Latest news with #AndyHeyward
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kartoon Studios Q1 2025 Revenue Soars 56% Over Prior Year - Company on Track for Profit By End of Year
Mainframe Animation Unit Achieves Profitability, with Revenue up 138% Over Prior Year Quarter and 29% Sequentially Joining Kartoon Channel! and Beacon Media Profitable Units Four Straight Quarters of Growth, Zero Long-Term Debt, Profitable Animation Studio (Mainframe), Profitable Kids Streaming Service (Kartoon Channel!), and Valuable IP Projects Set the Stage for Investor Value Creation BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) today announced results for the first quarter of 2025, showcasing strong revenue growth, continuing improving margins, and disciplined cost control – all accelerating the Company's progress toward overall profitability by year-end. Q1 2025 Financial Highlights: Total Revenue up 56.4% year-over-year Production Services Revenue up 137.9% Operating Loss improved by 51.1% YoY and 11.9% sequentially G&A expenses reduced by 24.9% Mainframe Studios and Kartoon Channel! achieved profitability in the quarter fueled by revenue growth Why Kartoon Studios Is Poised for Investor Growth: 56% YoY revenue growth and four consecutive quarters of topline gains Profitable, cash-generating studio: Mainframe Studios, with 90%+ of 2025 budget revenue already under contract Profitable Kids streaming service: Kartoon Channel! U.S. streamer service continues to grow and remains the #1 viewer-ranked kids' streaming app in the Apple App Store, outperforming Netflix, YouTube Kids, Disney+, and PBS Kids. Zero long-term debt and a streamlined cost structure Upcoming high-potential franchises: A Hundred Acre Woods' Winnie & Friends' and Stan Lee's The Excelsiors coming to market by year end and poised to make significant contributions. Kartoon Channel! Worldwide global distribution is now available to 1.5 billion+ viewer universe across 61+ countries 'We've spent the last year optimizing every aspect of our business – lowering costs, deepening partnerships, and expanding distribution,' said Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Kartoon Studios. 'With a profitable studio division (Mainframe), scalable digital platform (Kartoon Channel!), and powerful IP on the horizon (Hundred Acre Woods' Winnie and Friends''; Stan Lee Universe/The Excelsiors), Kartoon Studios is now positioned to unlock long-term shareholder value.' Mainframe Studios: Profit Engine Driving Visibility and Margin Expansion Mainframe Studios delivered profitability in Q1 2025 and continues to serve as Kartoon Studios' consistent and strategic revenue driver. Its deep, long-standing partnerships with industry leaders such as Disney, Netflix, Sony Kids, Mattel, Spin Master, and PBS, with major brands, speak to the studio's unmatched ability to deliver high-quality animation at scale, on time, and on budget. Mainframe is currently producing content for some of the world's biggest entertainment franchises – including Barbie, CoComelon, SuperKitties, Unicorn Academy, and Octonauts – each of which commands massive global audiences. With over 90% of its 2025 revenue already under contract and a production backlog extending into 2026, Mainframe offers Kartoon Studios not just financial visibility but operational stability and scalability. This pipeline reduces execution risk, supports gross margin expansion, and positions Kartoon Studios to benefit directly from the enduring success of the world's most beloved IP. Kartoon Channel! Growth Accelerates as Kartoon Channel! continues its dominance as the #1 kids' streaming app on the Apple App Store, consistently outperforming YouTube Kids, Netflix, and Disney+ in the family entertainment category. In Q1, FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel watch time more than doubled year-over-year, reflecting deepening viewer engagement and brand stickiness. The platform's global reach now spans over 61 countries and more than 1.5 billion potential viewers, thanks to widespread distribution across Samsung TV Plus, LG, Roku, Apple TV, Prime Video, Xumo, Pluto TV, and by a growing library of premium content—including Peppa Pig, Super Mario Brothers, Kidaverse Roblox Rumble, Minecraft: Journey to the End, and originals like Shaq's Garage and Rainbow Rangers – Kartoon Channel! combines safety, accessibility, and entertainment value in one of the fastest-growing segments of digital media. As advertisers and content partners look to align with brand-safe environments, the platform is poised to unlock significant growth in both viewership and monetization. Franchise Building: IP That Moves MarketsWith Hundred Acre Woods' Winnie and Friends in production, Kartoon Studios is building what it believes will be a large global merchandising franchise. The project is Executive Produced by Andy Heyward and Linda Woolverton, the trailblazing screenwriter behind Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, and Maleficent, whose films have collectively grossed billions of dollars and helped redefine modern fairy tales for global audiences. Her ability to craft emotionally resonant, franchise-driven stories positions Winnie and Friends for long-term cultural and commercial impact. Joining her is John Rivoli, a top-tier creative branding expert known for his visual work on Harry Potter, Batman, The Lord of the Rings, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Rivoli's expertise in translating IP into iconic consumer product lines and immersive brand experiences gives Winnie and Friends a direct path into high-impact retail programs and licensing categories. Together, Woolverton and Rivoli bring a rare combination of storytelling excellence and commercial vision—offering Kartoon Studios a powerful opportunity to transform Winnie and Friends into a globally recognized, multi-platform franchise with deep merchandising potential. Meanwhile, Stan Lee's The Excelsiors and a new animated Christmas movie are expected to further build brand equity and long-term monetization opportunities across Kartoon Studios' growing IP portfolio. Financial Discipline and Strategic Investment'Q1 is all about momentum building off our successful business recovery in 2024. The Q1 results reflect a leaner, more focused Company,' said Brian Parisi, CFO. 'We've cut G&A nearly 25%, recorded our 4th consecutive quarter of revenue growth, improved operating losses by over 50%, and maintained a debt-free balance sheet. With increasing revenue predictability and strong engagement across platforms, we believe Kartoon Studios is structurally positioned for profitable growth.' Looking Ahead: Profitability in 2025, Long-Term Shareholder Value With four consecutive quarters of revenue growth, zero long-term debt, and Mainframe Studios now profitable, Kartoon Studios expects to achieve company-wide profitability by the fourth quarter of 2025. The Company is focused on leveraging IP-driven content, and scaling monetization through licensing, theatrical, and digital channels to drive sustainable shareholder value. For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, Kartoon Studios reported revenue of $9.5 million, current assets of $25.1 million, and stockholders' equity of $30.1 million, with no long-term debt. The Company's full financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 will be available in its Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and accessible on Kartoon Studios' website. About Kartoon StudiosKartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of premium entertainment brands for children and families. The Company's diverse portfolio includes some of the most recognized properties in kids' media, including original IP like Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shaq's Garage starring Shaquille O'Neal, Rainbow Rangers, and Llama Llama starring Jennifer Garner. Kartoon Studios owns a controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, managing the legendary creator's name, likeness, signature, voice, consumer products licensing, and original post-Marvel IP. Stan Lee is widely regarded as one of the most influential storytellers in modern history, with his characters appearing in four of the top ten highest-grossing films of all time. Kartoon Studios' animation powerhouse, Mainframe Studios, has delivered over 1,000 half-hour episodes and more than 60 feature-length projects. The studio's partners include Disney, Netflix, Mattel, and Sony, with current productions such as Barbie, CoComelon, and Unicorn Academy. Through its wholly owned Toon Media Networks—including Kartoon Channel!, Ameba, and Frederator Network—Kartoon Studios reaches audiences worldwide across linear, AVOD, SVOD, and FAST platforms. Kartoon Channel! is the #1 kids' app on the Apple App Store and delivers thousands of hours of family-friendly content, including top-performing series like Peppa Pig Shorts, Mother Goose Club, Talking Tom & Friends, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and educational content through Kartoon Classroom and Spanish language collection KC En Español. Frederator Network operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, featuring over 2,000 exclusive creators with billions of annual views. In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada's WOW! Unlimited Media and became the largest shareholder in Germany's Your Family Entertainment AG, a leading European kids' content company. The Company also includes Beacon Media Group, a full-service kids and family agency offering integrated PR, social media, influencer, creative, and media buying services across entertainment, lifestyle, gaming, and tech verticals. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding being poised for revenue growth and reaching sustained profitability in 2025 with rebound in animation production pipeline and continuing profit in children's channel; system; releasing A.A. MILNE'S WINNIE-THE-POOH sneak peek animation trailer featuring two new female characters; development plans for Stan Lee's The Excelsiors – one of the largest initial superhero ensemble creations by the legendary Stan Lee: launching the project as a graphic novel through Legible Comics, with concurrent development for television and film adaptations, overseen by industry icon and BATMAN Executive Producer, Michael Uslan: the collaboration with LiveOne (LVO: NASDAQ) to produce, publish, and distribute all music for its Winnie-the-Pooh films and series, including original songs, albums, and soundtracks; continuing to build on the positive results achieved in the first half of the year; the Company's ability to expand its brand globally in 2025 and beyond; the Company's belief that its initiatives reinforce its commitment to building a dynamic, diversified, children's entertainment portfolio that resonates with audiences worldwide, positioning the Company for long-term success; the future success of Mainframe Studios; current initiatives guiding Kartoon Studios toward profitability in 2025; operating at a sustainable expense level for the foreseeable future; and being well-positioned to capitalize on future growth opportunities and deliver long-term value for shareholders;. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the Company's ability to sustain growth and profitability in 2025; the Company's ability to expand its brand globally in 2025 and beyond; the ability of the Company to achieve profitability in 2025; the successful release of the Company's Winnie-the-Pooh films and series; the successful production and release of the Company's animated Christmas movie set to premiere December 24, 2025; the Company's ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; fluctuations in the results of the Company's operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; the Company's ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; the Company's reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; the Company's ability to market and advertise its products; the Company's reliance on third-parties to promote its products; the Company's ability to keep pace with technological advances; the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property and those other risk factors set forth in the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. MEDIA CONTACT:pr@ INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT: Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kartoon Studios to Report Q4 2024 Results Pre-Market on March 31
CEO Andy Heyward and CFO Brian Parisi to Host Video Q&A Session with Investor Bryce McNallie of the Popular McNallie Money Podcast BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) today announced that the company will report Q4 2024 results pre-market on March 31. A press release will be available via Globe Newswire and posted at In addition, Kartoon Studios will stream a video Q&A session with CEO Andy Heyward and CFO Brian Parisi, hosted by Bryce McNallie of the popular McNallie Money Podcast. The interview will be posted shortly after Q4 results are announced via the company's social media channels, including X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. It can also be viewed via the company's YouTube Channel and the McNallie Money Podcast. About Kartoon Studios Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company's IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, 'Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten,' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; 'Shaq's Garage,' starring Shaquille O'Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; 'Rainbow Rangers' on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, 'Llama Llama,' starring Jennifer Garner, and more. In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada's WOW! Unlimited Media, along with its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, produces top brands for third parties, including 'Cocomelon,' 'Barbie's Playhouse,' Unicorn Academy,' and 'SuperKitties.' Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany's Your Family Entertainment AG, one of Europe's leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families. Toon Media Networks, the Company's wholly-owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Xbox, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually. For additional information, please visit MEDIA CONTACT:pr@ INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT: ir@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kartoon Studios Partners With Samsung TV Plus to Launch Free Kids Streaming Channel in the U.S. and Canada
Kartoon Channel! Premieres to Tens of Millions of New Viewers Through One of the Largest Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (Fast) Platforms Featured Programming Includes Gaming-Focused Content Such as BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. , Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) today announced a major distribution expansion through a partnership with Samsung TV Plus – one of the world's largest Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms. Starting today, Kartoon Channel! is now available to tens of millions of households across the United States and Canada bringing family-friendly entertainment to connected Samsung TVs. With gaming culture at the heart of today's youth entertainment landscape, Kartoon Channel! is delivering premium, differentiated content that resonates with young audiences. The lineup includes Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble, a must-watch for fans of the global gaming phenomenon, alongside animation based on legendary videogame franchises such as Super Mario Bros., Angry Birds, and Talking Tom and Friends. The channel also features Kartoon Studios' originals, including Rainbow Rangers, and classics like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Bakugan. 'Samsung TV Plus gives us an incredible opportunity to bring Kartoon Channel! to even more families across North America,' said Todd Steinman, President of Toon Media Networks. 'Parents are looking for streaming options that are not only entertaining but also safe and curated for their children. Kartoon Channel! delivers exactly that, with a growing slate of engaging, family-friendly programming that kids love.' Andy Heyward, CEO of Kartoon Studios, commented: "Kartoon Channel remains the top-ranked children's viewing platform in the Apple app store, outperforming Netflix, Disney+, PBS Kids, and YouTube Kids. We are excited to partner now with Samsung TV+, which we believe will fuel Kartoon Channel's growth and a tentpole of profit for Kartoon Studios." About Kartoon Studios Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company's IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, 'Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten,' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; 'Shaq's Garage,' starring Shaquille O'Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; 'Rainbow Rangers' on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, 'Llama Llama,' starring Jennifer Garner, and more. In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada's WOW! Unlimited Media, along with its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, produces top brands for third parties, including 'Cocomelon,' 'Barbie's Playhouse,' Unicorn Academy,' and 'SuperKitties.' Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany's Your Family Entertainment AG, one of Europe's leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families. Toon Media Networks, the Company's wholly-owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Xbox, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually. For additional information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release and include statements regarding Samsung TV Plus giving the Company an opportunity to bring Kartoon Channel! to families across North America and partnering with Samsung TV+ fueling Kartoon Channel's growth. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation the success of the Kartoon Channel! on Samsung TV! and those other risk factors set forth in the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. MEDIA CONTACT:pr@ INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT: ir@ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kartoon Studios Executives to Unveil 2025 Dynamic Growth Plans on Smart Money Circle Podcast
Revenue Growth, Share Price, Earnings, IP Expansion, and Global Distribution Growth Frame CEO and CFO Interview Video Will Be Available Thursday at 8:30 am ET on 's YouTube Channel and Via Kartoon Studios' YouTube, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn Accounts BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) invites investors to an exclusive discussion on the company's 2025 corporate growth outlook, hosted by the Smart Money Circle podcast. CEO Andy Heyward and CFO Brian Parisi will join renowned investor and host Adam Sarhan to reveal their strategic vision and provide insights into the company's future projects, including The Hundred Acre Wood's Winnie-The-Pooh, Stan Lee Universe, and the growing Kartoon Channel, among others. The video will be available on the Smart Money Circle YouTube channel beginning Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT, and Kartoon Studios' YouTube channel, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. 'Our 2025 outlook represents a pivotal moment for Kartoon Studios as we prepare to roll out our iconic intellectual properties and our growing distribution system,' said Andy Heyward, CEO of Kartoon Studios.'We are excited to share our vision for the future, which we believe will redefine family entertainment and drive significant growth across all aspects of our business.' About Kartoon Studios Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company's IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, and post-Marvel Stan Lee content of over 200 characters through its controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, as well as 'Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten,' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; 'Shaq's Garage,' starring Shaquille O'Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; 'Rainbow Rangers' on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, 'Llama Llama,' starring Jennifer Garner, and more. In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada's WOW! Unlimited Media, and a material financial interest in its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, which is one of the most successful animation service houses in the world, producing top brands for 3rd parties, including 'Cocomelon,' 'Barbie's Playhouse,' Unicorn Academy,' and 'SuperKitties.' Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany's Your Family Entertainment AG (FRA:RTV), one of Europe's leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families. Toon Media Networks, the Company's wholly owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform with near full penetration of the U.S. market. Kartoon Channel continually is ranked by viewers in the Apple app store at the top of user entertainment apps. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually. For additional information, please visit Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release and include statements regarding the video being available on the Smart Money Circle YouTube channel beginning Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT, and Kartoon Studios' YouTube channel, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts and the Company's vision for the future redefining family entertainment and driving significant growth across all aspects of our business. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of the Company to redefine family entertainment and drive significant growth across all aspects of our business; audience reaction to the video; our ability to generate revenue or achieve profitability; our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; fluctuations in the results of our operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; our ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; our reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; our ability to market and advertise our products; our reliance on third-parties to promote our products; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; our ability to protect our intellectual property and those other risk factors set forth in the 'Risk Factors' section of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. MEDIA CONTACT:pr@ INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:ir@
