (iv) extinguishes the outstanding obligations owed with respect to a $264 existing disbursed escrow loan in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares”), valued at $2.718 per share (the trailing 10-day VWAP as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market as of the date of execution of the Credit Agreement). The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan accrue interest at 10% per year, and the New Term Loan accrues interest at 8% per year. See Note 8 Loans Payable for additional information with respect to the Credit Agreement.
33 Degrees
On August 14, 2018, we entered into a payment agreement with 33 Degrees Convenience Connect, Inc., a related party that is approximately 17.5% owned by a member of our senior management (“33 Degrees”), outlining terms for repayment of $2,567 of aged accounts receivable as of that date. The payment agreement stipulated a simple interest rate of 12% on aged accounts receivable to be paid on the tenth day of each month through the maturity date of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, 33 Degrees paid the note in full and had a remaining outstanding accounts receivable balance of $1 in the Consolidated Financial Statements. 33 Degrees has continued to purchase additional hardware and services from the Company on a prepaid basis.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had sales of $1,058 (6.1% of consolidated sales) and $1,103 (3.5% of consolidated sales), respectively, with 33 Degrees. Accounts receivable due from 33 Degrees was $40, or 1.2%, and $1, or 0% of consolidated accounts receivable at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Each of the foregoing transactions were approved by our Board of Directors after full disclosure of any conflicts of interest. Any directors that had a conflicting interest in the transactions abstained from approving such matter.
Independence
The Company does not have a standing nominating committee. Instead, the entire Board of Directors shares the responsibility of identifying potential director-nominees to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board believes the engagement of all directors in this function is important at this time in the Company’s development in light of the Company’s recent acquisition activities.
The Board of Directors has determined that there are presently four “independent” directors as such term is defined in Section 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq listing rules, each of whom also meets the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The directors whom the board has determined to be independent are Messrs. Bell, Harris, and Nesbit.
ITEM 14
ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
(All currency is rounded to the nearest thousands, except share and per share amounts.)
The following table presents fees for audit and other services provided by Deloitte and Touche LLP for 2020 and by EisnerAmper LLP for 2019. Fees for tax services were provided by Ernst & Young, LLP beginning in the second quarter of 2018 and were provided by Eichen & Dimeglio, CPAs, PC in the first quarter of 2018. Fees to EisnerAmper LLP were as follows:
(a) Audit fees for 2020 and 2019 relate to professional services provided in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements, the reviews of our quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements, services provided in connection with filing Form S-3 and audit services provided in connection with other regulatory filings.
(b) There were no audit-related fees.
(c) There were no tax fees paid to Deloitte and Touche LLP or EisnerAmper LLP. Tax fees to other service providers consisted of the aggregate fees billed for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning of $105 and $32 for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Our Board of Directors pre-approved the audit services rendered by Deloitte and Touche LLP and EisnerAmper, LLP during 2020 and 2019, respectively, and concluded that such services were compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.
PART IV
ITEM 15
ITEM 15 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page and “Exhibit Index” on page E-1.
(b)
See “Exhibit Index” on page E-1.
(c)
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Louisville, State of Kentucky, on March 9, 2021.
Creative Realities, Inc.
By /s/ Richard Mills
Richard Mills
Chief Executive Officer
By /s/ Will Logan
Will Logan
Chief Financial Officer
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant, and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Richard Mills
Chief Executive Officer and Director
March 9, 2021
Richard Mills
/s/ Will Logan
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and
March 9, 2021
Will Logan
Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Dennis McGill
Chairman of the Board of Directors
March 9, 2021
Dennis McGill
/s/ David Bell
Director
March 9, 2021
David Bell
/s/ Donald Harris
Director
March 9, 2021
Donald Harris
/s/ Steve Nesbit
Director
March 9, 2021
Steve Nesbit
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Creative Realities, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Creative Realities, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows, for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for year ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill - Refer to Note 7 to the Financial Statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company operates as a single reportable segment, operating segment and reporting unit. The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves comparing the book value of the reporting unit to its estimated fair value. The Company’s determination of estimated fair value of the reporting unit is based primarily on a discounted cash flow model utilizing the income approach. The Company used the discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value which requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the valuation of the reporting unit, including assumptions regarding discount rates, forecasts of future revenue and operating margins, and the long-term growth rate. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both. During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, management identified indicators of potential impairment of goodwill related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business. As a result, management performed an interim assessment of potential impairment. Consequently, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $10.6 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2020, reducing the recorded goodwill balance to approximately $7.5 million. The Company’s annual impairment assessment date is September 30. Accordingly, management performed an additional impairment assessment as of September 30, 2020. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value as of September 30, 2020 and, therefore, no additional impairment was recognized.
We identified the valuation of goodwill as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management made to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit and the highly sensitive nature of Company’s operations to changes in demand. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to the forecasts of future revenues and operating margins, and the selection of the long-term growth rate and discount rate for the reporting unit included the following, among others:
●For both the March 31, 2020 interim assessment and the September 30, 2020 annual assessment, we evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of revenue and operating margins by comparing the forecasts to (1) historical revenues and operating margins, (2) internal communications to management and the Board of Directors, and (3) forecasted information included in analyst reports for the industry and certain of its peer companies.
●Specifically, for the September 30, 2020 annual impairment assessment, we compared the Company’s actual performance to the forecasted revenue and operating margin from the March 31, 2020 interim assessment and evaluated the impact of any changes in management’s forecast from the March to September assessments.
●We evaluated the impact of any changes in management’s forecasted revenue and operating margin from the September 30, 2020 annual assessment to the December 31, 2020 balance sheet date.
●We evaluated the reasonableness of the long-term growth rate used in the discounted cash flow model by comparing the information used by the Company to third party economic and industry related information.
●We evaluated the reasonableness of the discounted cash flow valuation methodology.
●With the assistance of our fair value specialists:
○We evaluated the discounted cash flow model and performed underlying procedures on the mathematical accuracy of the calculations.
○We evaluated the reasonableness of the discount rate used in the discounted cash flow model by testing the underlying source information, developing an independent range of estimated discount rates and comparing that range to the discount rate selected by the Company.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Louisville, Kentucky
March 9, 2021
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Creative Realities, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Creative Realities, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases in 2019.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ EisnerAmper LLP
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2015 to 2020.
EISNERAMPER LLP
Iselin, New Jersey
March 12, 2020
CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
(in thousands, except shares)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands, except share per share amounts)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
All currency is rounded to the nearest thousands except share and per share amounts
NOTE 1: NATURE OF ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS
Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in these Notes to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements to “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Company” refer to Creative Realities, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Nature of the Company’s Business
Creative Realities, Inc. is a Minnesota corporation that provides innovative digital marketing technology and solutions to retail companies, individual retail brands, enterprises and organizations throughout the United States and in certain international markets. The Company has expertise in a broad range of existing and emerging digital marketing technologies, as well as the related media management and distribution software platforms and networks, device management, product management, customized software service layers, systems, experiences, workflows, and integrated solutions. Our 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 enable our customers to transform how they engage with consumers. We have expertise in a broad range of existing and emerging digital marketing technologies, as well as the following related aspects of our business: content, network management, and connected device software and firmware platforms; customized software service layers; hardware platforms; digital media workflows; and proprietary processes and automation tools.
Our main operations are conducted directly through Creative Realities, Inc., and under our wholly owned subsidiaries Allure Global Solutions, Inc., a Georgia corporation, and Creative Realities Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation. Our other wholly owned subsidiaries, Creative Realities, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and ConeXus World Global, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, are effectively dormant.
Liquidity and Financial Condition
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on the basis of the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business and do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classifications of recorded assets and liabilities as a result of uncertainties.
We produced net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 but incurred a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 and have negative cash flows from operating activities for both periods. As of December 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,826 and a working capital deficit of $306.
On January 11, 2021, Creative Realities, Inc. received a notice from Old National Bank regarding forgiveness of the loan in the principal amount of $1,552 (the “PPP Loan”) that was made pursuant to the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Air, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020. According to such notice, the full principal amount of the PPP Loan and the accrued interest have been forgiven. Accounting for the forgiveness will be recognized in the first quarter of 2021.
On February 18, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional investor which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”), in a registered direct offering (the “Offering”) at a purchase price of $2.50 per Share, for gross proceeds of $2,000. The net proceeds from the Offering after paying estimated offering expenses were approximately $1,835, which the Company intends to use for general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering occurred on February 22, 2021.
On March 7, 2021, the Company and Slipstream entered into an agreement to refinance the Company’s Loan and Security Agreement, including (1) the extension of all maturity dates therein to March 31, 2023, (2) the conversion of the Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note into equity, (3) access to an additional $1,000 via a multi-advance line of credit facility, and (4) the removal of the three times liquidation preference with respect to the Company’s Secured Convertible Special Loan Promissory Note.
Management believes that, based on (i) the forgiveness of our PPP Loan, (ii) the execution of a registered direct offering and remaining availability for incremental offerings under our previously registered Form S-3, (iii) the refinancing of our debt, including extension of the maturity date on our term and convertible loans, as well as access to incremental borrowings under the new multi-advance line of credit, and (iv) our operational forecast through 2021, we can continue as a going concern through at least March 31, 2022. However, given our net losses, cash used in operating activities and working capital deficit, we obtained a continued support letter from Slipstream through March 31, 2022. We can provide no assurance that our ongoing operational efforts will be successful which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
See Note 8 Loans Payable to the Consolidated Financial Statements for an additional discussion of the Company’s debt obligations and further discussion of the Company’s refinancing activities subsequent to the year-end date.
NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements follows:
1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-K and Article 8 of Regulation S-X and include all of the information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for annual financial reporting.
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Creative Realities, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiaries Allure, ConeXus World Global LLC, Creative Realities (Canada), Inc., and Creative Realities, LLC. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, as applicable.
2. Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, applying the five-step model.
If an arrangement involves multiple performance obligations, the items are analyzed to determine the separate units of accounting, whether the items have value on a standalone basis and whether there is objective and reliable evidence of their standalone selling price. The total contract transaction price is allocated to the identified performance obligations based upon the relative standalone selling prices of the performance obligations. The standalone selling price is based on an observable price for services sold to other comparable customers, when available, or an estimated selling price using a cost plus margin approach.
The Company estimates the amount of total contract consideration it expects to receive for variable arrangements by determining the most likely amount it expects to earn from the arrangement based on the expected quantities of services it expects to provide and the contractual pricing based on those quantities. The Company only includes some or a portion of variable consideration in the transaction price when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. The Company considers the sensitivity of the estimate, its relationship and experience with the client and variable services being performed, the range of possible revenue amounts and the magnitude of the variable consideration to the overall arrangement. The Company receives variable consideration in very few instances.
Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services under the terms of a contract and is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. The Company does not have any material extended payment terms as payment is due at or shortly after the time of the sale, typically ranging between thirty and ninety days. Observable prices are used to determine the standalone selling price of separate performance obligations or a cost plus margin approach when one is not available. Sales, value-added and other taxes collected concurrently with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue.
The Company recognizes contract assets or unbilled receivables related to revenue recognized for services completed but not yet invoiced to the clients. Unbilled receivables are recorded as accounts receivable when the Company has an unconditional right to contract consideration. A contract liability is recognized as deferred revenue when the Company invoices clients in advance of performing the related services under the terms of a contract. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue when the Company has satisfied the related performance obligation.
The Company uses the practical expedient for recording an immediate expense for incremental costs of obtaining contracts, including certain design/engineering services, commissions, incentives and payroll taxes, as these incremental and recoverable costs have terms that do not exceed one year.
3. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value), determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, and consist of the following:
4. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review the carrying value of all long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Under ASC 360, impairment losses are recorded whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
If the impairment tests indicate that the carrying value of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset, an impairment loss would be recognized. The impairment loss is determined as the amount by which the carrying value of such asset exceeds its fair value. We generally measure fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows from such assets using an appropriate discount rate. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets, and accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates.
5. Basic and Diluted Income/(Loss) per Common Share
Basic and diluted income/(loss) per common share for all periods presented is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Basic weighted average shares outstanding includes only outstanding common shares. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding includes outstanding common shares and potential dilutive common shares outstanding in accordance with the treasury stock method. Shares reserved for outstanding stock options, including stock options with performance restricted vesting, and warrants totaling approximately 7,040,709 and 5,046,888 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively were excluded from the computation of income/(loss) per share as all options and warrants were anti-dilutive due to the net loss in 2020 and no options or warrants were in the money for 2019. In calculating diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, in accordance with ASC 260 Earnings per share, we excluded the dilutive effect of the potential issuance of common stock upon an assumed conversion of the Special Loan.
6. Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized in the financial statements for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates. Temporary differences arise from net operating losses, differences in basis of intangibles, stock-based compensation, reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable and inventory, differences in depreciation methods, and accrued expenses. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions utilizing an established recognition threshold and measurement attributes for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We had no uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
7. Goodwill and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
We follow the provisions of ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Pursuant to ASC 350, goodwill acquired in a purchase business combination is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. The Company uses an annual measurement date of September 30 (see Note 7 Intangible Assets and Goodwill).
8. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Our significant estimates include: the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation allowances related to deferred taxes, the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, the fair value of liabilities reliant upon the appraised fair value of the Company, valuation of stock-based compensation awards and other assumptions and estimates used to evaluate the recoverability of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets and the related amortization methods and periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
9. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided for in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over the estimated service lives, principally using straight-line methods. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the improvement or the lease term, using the straight-line method.
Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2020 and 2019:
The estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation and amortization are as follows:
Depreciation expense was $837 and $564 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
12. Research and Development and Software Development Costs
Research and development expenses consist primarily of development personnel and non-employee contractor costs related to the development of new products and services, enhancement of existing products and services, quality assurance and testing. The Company capitalizes its costs incurred for additional functionality to its internal software. We capitalized approximately $603 and $805 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These software development costs include both enhancements and upgrades of our client-based systems including functionality of our internal information systems to aid in our productivity, profitability and customer relationship management. We are amortizing these costs over 3 years once the new projects are completed and placed in service. These costs are included in property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
13. Leases
We account for leases in accordance with ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended.
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right of use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. For this purpose, we consider only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of commencement. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate is a hypothetical rate based on our understanding of what our credit rating would be. The ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options.
Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, current maturities of operating leases, and long-term obligations under operating leases on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, current maturities of financing leases, and long-term obligations under financing leases on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NOTE 3: RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently adopted
On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-15 Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract, which provide guidance on evaluating the accounting for fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (hosting arrangement) by providing guidance for determining when the arrangement includes a software license. The adoption of this guidance had no material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2018-13, Changes to Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820), which improved the effectiveness of disclosure requirements for recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The standard removed, modified, and added certain disclosure requirements. The adoption of this guidance had no material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Not yet adopted
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. This guidance will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2021 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. We continue evaluating the impact of the guidance but anticipate it will have no material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. The main objective is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The amendments in this update replace the incurred loss methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to calculate credit loss estimates. For trade receivables and loans, entities will be required to estimate lifetime expected credit losses. The amendments are effective for public business entities that qualify as smaller reporting companies for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022. We are currently evaluating the disclosure requirements related to adopting this guidance.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (ASU 2020-06), which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertible debt instruments. This guidance also eliminates the treasury stock method to calculate diluted earnings per share for convertible instruments and requires the use of the if-converted method. This guidance will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2022 on a full or modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE 4: REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company applies ASC 606 for revenue recognition. The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by major source for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
System hardware sales
System hardware revenue is recognized generally upon shipment of the product or customer acceptance depending upon contractual arrangements with the customer in instances in which the sale of hardware is the sole performance obligation. Shipping charges billed to customers are included in hardware sales and the related shipping costs are included in hardware cost of sales. The cost of freight and shipping to the customer is recognized in cost of sales at the time of transfer of control to the customer. System hardware revenues are classified as “Hardware” within our disaggregated revenue.
Installation services
The Company performs outsourced installation services for customers and recognizes revenue upon completion of the installations. Installation services also includes engineering services performed as part of an installation project.
When system hardware sales include installation services to be performed by the Company, the goods and services in the contract are not distinct, so the arrangement is accounted for as a single performance obligation. Our customers control the work-in-process and can make changes to the design specifications over the contract term. Revenues are recognized over time as the installation services are completed based on the relative portion of labor hours completed as a percentage of the budgeted hours for the installation. Installation services revenues are classified as “Installation Services” within our disaggregated revenue.
Software design and development services
Software and software license sales are revenue when a fixed fee order has been received and delivery has occurred to the customer. Revenue is recognized generally upon customer acceptance (point-in-time) of the software product and verification that it meets the required specifications. Software is delivered to customers electronically. Software design and development revenues are classified as “Software Development Services” within our disaggregated revenue.
Software as a service
Software as a service includes revenue from software licensing and delivery in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted. These services often include software updates which provide customers with rights to unspecified software product upgrades and maintenance releases and patches released during the term of the support period. Contracts for these services are generally 12-36 months in length. We account for revenue from these services in accordance with ASC 985-20-15-5 and recognize revenue ratably over the performance period. Software as a service revenue are classified as “Managed Services” within our disaggregated revenue.
Maintenance and support services
The Company sells support services which include access to technical support personnel for software and hardware troubleshooting. The Company offers a hosting service through our network operations center, or NOC, allowing the ability to monitor and support its customers’ networks 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. These contracts are generally 12-36 months in length. Revenue is recognized over the term of the agreement in proportion to the costs incurred in fulfilling performance obligations under the contract. Maintenance and Support revenues are classified as “Managed Services” within our disaggregated revenue.
Maintenance and support fees are based on the level of service provided to end customers, which can range from monitoring the health of a customer’s network to supporting a sophisticated web-portal to managing the end-to-end hardware and software of a digital marketing system. These agreements are renewable by the customer. Rates for maintenance and support, including subsequent renewal rates, are typically established based upon a fee per location, per device, or a specified percentage of net software license fees as set forth in the arrangement. These contracts are generally 12-36 months in length. Revenue is recognized ratably and evenly over the service period.
The Company also performs time and materials-based maintenance and repair work for customers. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation has been fully satisfied.
NOTE 5: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
We measure certain financial assets, including cash equivalents, at fair value on a recurring basis. In accordance with ASC 820-10-30, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820-10-35 establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The three hierarchy levels are defined as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Level 2 - Valuations based on observable inputs (other than Level 1 prices), such as quoted prices for similar assets at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and involve management judgment and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participants and pricing.
The Company previously recorded warrant liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis using a binomial option pricing model. All of the Company’s outstanding warrants classified as liabilities expired during 2019.
As part of the Allure Acquisition, the Purchase Agreement contemplated additional consideration of $2,000 to be paid by us to Christie Digital Systems, USA (“Seller”) in the event that acquiree revenue exceeds $13,000, as defined in the underlying agreement, for any of the trailing twelve-month periods measured as of December 31, 2019, March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The fair value of the earnout liability was determined to be $250 at the time of acquisition. As part of our finalization of opening balance sheet accounting at the close of the measurement period in November 2019, we recorded an adjustment to reflect the earnout liability to $0. The liability was deemed to be Level 3 as the valuation is based on revenue projections and estimates developed by management as informed by historical results. The liability was confirmed to be $0 at December 31, 2020 as metrics were not achieved for additional consideration through the year-end date.
As discussed in Note 7 Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill, the calculation of the weighted average cost of capital and management’s forecast of future financial performance utilized within our discounted cash flow model for the impairment of goodwill contains inputs which are unobservable and involve management judgment and are considered Level 3 estimates.
As discussed in Note 8 Loans Payable, the Special Loan is reported at fair value. This liability is deemed to be a Level 3 valuation. Certain unobservable inputs into the calculation of the fair value of this liability include an estimate of the fair value of the Company at a future date using a discounted cash flow model, discount rate assumptions, and an estimation of the likelihood of conversion of the Special Loan. As of December 31, 2020, we updated our fair value analysis of the Special Loan, which was originally evaluated at March 31, 2020 utilizing the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist, resulting in recognition of a loss of $93 during the year ended December 31, 2020 from the change in fair value of the liability and a corresponding increase/decrease in the debt balance recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
NOTE 6: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW STATEMENT INFORMATION
NOTE 7: INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, amortization of intangible assets charged to operations was $617 and $654, respectively.
Estimated amortization is as follows:
Intangible assets include the following and are being amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Goodwill
The following is a rollforward of the Company’s goodwill since December 31, 2019:
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is subject to an impairment review at a reporting unit level, on an annual basis as of the end of September of each fiscal year, or when an event occurs, or circumstances change that would indicate potential impairment. The Company has only one reporting unit, and therefore the entire goodwill is allocated to that reporting unit.
Interim Impairment Assessment - March 31, 2020
Despite the excess fair value identified in our 2019 annual impairment assessment, we determined that the reduced cash flow projections and the significant decline in our market capitalization as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic during the three months ended March 31, 2020 indicated that an impairment loss may have been incurred during the first quarter. Therefore, we qualitatively assessed whether it was more likely than not that the goodwill was impaired as of March 31, 2020. We reviewed our previous forecasts and assumptions based on our current projections that are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including: (1) forecasted revenues, expenses and cash flows, including the duration and extent of impact to our business and our alliance partners from the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) current discount rates, (3) the reduction in our market capitalization, (5) changes to the regulatory environment and (6) the nature and amount of government support that will be provided. As a result of this qualitative assessment, we concluded that indicators of impairment were present and that a quantitative interim impairment assessment of our goodwill was necessary as of March 31, 2020.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment the impairment test consists solely of comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit with its fair value and recording impairment, if identified.
The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated via the income approach. Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. We use our internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and include an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on our most recent views of the long-term outlook for our industry. Actual results may differ from those assumed in our forecasts. We derive our discount rates using a capital asset pricing model and by analyzing published rates relevant to our business to estimate the cost of equity financing. We use discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective businesses and in our internally developed forecasts. We utilized a discount rate of 14.5% in our valuation completed as of March 31, 2020.
While our outlook for the digital signage industry over the long term remains strong, we have experienced rapid and immediate deterioration in our short term business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, generating increased uncertainty across our customer base in many of our key vertical markets. The elective and forced closures of businesses across the United States has resulted in reduced demand for our services, which primarily assist business in engaging with their end customers in a physical space through digital technology. The elimination and minimization of public gatherings has materially impacted demand for products and services in our movie theater, sports arena and large entertainment markets. These conditions resulted in downward revisions of our internal forecasts on current and future projected earnings and cash flows, leading to an implied fair value of goodwill substantially below the carrying value. Therefore, during the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded a non-cash impairment loss of $10,646. We recorded the estimated impairment losses in the caption “Goodwill impairment” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Annual Impairment Assessment - September 30, 2020
The Company assessed the carrying value of goodwill at the reporting unit level based on an estimate of the fair value of the respective reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit was estimated using a discounted cash flow analyses consisting of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows based on projections or forecasts derived from analysis of business prospects and economic or market trends that may occur, specifically, the Company gave significant consideration to actual historic financial results, including revenue growth rates in the preceding three years. Based on the Company’s assessment, we determined that the fair value of our reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, and accordingly, the goodwill associated with the reporting unit is not considered to be impaired at September 30, 2020.
Given the proximity in time to the most recent goodwill impairment, which marked the Company’s goodwill balance down to fair value, the Company anticipated its analysis would result in a thin margin in the percentage of excess fair value over carrying value as of the assessment date. Through the analysis performed as of September 30, 2020, the excess fair value over carrying value was approximately 7%. Based on the Company’s assessment, we determined that the fair value of our reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, and accordingly, the goodwill associated with the reporting unit is not considered to be impaired at September 30, 2020.
The Company recognizes that any changes in our projected 2021 and future results could potentially have a material impact on our assessment of goodwill impairment. The Company will continue to monitor the actual performance of its operations against expectations and assess further indicators of possible impairment. The valuation of goodwill and intangible assets is subject to a high degree of judgment, uncertainty and complexity. Should any indicators of impairment occur in subsequent periods, the Company will be required to perform an analysis in order to determine whether goodwill is impaired.
NOTE 8: LOANS PAYABLE
The outstanding debt with detachable warrants, as applicable, are shown in the table below. Further discussion of the notes follows.
A - Secured Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note with related party
B - Secured Revolving Promissory Note with related party
C - Term Loan with related party
D - Amended and Restated Seller Note from acquisition of Allure
E - Secured Convertible Special Loan Promissory Note, at fair value
F - Paycheck Protection Program Loan from Small Business Administration
(1) 8.0% cash interest per annum through March 31, 2020. 10.0% paid-in-kind interest (“PIK”) interest per annum from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. 8.0% cash interest per annum January 1, 2021 through the maturity date.
(2) 8.0% cash interest per annum, comprised of 6.0% cash, 2.0% PIK through March 31, 2020. 10.0% PIK interest per annum through September 30, 2020. In an event of default, the interest rate increases by 6.0% to 16.0%. Debt is automatically convertible to a new class of senior preferred stock of the Company at the earlier of an event of default or November 30, 2020. The principal, including PIK interest, as of December 31, 2020 is $2,177; however, fair value accounting for the convertible debt instrument results in an additional $93 of debt recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 related to this instrument.
(3) 1,0% cash interest per annum. Payments are deferred for six months from the date of the Promissory Note and the Company can apply for forgiveness of the Promissory Note after 60 days.
SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loan
On April 27, 2020, the Company entered into a Promissory Note with Old National Bank (the “Promissory Note”), which provided for an unsecured loan of $1,552 pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and applicable regulations (the “CARES Act”). The Promissory Note has a term of two years with a 1% per annum interest rate. While the Promissory Note currently has a two-year term, the amended law permits the Company to request a five-year maturity from Old National Bank. Payments are deferred for six months from the date of the Promissory Note and the Company can apply for forgiveness of the Promissory Note after 60 days. On January 11, 2021, Creative Realities, Inc. received a notice from Old National Bank regarding forgiveness of the loan in the principal amount of $1,552 (the “PPP Loan”) that was made pursuant to the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Air, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020. According to such notice, the full principal amount of the PPP Loan and the accrued interest have been forgiven. Accounting for the forgiveness will be recognized in the first quarter of 2021.
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement
On March 7, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) refinanced their current debt facilities with Slipstream Communications, LLC (“Slipstream”), pursuant to an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The debt facilities continue to be fully secured by all assets of the Borrowers. The maturity date (“Maturity Date”) on the outstanding debt and new debt is extended to March 31, 2023. The Credit Agreement (i) provides a $1,000 of availability under a line of credit (the “Line of Credit”), (ii) consolidates our existing term and revolving line of credit facilities into a new term loan (the “New Term Loan”) having an aggregate principal balance of approximately $4,550 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), (iii) increases the outstanding special convertible term loan (the “Convertible Loan”) to approximately $2,280 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), and (iv) extinguishes the outstanding obligations owed with respect to a $264 existing disbursed escrow loan in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares”), valued at $2.718 per share (the trailing 10-day VWAP as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market as of the date of execution of the Credit Agreement). The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan accrue interest at 10% per year, and the New Term Loan accrues interest at 8% per year.
The New Term Loan requires no principal payments until the Maturity Date, and interest payments are payable on the first day of each month until the Maturity Date. All interest payments owed prior to October 1, 2021 are payable as PIK payments, or increases to the principal balance only.
The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan require payments of accrued interest payable on the first day of each month through April 1, 2022. All such interest payments made prior to October 1, 2021 are payable as PIK payments, or increases to the principal balances under the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan only. No principal payments are owed under the Line of Credit or Convertible Loan until April 1, 2022, at which time all principal and interest on each of the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan will be paid in monthly installments until the Maturity Date to fully amortize outstanding principal by the Maturity Date.
All payments of interest (other than PIK payments) and principal on the Line of Credit and Convertible Loan may be paid, in the Borrowers’ sole discretion, in shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Payment Shares,” and together with the Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares, the “Shares”). The Payment Shares will be valued on a per-Share basis at 70% of the VWAP of the Company’s shares of common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the date such payment is due; provided that the Payment Shares shall not be valued below $0.50 per Share (the “Share Price”).
The Credit Agreement limits the Company’s ability to issue Shares as follows (the “Exchange Limitations”): (1) The total number of Shares that may be issued under the Credit Agreement will be limited to 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock on the date the Credit Agreement is signed (the “Exchange Cap”), unless stockholder approval is obtained to issue shares in excess of the Exchange Cap; (2) if Slipstream and its affiliates (the “Slipstream Group”) beneficially own the largest ownership position of shares of Company common stock immediately prior to the proposed issuance of Payment Shares and such shares are less than 19.99% of the then-issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock, the issuance of such Payment Shares will not cause the Slipstream Group to beneficially own in excess of 19.99% of the issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock after such issuance unless stockholder approval is obtained for ownership in excess of 19.99%; and (3) if the Slipstream Group does not beneficially own the largest ownership position of shares of Company common stock immediately prior to the proposed issuance of Payment Shares, the Company may not issue Payment Shares to the extent that such issuance would result in Slipstream Group beneficially owning more than 19.99% of the then issued and outstanding shares of Company common stock unless (A) such ownership would not be the largest ownership position in the Company, or (B) stockholder approval is obtained for ownership in excess of 19.99%.
Accounting for the Credit Agreement is anticipated to be accounted for as a debt extinguishment in the first quarter of 2021. Entry into the Credit Agreement prior to the filing of this report resulted in the reclassification of approximately $6,706, net of debt discount, from current maturities to long term debt.
Loan and Security Agreement History
On August 17, 2016, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Slipstream (“Loan and Security Agreement”). Since the initial entry into the Loan and Security Agreement in 2016, the Company has entered into several financing arrangements with varying interest rates, maturity dates, and number of associated detachable warrants, each entered within the structure of the Loan and Security Agreement. The debt instruments outstanding under the Loan and Security Agreement as of December 31, 2020 include the Term Loan, Secured Revolving Promissory Note, Secured Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note, and the Special Loan.
The Loan and Security Agreement contains certain customary restrictions including, but not limited to, restrictions on mergers and consolidations with other entities, cancellation of any debt or incurring new debt (subject to certain exceptions), and other customary restrictions. Obligations under the loan and security agreement are secured by a grant of collateral security in all of the tangible assets of Creative Realities, Inc. and each of its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Amendment; Modification of Conversion Date of Special Loan under Loan and Security Agreement
On February 28, 2021, January 31, 2021, December 31, 2020, November 30, 2020, and September 29, 2020, the Company entered into several amendments to Loan and Security Agreement with its subsidiaries and Slipstream to amend the automatic conversion date of the Special Loan. Each amendment extended the automatic conversion date of the Special Loan, which was ultimately Amended and Restated in full on March 7, 2021 as discussed further above. The Company paid no fees in exchange for these extensions.
Eighth Amendment; Modification of Interest Rates under Loan and Security Agreement
On April 1, 2020, the Company entered into an Eighth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement (the “Eighth Amendment”) with its subsidiaries and Slipstream to amend the terms of the payments and interest accruing on the Company’s Term Loan, Secured Revolving Promissory Note, and Special Loan. The Eighth Amendment increased the interest rates of these loans from 8% to 10%, effective April 1, 2020. Until January 1, 2021, rather than cash payments of accrued interest under the term and revolving loans, interest will be paid by the issuance of and treated as additional principal thereunder. Commencing January 2, 2021, such interest will be payable in cash. Interest on the special loan will no longer be paid in cash, but by the issuance of and treated as additional principal thereunder.
Upon entry into the Eighth Amendment, the Company completed an analysis of the changes in the Loan and Security Agreement within ASC 470 Debt, concluding that the changes represent a modification to the existing debt that was not a troubled debt restructuring and will account for the modified terms prospectively as yield adjustments, based on the revised terms.
Seventh Amendment; Entry into Secured Convertible Special Loan Promissory Note
On December 30, 2019, we entered into the Special Loan as part of the Seventh Amendment under which we obtained $2,000, with interest thereon at 8% per annum payable 6% in cash and 2% via the issuance of SLPIK interest, provided however that upon occurrence of an event of default the interest rate shall automatically be increased by 6% per annum payable in cash. The entry into the Seventh Amendment adjusted the interest rate on the Company’s Term Loan and Revolving Loan to 8% per annum, provided, however, at all times when the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan and the Revolving Loan exceeds $4,100 then the Loan Rate shall be 10%, of which eight percent 8% shall be payable in cash and 2% shall be paid by the issuance of and treated as additional PIK.
Upon the earlier to occur of an Event of Default or October 1, 2020, if any of the principal amount of the Special Loan is then outstanding, the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the Special Loan and the outstanding SLPIK shall be automatically converted into shares of a new series of Senior Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (“New Preferred”) having an Appraised Value equal to three times the then outstanding principal amount and accrued but unpaid interest of the Special Loan and the outstanding SLPIK and having the following terms and conditions, as reasonably determined by the Company and Slipstream, the New Preferred shall:
● be the most senior equity security of the Company, including with respect to the payment of dividends and other distributions;
● be on substantially the same terms and conditions as the Company’s Series A-1 6% Convertible Preferred Stock as set forth in its Certificate of Designation immediately before the same was cancelled pursuant to a Certificate of Cancellation dated as of March 13, 2019;
● not be subject to a right of redemption upon the part of a holder thereof;
● accrue and pay quarterly dividends at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum which shall be payable in cash;
● have a Stated Value that is an amount mutually agreed by the Company and the Slipstream at the time of issuance;
● Conversion Price shall be an amount equal to 80% of the average for the 30-day period ending two days prior to the required conversion date of the daily average of the range of the Company’s common stock (calculated pursuant to information on The Wall Street Journal Online Edition), subject to appropriate adjustments; and
● neither section 6(e) of the Series A-1 Certificate of Designation nor any similar provision shall apply to the New Preferred.
In entering the Seventh Amendment and Special Loan, pursuant to ASC 825-10-25-1, Fair Value Option, we made an irrevocable election to report the Special Loan at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded through the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations in each reporting period. For the year ended December 31, 2020, our fair value analysis of the Special Loan resulted in recognition of a $93 loss from the change in fair value of the liability
Sixth Amendment; Extension of Maturity Dates
On November 6, 2019, Slipstream extended the maturity date of our term loan and revolver loan to June 30, 2021 through the Sixth Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement, aligning the maturity date of our Term Loan and Secured Revolving Promissory Note with the Secured Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note.
Secured Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note
The Fourth Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement included entry into a Secured Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note between the Company and Slipstream, and, effective June 30, 2018 we drew $264 in conjunction with our exit from a previously leased operating facility. The principal amount of the Secured Disbursed Escrow Promissory Note bears no interest. Upon entry into the Restated Agreement on March 7, 2021, this note was converted into Company common stock, which will be recorded during the first quarter of 2021.
Amended and Restated Seller Note from acquisition of Allure
The Amended and Restated Seller Note represents a note payable due from Allure to Seller, under a pre-existing Seller Note which was amended and restated to a reduced amount of $900 through the Stock Purchase Agreement. At the closing date, the estimated net working capital deficit of Allure was $801 in excess of the target net working capital as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement. As of the balance sheet date, Allure also had accounts payable to Seller for outsourced services of $2,204. We agreed with the Seller to settle the estimated net working capital deficit through a reduction in the accounts payable to Seller as of the acquisition date and to further amend the Seller Note to include the remaining $1,403 accounts payable due from Allure to Seller, resulting in a Seller Note of $2,303. That debt is represented by our issuance to the Seller of a promissory note accruing interest at 3.5% per annum. The promissory note requires us to make quarterly payments of interest only through February 19, 2020, on which date the promissory note matured and all remaining amounts owing thereunder became due.
The promissory note is convertible into shares of Creative Realities common stock, at the seller’s option on or after the 180th day after issuance, at an initial conversion price of $8.40 per share, subject to customary equitable adjustments. Conversion of all amounts owing under the promissory note will be mandatory if the 30-day volume-weighted average price of our common stock exceeds 200% of the common stock trading price at the closing of the acquisition. We granted the seller customary registration rights for the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the promissory note.
On February 20, 2020, the Company and Allure filed a demand for arbitration against Seller for (1) breach of contract, (2) indemnification, and (3) fraudulent misrepresentation under the Allure Purchase Agreement. This demand included a claim for the right to offset the amounts owing under the Amended and Restated Seller Note due February 20, 2020. We have not paid, nor do we intend to pay, the Amended and Restated Seller Note, which is now past its maturity date, without resolution of our demand for arbitration. On February 27, 2020, Seller sent the Company a notice of breach for failure to pay the Amended and Restated Seller Note on the maturity date of February 20, 2020 and demanding immediate payment. The Company continues to accrue interest on the Amended and Restated Seller Note and have included $67 in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2020. See Note 9 Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion.
NOTE 9: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
On August 2, 2019, the Company filed suit in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, against a supplier of Allure for breach of contract, breach of warranty, and negligence with respect to equipment installations performed by such supplier for an Allure customer. This case remains in the early stages of litigation, in part due to delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and, as a result, the outcome of each case is unclear, so the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the possible recovery, or range of recovery, if any.
On October 10, 2019, the Allure customer that is the basis of our claim above sent a demand to the Company for payment of $3,200 as settlement for an alleged breach of contract related to hardware failures of equipment installations performed by Allure between November 2017 and August 2018. The suits filed by and against Allure have been adjoined in the Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky in January 2020. This suit remains in the early stages of litigation and, as a result, the outcome of the suit and the allocation of liability, if any, remain unclear, so the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the possible liability, recovery, or range of magnitude for either the liability or recover, if any, at the time of this filing.
The Company has notified its insurance company on notice of potential claims and continues to evaluate both the claim made by the customer and potential avenues for recovery against third parties should the customer prevail.
On February 20, 2020, the Company and Allure filed a demand for arbitration against Seller for breach of contract, indemnification, and fraudulent misrepresentation under the Allure Purchase Agreement. This demand included a claim for the right to offset the amounts owing under the Amended and Restated Seller Note due February 20, 2020. We have not paid the Amended and Restated Seller Note which is now past its maturity date. On February 27, 2020, Seller sent the Company a notice of breach for failure to pay the Amended and Restated Seller Note on the maturity date of February 20, 2020 and demanding immediate payment. In December 2020, the parties entered a pre-arbitration mediation process in an effort to settle the litigation, which remains ongoing as of the date of this report. We continue to assert the offset right under the Purchase Agreement and Amended and Reseller Note.
Except as noted above, the Company is not party to any other material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, and there were no other such proceedings pending during the period covered by this Report.
Settlement of obligations
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company settled and/or wrote off obligations of $348 for aggregate cash payments of $139 and recognized a gain of $209 related to legacy accounts payable deemed to no longer be legal obligations to vendors.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company settled and/or wrote off obligations of $3,178 for $1,132 cash payment and recognized a gain of $2,046. $1,619 of this gain related to settlement of legacy sales commissions due to a third party vendor which were settled with a cash payment of $1,100 during the three-months ended December 31, 2019. The remaining settlements related to legacy accounts payable deemed to no longer be legal obligations to vendors.
Employee-related Expenses
We implemented cost-control measures in light of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, including employment compensation reductions designed to achieve preliminary cost savings. On March 19, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a six-month reduction of the salaries of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by twenty percent (20%), thereby reducing the salaries payable to such officers in 2020 to $297,000 and $224,100, respectively. The reduction of the salaries of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer remain active as of the date of this report.
On March 20, 2020, we completed a reduction-in-force and accrued one-time termination benefits related to severance to the affected employees of $135, the total of which was paid during the three months ended June 30, 2020. Pursuant to certain employee-related actions taken in 2018, the Company made cash payments of approximately $555 during the year ended December 31, 2019 that were previously accrued.
Lease termination
On December 31, 2020, we exited our office facilities located in Dallas, TX. In ceasing use of these facilities, we recorded a one-time non-cash charge of $18. There were no such lease terminations during 2019.
NOTE 10: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In addition to the financing transactions with Slipstream, a related party, discussed in Note 8 Loans Payable, we have the following related party transactions.
On August 14, 2018, we entered into a payment agreement with 33 Degrees Convenience Connect, Inc., a related party that is approximately 17.5% owned by a member of our senior management (“33 Degrees”) outlining terms for repayment of $2,567 of aged accounts receivable as of that date. The payment agreement stipulated a simple interest rate of 12% on aged accounts receivable to be paid on the tenth day of each month through the maturity date of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, 33 Degrees paid the note in full.
Following repayment of the note, 33 Degrees has continued to purchase additional hardware and services from the Company under normal payment terms.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had sales of $1,058 (6.1% of consolidated sales) and $1,103 (3.5% of consolidated sales), respectively, with 33 Degrees. Accounts receivable due from 33 Degrees was $40, or 1.2%, and $1, or 0% of consolidated accounts receivable at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES
Income tax benefit/(expense) consisted of the following:
The income tax benefit includes federal and state income taxes currently payable and those deferred or prepaid because of temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company records income taxes under the liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts based on enacted tax laws.
A reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rates as a percentage of income before income taxes is as follows:
The net deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, determined using the income tax rate applicable to each period, consist of the following:
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had no reserves recorded as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits for U.S. federal and state tax jurisdictions. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2020 that, if recognized, would affect the tax rate. It is the Corporation’s policy to accrue interest and penalties related to liabilities for income tax contingencies in the provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
Our deferred tax assets are primarily related to net federal and state operating loss carryforwards (NOLs). As of December 31, 2020, the Company has federal and state net operating loss carryforwards expiring between 2020 and 2039, $7,924 of which has an indefinite carryforward period. The federal statute of limitations remains open for tax years 2017 through 2019 and state tax jurisdictions generally have statutes of limitations open for tax years 2016 through 2019.
We have substantial NOLs that are limited in usage by IRC Section 382. IRC Section 382 generally imposes an annual limitation on the amount of NOLs that may be used to offset taxable income when a corporation has undergone significant changes in stock ownership within a statutory testing period.
The goodwill impairment recorded March 31, 2020 altered the deferred tax impact associated with indefinite lived goodwill from a deferred tax liability to a deferred tax asset. As the indefinite-lived intangibles can no longer provide a source of income, a full valuation allowance was placed against the deferred tax assets.
We have performed a preliminary analysis of the annual NOL carryforwards and limitations that are available to be used against taxable income. Based on the history of losses of the Company, there continues to be a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets of the Company.
NOTE 12: WARRANTS
A summary of outstanding warrants for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is included below:
NOTE 13: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
A summary of outstanding options is included below:
The weighted average remaining contractual life for options exercisable is 5.2 years as of December 31, 2020.
Valuation Information for Stock-Based Compensation
For purposes of determining estimated fair value under FASB ASC 718-10, Stock Compensation, the Company computed the estimated fair values of stock options using the Black-Scholes model.
On June 1, 2020 the Board of Directors of the Company granted 10-year options to purchase an aggregate of 2,380,000 shares of its common stock to employees of the Company subject to shareholder approval of an increase in the reserve of shares authorized for issuance under the Company’s 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). On July 10, 2020, the Company held a special meeting of the Company’s shareholders at which the shareholders approved the amendment to the Plan, which increased the reserve of shares authorized for issuance thereunder to 6,000,000 shares.
Of the 2,380,000 options awarded, 1,580,000 vest over 3 years and have an exercise price of $2.53, the market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The fair value of the options on the grant date was $1.87 and was determined using the Black-Scholes model. These values were calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:
The remaining 800,000 options awarded vest in equal installments over a three-year period subject to satisfying the Company revenue target and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) target for the applicable year. In each of calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022, one-third of the total shares may vest (if the revenue and EBITDA targets are met), and the shares that are subject to vesting each year are allocated equally to each of the revenue and EBITDA targets for such year.
These performance options include a catch-up provision, where any options that did not vest during a prior year due to the Company’s failure to meet a prior revenue or EBITDA target may vest in a subsequent vesting year if the revenue or EBITDA target, as applicable, is met in the future year. The revenue and EBITDA targets for the following three years are as follows:
The exercise price of the foregoing options is $2.53 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance. The options were issued from the Company’s 2014 Stock Incentive Plan. The fair value of the options on the grant date was $1.87 and was determined using the Black-Scholes model. These values were calculated using the same weighted average assumptions as the time vesting options issued. Performance against the identified revenue and EBITDA targets will be assessed quarterly by the Company in order to determine whether any compensation expense should be recorded. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had recorded no compensation expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations with respect to these awards.
Stock Compensation Expense Information
ASC 718-10, Stock Compensation, requires measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payments including warrants, stock options, restricted stock grants and stock bonuses based on estimated fair values. Under the Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company reserved 1,720,000 shares for purchase by the Company’s employees and under the Amended and Restated 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan the Company reserved 700,000 shares for purchase by the Company’s employees. There are 12,135 options outstanding under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.
In October 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, under which 7,390,355 shares were reserved for purchase by the Company’s employees. In August 2018, a special meeting of shareholders was held in which the shareholders voted to amend the Company’s 2014 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the reserve of shares authorized for issuance thereunder, from 7,390,355 shares to 18,000,000 shares. Following a 1-for-30 reverse stock split, the shares authorized for issuance under the Company’s 2014 Stock Incentive Plan was reduced to 600,000. On July 10, 2020, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the Company’s 2014 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the reserve of authorized for issuance thereunder to 6,000,000. There are 2,601,674 options outstanding under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan.
Compensation expense recognized for the issuance of stock options, including those options awarded to our Chairman of the Board, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 of $718 and $448, respectively, was included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Amounts recorded include stock compensation expense for awards granted to directors of the Company in exchange for services at fair value, including $100 and $63, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
At December 31, 2020, there was approximately $2,365 and $1,499 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards with time vesting and performance vesting criteria, respectively. Generally, expense related to the time vesting options will be recognized over the next two- and one-half years and will be adjusted for any future forfeitures as they occur. Compensation expense related to performance vesting options will be recognized if it becomes probable that the Company will achieve the identified performance metrics.
At December 31, 2019, there was approximately $174 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards with time vesting.
On September 20, 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors proposed, and the Board of Directors approved, an aggregate award of 166,667 shares of common stock to our current CEO in light of performance and growth of certain key customer relationships. Of those shares granted, 133,334 were deemed to be awarded and fully vested as of such date, with the remaining 33,333 shares restricted to vest upon the Company’s recognition in accordance with GAAP of approximately $6,200 of revenue which was deferred on the Company’s balance sheet. During 2018, the Company recorded compensation expense for those vested awards based on the grant-date close price of the Company’s common stock, or $7.50, resulting in a non-cash compensation expense in the period of $1,000. During 2019, the conditions were met for those remaining shares to vest and the Company recorded compensation expense of $250 based on the grant-date close price of the Company’s common stock, or $7.50.
NOTE 14: LEASES
We adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended, on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition approach. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed us to carryforward our historical lease classification, our assessment on whether a contract was or contains a lease, and our initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to January 1, 2019. We also elected to combine our lease and non-lease components. Upon adoption, we recognized total ROU assets of $2,319, with corresponding liabilities of $2,319 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This included $54 of pre-existing finance lease ROU assets previously reported in computer equipment within property and equipment, net. The ROU assets include adjustments for prepayments and accrued lease payments. The effect of the adoption resulted in a $171 cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2019.
We have entered into various non-cancelable operating lease agreements for certain of our offices and office equipment. Our leases have original lease periods expiring between 2021 and 2025. Many leases include one or more options to renew. We do not assume renewals in our determination of the lease term unless the renewals are deemed to be reasonably assured at lease commencement. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The components of lease costs, lease term and discount rate are as follows:
The following is a schedule, by years, of maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020:
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases are as follows:
NOTE 15: PROFIT-SHARING PLAN
We have a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plans for eligible associates in the United States. Associates may contribute up to 15% of their pretax compensation to the plan subject to IRS limitations. Beginning on April 1, 2018, the Company began contributing an employer contribution match of 50% of employee wages up to 6%, for an effective match of 3%. The Company indefinitely suspended the employer match at the end of March 2020 in response to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have a Registered Retirement Savings Plan for eligible associates in Canada. Associates may contribute up to 18% of earned income reported on their tax return in the previous year, subject to legal contribution limits. Beginning on April 1, 2018, the Company began contributing an employer contribution match of 50% of employee wages up to 6%, for an effective match of 3%. The Company indefinitely suspended the employer match at the end of March 2020 in response to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Company contributed $35 and $155 to employee retirement plans for the year-ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
NOTE 16: SEGMENT INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS/VENDORS
Segment Information
We currently operate in one reportable segment, marketing technology solutions. Substantially all property and equipment is located at our offices in the United States, and a data center located in the United States. All material sales for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were in the United States and Canada.
Significant Customers
We had two (2) and one (1) customer(s) that accounted for 27.8% and 18.5% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had sales of $1,058 (6.1% of consolidated sales) and $1,103 (3.5% of consolidated sales), respectively, with 33 Degrees Convenience Connect, Inc., a related party that is approximately 17.5% owned by a member of our senior management (“33 Degrees”).
We had two (2) and one (1) customer(s) that in the aggregate accounted for 42.6% and 14.4% of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Accounts receivable due from 33 Degrees was $40 and $1 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Significant Vendors
We had two (2) and one (1) vendor(s) that accounted for 46.8% and 50% of outstanding accounts payable at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
NOTE 17: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Payroll Protection Program Loan
On January 11, 2021, Creative Realities, Inc. received a notice from Old National Bank regarding forgiveness of the loan in the principal amount of $1,552 (the “PPP Loan”) that was made pursuant to the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Air, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020. According to such notice, the full principal amount of the PPP Loan and the accrued interest have been forgiven. Accounting for the forgiveness will be recognized in the first quarter of 2021.
Registered Direct Offering
On February 18, 2021, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with an institutional investor which provided for the issuance and sale by the Company of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”), in a registered direct offering (the “Offering”) at a purchase price of $2.50 per Share, for gross proceeds of $2,000. The net proceeds from the Offering after paying estimated offering expenses were approximately $1,835, which the Company intends to use for general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering occurred on February 22, 2021.
Debt Refinancing
On March 7, 2021, the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Borrowers”) refinanced their current debt facilities with Slipstream Communications, LLC (“Slipstream”), pursuant to an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The debt facilities continue to be fully secured by all assets of the Borrowers. The maturity date (“Maturity Date”) on the outstanding debt and new debt is extended to March 31, 2023. The Credit Agreement (i) provides a $1,000 of availability under a line of credit (the “Line of Credit”), (ii) consolidates our existing term and revolving line of credit facilities into a new term loan (the “New Term Loan”) having an aggregate principal balance of approximately $4,550 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), (iii) increases the outstanding special convertible term loan (the “Convertible Loan”) to approximately $2,280 (including a 3.0% issuance fee capitalized into the principal balance), and (iv) extinguishes the outstanding obligations owed with respect to a $264 existing disbursed escrow loan in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Disbursed Escrow Conversion Shares”), valued at $2.718 per share (the trailing 10-day VWAP as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market as of the date of execution of the Credit Agreement). The Line of Credit and Convertible Loan accrue interest at 10% per year, and the New Term Loan accrues interest at 8% per year. See Note 8 Loans Payable for additional information with respect to the Credit Agreement.
EXHIBIT INDEX
E-1
E-2
E-3
*Filed herewith
**Compensatory Plan or arrangement required to be filed pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.
+ This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
E-4