UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark one)

  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20142017

 

OR

 

☐   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number 001-33169

 

CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota 41-1967918
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
22 Audrey Place, Fairfield13100 Magisterial Drive, Ste. 100, Louisville, KY NJ 0700440223
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(502) 791-8800

(973) 244-9911

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock, Par Value $0.01

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐  No ☒

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  Yes ☐  No ☒

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer  (Do(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐ 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  YesNo ☒ No

 

The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the issuer as of June 30, 2014,2017, was approximately $4,720,081,$8,645,459 based upon the last sale price of one share on such date.

 

As of May 5, 2015,March 23, 2018, the issuer had outstanding 46,217,96882,581,866 shares of common stock.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I  
ITEM 1BUSINESS1
ITEM 1ARISK FACTORS8
ITEM 1BUNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS1817
ITEM 2PROPERTIES18
ITEM 3LEGAL PROCEEDINGS18
ITEM 4MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES18
PART II  
ITEM 5MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES19
ITEM 6SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA1920
ITEM 7MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS2021
ITEM 7AQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK30
ITEM 8FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA30
ITEM 9CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE30
ITEM 9ACONTROLS AND PROCEDURES31
ITEM 9BOTHER INFORMATION3231
PART III  
ITEM 10DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE3332
ITEM 11EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION3635
ITEM 12SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS3937
ITEM 13CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE4139
ITEM 14PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES4140
PART IV  
ITEM 15EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES4241
SIGNATURES4342
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSF-1
EXHIBIT INDEXiE-1

PART I

 

Overview

i

PART I

ITEM 1BUSINESS

(All currency is rounded to the nearest thousands, except share and per share amounts.) 

Our Company

 

Creative Realities, Inc. is a Minnesota corporation that provides innovative digital marketing technology and solutions to retailers, brand marketers, venue-operators,retail companies, individual retail brands, enterprises non-profits and other organizations throughout the United States and a growing number ofin certain international markets. We have 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; omni-channel customer engagement systems, interactive digital shopping assistants, advisors and kiosks, mobile digital marketing platforms, digital way-finding platforms, digital menu board systems, dynamic signage, and other digitalinteractive marketing technologies. We enable our clients’ engagement with consumers by using combinations of our technology and solutions that interact withtechnologies such as mobile, social media, point-of-sale wireless networkstransactions, beaconing and web-based platforms.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. We believe we are one of the world’s leading digitalinteractive marketing technology companies focusedthat focuses on the retail shopper experience by helping retailers and brands use the latest technologies to create better shopping experiences.

 

Our main operations are conducted directly through Creative Realities, Inc. (f/k/a Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.), and under our wholly owned subsidiaries Creative Realities,Wireless Ronin Technologies Canada, Inc., and ConeXus World Global, LLC, a DelawareKentucky limited liability company.

We seek to generate revenue in this business 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.

We seek to generate revenue through these activities through: bundled-solution sales; service fees for consulting, 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.


Our digital marketing technology and solutions are deployed in and have application across diverse categories: automotive, apparel and accessories, banking, baby/children, beauty, consumer products, department stores, electronics, fashion, fitness, foodservice/quick service restaurants, financial services, gaming, luxury retail, mass merchants, mobile operators, and pharmacy retail. The industries in which we sell our solutions are established, but 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 an early stage company without an established history of profitability.

We believe that the adoption and evolution of digital marketing technology and solutions will increase substantially in years to come both in the industries or categories on which we currently focus and in others. We also believe that adoption of our technology and solutions depends upon not only the services and solutions that we provide, but also depends heavily upon the cost of hardware used to process and display content on them. 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 typically constitute a large portion of the expenditure customers make relative to the entire cost of implementing a digital marketing system 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, especially given the evolving industry dynamics 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; enable us to aggregate multiple customer bases onto a single business and technology platform; provide us with greater operating scale; enable us to leverage a common set of processes, tools, and cost efficiencies; and ultimately result in higher operating profitability and cash flow from operations. Our management team is actively pursuing and evaluating alternative 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, based on the foregoing and other factors, the Company can successfully serve as a consolidator of multiple business and technology platforms serving similar markets.

We currently market and sell our technology and solutions primarily through our sales and business development personnel throughout North America, but we also utilize agents, strategic partners, and lead generators who provide us with access to additional sales, business development and licensing opportunities.

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 sales for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, were in the United States and Canada.

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.

The legal entity that is the registrant was 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 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 Wirelesspublic 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, Canada, Inc.,” to “Creative Realities, Inc.” On October 15, 2015, we acquired the assets and business of ConeXus World Global, LLC, a Canadian corporation.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. 


Our fiscal year ends December 31. Neither we nor any of our predecessors have been in bankruptcy, receivership or any similar proceeding. Our corporate structure, including our principal operating subsidiaries, is as follows:

 

Recent Developments 

 

Recent Acquisitions

Acquisition of Broadcast InternationalConeXus World Global

There were no acquisitions completed during the years-ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. On March 5, 2014,October 15, 2015, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization with Broadcast Acquisition Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of ours, and Broadcast International, Inc., which agreement was later amended on April 11, 2014 (as amended, the “Broadcast Merger Agreement”). We completed the contemplated merger at the closeacquisition of business on August 1, 2014, and thereupon acquired the business and assets of Broadcast International. As a result of this merger, each share of common stock of Broadcast International, including securities convertible or exercisable intoConeXus World Global, LLC for 2,080,000 shares of Broadcast International common stock, issuedSeries A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, and outstanding immediately prior to the closeconversion of business on August 1, 2014 was converted$823 of ConeXus World Global debt into the right to receive .00535594 validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable(i) 2,639,258 shares of our common stock, resultingand (ii) $150 in principal amount of our issuanceconvertible debt.

In accordance with the terms of the agreement and plan of merger and reorganization, an aggregateadditional 416,000 shares of 7,093,273Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock and 4,000,000 shares of common stock were to be issued upon the reorganization of the capital structure of a Belgian affiliate of ConeXus (the “Holdback Shares”). Since the passage of the March 31, 2016 date targeted for the completion of the reorganization of the Belgian affiliate, the parties have determined that the value of the Belgian affiliate was de minimis.

An agreement was reached on September 1, 2017 by Creative Realities, Inc. and the prior shareholders of ConeXus to recognize the value obtained by Creative Realities, Inc. as a result of the merger and to issue the Holdback Shares to the former security holdersprior shareholders of Broadcast International.ConeXus.  Creative Realities, Inc. has waived the contingency relating to the issuance of the Holdback Shares and issued to the shareholders 5,631,373 shares of common stock. 3,198,054 of these shares were issued to Rick Mills, a majority shareholder of ConeXus, a related party, and the CEO of Creative Realities, Inc. Since the measurement period for the business combination has expired, the issuance of the shares is recognized as a charge to operations during the year of $1.9 million. 

As used throughout this report, the “Company” generally refers to the registrant (Creative Realities, Inc., formerly known as Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.), unless the context otherwise indicates or requires. Use of the first person “we” refers to the Company or, if the context so requires, to the historical business of Creative Realities or the registrant itself, in each case prior to the consummation of the August 20, 2014 merger transaction.


Common Stock

In 2017 and 2016 the following Preferred Stock conversions took place:

Convertible Preferred Stock Conversions
  Number of Convertible Preferred Series A  Number of Convertible Preferred Series A-1  Shares of Common Stock Received 
Q4 2017  -   -   - 
Q3 2017  132,200   1,860,561   7,814,749 
Q2 2017  12,750   -   50,000 
Q1 2017  240,250   -   942,157 
             
Q4 2016  132,000   -   517,647 
Q3 2016  75,500   -   296,078 
Q2 2016  -   -   - 
Q1 2016  100,000   -   392,157 

In 2016, in conjunction with the structured settlement program, the Company issued 409,347 shares of its restricted common stock to creditors and 809,842 shares of stock were issued to investors.

The Company and the investors entered into registration rights agreements requiring Creative Realities to register under the Securities Act of 1933 the resale of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the secured notes and upon exercise of the warrants. The Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1/A on May 13, 2016 registering 23,272,184 shares of common stock and that registration statement became effective on June 1, 2016.

 

Preferred Stock Financing

 

On August 18, 2014, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with institutional and accredited investors pursuant to which we offered and sold an aggregateAs of 5,190,000December 31, 2017, the Company had outstanding 5,833,549 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at $1.00 per share, and issued five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 6,487,0000 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.50 (subject to adjustment), in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933.Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock.

 


The preferred stock entitles its holders to a 6% dividend, payable semi-annually in cash or in kind. Onkind through the three-year anniversary of the original issue date, and from and after such three-year anniversary in duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock. The three-year anniversary of the initial investment date occurred during the second half of 2017 for $5.2 million of the $5.5 million originally issued Convertible Preferred Stock and therefore dividends on those investments were paid via issuance of common shares as of the year-end date.

During the years ended December 31, 2014,2017 and 2016, respectively, the Company issued an aggregate of 112,448245,816 and 452,224 shares of preferred stock in satisfaction of its semi-annual dividend obligation. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively, the Company issued an aggregate of 718,840 and 0 shares of common stock in satisfaction of its semi-annual dividend obligation. 

 

The preferred stock may be converted into our common stock at the option of a holder at an initial conversion price as adjusted of $0.40$0.255 per share, subject to adjustment.share. Subject to certain conditions, we may call and redeem the preferred stock after three years. During such time as a majority of the preferred stock sold remains outstanding, holders will have the right to elect a member to our Board of Directors. The preferred stock has full-ratchet price protection in the event that we issue common stock below the conversion price, as adjusted, subject to certain customary exceptions. The warrants issued to purchasers of the preferred stock contain weighted-average price protection in the event that we issue common stock below the exercise price, as adjusted, again subject to certain customary exceptions. In the Securities Purchase Agreement, we granted purchasers of the preferred stock certain registration rights pertaining to the common shares they may receive upon conversion of their preferred stock and upon exercise of their warrants.

 

Securities Purchase Agreement with Mill City Ventures III, Ltd.

On February 18, 2015, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. (“Mill City”), pursuant to which it offered and sold a secured convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 and a five-year warrant to purchase up to 1,515,152In 2017, 385,200 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per-share price of $0.38, in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

Creative Realities, LLC, Wireless Ronin Technologies Canada, Inc., and Broadcast International, Inc., the Company’s principal subsidiaries, are co-makers with the Company of the secured convertible promissory note. Obligations under the secured convertible promissory note are secured by a grant of collateral security in the accounts receivable and related proceeds of all co-makers pursuant to the terms of a security agreement.

The secured convertible promissory note bears interest at the annual rate of 12%, and matures on August 18, 2016. At any time prior to the maturity date, Mill City may convert the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest at a conversion rate of $0.33 per share, as adjusted for stock splits and similar adjustments. Upon the consummation of a change in control transaction of the Company or of an offering of securities of the Company in which the gross proceeds to be received by the Company equal, when aggregated with all prior financings involving the sale of securities of the Company from and after February 18, 2015 (but exclusive of the amounts borrowed under the Mill City secured convertible promissory note), at least $3.5 million, Mill City may elect to convert the secured convertible promissory note into shares of common stock of the Company or elect repayment. The Company may prepay the secured convertible promissory note at any time; provided any principal amount prepaid must be accompanied by the payment of minimum amount of interest that, when aggregated with earlier payments of interest, equals at least 365 days of interest thereon. The secured convertible promissory note contains other customary terms.

Acquisition of Creative Realities

The financing effected by our sale of the preferred stock (Creative Realities) was a condition to the closing of a merger contemplated by June 26, 2014 Agreement and Plan of Merger we entered into with Creative Realities, LLC and later amended on August 20, 2014 (as amended, the “Creative Realities Merger Agreement”).

On August 20, 2014, we completed the merger contemplated by the Creative Realities Merger Agreement, thereby acquiring the business of Creative Realities. At the effective time of the merger and pursuant to the Creative Realities Merger Agreement, Slipstream Funding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and then the sole member of Creative Realities, received shares of our common stock equivalent to approximately 59.2% of common stock issued and outstanding after the merger, calculated on a modified fully diluted basis, together with a warrant to purchase an additional number of common shares equal to 1.5% of our common stock outstanding immediately after the merger, again calculated on a modified fully diluted basis. In each case, “modified fully basis” means inclusion of all shares of outstanding common stock together with common stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of outstanding securities, other than the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (see above) and certain1,860,561 shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 8,806,906 shares of common stock issuable upon exerciseat the conversion rate of warrants and options having an exercise price agreed by the parties to have been significantly out of the money.$0.255 per share.

 

As a resultIn 2016, 307,500 shares of this merger transaction and a contemporaneous investment in our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock by an affiliate of Slipstream Funding, Slipstream Funding and its affiliates beneficially own 32,249,949were converted into 1,205,882 shares of common stock representing beneficial ownership (as calculated under applicable SEC rules)at the conversion rate of approximately 45.8% of our outstanding common stock immediately after the merger.$0.255 per share. 

 

Creative Realities, LLC was the “accounting acquirer” in the merger transaction, while Wireless Ronin Technologies (the registrant) was the “legal acquirer,” and therefore the merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition. Creative Realities, LLC was determined to be the accounting acquirer since its former shareholder has majority control of the common stock, is the largest shareholder, and has the majority members of the board of directors and of the executive officers. In accordance with reverse acquisition accounting, the historical financial statements of the registrant will become those of Creative Realities, with the financial results of Wireless Ronin Technologies included only beginning with the merger date. Effective September 15, 2014, Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. changed its name to Creative Realities, Inc.

As used throughout this report, the “Company” generally refers to the registrant (Creative Realities, Inc., formerly known as Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.), unless the context otherwise indicates or requires. Use of the first person “we” refers to the Company or, if the context so requires, to the historical business of Creative Realities or the registrant itself, in each case prior to the consummation of the August 20, 2014 merger transaction.

Changes in Management and Board of Directors

During 2017, the Company transitioned the finance and accounting function from Fairfield, NJ to the corporate headquarters in Louisville, KY which included hiring a new VP of Finance. There were no changes in the Board of Directors. 

 

On August 20, 2014, our directors Steve Birke, Scott Koller and Howard Liszt resigned their positions on our Board of Directors, and Messrs. Paul Price, Alec Machiels and David Bell were appointed by the board to fill the vacancies created by those resignations. At the time of their resignations, Messrs. Birke and Liszt each served on the board’s audit and compensation committees. On the same date, Mr. Scott Koller resigned his position as our Chief Executive Officer but retained the title of President, and Mr. Paul PriceMay 2, 2016, Eric J. Bertrand was appointed as our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. John Walpuck retained his titles as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. On September 30, 2014, we delivered Mr. Koller a written notice of termination, which termination was effective December 4, 2014.  On March 9, 2015, Kent Lillemoe resigned his position on our Board of Directors. On April 13, 2015,to the Board of Directors of Creative Realities, Inc.  Mr. Bertrand possesses voting and Paul Price agreed to terminate Mr. Price's employment agreement withinvestment power over shares beneficially held by Lincoln Road Media Partners LLC, which was the Company without cause. Such termination was effective immediatelyholder of a convertible promissory note and effectedis the immediate removalholder of Mr. Price from his position as a member of the Board of Directors. Alsowarrant issued in a private placement transaction on April 13, 2015,14, 2016.  See Note 6 to the Board of DirectorsConsolidated Financial Statements for additional information.  Mr. Bertrand was appointed John Walpuck as Creative Realities' interim Chief Executive Officer.to the board in connection with Lincoln Road Media’s investment in the convertible note and warrant. 

 

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, strengthen our operational practices and procedures, further streamline our administrative office functions, and continue to capitalize on various marketing programs and activities.

 


Another key component of our business and market strategy, especially given the evolving industry dynamics in which we operate, is also 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; enable us to aggregate multiple customer bases onto a single business and technology platform; provide us with greater operating scale; enable us to leverage a common set of processes and tools, and cost efficiencies; and ultimately result in higher operating profitability and cash flow from operations. Our management team is actively pursuing and evaluating alternative acquisition opportunities on an ongoing basis. Our management team and Board of Directors have broad experience with the execution, integration and financing of mergers and acquisitions. We believe that, based on the foregoing and other factors, the Company can successfully serve as a consolidator of multiple business and technology platforms serving similar markets.

Industry Background

 

Over approximately the past 18-24 months, approximately, 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; (ii) the continued evolution of mobile, social, software and hardware technologies, applications and tools; (iii) the increasing sophistication of social networking platforms; (iv) increasingly complex customer requirements related to their specific digital marketing technology and solution objectives; and (v) 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 include:include creating unique and customized experiences for targeted, timely offerings and relevant promotions; improving engagement resulting in increased sales; and increasing shopping basket size. OurWe believe our clients believe thatconsider capitalizing on these industry trends isto 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;
   
 

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 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.

 


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 of hospitality, branded retail, automotive, food service and retail healthcare, but the planning, development, implementation and maintenance of technology-enabled experiences 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 and 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 as a result of recovering retail-related real estate investments and new construction since the economic crash beginning in the fall of 2008; and the recent economic recovery in general. These general economic improvements generally make it easier for our customers to justify decisions to invest in digital marketing technology solutions.

 

Services

We generally provide the following services:

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 services generate revenue through: bundled-solution sales; service fees for consulting, 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.

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 individual competitors who offer pieces of our solution stack. These include digital signage software companies such as Stratacache, Four Winds Interactive, or ComQi; marketing services companies such as Sapient Nitro or digital signage systems integrators such as Convergent. 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 center capabilities, our comprehensive offering of digital marketing technology solutions, brand awareness, focus, and proprietary processes are the primary factors affecting our competitive position.

Territories

Our Company sells products and services primarily throughout North America.

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.

 

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 solution stack. 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 Convergent. 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.

Territories

Our Company sells products and services primarily throughout North America.

Employees

 

We have approximately 66100 employees as of May 1, 2015.December 31, 2017. We do not have any employees that operate under collective-bargaining agreements.

 

7

7

ITEM 1a1ARISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. 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, before making an investment decision. See the section of this prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information.” Any of the risks we describe below could cause our business, financial condition, results of operations or future prospects to be materially adversely affected.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Our IndustryRISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND OUR INDUSTRY

 

We have recentlygenerally incurred losses, and may never become or remain profitable.achieve profitability.

Recently,Except for the second and fourth quarters of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, we have incurred net losses.losses, have negative cash flows from operations and have a working capital deficit. We incurred net losses in each of the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively. We do not know with any degree of certainty whether or when we will become profitable. Even if we are able to achieve profitability in future periods, we may not 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 which may be beyond our control or which cannot be predicted at this time.

 

We have limited operating history asOur digital marketing business is evolving in a combined companyrapidly changing market, and we cannot ensure the long-term successful operation of our business or the execution of our business plan.

 

We have limited operating history as a combined company since the closing of the merger transactions summarized herein, and ourOur digital marketing technology and solutions are an evolving business offering.offering and the markets in which we compete are rapidly changing. As a result, investors have a limited track record by which to evaluate our future performance. 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;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; and

 

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.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.

 

We will likely be required to raise additional funding through public or private financings, including equity financings in 2015.2018. Any additional equity financings may be dilutive to shareholders and may be completed at a discount to the then-current market price of our common stock. Debt financing, if available, would likely 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 are reliant on the continued support of a related party for adequate financing of our operations.

We will likely be required to raise additional funding through public or private financings, including equity financings, through at least 2018. As of the date of this filing, the Company’s majority shareholder and investor, Slipstream Communications LLC is the holder of 100% of the Company’s outstanding debt instruments including the term loan, secured revolving promissory note and convertible promissory notes. 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 may be unable to implement our business plan if we cannot raise sufficient capital and may be required to pay a high price for capital.

We will need to obtain additional capital to implement our business plan and meet our financial obligations as they become due. We may not be able to raise the additional capital needed or may be required to pay a high price for capital. Factors affecting the availability and price of capital may include the following:

 

 the availability and cost of capital generally;

 our financial results;

 

 the experience and reputation of our management team;

 market interest, or lack of interest, in our industry and business plan;

 the trading volume of, and volatility in, the market for our common stock;

 our ongoing success, or failure, in executing our business plan;

 the amount of our capital needs; and

 the amount of debt, options, warrants, and convertible securities we have outstanding.

 

We may be unable to meet our current or future obligations or to adequately exploit existing or future opportunities if we cannot raise sufficient capital. If we are unable to obtain capital for an extended period of time, we may be forced to discontinue operations.

 

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 our 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 pSeroductsproducts 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 competing marketing technology suppliers, which could adversely affectsaffect 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 revenue to decline.

 

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. 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 could be adversely affected by the loss of several key customers.customers, including a significant related party customer.

Our largest customers account for a majority of our total revenue on a pro forma, consolidated basis.revenue. We had 2 and 2two customers that accounted for 41%63% and 44%71% of accounts receivable as of December 31, 20142017 and December 31, 2013,2016, respectively. In addition, we had three customers that accounted for 56% and 56% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Decisions by one or more of these key customers and/or partners 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.

 

Our financial performance, condition and continued growth could be adversely affected by a key related party.

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had sales of $3,390 and $1,344, respectively, with a related party entity that is 22.5% owned by a member of senior management. Accounts receivable due from the related party was $3,017 and $543 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Most of our contracts are terminable by our customers with limited notice and without penalty payments, and early terminations could have a material 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.

10

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. 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 and sometimes free services (for limited periods of time) 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 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 software and code used to generate customer invoices. This software and code is 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:

 

Richard Mills, our Chief Executive Officer;

On April 13, 2015, the Board of Directors and Paul Price agreed to terminate Mr. Price's employment agreement with the Company without cause. Such termination was effective immediately and effected the immediate removal of Mr. Price from his position as a member of the Board of Directors. Also on April 13, 2015, the Board of Directors appointed John Walpuck as the Company’s interim Chief Executive Officer.

John Walpuck, our Chief Financial and Chief Operating Officer; and

Will Logan, our Vice President of Finance.

 

If we fail to retain Mr. Walpuck and our key personnel or fail to attract, retain and motivate other qualified employees, including a new Chief Executive Officer, 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.

 

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 the trading price of our common stock and 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 will result in a lower trading price for our common stock and make obtaining financing more difficult.

 

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 ouran 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 and provider owned and leased infrastructure and capacity; the Company’s dedicated and virtualized server capacity located at its data center services provider partner and a geo-redundant micro-data center location; and the Company’s own infrastructure and equipment. Collectively, this infrastructure, equipment, and capacity must be sufficiently robust to handle all of our customers'customers’ web-traffic, particularly in the event of unexpected surges in high-definition video traffic and network services incidents. We 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 the Company’s 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.

 

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 existing competitive advantage. Over the long term, this may harm our revenuesrevenue growth and our ability to become profitable.

 

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.

 

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. Weakness in the United States and worldwide economy has had and could continue to 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.

 


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 history 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 unproven. In addition, our existing and potential future competitors may be able to use their extensive resources:resources to:

 

 to develop and deploy new products and services more quickly and effectively than we can;

 

 to develop, improve and expand their platforms and related infrastructures more quickly than we can;

 

 to reduce costs, particularly hardware costs, because of discounts associated with large volume purchases and longer term relationships and commitments;

 

 to offer less expensive products, technology, platform, and services as a result of a lower cost structure, greater capital reserves or otherwise;

 

 to adapt more swiftly and completely to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements;

 

 to take advantage of acquisition and other opportunities more readily; and

 

 to 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

 

Because of our early stage of operations and 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 are in an early stage of operations and have limited resources after accounting for a significant amount of restructuring and integration costs.costs incurred in connection with prior acquisition activities, and we expect to incur additional restructuring and integration costs related to additional acquisitions in the future. 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.

 


As part of the integration of our acquired businesses, we may become subject to unknown liabilities.

Our Company acquired each of Broadcast International, Inc. and Creative Realities, LLC by merger with our subsidiaries. As a result, Broadcast International, Inc. and Creative Realities, LLC are subsidiaries of the Company, and any liabilities of these companies, known or unknown have become obligations of our subsidiaries. As a result, there are outstanding liabilities for which our subsidiaries are liable and, despite our due diligence investigations, other unknown liabilities may arise for which our subsidiaries, and possibly the Company, may become liable.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls could limit our ability to detect and prevent fraud and thereby adversely affect our business and stock price.

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports. Nevertheless, all internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Our inability to maintain an effective control environment may cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our stock price. The CompanyWe have identified several material weaknesses in reviewing its internal controls has noted material weaknesses. See Item 9A for further details.and have concluded in our 2017 filings that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting were not effective at the reasonable assurance level. 

 

Our controlling shareholder possesses controlling voting power with respect to our common stock and voting preferred stock, which will limit your influence on corporate matters.

Our controlling shareholder, Slipstream Funding,Communications, LLC, has beneficial ownership of 30,349,94974,070,970 shares of common stock, including common shares that are beneficially owned by an affiliate of Slipstream FundingCommunications named Slipstream Communication,Funding, LLC. These shares represent beneficial ownership of approximately 68.98%58.39% of our common stock (on an as-converted basis) as of the date of this prospectus.annual report on form 10-K. In addition, in the last quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC purchased all of our outstanding debt from the original debtholders. The terms of the debt have remained the same. As a result, Slipstream Funding has the ability to control our management and affairs through the election and removal of our entire 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 concentrated control 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 control 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. 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.

 

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 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 including up to 24,593,060 shares of our common stock that are covered by the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and issuable upon conversions of preferred stock or exercise of outstanding warrants, 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. Even if a substantial number of sales do not occur within a short period of time, the mere existence of this “market overhang” could have a negative impact on the market for our common stock and our ability to raise additional equity capital.

 

Our common stock trades only in an illiquid trading market.

Trading of our common stock is conducted on the OTC Markets (OTCQB)(OTCQX). This has an adverse effect on the liquidity of our common stock, not only in terms of the number of shares that can be bought and sold at a given price, but also through delays in the timing of transactions and reduction in security analysts’ and the media’s coverage of us and our common stock. This may result in lower prices for our common stock than might otherwise be obtained and could also result in a larger spread between the bid and asked prices for our common stock.stock if we were listed on a more liquid exchange.

 


There is not now and there may not ever be an active market for shares of our common stock.

In general, there has been minimal trading volume in our common stock. The small trading volume will 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, youinvestors and shareholders may not always be able to resell shares of our common stock publicly at the time and prices that yousuch investors and shareholders feel are fair or appropriate.

 

We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We will, however, pay dividends on our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

When permitted by Minnesota law, we are required to pay dividends to the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, each share of which carries a $1.00 stated value. As of December 31, 2014, there were 5.3There are presently approximately 5.8 million shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding. All shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock were converted to common stock in September 2017. Our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock entitles its holders to:

 

 

a cumulative 6% dividend, payable on a semi-annual basis in cash unless (i) we are unable to pay the dividend in cash under applicable law, or (ii) we have demonstrated positive cashflowcash flow during the prior quarter reported on our Form 10-Q, in which case we may at our election pay the dividend through the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock up through August 20, 2017 and thereafter through the issuance of additional shares of common stock;

 

 in the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, a preference in the amount of all accrued but unpaid dividends plus the stated value of such shares before any payment shall be made or any assets distributed to the holders of any junior securities, including our common stock;

 

 convert their preferred shares into our common shares at a conversion rate of $0.40$0.255 per share, (the equivalent of two and one-half shares of common for each full share of preferred stock converted), subject, however, to full-ratchet price protection in the event that we issue common stock below the then-current conversion price (subject to certain customary exceptions); and

 

 vote their preferred shares on an as-if-converted basis.

 

After August 20, 2017, we willWe currently have the right to (1) call and redeem some or all of such preferred shares, subject to a 30-day notice period and certain other conditions, at a price equal to $1.00 per share plus accrued but unpaid dividends thereon.thereon and (2) pay all dividends in the form of shares of common stock. Holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock have no preemptive or cumulative-voting rights.

We do not anticipate that we will pay any dividends for the foreseeable future on our common stock. Accordingly, any return on an investment in us will be realized only when you sella shareholder sells shares of our common stock. When legally permitted, we must expect to pay dividends to our preferred shareholders.

 

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.

 

ITEM 1b1BUNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 


ITEM 2PROPERTIES

 

(All currency is rounded to the nearest thousands, except share and per share amounts.)

Our corporate headquarters isare currently located at 55 Broadway, New York, New York 10006. There, we have approximately 5,500 square-feet of space, which we believe is sufficient for our projected near-term future growth. The monthly lease amount is currently $16,332 and escalates to $18,479 by the end of the lease term in November 2019.13100 Magisterial Drive, Suite 100, Louisville, Kentucky 40223. The corporate phone number is (212) 324-6660.(502) 791-8800. We have an operations center that is material to our business located at 22 Audrey Place, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004. At that location, we havelease warehouse and office space of approximately 18,000 square-feet of space, which we also believe is sufficient6,400 square feet and 8,300 square feet for our projected near-term future growth.Kentucky operations under a lease agreement through May 30, 2021 and March 31, 2021, respectively. The monthly lease amountpayment for the warehouse is currently $19,743$0.3 for September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2016 and escalates to $22,974 by the end of the lease term on$5 for September 2020. Additionally, we have an operations center in Minnetonka, Minnesota 55345. At this location, we have approximately 19,000 square feet of office and warehouse space under a lease that extends1, 2016 through January 2018.May 30, 2021. The monthly lease amountpayment for the office space is $15,223$6 for April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2017 and escalates to $16,639 by the end of the lease term. Effective November 2014, we are subletting approximately 9,000 square feet of the Minnetonka space to a third party at an annual rate of $11 per square foot, subject to annual increases of 2.5%.$12 for April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2021. We also lease office space of approximately 10,000 square feet to support itsour Canadian operations at a facility located at 4510 Rhodes Drive, Suite 800, Windsor, Ontario under a lease that through June 30, 20162018 with a monthly rental of $3,802$4 CAD per month. We also lease 3,650 square feet of office space in Dallas, Texas, and 4,100 square feet of office space and 5,100 square feet of warehouse space in El Segunda California for monthly lease payments of $4 and $4 per month which have lease terms ending on December 31, 2018 and June 30, 2019, respectively. 

 

We have lease agreements for office space with approximately 18,000 square feet located at 22 Audrey Place, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004 which housed our previous operations center. We announced the planned closure of this location on August 10, 2017 and fully exited the facility in early 2018. The monthly lease amount is currently $22 and escalates to $23 by the end of the lease term on September 2020. We currently have two subtenants which provide $13 of monthly subtenant rental income. Our agreements with these subtenant lessees extend through October 2018 with an additional one-year extension at the option of the lessee. We are currently in negotiations with the landlord to exit this lease arrangement. No lease termination expense has been accrued as of December 31, 2017 as we had not ceased use of the facilities by the year-end date. 

ITEM 3LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Litigation

 

We are involved in a variety of legal claims and proceedings incidentalrelated to our business including customer bankruptcydescribed in Note 7 to the Company’s financial statements,Commitments and employment-related matters from time to time, and other legal matters that arise in the normal course of business. We believe these claims and proceedings are not out of the ordinary course for a business of the type and size in which we are engaged. Contingencies

While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these ordinary course claims and proceedings, management believes there is not a reasonable possibility that the costs and liabilities of such ordinary course matters, individually or in the aggregate, are likely towill have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 4MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 


PART II

 

ITEM 5MARKET 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 OTC Bulletin Board, the “OTCQB,“OTCQX,” under the symbol “CREX.” The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Registrar & Transfer, Inc., 10 Commerce Drive, Cranford, New Jersey 07016.Computershare Limited, 401 2nd Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for our common stock as reported by the OTC Markets in 20142017 and 2013.2016. These quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown, or commission, and may not represent actual transactions. Trading in the Company’s common stock during the period represented was sporadic, exemplified by low trading volume and many days during which no trades occurred. Prior to September 17, 2014, our common stock traded under the symbol “RNIN.”

 

  High  Low 
2014      
First Quarter $1.13  $0.53 
Second Quarter $0.89  $0.60 
Third Quarter $0.75  $0.41 
Fourth Quarter $0.73  $0.20 

 High  Low  High  Low 
2013      
2017     
First Quarter $4.28  $1.41  $0.31  $0.18 
Second Quarter $1.60  $0.80  $0.37  $0.22 
Third Quarter $0.98  $0.64  $0.45  $0.25 
Fourth Quarter $0.83  $0.37  $0.40  $0.17 
        
 High  Low 
2016        
First Quarter $0.23  $0.15 
Second Quarter $0.23  $0.14 
Third Quarter $0.23  $0.11 
Fourth Quarter $0.31  $0.16 

  

Shareholders

 

As of May 4, 2015,March 23, 2018, there were approximately 281504 holders of record of our common stock.

 

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 weto finance the development and expansion of our business, subject to our obligation to pay dividends to our preferred stockholders as described below. 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 discretionofdiscretion of our board ofdirectorsof 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. We have not paid any dividends on our common stock and intend to retain earnings, if any, to finance the development and expansion of our business. In addition, we must first pay dividends on our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which have priority over any dividends to be paid to holders of our common stock. The current dividend payable to the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has been satisfied through the issuance of preferred and common stock. The current dividend for the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock aggregates to up to $155,700approximately $175 on a semi-annual basis (although under certain circumstances(which we may be able to satisfy our dividend-payment obligations relating to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock through the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock through August 20, 2017 and thereafter the issuance of additional shares of common stock). Other than with respect to shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 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.


Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in Item 12 for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans.

  

Sales of Unregistered Securities During the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 20142017

 

None.Common Stock

During 2017, accredited investors converted 385,200 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 1,860,561 shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock for 8,806,906 shares of common stock at the conversion rate of $0.255 per share. These shares were issued pursuant to the private placement exemptions provided under Section 4(a)(2) and 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act. 

 

Effective December 31, 2017, we issued 718,840 shares of common stock in satisfaction of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock dividend for the period July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The preferred stock entitles its holders to a 6% dividend, payable semi-annually in cash or in kind through the three-year anniversary of the original issue date, and from and after such three-year anniversary in duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock. The three-year anniversary of the initial investment date occurred during the second half of 2017 for $5.2 million of the $5.5 million originally issued Convertible Preferred Stock and therefore dividends on those investments were paid via issuance of common shares as of the year-end date. The common stock we issued as dividends on account of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was issued pursuant to the private placement exemptions provided under Section 4(a)(2) and 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act.

During 2016, accredited investors converted 307,500 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock for 1,205,882 shares of common stock. These shares were issued pursuant to the private placement exemptions provided under Section 4(a)(2) and 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act.

Secured Notes

On December 12, 2016, we entered into a $1.0 million secured revolving promissory note pursuant to the August 17, 2016 Loan and Security Agreement with Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party, addressed below, with interest thereon at 8% per annum, maturing on February 1, 2017. In connection with the loan, we issued the lender a five-year warrant to purchase up to 1,542,452 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment), all pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. The fair value of the warrants on the issuance date was $136. This note was repaid on January 12, 2017. These securities transactions were effected pursuant to the private placement exemptions provided under Section 4(a)(2) and 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act.

Share Repurchase Program

On August 9, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to 5 million shares of our outstanding common stock through August 9, 2019. The authorization allows for the repurchases to be conducted through open market or privately negotiated transactions. Shares acquired under the stock repurchase program are expected to be retired and returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of common stock. The stock repurchase program can be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time at our discretion.  During the fourth quarter of 2017, 1,185,968 shares of common stock were repurchased at an aggregate price of $149 and were immediately cancelled, as follows:

Period (a)
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased
  (b)
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
  (c)
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
  (d)
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
October 1-October 31, 2017            
November 1-November 30, 2017  1,185,968   0.1265   1,185,968     
December 1-December 31, 2017                
Total  1,185,968       1,185,968   3,814,032 

ITEM 6SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

Not applicable.

 


ITEM 7MANAGEMENT’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 retailers, brand marketers, venue-operators,retail companies, individual retail brands, enterprises, non-profits and other organizations throughout the United States and a growing number ofin certain international markets. We have 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, mobile digital marketing platforms, digital way-finding platforms, digital menu board systems, dynamic signage, and other digitalinteractive marketing technologies. We enable our clients’ engagement with consumers by using combinations of our technology and solutions that interact withtechnologies such as mobile, social media, point-of-sale wireless networkstransactions, beaconing and web-based platforms.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. We believe we are one of the world’s leading digital marketing technology companies focused on helping retailers and brands use the latest technologies to create better shopping experiences.

 

Our main operations are conducted directly through Creative Realities, Inc. (f/k/a Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.), and under our wholly owned subsidiaries Creative Realities, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Broadcast International, Inc., a Utah corporation, and Wireless Ronin Technologies Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation.corporation, and ConeXus World Global, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company.

 

We generate revenue in this business 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; service fees for consulting, 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.

 

Our Sources of Revenue

 

We generate revenue through digital marketing solution sales, which include system hardware, professional and implementation services, software design and development, consulting, 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 prospectprospective 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'sCompany’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 12 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included elsewherewithin Part II, ITEM 8 of this Report. The following discussion identifies those accounting policies that we believe are critical in this filing. The Company’s consolidatedthe preparation of our financial statements, are preparedthe 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 accounting principles generally accepted inGAAP requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the United States. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments, assumptions, and estimates by management that could have a material impact on the carrying valuereported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assetscommitments and liabilitiescontingencies at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenuerevenues and expenses during the reporting period. ActualOur actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizesSee Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part II, ITEM 8 of this Report, for a complete discussion of our revenue recognition policies.

We recognize revenue primarily from these sources:

 

 Hardware:
System hardware sales
Services and Other:
Professional and implementation services
Software design and development services
Software and software license sales

 System hardware sales

Professional service revenue

Software designMaintenance and developmentsupport services

 

Implementation services

Maintenance and hosting support contracts

The Company applies the provisions ofWe recognize revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 605-985,(“ASC”) 910, Contractors-Construction, ASC 605, Revenue Recognition: Software (Recognitionor, ASC 605-35) 605-25, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.to all transactions involving the sale of software licenses.and ASC subtopic 985-605, Software. In the event of a multiplemultiple-element arrangement, we evaluate each element arrangement,of the Company evaluatestransaction to determine if each elementit represents a separate unit of accounting, taking into account all factors following the guidelines set forth in “FASBFASB ASC 605-985-25-5.”985-605-25-5:

 

(i)persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
(ii)delivery has occurred, which is when product title transfers to the customer, or services have been rendered;
(iii)customer payments are fixed or determinable and free of contingencies and significant uncertainties; and
(iv)collection is reasonably assured. If it is determined that collection of a fee is not reasonably assured, we defer the revenue and recognize it at the time collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash payment, revenues are reported on a gross basis.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09,” as codified in “ASC 606”), which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The Company recognizes revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred, which is when product title transfers to the customer, or services have been rendered; (iii) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable and free of contingencies and significant uncertainties; and (iv) collection is reasonably assured. The Company assesses collectability based on a number of factors, including the customer’s past payment history and its current creditworthiness. If it is determined that collection of a fee is not reasonably assured, the Company defers the revenue and recognizes it at the time collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash payment. If an acceptance period is required, revenue is recognized upon the earlier of customer acceptance or the expirationadoption of the acceptance period. Sales and use taxes are reported on a net basis, excluding them from sales and cost of sales.

Multiple-Element Arrangements — The Company enters into arrangements with customers that include a combination of software products, system hardware, maintenance and support, or installation and training services. The Company allocates the total arrangement fee among the various elements of the arrangement based on the relative fair value of each of the undelivered elements determined by vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE). In software arrangements for which the Company doesstandard did not have VSOE of fair value for all elements,a significant impact on our financial statements or our critical accounting policies related to revenue is deferred until the earlier of when VSOE is determined for the undelivered elements (residual method) or when all elements for which the Company does not have VSOE of fair value have been delivered. The Company has determined VSOE of fair value for each of its products and services.

The VSOE for maintenance and support services is based upon the renewal rate for continued service arrangements. The VSOE for installation and training services is established based upon pricing for the services. The VSOE for software and licenses is basedrecognition. Based on the normal pricing and discounting for the product when sold separately.

Each elementour initial evaluation of the Company’s multiple element arrangements qualifies for separate accounting. However, when a sale includes both software and maintenance, the Company defers revenue under the residual method of accounting. Under this method, the undelivered maintenance and support fees included in the price of software is amortized ratably over the period the services are provided. The Company defers maintenance and support fees based upon the customer’s renewal rate for these services.

Software and software license sales

The Company recognizes revenue when a fixed fee order has been received and delivery has occurred to the customer. The Company assesses whether the fee is fixed or determinable and free of contingencies based upon signed agreements received from the customer confirming terms of the transaction. Software is delivered to customers electronically or on a CD-ROM, and license files are delivered electronically.

System hardware sales

The Company recognizes revenue on system hardware sales generally upon shipment of the product or customer acceptance depending upon contractual arrangements with the customer. Shipping charges billed to customers are included in salescurrent contracts and the related shipping costs are included in costrevenue streams and performance obligations, the Company expects that the allocation of sales.

Professional service revenue

Included in between hardware, services and other revenues iswill have insignificant changes as compared with current GAAP. However, for certain sales transactions, the timing of revenue derived from implementation, maintenancerecognition for hardware and support contracts, content development, software developmentcertain services sales may occur earlier, with the remaining service and training.other sales, occurring later than under current GAAP. The majority of consulting and implementation services and accompanying agreements qualify for separate accounting. Implementation and content development services are bid either onlargest impacts as a fixed-fee basis or on a time-and-materials basis. For time-and-materials contracts, the Company recognizes revenue as services are performed. For fixed-fee contracts, the Company recognizes revenue upon completion of specific contractual milestones or by using the percentage-of-completion method.

Software design and development services

Revenue from contracts for technology integration consulting services where the Company designs/redesigns, builds and implements new or enhanced systems applications and related processes for clients are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method in accordance with “FASB ASC 605-985-25-88 through 107.” Percentage-of-completion accounting involves calculating the percentage of services provided during the reporting period compared to the total estimated services to be provided over the durationresult of the contract. Estimated revenues from applyingnew standard are the percentage-of-completion method include estimated incentives for which achievement of defined goals is deemed probable. This method is followed where reasonably dependable estimates of revenuesnew required qualitative and costs can be made. The Company measures its progress for completion based on either the hours worked as a percentage of the total number of hours of the project or by delivery and customer acceptance of specific milestones as outlined per the terms of the agreement with the customer. Estimates of total contract revenue and costs are continuously monitored during the term of the contract, and recorded revenue and costs are subject to revision as the contract progresses. Such revisions may resultquantitative disclosures. See Note 2, “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements,” in increases or decreases to revenue and income and are reflected in the financial statements in the periods in which they are first identified. If estimates indicate that a contract loss will occur, a loss provision is recorded in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Contract losses are determined to be the amount by which the estimated direct and indirect costs of the contract exceed the estimated total revenue that will be generated by the contract and areour Consolidated Financial Statements, included in costPart II, ITEM 8 of sales and classified in accrued expenses in the balance sheet. The Company’s presentation of revenue recognized on a contract completion basis has been consistently appliedthis Report for all periods presented.

The Company classifies the revenue and associated cost on the “Services and Other” line within the “Sales” and “Cost of Sales” sections of the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In all cases where the Company applies the contract method of accounting, the Company’s only deliverable is professional services, thus, the Company believes presenting the revenue on a single line is appropriate.

Costs and estimated earnings recognized in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts are recorded as unbilled services and are included in accounts receivable on the balance sheet. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are recorded as deferred revenue until revenue recognition criteria are met.

Implementation services

Implementation services revenue is recognized when installation is completed.

Maintenance and hosting support contracts

Maintenance and hosting support consists of software updates and support. Software updates provide customers with rights to unspecified software product upgrades and maintenance releases and patches released during the term of the support period. Support includes access to technical support personnel for software and hardware issues. The Company also offers a hosting service through its network operations center, or NOC, allowing the ability to monitor and support its customers’ networks 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Maintenance and hosting support revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance contract, which is typically one to three years. Maintenance and support is renewable by the customer. Rates for maintenance and support, including subsequent renewal rates, are typically established based upon a specified percentage of net license fees as set forth in the arrangement. The Company’s hosting support agreement fees are based on the level of service provided to its customers, which can range from monitoring the health of a customer’s network to supporting a sophisticated web-portal.additional information. 

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Our unsecured accounts receivable are customer obligations due under normal trade terms, carried at their face value less an allowance for doubtful accounts. We had a factoring arrangement with Allied Affiliated Funding for the majority of our accounts receivable during the period October 15, 2015 to August 16, 2016. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable for amounts due from third parties that we do not expect to collect. We estimate the allowance based on historical write-off experience and current economic conditions and also consider factors such as customer credit, past transaction history with the customer and changes in customer payment terms when determining whether the collection of a receivable is reasonably assured. Historically, less than 1.0% of net sales ultimately prove to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable are comprised of saleswritten off after all reasonable collection efforts have failed.

We have not made primarily to entities locatedany material changes in the United States and Canada. Accounts receivable are recorded ataccounting methodology we use to measure the invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. The allowance requires judgment and is reviewed monthly, and the Company establishes reservesestimated liability for doubtful accounts onduring the past two fiscal years. We do not believe there is a case-by-case basis based on historical collection experience andreasonable likelihood that there will be a current review ofmaterial change in the collectability offuture estimates or assumptions we use to establish the liability for doubtful accounts. The Company’s collection experience has beenHowever, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates.estimates or assumptions, we may be exposed to losses or gains that could be material.

Approximately 51% or $3,017 of our accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 is from a related party (see Note 8).

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill representsis evaluated for impairment annually as of September 30 and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that impairment may have occurred. The Company has no indefinite-lived intangible assets. We test goodwill for impairment by comparing the excess of the purchase price overbook value to the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a purchase business combination and is tested annually at September 30 for impairment or tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the asset’s fair value.reporting unit level. The Company has only one reporting unit, and therefore the Company determines theentire 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 compares iteconomic or market trends that may occur. We use these same expectations in other valuation models throughout the business. In addition to its carrying value. Second, if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value,discounted cash flow analysis, we utilize a leveraged buy-out model, trading comps and market capitalization to ultimately determine an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the impliedestimated fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of theour reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805,Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. The fair values calculated in the Company’s impairment tests are determined using discounted cash flow models involving several assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, anticipated operating income growth rates, the Company’s long-term anticipated operating income growth rate and the discount rate. The Company’s cash flow forecasts are based on assumptions that are consistent with the plans and estimates the Company is using to manage the underlying businesses. The assumptions that are used are based upon what the Company believes a hypothetical marketplace participant would use in estimating fair value. The Company evaluates the reasonableness of the fair valueweighted average calculations of its reporting units by comparing the total of the fair value of all of the Company’s reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization.from these models. The Company bases its fair value estimates on assumptions it believes 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 performingaddition, the annual impairment test at September 30, 2014 no impairment of goodwill was determine based on the recent August 2014 business combination.

The Company’s market capitalization could fluctuate in the future. As a result, it will continuefrom time to treat this data astime. Such fluctuation may be an indicator of possible impairment of goodwill if itsthe Company’s market capitalization falls below its book value. If this situation occurs, itthe Company will perform the required detailed analysis to determine if there is impairment.

We have not made any material changes in our reporting units or the accounting methodology we use to assess impairment of goodwill since September 30, 2017. We updated our goodwill analysis as of December 31, 2017 using actual fourth quarter 2017 results and updated projected 2018 results and concluded no impairment exists. The valuation of goodwill and intangible assets 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. 

   

Intangible assets include the following and are being amortized over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Acquired Intangible Asset: Amortization Period: (years)
   
Technology platform and patents 4 and 5
Trademark5
Customer relationships 3

 

Intangible assets are evaluated for impairment annually and on an interim basis if events and circumstances warrant by comparing the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. The impairment evaluation involves testing the recoverability of the asset on an undiscounted cash-flow basis, and, if the asset is not recoverable, recognizing impairment charge, if necessary, to reduce the asset’s carrying amount to its fair value. No events occurred subsequent to September 30, 2014 which would cause theThere were no indicators of impairment identified in 2017. The Company to perform impairment testing.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

In accordance with ASC 360,Property, Plant, and Equipment, long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows,recognized an impairment charge is recognized byloss on its technology platform for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.year ended December 31, 2016.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accountsAccounting for income taxes usingrequires recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the asset and liabilityexpected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized fordetermined based on the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differencesdifference between the financial statement carrying amountsand tax bases of existing assets and liabilitiesliabilities. 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 their respectiveJobs Act (the “Tax Act”) enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act made broad and significant changes to the U.S. tax basis. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expectedcode that affects the year ended December 31, 2017, including, but not limited to, be applied to taxable incomea change in the years in which those differences are expectedfederal rate from 35% to be recovered or settled. 21% effective January 1, 2018.

The Company recognizes in income the effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company believes based on the facts


As of December 31, 2017 and circumstances2016 a fullyfull valuation allowance is necessary as it is more than likely the deferred taxes are not realizable as of December 31, 2014 or the date of the business combination.

Deferred 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, reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable and inventory, differences in depreciation methods, and accrued expenses. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reducerecorded against our deferred tax assets to reduce the amountconsolidated deferred tax asset to zero. The valuation allowance is based, in part, on our estimate of future taxable income, the expected to be realized.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718-10, which requires the measurementsutilization of federal and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payments including warrants, stock options, restricted stock grantsstate tax loss carryforwards, and stock bonuses based on estimated fair value. For purposes of determining estimated fair value under FASB ASC 718-10-30, the Company computes the estimated fair values of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of restricted stock and stock award grants are determined based on the number of shares grantedcredits and the closing priceexpiration dates of such tax loss carryforwards. Significant assumptions are used in developing the Company’s common stock on the dateanalysis of grant. Compensation expense for all share-based payment awards is recognized using the straight-line amortization method over the vesting period.

The Company applies the guidance of FASB 718-10-S99-1future taxable income for purposes of determining the expected termvaluation allowance for stock options. The Company calculatesdeferred tax assets which, in our opinion, are reasonable under the estimated expected life based upon historical exercise data. The Company uses historical closing stock price volatility for a period equal to the period its common stock has been trading publicly. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of no future dividend payouts.circumstances.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Inputs are broadly defined as assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

FASB ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of an entity’s financial instruments. Such disclosures, which pertain to the Company’s financial instruments, do not purport to represent the aggregate net fair value of the Company.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair value of the warrant liabilities is calculated using a Black-Scholes model, which approximates a binomial model due to probability factors used to determine the fair value. The calculation of this liability is based on Level 3 inputs. See Notes 3 and 11 for further discussion on the valuation of warrant liabilities.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 2, “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. 

25

Results of Operations

 

Note: All dollar amounts reported in Results of Operations are in thousands, except per-share information.

 

Year Ended December 31, 20142017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 20132016

 

The tables presented below compare our results of operations adjusted for full retrospective adoption of certain accounting guidance described in Note 2 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.

 

  For the Years Ended       
  December 31,  Change 
  2017  2016  Dollars  % 
Sales $17,698  $13,673  $4,025   29%
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)  10,309   6,815   3,494   51%
Gross profit  7,389   6,858   531   8%
Sales and marketing expenses  2,078   1,061   1,017   96%
Research and development expenses  991   893   98   11%
General and administrative expenses  6,944   6,393   551   9%
Depreciation and amortization expense  1,505   2,003   (498)  -25%
ConeXus acquisition stock issuance expense  1,971   -   1,971   NM 
Impairment loss on intangible assets  -   1,065   (1,065)  -100%
Total operating expenses  13,489   11,415   2,074   18%
Operating loss  (6,100)  (4,557)  (1,543)  34%
Other income (expenses):                
Interest expense  (1,610)  (1,636)  26   -2%
Change in fair value of warrant liability  (153)  (42)  (111)  264%
Gain on settlement of debt  872   1,008  ��(136)  -13%
Other income  2   164   (162)  -99%
Total other expense  (889)  (506)  (383)  76%
Net loss before income taxes  (6,989)  (5,063)  (1,926)  38%
Benefit/(provision) from income taxes  39   365   (326)  -89%
Net loss $(6,950) $(4,698) $(2,252)  48%

Our consolidated comparisons include certain historical data, transaction entries, journal entries, and chart of account classifications that are

NM - not uniformly consistent across Creative Realities, LLC, Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. and Broadcast International, Inc. As a result, certain assessments and qualitative descriptions related to our consolidated results cannot be compared directly, and may not fully or accurately reflect actual changes in the specific statement of operations line-item category or subcategory at this time.meaningful

 

Creative Realities, LLC was the "accounting acquirer" in the merger transaction, while Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. ("WRT") (the registrant) was the "legal acquirer," and therefore the merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition. In accordance with reverse acquisition accounting, the historical financial statements of the registrant will become those of Creative Realities, with the financial results of WRT included only beginning with the merger date. Each of the comparisons below incorporate the financial results of WRT beginning from the merger date of August 20, 2014 through the year ended December 31, 2014.

The columns present the following:

The first two data columns in each table show the dollar results for each period presented.
The columns entitled “$ Increase (Decrease)” show the change in results, in dollars. For example when net sales increase from one period to the next that change is shown as a positive period to the next, that change is shown as a negative in both columns.

  For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
  (in thousands) 
  2014  2013 
Sales   $13,418  $11,572 
Cost of sales  10,052   10,561 
Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)  $3,366  $1,011 
Sales and marketing expenses  1,179   906 
Research and development expenses  492   - 
General and administrative expenses  5,765   2,624 
Depreciation and amortization expense  817   295 
Total operating expenses  8,253   3,825 
Operating loss $(4,886) $(2,814)
Other income (expenses):        
Interest expense  (32)  (33)
Other income  (8)  - 
Change in fair value of warrant liability  1,127   - 
Total other expense  1,087   (33)
Net loss $(3,799) $(2,848)

  For the Years Ended December 31, 
  2014  2013 
Sales    100.0%  100.0%
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)  74.9%  91.3%
Gross profit  25.1%  8.7%
Sales and marketing expenses  8.8%  7.8%
Research and development expenses  3.7%  0.0%
General and administrative expenses  43.0%  22.7%
Depreciation and amortization expense  6.1%  2.6%
Total operating expenses  61.5%  33.1%
Operating loss  (36.4)%  (24.3)%
Other income (expenses):    (0.3)%
Interest expense  (0.2)%  0.0%
Other income  (0.0)%  0.0%
Change in fair value of warrant liability  8.4%    
Total other expense  8.1%  (0.3)%
Net loss  (28.3)%  (24.6)%

26

Sales

 

Sales increased by $1,846$4,025 or 16%29% in 20142017 compared to 2013, primarily reflecting2016. The $4,025 increase was driven by approximately $1,230 from two new large customers and the broadening of sales within existing customer relationships, including an increase associated with incorporating thein sales resultsto a related party of WRT beginning from the merger date of August 20, 2014.$1,344. 

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit margin on a percentage basis increaseddecreased to 25%42% in 20142017 from 9%50% in 2013,2016, and increased by an estimated $2,355$531 in absolute dollars during the same period. Both the increaseThe decrease in gross profit margin percentage and increase in absolute dollars are generallyis primarily the result of the increase ina lower margin sales overall, the improved mix of higher margin services and lower estimated hardwareon increased sales overall.to customers. 

 

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. Total sales and marketing expenses increased 30% to $1,178$2,078 in 20142017 from $906$1,061 in 2013.2016. The increase iswas primarily due to an increase of $238 in total marketingpayroll expense related expenses across the combined company.to our growing sales force and related travel expenses.

 


Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses increased 11% to $492$991 in 2014 compared to $02017 from $893 in 2013. The increase is attributable to the payroll related expenses2016, primarily as a result of our software development personnel and consultants responsible for maintaining, supporting and enhancing our proprietary content management system platforms acquired in connection with the merger transactions described herein.additional headcount focused on these activities. 

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

Total general and administrative expenses increased 120%9% to $5,765$6,944 in 20142017 from $2,624$6,393 in 2013.2016. The increase is mainly the result ofwas primarily due to an increase of $1,554 in payroll related expenses related to the acquisitions, some of which are nonrecurring, as it includes approximately $585 of one-time severance costs. We performed a comprehensive review of our aged outstanding accounts receivables across the consolidated company, and increased our allowance for doubtful accountspersonnel costs, including recruiting fees, offset primarily by $417, resulting in a one-time increase in bad debt expense. The increase in general and administrative expenses is also attributable to increases of approximately $253, $154 and $403decreases in legal accounting and consulting professional fees, respectively, as well as an increase of $65 in commercial insurance expenses, and various other increases in other general and administrative expenses associated with the consolidated company.fees.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased 177%decreased 25% to $817$1,505 in 20142017 from $295$2,003 in 20132016 primarily as a result of $506 associated with the amortizationreduction of intangible assets acquiredfrom the impairment recognized in the WRT merger transaction.third quarter of 2016.

 

Business Realignment, Integration, and RestructuringInterest Expense

 

BackgroundSee Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the Company’s debt and related interest expense obligations. 

 

BeginningChange in June 2014, we beganFair Value of Warrant Liability

See Note 3 to the planning processConsolidated Financial Statements for the anticipated closinga discussion of the merger transactions described herein. This included a comprehensive review of our existing customers, sales pipeline, sales and account management, service and solution offerings, technology platforms, processes and work streams, systems and operations, leadership team, personnel by function, contractors and vendors, facilities, and related matters. Our primary objective was to realign, integrate and restructure our operations to the maximum extent practicable by or before December 31, 2014.Company’s non-cash change in Warrant Liability.

 

Actions CompletedGain on Settlement of Debt

 

During 2017, the period from June 2014 through December 31, 2014,Company settled and/or wrote off debt of $1,159 for $288 cash payment and recognized a gain of $872. This debt included $693 of payables previously recorded by our dissolved subsidiary Broadcast International, Inc, as we have completed manyhad exhausted all efforts to identify and settle these obligations in the first quarter of these actions while several others remain ongoing.2017.

 

Actions completed asIn August 2016, the Company settled debt of December 31, 2014 include:$90 for $35 cash payment, resulting in a gain on debt settlement of $55. In June 2016, the Company settled debt of $614 for $123 cash payment and the issuance of 409,347 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock, fair value at conversion date of $85, and recognized a gain on debt restructuring of $406. In conjunction with this debt settlement, an additional 809,842 shares of restricted common stock were issued to investors for cash to facilitate the settlement of a portion of the $614 debt. In March 2016, the Company issued 8.00% nonconvertible promissory notes in favor of certain general unsecured creditors in the aggregate principal amount of $288 to settle an aggregate amount of $839 of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. The aggregate amount of payables, accrued expenses and other liabilities was subsequently revised to $796. In September 2016, the amounts previously settled with nonconvertible promissory notes were paid in cash of $249 resulting in a gain on the debt settlement of $547. No gain was previously recorded.

 

Realigning and reorganizing our sales, account management, and service delivery organization for 2015 growth;

Restructuring and retargeting marketing services and operations for 2015 growth;

Terminating and replacing certain vendors, contractors and consultants, resulting in increased service quality to our customers and the company, and material reductions in our cost structure;
Relocating and consolidating our network operations center, resulting in greater control over the quality of service delivery to our customers, and a reduction in our cost structure;
Consolidating our facilities and operations, including subletting approximately 50% of the square footage of our office space in one location, and terminating our lease for another location; and
Reducing our overall headcount, net of contractor conversions, and including certain executives, and reducing the overall average salary of remaining workforce.

Actions in ProcessSummary Quarterly Financial Information

 

We have several other actionsThe following represents unaudited financial information derived from the Company’s annual and initiatives planned or already currently underway which are designed to further enhance our client service capabilities, qualityquarterly financial statements, as adjusted for the retrospective adoption of service delivery, operational efficiency and reduce our cost structure. These include:ASU No. 2017-11:

 

Key account and resource reviews related to our realigned sales, account management, and service delivery organization; 
Completing the integration of our accounting systems and related processes;
Enabling certain system-based customer relationship management and project management processes across the consolidated enterprise;
Comprehensively reviewing and streamlining our consolidated list of contractors, vendors, and service providers, improving quality of service and eliminating duplication wherever possible; and
Finalizing our 2015 development roadmap related to our proprietary technology platforms.

Quarters ended December 31,
2017
  September 30,
2017
  June 30,
2017
  March 31,
2017
 
Net sales $4,136  $3,575  $3,568  $6,419 
Cost of sales  2,636   2,157   1,944   3,572 
Gross profit  1,500   1,418   1,624   2,847 
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization  2,793   4,631   2,238   2,322 
Depreciation/amortization  321   374   408   402 
Operating (loss)/income  (1,614)  (3,587)  (1,022)  123 
Other expenses/(income)  (177)  679   717   (369)
Net (loss)/income  (1,437)  (4,266)  (1,739)  492 

 

Quarters ended December 31,
2016
  September 30,
2016
  June 30,
2016
  March 31,
2016
 
Net sales $5,501  $2,708  $3,029  $2,435 
Cost of sales  2,826   1,387   1,312   1,290 
Gross profit  2,675   1,321   1,717   1,145 
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization  2,108   2,060   1,976   2,203 
Depreciation/amortization  388   540   536   539 
Impairment loss on intangible assets  -   1,065   -   - 
Operating (loss)/income  179   (2,344)  (795)  (1,597)
Other expenses/(income)  934   (130)  (913)  250 
Net (loss)/income  (755)  (2,214)  118   (1,847)

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 the consolidated Creative Realities, Inc.that EBITDA is positioneda performance measure and not a liquidity measure, and therefore a reconciliation between net loss/income and EBITDA has been provided. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to be the global leader helping retailers and brands use the latest technologynet loss/income as an indicator of performance or as an alternative to improve their shopping experiences. We also believe that the combination of the foregoing actions, excluding significant transaction and other one-time costs related to our ongoing restructuring efforts and organizational realignment, will result in greater sales, margin, scale and operating efficiencies, all of which will ultimately lead to operating profitability and positive cash flows from operations.

Ouroperating 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 cash equivalents balances as of the date of this report and potential financing needs in 2015 reflect a number of factors, including: the completed and ongoing realignment, integration and restructuring actions above, among others; a series of one-time transaction costs associated with the Creative Realities, LLC and Broadcast International merger transactions; effectively managing and converting our sales pipeline to increase nonrecurring and recurring revenueliabilities as well as mitigateinterest and income taxes that can affect cash flows. We do not intend the riskpresentation 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.


Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP EBITDA

The following unaudited table presents the Company’s GAAP (Net Loss) measure, and tendencythe corresponding adjustments, to calculate “EBITDA” for the timingquarters ending December 31, 2017 and 2016, September 30, 2017 and 2016, June 30, 2017 and 2016 and March 31, 2017 and 2016, as adjusted for the retrospective adoption of certain converted business opportunities to shift throughout the year and subsequently affect our forecasting; and our ongoing ability to continue to effectively manage and optimize our expenses, fixed cost base and working capital needs associated with funding a growing business delivering and supporting several large projects in a rapidly evolving industry.ASU No. 2017-11:

 

We are confident of strong 2015 financial results as our new and organic business pipelines continue to increase together with existing customers beginning to confirm their 2015 plans. We are also seeing tangible benefits from our focused positioning and marketing outreach in recent years attracting and capturing project based and recurring business opportunities that characteristically have long conversion cycles.

Quarters ended December 31,
2017
  September 30,
2017
  June 30,
2017
  March 31,
2017
 
GAAP net (loss)/income  (1,437)  (4,266)  (1,739)  492 
Interest expense:                
Amortization of debt discount  100   328   133   195 
Other interest  330   169   140   215 
Gain on settlement of debt  (6)  -   -   (866)
Change in warrant liability  (340)  116   369   8 
Additional ConeXus acquisition expense  -   1,971   -   - 
Depreciation/amortization  321   374   408   402 
Other expenses/(income)  (261)  66   75   79 
EBITDA  (1,293)  (1,242)  (614)  525 

Quarters ended December 31,
2016
  September 30,
2016
  June 30,
2016
  March 31,
2016
 
GAAP net (loss)/income $(755) $(2,214) $118  $(1,847)
Interest expense:                
Amortization of debt discount  297   224   177   154 
Other interest  228   187   175   194 
Gain on settlement of debt  (55)  (547)  (406)  - 
Impairment loss on intangible assets  -   1,065   -   - 
Change in warrant liability  400   84   (293)  (148)
Depreciation/amortization  388   540   536   539 
Other expenses/(income)  64   (78)  (566)  51 
EBITDA $567  $(739) $(259) $(1,057)

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operating activities for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013. At2016. As of December 31, 2014,2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $573$1,003 and a working capital deficit of $(1,144)$(3,801). Cash used in operating activitiesOn November 13, 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party, extended the maturity date of our term loan to August 17, 2019 and extended the maturity date of our promissory notes on a rolling quarter addition basis which is now April 10, 2019. While management believes that due to the extension of our debt maturity date, our current cash balance and our operational forecast for the years ended December2018, we can continue as a going concern through at least March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $(3,719) and $(865), respectively.

We incurred2019, given our net losses and negative cash flows from operating activities for years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. As of December 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents of $573 and working capital deficit, of $(1,144). Management believes that, despite its losses to date and while we obtained a continued support letter from Slipstream Communications, LLC through March 31, 2019. We can provide no assurance that our ongoing integrationoperational efforts will be successful which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. 

See Note 6 to the operationsConsolidated Financial Statements for an additional discussion of the combined Company resulting from the completed acquisitions and related restructuring actions will provide greater sales, margin, scale and operating efficiencies, all of which we believe will ultimately lead to operating profitability and positive cash flows from operations. We have certain payment plans and settlements setup with certain vendors. We expect that our future available capital resources will consist primarily of cash on hand, any cash generated from our business operations and future equity and/orCompany’s debt financings or support, if any, to support our growth objectives, ongoing working capital needs, and 2015 business plan.  Our capital requirements depend on many factors, including our ability to successfully address our short-term liquidity and capital resource needs, market and sell our products and services, develop new products and services and establish and leverage our strategic partnerships. Any additional equity financings may be dilutive to shareholders and may be completed at a discount to market price. Public or private debt financing, if available, would likely involve restrictive covenants similar to or more restrictive than those contained in the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Offering. There can be no assurance we will successfully complete any future equity or debt financing.obligations.

Disruptions in the economy and constraints in the credit markets have caused companies to reduce or delay capital investment. Some of our prospective customers may cancel or delay spending on the development or rollout of capital and technology projects with us due to continuing economic uncertainty. Difficult economic conditions have adversely affected certain industries in particular, including the retail, automotive, and restaurant industries, in which we have major customers. We could also experience lower than anticipated order levels from current customers, cancellations of existing but unfulfilled orders, and extended payment or delivery terms. Economic conditions could also materially impact us through insolvency of our suppliers or current customers.

Our capital requirements depend on many factors, including our ability to successfully address our short-term liquidity and capital resource needs, market and sell our products and services, develop new products and services and establish and leverage our strategic partnerships. In order to meet our needs, we will likely be required to raise additional funding through public or private financings, including equity financings. Any additional equity financings may be dilutive to shareholders and may be completed at a discount to market price. Debt financing, if available, would likely involve restrictive covenants similar to or more restrictive than those contained in the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Offering. There can be no assurance we will successfully complete any future equity or debt financing.

Management continues to seek financing on favorable terms. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that any such financing can be obtained on favorable terms, if at all. At present, we have no commitments for any additional financing.

Our future depends upon our ability to create profitable business operations and obtain additional financing as required and may not be on favorable terms. If we are unable to generate sufficient revenue, adjust our operating expenses so as to maintain positive working capital, or find financing, then we will be forced to cease operations and investors will lose their entire investment.

Operating Activities

 

We do not currently generate positive cash flow. Our operational costs have been greater than sales generated to date. As of December 31, 2014,2017, we had an accumulated deficitsdeficit of $(3,799)$(26,231). The cash flow (used in)flows provided by / used in operating activities was $(3,719)$655 and $(865)($4,106) for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively. The majority of the cash consumed by operations for both periods was attributed to our net losses of $(3,799)$(6,950) and $(2,848)$(4,698) for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively. Included in our net losses were non-cash charges consisting of depreciation, and amortization of warrantsdebt discount related to convertible preferred stock / issued for debt-issuance costs, change in warrant liability, impairment on intangible assets, stock-based compensation, stock issuance expenses related to the ConeXus acquistion and changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts totaling $436totaling $4,669 and $295$4,320 for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

 


Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 20142017 was $(1,976)$(569) compared to $(76)$(292) during 2013.2016. The increase in cash used in investing activities is primarily relateddue to more capital expenditures during the acquisition of WRT and BI.period. We currently do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2014,2017, nor do we anticipate any significant expenditures in 2015.2018. 

29

  

Financing Activities

 

Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017 was $(435) compared to net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $6,160 compared to $1,033 in 2013.2016 of $4,389. The increasedecrease is mainly due to the saleissuance of preferred stocknew debt financing and warrants of $4,566.in 2016. 

 

In August 2014, we closed on an offering and issuance of convertible preferred stock with institutional and accredited investors pursuant to which we offered and sold an aggregate of 5,190,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at $1.00 per share, and issued five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 6,487,000 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.50 (subject to adjustment), in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The preferred stock entitles its holders to a 6% dividend, payable semi-annually in cash or in kind, and may be converted into our common stock at the option of a holder at an initial conversion price of $0.40 per share, subject to adjustment. Subject to certain conditions, we may call and redeem the preferred stock after three years. The preferred stock has full-ratchet price protection in the event that we issue common stock below the conversion price, as adjusted, subject to certain customary exceptions. The warrants issued to purchasers of the preferred stock contain weighted-average price protection in the event that we issue common stock below the exercise price, as adjusted, again subject to certain customary exceptions. In the Securities Purchase Agreement, we granted purchasers of the preferred stock certain registration rights pertaining to the common shares they may receive upon conversion of their preferred stock and upon exercise of their warrants.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

During the year ended December 31, 2014,2017, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements set forth in Item 303(a) (4) of Regulation S-K.

  

Contractual Obligations

We have no material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2014, and we do not anticipate any significant capital expenditures in 2015.

ITEM 7AQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We do not believe our operations are currently subject to significant market risks for interest rates or other relevant market price risks of a material nature.

Not applicable.

 

Foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact our consolidated financial position as well as our consolidated results of operations. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations may adversely impact our financial position as the assets and liabilities of our Canadian operations are translated into U.S. dollars in preparing our consolidated balance sheet. These gains or losses are recognized in income.

ITEM 8FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on Page F-1.

 

ITEM 9CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.None

 


ITEM 9ACONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Disclosure controls and procedures also include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submitsThe Company, under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and Board of Directors, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of ourits management, including ourthe Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and the Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), evaluated the effectiveness of the design and VP, Corporate Controller, we conducted an initial evaluationoperation of our disclosurethe Company’s “disclosure controls and proceduresprocedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) in conjunction withas of the recently completed acquisition and reverse acquisition described herein.end of the period covered by this report. Based on this initialthat evaluation, wethe Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded as of December 31, 2014 that ourthe Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level due to the material weaknesses described below.

 

In light of the material weaknesses described below, additional analyses and other procedures were performed to ensure that our consolidated financial statements included in thisManagement’s Annual Report on Form 10-K were prepared in accordance with GAAP. These measures included expanded year-end closing procedures, the dedication of significant internal resources and reconciliations and management’s own internal reviews, and efforts to remediate the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below. As a result of these measures, management concluded that our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates, and for the periods, presented in conformity with GAAP.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Internalreporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:GAAP. 

pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

Due toUnder the Company’s acquisitionsupervision and with the participation of Broadcast International, Inc. on August 1, 2014,our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and reverse acquisition of Creative Realities, LLC on August 20, 2014, at this time the management of the Company has conducted an initial assessment ofChief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of theour internal controlscontrol over financial reporting as of Creative Realities, LLCDecember 31, 2017 based on the framework in limited scope upon completionInternal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of such acquisitions. Such initial assessmentSponsoring Organizations of the CompanyTreadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our assessment and those criteria, management identified that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2017 and that material weakness exists based uponweaknesses exist including: (1) a deficient processesprocess to close the monthly consolidated financial statements recognizeand prepare comprehensive and timely account analysis, (2) adequately identify and document multiple elements and deliverables, including allocation, deferral and cost estimates in support of revenue from sales orders,recognition, as well as not completing our analysis of the transition to and track(3) the implementation and value inventory. In addition, the Company currently does not have an independent financial expert on its Boardadoption of Directors.ASC 606Revenue Recognition

 

A material weakness is a control deficiency (within the meaning of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Auditing Standard No. 5) or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management has already implemented certain practices and procedures during 2017 to address the foregoing deficiencies, intendsincluding the hiring of new accounting personnel and plans to carryover and implement many of the internal controls of the registrant Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. at Creative Realities, LLC, is in the process of expandingexpand the scope of its assessment of the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting at the consolidated Company in 2018, and determiningdevelop a plan to complete the remediation of the foregoing deficiencies.

In completing its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management has used and anticipates to continue using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—1992 Integrated Framework.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the company'sCompany’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management'sManagement’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company'sCompany’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the company,Company, as a smaller reporting company, to provide only management'smanagement’s report in its annual report.

 

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, 2014,2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9BOTHER INFORMATION

 

On May 5, 2015, we entered into a Separation Agreement with Paul Price, our former Chief Executive Officer and director. The separation agreement provides a customary release of claims by Mr. Price in favor of the Company, and requires the Company to pay to Mr. Price 12 months of his base salary as severance at the intervals set forth in the agreement. The agreement also provides that an option to purchase 938,357 shares of common stock at $0.45 per share vested effective as of April 13, 2015, and that his remaining options were cancelled.None.


PART III

 

PART III

ITEM 10DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS and corporate governanceAND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Our Board of Directors consists of Alec Machiels (Chairman), Rick Mills (CEO), David Bell, Donald Harris, Patrick O’Brien and Donald Harris.Eric Bertrand. The following table sets forth the name and position of each of our current directors and executive officers.

 

Name Age Positions
Alec Machiels 4245 Director (Chairman)
David Bell 7174 Director
Donald Harris 6265 Director
Richard Mills63Director, Chief Executive Officer
John Walpuck 5356 Interim Chief Executive Officer,Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Patrick O’Brien71Director
Eric J. Bertrand45Director

 

Business ExperienceThe biographies of the above-identified individuals are set forth below:

 

Alec Machiels is a Partner at Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P., a private equity fund manager, and joined our Board of Directors in August 2014 in connection with the Creative Realities merger. Mr. Machiels is a member of the Executive, Investment and InvestmentSustainability Committees, as well as the co-chair of the Energy and Wellness Committees at Pegasus Capital Advisors.Advisors, L.P.  He has over 1517 years of private equity investing and investment banking experience. Mr. Machiels is a current director serving on the Board of Directors of Molycorp, Inc.  Previously, Mr. Machiels was a Financial Analyst in the Financial Services Group at Goldman Sachs International in London and in the Private Equity Group at Goldman Sachs and Co. in New York.  Investments in which he has been highly involved in include Pure Biofuels, Molycorp Minerals, Traxys, Pure Biofuels, Olympus, Slipstream Communications, Coffeyville Resources and Merisant Company.  Mr. Machiels currently serves on the boards of Pure Biofuels, Olympus, Slipstream Communications, NSI, and Valogix.  He was also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Federation of Arts where he chairedand Chair of its Endowment Committee 2011- 2013.  Mr. Machiels also co-founded Potentia Pharmaceuticals and Apellis Pharmaceuticals – two biotechnology companies in the endowment committee.complement immunotherapy space – as well as Revon Systems, a healthcare IT company.  Mr. Machiels is a graduate of Harvard Business School, KU Leuven Law School in Belgium and Konstanz University in Germany.

 

David Bell joined our Board of Directors in August 2014 in connection with the Creative Realities merger. 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. He is currently a Senior Advisor to AOL.AOL and has been an Operating Advisor at Pegasus Capital Advisors since 2004. He 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 currently servesserved 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 the Broadcast International merger. He has been President of 1162 Management, 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 will beis valuable to us.the Company.

 


John WalpuckRichard Mills is currently our InterimChief Executive Officer. 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 Creative Realities as reported herein. 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.

John Walpuck has served as our Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer since April 2014. Mr. Walpuck brings over 25 years of experience in financial and general management to Creative Realities, and over 20 years of experience in a broad range of digital media services, software, Internet services, online businesses, virtualization, and other technology industry sectors. Prior to Creative Realities, Mr. Walpuck served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of AilDigital,AllDigital, Inc. a digital broadcasting solutions company for the period from 2010 through 2013. Mr. Walpuck also served as the President and CEO of Disaboom, Inc., an online business and social network dedicated to people with disabilities, where he worked from 2007 to 2010. Prior to Disaboom, from 2005 to 2007, he served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nine Systems Corporation, a digital media services company. Mr. Walpuck has an MBA from the University of Chicago. He is a CMA, CPA and holds other professional certifications.

Patrick O’Brien has been a member of our Board of Directors since November 2015. Mr. O’Brien is the Managing Director& Principal of Granville Wolcott Advisors, which he formed in 2009 to provide consulting, due diligence and asset management services. Mr. O’Brien is a seasoned executive and business advisor, with 40 years of multi-unit international management experience with an emphasis in financial analysis and strategic business development. During the past five years, Mr. O’Brien has served on the boards of Merriman Holdings, Inc., Ironclad Performance Wear Corporation, Cinedigm, Inc., and is Chairman and CEO of LVI Liquidation Corp. (formerly Livevol, Inc.) He is a graduate of the Eli Broad School of Business of Michigan State University with BA in Hotel Management

Eric J. Bertrand joined our Board of Directors in May, 2016. Mr. Bertrand is the Chief Executive Officer and a partner of modop, a full-service advertising agency with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Portland and Panama City, Panama.  Prior to modop, Mr. Bertrand was a PE/VC fund manager, having invested $300 million in 60+ companies over the past 20 years.  Mr. Bertrand was a General Partner with Palisade Capital Management, where he jointly managed a private equity fund and venture capital funds.   Mr. Bertrand began his private equity career with Aetna’s Private Equity Group. Today, Mr. Bertrand is a Board Member of modop, Silverlight Digital, several privately held companies as well as international charities, Unite For Sight and the Alive Inside Foundation. Eric holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurial Studies from New York University. He graduated from Bryant University with a BS in Business Administration concentrating on Finance and Applied Actuarial Mathematics. 

 

Under our corporate bylaws, all of our directors serve for indefinite terms expiring upon the next annual meeting of our shareholders. The holders of a majority of our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock also have the right, but not the obligation, to designate one person to serve as a director on our board. As of the date of this prospectus,Annual Report, the preferred shareholders have not exercised this right.

 

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, and other background, in addition to any unique skills or attributes associated with a director. With regard to Mr. Price, the Board of Directors considered his significant experience, expertise and background and experience with the marketing industry as well as retail operations, and his demonstrated experience and skills in managing the Creative Realities business. With regard to Mr. Machiels, the Board of Directors considered his background and experience with the private investing market and his long-standing oversight of the Creative Realities business during such time as it was wholly owned by the Pegasus Capital. With regard to Mr. Bell, the boardBoard considered his deep experience within the advertising and marketing industries and his prior management of large enterprises. With regard to Mr. Bertrand, the Board considered his deep experience within the media industry and significant private equity background. With regard to Mr. Mills, the Board of Directors considered his extensive background and experience in the industry. With regard to Mr. O’Brien, the Board of Directors considered his background as an advisor and extensive management experience. Finally, with regardsregard to Mr. Harris, the Board of Directors considered his extensive experience in the telecommunications industry and association with private equity investors.


The Board of Directors has determined that there are no “independent” directors as such term is defined in Section 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq listing rules, and meets the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The preceding disclosure respecting director independence is required under applicable SEC rules. Nevertheless, as a corporation whose shares are listed for trading on the OTCQX Markets, we presently are not required to have any independent directors at all on our board, or any independent directors serving on any particular committees of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has determined that at least one member of the board, Mr. Machiels, is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Mr. Machiels’ relevant experience in this regard is detailed above, which includes past employment experience in finance and investment banking. Mr. Machiels is not an “independent” member of the board as described above. The Board of Directors has determined that each director is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements.

Board and Committee Matters

 

The Company does not have a standing nominating committee, compensation committee or audit committee. Instead, the entire Board of Directors shares the responsibility of identifying potential director-nominees to serve on the Board of Directors, making compensation decisions and performing the functions of an audit committee. The boardBoard believes the engagement of all directors in these functions is important at this time in the Company’s development in light of the Company’s recent acquisition activities.

 

Due to the recent resignation of Kent Lillemoe from the Board of Directors effective March 9, 2015, the Board of Directors has determined that no director is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Board and Committee Matters

The Company does not have a standing nominating committee, compensation committee or audit committee. Instead, the entire Board of Directors shares the responsibility of identifying potential director-nominees to serve on the Board of Directors, making compensation decisions and performing the functions of an audit committee. The board believes the engagement of all directors in these functions is important at this time in the Company’s development in light of the Company’s recent acquisition activities.

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., 22 Audrey Place, Fairfield, NJ 07004,13100 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.

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers, directors and persons who own more than 10 percent of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Such officers, directors and shareholders are required by the SEC to furnish us with copies of all such reports. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of copies of reports filed with the SEC during 20142017 and written representations from such persons that no other reports were required, all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements were timely met except as follows: Richard Mills has not yet filed a report relating to the issuance of shares to him by the Company in connection with the Second Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization and Waiver, which agreement is an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

 

FilerLate ReportDate of TransactionDate of Filing
John J. Walpuck IIIInitial filing; Option grant4/2/20144/17/2014
Stephen BirkeStock grant8/11/2014Not filed
Donald A. HarrisInitial filing8/11/2014Not filed
Kent O. LillemoeStock grant8/11/2014Not filed
Howard P. LisztStock grant8/11/2014Not filed

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 22 Audrey Place, Fairfield, NJ 07004.13100 Magisterial Drive, Ste. 100, Louisville, KY 40223.  


ITEM 11EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Executive Compensation

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our named executive officers for 20142017 and 2013:2016:

 

Name and
Principal
Position (a)
 Year  Salary
($)(b)
  Bonus
($)
 Stock
Awards
($)(c)
  Option Awards
($)(c)
  Non-Equity Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
  All Other Compensation ($) Total
($)
 
Paul Price  2014   145,000  0  0   1,340,739   0  0  1,485,739 
Former Chief Executive Officer and Director                            
                             
John Walpuck  2014   180,000  0  0   318,386   0  9,101  507,487 
Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer                            
                             
Scott W. Koller  2014   301,612  25,000  0   79,632   0  0  406,244 
Former President, Chief Executive Officer and Director  2013   265,000  0  0   60,742   0  400  326,142 
                             
Darin P. McAreavey  2014   71,803  500  0   33,192(d)  0  0  105,495 
Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  2013   215,000  0  0   30,371   0  400  245,771 

Name and Principal Position (a) Years Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock Awards ($) (c)  Option Awards ($)  Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)  All Other Compensation ($)  Total
($)
 
Richard Mills 2017  270,000   -   -   -   -   -   270,000 
Chief Executive Officer and Director 2016  270,000   -   -   -   -   -   270,000 
                               
John Walpuck 2017  240,000   -   -   -   -   -   240,000 
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer 2016  240,000   -   -   -   -   -   240,000 

 

(a)Messrs Price andMr. Mills joined the Company effective October 15, 2015.  Mr. Walpuck joined the company effective August 2014 and May 2014, respectively. On August 20, 2014, Mr. Koller resigned his position as Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Koller terminated his employment with the company effective December 4, 2014. He is entitled to receive severance payments equal to 12 months of his then-current salary payable over 12 months. Mr. McAreavey’s employment with the Company terminated May 2014.  Mr. Price’s employment terminated on April 13, 2015.
(b)Represents their prorated annual base salaries of $400,000 for Mr. Price, $240,000 for Mr. Walpuck, $325,000 for Mr. Koller, and $215,000 for Mr. McAreavey.

(c)Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions made in the valuation are those set forth in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Wireless Ronin’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
(d)Upon termination of McAreavey’s employment with the Company, this stock option was forfeited and cancelled prior to vesting.

 

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. There isare currently no plan forplans to implement an employer contribution match.match of 50% of employee wages up to 6%, for an effective match of 3% on April 1, 2018.

 


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, 2014:2017:

 

  Option Awards (a) Stock Awards 
  Number of  Number of Securities       Number  Market value 
  Securities  Underlying       of shares  of shares 
  Underlying  Unexercised       or units of  or units of 
  Unexercised  Options  Option    stock  stock 
  Options  (#)  Exercise  Option that has  that have 
  (#)  Non-  Price  Expiration not vested  not vested 
Name Exercisable  Exercisable  ($)  Date (#)  ($) 
Paul Price  0   3,753,427(b) $0.45  10/9/2024  0   0 
                       
John Walpuck  170,000(c)  0  $0.65  5/29/2024  0   0 
   50,000(c)  0  $0.62  8/18/2024        
       480,685(e) $0.45  10/9/2024        
                       
Scott W. Koller  34,000(d)  0  $11.00  4/27/2019  0   0 
   15,000(e)  0  $12.25  3/17/2020        
   20,000(c)     $5.85  3/23/2021        
   20,000(c)     $5.35  2/16/2022        
   50,000(c)     $1.80  2/13/2023        
       180,000(c) $0.79  1/14/2024        

  Option Awards (a)  Stock Awards
  Number of  Number of Securities        Number Market value
  Securities  Underlying        of shares of shares
  Underlying  Unexercised        or units of or units of
  Unexercised  Options  Option     stock stock
  Options  (#)  Exercise  Option  that has that have
  (#)  Non-  Price  Expiration  not vested not vested
Name Exercisable  Exercisable  ($)  Date  (#) ($)
John Walpuck  170,000(b)  -  $0.65   5/29/2024  - -
   50,000(b)  -  $0.45   8/18/2024     
       480,685(d) $0.45   10/9/2024     
       1,449,432(c) $0.32   1/22/2025     
       1,069,882(e) $0.19   11/20/2025     

 

(a)Unless otherwise indicated, represents shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options granted under our Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

(b)Mr. Price’s employment terminated on April 21, 2015, and in connection with his separation agreement, options to purchase 938,357 shares vested.
(c)These stock options became fully exercisable upon the effectiveness of the Company’s merger transaction with Creative Realities, LLC.

 

(d)(c)This stock option became exercisable to the extent of 25 percent of the shares purchasable thereunder on April 27, 2009,January 22, 2016, with additional increments of 25 percent becoming exercisable annually thereafter.

 

(e)

(d)

This stock option became exercisable to the extent of 25 percent of the shares purchasable thereunder on March 17, 2011,October 9, 2015, with additional increments of 25 percent becoming exercisable annually thereafter.

(e)This stock option becomes exercisable to the extent of 25 percent of the shares purchasable thereunder on November 20, 2016, with additional increments of 25 percent becoming exercisable annually thereafter.

 

Non-Employee Director Compensation Table

 

Our Board of Directors considers the appropriate amount of non-employee director compensation. Directors who are employees of our company receiveNon-employee directors received no fees for their services as director.compensation during 2017 and 2016.

 

In January 2014, our board of directors awarded each non-employee director a ten-year option for the purchase of 60,000 shares of common stock under our Amended and Restated 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan. Such options become exercisable to the extent of 25 percent of the shares purchasable thereunder on the date of grant with additional increments of 25 percent becoming exercisable annually thereafter. In accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, the exercise price of each option is $0.79 per share, representing the closing price of our common stock on the OTC Bulletin Stock Market on January 14, 2014. These options became fully vested upon the effectiveness of the Company’s merger with Creative Realities, LLC.36

 

Director Compensation Table

 

Compensation of our non-employee directors during 2014 appears in the following table.

Name Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)  Stock Awards ($)(a)  

Option

Awards ($)(b)

  Total ($) 
Alec Machiels  0   0   0   0 
David Bell  0   0   0   0 
Don Harris  0   0   0   0 
Kent O. Lillemoe (c)  4,500   4,500   25,848   34,848 
Howard Liszt (c)  4,500   4,500   25,848   9,000 
Steven Birke (c)  11,000   11,000   25,848   22,000 

(a)Represents the grant date fair value of restricted stock granted during the year calculated as the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, in accordance with ASC Topic 718.

(b)Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions made in the valuation are those set forth in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Wireless Ronin’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2014. The company used a zero percent forfeiture rate assumption for its non-employee director options as it does not expect significant turnover on its board.

(c)Option awards granted to Messrs Liszt and Birke during 2014 expired upon each of their respective resignations from the Board of Directors in August, 2014.  Mr. Lillemoe resigned from the Board of Directors effective March 9, 2015, and his options will expire on March 9, 2016 unless exercised prior to such date.

Those who served as non-employee directors during 2014 held the following unexercised stock options at December 31, 2014:

  Option Awards   
  Number of Securities Underlying  Number of Securities Underlying      
Name Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable  Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable  Option Exercise
Price ($)
  Option Expiration Date
Alec Machiels  0   0   0   
David Bell  0   0   0   
Don Harris  0   0   0   
Kent O. Lillemoe  8,000(a)  0   6.25  8/15/2021
   6,542(b)  0   5.35  2/16/2022
   20,000(b)  0   1.80  2/13/2013
   60,000(b)  0   0.79  1/14/2024

(a)This stock option became exercisable to the extent of 25 percent of the shares purchasable thereunder on August 15, 2011, with additional increments of 25 percent becoming exercisable annually thereafter.  This stock option expires on March 9, 2016 due to Mr. Lillemoe’s resignation from the Board of Directors on March 9, 2015.
(b)These stock options became fully exercisable upon the effectiveness of the Company’s merger transaction with Creative Realities, LLC. The revised option numbers all footnote to (b).

ITEM 12SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

As of the close of business on May 5, 2015,March 13, 2018, we had outstanding two classes of voting securities – common stock, of which there were 46,217,96882,581,866 shares issued and outstanding;outstanding and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, of which there were 5,567,4485,663,946 shares issued and outstanding, including 112,448 shares issued in conjunction with the preferred dividend on December 31, 2014.outstanding. Each share of common stock is currently entitled to one vote on all matters put to a vote of our shareholders, and each share of preferred stock votes on an as-converted basis, which means that each preferred share is currently entitled to two and one-half votes on all matters put to a vote of our shareholders. Our preferred stock votes together with our common stock as a single class. The following table sets forth the number of common shares, and percentage of outstanding common shares, beneficially owned as of May 5, 2015,December 31, 2017, 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 55 Broadway, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10006,22 Audrey Place, Fairfield, NJ 07004, and each such person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth opposite his, her or its name.

Name and Address Common Shares Beneficially Owned[1]  

Percentage of

Common Shares1

 

Slipstream Funding, LLC[2]

c/o Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P.

99 River Road

Cos Cob, CT 06807

  30,349,949   68.98%

Slipstream Communications, LLC[3]

c/o Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P.

99 River Road

Cos Cob, CT 06807

  32,252,034   70.26%
John Walpuck[4]  0   * 
Paul Price[5]  0   * 
Donald A. Harris[6]  2,310,898   4.99%
Alec Machiels[7]  0   * 
David Bell[8]  0   * 
All current executive officers and directors as a group[9]  2,426,989   5.72%

Name and Address Common Shares Beneficially Owned[1]  

Percentage of

Common Shares1

 

Slipstream Funding, LLC[2]

c/o Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P.

99 River Road

Cos Cob, CT 06807

  30,349,949   35.98%

Slipstream Communications, LLC[3]

c/o Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P.

99 River Road

Cos Cob, CT 06807

  74,070,970   58.39%
Horton Capital Partners Fund, L.P.[4]  8,679,847   9.95%
Eric Bertrand[5]  911,857   1.09%
John Walpuck[6]  2,082,358   2.46%
Donald A. Harris[7]  2,688,547   3.23%
Alec Machiels[8]  0   * 
David Bell[9]  0   * 
Richard Mills[10]  17,974,915   21.70%
Patrick O’Brien[11]  0   * 
All current executive officers and directors as a group[12]  20,750,562   24.07%

 

* 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. See table footnote 3 for further information regarding Slipstream Communications, LLC. The share figure includes 1,779,015 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of an outstanding warrant issued to the shareholder in connection with the Company’s merger transaction with Creative Realities, LLC.
  
(3)Investment and voting power over shares held by Slipstream Communications, LLC is held by BCOM Holdings, LP, its managing member. Slipstream Communications is the sole member of Slipstream Funding, LLC, and as a result share figure includes the 28,570,934 shares of common stock, and 1,779,015 common shares issuable upon exercise of an outstanding warrant, issued to and held by Slipstream Funding, LLC in connection with the merger transaction with Creative Realities, LLC. Share figure also includes 1,714,58515,461,920 common shares issued on account of a convertible promissory note, 3,111,761 common stockshares issuable upon conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 843,75025,706,248 common shares of common stock issuablepurchasable upon exercise of associatedoutstanding warrants.

 

(4)Mr. Walpuck is our Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
(5)Mr. Price’s employment as our Chief Executive Officer, and his directorship, terminated on April 21, 2015.Includes 100,0003,485,518 common shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 50,0001,205,358 common shares of common stock issuablepurchasable upon exercise of associated warrants.

(6)Mr. Harris is a director of the Company. Share figure includes an aggregate of 96,154 shares purchasable upon the exercise of outstanding options, 2,677 shares purchasable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, and 1,334 outstanding shares over which Mr. Harris holds sole voting power but no investment power. In addition, share figure includes (i) 319,092 common shares issued upon the conversion of an unsecured convertible promissory note offered and sold to Mr. Harris in June 2014 together with a related warrant for the purchase of 156,250 common shares and (ii) 1,611,591 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock exercise of associated warrants. The rights and preferences of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and the terms of the associated warrants to purchase shares held by Horton Capital Partners Fund, LP contain “blocker” provisions that limits their holder’sits ability to convert such preferred stock and exercise such warrants to the extent that such exercise would cause such holder’s and certain related parties’the shareholder’s beneficial ownership in the Company to exceed 4.99% of the Company’s shares outstanding. The calculation of beneficial ownership takesdoes not take into account the effect of such “blocker” provisions.

(5)Includes 892,857 common shares purchasable upon exercise of outstanding warrants. The warrants to purchase shares held Eric Bertrand contain “blocker” provisions that limits its ability to exercise such warrants to the extent that such exercise would cause the shareholder’s beneficial ownership in the Company to exceed 4.99% of the Company’s shares outstanding. The calculation of beneficial ownership does not take into account the effect of such “blocker” provisions.
(6)Mr. Walpuck is our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Shares reflected in the table are common shares issuable upon exercise of vested options.
(7)Mr. Harris is a director of the Company. Share figure includes 225,549 common shares issuable upon conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 419,643 shares purchasable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants.  

(8)Mr. Machiels is a director of the Company.
  
(8)(9)Mr. Bell is a director of the Company.

(10)Mr. Mills is a director of the Company and Chief Executive Officer. Includes 2,639,258 common shares and 267,857 common shares purchasable upon exercise of outstanding warrants, each held by RFK Communications, LLC. The warrants to purchase shares held by RFK Communications, LLC contain “blocker” provisions that limits its ability to exercise such warrants to the extent that such exercise would cause the shareholder’s beneficial ownership in the Company to exceed 4.99% of the Company’s shares outstanding. The calculation of beneficial ownership does not take into account the effect of such “blocker” provisions.
(11)Mr. O’Brien is a director of the Company.
  
(9)(12)Includes Messrs. Price, Walpuck, Harris, Machiels, Bell, Mills, O’Brien and Harris.Bertrand.


ITEM 13CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATEDRELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Employment Agreements

We employ Richard Mills as our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Mills’ employment agreement is 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 provides for an initial annual base salary of $270,000 subject to annual increases but generally not subject to decreases, and includes provisions for the right to receive up to 4,951,557 performance shares of common stock in connection with a series of performance-based requirements. 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 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. 

 

We employ John Walpuck as the Company's Interim Chief Executive Officer,our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Walpuck'sWalpuck’s employment agreement is effective for a one-year term, which automatically renews for additional one-year periods unless either the Company or Mr. Walpuck elects not to extend the employment term. The agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $240,000, subject to annual increases but generally not subject to decreases. Mr. Walpuck is eligible to participate in performance-based cash bonus or equity award plans for the Company'sCompany’s senior executives. In addition, Mr. Walpuck will participate in employee benefit plans, policies, programs, perquisites and arrangements to the extent he meets eligibility and other 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. Walpuck'sWalpuck’s employment, Mr. Walpuck 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 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 a one-year period. 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.

 

Subscription Agreements

On February 18, 2015, the Company entered into Subscription Agreements, pursuant to which Don Harris, a director of the Company, and Paul Price, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a former director, subscribed for shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and related warrants in the aggregate amount of $90,000, and Slipstream Communications, LLC surrendered a Promissory Note of the Company dated January 28, 2015 and in the principal amount of $175,000, and converted such entire principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, into Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and related warrants. The warrants contain a cashless exercise feature and have a term of five years. The warrants are exercisable at a price of $0.50 per common share, as adjusted for stock splits, dilutive issuances and similar adjustments. As a result of the issuance of a convertible promissory note issued to Mill City on February 18, 2015, the exercise price is currently $0.49 per common share.

Independence

 

The Company does not have a standing nominating committee, compensation committee or audit committee. Instead, the entire Board of Directors shares the responsibility of identifying potential director-nominees to serve on the Board of Directors, making compensation decisions and performing the functions of an audit committee. The board believes the engagement of all directors in these functions 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 none of its directors is “independent,” as such term is defined in Section 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq listing rules, or meets the criteria for independence set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The preceding disclosure respecting director independence is required under applicable SEC rules. Nevertheless, as a corporation whose shares are listed for trading on the OTCQB,OTCQX, we presently are not required to have any independent directors at all on our board, or any independent directors serving on any particular committees of the Board of Directors.


ITEM 14PRINCIPAL 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 Baker Tilly Virchow Krause,EisnerAmper LLP for 20142017 and 2013 (in thousands):2016. Fees for tax services were provided by Eichen & Dimeglio, CPAs, PC in both 2017 and 2016.

 

 2014  2013 
       
Audit fees (a)  272   74 
Audit related fees (b)  47   - 
Tax fees (c)  -   - 
         
   319   74 

  2017  2016 
       
Audit fees (a) $207  $193 
Audit related fees (b)  0   4 
Tax fees (c)  53   33 
         
  $260  $230 

 

(a) Audit fees relate to audits of Creative Realities, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and Creative Realities, LLC. (accounting acquirer) as of December 31, 2013. Audit fees associated with Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $73 and $0, respectively. Audit fees consisted of fees for services provided in connection with the audit of our financial statements and reviews of our quarterly financial statements.

(a)Audit fees for 2017 and 2016 relate to professional services provided in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements, the reviews of our quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements and audit services provided in connection with other regulatory filings.

 

(b) Audit-related fees relate to services provided to Creative Realities, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and Creative Realities, LLC. (accounting acquirer) as of December 31, 2013. Audit-related fees associated with Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $17 and $22, respectively. Audit-related fees consisted of fees for services provided in connection with the Form S-4 and amendments and WRT's March 2013 issuance of common stock pursuant to shelf registration statements.

(b)Audit-related fees relate to professional services provided in connection with filing Form S-1.

 

(c) Tax fees consisted of the aggregate fees billed for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. Tax fees associated with WRT for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $0 and $15, respectively.

(c)Tax fees consisted of the aggregate fees billed for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

 

Our Board of Directors reviewed the audit services rendered by Baker Tilly Virchow Krause,EisnerAmper, LLP during 20142017 and 20132016 and concluded that such services were compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.

 


PART IV

 

ITEM 15EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

 (a) See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page F-1 and “Exhibit Index” on page E-1.
 (b) See “Exhibit Index” on page E-1.
 (c) Not applicable.

 

42

41

 

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 New York, State of New York, on May 7, 2015.March 26, 2018.

 Creative Realities, Inc.
   
 By /s/ Richard Mills
Richard Mills
Chief Executive Officer

By /s/ John Walpuck
 John Walpuck
 InterimChief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer and

Chief Operating Officer

(Principal Executive 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.

 

SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Richard MillsChief Executive OfficerMarch 26, 2018
Richard Mills  
   
/s/ John J.L. WalpuckInterim Chief Executive Officer,Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer (PrincipalMarch 26, 2018
John J. WalpuckFinancial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)May 7, 2015 
John J. Walpuck 
   
/s/ Alec MachielsChairman of the Board of DirectorsMay 7, 2015March 26, 2018
Alec  Machiels 
    
/s/ David  BellDirectorMay 7, 2015March 26, 2018
David  Bell 
   
/s/ Donald  HarrisDirectorMay 7, 2015March 26, 2018
Donald  Harris 
Donald Harris
/s/ Patrick O’BrienDirectorMarch 26, 2018
Patrick O’Brien

/s/ Eric J. BertrandDirectorMarch 26, 2018
Eric J. Bertrand 


Creative Realities, Inc.INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmFirmsF-2
Consolidated Financial Statements 
Consolidated Balance SheetsF-3F-4
Consolidated Statements of OperationsF-4F-5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ EquityF-5F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsF-6F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-7F-8


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders, Audit Committee and Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Creative Realities, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Fairfield, NJ

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Creative Realities, Inc. (formerly Creative Realities, LLC)and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders'shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended. 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, 2017 and 2016 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years 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 financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for the classification of certain equity-linked financial instruments with down-round features in 2017 due to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-11.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the company'sCompany’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidatedthe 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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The companyCompany is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. OurAs part of our audits included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding of its internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes

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 supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An auditOur audits also includes assessingincluded evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidatedpresentation of the financial statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Creative Realities, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Baker Tilly Virchow Krause,EisnerAmper LLP

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 7, 2015We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.

 

EISNERAMPER LLP

Iselin, New Jersey

March 26, 2018


CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 December 31, December 31,  December 31, December 31, 
 2014 2013  2017  2016 
ASSETS          
CURRENT ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents $573  $108  $1,003  $1,352 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $490 and $73, respectively  3,463   2,354 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $40 and $85, respectively  5,912   3,998 
Unbilled receivables  359   -   77   242 
Work-in-process and inventories  739   759   851   585 
Prepaid expenses  355   109 
Prepaids and other current assets  1,030   168 
Total current assets  5,489   3,330   8,873   6,345 
Property and Equipment, net  746   221 
Property and equipment, net  1,136   912 
Intangibles, net  4,834   120   875   2,035 
Goodwill  10,572   1,362   14,989   14,989 
Security deposit  -   84 
Other assets  235   -   172   138 
TOTAL ASSETS $21,876  $5,117  $26,045  $24,419 
                
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
CURRENT LIABILITIES                
Short-term related party loans payable, net of $0 and $454 discount, respectively $-  $7,627 
Accounts payable 3,554  1,938   2,017   3,218 
Accrued expenses  1,102   341   2,689   2,277 
Deferred revenues  1,977   1,809   6,721   753 
Due to affiliate  -   215 
Current portion of loans payable  -   316 
Customer deposits  1,247   606 
Total current liabilities  6,633   4,619   12,674   14,481 
        
Long-term related party loans payable, net of $1,916 and $0 discount, respectively  5,465   - 
Warrant liability  1,910   -   858   705 
Dividend payable  112   - 
Deferred tax liabilities  549   610 
Other liabilities  434   25   220   218 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  9,090   4,644   19,766   16,014 
                
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES              
Convertible preferred stock, net of discount (liquidation preference of $5,302)  1,532   - 
Convertible preferred stock, net of discount (liquidation preference of $5,692 and $7,690, respectively)  1,927   3,925 
                
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
Common stock, $.01 per value, 200,000 shares authorized; 46,218 and 28,547 shares issued and outstanding  462   285 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Common stock, $.01 per value, 200,000 shares authorized; 82,582 and 66,649 shares issued and outstanding, respectively  826   666 
Additional paid-in capital  17,439   3,036   29,757   23,095 
Accumulated deficit  (6,647)  (2,848  (26,231)  (19,281)
Total shareholders' equity  11,254   473 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $21,876  $5,117 
Total shareholders’ equity  4,352   4,480 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $26,045  $24,419 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-3

CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 For the Years Ended 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
  December 31, 
 2014 2013  2017  2016 
Sales          
Hardware  5,020  $5,919  $5,412  $3,031 
Services and other  8,398   5,652   12,286   10,642 
Total sales  13,418   11,572   17,698   13,673 
                
Cost of sales                
Hardware  4,606   3,634   4,434   2,544 
Services and other   5,446   6,927   5,875   4,271 
Total cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)  10,052   10,561   10,309   6,815 
Gross profit  3,366   1,011   7,389   6,858 
                
Operating expenses:                
Sales and marketing expenses  1,179   906   2,078   1,061 
Research and development expenses  492   -   991   893 
General and administrative expenses  5,765   2,624   6,944   6,393 
Depreciation and amortization expense  817   295   1,505   2,003 
ConeXus acquistion stock issuance expense  1,971   - 
Impairment loss on intangible assets  -   1,065 
Total operating expenses  8,253   3,825   13,489   11,415 
Operating loss  (4,886)  (2,814)  (6,100)  (4,557)
                
Other income (expenses):                
Interest expense  (32)  (33)  (1,610)  (1,636)
Other income (expense)  (8)  - 
Change in fair value of warrant liability  1,127   -   (153)  (42)
Gain on settlement of debt and dissolution of Broadcast  872   1,008 
Other income, net  2   164 
Total other expense  1,087   (33)  (889)  (506)
Net loss before income taxes  (6,989)  (5,063)
Benefit/(provision) from income taxes  39   365 
Net loss $(3,799) $(2,848)  (6,950)  (4,698)
Deemed dividend on preferred stock  1,215   - 
Dividends on preferred stock  246   463 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(5,014) $(2,848) $(7,196) $(5,161)
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted         $(0.10) $(0.07)
Net loss $(0.11) $(0.10)
Deemed dividend on preferred stock (0.03)  - 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(0.14) $(0.10) $(0.10) $(0.08)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted  34,986   28,547   72,788   65,443 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

(in thousands, except shares)

        Additional       
  Common Stock  paid in  (Accumulated    
  Shares  Amount  capital  Deficit)  Total 
Balance as of December 31, 2015  64,224,860  $642  $22,528  $(14,582) $8,588 
Shares issued upon conversion of preferred stock  1,205,882   12   295   -   307 
Shares issued for restructured settlement program  1,219,189   12   155   -   167 
Dividends on preferred stock  -   -   (463)  -   (463)
Stock-based compensation  -   -   273   -   273 
Net loss  -   -   -   (5,910)  (5,910)
Adjustment due to adoption of ASU 2017-11  -   -   307   1,211   1,518 
Balance as of December 31, 2016  66,649,931  $666  $23,095  $(19,281) $4,480 
                     
Shares issued upon conversion of preferred stock  8,806,906   88   2,158   -   2,246 
Additional shares issued for ConeXus purchase  5,631,373   56   1,915   -   1,971 
Shares issued for services  1,960,784   20   480   -   500 
Issuance of warrants with promissory notes  -   -   2,216   -   2,216 
Redemption and cancellation of shares under repurchase plan  (1,185,968)  (11)  (138)  -   (149)
Dividends on preferred stock  -   -   (246)  -   (246)
Common stock issued as dividend  718,840   7   (7)  -   - 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   284   -   284 
Net loss  -   -   -   (6,950)  (6,950)
Balance as of December 31, 2017  82,581,866   826   29,757   (26,231)  4,352 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-4

Creative Realities, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' equity
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013
(in thousands, except shares)

  Common Stock  Additional
paid in
  (Accumulated    
  Shares  Amount  capital  Deficit)  Total 
                
Balance as of December 31, 2012               
                
Creative Realities, LLC member’s equity – retroactive application of merger  28,547,267  $285  $1,720  $-  $2,005 
Contribution of due to parent company debt to equity  -   -   1,316   -   1,316 
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2013  -   -   -   (2,848)  (2,848)
                     
Balance as of December 31, 2013  28,547,267   285   3,036   (2,848)  473 
                     
Contribution of due to parent company debt to equity  -   -   2,126   -   2,126 
Issuance of common shares to reflect merger with Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.  17,103,055   171   10,604   -   10,775 
Issuance of warrants and options due to merger with Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.  -   -   1,250   -   1,250 
Beneficial conversion feature on issuance of convertible preferred stock  -   -   1,103   -   1,103 
Amortization of beneficial conversion feature  -   -   (1,103)  -   (1,103)
Shares issued for services  567,646   6   363   -   369 
Stock-based compensation  -   -   60   -   60 
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2014  -   -   -   (3,799)  (3,799)
                     
   46,217,968  $462  $17,439  $(6,647) $11,254 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CREATIVE REALITIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands, except share per share amounts)

 

 For the Years Ended 
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
  December 31, 
 2014  2013  2017  2016 
Operating Activities:             
Net loss $(3,799) $(2,848)  (6,950)  (4,698)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities        
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  818   295   1,505   2,003 
Amortization of debt discount  756   852 
Stock-based compensation  60  -   284   273 
Change in warrant liability  (1,127)  -   153   42 
Allowance for doubtful accounts  417   -   -   85 
Shares issued for services  268   - 
Changes to operating assets and liabilities (net as of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in merger):        
Warrants issued for services  -   36 
ConeXus acquisition stock issuance expense  1,971   - 
Increase in notes due to in-kind interest  86   102 
Deferred tax provision (benefit)  (61)  (365)
Impairment of intangible assets  -   1,065 
Gain on debt settlement  (872)  (1,008)
Changes to operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenues  (764)  (481)  (1,749)  (3,360)
Inventories  967   459   (266)  (503)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (413)  (674)  (862)  180 
Other assets  (74)  - 
Other non-current assets  (34)  65 
Accounts payable  (248)  868   (390)  858 
Deferred revenue  (245)  1,516   5,968   (460)
Accrued expenses  (100)  -   473   17 
Dividend payable  112   - 
Customer deposits  641   606 
Other non-current liabilities  409   -   2   104 
Net cash used in operating activities  (3,719)  (865)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities  655   (4,106)
Investing activities                
Purchases of property and equipment  (266)  (76)  (569)  (292)
Acquisition of Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc and Broadcast International, net of cash acquired (including fees assumed in merger for transaction)  (1,710)  - 
Net cash used in investing activities  (1,976)  (76)  (569)  (292)
Financing activities                
Payments on bank borrowings  (316)  (283)
Borrowings from affiliate  1,911   1,316 
Proceeds received from Preferred stock and warrants  4,565   - 
Net cash provided by financing activities  6,160   1,033 
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents  465   92 
Issuance of common stock  500   167 
Issuance of loans payable and warrants, net of discount  -   4,510 
Share repurchase and cancellation  (149)  - 
Payments on debts  (786)  (288)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (435)  4,389 
(Decrease)/increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents  (349)  (9)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of year  108   16   1,352   1,361 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of year $573  $108   1,003   1,352 

 

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 OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESLIQUIDITY

 

Nature of the Company’s Business

 

Creative Realities, Inc. (the Company or we) is a Minnesota corporation that provides innovative shopper marketing and digital marketing technology and solutions to retail companies, individual retail brands, enterprises and organizations throughout the United States and North America and in certain international markets. We have expertise in a broad range of existing and emerging shopper and 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;systems, interactive digital shopping assistants, advisors and kiosks;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;consumers. We have expertise in a broad range of existing and dynamicemerging digital signage.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. We believe we are one of the world’s leading interactive marketing technology companycompanies that focuses on the retail shopper experience – a “shopper marketing technology company.” In sum, we helpby helping retailers and brands use the latest technologies to create better shopping experiences.

 

Financing and Merger

On August 18, 2014, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with institutional and accredited investors pursuant to which we offered and sold an aggregate of 5,190,000 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at $1.00 per share, and issued five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 6,487,000 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.50 (subject to adjustment), in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The financing effected by our sale of the preferred stock was a condition to the closing of a merger contemplated by June 26, 2014 Agreement and Plan of Merger we entered intoOur main operations are conducted directly through Creative Realities, LLCInc., and later amended on August 20, 2014 (such agreement, as amended, referred to simply as the “Creative Realities Merger Agreement”).

On August 20, 2014, we completed the merger contemplated by theunder our wholly owned subsidiaries Creative Realities, Merger Agreement, thereby acquiring the business of Creative Realities, LLC. At the effective time of the merger and pursuant to the Creative Realities Merger Agreement, Slipstream Funding, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Wireless Ronin Technologies Canada, Inc., and thenConeXus World Global, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company.

Liquidity

We have incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operating activities for the sole memberyears ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. As of Creative Realities, receivedDecember 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,003 and a working capital deficit of $(3,801). On November 13, 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party, extended the maturity date of our term loan to August 17, 2019 and extended the maturity date of our promissory notes on a rolling quarter addition basis which is now April 15, 2019. While management believes that due to the extension of our debt maturity date, our current cash balance and our operational forecast for 2018, we can continue as a going concern through at least March 31, 2019, given our net losses and working capital deficit, we obtained a continued support letter from Slipstream Communications, LLC through March 31, 2019. 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. 

The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classifications of recorded assets and liabilities as a result of the above uncertainty.

Major Acquisitions

Acquisition of ConeXus World Global

There were no acquisitions completed during the years-ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. On October 15, 2015, we completed the acquisition of ConeXus World Global, LLC for 2,080,000 shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, and the conversion of $823 of ConeXus World Global debt into (i) 2,639,258 shares of our common stock, equivalent to approximately 59.2%and (ii) $150 in principal amount of common stock issuedour convertible debt.

In accordance with the terms of the agreement and outstanding immediately after theplan of merger together with a warrant to purchaseand reorganization, an additional number416,000 shares of common shares equal to 1.5% of our common stock outstanding immediately after the merger. As a result of this merger transaction and a contemporaneous investment in our Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock by an affiliate of Slipstream Funding, Slipstream Funding and its affiliates beneficially own 32,249,9494,000,000 shares of common stock were to be issued upon the reorganization of the capital structure of a Belgian affiliate of ConeXus (the “Holdback Shares”). Since the passage of the March 31, 2016 date targeted for the completion of the reorganization of the Belgian affiliate, the parties have determined that the value of the Belgian affiliate was de minimis. 


An agreement was reached on September 1, 2017 by Creative Realities, Inc. and warrantsthe prior shareholders of ConeXus to purchase common stock, representing beneficial ownership (as calculated under applicable SEC rules)recognize the value obtained by Creative Realities, Inc. as a result of approximately 45.8% of our common stock immediately after the merger transaction.

and to settle the Holdback Shares to the prior shareholders of ConeXus.  Creative Realities, LLC (Creative Realities) wasInc. has waived the “accounting acquirer” incontingency relating to the merger transaction, while Wireless Ronin Technologies (the registrant) was the “legal acquirer,” and therefore the merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition. Creative Realities, LLC was determined to be the accounting acquirer since its former shareholder has majority controlissuance of the Holdback Shares and issued to the shareholders 5,631,373 shares of common stock, is by farstock. 3,198,054 of these shares were issued to Rick Mills, a majority shareholder of ConeXus, a related party, and the largest shareholder, and has the majority members of the board of directors and of the executive officers. In accordance with reverse acquisition accounting, the historical financial statements of the registrant will become thoseCEO of Creative Realities, withInc. Since the financial results of Wireless Ronin Technologies included only beginning withmeasurement period for the merger date. Creative Realities allocatedbusiness combination has expired, the deemed purchase price consideration to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Wireless Ronin Technologies, with the excess purchase price recorded as goodwill (see Note 2). Effective September 15, 2014, Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. changed its name to Creative Realities, Inc.

As used throughout this report, the “Company” generally refers to the registrant (Creative Realities, Inc., formerly known as Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.), unless the context otherwise indicates or requires. Useissuance of the first person “we” refersshares is recognized as a charge to operations during the Company or, if the context so requires, to the historical businessyear ended December 31, 2017 of Creative Realities or the registrant itself, in each case prior to the consummation of the August 20, 2014 merger transaction.

$1.9 million.

 

Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesNOTE 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.  Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Creative Realities, Inc. (f/k/a Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc.), our wholly owned subsidiaries ConeXus World Global LLC, Creative Realities, LLC Broadcast International, Inc., and Wireless Ronin Technologies Canada, Inc. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, as applicable.

 

2.  Foreign Currency

 

Our functional currency for itsFor the Company’s Canadian operations, including those in Canada, is the U.S. Dollar. Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses attributable to exchange rate movements related to transactions made in the local currency and on intercompany receivables and payables not deemedhas been determined to be the functional currency. The results of a long-term investment natureits non-U.S. dollar based operations are translated to U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing on the balance sheet date. Equity is translated at the prevailing rate of exchange at the date of the equity transaction. The effects of converting non-functional currency assets and liabilities into the functional currency are recorded as general and administrative expenses in other income (expense).the consolidated statements of operations. Translation adjustments which were considered immaterial to date, have been recorded as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

3.  Revenue Recognition

 

We recognize revenue primarily from these sources:

 

 

Hardware:

System hardware sales

 

Services and Other:

Professional and implementation services

 Software design and development services
 Software and software license sales
 Implementation services
Maintenance and support services

  

We recognize revenue in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-910,Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts,910, Contractors-Construction, ASC 605-10-599,605, Revenue Recognition, ASC 605-25, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverablesand ASC subtopic 605-985,985-605, Revenue Recognition: Software(or ASC 605-35), with respectto all transactions involving the sale of software licenses.. In the event of a multiple-element arrangement, we evaluate if each element of the transaction to determine if it represents a separate unit of accounting, taking into account all factors following the guidelines set forth in FASB ASC 605-985-25-5. We recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred, which is when product title transfers to the customer, or services have been rendered; (iii) customer payments are fixed or determinable and free of contingencies and significant uncertainties; and (iv) collection is reasonably assured. If it is determined that collection of a fee is not reasonably assured, we defer the revenue and recognize it at the time collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash payment,985-605-25-5:revenues are reported on a gross basis.

 

(v)persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
(vi)delivery has occurred, which is when product title transfers to the customer, or services have been rendered;

Revenues for services are recognized when the underlying service is delivered or performed pursuant to the terms of each arrangement. When the fair value of an undelivered element cannot be determined, we defer revenue for the delivered elements until the undelivered elements are delivered. If an acceptance period is required, revenue is recognized upon the earlier of customer acceptance or the expiration of the acceptance period. Sales and use taxes are reported on a net basis, excluding them from sales and cost of sales.


(vii)customer payments are fixed or determinable and free of contingencies and significant uncertainties; and
(viii)collection is reasonably assured. If it is determined that collection of a fee is not reasonably assured, we defer the revenue and recognize it at the time collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash payment. Revenues are reported on a gross basis.

  

Multiple-Element Arrangements — We enter into arrangements with customers that may include a combination of software products, system hardware, maintenance and support, or installation and training services. We allocate the total arrangement fee among the various elements of the arrangement based on the relative fair value of each of the undelivered elements determined by vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE). In software arrangements for which we do not have VSOE of fair value for all elements, revenue is deferred until the earlier of when VSOE is determined for the undelivered elements (residual method) or when all elements for which we do not have VSOE of fair value have been delivered. We have determined VSOE of fair value for each of itsour products and services.

 

The VSOE for maintenance and support services is based upon the renewal rate for continued service arrangements. The VSOE for installation and training services is established based upon pricing for the services. The VSOE for software and licenses is based on the normal pricing and discounting for the product when sold separately.

 

Each element of our multiple-element arrangements qualifies for separate accounting. Nevertheless, when a sale includes both software and maintenance, we defer revenue under the residual method of accounting. Under this method, the undelivered maintenance and support fees included in the price of software is amortized ratably over the period the services are provided. We defer maintenance and support fees based upon the customer’s renewal rate for these services.

 

System hardware sales

 

We recognize revenue onIncluded in “hardware” are system hardware sales whereby revenue is recognized generally upon shipment of the product or customer acceptance depending upon contractual arrangements with the customer. Shipping charges billed to customers are included in sales and the related shipping costs are included in cost of sales. Total hardware sales were $5,400 and $3,031 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Services and Other

Included in “services and other” revenue is professional and implementation services, software design and development services, software and software license sales and maintenance and support services revenue. Total services and other revenue was $12,298 and $10,642 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Professional and implementation services

Included inProfessional services and other revenuesrevenue is revenue derived primarily from consulting services related to discovery and requirements definition processes, the design and development of various marketing experiences, and content development and management. The majority of professional services and accompanying agreements qualify for separate accounting. Professional

Implementation services revenue is derived from implementation, maintenance and support contracts, content development, software development and training.

These services are bid either on a fixed-fee basis, time-and-materials basis or both. For time-and-materials contracts, we recognize revenue as services are performed. For fixed-fee contracts, we recognize revenue upon completion of specific contractual milestones, by using the percentage-of-completion method, or the completed contract method.

 


Software design and development services

RevenueSoftware design and development services includes revenue from contracts for technology integration consulting services where we design/redesign, build and implement new or enhanced systems applications and related processes for clients are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method in accordance with FASB ASC 605-985-25-88 through 107. Percentage-of-completionmethod. The percentage-of-completion accounting involves calculating the percentage of services provided during the reporting period compared to the total estimated services to be provided over the duration of the contract. Estimated revenues from applying the percentage-of-completion method include estimated incentives for which achievement of defined goals is deemed probable. Contract costs include all direct material, labor, subcontractors, certain indirect costs, such as indirect labor, equipment costs, supplies, tools and depreciation costs. Selling, general and administrative costs are chargescharged to expense as incurred. This method is followed where reasonably dependable estimates of revenues and costs can be made. We measure progress for completion based on either the hours worked as a percentage of the total number of hours of the project or by delivery and customer acceptance of specific milestones as outlined per the terms of the agreement with the customer. Estimates of total contract revenue and costs are continuously monitored during the term of the contract, and recorded revenue and costs are subject to revision as the contract progresses. Such revisions may result in increases or decreases to revenue and income and are reflected in the financial statements in the periods in which they are first identified. If estimates indicate that a contract loss will occur, a loss provision is recorded in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable. Contract losses are determined to be the amount by which the estimated direct and indirect costs of the contract exceed the estimated total revenue that will be generated by the contract and are included in cost of sales and classified in accrued expenses in the balance sheet. Our presentation of revenue recognized on a contract completion basis has been consistently applied for all periods presented.

 

Software and software license sales

 

We recognizeSoftware and software license sales are revenue when a fixed fee order has been received and delivery has occurred to the customer. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable and free of contingencies based upon signed agreements received from the customer confirming terms of the transaction. Software is delivered to customers electronically or on a CD-ROM, and license files are delivered electronically.

 

Implementation services

We recognize implementation services revenue when an installation or deployment is completed.

Maintenance and support services

Maintenance and support services revenue consists of software updates and various forms of support services. Software updates provide customers with rights to unspecified software product upgrades and maintenance releases and patches released during the term of the support period. Support includes access to technical support personnel for software and hardware issues. We also offer 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.

Maintenance and support This revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the contract, which is typically one to three years. Maintenance and support is 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. We supportSupport agreement fees are based on the level of service provided to its 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.

 

Costs and estimated earnings recognized in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts are recorded as unbilled services and are included in work-in-process on the balance sheet. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts are recorded as deferred revenuerevenues until revenue recognition criteria are met. Unbilled receivables are a normal part of our business as some receivables are invoiced in the month following shipment or completion of services. Our policy is to present any taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions on a net basis.

 

4.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents consist of commercial paper and all other liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. As of December 31, 2014,2017, the Company had substantially all cash invested in adeposited with commercial paper sweep account. The Company maintains the majority of its cash balances in one financial institution located in Chicago.As of December 31, 2013, the Company had substantially all cash invested in a commercial bank account in New Jersey.banks. The balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250.

 

5. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

Our unsecured accounts receivable are customer obligations due under normal trade terms, carried at their face value less an allowance for doubtful accounts. Approximately 51% or $3,017 of our accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 is from a related party (see Note 8). We entered into a factoring arrangement with Allied Affiliated Funding for our accounts receivable with recourse on October 15, 2015 which concluded on August 17, 2016. During that period, the majority of our receivables were factored. We determine our allowance for doubtful accounts based on the evaluation of the aging of itsour accounts receivable and on a customer-by-customer analysis of itsour high-risk customers. Our reserves contemplate our historical loss rate on receivables, specific customer situations and the economic environments in which we operate. We determine past-due accounts receivable on a customer-by-customer basis. Accounts receivable are written off after all reasonable collection efforts have failed.

 


6. Work-In-Process and Inventories

 

Our work-in-process and inventories are recorded using the lower of cost or market on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventory is net of an allowance for obsolescence of $22$10 and $245$10 as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

 

7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Inputs are broadly defined as assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of an entity'sentity’s financial instruments. Such disclosures, which pertain to our financial instruments, do not purport to represent our aggregate net fair value. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair value of the loan payable approximates carrying value based on the interest rates in the agreement compared to current market interest rates. The fair value of the warrant liabilities is calculated using a black scholesBlack-Scholes model, which approximates a binomial model.model due to probability factors used to determine the fair value. The calculation of this liability is based on Level 3 inputs. See NoteNotes 3 and 11 for more information.further discussion on the valuation of warrant liabilities. 

 

8.  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

We review the carrying value of all long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment in accordance with “FASBFASB ASC 360-10-05-4, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Under FASB ASC 360-10-05-4, 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 by 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. There were no impairment losses for long-lived assets recorded for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013.2016.

 

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 consists of the following at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
       
Equipment $1,700  $1,644 
Leasehold improvements  680   673 
Purchased and developed software  1,516   1,007 
Furniture and fixtures  439   438 
Other depreciable assets  27   27 
Total property and equipment  4,362   3,789 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization  (3,226)  (2,877)
Net property and equipment $1,136  $912 

The estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation and amortization are as follows:

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
       
Equipment $1,596  $1,163 
Leasehold improvements  1,015   396 
Purchased software  242   - 
Furniture and fixtures  288   209 
Other depreciables  27   - 
Total property and equipment 3,169  1,768 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization  (2,423)  (1,547)
Net property and equipment $746  $221 

 Equipment 3 – 5 years
 Demonstration equipment  3 – 5 years
 Furniture and fixtures  75 years
 Purchased and developed software  3 years
 Leased equipment 35 years
 Leasehold improvements  Shorter of 5 years or term of lease

 

Depreciation expense was $251$345 and $175$272 for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

 

10. 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. FASB ASC 985-20-25, AccountingEffective April 2015, the Company began capitalizing its costs for the Costs of Computer Softwareadditional functionality to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed, requires certain software development costs to beits internal software. We capitalized upon the establishment of technological feasibility. The establishment of technological feasibilityapproximately $524 and the ongoing assessment of the recoverability of these costs require considerable judgment by management with respect to certain external factors such as anticipated future revenue, estimated economic life, and changes in software and hardware technologies. Software development costs incurred beyond the establishment of technological feasibility have not been significant. No software development costs were capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Software development costs have been recorded as research and development expense$270 for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013.2016, 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 incurred researchare amortizing these costs over 5 years once the new projects are finished and development expenses of $492placed in service. These costs are included in property and $0 duringequipment, net on the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.consolidated balance sheets. 

 

11. Basic and Diluted Loss per Common Share

 

Basic and diluted loss per common share for all periods presented is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding by adding Creative Realities, LLC weighted average number of basic shares outstanding for that period, determined by applying the conversion ratio from the merger to the outstanding shares of Creative, plus the number of Creative shares deemed issued to CRI stockholders as a result of the merger.outstanding. Basic weighted average shares outstanding include only outstanding common shares. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average common and potential dilutive common shares outstanding computed in accordance with the treasury stock method. Shares reserved for outstanding stock options and warrants totaling approximately 17.346.7 and 36.0 million at December 31, 20142017 and 2016, respectively, were excluded from the computation of loss per share as well as the potential common shares issuable upon conversion of convertible preferred stock and convertible promissory notes as their effect was antidilutive due to our net loss. Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 20142017 and December 31, 2016 is after dividends on convertible preferred stock of $112$246 and amortization of the beneficial conversion feature of $1,103.$463, respectively. 

 

12. Deferred Income Taxes

 

The calculation of our income tax provision involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations.  We recognize tax liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on management’s estimate of whether it is more likely than not that additional taxes will be required.  We had no uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013.2016. 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 (other than goodwill), 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.

Our federal and state tax returns are potentially open to examinations for all years since 2011. As of December 31, 2014, we are not under any income tax audits by tax authorities. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2011 and are not currently under examination by any taxing jurisdiction. In the event of any future tax assessments, we have elected to record the income taxes and any related interest and penalties as income tax expense on our statement of operations.

 

Until the merger date, Creative Realities, LLC was taxed as a limited liability company and, as such, any profit or loss from our operations flowed directly to the member who was then responsible to pay any federal or state income tax. We were only responsible for paying any minimum business and filing income tax costs. The Company has not included any pro forma income tax information as if the Company were a tax paying entity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as any pro forma tax benefit on the losses before income taxes would be offset by a valuation allowance for the related deferred tax asset as it would be more likely than not that the future tax benefits will not be realized.


13. Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718-10 that requires the 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 value. For purposes of determining estimated fair value under FASB ASC 718-10-30, the Company computes the estimated fair values of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock-based compensation expense to employees of $60$284 and $0$273 was charged to expense during the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

 

14. Goodwill and Indefinite-LivedDefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

We follow the provisions of FASB ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Pursuant to FASB ASC 350, goodwill acquired in a purchase business combination and is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually usingannually. The Company used a measurement date of September 30 (see Note 5). No There was no impairment expense was recordedloss recognized during the yearsyear ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.2017. An impairment loss was recognized during the year ended December 31, 2016. 

 

15. Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 areinclude; the allowance for doubtful accounts, recognition of revenue under fixed price contracts, deferred tax assets, deferred revenue, depreciable lives and methods offor property and equipment and definite lived intangible assets, valuation of warrants and other stock-based compensation.compensation, as well as valuations and purchase price allocations related to business combinations, expected future cash flows including growth rates, discount rates and terminal values 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.

  

16. Change in authorized shares

 

On October 15, 2014,February 11, 2016, the Company filed articlesan S-1 Registration Statement registering 20,268,959 shares of amendment to articlescommon stock issuable upon conversion of incorporation to changeits secured notes and upon exercise of the authorized common shares from 50,000,000 to 200,000,000 and preferred shares from 16,666,666 to 50,000,000, which were approved by the shareholders. Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 16, 2014 reflects this change.warrants. This S-1 was effective June 1, 2016.

 

17. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No2014-08"Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Equity", which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. The new guidance changes the definition of a discontinued operation and requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity's operations or financial results. The ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance affects prospective presentation of disposals and therefore, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)(“FASB”) issued guidance creating Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"Update (“ASU”) Section 606, "Revenue2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606), that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from Contractscontracts with Customers". The new section will replace Section 605, "Revenue Recognition"customers and creates modifications to various othersupersedes most current revenue accounting standards for specialized transactions and industries. The section is intended to conform revenue accounting principles with a concurrently issued International Financial Reporting Standards with previously differing treatment between United States practice and those of much of the rest of the world, as well as, to enhance disclosures related to disaggregated revenue information. The updatedrecognition guidance, is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company will adopt the new provisions of this accounting standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2017, given that early adoption is not an option. The Company will further study the implications of this statement in order to evaluate the expected impact on its financial statements.

18. Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications were made to the 2013 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation with no effect on net loss on shareholders’ equity.

NOTE 2: CREATIVE REALITIES, LLC MERGER

On August 20, 2014, we completed the merger contemplated by the Creative Realities Merger Agreement, thereby acquiring the business of Creative Realities, LLC. At the effective time of the merger and pursuant to the Creative Realities Merger Agreement, Slipstream Funding, LLC, then the sole member of Creative Realities, received shares of our common stock equivalent to approximately 59.2% of the common stock issued and outstanding immediately after the merger, together with a warrant to purchase an additional number of common shares equal to 1.5% of our common stock outstanding immediately after the merger. As a result of this merger transaction and a contemporaneous investment in our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock by an affiliate of Slipstream Funding, Slipstream Funding and its affiliates beneficially own 32,249,919 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock, representing beneficial ownership (as calculated under applicable SEC rules) of approximately 45.8% of our common stock issued and outstanding immediately after the merger.

Creative Realities, LLC was the “accounting acquirer” in the merger transaction while the registrant was the “legal acquirer,” and therefore the merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition. In accordance with reverse acquisition accounting, the historical financial statements of the registrant will be those of Creative Realities with the financial results of Wireless Ronin Technologies included only beginning with the merger date. We allocated the purchase price consideration to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Wireless Ronin Technologies, with the excess purchase price recorded as goodwill. Effective September 15, 2014, the Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. (the registrant) changed its name to Creative Realities, Inc.

Under reverse acquisition accounting, as the accounting acquirer, Creative Realities is deemed (for accounting purposes only) to have issued to the registrant’s shareholders approximately 17.1 million shares with an aggregate value at the merger date of $10.8 million based on the August 20, 2014 market price of its common shares of $0.63. Creative Realities is also deemed to have issued replacement options to the registrant’s option holders and replacement warrants to the registrant’s warrant holders. The estimated fair value of the registrant’s warrants and the value of the vested stock options of the registrant, all of which were deemed to have vested in connection with a change of control as of the effective date of the transaction on August 20, 2014, aggregating $1.4 million, were included as purchase price consideration, plus the assumption of liabilities in excess of assets acquired making the total purchase consideration $13.7 million.

The following is a preliminary estimate of the merger consideration to be transferred to effect the merger:

(in thousands)   
Deemed (for accounting purposes only) issuance of shares to CRI, Inc. shareholders $10,775 
Deemed (for accounting purposes only) issuance of warrants to CRI, Inc. shareholders  754 
Deemed (for accounting purposes only) issuance of stock options to CRI, Inc. shareholders  602 
Assumption of liabilities in excess of assets acquired  1,588 
Total consideration $13,719 

The deemed issuance of warrants and stock options represent the fair value of those warrants and stock options based on the Black-Scholes valuation model, using the CRI, Inc. share price on the merger date as an input.

The following assumptions were applied in determining the fair value of deemed (for accounting purposes only) conversion of CRI, Inc. warrants and stock options awards: 

Risk-free interest rate0.49%-2.09%
Expected term1.3-7.0 years
Expected price volatility98%-143%
Dividend yield-

Our computation of expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The expected option term was calculated using the simplified method, an average of the contractual term and vesting period. The risk free interest rate of the awardincluding industry-specific guidance. This ASU is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curvecore principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in effect atan amount that reflects the timeconsideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires disclosures sufficient to enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.


The Company adopted the new revenue guidance effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method of adoption. Based on the Company’s initial assessment any adjustments for transition are not expected to be material. The Company conducted a risk assessment and had developed a transition plan that enabled the Company to meet the implementation requirement. Revenue streams and performance obligations evaluated include those outlined in theRevenue section of Note 1 above. The Company’s contracts rarely include forms of variable consideration. Based on the evaluation of the mergerCompany’s current contracts and having a term consistentthe related revenue streams and performance obligations, the allocation of revenue between hardware, services and other will have insignificant changes as compared with current GAAP. However, for certain sales transactions, the timing of revenue recognition for hardware and certain services sales may occur earlier, with the expected term of the award.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the identifiable tangibleremaining service and intangible assets of Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. deemed to have been acquired in the merger, based on their fair values at the merger date.other sales, occurring later than under current GAAP. The estimated fair values are based on the information that was available as of the merger date. We believe that the information provides a reasonable basis for estimating the fair values. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows (in thousands):

(in thousands)   
Current assets $1,901 
Property and equipment  167 
Goodwill  9,210 
Other intangible assets  5,164 
Other assets  77 
Total assets  16,519 
     
Current liabilities  2,800 
Total liabilities  2,800 
     
Estimated purchase price $13,719 

The estimated fair value of amortizable intangible assets of $5.2 million is amortized on a straight-line basis over the weighted average estimated useful life of 3.9 years. The purchase price allocation to identifiable intangible assets and related amortization lives are as follows: 

     Useful lives 
(in thousands) Amounts  (years) 
Technology platform - Broadcast $260   5 
Technology platform - Wireless Ronin  3,930   4 
Customer relationships  1,090   3 
         
Total $5,280     

The fair values of the technology platforms and the customer relationship were estimated using a discounted present value income approach. Under the income approach, an intangible asset’s fair value is equal to the present value of future economic benefits to be derived from ownership of the asset. Indications of value are developed by discounting future net cash flows to their present value at market-based rates of return. The useful life of the intangible assets for amortization purposes was determined considering the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the intangible assets adjusted as appropriate for the entity-specific factors including legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit the useful life of intangible assets.

In addition, deferred revenue was reduced by approximately $0.3 million to the fair value of the cost of fulfillment plus a normal profit on that effort. We also established an accrual for rent of $0.2 million, related to the above market lease rate on the Minnetonka facility. This accrual will be amortized over the remaining lease term through December 31, 2018.

The goodwill recognizedlargest impacts as a result of the merger is attributable primarilynew standard are the new required qualitative and quantitative disclosures. 

In July 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-11,Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity (Topic 480), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Part I. Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments With Down Round Features, Part II Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception. This update provides guidance that changes the classification analysis of certain equity-linked financial instruments with down-round features. These instruments are no longer accounted for as derivative liabilities at fair value as a result of the existence of a down round feature. The Company early adopted this ASU in 2017 and has applied the guidance in this ASU retrospectively to all prior periods. As a result of adopting this ASU, the Company no longer recognizes a liability related to 16,482,635 warrants, which were only classified as liabilities as a result of having down round features. The debt discount for those warrants has been recalculated to reflect the relative fair value of the warrants and the debt. In addition, the Company determined that the impact to the strategic and synergistic opportunities acrossincome/(loss) per share as a result of the marketing technology spectrum, expected corporate synergies and the assembled workforce.down round features was not material. The goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

We incurred approximately $0.2 million of CRI, Inc.’s acquisition-related costs which were expensed during the year ended December 31, 2014. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative costs in our consolidated statements of operations.

The actual parent net sales and net loss (i.e., net sales relatingimpact to the business conducted by the registrant, as Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc. and Broadcast International, Inc., prior to the August 20, 2014 merger with Creative Realities) included in the below unaudited pro forma consolidatedfinancial statements of operations are not indicative of the results to be expected for a full year) and the supplemental unaudited pro forma net sales and net loss of the combined entity had the acquisition been completed on January 1, 2013 is as follows:

  Years ended 
(Unaudited) December 31, 
  2014  2013 
Supplemental pro forma combined results of operations:      
       
Net sales $15,098  $21,415 
Net loss  (6,362)  (11,682)

The pro forma financial information includes amortization expense from the acquired assets and transaction costs added back for the year ended December 31, 2013. 2016 and the balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is as follows:

 

These unaudited pro forma condensed

  Year ended 
  December 31, 
  2016 
  As previously reported  As adjusted 
Operating income/(loss)  (4,557)  (4,557)
         
Other income (expenses):        
Interest expense  (1,908)  (1,636)
Change in fair value of warrant liability  (982)  (42)
Gain on settlement of debt  1,008   1,008 
Other income/(expense)  164   164 
Total other income/(expense)  (1,718)  (506)
Income/(loss) before income taxes  (6,275)  (5,063)
Benefit/(provision) from income taxes  365   365 
Net loss  (5,910)  (4,698)
Dividends on preferred stock  463   463 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders  (6,373)  (5,161)
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted  (0.09)  (0.07)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders  (0.10)  (0.08)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted  65,443   65,443 


  December 31, 2016 
  As previously reported  As adjusted 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Loans payable, net $7,635  $7,627 
Total current liabilities  14,374   14,481 
Warrant liability  3,316   705 
TOTAL LIABILITIES  18,518   16,014 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Additional paid-in capital  21,834   23,095 
Accumulated deficit  (20,524)  (19,281)
Total shareholders’ equity  1,976   4,480 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $24,419  $24,419 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04,Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update eliminates the requirement that an entity perform a two-step test to determine the amount, if any, of goodwill impairment. In Step 1, an entity compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the entity performs Step 2 and compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill for that reporting unit. An impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of goodwill for the reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill is recorded, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. To address concerns over the cost and complexity of the two-step goodwill impairment test, the amendments in this ASU remove the second step of the test. An entity will apply a one-step quantitative test and record the amount of goodwill impairment as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new guidance does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, early adoption is permitted.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which provides guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, including those related to debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance, and distributions received from equity method investees. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance must be adopted on a retrospective basis and must be applied to all periods presented, but may be applied prospectively if retrospective application would be impracticable. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial resultsstatements, including. our consolidated statement of cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13,Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which provides guidance with respect to measuring credit losses on financial instruments, including trade receivables. This guidance eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold that was previously required prior to recognizing a credit loss on financial instruments. The credit loss estimate can now reflect an entity’s current estimate of all future expected credit losses. Under the previous guidance, an entity only considered past events and current conditions. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and do not purporta material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, that requires lessees to be indicative of the results of operations that actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurredrecognize most leases on the first daybalance sheet and provides for expanded disclosures on key information about leasing arrangements. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, which means it will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 although early adoption is permitted. In transition, the Company is required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented orusing a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU to determine the impact it will have on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of future results of the consolidated entities. The unaudited pro forma condensedadopting this guidance on our consolidated financial information does not reflect any operating efficiencies and cost savings that may be realized from the integration of the acquisition.statements.

 

Broadcast International, Inc. (Broadcast) is a provider of managed video solutions, including digital signage, OTT (Over the Top) networks, IPTV, and live/on-demand content distribution for the enterprise. On August 1, 2014 (the Broadcast Merger Date), Wireless Ronin Technologies (“WRT”) acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Broadcast by issuing 7.1 million shares of WRT common stock with an aggregate value at the Broadcast merger date of $3.6 million based on the price of WRT shares on the merger date. The former Broadcast shareholders owned approximately 36.5% of the WRT common stock outstanding immediately after the Broadcast merger, calculated on a modified fully diluted basis. As the acquirer, WRT allocated the purchase price consideration

18. Reclassification:

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Broadcast, with excess purchase price recorded as goodwill. Those allocations to Broadcast assets and liabilities were superseded by the purchase price allocation from the August 20, 2014 merger transaction with Creative Realities that occurred after the Broadcast merger.current year presentation. 


NOTE 3: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

 

We measure certain financial assets, including cash equivalents, at fair value on a recurring basis. In accordance with FASB 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, FASB 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 following table presents information about the Company'sCompany’s warrant liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company used to determine such fair value. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability:

 

    Quote Prices In Active Markets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Other Unobservable Inputs 
Description Fair Value Quote Prices In Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 Significant Other Unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
  Fair Value  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 
Warrant Liabilities  1,910   -   -   1,910 
Warrant liability at December 31, 2016 $3,316   -   -  $3,316 
Reclassification of warrants from liabilities to equity per ASU 2017-11 $(2,611)  -   -  $(2,611)
Revised warrant liability at December 31, 2016 $705   -   -  $705 
Warrant liability at December 31, 2017 $858   -   -  $858 

The change in level 3 fair value is as follows:      

The change in level 3 fair value is as follows:   
    
Record warrant liability in August 2014 $3,037 
Decrease in fair value of warrant liability  (1,127)
Ending warrant liability as of December 31, 2014 $1,910 

Warrant liability December 31, 2016 $705 
New warrant liabilities  - 
Increase in fair value of warrant liability  153 
Ending warrant liability as of December 31, 2017 $858 

 

NOTE 4: OTHER FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

 

The following table provides details of selected financial statement items: 

 

Inventories

 

  December 31,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Finished goods $719  $138 
Work-in-process  132   447 
Total inventories $851  $585 

  December 31,  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
Finished goods $531  $82 
Work-in-process  208   677 
Total inventories $739  $759 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information: 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:      
       
Cash paid for Interest  18   33 
Cash paid for taxes  -   - 
Non-cash conversion of borrowings from affiliate to equity  2,126   1,316 
Leasehold improvements paid for by landlord allowance  344   - 
  2017  2016 
Cash paid for interest $640  $363 
Cash paid for taxes $5  $11 
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities        
Noncash preferred stock dividends $246  $463 
Issuance of notes in exchange for accounts payable $-  $288 
Issuance of stock upon conversion of preferred stock $2,246  $307 
Issuance of warrants with term loan extensions $2,218   361 
Issuance of stock in exchange for accounts payable $-  $86 

 

NOTE 5: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

Changes in goodwill for the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014 are as follows (in millions):

Goodwill at December 31, 2012 $1,362 
Change in 2013  - 
Merger of Creative and WRT (note 2)  9,210 
Goodwill at December 31, 2014 $10,572 

Other Intangible Assets

 

Other intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 (in thousands): 

 

  2014  2013 
  Gross     Gross    
  Carrying  Accumulated  Carrying  Accumulated 
  Amount  Amortization  Amount  Amortization 
Technology platform $4,190  $374  $-  $- 
Customer relationships  1,090   131   -   - 
Trademarks and trade names  300   240  300   180 
                 
  5,580  $745  300  $180 
                 
Accumulated amortization 746       180     
Net book value of amortizable intangible assets $4,834      $120     

  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
  Gross     Gross    
  Carrying  Accumulated  Carrying  Accumulated 
  Amount  Amortization  Amount  Amortization 
Technology platform  2,865   2,568   4,190   2,433 
Customer relationships  2,460   2,093   2,460   1,404 
Trademarks and trade names  680   469   680   393 
   6,005   5,130   7,330   4,230 
Accumulated amortization  5,130       4,230     
Impairment loss on technology platform  -       1,065     
Net book value of amortizable intangible assets  875       2,035     

 

For the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, amortization of intangible assets charged to operations was $566$1,160 and $60,$1,731, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 we wrote-off fully amortized intangible assets of $260 and $0, respectively.

 

Estimated amortization is as follows:  

 

Year ending December 31,   
2015 $1,460 
2016  1,400 
2017  1,268 
2018  681 
2019  35 
Year ending December 31, 2017   
2018 $739 
2019  76 
2020  60 

 

In accordance with ASC 350, we test for goodwill impairment annually onThe Company has made comprehensive upgrades to its technology platform. Due to these upgrades, the Company evaluated the recoverability of the carrying amount of the original technology platform intangible asset at September 30, 2016. Based upon this evaluation, the Company determined that the technology platform intangible asset was impaired as its value was not recoverable and exceeded its fair value. The Company recognized an impairment loss of $1,065 in 2016.


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 more frequently if changes inwhen an event occurs or circumstances orchange that would indicate potential impairment. The Company has only one reporting unit, and therefore the occurrenceentire goodwill is allocated to that reporting unit.

The Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events suggests an impairment may exist. Determiningor circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit underis less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the first steptotality of events or circumstances, the goodwill impairment test and determiningCompany determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit (including unrecognized intangible assets) underis less than its carrying amount, then performing the second step of thetwo-step impairment test is unnecessary. The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test is judgmental in nature and often involvesat September 30, 2017.

Utilizing the usetwo-step impairment test, the Company first assessed the carrying value of significant estimates and assumptions. Similarly, estimates and assumptions are used in determininggoodwill at the reporting unit level based on an estimate of the fair value of other intangible assets.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 for purchase orders expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017 and orders already received or actively being negotiated for fiscal 2018. We also used these same expectations in a number of valuation models in addition to discounted cash flows, including, leveraged buy-out, trading comps and market capitalization, and ultimately determined an estimated fair value of our reporting unit based on weighted average calculations from these models. Based on the Company’s assessment, we determined that the fair value in relationof our reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, and accordingly, the goodwill associated with the reporting unit is not considered to the trading price of the Company’s common stock.

This approach uses significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether or not an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. As a result of its annual impairment analysisbe impaired at September 30, there was2017.

The Company updated its goodwill analysis as of December 31, 2017 using our actual fourth quarter 2017 results and updated projected 2018 results noting no impairment expense for the year ended December 31, 2014.  No event occured during the 4th quarter 2014 that would be consideredexists. The valuation of goodwill and intangible assets is subject to a triggering event forhigh degree of judgment, uncertainty and complexity. Should any indicators of impairment occur in subsequent periods, the Company will perform an analysis in order to cause the Company to review for possible impairment.determine whether goodwill is impaired.


 

NOTE 6: LOANS PAYABLE

 

We hadAt the end of December 2016 and the beginning of January 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC, a note payable to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. which was paid in full on October 1, 2014.related party, see Note 8: Related Party Transactions, purchased all of our outstanding debt from the original debtholders. The balanceterms of the note payable was $316 at December 31, 2013.debt have remained the same. The interest rate was 5.25% at December 31, 2013. The loan wasoutstanding debt with detachable warrants are shown in the table below. Further discussion of the notes follows.

Issuance Date Original Principal  Additional Principal  Total Principal  Maturity Date Warrants   
8/17/2016  3,000   -   3,000  8/17/2019  17,647,056  8.0% interest
6/29/2016  50   2   52  4/10/2019  89,286  14% interest*
6/13/2016  200   19   219  4/10/2019  357,143  14% interest*
6/13/2016  250   14   264  4/10/2019  446,429  14% interest*
5/3/2016  500   17   517  4/10/2019  892,857  14% interest*
12/28/2015  150   6   156  4/10/2019  267,857  14% interest*
12/28/2015  500   20   520  4/10/2019  892,857  14% interest*
12/28/2015  600   24   624  4/10/2019  1,071,429  14% interest*
10/26/2015  300   13   313  4/10/2019  535,714  14% interest*
10/15/2015  150   7   157  4/10/2019  267,857  14% interest*
10/15/2015  500   23   523  4/10/2019  892,857  14% interest*
6/23/2015  400   21   421  4/10/2019  640,000  14% interest*
6/23/2015  119   31   150  4/10/2019  935,210  Refinanced May 20, 2015 debt, 14% interest *
5/20/2015  465   -   465  4/10/2019  762,295  14% cash interest
  $7,184  $197  $7,381     25,698,847   
Debt discount          (1,916)        
Total debt $7,184      $5,465         

* 12% cash, 2% added to principal

Obligations under the secured convertible promissory notes are secured by a grant of collateral security in all of the tangible assets of the Company.co-makers pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated security agreement.

Included in accrued expenses is unpaid interest of $295 on outstanding debt.

Term Notes

On December 12, 2016, we entered into a $1.0 million secured revolving promissory note pursuant to the August 17, 2016 Loan and Security Agreement with Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party, addressed below (see Note 8), wherein we borrowed $786 with interest thereon at 8% per annum, maturing on February 1, 2017. In connection with the loan, we issued the lender a five-year warrant to purchase up to 1,542,452 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment), all pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. In connection with the secured revolving promissory note, we incurred fees aggregating $37. The loanfair value of the warrants on the issuance date was $136. This note was repaid on January 12, 2017.

On August 17, 2016, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party (see Note 8), under which we obtained a $3.0 million term loan, with interest thereon at 8% per annum, maturing on August 17, 2017 (with a one-year option for us to extend that maturity, so long as we are not then in fulldefault and we deliver additional warrants to the lender). The term loan 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. In connection with this loan, we issued the lender a five-year warrant to purchase up to 5,882,352 shares of common stock shares of Creative Realities’ common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment), all pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. The proceeds from the loan were used to (i) satisfy the obligations owed to Allied Affiliated Lending, L.P. under the Factoring Agreement, (ii) pay off certain obligations under settlement arrangements in effect as of the date hereof (see Note 8), and (iii) obtain working capital. The Loan and Security Agreement permits the lender to make additional advances of up to an additional $1.0 million. In connection with this financing transaction, we terminated the Factoring Agreement with Allied Affiliated Lending. Our principal subsidiaries — Creative Realities, Inc., Creative Realities, LLC, Conexus World Global, LLC, and Broadcast International, Inc. — were also parties to the securities purchase agreement and are co-makers of the secured convertible promissory notes. In connection with the term loan, we incurred fees aggregating $20. The fair value of the warrants on the issuance date was $361.


On August 10, 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC extended the maturity date of the 8% senior notes to August 17, 2018. In exchange for the extension of the maturity date of the 8% senior notes, CRI provided 5,882,352 five-year warrants to purchase Company common shares. The fair value of the warrants was $1,240, which is accounted for as an additional debt discount and amortized over the remaining life of the loan.

On November 13, 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC extended the maturity dates for the term loan to August 17, 2019. In exchange for the extension of the maturity date of the 8% senior notes, CRI provided 5,882,352 five-year warrants to purchase Company common shares. The fair value of the warrants was $976, which is accounted for as an additional debt discount and amortized over the remaining life of the loan. 

See Note 11 for the Black Scholes inputs used to calculate the fair value of the warrants.

Convertible Promissory Notes

In December 2016 and January 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC purchased all of our outstanding convertible promissory notes from the original debtholders. The terms of the notes have remained the same. Further discussion of the notes follows.

The convertible promissory notes were issued in a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Our principal subsidiaries — Creative Realities, LLC, Wireless Ronin Technologies Canada, Inc., and Conexus World Global, LLC — were also parties to the Securities Purchase Agreement and are co-makers of the secured convertible promissory notes. Obligations under the secured convertible promissory notes are secured by a grant of collateral security in all of the personal property of the co-makers pursuant to the terms of a security agreement. The secured convertible promissory notes bear interest at the rate of 14% per annum. Of this amount, 12% per annum is payable monthly in cash, and the remaining 2% per annum is payable in the form an additional principal through increases in the principal amount of the note. Upon the consummation of a change in control transaction of the company or a default, interest on the secured convertible promissory note will increase to the rate of 17% per annum. On August 10, 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC extended the maturity date of the convertible notes to October 2014.15, 2018. On November 13, 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC elected to extend the maturity date of the convertible promissory notes on a rolling quarter addition basis to January 15, 2019, which is now April 10, 2019.

At any time prior to the maturity date, the holder of a promissory note may convert the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest into our common stock at its conversion rate. We may not prepay the secured convertible promissory note prior to the maturity date. The secured convertible promissory note contains other customary terms. See Note 11 for the Black Scholes inputs used to calculate the fair value of the warrants.

On June 29, 2016, we entered into a secured convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $50 and an immediately exercisable five-year warrant to purchase up to 89,286 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment). The fair value of the warrants on the issuance date was $6. This note was subsequently purchased by Slipstream Communications, LLC on December 20, 2016.

On June 13, 2016, upon receipt of an additional $300 of principal, we exchanged two short term demand notes entered into in July 2015 totaling $150 for two secured convertible promissory notes totaling a principal amount of $450 and immediately exercisable five-year warrants to purchase up to 803,572 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment). This exchange is accounted for as a modification of the debt. The fair value of the warrants on the issuance date was $57. On December 20, 2016, $200 of this note was subsequently purchased by Slipstream Communications, LLC, the remaining $250 was already owed to Slipstream Communications, LLC.

On or about May 3, 2016, we entered into a secured convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $500,000 and an immediately exercisable five-year warrant to purchase up to 892,857 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment). In connection with the secured convertible promissory note, we incurred commissions to a placement agent aggregating $25. The fair value of the warrants on the issuance date was $89. This note was subsequently purchased by Slipstream Communications, LLC on December 22, 2016.


NOTE 7: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Structured Settlement Program

During March and December 2017, the Company settled and/or wrote off debt of $1,159 for $288 cash payment and recognized a gain of $872. This debt included $693 of payables previously recorded by our dissolved subsidiary Broadcast International, Inc, as we had exhausted all efforts to identify and settle these obligations in the first quarter of 2017.

In August 2016, the Company settled debt of $90 for $35 cash payment, resulting in a gain on debt settlement of $55. In June 2016, the Company settled debt of $614 for $123 cash payment and the issuance of 409,347 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock, fair value at conversion date of $85, and recognized a gain on debt restructuring of $406. In conjunction with this debt settlement, an additional 809,842 shares of restricted common stock were issued to investors for cash to facilitate the settlement of a portion of the $614 debt.

In March 2016, the Company issued 8.00% nonconvertible promissory notes in favor of certain general unsecured creditors in the aggregate principal amount of $288 to settle an aggregate amount of $839 of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. The aggregate amount of payables, accrued expenses and other liabilities was subsequently revised to $796. In September 2016, the amounts previously settled with nonconvertible promissory notes were paid in cash of $249 resulting in a gain on the debt settlement of $547. No gain was previously recorded.

Litigation

In February 2016, a former vendor alleging our failure to pay outstanding invoices for approximately $335, which is included in accounts payable in the December 31, 2016 accompanying consolidated balance sheet, initiated a breach-of-contract lawsuit against us. Also in February 2016, a former vendor alleging our failure to pay outstanding invoices for approximately $51, which is included in accounts payable in the December 31, 2016 accompanying consolidated balance sheet, filed a motion for summary judgment against us. During 2017, we negotiated settlement with the vendor for $45. 

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the operations of its business. The Company believes that the outcome of all such other pending legal proceedings in the aggregate will not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, liquidity, or operating results.

 

Leases

 

Future minimum lease payments under leases with initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 20142017 are as follows: 

 

Year ending December 31, Lease Obligations 
2015 $658 
2016  669 
2017  663 
2018  495 
2019  472 
Total future minimum obligations  195 
  $3,154 

Year ending December 31, Lease Obligations 
2018 $587 
2019  499 
2020  398 
2021  61 
Total future minimum obligations $1,545 

 

Rent expense totaled $690$474 and $413$416 for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively, and is included in General and Administrative expenses.

 

Effective November 2014,Our CEO was awarded 4,951,557 performance shares with a grant date to be determined upon certain conditions being satisfied. As December 31, 2017 those conditions had not been met and were deemed not probable to be achieved resulting in no compensation expense being recorded.

Termination benefits

On August 10, 2017, the Company announced that it was closing its New Jersey and Minnesota locations. The Company has sublet approximately 9,000 sq. ftaccrued one-time termination benefits related to severance to the affected employees of space at its Minnetonka, MN office at an annual rate of $11 per square foot subject to annual increases of 2.5%. Because the rental rate was above market at the time of the merger, the Company recorded an adjustment of $180 to reduce$146 and will recognize the expense to market over the remaining term ofperiod the lease.

Litigation

In August 2014, we initiated a breach-of-contract lawsuit against a customer and certain parties relatedemployees are expected to that customer for failurecontinue service to pay. The defendants have answered and asserted counterclaims. In the event we are unable to reach a negotiated settlement with the defendants, we intend to vigorously litigate our claims and contest the defendants’ counterclaims. At this time, we do not believe the litigation matter is likely to have a material and adverse impact on the Company.

NOTE 8: RESTRUCTURING

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we took restructuring actions to lower our cost structure by reducing our headcount. We incurred restructuring expenses for termination costs, $582 of which were including in selling, general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations. As of December 31, 2014, $137 of the accrued expense has been paid.

 

NOTE 9:8: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

As discussed in Note 1, on September 1, 2017, our CEO received 3,198,054 shares of our common stock valued at $1,119, as part of the issuance of the ConeXus Holdback shares. During the year-ended December 31, 2017, 5,422,604 of the 8,806,906 shares of common stock were issued to the CEO upon conversion of preferred stock. 

For the years-ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had sales of $3,390 and $1,344, respectively, with a related party entity that is 22.5% owned by a member of senior management. Accounts receivable due from the related party was $3,017 and $543 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


On July 31, 2014, our then-parent entityNovember 13, 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party investor, extended the maturity date of the term loan for which we issued to Slipstream Communications a five-year warrant to purchase up to 5,882,352 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment). The fair value of the warrants on the issuance date was $1.0 million.

On August 10, 2017, Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party investor, extended the maturity date of the term loan for which we issued to Slipstream Communications a five-year warrant to purchase up to 5,882,352 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment). The fair value of the warrants on the issuance date was $1.2 million.

In December 2016 and sole member converted an obligation we owed to that parent into $2.125 millionJanuary 2017, the Company’s majority shareholder and investor, Slipstream Communications LLC acquired all of member’s equity.the Company’s outstanding debt (see Note 6).

On December 31, 2013, our then-parent entity converted an obligation12, 2016, we owedentered into a $1.0 million secured revolving promissory note pursuant to that parentthe August 17, 2016 Loan and Security Agreement with Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party investor, with interest thereon at 8% per annum, maturing on February 1, 2017. In connection with the loan, we issued the lender a five-year warrant to purchase up to 1,542,452 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment), all pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. This note was repaid on January 12, 2017.

On August 17, 2016, we entered into $1,316a Loan and Security Agreement with Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party investor, under which we obtained a $3.0 million term loan, with interest thereon at 8% per annum, maturing on August 17, 2018 (see Note 6). In connection with the loan, we issued the lender a five-year warrant to purchase up to 5,882,352 shares of member’s equity.Creative Realities’ common stock at a per share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment). 

 

NOTE 10:9: INCOME TAXES

 

Our gross deferred tax assets are primarily related to net federal and state operating loss carryforwards (NOLs). We have substantial NOLs that are limited in its usage by IRSIRC Section 382 due to change in control. IRS382. 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.ownership within a statutory testing period. We have performed a preliminary analysis of the annual NOL carryforwards and limitations that are available to be used against taxable income.The estimated federal NOL carryforward for federal purposesafter application of the IRC Section 382 limitation is $10.2$19.3 million and foreign NOL carryforward is $5.1 million.$7.0 million as of December 31, 2017.

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Tax Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017 and introduces significant changes to the U.S. income tax law.  Effective in 2018, the Tax Act reduces U.S. statutory tax rates from 35% to 21%. Accordingly, we remeasured our deferred taxes as of December 31, 2017 to reflect the reduced rate that will apply in future periods when these deferred taxes are settled or realized, resulting in a one-time $0.2 million net tax benefit in 2017. 

Due to the timing of the enactment and the complexity involved in applying the provisions of the Tax Act, we have made reasonable estimates of the effects and recorded provisional amounts in our financial statements as of December 31, 2017.  As we collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret the Tax Act and any additional guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service, and other standard-setting bodies, we may make adjustments to the provisional amounts.  Those adjustments may materially impact our provision for income taxes and effective tax rate in the period in which adjustments are made.  The accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act will be completed in 2018.


A summary of the deferred tax assets and liabilities is included below:

 

 December 31, 
 December 31,
2014
  2017  2016 
         
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):         
Reserves $(72) $12  $35 
Property and equipment  (4)  80   171 
Accrued expenses  781   619   1,034 
Severance  178   56   39 
Non-qualified stock options  419   268   420 
Net foreign carryforwards  1,349   1,906   1,844 
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards  5,592   6,801   8,054 
Intangibles  57   605   907 
            
Total Deferred Tax Assets (includes $7,255 recorded upon merger - Note 2)  8,300 
Valuation Allowance (includes $97,255 recorded upon merger - Note 2)  (8,300)
Total deferred tax assets  10,347   12,504 
Valuation allowance  (10,896)  (13,114)
            
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $- 
Net deferred tax liabilities $(549) $(610)

 

  Year ended December 31,
2014
 
    
Tax Provision Summary   
Deferred Provision (Benefit) - Federal $(987)
Deferred Provision (Benefit) - State  (58)
Deferred Provision (Benefit) - Foreign  - 
Change in valuation allowance  1,045 
Tax Expense $0 
  Year ended December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Tax provision summary      
State income tax $21  $18 
Deferred tax benefit, release of valuation allowance  -   (635)
Deferred tax benefit - federal  2,382   (1,101)
Deferred tax benefit - state  (149)  (89)
Deferred tax benefit - foreign  (75)  (453)
Change in valuation allowance  (2,218)  1,895 
Tax (benefit)/expense $(39) $(365)

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:

  2017  2016 
Federal statutory rate  -34.00%  -34.00%
State taxes  -2.44%  -2.75%
Foreign rate differential  -0.08%  3.11%
Other  3.55%  1.68%
Impact of Tax Act  3.10%  0%
Changes in valuation allowance  -37.79%  36.72%
Effective tax rate  -67.66%  4.80%


NOTE 11:10: CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND WARRANTS

On August 20, 2014, directly related to the merger, we issued 5,190,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at $1.00 per share. In connection with this issuance, we also issued detachable five-year warrants to purchase 6,487,500 common shares at a price of $0.50. Gross proceeds were $5.2 million, with net proceeds of $4.6 million, after transaction costs.

 

The preferred stock entitles its holders to a 6% cumulative dividend, payable semi-annually in cash or in kind through the three-year anniversary of the original issue date, and from and after such three-year anniversary in duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock. The three-year anniversary of the initial investment date occurred during the second half of 2017 for $5.2 million of the $5.5 million originally issued Convertible Preferred Stock and therefore dividends on those investments were paid via issuance of common shares as of the year-end date.

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectfully, the Company issued an aggregate of 245,816 and 452,224 shares of preferred stock in satisfaction of its semi-annual dividend obligation. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectfully, the Company issued an aggregate of 718,840 and 0 shares of common stock in satisfaction of its semi-annual dividend obligation. 

The preferred stock may be converted tointo our common stock at the option of a holder at an initial conversion price as adjusted of $0.40$0.255 per share, subject to adjustment.share. Subject to certain conditions, we may call and redeem the preferred stock after three years. From and after the three-year anniversary of the date of issuance, the Company has the right (but not the obligation), upon at least 30 days prior written notice, to call some or all of the Series A Preferred Stock for redemption at any time after the common stock has had a closing price on the relevant trading market, for a period of at least 15 consecutive days, all of which must be after the three-year anniversary date of the purchase agreement, equal to at least one and one-half times the initial conversion price. 

During such time as a majority of the preferred stock sold remains outstanding, holders will have the right to elect a member to our Board of Directors. The holders of the preferred stock will be entitled to vote their shares on an as-converted basis and they will be entitled to a liquidation preference equal to the stated value (i.e., purchase price) of their shares plus any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon. 

Subject to certain customary exceptions, the preferred stock has full-ratchet conversion price protection in the event that we issue common stock or common stock equivalents below the conversion price, as adjusted.adjusted, subject to certain customary exceptions. The warrants issued to purchasers of the preferred stock contain similar full-ratchet exerciseweighted-average price protection in the event that we issue common stock or common stock equivalents below the exercise price, as adjusted, again subject to certain customary exceptions. In the Securities Purchase Agreement, we granted purchaserpurchasers of the preferred stock certain registration rights pertaining to the shares of our common stockshares they may receive upon conversion of their preferred stock and upon exercise of their warrants.

 

We have determined that the convertible preferred stock contains a beneficial conversion feature based on the conversion priceIn 2017, 385,200 shares of $0.40 per share compared to the price at closing of $0.63 per share. The $1.1 million value of the beneficial conversion feature was recognized as a discount against the carrying value of the preferred stock and a credit to additional paid-in capital. The preferred stock became convertible on October 10, 2014 convertible, and accordingly the discount was amortized as an addition to additional paid-in capital over the period from the merger date to October 10, 2014.  The preferred stock is classified as temporary equity of $1.5 million, net of the value of the warrants. The convertible preferred stock is redeemable at the option of the holder upon a change in control, as defined. Accordingly, there is no adjustment to the potential redemption price of the discount until it would be probable that a change in control would occur.

As mentioned above, we issued five-year warrants to purchase 6,487,500 common shares at a price of $0.50 as part of issuing the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.  We accountStock and 1,860,561 shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 8,806,906 shares of common stock at the conversion rate of $0.255 per share.

In 2016, 307,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were converted into 1,205,882 shares of common stock at the conversion rate of $0.255 per share.

  Number of Convertible Preferred Series A  Number of Convertible Preferred Series A-1  Shares of Common Stock Received 
Q4 2017  -   -   - 
Q3 2017  132,200   1,860,561   7,814,749 
Q2 2017  12,750   -   50,000 
Q1 2017  240,250   -   942,157 
             
Q4 2016  132,000   -   517,647 
Q3 2016  75,500   -   296,078 
Q2 2016  -   -   - 
Q1 2016  100,000   -   392,157 

During the quarter-ended September 30, 2017, the four holders of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock (substantially similar in terms to the Company’s Convertible Preferred Stock, and issued to the shareholders of Conexus World Global LLC) converted all 1,860,561 shares of Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock into 7,296,318 shares of common stock. Additionally, certain accredited investors converted 132,200 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for 518,431 shares of common stock. During the warrantsquarter ended June 30, 2017, accredited investors converted 12,750 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock for 50,000 shares of common stock. During the quarter ended March 31, 2017, accredited investors converted 240,250 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock for 942,157 shares of common stock. During the three months ended December 31, September 30, and March 31, 2016, accredited investors converted 132,000, 75,500, and 100,000 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock for 517,647, 296,078 and 392,157 shares of common stock, respectively.

F-24

NOTE 11: WARRANTS

On November 13, 2017, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 5,882,352 shares of common stock at the per share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment) to Slipstream Communications, LLC in connection with extension of the term loan facility.

On August 10, 2017, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 5,882,352 shares of common stock at the per share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment) to Slipstream Communications, LLC in connection with extension of the term loan facility.

On August 17, 2016, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 5,882,352 shares of common stock at the per share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment) to Slipstream Communications, LLC in connection with extension of the term loan facility.

On June 29, 2016, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 89,286 shares of common stock at the per share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement as more fully described in Note 7, Loans Payable.

On June 13, 2016, the Company issued a liabilitywarrant to purchase 803,572 shares of common stock at the per share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement as more fully described in Note 7, Loans Payable.

On May 3, 2016, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 892,857 shares common stock at the per share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement as more fully described in Note 7, Loans Payable.

On January 15, 2016, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at the per share price of $0.28 (subject to adjustment) in exchange for services rendered related to the issuance of debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, at their estimated fair value.December 28, 2015. The liability will be marked-to-market each reporting period with the change impacting the statement of operations. We determined the fair value of the warrants at the August 20, 2014 date of issuance was $3.0 million and was $1.9million at December 31, 2014. The change in value during the period from August 20, 2014 through December 31, 2014 of $1.1 is an increase to income on the statement of operations andissuance date was caused primarily by$20. The warrants were initially recorded as a liability with a discount to the decrease in our share price from $0.63 at issuancedebt issued to $0.40 at December 31, 2014. The valuation is based onamortized over the Black-Scholes option pricing model (which approximates the binomial model due to probability factors used to determine the fair value), adjusted for the estimated valuelife of the exercise price protection. Thedebt but were reclassified to equity as a result of retrospective application of the adoption of ASU 2017-11.

 Listed below are the range of inputs used for the probability weighted Black Scholes option pricing model valuations ofwhen the warrant liabilities as ofwarrants were issued and at December 31, 2014 were as follows: Expected term of 3.65 years to 4.64 years; Risk Free Rate of 1.38% to 1.55%; Stock Price of $0.40; and Volatility of 98.0% to 102.97%. In connection with the issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock, we issued warrants, which in the aggregate allow for purchase of up to 6.5 million shares at an exercise price of $.50. In connection with the merger, we entered into certain consulting agreements and financial advisory agreements pursuant to which we issued, in private placements, warrants to purchase an aggregate of .5 million shares of common stock at the per-share price of $.50.2017.

Issuance Date Expected Term at Issuance Date Risk Free Interest Rate at Date of Issuance Volatility at Date of Issuance Stock Price at Date of Issuance
8/20/2014 5.00 1.50% 96.00% $0.63
2/13/2015 5.00 1.28% 100.00% $0.34
5/22/2015 5.00 1.28% 107.58% $0.29
10/15/2015 5.00 1.71% 58.48% $0.22
10/26/2015 5.00 1.71% 60.47% $0.21
12/21/2015 5.00 1.75% 58.48% $0.21
12/28/2015 5.00 1.75% 58.48% $0.16
1/15/2016 5.00 1.76% 58.48% $0.17
5/3/2016 5.00 1.25% 51.15% $0.21
6/13/2016 5.00 1.14% 51.12% $0.17
6/29/2016 5.00 1.01% 48.84% $0.17
8/17/2016 5.00 1.15% 51.55% $0.15
11/4/2016 5.00 1.66% 47.48% $0.16
12/12/2016 5.00 1.90% 48.54% $0.19
8/19/2017 5.00 1.81% 64.71% $0.35
11/13/2017 5.00 2.08% 66.24% $0.29

Remaining Expected Term at
December 31,
2017
 Risk Free Interest Rate at
December 31,
2017
 Volatility at
December 31,
2017
 Stock Price at
December 31,
2017
1.64 - 4.87 1.83% 72.34% $0.32


 

A summary of outstanding debt and equity warrants is included below:

 

  Warrants (Equity)   Weighted  Warrants (Liability)  Weighted 
  Amount  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Average Remaining Contractual Life  Amount  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Average Remaining Contractual Life 
                   
Balance, December 31, 2013  -   $-   -   -   $-   - 
Assumed as part of merger  2,811,561   7.60   2.11   -   -   - 
Warrants issued to Slipstream, LLC  1,779,015   0.48   4.64   -   -   - 
August 2014 convertible preferred  -   -   -   6,487,500   0.50   4.64 
Financial advisor warrants  -   -   -   527,625   0.50   4.71 
Balance, December 31, 2014  4,590,576   $4.84   3.09   7,015,125   $ 0.50    4.64 
  Warrants (Equity)     Warrants (Liability)    
  Amount  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life  Amount  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life 
Balance, January 1, 2016  12,937,902   1.88   3.90   6,487,500   0.35   3.64 
Warrants issued to financial advisors  500,000   0.28   4.46   -   -   - 
Warrants issued with promissory notes  1,785,715   0.28   4.37   -   -   - 
Warrants issued with term loan  7,424,804   0.28   4.70   -   -   - 
Warrants expired  (1,116,359  11.52   -   -   -   - 
Balance, December 31, 2016  21,532,062   0.65   3.79   6,487,500   0.35   2.64 
Warrants issued with term loan  11,764,704   0.28   4.75   -   -   - 
Warrants expired  (292,755)  46.68   -   -   -   - 
Balance December 31, 2017  33,004,011   0.47   3.55   6,487,500   0.35   1.64 

 

NOTE 12: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Under reverse acquisition accounting, the amountOn August 9, 2017, our Board of common stock reflects the equity structure of the legal acquirer (the par value and the number of shares outstanding of WRT). Under purchase accounting, stockholders’ equity reflects the recognition of approximately 46.2Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to 5 million shares of our outstanding common stock through August 9, 2019. The authorization allows for the repurchases to be conducted through open market or privately negotiated transactions. Shares acquired under the stock repurchase program are expected to be retired and returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of common stock. The stock repurchase program can be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time at our discretion.  During the fourth quarter of 2017, 1,185,968 shares of common stock were repurchased at an aggregate price of $149 and were immediately cancelled.

On September 1, 2017, the Company issued and outstanding upon completionto the prior shareholders of ConeXus 5,631,373 shares of common stock valued at $0.35 per share for a total of $1,971 to settle the contingency of the Company in the ConeXus merger. Amounts in additional paid-in capital represent that3,198,054 of these shares were issued to Rick Mills, a majority shareholder of ConeXus, a related party, and the CEO of Creative Realities, adjusted to reflectInc. Since the additional fair value of our shares issued, lessmeasurement period for the par value of our shares outstanding afterbusiness combination has expired, the combination, and includes $1.4 million to reflect the portionissuance of the purchase price relatedshares is recognized as a charge to operations during the total estimated fair valueyear of WRT warrants and the vested stock options outstanding on the merger date. Accumulated deficit represents that of Creative Realities prior to the merger date.$1.9 million.

 

In addition toMay 2017, the warrants outstanding related toCompany paid a vendor for services at a value of $500 with the Series Aissuance of 1,960,784 shares of common stock.

During 2017, accredited investors converted 2,245,511 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock discussed in note 11, we have other warrants outstanding at December 31, 2014. As discussedexchange for 8,806,906 shares of common stock. During 2016, accredited investors converted 307,500 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock in Note 1, in connectionexchange for 1,205,882 shares of common stock. In conjunction with the merger transaction, westructured settlement program, the Company issued a warrant409,347 shares of its restricted common stock to the parentcreditors and 809,842 shares of Creative Realitiesstock were issued to purchase 1.8 million our common shares at an exercise price of $0.48 per share. These warrants expire in August 2019. As discussed ininvestors (see Note 2, outstanding WRT warrants carried over, which in the aggregate allow for purchase of up to 2.8 million shares at prices ranging from $.70 to $83.37 and a weighted average exercise price of $7.60.8). 

 

Under reverse acquisition accounting, as the accounting acquirer, Creative Realities is deemed (for accounting purposes only) to have issued replacement options to the registrant’s option holders, replacement warrants to the registrant’s warrant holders, in addition to the other issuances of warrants described in this report and summarized in the table below. All of registrant’s stock options were deemed to have vested in connection with a change of control (contemplated as part of the original award) as of the effective date of the transaction on August 20, 2014, and were included as purchase price consideration.

A summary of outstanding options is included below:

 

    Weighted           Weighted       
    Average Weighted     Weighted    Average Weighted   Weighted 
  Remaining Average  Average    Remaining Average   Average 
Range of Exercise Number Contractual Exercise Options Exercise  Number Contractual Exercise Options Exercise 
Prices between Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price  Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price 
$0.45 - $0.65  4,809,318   9.66  $0.46   350,000  $0.39 
$0.18 - $0.65 7,145,000 7.51 $0.28 3,833,956 $0.31 
$0.66 - $0.79  420,000   8.44  0.74   420,000  $0.74  30,000 6.04 0.79 30,000 $0.79 
$0.80 - $12.25  384,659   5.79  4.73   384,659  $5.48   15,500  4.59  3.73 15,500 $3.73 
  5,613,977    9.30   $1.45            7,190,500  7.50 $0.29     

 

    Weighted Average 
    Exercise Price 
Balance, December 31, 2013 $-  $- 
Assumed as part of merger  1,154,659   5.51 
Granted  4,459,318   0.40 
Exercised  -   - 
Forfeited or expired  -   - 
Balance, December 31, 2014 $5,613,977  $1.45 


  Options  Weighted Average 
  Outstanding  Exercise Price 
Balance, December 31, 2016  7,490,499  $0.29 
Granted  -   - 
Exercised  -   - 
Forfeited or expired  299,999   0.18 
Balance, December 31, 2017  7,190,500  $0.29 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life for options exercisable is 8.397.50 years as of December 31, 2014.2017.

 

NOTE 13: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock Compensation Expense Information

 

FASB ASC 718-10 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 365,500 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. There are 6,825,000 options outstanding under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

On October 9, 2014, the Board of Directors granted 3,753,427 options to purchase common stock of the Company to our CEO, and 480,685 options to purchase common stock of the Company to our COO/CFO. The options granted vest in 25% increments on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, and expire ten years after the date of grant. In addition, on October 9, 2014, the Board of Directors granted 225,206 options to purchase common stock of the Company to certain employees. These options vest 25% per year on each of the first four anniversaries following the grant date. On October 9, 2014, the board of Directors also approved the allocation of 1,096,028 options to be reserved for grant to certain employees in the future. Compensation expense recognized for the issuance of stock options for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 20132016 was as follows:

 

  December 31, 
  2014  2013 
Stock-based compensation costs included in:      
Cost of sales $-  $- 
Sales and marketing expenses  1   - 
Research and development expenses  -   - 
General and administrative expenses  59   - 
Total stock-based compensation expenses $60  $- 
  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Stock-based compensation costs included in:        
Costs of sales $6  $1 
Sales and marketing expense  76   74 
General and administrative expense  202   198 
Total stock-based compensation expense $284  $273 

 

At December 31, 2014,2017, there was approximately $1,374$554 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards. Generally, this expense will be recognized over the next 9.81.6 years and will be adjusted for any future changes in estimated forfeitures. 

 

Valuation Information for Stock-Based Compensation

 

For purposes of determining estimated fair value under FASB ASC 718-10, the Company computed the estimated fair values of stock options using the Black-Scholes model. The weighted average estimated fair value of stock

There were no options granted during the yearsyear ended December 31, 20142017.


On November 11, 2016, the Company granted 10-year options to purchase 425,000 shares of its common stock to an employee. The options vest over 4 years and 2013have an exercise price of $0.18. The fair value of the options on the grant date was $0.36$0.09 and $0 per share, respectively.was determined using the Black-Sholes model. The values set forth above were calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Risk-free interest rate  2.02%1.14% 
Expected term  6.25 years 
Expected price volatility  98%47.89% 
Dividend yield  0% 

 

The Company does not have sufficient historical information to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and post-vesting employment behavior, so we estimate the expected term of awards granted by taking the average of the restingvesting term and the contractual term of the awards, referred to as the simplified method. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on observed interest rates appropriate for the term of the Company’s stock options. The Company usesused historical closing stock price volatility for a period of 2 years. Although the Company has historical pricing for a period equal to the expected life of the respective award.awards, the Company used a shorter period of time as the Company went through reorganization and was fundamentally a different company. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of no future dividend payouts.

 

Stock-basedOur stock-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures.forfeitures as permitted by FASB 718-10-55 requiresASU 2016-09,Stock Compensation,wherein a Company can make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.when they occur. The Company applied a pre-vesting forfeiture rate of 10% based on upon actual historical experience for employee option awards of the registrant..

 

NOTE 14: PROFIT-SHARING PLAN

 

We have a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plans for eligible associates. Associates may contribute up to 15% of their pretax compensation to the plan.plan subject to IRS limitations. There isare currently no plan forplans to implement an employer contribution match or company discretionary contributions.of 50% of employee wages up to 6%, for an effective match of 3% on April 1, 2018.

 

NOTE 15: SEGMENT INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

 

Segment Information

 

We currently operate in one businessreportable 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 sales for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, were in the United States and Canada.

 

Major Customers

 

We had 2three and 2two customers that accounted for 41%63% and 44%71% of accounts receivable as of December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

We do not believe the loss of this customer will have a material adverse effect on our business. The Company had 3 and 3three customers that accounted for 53%56% and 54%56% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

 

NOTE 16: LIQUIDITY

We incurred net losses and negative cash flows from operating activities forFor the years ended December 31, 20142017 and 2013. As2016, the Company had sales of $3,390 and $1,344, respectively, with a related party entity that is 22.5% owned by a member of senior management. Accounts receivable due from the related party was $3,017 and $543 at December 31, 2014, we had cash2017 and cash equivalents of $573 and working capital deficit of $(1,144). Management believes that, despite its losses to date and while we can provide no assurance that our ongoing integration efforts will be successful, the operations of the combined Company resulting from the completed acquisitions and related restructuring actions will provide greater sales, margin, scale and operating efficiencies, all of which we believe will ultimately lead to operating profitability and positive cash flows from operations. We have certain payment plans and settlements setup with certain vendors. We expect that our future available capital resources will consist primarily of cash on hand, any cash generated from our business operations and future equity and/or debt financings or support, if any, to support our growth objectives, ongoing working capital needs, and 2015 business plan.  Our capital requirements depend on many factors, including our ability to successfully address our short-term liquidity and capital resource needs, market and sell our products and services, develop new products and services and establish and leverage our strategic partnerships. Any additional equity financings may be dilutive to shareholders and may be completed at a discount to market price. Public or private debt financing, if available, would likely involve restrictive covenants similar to or more restrictive than those contained in the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Offering. There can be no assurance we will successfully complete any future equity or debt financing. 2016, respectively.

 

NOTE 17:16: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Securities PurchaseOn January 16, 2018, we entered into the Third Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement with Mill City Ventures III, Ltd.

On February 18, 2015,Slipstream Communications, LLC which extended the period through which the Company could draw on the Revolver established by the Loan and Security Agreement. In conjunction with this Amendment, we entered into a Securities Purchase$1.0 million secured revolving promissory note pursuant to the August 17, 2016 Loan and Security Agreement with Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. (“Mill City”)Slipstream Communications, LLC, a related party, addressed below (see Note 10), pursuant to which it offered and sold a secured convertible promissory note inwherein we borrowed $1.0 million with interest thereon at 8% per annum, maturing on January 16, 2019. In connection with the principal amount of $1,000,000 andloan, we issued the lender a five-year warrant to purchase up to 1,515,1521,851,851 shares of the Company’s common stock at a per-share price of $0.38, in$0.27 (subject to adjustment), all pursuant to a private placement exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

Creative Realities, LLC, Wireless Ronin Technologies Canada, Inc., and Broadcast International, Inc., the Company’s principal subsidiaries, are co-makerssecurities purchase agreement. In connection with the Company of the secured convertible promissory note. Obligations under the secured convertiblerevolving promissory note, are secured by a grant of collateral security in the accounts receivable and related proceeds of all co-makers pursuant to the terms of a security agreement.

The secured convertible promissory note bears interest at the annual rate of 12%, and matures on August 18, 2016. Atwe did not incur any time prior to the maturity date, Mill City may convert the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest at a conversion rate of $0.33 per share, as adjusted for stock splits and similar adjustments. Upon the consummation of a change in control transaction of the Company or of an offering of securities of the Company in which the gross proceeds to be received by the Company equal, when aggregated with all prior financings involving the sale of securities of the Company from and after February 18, 2015 (but exclusive of the amounts borrowed under the Mill City secured convertible promissory note), at least $3.5 million, Mill City may elect to convert the secured convertible promissory note into shares of common stock of the Company or elect repayment. The Company may prepay the secured convertible promissory note at any time; provided any principal amount prepaid must be accompanied by the payment of minimum amount of interest that, when aggregated with earlier payments of interest, equals at least 365 days of interest thereon. The secured convertible promissory note contains other customary terms.fees. 

 

On April 13, 2015,August 10, 2017, we announced the Boardplanned closure of Directorsour office facilities located at 22 Audrey Place, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004 which housed our previous operations center and Paul Price agreedceased use of the facilities in February 2018. In ceasing use of these facilities, we will incur a one-time non-cash charge of $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2018 to terminate Mr. Prices’s employment withaccrue for the Company without cause. In Mr. Price’s separation agreement withremaining rent under the Company, the Boardlease term, net of Directors agreed to vest 938,357 options granted to him on October 9,2014.anticipated subtenant rental income.

 


Sale of Series A Preferred Stock and Related Warrants.

On February 18, 2015, the Company entered into Subscription Agreements, pursuant to which Don Harris, a director of the Company, and Paul Price, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a former director, subscribed for shares of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and related warrants in the aggregate amount of $90,000, and Slipstream Communications, LLC surrendered a Promissory Note of the Company dated January 28, 2015 and in the principal amount of $175,000, and converted such entire principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, into Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and related warrants. The warrants contain a cashless exercise feature and have a term of five years. The warrants are exercisable at a price of $0.50 per common share, as adjusted for stock splits, dilutive issuances and similar adjustments. As a result of the issuance of the convertible promissory note issued to Mill City set forth above, the exercise price is currently $0.49 per common share.

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No. Description
   
2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of August 11, 2015, by and among the registrant, CXW Acquisition, Inc. and ConeXus World Global, LLC (incorporated by reference to the registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 2015)
2.2Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization dated as of October 15, 2015, by and among the registrant, CXW Acquisition, Inc. and ConeXus World Global, LLC (incorporated by reference to the registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 21, 2015)
2.3Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization and Waiver dated as of September 1, 2017 (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 14, 2017)
3.1 

Articles of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Form S-48-K filed with the SEC on August 18,September 17, 2014)

   
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2011)
   
4.1 Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations filed August 19, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2014)
4.2Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Stock Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations filed October 30, 3015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
   
10.1 Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of AugustFebruary 18, 2014,2015 by and among Wireless Ronin Technologies,between Creative Realities, Inc. and certain purchasersMill City Ventures II, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2014)February 24, 2015)
   
10.2 FormSecured Convertible Promissory Note dated February 18, 2015, issued in favor of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc., issued to purchasers under the Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of August 18, 2014Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 22, 2014)February 24, 2015)
   
10.3 Separation AgreementWarrant dated February 18, 2015, issued in favor of Mill City Ventures III, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with Paul Price dated as of May 5, 2015 (filed herewith)the SEC on February 24, 2015)
   
10.4 Security Agreement dated February 18, 2015, by and among Creative Realities, Inc. and Broadcast International, Inc., Creative Realities, LLC, and Wireless Ronin Technologies Canada, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2015)
10.5Subordinated Secured Promissory Note issued on May 20, 2015 to Slipstream Communications, LLC, in the original principal amount of $465,000 (incorporated by reference to the registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 2015)
10.6Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, issued in favor of Slipstream Communications, LLC  (incorporated by reference to the registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 2015)
10.7Form of Secured Convertible Promissory Note (for use in connection with Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 23, 2015) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on July 9, 2015)
10.8Form of Warrant (for use in connection with Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 23, 2015) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on July 9, 2015)
10.9Form of Security Agreement (for use in connection with Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 23, 2015) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on July 9, 2015)

Exhibit No.Description
10.10Warrant dated August 10, 2017, issued in favor of Slipstream Communications, LLC (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 14, 2017)
10.11Warrant dated November 13, 2017, issued in favor of Slipstream Communications, LLC
10.12Warrant dated January 16, 2018, issued in favor of Slipstream Communications, LLC
10.13Warrant dated December 22, 2015, issued in favor of Slipstream Communications, LLC (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 4, 2016)
10.14Form of Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 2015 (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.15Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 2015 (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.16Form of Secured Convertible Promissory Note (for use in connection with Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 2015) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.17Form of Warrant (for use in connection with Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 2015) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.18Form of Amended and Restated Security Agreement (for use in connection with Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 2015) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.19Form of Registration Rights Agreement (for use in connection with Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated December 28, 2015) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.20Loan and Security Agreement with Slipstream Communications, LLC, dated as of August 17, 2016 (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 21, 2016)
10.21First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August 10, 2017 among Slipstream Communications, LLC, registrant and registrant’s subsidiaries.
10.22Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 13, 2017 among Slipstream Communications, LLC, registrant and registrant’s subsidiaries.
10.23

Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of January 16, 2018 among Slipstream Communications, LLC, registrant and registrant’s subsidiaries.

10.24Secured Term Promissory Note in favor of Slipstream Communications, LLC (entered into in connection with Loan and Security Agreement dated August 17, 2016) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 21, 2016)


Exhibit No.Description
10.25Secured Revolving Promissory Note in favor of Slipstream Communications, LLC(entered into in connection with Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated January 16, 2018)
10.26Employment Agreement with John Walpuck (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2017)
10.27Employment Agreement with Richard Mills (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2017)
10.28Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (entered into in connection with Loan and Security Agreement dated April 3, 2014August 17, 2016) (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 21, 2016)
10.29Form of Securities Purchase Agreement dated June 23, 2015 (incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on July 9, 2015)
   
21.1 List of Subsidiaries (filed herewith)(incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
   
23.1 Consent of Baker Tilly Virchow Krause,EisnerAmper LLP (filed herewith)
   
31.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a).
   
32.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

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