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GENIUS BRANDS(GNUS) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Report
GENIUS BRANDSGENIUS BRANDS(US:GNUS)2025-05-15 13:00

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements Kartoon Studios, Inc.'s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for Q1 2025, including balance sheets, operations, comprehensive loss, equity, and cash flows, with detailed notes Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Metric | March 31, 2025 (Unaudited) | December 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :-------------------------- | :------------------ | | ASSETS | | | | Total Current Assets | $25,128 | $34,664 | | Total Assets | $71,701 | $85,467 | | LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | Total Current Liabilities | $26,835 | $33,440 | | Total Liabilities | $41,644 | $49,007 | | Total Stockholders' Equity | $30,057 | $36,460 | - Total Assets decreased by $13.766 million from $85.467 million at December 31, 2024, to $71.701 million at March 31, 202510 - Total Liabilities decreased by $7.363 million from $49.007 million at December 31, 2024, to $41.644 million at March 31, 202510 - Total Stockholders' Equity decreased by $6.403 million from $36.460 million at December 31, 2024, to $30.057 million at March 31, 202512 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Highlights (in thousands, except per share data) | Metric | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | | Total Revenues | $9,504 | $6,078 | | Total Operating Expenses | $12,583 | $12,372 | | Loss from Operations | $(3,079) | $(6,294) | | Net Loss | $(6,591) | $(7,064) | | Net Loss Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc. | $(6,526) | $(7,045) | | Net Loss per Share (Basic) | $(0.14) | $(0.20) | - Total Revenues increased by 56% to $9.504 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $6.078 million in the prior year14 - Net Loss attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc. improved to $(6.526) million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $(7.045) million in the prior year14 - Basic Net Loss per Share improved to $(0.14) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $(0.20) in the prior year14 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss Highlights (in thousands) | Metric | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :----------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | | Net Loss | $(6,591) | $(7,064) | | Total Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $61 | $(23) | | Total Comprehensive Net Loss | $(6,530) | $(7,087) | | Total Comprehensive Net Loss Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc. | $(6,465) | $(7,068) | - Total Comprehensive Net Loss attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc. improved to $(6.465) million in Q1 2025 from $(7.068) million in Q1 202417 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Changes in Stockholders' Equity (in thousands, except share data) | Metric | December 31, 2024 | March 31, 2025 | | :--------------------------------- | :------------------ | :------------- | | Common Stock Shares Outstanding | 46,209,081 | 47,785,248 | | Common Stock Amount | $46 | $48 | | Additional Paid-in Capital | $777,930 | $778,055 | | Accumulated Deficit | $(739,286) | $(745,812) | | Total Stockholders' Equity | $36,460 | $30,057 | - Common stock outstanding increased by 1,576,167 shares, primarily due to warrant exercises and issuance for vested restricted stock units and services208284 - Accumulated Deficit increased by $6.526 million, reflecting the net loss for the three months ended March 31, 202520 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Highlights (in thousands) | Cash Flow Activity | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | | Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities | $(1,822) | $3,845 | | Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities | $(1,186) | $2,560 | | Net Cash Used in Financing Activities | $(2,567) | $(7,891) | | Net Decrease in Cash and Restricted Cash | $(5,613) | $(1,332) | | Ending Cash and Restricted Cash | $2,772 | $2,763 | - Net cash used in operating activities was $(1.822) million in Q1 2025, a significant change from net cash provided of $3.845 million in Q1 202423 - Net cash used in investing activities was $(1.186) million in Q1 2025, compared to net cash provided of $2.560 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to increased investment in marketable securities23 - Net cash used in financing activities decreased to $(2.567) million in Q1 2025 from $(7.891) million in Q1 2024, mainly due to lower repayments of production facilities and bank indebtedness23 Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Note 1: Organization and Business - Kartoon Studios, Inc. is a global content and brand management company focused on creating, producing, licensing, and broadcasting educational, multimedia animated content for children, distributed across various streaming platforms and television27 - Key assets include wholly-owned AVOD/FAST/SVOD services (Kartoon Channel!, Ameba TV), investments in Your Family Entertainment AG (YFE), ownership of WOW Unlimited Media Inc. (Mainframe Studios, Frederator Networks), controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, LLC, and The Beacon Media Group272930313233 - The company launched a $30.0 million joint venture with Catalyst Venture Partners for a 'Winnie-the-Pooh' project, with Kartoon Studios retaining operational control and a 25% agency fee35 - As of March 31, 2025, the company had negative working capital of $1.7 million, a decrease of $2.9 million from December 31, 2024, but management believes it has sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months39 Note 2: Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - The interim financial statements are unaudited and prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, with management making estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results4041 - Disclosure errors from the 2024 10-K were identified and corrected, including an overstatement of gross asset cost and accumulated depreciation for property and equipment, and an outstanding warrant balance that included exercised warrants4344 - The company faces concentration risk with four customers accounting for 85.1% of total revenue in Q1 2025 (up from 61.7% in Q1 2024) and three customers accounting for 53.2% of total accounts receivable525354 - New accounting standards (ASU 2023-09, ASU 2024-01, ASU 2024-03) related to income tax disclosures, scope application of profits interests, and expense disaggregation are being evaluated for their impact on future financial statements565758 Note 3: Variable Interest Entity - The Company controls Stan Lee Universe, LLC (SLU), a variable interest entity formed to exploit intellectual property rights related to Stan Lee. SLU generated an insignificant net loss in Q1 2025 and Q1 20245960 Note 4: Investment in Equity Interest - As of March 31, 2025, the fair value of the investment in Your Family Entertainment AG (YFE) was $13.4 million, a net decrease of $3.0 million from December 31, 2024, due to a decrease in YFE's stock price and foreign currency remeasurement61 - The Company's ownership in YFE was 44.8% as of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 202461 Note 5: Marketable Securities Marketable Securities Fair Value (in thousands) | Security Type | March 31, 2025 Fair Value | December 31, 2024 Fair Value | | :--------------------------------- | :-------------------------- | :--------------------------- | | Corporate Bonds | $540 | $537 | | U.S. Treasury | $1,181 | N/A | | U.S. Agency and Government Sponsored Securities | $1,119 | $1,107 | | U.S. States and Municipalities | $386 | $385 | | Total | $3,226 | $2,029 | - The total fair value of marketable securities increased by $1.197 million to $3.226 million as of March 31, 2025, from $2.029 million at December 31, 2024556263 - Realized gain of $4,454 was recognized in Q1 2025, compared to a loss of $141,174 in Q1 2024, primarily from selling U.S. Treasury securities64 Note 6: Property and Equipment, net Property and Equipment, net (in thousands) | Category | March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :------------- | :---------------- | | Property and Equipment, gross | $3,404 | $3,384 | | Less Accumulated Depreciation | $(1,239) | $(1,078) | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | $(244) | $(253) | | Property and Equipment, net | $1,921 | $2,053 | - Net property and equipment decreased by $0.132 million to $1.921 million as of March 31, 2025, from $2.053 million at December 31, 202466 - Depreciation expense was $0.1 million for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024, with no impairment charges recorded67 Note 7: Leased Right-of-Use Assets, net Leased Right-of-Use Assets, net (in thousands) | Category | March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :------------- | :---------------- | | Right-of-Use Assets, Gross | $6,988 | $7,268 | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | $(1,117) | $(1,143) | | Leased Right-of-Use Assets, net | $5,871 | $6,125 | - Net leased right-of-use assets decreased by $0.254 million to $5.871 million as of March 31, 2025, from $6.125 million at December 31, 202468 - Operating lease costs were $0.4 million for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024. Finance lease costs were $0.1 million in Q1 2025, down from $0.4 million in Q1 20246970 Note 8: Film and Television Costs, net Film and Television Costs, net (in thousands) | Metric | December 31, 2024 | March 31, 2025 | | :--------------------------------- | :------------------ | :------------- | | Film and Television Costs, net | $2,621 | $3,462 | | Additions to Film and Television Costs | N/A | $904 | | Film Amortization Expense | N/A | $(54) | - Net film and television costs increased by $0.841 million to $3.462 million as of March 31, 2025, from $2.621 million at December 31, 2024, driven by $0.904 million in additions71 - Amortization expense for film and television costs was $0.1 million for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024, with no significant impairment charges71 Note 9: Intangible Assets, net Intangible Assets, net (in thousands) | Category | March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :------------- | :---------------- | | Intangible Assets, gross | $28,098 | $28,098 | | Less Accumulated Amortization | $(6,311) | $(5,822) | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | $(2,487) | $(2,555) | | Intangible Assets, net | $19,300 | $19,722 | - Net intangible assets decreased by $0.422 million to $19.300 million as of March 31, 2025, from $19.722 million at December 31, 202472 - Amortization expense for intangible assets was $0.5 million for both Q1 2025 and Q1 202473 - Expected future amortization for intangible assets totals $14.008 million, with $1.469 million due in 202574 Note 10: Deferred Revenue - Aggregate short-term and long-term deferred revenue increased slightly to $9.5 million as of March 31, 2025, from $9.4 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to productions nearing completion75 Note 11: Margin Loan - The margin loan balance decreased to $0.4 million as of March 31, 2025, from $0.9 million at December 31, 202476 - The company borrowed $2.7 million and repaid $3.2 million from its investment margin account in Q1 2025, primarily for operational costs76 - Interest expense on the margin loan was $1,806 in Q1 2025, significantly lower than $18,632 in Q1 202476 Note 12: Bank Indebtedness and Production Facilities - Outstanding net balance of production facilities decreased to $7.4 million (CAD 10.6 million) as of March 31, 2025, from $9.2 million (CAD 13.3 million) at December 31, 202478 - The company has an equipment lease facility for up to $1.0 million (CAD 1.4 million), with two leases remaining as of March 31, 2025, totaling $0.2 million (CAD 0.3 million)8081 Note 13: Stockholders' Equity - Common stock outstanding increased to 47,785,248 shares as of March 31, 2025, from 46,209,081 shares at December 31, 202482 - 1,462,000 shares of common stock were issued upon the exercise of pre-funded warrants in Q1 2025, generating $1,462 in proceeds84 - 134 shares of common stock were withheld for taxes and recorded as treasury stock in Q1 202587 Note 14: Stock Options Stock Option Activity | Metric | March 31, 2025 | | :--------------------------------- | :------------- | | Outstanding Stock Options | 946,320 | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share | $12.75 | | Unvested Stock Options | 65,000 | | Vested and Exercisable Stock Options | 881,320 | - No stock options were granted in Q1 2025 or Q1 202489 - Share-based compensation expense related to stock options was $18,213 in Q1 2025, down from $69,965 in Q1 202490 Note 15: Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Activity | Metric | March 31, 2025 | | :--------------------------------- | :------------- | | Unvested RSUs | 870,417 | | Granted RSUs (Q1 2025) | 110,968 | | Vested RSUs (Q1 2025) | (110,968) | - 110,968 fully vested RSUs were granted to board members and consultants in Q1 2025, with a fair market value of $65,37591 - Share-based compensation expense related to RSUs was $0.1 million in Q1 2025, down from $0.2 million in Q1 202492 Note 16: Warrants Warrant Activity | Metric | December 31, 2024 | March 31, 2025 | | :--------------------------------- | :------------------ | :------------- | | Outstanding Warrants | 25,734,752 | 24,165,466 | | Exercised Warrants | N/A | (1,462,000) | | Expired Warrants | N/A | (107,286) | | Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share | $2.19 | $2.32 | - Outstanding warrants decreased by 1,569,286 to 24,165,466 as of March 31, 2025, due to exercises and expirations93 - The warrant liability was revalued at approximately $5.0 million as of March 31, 2025, resulting in a $0.4 million decrease compared to December 31, 2024, recorded as a Gain on Revaluation of Warrants95 Note 17: Supplemental Financial Statement Information Components of Other Expense, net (in thousands) | Component | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | | Interest Expense | $(128) | $(203) | | Gain on Revaluation of Warrants | $446 | $37 | | Loss on Revaluation of Equity Investment in YFE | $(3,640) | $0 | | Realized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities Investments | $4 | $(141) | | Gain (Loss) on Foreign Exchange | $667 | $(650) | | Loss on Debt Settlement | $(944) | $0 | | Other Expense, net | $(3,384) | $(567) | - Other Expense, net significantly increased to $(3.384) million in Q1 2025 from $(567) thousand in Q1 2024, primarily due to a $3.640 million loss on revaluation of equity investment in YFE and a $0.944 million loss on debt settlement98 - A $0.667 million gain on foreign exchange was recognized in Q1 2025, reversing a $0.650 million loss in Q1 2024, mainly due to the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Euro98 Note 18: Income Taxes - The effective tax rate was 0% for both Q1 2025 and Q1 2024, primarily due to state income taxes, foreign tax rate differentials, and changes in valuation allowance101 - Net deferred tax liability remained stable at $1.3 million as of March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024102 Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies Future Minimum Cash Contractual Obligations (in thousands) | Obligation Type | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | Thereafter | Total | | :---------------- | :------ | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :--------- | :------ | | Operating Leases | $1,187 | $1,585| $1,356| $1,011| $1,048| $2,149 | $8,336 | | Finance Leases | $193 | $51 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $244 | | Employment Contracts | $2,114 | $839 | $538 | $498 | $0 | $0 | $3,989 | | Consulting Contracts | $2,580 | $769 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $3,349 | | Debt | $7,791 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $7,791 | | Production Financing | $484 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $484 | | Total | $14,349 | $3,244| $1,894| $1,509| $1,048| $2,149 | $24,193 | - Total future minimum cash contractual obligations are $24.193 million as of March 31, 2025, with $14.349 million due within one year106 - The company committed a non-refundable advance of approximately $0.5 million for the 'Andrew the Big BIG Unicorn' animated series, expected to be funded in 2025110 Note 20: Related Party Transactions - CEO Andy Heyward earned a $55,000 quarterly bonus and $100,000 in creative producer fees in Q1 2025 and Q1 2024111113 - The company entered into a settlement agreement with YFE in April 2025 for a Shareholder Loan Agreement, accepting a reduced repayment of $0.4 million, resulting in a $0.9 million loss recorded in Q1 2025115 Note 21: Segment Reporting - The company operates in two segments: Content Production and Distribution, and Media Advisory and Advertising Services120121 Segment Revenues (in thousands) | Segment | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | | Content Production and Distribution | $8,637 | $5,192 | | Media Advisory and Advertising Services | $867 | $886 | | Total Revenues | $9,504 | $6,078 | Segment Net Loss Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc. (in thousands) | Segment | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | | Content Production and Distribution | $(6,026) | $(6,739) | | Media Advisory and Advertising Services | $(500) | $(306) | | Total Net Loss Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc. | $(6,526) | $(7,045) | Geographic Revenue (in thousands) | Geographic Area | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | | United States | $4,726 | $3,181 | | Canada | $3,026 | $140 | | United Kingdom | $1,712 | $2,559 | | Other | $40 | $198 | | Total Revenues | $9,504 | $6,078 | - Content Production and Distribution revenue increased by 66.3% YoY, while Media Advisory and Advertising Services revenue decreased by 2.1% YoY123 Note 22: Subsequent Events - Subsequent to March 31, 2025, the company sold marketable securities for $1.0 million and redeemed marketable securities for $0.3 million127 - The fair value of the investment in YFE declined due to a decrease in YFE's stock price from €1.81 (March 31, 2025) to €1.19 (May 14, 2025)128 - Stockholders approved an amendment to the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan to increase available shares by 5,000,000 and approved the issuance of up to 17,447,366 shares upon warrant exercise130 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition, operations, and liquidity for Q1 2025, detailing revenue/expense drivers, strategic focus, and customer concentration - The company's business strategy focuses on efficient content production (Mainframe Studios leveraging AI), scaling content distribution (Kartoon Channel!, Frederator, Ameba, also using AI for cost reduction), maximizing licensing and royalties from IP (especially Stan Lee assets), and expanding media advisory and advertising services into tangential industries133134135 Revenue Breakdown and Changes (in thousands, except percentages) | Revenue Category | 2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change | | :----------------------- | :------ | :------ | :------ | :------- | | Production Services | $6,572 | $2,763 | $3,809 | 138% | | Content Distribution | $1,981 | $2,329 | $(348) | (15)% | | Licensing and Royalties | $84 | $100 | $(16) | (16)% | | Media Advisory and Advertising Services | $867 | $886 | $(19) | (2)% | | Total Revenue | $9,504 | $6,078 | $3,426 | 56% | - Production Services revenue saw a substantial 138% increase due to a higher number of active projects, while Content Distribution and Licensing & Royalties experienced decreases136137138 Operating Expenses Breakdown and Changes (in thousands, except percentages) | Expense Category | 2025 | 2024 | Change | % Change | | :----------------------- | :------ | :------ | :------ | :------- | | Marketing and Sales | $186 | $444 | $(258) | (58)% | | Direct Operating Costs | $6,684 | $4,325 | $2,359 | 55% | | General and Administrative | $5,713 | $7,603 | $(1,890)| (25)% | | Total Expenses | $12,583 | $12,372 | $211 | 2% | - Direct Operating Costs increased by 55% due to higher salary costs and headcount for new production projects, while General and Administrative expenses decreased by 25% due to cost-saving initiatives and lower depreciation141142 - The company had negative working capital of $1.7 million as of March 31, 2025, a $2.9 million decrease from December 31, 2024, primarily driven by decreases in cash, accounts receivable, and tax credit receivables, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and production facilities149 - Management believes current cash balances and marketable securities are sufficient to support operations for at least the next twelve months, with future cash needs to be met through cost reductions, working capital optimization, and licensing advances148150 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. Kartoon Studios, Inc. is exempt from market risk disclosures as a smaller reporting company - The company is exempt from providing quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as it qualifies as a 'smaller reporting company'163 Item 4. Controls and Procedures. Disclosure controls were ineffective as of March 31, 2025, due to a material weakness in IT General Controls, with remediation ongoing - As of March 31, 2025, disclosure controls and procedures were deemed ineffective due to a material weakness in Information Technology General Controls (ITGC)165 - The material weakness is specifically related to inadequate design of user access provisioning/deprovisioning controls and insufficient segregation of duties166 - A remediation plan is underway, including transitioning administrative responsibilities to a third-party service provider, with the final phase expected in Q2 2025167 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings. Kartoon Studios, Inc. is involved in ongoing legal proceedings, including a securities class action, derivative actions, and Section 16(b) litigation - A securities class action lawsuit (In re Genius Brands International, Inc. Securities Litigation) is ongoing, with the District Court dismissing most claims but allowing a Section 10(b) claim based on March 2020 statements about 'Rainbow Rangers' airings172174 - Shareholder derivative actions (e.g., In re Genius Brands Stockholder Derivative Litigation) are stayed pending the outcome of the securities litigation, with plaintiffs seeking relief on behalf of the company179 - A Section 16(b) litigation (Todd Augenbaum v. Anson Investments Master Fund LP, et al.) seeks recovery of alleged short-swing profits from investor groups, with cross-motions for summary judgment pending after unsuccessful mediation180181 - The company denies wrongdoing in all active proceedings and intends to defend claims vigorously, with directors' and officers' liability insurance offsetting some defense costs183 Item 1A. Risk Factors. Kartoon Studios, Inc. faces risks including net losses, U.S. trade policy impacts, customer concentration, and potential stock price decline from share availability - The company has a history of operating losses, with a net loss of $6.6 million in Q1 2025 and $20.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, requiring additional revenue generation or cost reduction to achieve profitability185186 - Changes in U.S. trade policy, such as proposed tariffs on foreign-produced content, could adversely impact business operations, particularly due to reliance on Canadian and Asian animation production services187188 - A significant concentration of revenue comes from a few customers; in Q1 2025, four customers accounted for 85.1% of total revenue, and three customers accounted for 53.2% of total accounts receivable189 - The availability of a substantial number of common stock shares (45,486,817 freely trading, plus 24,165,466 warrants and 946,320 options outstanding) could lead to a decline in stock price190191 Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. No unregistered sales of equity securities or use of proceeds were reported during the period - No unregistered sales of equity securities or use of proceeds occurred during the reporting period192 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities. No defaults upon senior securities were reported during the period - No defaults upon senior securities were reported193 Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Mine safety disclosures are not applicable to the company's operations - Mine safety disclosures are not applicable to the company194 Item 5. Other Information. No directors or officers adopted, modified, or terminated Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements in Q1 2025 - No directors or officers adopted, modified, or terminated Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangements during Q1 2025195 Item 6. Exhibits. This section lists all exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q, including corporate governance documents and officer certifications - The exhibit index includes corporate governance documents (Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws), officer certifications (Section 302 and 906), and Inline XBRL documents197199 SIGNATURES - The report was signed on May 15, 2025, by Andy Heyward (Chief Executive Officer) and Brian Parisi (Chief Financial Officer)203