KARTOON STUDIOS, INC. 10-Q
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30,
2026
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period
from ___________ to ___________
Commission file number:
001-37950
KARTOON STUDIOS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
20-4118216
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
190 N. Canon Drive , 4 th FL
Beverly Hills , CA 90210
(Address of principal executive
offices and zip code)
Registrant’s telephone
number, including area code: 310 - 273-4222
______________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
TOON
The NYSE American
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
N/A
The NYSE American
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
(1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) 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 x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405
of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files) Yes
x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.
See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,”
and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer x
Smaller reporting company
x
Emerging growth company
o
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of August 13, 2026, the registrant had
62,204,105 shares of common stock outstanding.
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents
Page Number
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2026 (unaudited) and December 31, 2025
3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months and Six Months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025
4
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months and Six Months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025
5
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months and Six Months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025
6
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025
8
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
10
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
38
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
51
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
51
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
52
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
54
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
57
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
57
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
57
Item 5. Other Information.
57
Item 6. Exhibits.
58
SIGNATURES
59
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except for share data)
As of
June 30,
2026
December
31, 2025
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash
$ 7,742
$ 2,943
Investments in Marketable Securities
(amortized cost of $ 32,754
and $ 3,953 ,
respectively)
32,763
3,978
Accounts Receivable (net of allowance
of $ 7 and
$ 3 ,
respectively)
2,059
9,632
Tax Credits Receivable (net of
allowance of $ 427
and $ 423 ,
respectively)
17,494
16,800
Other Receivable
1,346
1,571
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
1,643
841
Total Current Assets
63,047
35,765
Noncurrent Assets:
Property and Equipment, net
1,327
1,635
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, net
4,511
5,114
Finance Lease Right-of-Use Assets, net
210
312
Film and Television Costs, net
7,283
4,878
Investment in Your Family Entertainment AG
1,863
5,481
Intangible Assets, net
16,178
17,604
Other Assets
114
118
Total Assets
$ 94,533
$ 70,907
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
$ 5,666
$ 12,115
Participations Payable
1,161
1,024
Accrued Expenses
1,776
744
Accrued Salaries and Wages
1,390
1,370
Deferred Revenue
2,732
4,391
Production Facilities, net
12,928
11,819
Current Portion of Operating Lease Liabilities
1,080
1,077
Current Portion of Finance Lease Liabilities
116
156
Due to Related Party
–
5
Standstill Agreement Payable
4,000
–
Other Current Liabilities
750
750
Total Current Liabilities
31,599
33,451
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Deferred Revenue
3,415
3,369
Operating Lease Liabilities, net of Current Portion
3,829
4,488
Finance Lease Liabilities, net of Current Portion
86
144
Deferred Tax Liability, net
1,181
1,225
Factoring Liability
776
689
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
22
8
Total Liabilities
40,908
43,374
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 19)
–
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred Stock, 10,000,000
shares authorized, 0
shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025
–
–
0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $ 0.001
par value, 6,000
shares authorized, 0
shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025
–
–
Series B Preferred Stock, $ 0.001
par value, 0
shares authorized, 0
shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025
–
–
Series C Preferred Stock, $ 0.001
par value, 50,000
shares authorized, 0
shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025
–
–
Common Stock, $ 0.001
par value, 190,000,000
shares authorized, 62,629,255
and 55,282,150
shares issued and 62,204,105
and 54,857,000
shares outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively
62
55
Additional Paid-in Capital
799,305
793,814
Treasury Stock at Cost, 425,150
shares of common stock as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025
( 604 )
( 604 )
Accumulated Deficit
( 743,197 )
( 763,817 )
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
( 3,188 )
( 3,238 )
Total Kartoon Studios, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity
52,378
26,210
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated
Subsidiaries
1,247
1,323
Total Stockholders’ Equity
53,625
27,533
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’
Equity
$ 94,533
$ 70,907
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except for share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Revenues:
Production Services
$ 3,459
$ 7,359
$ 7,552
$ 13,931
Content Distribution
1,853
1,992
4,126
3,973
Licensing and Royalties
61
86
134
170
Media Advisory and Advertising Services
448
842
1,247
1,709
Total Revenues
5,821
10,279
13,059
19,783
Operating Expenses:
Marketing and Sales
139
167
331
353
Direct Operating Costs
4,634
7,113
9,352
13,797
General and Administrative
4,458
6,214
9,589
11,927
Total Operating Expenses
9,231
13,494
19,272
26,077
Loss from Operations
( 3,410 )
( 3,215 )
( 6,213 )
( 6,294 )
Interest Expense
( 175 )
( 165 )
( 408 )
( 293 )
Other Income (Expense), net
31,107
( 2,887 )
27,738
( 6,271 )
Profit (Loss) Before Income Tax Expense
27,522
( 6,267 )
21,117
( 12,858 )
Income Tax Expense
( 573 )
–
( 573 )
–
Net Income (Loss)
26,949
( 6,267 )
20,544
( 12,858 )
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
36
104
76
169
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc.
$ 26,985
$ ( 6,163 )
$ 20,620
$ ( 12,689 )
Net Income (Loss) per Share (Basic)
$ 0.41
$ ( 0.13 )
$ 0.32
$ ( 0.27 )
Net Income (Loss) per Share (Diluted)
$ 0.38
$ ( 0.13 )
$ 0.30
$ ( 0.27 )
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Basic)
66,155,559
47,805,923
64,457,474
47,252,544
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Diluted)
70,969,988
47,805,923
68,184,187
47,252,544
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Net Income (Loss)
$ 26,949
$ ( 6,267 )
$ 20,544
$ ( 12,858 )
Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Change in Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Marketable Securities
( 6 )
11
( 16 )
45
Realized Losses on Marketable Securities Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings
–
32
–
28
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
57
37
66
68
Total Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
51
80
50
141
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$ 27,000
$ ( 6,187 )
$ 20,594
$ ( 12,717 )
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
36
104
76
169
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc.
$ 27,036
$ ( 6,083 )
$ 20,670
$ ( 12,548 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’
Equity
(in thousands, except for share data)
(Unaudited)
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Additional Paid-in
Treasury Stock
Accumulated
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Non-Controlling
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Shares
Amount
Deficit
Loss
Interest
Total
December 31, 2025
54,857,000
$ 55
–
$ –
$ 793,814
425,150
$ ( 604 )
$ ( 763,817 )
$ ( 3,238 )
$ 1,323
$ 27,533
Issuance of Common Stock for Services
625,346
1
–
–
583
–
–
–
–
–
584
Issuance of Common Stock for Vested Restricted Stock Units, Net of Shares Withheld for Taxes
69,122
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Issuance of Common Stock for Accounts Payable Settlement
977,360
1
–
–
682
–
–
–
–
–
683
Share Based Compensation
–
–
–
–
191
–
–
–
–
–
191
Realized Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings, net change in Unrealized Loss
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
( 10 )
–
( 10 )
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
9
9
Net Loss
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
( 6,365 )
–
( 40 )
( 6,405 )
Balance, March 31, 2026
56,528,828
$ 57
–
$ –
$ 795,270
425,150
$ ( 604 )
$ ( 770,182 )
$ ( 3,239 )
$ 1,283
$ 22,585
Issuance of Common Stock for Services
2,087,519
2
–
–
1,503
–
–
–
–
–
1,505
Issuance of Common Stock for Vested Restricted Stock Units, Net of Shares Withheld for Taxes
34,711
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Issuance of Common Stock for Accounts Payable Settlement
2,553,047
2
–
–
1,770
–
–
–
–
–
1,772
Share Based Compensation
–
–
–
–
193
–
–
–
–
–
193
Warrant exercise
1,000,000
1
–
–
569
–
–
–
–
–
570
Realized Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings, net change in Unrealized Loss
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
( 6 )
–
( 6 )
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
57
–
57
Net Income (Loss)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
26,985
–
( 36 )
26,949
Balance, June 30, 2026
62,204,105
$ 62
–
$ –
$ 799,305
425,150
$ ( 604 )
$ ( 743,197 )
$ ( 3,188 )
$ 1,247
$ 53,625
6
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Additional Paid-in
Treasury Stock
Accumulated
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Non-Controlling
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
Capital
Shares
Amount
Deficit
Loss
Interest
Total
December 31, 2024
46,209,081
$ 46
–
$ –
$ 777,930
75,997
$ ( 340 )
$ ( 739,286 )
$ ( 3,379 )
$ 1,489
$ 36,460
Issuance of Common Stock for Services
14,990
–
–
–
3
–
–
–
–
–
3
Issuance of Common Stock for Vested Restricted Stock Units, Net of Shares Withheld for Taxes
99,177
1
–
–
27
134
–
–
–
–
28
Share Based Compensation
–
–
–
–
87
–
–
–
–
–
87
Stock Options Granted to Consultants
–
–
–
–
8
–
–
–
–
–
8
Warrant exercise
1,462,000
1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
Realized Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings, net change in Unrealized Loss
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
30
–
30
Currency Translation Adjustment
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
31
–
31
Net Loss
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
( 6,526 )
–
( 65 )
( 6,591 )
Balance, March 31, 2025
47,785,248
$ 48
–
$ –
$ 778,055
76,131
$ ( 340 )
$ ( 745,812 )
$ ( 3,318 )
$ 1,424
$ 30,057
Issuance of Common Stock for Services
77,292
–
–
–
52
–
–
–
–
–
52
Issuance of Common Stock for Vested Restricted Stock Units, Net of Shares Withheld for Taxes
44,029
–
–
–
–
135
–
–
–
–
–
Proceeds from Securities Purchase Agreement, Net
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Share Based Compensation
–
–
–
–
48
–
–
–
–
–
48
Stock Options Granted to Consultants
–
–
–
–
( 4 )
–
–
–
–
–
( 4 )
Warrant Reclassification
–
–
–
–
5,709
–
–
–
–
–
5,709
Realized Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings, net change in Unrealized Loss
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
43
–
43
Currency Translation Adjustment
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
37
–
37
Net Loss
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
( 6,163 )
–
( 104 )
( 6,267 )
Balance, June 30, 2025
47,906,569
$ 48
–
$ –
$ 783,860
76,266
$ ( 340 )
$ ( 751,975 )
$ ( 3,238 )
$ 1,320
$ 29,675
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six Months
Ended June 30,
2026
2025
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)
$ 20,544
$ ( 12,858 )
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income
(Loss) to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:
Amortization of Film and Television Costs
549
107
Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Equipment
and Intangible Assets
1,345
1,277
Amortization of Right-of-Use Assets
550
530
Amortization of Premium on Marketable Securities
–
7
Share Based Compensation Expense
384
135
Loss on Settlement of Related Party Note
–
1,344
Loss on Debt Settlement
754
–
Gain on Early Lease Termination
–
( 4 )
Loss on Revaluation of Equity
Investments in Your Family Entertainment AG
3,471
7,418
Unrealized Loss (Gain) on Foreign
Currency of Equity Investments in Your Family Entertainment AG
147
( 1,761 )
Accounts Payable Settled in Stock
1,702
–
Standstill Agreement Payable
4,000
–
Loss on Warrant Revaluation
–
232
Realized Loss on Marketable Securities
–
28
Stock Issued for Services
2,089
81
Stock Options Issued for Services
–
4
Credit Loss Expense
24
61
Non-cash Interest Expense
87
–
Other Non-Cash Items
–
13
Decrease (Increase) in Operating Assets:
Accounts Receivable
7,539
5,050
Other Receivable
221
( 149 )
Tax Credits Earned (less capitalized)
( 3,975 )
( 5,889 )
Tax Credits Received, net
2,716
5,069
Film and Television Costs, net
( 3,041 )
( 1,952 )
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
( 815 )
( 750 )
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities:
Accounts Payable
( 6,425 )
( 5,221 )
Accrued Salaries and Wages
47
656
Accrued Expenses
1,035
872
Accrued Production Costs
298
11
Participations Payable
142
( 366 )
Deferred Revenue
( 1,479 )
213
Lease Liability
( 491 )
( 447 )
Due From Related Party
–
3
Other Liabilities
14
( 4 )
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
$ 31,432
$ ( 6,290 )
8
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from Sales and Maturities of Marketable Securities
4,003
3,152
Investment in Marketable Securities
( 32,754 )
( 1,771 )
Purchase of Property and Equipment
( 75 )
( 80 )
Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
Investing Activities
$ ( 28,826 )
$ 1,301
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from Margin Loan
3,653
5,223
Repayments of Margin Loan
( 3,702 )
( 6,005 )
Proceeds from Production Facilities
3,741
5,221
Repayment of Production Facilities
( 2,494 )
( 4,476 )
Principal Payments on Finance Lease Obligations
( 94 )
( 208 )
Debt Issuance Costs
( 2 )
( 29 )
Proceeds from Warrant Exercise
570
1
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
$ 1,672
$ ( 273 )
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
521
( 555 )
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash
4,799
( 5,817 )
Beginning Cash
2,943
8,385
Ending Cash
$ 7,742
$ 2,568
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Cash Paid for Interest
$ 31
$ 35
Cash Paid for Taxes
$ –
$ –
Non-Cash Operating Activities
Reduction in Leased Asset Due to Modified Lease Liability
$ –
$ 106
Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities
Leased Assets Obtained in Exchange for New Finance
Lease Liabilities
$ 10
$ 356
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these condensed consolidated financial statements.
9
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
June 30, 2026
Note 1: Organization and Business
Kartoon Studios, Inc. (the
“Company,” “Kartoon Studios,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a global content and
brand management company focused on the creation, production, licensing, and distribution of multimedia animated content for children.
Led by experienced industry personnel, the Company’s core business includes original intellectual property (“IP”) development,
third-party IP production services, media agency, and content monetization through licensing and owned distribution platforms.
Kartoon Studios’ owned
and produced titles include Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger), Llama Llama (starring
Jennifer Garner), Rainbow Rangers , KC! Pop Quiz , and Shaq’s Garage (starring Shaquille O’Neal). The Company’s
library also includes titles such as Baby Genius , Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab , Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires
Club , Team Zenko Go! , Reboot , Bee & PuppyCat: Lazy in Space , and Castlevania . The Company maintains
a strategy of leveraging owned IP and third-party relationships to expand distribution and consumer product licensing. The Company is
also developing Hundred Acre Wood’s: Winnie and Friends, a new franchise property inspired by A.A. Milne’s Winnie the
Pooh , consisting of 78 full-length streaming episodes, over 200 short-form episodes, holiday specials, and a global consumer products
program. The main launch is anticipated in Q1 2027, with plans to expand across experiential activations and live events.
Kartoon Studios also owns
Wow Unlimited Media Inc. (“Wow”), through which the Company holds its interest in Mainframe Studios, one of North America’s
largest animation production studios. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mainframe created ReBoot ,
the first fully CG-animated television series. Mainframe operates primarily as a producer-for-hire for major streaming platforms, broadcasters,
and intellectual property holders. To date, Mainframe has produced over 1,200 television episodes, 70 movies, and 3 feature films, including
titles such as It’s Andrew!, Phoebe and Jay, Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures , Octonauts: Above & Beyond , Cocomelon ,
SuperKitties , and Unicorn Academy , in partnership with leading global media companies.
The Company distributes its
content across streaming platforms, linear television, and its ad-supported and subscription-based video-on-demand (“VOD”)
services and apps, including Kartoon Channel! and Ameba TV . Distribution partners include YouTube, YouTube Kids, Amazon
Prime Video, Amazon Fire, Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android TV, Android mobile, Pluto TV, Xumo, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, Google TV, Cox, DISH,
Sling TV, KartoonChannel.com, and smart TVs from Samsung and LG. The Company also licenses content to third-party networks and streaming
services globally, including Netflix, Paramount+, HBO Max, and Nickelodeon.
The Company also owns The
Beacon Media Group, LLC and The Beacon Communications Group, Ltd. (collectively, “Beacon”), a specialized media and marketing
agency focused on children’s and family audiences. Beacon represents over 20 established and emerging brands across the toy, consumer
products, and family entertainment sectors, including Bandai Namco, Moose Toys, Bazooka Brands, Goliath Games, Playmates Toys, and Cepia
LLC. The agency has developed a strong reputation within the toy industry, supported by long-standing client relationships, deep category
expertise, and a consistent track record of campaign execution. The Company believes that Beacon’s positioning within a niche, relationship-driven
market provides barriers to entry and supports durable demand for its services.
The Company owns Ameba Inc.
which operates Ameba TV, a subscription streaming service with a focus on educational and entertainment content for younger children.
As a cornerstone of the Company’s subscription offerings, Ameba delivers a vast library of engaging and educational content, accessible
across multiple platforms.
Through its investment in
Germany-based Your Family Entertainment AG (“YFE”), a publicly listed company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol
“RTV”), the Company holds a strategic interest in one of Europe’s leading independent children’s content providers,
with a catalog of approximately 150 titles and 3,500 half-hour episodes.
10
The Company holds a controlling
interest in Stan Lee Universe, LLC (“SLU”), which owns the IP rights to Stan Lee’s name, likeness, signature, and associated
IP assets. Existing licensing arrangements include a non-exclusive license with Marvel for Stan Lee’s likeness to appear in Marvel films
and a separate non-exclusive license with the Walt Disney Company for use of Stan Lee’s likeness in Walt Disney theme parks. Additional
brand partnerships include an agreement with Madame Tussauds. The Company considers the SLU to be a core component of its IP portfolio
and is currently developing plans for expanded commercialization across animation, publishing, licensing, and global consumer products
in connection with its 2026 strategic initiatives.
Kartoon Studios’ common
stock is listed on the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”) under the ticker symbol “TOON.”
Recent Transactions
Section 3(a)(10) Accounts Payable Settlement
On August 27, 2025, the Company
entered into an agreement to engage in a transaction under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”) with Continuation Capital, Inc. (“CCI”), to settle $ 1.8 million of outstanding accounts payable, in exchange for
issuing 3,148,535 shares of common stock. Under the terms of the agreement, CCI makes payments to the Company’s vendors in cash
and, in exchange, the Company issues shares of common stock to CCI. The settlement was valued at 1.75 shares of common stock per $1 of
accounts payable, pursuant to the terms of the agreement. The transaction was approved by a court after a public hearing on the fairness
of the terms and conditions. The transaction was carried out in stages and completed in the year ended December 31, 2025.
On November 18, 2025, the
Company entered into a new agreement to settle an additional $ 1 .0 million of outstanding accounts payable under Section 3(a)(10) of the
Securities Act with CCI, in exchange for issuing 1,695,072 shares of common stock. The terms were consistent with the original arrangement
and were approved by a court after a public hearing. The settlement arrangement was carried out in stages and completed through the first
quarter of 2026, settling a total of $1.0 million of accounts payable and issuing an aggregate of 1,695,072 shares of common stock to
CCI. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company settled an aggregate of $ 0.6 million of accounts payable, issued 977,360
shares of common stock to CCI, and recognized a loss of $ 0.1 million on the settlement, representing the difference between the carrying
value of liabilities extinguished and the fair value of shares issued, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the Company’s
condensed consolidated statements of operations.
On April 8, 2026, the Company
entered into a new agreement to settle an additional $ 1.1 million of accounts payable under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act with
CCI, in exchange for issuing 2,001,797 shares of common stock, and to settle additional obligations up to $ 0.3 million in exchange for
issuing 551,250 shares of common stock. The terms were consistent with the original arrangement. The settlement arrangement was carried
out in stages and completed as of June 30, 2026. During the three months ended June 30, 2026, the Company recognized a loss
of $ 0.6 million on the settlement, representing the difference between the carrying value of liabilities extinguished and the fair value
of shares issued, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
October 2025 Financing
On October 22, 2025, pursuant
to the terms of a securities purchase agreement (the “October 2025 Purchase Agreement”) entered into with an institutional
investor (the “October 2025 Investor”), the Company closed a registered direct offering (the “Registered Direct Offering”)
of 3,000,000 shares (the “October 2025 Shares”) of its common stock, and pre-funded warrants (the “October 2025 Pre-Funded
Warrants”) to purchase up to 6,903,049 shares of common stock to the October 2025 Investor. In a concurrent private placement (the
“Concurrent Private Placement” and, together with the Registered Direct Offering, the “October Offerings”), pursuant
to the October 2025 Purchase Agreement, the Company also sold to the October 2025 Investor unregistered warrants (the “October 2025
Common Warrants”) to purchase up to 9,903,049 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $0.738 per share. Each October 2025
Share and privately placed October 2025 Common Warrant was sold at a combined public offering price of $0.738, and each October 2025 Pre-Funded
Warrant and privately placed October 2025 Common Warrant was sold at a combined public offering price of $0.737, for aggregate gross proceeds
at closing of approximately $ 7.3 million, prior to deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. In connection with the
October Offerings, the Company paid to the placement agent a cash fee equal to 7% of the aggregate gross proceeds from the sale of the
securities sold in this offering, plus $ 75,000 as a reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket expenses. The placement agent also is entitled
to receive 7% of the gross proceeds received from the exercise of any of the October 2025 Common Warrants, if any. In addition, the Company
issued warrants (the “Placement Agent Warrants”) to purchase 693,213 shares of common stock to the placement agent and its
designees with an exercise price of $0.8118 per share. A registration statement on Form S-1 registering the resale of common stock to
be issued upon exercise of the Placement Agent Warrants and the October 2025 Common Warrants was declared effective on December 9, 2025.
11
Section 16(b) Litigation Settlement
Between May 29, 2026 and
June 11, 2026, the Company entered into settlement agreements with six defendants (the “Settling Parties”) in the action
styled Todd Augenbaum v. Anson Investments Master Fund LP, et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-00249 (S.D.N.Y.) , an action brought under
Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by a stockholder on behalf of and for the benefit of the Company, in which the
Company is named only as a nominal defendant, seeking disgorgement of alleged short-swing profits realized by certain investors in
the Company’s 2020 private placements. The Settling Parties agreed to pay the Company aggregate settlement amounts of $78.5
million minus fees and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel (in an amount not yet determined), subject to certain terms and
conditions, and the parties agreed to mutual releases. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, 50% of each settlement amount, or
$39.2 million in the aggregate, was paid directly to the Company during June 2026, and the remaining 50% was deposited into escrow
to fund the court-awarded fees and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel, with any residual balance payable to the Company after the
applicable approval orders become final. The Company recognized the $ 39.2
million received as a non-recurring, non-operating gain, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the Company’s condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2026. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification
(“ASC”) 450-30-25-1, any residual amounts distributable to the Company from escrow constitute a gain contingency and
will be recognized if and when realized. In connection with the settlement with the Anson Investments Master Fund LP and its
affiliates (collectively, the “Anson Parties”), on June 10, 2026, the Company entered into a standstill and voting
agreement with the Anson Parties, under which the Company agreed to pay the Anson parties $ 4 .0
million and the Anson Parties agreed to certain voting commitments and standstill restrictions through June 11, 2027. The Company
recognized this amount as a non-operating loss, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the Company’s condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2026.
Adoption of Stockholder Rights Plan and Related Measures
On July 1, 2026, the
Board of Directors adopted a Preferred Stock Rights Agreement (a stockholder rights plan), filed a related Certificate of
Designation designating 300,000 shares of a new Series D Participating Preferred Stock, and adopted amendments to the Company’s Bylaws. The
stockholder rights plan is intended as a protective measure to guard against coercive or unfair takeover tactics and the
accumulation of a controlling interest in the Company without negotiation with our Board. The Series D Participating Preferred Stock
was designated solely to support the stockholder rights plan; no shares have been issued, and the rights issued under the plan
become exercisable only upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. These actions did not affect the Company’s financial
condition, results of operations or shares of common stock outstanding as of or for the period covered by this report. For
additional information, see Note 22, Subsequent Events, to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements,
and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors included in this report, as well as our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2026, as
amended on July 6, 2026, and our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on July 2, 2026.
Sale of Frederator Networks, Inc.
On July 8, 2026, the Company
sold all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Frederator Networks, Inc. (“Frederator Networks”), which operated the
Frederator Network channel business, to Project Robot LLC, an unaffiliated third party, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated June
18, 2026. Kartoon Studios will retain key intellectual property of Frederator Studios, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company,
including Bee and PuppyCat, Bravest Warriors, Castlevania, and Catbug , for distribution and product licensing opportunities.
The transaction was part of the Company’s strategic realignment to focus on monetization of premium intellectual property and franchise
development. Upon closing, the Company ceased to have a controlling financial interest in Frederator Networks. The base purchase price
under the purchase agreement was $ 0.5 million in cash, subject to customary post-closing adjustments for net working capital, indebtedness,
and cash and cash equivalents, on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The Company expects to recognize a loss on disposal of approximately $ 0.3
million (before income taxes), representing the excess of Frederator Networks’ net carrying amount over the estimated net consideration
to be received. This estimate is preliminary, unaudited, and subject to change pending finalization of the post-closing working capital
adjustment pursuant to the purchase agreement, which is expected to be completed within 60 days of closing. Because the transaction closed
after June 30, 2026, Frederator Networks’ assets, liabilities, and results of operations continue to be included in the Company’s
condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, on a continuing-operations basis.
Frederator Networks did not meet the held-for-sale criteria of ASC 360-10-45-9 as of June 30, 2026. Management concluded that the disposition
does not represent a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company’s operations or financial results, and accordingly,
the transaction does not qualify for discontinued-operations presentation under ASC 205-20. In connection with the closing, Frederator
Networks, Inc. and Project Robot LLC entered into a three-year Channel Distribution Agreement with Frederator Studios, LLC. Under this
arrangement, Frederator Studios, LLC will continue to receive a declining share of net YouTube receipts (85% in year one, decreasing to
5% by year three) generated from certain retained channels through YouTube CMS infrastructure. Frederator Studios, LLC and Frederator
Networks, Inc. will each retain a 50 % ownership interest in the Frederator trademark. Management does not believe this continuing involvement
affects the conclusions and estimates described above.
12
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of June 30, 2026,
the Company had cash of $ 7.7 million (which does not include cash held in escrow from the Section 16(b) litigation settlement described
above), which increased by $ 4.8 million as compared to December 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to net cash provided by
operating activities of $ 31.4 million, cash provided by financing activities of $ 1.7 million, and the effect of exchange rate of $ 0.5
million, offset by cash used in investing activities of $ 28.8 million. The cash provided by operating activities of $ 31.4 million was
primarily due to net income of $ 20.5 million, and a favorable impact of net change in non-cash adjustments of $ 15.1 million, partially
offset by a net use of cash related to operating assets and liabilities of $ 4.2 million. Net income was driven primarily by a non-recurring
and non-operating cash receipt of $ 39.2 million representing 50% of the court-approved settlement payments under the Section 16(b) litigation
settlement agreements. The cash provided by financing activities of $ 1.7 million was primarily due to the drawdowns, net of repayments
and debt issuance costs, from production facilities of $ 1.2 million, proceeds from a warrant exercise of $ 0.6 million, partially offset
by finance lease payments of $ 0.1 million. The cash used in investing activities of $ 28.8 million was primarily due to the investment
of settlement proceeds in marketable securities of $ 32.8 million, offset by the proceeds received from the redemption of marketable securities
purchased in prior periods of $ 4 .0 million.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company received aggregate cash of $39.2 million representing 50% of the court-approved settlement payments under
the Section 16(b) litigation settlement agreements. The Settling Parties agreed to pay the Company aggregate settlement amounts of $78.5
million, minus fees and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel (in an amount not yet determined), subject to certain terms and conditions,
and the parties agreed to mutual releases. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, 50% of each settlement amount, or $39.2 million in the
aggregate, was paid directly to the Company during June 2026, and the remaining 50% was deposited into escrow to fund the court-awarded
fees and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel, with any residual balance payable to the Company after the applicable approval orders become
final. These receipts are non-recurring and non-operating in nature and do not represent a source of operating cash flow. The Company
used a significant portion of these receipts to purchase $32.3 million of available-for-sale securities, primarily U.S. Treasury securities.
As a result, the settlement receipts are reflected principally in the Company’s marketable securities balance rather than in its ending
cash balance. The Company holds these securities as a source of liquidity and expects to draw on them to fund working capital and operating
requirements. The Company has not received, and has not recognized, the portion of the settlement deposited into escrow. Any residual
amounts distributable to the Company will become available as a source of liquidity if and when realized. On June 10, 2026, the Company
entered into a standstill and voting agreement with the Anson Parties, under which the Company agreed to pay the Anson Parties $4.0 million
and the Anson Parties agreed to certain voting commitments and standstill restrictions through June 11, 2027.
As of June 30, 2026,
the Company held available-for-sale marketable securities with a fair value of $ 32.8 million, compared to $ 4 .0 million as of December 31,
2025, representing an increase of $ 28.8 million. The increase was primarily due to purchases of $ 32.3 million of securities funded by
the proceeds received under the Section 16(b) litigation settlement, together with $ 0.5 million of securities purchased in May 2026, partially
offset by $ 4 .0 million of securities redeemed upon maturity during the six months ended June 30, 2026. The available-for-sale securities
consist principally of U.S. Treasury securities and are available to the Company as a source of liquidity.
The unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States (“U.S. GAAP”), which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern. The evaluation was performed in
accordance with ASC 205, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). Historically, the
Company has incurred net losses. For the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company reported net income
of $ 20.5
million and a net loss of $ 12.9
million, respectively. Net income for the current quarter was driven primarily by a non-recurring, non-operating cash receipt of
$ 39.2
million representing 50% of the court-approved settlement payments under the Section 16(b) litigation settlement agreements. The
Company reported net cash provided by operating activities of $ 31.4
million, and cash used in operating activities of $ 6.3
million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, respectively. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had
an accumulated deficit of $ 743.2
million and total stockholders’ equity of $ 53.6
million. As of June 30, 2026, the Company had total current assets of $ 63 .0
million, including cash of $ 7.7 million,
and total current liabilities of $ 31.6
million. The Company had working capital of $ 31.4
million as of June 30, 2026, compared to working capital of $ 2.3
million as of December 31, 2025. In October 2025, the Company closed an offering and received an aggregate gross proceeds of
approximately $ 7.3
million. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company continued to navigate macroeconomic challenges in the animation
and advertising industries, including ongoing government tariffs and intensified competition. In prior periods, the Company
demonstrated resilience in its financing activities, having successfully raised net proceeds through public offerings, and continued
to explore opportunities to further strengthen its financial position. In parallel, management plans to preserve liquidity, as
needed, by implementing cost-saving measures. For example, during the six months ended June 30, 2026, in order to improve
liquidity, the Company settled approximately $ 1.7
million of outstanding accounts payable in a transaction under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act. In addition, during the six
months ended June 30, 2026, the Company received $ 39.2
million in direct cash proceeds from the settlement of the Section 16(b) litigation, which the Company has substantially deployed
into available-for-sale marketable securities as a source of liquidity. Management has evaluated the significance of these
conditions in relation to the Company’s ability to meet its obligations and determined that the Company has sufficient cash,
marketable securities and investments to fund operations for at least the next 12
months from the issuance date of this 10-Q.
13
Note 2: Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies
The
accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistent in all material respects with those applied in the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
on March 31, 2026. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs, expenses and other comprehensive income/(loss)
that are reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. These estimates are based on management’s
best knowledge of current events, historical experience, actions that the Company may undertake in the future and on various other assumptions
that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. On a regular basis, the Company evaluates the assumptions, judgments and estimates.
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The
accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments
(which include normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the interim financial statements. Interim results
are not necessarily indicative of financial results for a full year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction
with the Company’s 2025 Annual Report.
The
following is provided to update the Company’s significant accounting policies previously described in the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
As of June 30, 2026,
gross amounts of foreign currency (“FX”) forward contracts in an asset and liability position subject to a master netting arrangement
resulted in a net asset of $ 5,137 recorded within Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of
December 31, 2025, gross amounts of foreign currency (“FX”) forward contracts in an asset and liability position subject
to a master netting arrangement resulted in a net liability of $ 43,438 recorded within Other Current Liabilities on the condensed consolidated
balance sheets.
For
the three months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded a realized
loss of $ 24,942 and $ 24,070 , respectively, on FX forward contracts within
Production Services Revenue on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2026
and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded a realized loss of $ 0.05
million and $ 0.2 million, respectively, on FX forward contracts within Production Services Revenue on the
condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance
for Credit Loss
The following table summarizes
the activity in the allowance for credit losses related to trade accounts receivable as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025
(in thousands):
Schedule of allowance for credit losses trade accounts receivable
Balance, net as of December 31, 2024
$ 239
Charged to costs and expenses
179
Recoveries
( 39 )
Write-offs
( 376 )
Balance, net as of December 31, 2025
3
Charged to costs and expenses
4
Balance, net as of June 30, 2026
$ 7
14
Tax Credits Receivable
The Company classifies the
tax credits receivable as current based on their normal operating cycle. Government assistance, in the form of refundable tax credits,
is relied upon as a key component of production financing. These amounts are claimed from the CRA through the submission of income tax
returns and can take up to 18 to 24 months from the date of the first tax credit dollar being earned to being received. As this financing
is fundamental to the Company’s ability to produce animated productions and generate revenue in the normal course of business, the
normal operating cycle for such assets is considered to be a 12 to 24-month period, or the time it takes for the CRA to assess and refund
the tax credits earned.
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, the Company had $ 17.5 million a nd $ 16.8 million, respectively, in
tax credit receivables related to Mainframe’s film and television productions, net of corresponding allowance for credit loss of
$ 0.4 million and $ 0.4 million, respectively. The Company did not have
any non-current tax credits receivable as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025.
Concentration of Risk
The Company maintains its
cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) or the
Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“CDIC”) insured amounts. Balances on interest bearing deposits at banks in
the United States are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per account and deposits in banks in Canada are insured by the CDIC up to CAD
100,000. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company had eight and six bank deposit accounts with an aggregate uninsured
balance of $ 6.6 million and $ 1.9 million, respectively.
The Company has a managed
account with a financial institution. The managed account maintained its investments in marketable securities of approximately $ 32.8 million
as of June 30, 2026, and $ 4 .0 million as of December 31, 2025. Assets in the managed account are protected by the Securities
Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) up to $500,000 (with a limit of $250,000 for cash). In addition, the financial institution
provides additional “excess of SIPC” coverage which insures up to $1.0 billion. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31,
2025, the Company did not have account balances held at this financial institution that exceed the insured balances.
As of June 30, 2026,
the Company had three customers, the accounts receivable for each of which exceeded 10% of the total accounts receivable. These customers
accounted for an aggregate of 69.6 % of the total accounts receivable as of June 30, 2026. As of December 31, 2025, the Company
had three customers, the accounts receivable for each of which exceeded 10% of the total accounts receivable. These customers accounted
for an aggregate of 54.5 % of the total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2025.
Schedule of concentration of risk
As of
June 30, 2026
December 31, 2025
Customer A
28.8 %
*
Customer B
26.4 %
*
Customer C
14.4 %
*
Customer D
*
26.1 %
Customer E
*
17.3 %
Customer F
*
11.1 %
* Less than 10%
15
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026, three customers each accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue. These customers
accounted for an aggregate of 74.2 % of the Company’s total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2026. During the three
months ended June 30, 2025, four customers each accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue. These
customers accounted for an aggregate of 86.6 % of the Company’s total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2025.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, three customers each accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue. These customers
accounted for an aggregate of 66.1 % of the Company’s total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2026. During the six months
ended June 30, 2025, four customers each accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s total consolidated revenue. These customers
accounted for an aggregate of 85.9 % of the Company’s total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2025.
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Customer G
47.1 %
15.7 %
39.0 %
16.8 %
Customer C
15.3 %
15.0 %
13.4 %
15.5 %
Customer H
11.8 %
19.6 %
13.7 %
19.5 %
Customer I
*
36.3 %
*
34.1 %
* Less than 10%
There is significant financial
risk associated with a dependence upon a small number of customers. The Company periodically assesses the financial strength of these
customers and establishes allowances for any anticipated credit losses.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the fair values of
the Company’s financial instruments measured on a recurring basis, categorized within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2026
(in thousands):
Schedule of marketable securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Level 1
Level 2
Total Fair Value
Investments in Marketable Securities:
U.S. Treasury
$ 32,763
$ –
$ 32,763
Total
$ 32,763
$ –
$ 32,763
Investment in Equity Interest:
Investment in YFE
$ –
$ 1,863
$ 1,863
Total
$ –
$ 1,863
$ 1,863
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts:
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, net:
$ –
$ 5
$ 5
Total
$ –
$ 5
$ 5
16
The following table presents
the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments measured on a recurring basis, categorized within the fair value hierarchy as of
December 31, 2025 (in thousands):
Level 1
Level 2
Total Fair Value
Investments in Marketable Securities:
U.S. Treasury
$ 3,978
$ –
$ 3,978
Total
$ 3,978
$ –
$ 3,978
Investment in Equity Interest:
Investment in YFE
$ –
$ 5,481
$ 5,481
Total
$ –
$ 5,481
$ 5,481
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts:
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts, net:
$ –
$ ( 43 )
$ ( 43 )
Total
$ –
$ ( 43 )
$ ( 43 )
There were no transfers between
Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during the three months ended June 30, 2026. No allowance for credit losses was recorded for marketable
securities as of June 30, 2026 or December 31, 2025. For a description of the Company’s fair value methodologies and classification
policies, refer to Note 2 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2026.
Contingencies
Between May 29, 2026 and June
11, 2026, the Company entered into settlement agreements with six defendants in the action styled Todd Augenbaum v. Anson Investments
Master Fund LP, et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-00249 (S.D.N.Y.) , an action brought under Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 by a stockholder on behalf of and for the benefit of the Company, in which the Company is named only as a nominal defendant, seeking
disgorgement of alleged short-swing profits realized by certain investors in the Company’s 2020 private placements. The Settling Parties
agreed to pay the Company aggregate settlement amounts of $ 78.5 million, minus fees and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel (in an amount
not yet determined), subject to certain terms and conditions, and the parties agreed to mutual releases. Pursuant to the settlement agreements,
50% of each settlement amount, or $ 39.2 million in the aggregate, was paid directly to the Company during June 2026, and the remaining
50% was deposited into escrow to fund the court-awarded fees and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel, with any residual balance payable to
the Company after the applicable approval orders become final. The Company recognized the $ 39.2 million received as a non-recurring, non-operating
gain, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended
June 30, 2026. In accordance with ASC 450-30-25-1, any residual amounts distributable to the Company from escrow constitute a gain contingency
and will be recognized if and when realized. In connection with the settlement with the Anson Investments Master Fund LP and its affiliates,
on June 10, 2026, the Company entered into a standstill and voting agreement with the Anson Parties, under which the Company agreed to
pay the Anson Parties $ 4 .0 million and the Anson Parties agreed to certain voting commitments and standstill restrictions through June
11, 2027. The Company recognized this amount as a non-operating loss, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the Company’s condensed
consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2026. The related liability was included in current liabilities
on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2026 and was paid in July 2026.
New Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)
issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation
Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expense. This update mandates that public companies provide more
detailed information about specific expenses in their financial statement notes. The effective date for this guidance is annual reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2026, with interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have to the consolidated financial statements
and related disclosures, which is expected to result in enhanced disclosures.
17
In December 2025, the FASB
issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270) Narrow-Scope Improvements . The update provides clarifications intended to improve
the consistency and usability of interim disclosure requirements, including a comprehensive listing of required interim disclosures and
a new disclosure principle for reporting material events occurring after the most recent annual period. The amendments do not change the
underlying objectives of interim reporting but are designed to enhance clarity in application. This update is effective for interim periods
within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The Company does not expect it to have a material effect on its condensed
consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In December 2025, the FASB
issued ASU 2025-10, Government Grants (Topic 832) : Accounting for Government Grants Received by Business Entities , which
establishes authoritative guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of government grants. Under ASU 2025-10,
government grants are recognized when it is probable that the entity will both comply with the conditions of the grant and the grant will
be received. The ASU provides specific accounting models for grants related to assets and grants related to income, including options
to recognize government grants as deferred income or as a reduction of the asset’s cost basis. The ASU also requires enhanced disclosures
regarding the nature of government grants, significant terms and conditions, accounting policies applied, and amounts recognized in the
financial statements. ASU 2025-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2028, including interim periods within those
fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2025-10.
Note 3: Variable Interest Entity
In July 2020, the Company
entered into a binding term sheet with POW! Entertainment, LLC. (“POW”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to form an entity
with POW to exploit certain rights in intellectual property created by Stan Lee, as well as the name and likeness of Stan Lee. The entity
is called “Stan Lee Universe, LLC” (“SLU”). POW and the Company executed an operating agreement for the joint
venture, effective as of June 1, 2021. The purpose of the acquisition was to enable the Company to assume the worldwide rights, in perpetuity,
to the name, physical likeness, physical signature, live-action and animated motion picture, television, online, digital, publishing,
comic book, merchandising and licensing rights to Stan Lee and over 100 original Stan Lee creations, from which the Company plans to develop
and license multiple properties each year.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, SLU generated a net loss of $ 0.2 million and $ 0.2 million, respectively. During the three months
ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, SLU generated a net loss of $ 0.1 million and $ 0.1 million, respectively. There were no
contributions or distributions during the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, and there were no changes in facts
and circumstances that would result in a re-evaluation of the VIE assessment.
Note 4: Equity Investment
The Company holds an equity
investment in Your Family Entertainment AG (“YFE”), a publicly listed company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol
“RTV”), headquartered in Germany. YFE is one of Europe’s leading independent children’s content providers, with a catalog of
approximately 150 titles and 3,500 half-hour episodes.
When the Company does not have a controlling financial
interest in an entity but has the ability to exert significant influence over its operating and financial policies, the investment is
accounted for under the equity method or, if elected, at fair value pursuant to the fair value option under U.S. GAAP. Significant influence
is generally presumed to exist when the Company owns between 20 % and 50 % of the common stock or in-substance common stock of the investee.
At the time of the Company’s
initial investment in 2021, the Company held a 28.7 % ownership interest in YFE and determined that it had significant influence over the
entity. Accordingly, the Company elected to account for the investment at fair value under the fair value option. Under this election,
the investment is remeasured at fair value at each reporting period, with changes in fair value recorded through earnings.
18
Subsequent to the Company’s
initial investment, the Company’s ownership interest increased to 44.8 % through participation in a public tender offer, bond conversions,
and the exercise of subscription rights. The Company’s ownership interest was subsequently reduced to approximately 32.7 % through
a partial disposition of shares in July 2025 and an exchange of shares in September 2025. Throughout this period, management determined
that the Company did not obtain a controlling financial interest in YFE, and that significant influence was maintained at all times.
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, the Company owned 5,009,005 shares of YFE, representing ownership interests of 32.2 % and 32.5 %, respectively.
The fair value of the investment is determined based on the quoted closing market price of YFE’s shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
as of each reporting date, remeasured from Euro to U.S. dollars at the period-end exchange rate.
As of June 30, 2026,
the fair value of the investment was $ 1.9 million, recorded within noncurrent assets on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The net decrease in fair value of $ 3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 reflects the combined impact of a decline in
YFE’s quoted share price and the effect of foreign currency remeasurement from Euro to U.S. dollars. The total change in fair value is
recorded within Other Income (Expense), net in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Management concluded that the Company continues
to exercise significant influence over YFE and therefore continues to account for the investment at fair value under the fair value option.
Note 5: Marketable Securities
The Company classifies and
accounts for its marketable debt securities as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and the securities are stated at fair value in accordance
with ASC 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses .
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company redeemed marketable securities for proceeds of $ 4 .0 million, and purchased an additional $ 32.8 million
of U.S. Treasury securities, classified as available-for-sale. The increase from December 31, 2025 was primarily funded by proceeds received
in the second quarter of 2026 from settlements reached with several defendants in the Section 16(b) Litigation.
The investments in marketable
securities as of June 30, 2026 had an adjusted cost basis of $ 32.8 million and a market value of $ 32.8 million. The balances consisted
of the following securities (in thousands) :
Schedule of marketable securities
Adjusted Cost
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury
$ 32,754
$ 9
$ 32,763
Total
$ 32,754
$ 9
$ 32,763
The investments in marketable
securities as of December 31, 2025 had an adjusted cost basis of $ 4 .0 million and a market value of $ 4 .0 million. The balances consisted
of the following securities (in thousands) :
Adjusted Cost
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
Fair Value
U.S. Treasury
$ 3,953
$ 25
$ 3,978
Total
$ 3,953
$ 25
$ 3,978
The Company holds seven AFS
securities, four of which were in an unrealized gain position and none had been in an unrealized loss position for a period longer than
12 months as of June 30, 2026. The Company reports the net unrealized gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss), a component of stockholders’ equity. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, an allowance for credit loss was
no t recognized as the issuers of the securities had not established a cause for default, various rating agencies had reaffirmed each security’s
investment grade status and the Company did not have the intent, nor is it required to sell its securities prior to recovery.
19
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company did no t record any realized gains or losses related to its marketable securities. During the six months
ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded realized losses related to its marketable securities of $ 0.04 million primarily due to
selling securities prior to maturity to provide additional liquidity for general operating needs.
The contractual maturities
of the Company’s marketable investments as of June 30, 2026 were as follows (in thousands):
Schedule of contractual maturities of marketable investments
Fair Value
Due within 1 year
$ 6,443
Due after 1 year through 5 years
26,320
Total
$ 32,763
The Company may sell certain
of its marketable debt securities prior to their stated maturities for reasons including, but not limited to, managing liquidity, credit
risk, duration and asset allocation.
Note 6: Property and Equipment, net
The Company has property and
equipment as follows (in thousands):
Schedule of property and equipment, net
As of
June 30, 2026
December 31, 2025
Furniture and Equipment
$ 98
$ 98
Computer Equipment
852
827
Leasehold Improvements
2,230
2,230
Software
367
316
Property and Equipment, gross
3,547
3,471
Less Accumulated Depreciation
( 2,002 )
( 1,626 )
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
( 218 )
( 210 )
Property and Equipment, net
$ 1,327
$ 1,635
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded depreciation expense of $ 0.2 million and $ 0.1 million, respectively.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded depreciation expense of $ 0.3 million and $ 0.3 million, respectively.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company did no t incur any impairment charges on its property and equipment.
Note 7: Leased Right-of-Use Assets, net
Leased right-of-use
(“ROU”) assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
Schedule of leased right of use assets
As of
June 30, 2026
December 31, 2025
Operating Leases
Office Lease Assets
$ 9,341
$ 9,331
Accumulated Amortization
( 4,057 )
( 3,601 )
Finance Leases
Equipment Lease Assets
3,521
4,570
Accumulated Amortization
( 3,017 )
( 3,975 )
Right-of-Use Assets, Net
5,788
6,325
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
( 1,067 )
( 899 )
Leased Right-of-Use Assets, net
$ 4,721
$ 5,426
20
As of June 30, 2026,
the weighted-average lease term for the Company’s operating leases was 60 months and the weighted-average discount rate was 11.4 %.
As of December 31, 2025, the weighted-average lease term for operating leases was 64 months and the weighted-average discount rate
was 11.3 %.
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded operating lease costs of $ 0.4 million and $ 0.4 million, respectively,
included in General and Administrative Expenses on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the six
months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded operating lease costs of $ 0.7 million and $ 0.7 million, respectively,
included in General and Administrative Expenses on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded finance lease costs of $ 48,276 and $ 0.1 million, respectively, primarily
comprised of ROU amortization of $ 44,774 and $ 0.1 million, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30,
2025, the Company recorded finance lease costs of $ 0.1 million and $ 0.2 million, respectively, primarily comprised of ROU amortization
of $ 0.1 million and $ 0.2 million, respectively. ROU amortization is recorded within General and Administrative Expenses and accretion
of interest expense is recorded within Other Income (Expense), net on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Note 8: Film and Television Costs, net
The following table highlights
the activity in Film and Television Costs as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025 (in thousands):
Schedule of film and television costs activity
Film and Television Costs, net as of December 31, 2024
$ 2,621
Additions to Film and Television Costs
3,259
Disposals
( 88 )
Film Amortization Expense
( 932 )
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
18
Film and Television Costs, net as of December 31, 2025
$ 4,878
Additions to Film and Television Costs
3,031
Disposals
( 34 )
Film Amortization Expense
( 549 )
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
( 43 )
Film and Television Costs, net as of June 30, 2026
$ 7,283
During the three months
ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded amortization expense of $ 0.2
million and $ 5,639 ,
respectively.
During the six months
ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded amortization expense of $ 0.5
million and $ 0.1
million, respectively.
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company did not record any write-downs. During the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded
write-downs of $5,482 related to projects not advancing beyond the development stage. Based on the review performed by the executive team,
it was determined that certain projects would no longer be pursued.
During the six months
ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded write-downs of $ 34,492
and $ 17,586 ,
respectively, related to projects not advancing beyond the development stage. Based on the review performed by the executive team,
it was determined that certain projects would no longer be pursued.
The Company did no t record
any impairment charges on film costs during the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025.
21
Note 9: Intangible Assets, net
The Company had the following
intangible assets (in thousands) with their weighted average remaining amortization period (in years) :
Schedule of intangible asset
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization
As of
Period
June 30, 2026
December 31, 2025
Customer Relationships
4.0
$ 17,325
$ 17,325
Digital Networks
11.8
803
803
Trade Names
64.9
9,198
9,198
Intangible Assets, gross
27,326
27,326
Less Accumulated Amortization
( 8,828 )
( 7,833 )
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
( 2,320 )
( 1,889 )
Intangible Assets, net
$ 16,178
$ 17,604
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded intangible asset amortization expense of $ 0.5 million and $ 0.5 million,
respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recorded intangible asset amortization
expense of $ 1 .0 million and $ 1 .0 million, respectively.
Expected future amortization
of intangible assets subject to amortization as of June 30, 2026 is as follows (in thousands):
Schedule of expected future intangible asset amortization
Fiscal Year:
2026
$ 987
2027
1,973
2028
1,973
2029
1,973
2030
871
Thereafter
3,835
Total
$ 11,612
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, $ 4.6 million and $ 4.7 million, respectively, of the Company’s intangible assets related to the acquired trade
names from the Wow acquisition had indefinite lives and are not subject to amortization.
Note 10: Deferred Revenue
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, the Company had deferred revenue of $ 6.1 million and $ 7.8 million, respectively. The decrease in deferred revenue
is primarily related to production on various shows advancing to later stages of execution of the projects as of June 30, 2026, compared
to the progress as of December 31, 2025. Deferred revenue balance mainly relates to cash received from customers for productions
in progress. For fixed-fee production contracts, revenue is generally recognized upon completion and delivery of the production or upon
achievement of specified contractual delivery milestones during the production process, depending on the terms of the underlying agreement.
As production progresses and the Company satisfies its performance obligations, the related deferred revenue is recognized as revenue.
Deferred revenue also includes both (i) variable fee contracts with licensees and customers in which the Company collected advances and
minimum guarantees against future royalties and (ii) fixed fee contracts. The Company recognizes revenue related to these contracts when
all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
22
Note 11: Margin Loan
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, the Company had no outstanding margin loan balances. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company
borrowed an additional $ 3.7 million from its investment margin account and repaid $ 3.7 million primarily with cash received
from maturities of marketable securities. The borrowed amounts were primarily used for operational costs. The interest rates for the borrowings
fluctuate based on the Fed Funds Upper Target plus 0.60 %. The weighted average interest rates on outstanding borrowing were 4.35 % during
the six months ended June 30, 2026.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company incurred interest expense on the loan of $ 2,517 and $ 4,868 , respectively. During
the three months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company incurred interest expense on the loan of $ 642 and $ 3,062 ,
respectively.
Note 12: Bank Indebtedness and Production Facilities
The Company
has certain credit facilities that are comprised of the following:
Production Facilities, net
The production facilities
are used for financing specific productions. The Company’s production facilities bear interest at rates ranging from bank prime
plus 1.00 % - 1.25 % per annum. The production facilities are generally repayable on demand. Any borrowings
under the production facilities are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all of the relevant production company’s
tangible and intangible assets, including a combination of federal and provincial tax credits, other government incentives, production
service agreements and license agreements as well as those of certain of our subsidiaries and related entities acting as guarantors of
the production facilities.
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, the Company had an outstanding net balance of USD 12.9 million (CAD 18.4 million), including USD 1.4 million (CAD
1.9 million) of interest, and USD 11.8 million (CAD 16.2 million), including USD 1.1 million (CAD 1.5 million) of interest, respectively,
recorded as Production Facilities, net within current liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, Production Facilities, net includes unamortized debt issuance costs related to the issuance of production facilities
of $ 0.1 million and $ 0.1 million, respectively, which were included as a reduction to the carrying amount of production facilities.
Equipment Lease Facility
In the fourth quarter of 2022,
the Company entered into an equipment lease agreement with a Canadian bank. This additional equipment lease facility allows the Company
to finance equipment purchases of up to $ 1 .0 million (CAD 1.4 million) in total. Each transaction under the
equipment lease facility has specific financing terms in respect of the leased equipment such as term, finance amount, rate, and payment
terms.
As
of June 30, 2026 , the Company has one lease remaining under
this facility with finance rates of 8.20 %, and a remaining lease term of 2 months .
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, the outstanding balances, net of repayments, of $ 12,744 (CAD 18,094 ) and $ 0.1 million (CAD 0.1 million), respectively,
were included within current Finance Lease Liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.
23
Note 13: Stockholders’ Equity and Earnings per Share
Common Stock
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, the total number of authorized shares of common stock was 190,000,000 .
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, there were 62,204,105 and 54,857,000 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company issued 2,712,865 shares of common stock for services, which included 2,424,146 shares of common stock
in connection with immediately vested restricted stock units (RSUs) granted to consultants. During the six months ended June 30,
2025, the Company issued 92,282 shares of common stock for services, which included 92,282 shares of common stock in connection with immediately
vested restricted stock units (RSUs) granted to consultants.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company issued 103,833 shares of common stock in connection with vested restricted stock units (RSUs), net of
shares withheld for tax obligations, consisting of 97,999 shares related to RSUs that vested during the current period and 5,834 shares
related to RSUs that vested in prior periods.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2025, the Company issued 143,206 shares of common stock in connection with vested restricted stock units (RSUs), net of
shares withheld for tax obligations, consisting of 136,808 shares related to RSUs that vested during the current period and 6,398 shares
related to RSUs that vested in prior periods.
On November 18, 2025, the
Company entered into an agreement to engage in a transaction under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act with CCI, to settle an aggregate
of $ 1 .0 million of outstanding accounts payable in exchange for issuing 1,695,072 shares of common stock. Under the terms of the agreement,
CCI makes payments to the Company’s vendors in cash and, in exchange, the Company issues shares of common stock to CCI. The settlement
was valued at 1.75 shares of common stock per $ 1 of accounts payable, pursuant to the terms of the agreement. The transaction was approved
by a court after a public hearing on the fairness of the terms and conditions. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company
settled $ 0.6 million of accounts payable and issued an aggregate of 977,360 shares of common stock to CCI. During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company recognized a loss of $ 0.1 million on the settlement, representing the difference between the carrying
value of liabilities extinguished and the fair value of shares issued, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the Company’s
condensed consolidated statements of operations. The transaction was carried out in stages and completed as of June 30, 2026.
On April 8, 2026, the Company
entered into a new agreement to settle an additional $ 1.1 million of outstanding accounts payable under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities
Act with CCI, in exchange for issuing 2,001,797 shares of common stock, and to settle additional obligations up to $ 0.3 million in exchange
for issuing 551,250 shares of common stock. The terms were consistent with the original arrangement. The settlement arrangement was carried
out in stages and completed as of June 30, 2026. During the three months ended June 30, 2026, the Company recognized a loss
of $ 0.6 million on the settlement, representing the difference between the carrying value of liabilities extinguished and the fair value
of shares issued, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
On June 16, 2026, the Company
issued 1,000,000 shares of common stock upon the cash exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $ 0.57 per share, resulting
in gross proceeds of approximately $ 0.6 million. The shares were issued in accordance with the terms of the underlying warrant agreements.
24
Preferred Stock
The Company has 10,000,000
shares of preferred stock authorized with a par value of $0.001 per share including 9,944,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock,
6,000 shares designated as 0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 50,000 shares designated as Series C Preferred Stock. The board
of directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further vote or action by our stockholders, to issue
from time-to-time shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Each series of preferred stock will have such number of shares, designations,
preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or relative rights or privileges as shall be determined by the board of directors,
which may include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights.
As of June 30, 2026 and
December 31, 2025, there were 0 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31,
2025, there were 0 shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, there were 0 shares
of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding.
Treasury Stock
Upon vesting of restricted
stock unit awards, employees may elect to have the Company withhold shares of common stock to cover their tax obligations, which are included
as treasury stock outstanding and recorded within Treasury Stock on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, no employees elected this option and accordingly no shares were withheld. During the six months ended June 30,
2025, the Company withheld 269 shares of common stock with a cost of $ 187 to cover taxes owed by certain employees.
Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per
share of common stock (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable
to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, and the assumed exercise of all dilutive
securities using the treasury stock method.
The 6,903,049 October 2025
Pre-Funded Warrants issued in the October Offerings and outstanding as of June 30, 2026 were included in the calculation of basic
and diluted net loss per share.
The table below sets forth
the Company’s calculated earnings (loss) per share, with net income (loss) presented in thousands:
Schedule of earnings (loss) per share
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc.
$ 26,985
$ ( 6,163 )
$ 20,620
$ ( 12,689 )
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
66,155,559
47,805,923
64,457,474
47,252,544
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$ 0.41
$ ( 0.13 )
$ 0.32
$ ( 0.27 )
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc.
$ 26,985
$ ( 6,163 )
$ 20,620
$ ( 12,689 )
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
66,155,559
47,805,923
64,457,474
47,252,544
Effect of dilutive warrants and stock-based awards
4,814,429
–
3,726,713
–
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding - diluted
70,969,988
47,805,923
68,184,187
47,252,544
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$ 0.38
$ ( 0.13 )
$ 0.30
$ ( 0.27 )
25
The following common stock
equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share applicable to common stockholders, because including
them would have had an anti-dilutive effect:
Schedule of an anti-dilutive effect
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Stock Options
839,998
882,313
839,998
882,313
Restricted Stock Units
843,750
870,417
843,750
870,417
Warrants
10,824,679
24,155,943
12,482,574
24,155,943
12,508,427
25,908,673
14,166,322
25,908,673
Note 14: Stock Option
On August 27, 2020, the Company’s
stockholders approved the adoption of the Kartoon Studios, Inc. 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended, the “2020 Plan”).
The 2020 Plan replaced the previously adopted 2015 Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”). The maximum number of shares available
for issuance was initially equal to the sum of (i) 3,000,000 shares of common stock and (ii) the number of shares of common stock remaining
available for issuance under the 2015 Plan, which was then equal to 216,767 shares. On May 23, 2023, the Company’s stockholders
approved the adoption of an Amended and Restated 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, which provided for the maximum number of shares of common
stock available for issuance under the 2020 Plan to be increased by 5,000,000 shares. Subsequently, on May 14, 2025, the Company’s
stockholders approved a further amendment and restatement of the 2020 Plan, providing for an additional increase of 5,000,000 shares of
common stock authorized for issuance under the plan. As of June 30, 2026, the number of shares remaining available for issuance was
5,096,394 , out of a maximum of 13,216,767 shares authorized under the 2020 Plan.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company did no t grant any stock options.
The following table summarizes
the Company’s option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2026:
Schedule of option activity
Stock Options
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2025
969,130
3.96
$ 11.58
Granted
–
–
–
Exercised
–
–
–
Forfeited/Cancelled
( 45,000 )
–
12.26
Expired
( 84,132 )
–
15.70
Outstanding at June 30, 2026
839,998
3.90
$ 11.12
Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2026
839,998
3.90
$ 11.12
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company did no t recognize any share-based compensation expense related to stock options. During the six months
ended June 30, 2025, the Company recognized $ 24,699 in share-based compensation expense related to stock options included in General
and Administrative Expenses on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
As of June 30, 2026,
the Company had no unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to outstanding stock options. The outstanding options as of June 30,
2026 had an aggregated intrinsic value of zero .
26
Note 15: Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units (“RSUs”)
are granted under the Company’s 2020 Plan.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company granted 2,522,145 fully vested RSUs to the Company’s board members and consultants, with a fair
market value of $ 1.8 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company granted 180,936 fully vested RSUs to the Company’s
board members and consultants, with a fair market value of $ 0.1 million.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company granted 500,000 RSUs to an executive employee with an aggregate grant-date fair value of approximately
$ 0.3 million. These RSUs vest ratably over three years from the grant date, subject to continued employment. In addition, the Company
granted an additional 365,000 RSUs, with an aggregate grant-date fair value of approximately $ 0.3 million, to certain employees, and 5,000
RSUs to a consultant with a grant-date fair value of approximately $ 3,600 . The RSUs vest over a three year service period and are subject
to continued employment.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,527,979 shares of common stock as a result of RSUs vested during the current
and prior periods, consisting of 2,522,145 shares issued upon RSUs that vested during the current period and 5,834 shares issued upon
RSUs that vested in prior periods.
The following table summarizes
the Company’s RSU activity:
Schedule of RSU activity
Restricted Stock
Units
Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair Value
per Share
Unvested at December 31, 2025
1,605,417
$ 7.62
Granted
3,392,145
0.70
Vested
( 2,522,145 )
0.72
Forfeited
–
–
Unvested at June 30, 2026
2,475,417
$ 5.18
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recognized $ 0.2 million and $ 41,847 , respectively, in share-based compensation
expense related to RSU awards included in General and Administrative Expenses on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements
of operations. During the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, the Company recognized $ 0.4 million and $ 0.1 million,
respectively, in share-based compensation expense related to RSU awards included in General and Administrative Expenses on the Company’s
condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The unvested share-based compensation
as of June 30, 2026 was $ 0.7 million which will be recognized through the first quarter of 2029 assuming the underlying grants are
not cancelled or forfeited. The total fair value of shares vested during the six months ended June 30, 2026 was $ 1.8 million.
Note 16: Warrants
The following table summarizes
the activity in the Company’s outstanding warrants during the six months ended June 30, 2026:
Schedule of warrant activity
Warrants
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life
Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2025
41,622,504
2.86
$ 1.52
Granted
–
–
–
Exercised
( 1,000,000 )
–
0.57
Expired
( 1,662,500 )
–
23.70
Forfeitures
–
–
–
Outstanding at June 30, 2026
38,960,004
2.57
$ 0.60
Exercisable at June 30, 2026
38,960,004
2.57
$ 0.60
27
All outstanding warrants
are classified as equity instruments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet, as the warrants meet the criteria
for equity classification under ASC 815-40.
On June 16, 2026, the Company
issued 1,000,000 shares of common stock upon the cash exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $ 0.57 per share, resulting
in gross proceeds of approximately $ 0.6 million. The shares were issued in accordance with the terms of the underlying warrant agreements.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company did no t grant or forfeit any warrants.
Note 17: Supplemental Financial Statement Information
Components of Other Income (Expense), net, are
summarized as follows (in thousands):
Schedule of other income expense, net
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Interest Expense (a)
$ ( 175 )
$ ( 165 )
$ ( 408 )
$ ( 293 )
Other Income (Expense), net (b-l)
Loss on Revaluation of Warrants (b)
–
( 678 )
–
( 232 )
Loss on Revaluation of Equity Investment in YFE (c)
( 514 )
( 3,778 )
( 3,471 )
( 7,418 )
Realized Loss on Marketable Securities Investments (d)
–
( 32 )
–
( 28 )
(Loss) Gain on Foreign Exchange (e)
( 412 )
1,713
( 784 )
2,380
Loss on Debt Settlement (f)
( 630 )
–
( 754 )
( 944 )
Interest Income (g)
47
12
82
66
Finance Lease Interest Expense (h)
( 4 )
( 6 )
( 8 )
( 10 )
Gain on Lease Modification (i)
–
4
–
4
Legal Settlement Income (j)
39,238
–
39,238
–
Loss on Standstill Agreement (k)
( 4,000 )
–
( 4,000 )
–
Other (l)
( 2,618 )
( 122 )
( 2,565 )
( 89 )
Other Income (Expense), net
$ 31,107
$ ( 2,887 )
$ 27,738
$ ( 6,271 )
Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2026
(a)
Interest Expense during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, primarily consisted of $ 0.2 million and $ 0.4 million in interest, respectively, incurred on production facilities and the factoring liability.
(b)
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company did no t record any gain related to warrant revaluation.
(c)
As the investment in YFE is accounted for under the fair value option, the Company recognized a loss on revaluation of its equity investment in YFE of approximately $ 0.5 million and $ 3.5 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, respectively. The loss reflected decreases in YFE’s stock price during the current reporting periods compared to the respective prior reporting periods. The impact of foreign currency translation is excluded and presented separately.
(d)
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company did no t record any loss related to marketable securities.
(e)
The loss on foreign exchange during the three months ended June 30, 2026, primarily related to the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiary, resulting in a loss of $ 0.4 million. The loss on foreign exchange during the six months ended June 30, 2026, primarily related to the revaluation of the YFE investment, resulting in a loss of $ 0.2 million due to the Euro depreciating against the U.S. dollar as compared to prior period and a loss of $ 0.6 million due to the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiary.
(f)
The loss on debt settlement recorded during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, includes a loss of $ 0.6 million and $ 0.8 million, respectively, arising from the Section 3(a)(10) transaction completed during the periods.
(g)
Interest Income during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, primarily consisted of income from investments in marketable securities.
28
(h)
The finance lease interest expense represents the interest portion of the finance lease obligations for equipment purchased under an equipment lease line.
(i)
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company did no t record any gain related to lease modification.
(j)
Between May 29, 2026 and June 11, 2026, the Company received aggregate cash of $ 39.2 million representing 50% of the court-approved settlement payments under the Section 16(b) litigation settlement agreements. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Business - Recent Transactions , to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(k)
In connection with the legal settlement with the Anson Investments Master Fund LP and its affiliates, on June 10, 2026, Kartoon Studios Inc. entered into a standstill and voting agreement with the Anson Parties, under which the Company agreed to pay the Anson Parties $ 4 .0 million and the Anson Parties agreed to certain voting commitments and standstill restrictions through June 11, 2027. The amount was recognized as a non-operating loss for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Business - Recent Transactions , to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(l)
Other loss of $ 2.6 million primarily consists of non-operating losses related to legal fees directly attributable to the legal settlement, recorded during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026.
Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2025
(a)
Interest Expense during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2025 consisted of $ 0.2 million and $ 0.3 million, respectively, primarily due to interest incurred on production facilities.
(b)
The loss on revaluation of warrants during the three months ended June 30, 2025 was related to the remeasurement occurred immediately before reclassification of the outstanding 7,894,736 Series A warrants and 7,894,736 Series B warrants from liability to equity. The loss on revaluation of warrants during the six months ended June 30, 2025 consisted of $0.7 million loss recorded at remeasurement offset by a $0.4 million fair value gain in the period ended March 31, 2025 of the outstanding 7,894,736 Series A warrants and 7,894,736 Series B warrants. These warrants were classified as a liability in the period ended March 31, 2025 and change in their fair value resulted in a recorded gain due to a decrease of expiration period.
(c)
As accounted for using the fair value option, the loss on revaluation of equity investment in YFE of $ 3.8 million and $ 7.4 million, respectively, recorded in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2025, was a result of the decreases in YFE’s stock price as of the reporting period when compared to the prior reporting period. This excluded the impact of foreign currency recorded separately.
(d)
The realized loss on marketable securities investments of $ 32,145 recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2025, was related to the Loss of $ 37,197 on sale of certain securities prior to the maturity date, offset by the gain of $ 5,053 attributable to the sale of U.S. Treasury Securities. The realized loss on marketable securities investments of $ 27,691 recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2025 was related to the loss of $ 37,197 on sale of certain securities prior to the maturity date, offset by the gain of $ 9,507 attributable to the sale of U.S. Treasury securities.
(e)
The gain on foreign exchange during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2025 primarily related to the revaluation of the YFE investment and remeasurement of foreign currency transactions of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiary, resulting in a gain of $ 1.7 million and $ 2.4 million, respectively, due to the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Euro relative to prior periods.
(f)
In April 2025, a settlement agreement with YFE related to the shareholder loan agreement was finalized. As the settlement was considered probable and the loss reasonably estimable as of March 31, 2025, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $ 0.9 million during the first quarter of 2025.
(g)
Interest Income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, primarily consisted of income from investments in marketable securities, net of premium amortization expense, as well as other transactions, including interest income related to Employee Retention Tax Credit (“ERTC”) receivable and interest income related to the shareholder loan. Each of these sources was individually immaterial.
(h)
The finance lease interest expense represents the interest portion of the finance lease obligations for equipment purchased under an equipment lease line.
(i)
On April 1, 2025, a subsidiary, Beacon Communications, executed a rent reassignment agreement relinquishing one floor of its office space in Toronto to a new tenant who assumed the lease obligation for that floor. This transaction resulted in a gain of $ 4,253 on lease modification recorded during the period ended June 30, 2025.
(j)
During the three months ended June 30, 2025, a net loss of $ 0.1 million was recognized in connection with the reversal of previously accrued other income related to Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims. Other income had initially been recorded based on anticipated recoveries from submitted claims. Subsequent legislative developments reduced the expected recoverable amounts, resulting in a partial reversal of the accrued other income. The amount also included $ 11,991 of other income, primarily consisting of late fees from select clients on payment plans. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, other income primarily related to such late fees totaled $ 50,197 .
29
Note 18: Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income
taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes , which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets at currently
enacted tax rates for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns.
A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce the net deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
ASC 740 provides guidance
on the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements. ASC 740 requires a company to
determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based upon the technical merits of
the position. If the more-likely-than-not threshold is met, a company must measure the tax position to determine the amount to recognize
in the consolidated financial statements.
For the six months ended June 30,
2026, the effective tax rate was 2.7%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate primarily due to the
tax impact from the net gain from the litigation settlement, state income taxes, a foreign tax rate differential, and a change in valuation
allowance. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the effective tax rate was 0.0%. The effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal
statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes, a foreign tax rate differential, and a change in valuation allowance.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $ 0.6 million. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, net
deferred tax liability was $ 1.2 million and $ 1.2 million, respectively.
Kartoon Studios, Inc. and
its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries are subject to U.S. income taxes and file consolidated and separate tax returns in the U.S. The Beacon
Communications Group, Ltd., Ameba Inc. and Wow Unlimited Media Inc. are subject to Canadian income taxes on a stand-alone basis and file
separate tax returns in Canada.
The Company files income tax
returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in the states of California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, as well as
Canada. To the extent allowed by law, the taxing authorities may have the right to examine prior periods where net operating losses were
generated and carried forward to make adjustments up to the amount of the net operating losses. The Company is currently subject to U.S.
federal, state and local and foreign tax examinations by tax authorities. The Company is no longer subject to audits by U.S. federal,
state, local or foreign authorities for years prior to 2021.
Note 19: Commitments and Contingencies
The following is a schedule
of future minimum cash contractual obligations as of June 30, 2026 (in thousands):
Schedule of future minimum lease payments
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
Thereafter
Total
Operating Leases
$ 770
$ 1,372
$ 1,020
$ 1,057
$ 1,083
$ 1,083
$ 6,385
Finance Leases
69
112
28
–
–
–
209
Employment Contracts
1,585
2,553
1,416
–
–
–
5,554
Consulting Contracts
1,468
361
–
–
–
–
1,829
Production Facilities
12,928
–
–
–
–
–
12,928
Contractual obligation
$ 16,820
$ 4,398
$ 2,464
$ 1,057
$ 1,083
$ 1,083
$ 26,905
30
Leases
The present value discount
of the minimum operating lease payments above was $ 1.5 million which when deducted from the cash commitments for the leases included in
the table above, equates to the lease liabilities of $ 4.9 million recorded as of June 30, 2026 on the Company’s condensed consolidated
balance sheet.
Employment contracts
The Company has entered into
employment agreements with certain key executives, which remain in effect for fixed terms. Under these agreements, the executives receive
a base salary, subject to potential reviews at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Some of these agreements also include provisions
for severance benefits in certain circumstances. As a result, the Company’s commitments under these agreements represent future salary
or severance payments obligations.
Consulting Contracts and Other Commitments
The Company also enters into
consulting contracts, primarily for production-related work, that commit the Company to future payments for services to be rendered under
the terms of each respective agreement. These commitments are not recorded as liabilities on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance
sheets until the related services are performed. The Company also enters into various agreements associated with its individual properties.
Some of these agreements call for the potential future payment of royalties or “profit” participations for either (i) the
use of third party intellectual property, in which the Company is obligated to share net profits with the underlying rights holders on
a certain basis as defined in the respective agreements, or (ii) services rendered by animation studios, post-production studios, writers,
directors, musicians or other creative talent for which the Company is obligated to share with these service providers a portion of the
net profits of the properties on which they have rendered services, as defined in each respective agreement.
Note 20: Related Party Transactions
During 2022, the Company entered
into a sublease agreement with a related party to lease one office in the general office space at 190 N. Canon Drive, Suite 400, Beverly
Hills, CA 90210. The monthly income was $595 during the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, and recorded within
Other Income (Expense), net in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
During the quarter ended
September 30, 2024, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a related
party for office space interior design services. The agreement was subject to an initial fee of $ 6,545
and a monthly fee of $ 595
that commenced on September 1, 2024. The monthly expense was $ 595
during the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, and was recorded within General and Administrative Expenses in the
Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
On February 6, 2025, certain
members of the Company’s executive management team, including the Chief Operating Officer, established The Stan Lee Foundation (the “Foundation”),
a nonprofit organization that was granted tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation operates
independently and is not owned, governed, or controlled by the Company. The Company has no ongoing funding commitment to the Foundation
and retains no financial interest in its operations or assets. From the Foundation’s inception on February 6, 2025 through June 30,
2026, the Company provided administrative support to the Foundation totaling approximately $ 805 . The Company does not expect to provide
material financial support to the Foundation in future periods. The Company may engage with the Foundation in connection with community
and reputational initiatives. The Foundation is not consolidated in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. The administrative
support provided is not considered material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
31
On August 25, 2025, the Company
entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Heyward, the Company’s CEO, which replaced and superseded all prior employment
agreements. The agreement revised certain compensation terms, including a new performance-based bonus structure contingent on market capitalization
and net income thresholds as of December 31, 2025. The agreement further provided that Mr. Heyward would receive an award of 2,000,000
RSUs under the 2020 Plan and would not be eligible to receive any other equity-based awards during the employment term. Subsequent to
entering into the Heyward Employment Agreement, the Company and Mr. Heyward determined to revisit the terms of such equity grant. The
Company and Mr. Heyward have not yet made a determination regarding the revised terms of such equity grant. Therefore, the RSUs issuable
pursuant to his employment agreement were not issued to Mr. Heyward as of June 30, 2026. No bonuses were earned or accrued under
this agreement as of June 30, 2026.
Pursuant to the terms of the
agreement, Mr. Heyward was entitled to an executive producer fee of $ 12,500 per episode for each episode he provides services as an executive
producer, up to maximum 52 episodes per calendar year. During the six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, Mr. Heyward did
no t earn or was not paid any producer fees. Subsequent to the quarter end, Mr. Heyward’s employment agreement was amended. For additional
information, see Note 22, Subsequent Events , to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 21: Segment Reporting
ASC Topic 280, Segment
Reporting, establishes standards for companies to report in their financial statement information about operating segments, products,
services, geographic areas, and major customers. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business
activities from which it may recognize revenues and incur expenses, and for which separate financial information is available that is
regularly evaluated by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), or group, in deciding how to allocate
resources and assess performance.
Our Chief Executive Officer,
as the CODM, organizes our company, manages resource allocations and measures performance among two operating and reportable segments,
which were identified based on the nature of the products and services offered:
· Content Production and Distribution segment includes the operations of Kartoon Studios, Inc., Mainframe
Studios, and Frederator Studios. These entities are aggregated due to their similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services,
production processes, customer types, and distribution methods. This segment is focused on the creation, production, and distribution
of animated and live-action content, as well as licensing and royalty revenue from intellectual property.
· Media Advisory and Advertising Services segment includes the Beacon Media Group and the Beacon Communications
Group. These entities provide media advisory and advertising services and marketing services.
The Company’s CODM decides
on resource allocation predominantly based on the annual budget and forecasting process. The CODM considers budget-to-actual variances
on a periodic basis when making decision about allocating resources to the segments.
The CODM uses revenue and
net income (loss) to evaluate the profitability and performance of each operating segment, because it provides insight to operational
leverage and other operational metrics for each segment. The CODM reviews revenue and net operating results, as allocated based on the
nature of the business activity.
The CODM does not evaluate
the operating segments using asset information and it is therefore not disclosed.
32
Segment operating expenses
include operating expenses directly attributable to the segment as well as certain shared corporate administration services and other
costs which are allocated to the reportable segments, such as legal expenses, human resources expenses, accounting expenses, insurance
expenses, and corporate facilities expenses. Segment operating expenses exclude certain non-recurring items and other costs, such as interest
expense, interest income, share-based compensation expense and taxes.
The following table presents the revenue and net
earnings within the Company’s two operating segments (in thousands):
Schedule of segment information by revenues and net income (loss)
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Total Revenues:
Content Production and Distribution
$ 5,373
$ 9,437
$ 11,812
$ 18,074
Media Advisory and Advertising Services
448
842
1,247
1,709
Total Revenues
$ 5,821
$ 10,279
$ 13,059
$ 19,783
Net Income (Loss):
Content Production and Distribution
$ 27,571
$ ( 5,505 )
$ 21,562
$ ( 11,531 )
Media Advisory and Advertising Services
( 586 )
( 658 )
( 942 )
( 1,158 )
Total Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Kartoon Studios, Inc.
$ 26,985
$ ( 6,163 )
$ 20,620
$ ( 12,689 )
Geographic Information
The following table provides
information about disaggregated revenue by geographic area (in thousands):
Schedule of segments by geographic area
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Total Revenues:
United States
$ 2,649
$ 4,889
$ 6,627
$ 9,615
Canada
387
3,734
1,278
6,761
United Kingdom
2,745
1,618
5,096
3,330
Other
40
38
58
77
Total Revenues
$ 5,821
$ 10,279
$ 13,059
$ 19,783
Additional considerations
include the use of segment-level budgets and forecasts created by Mainframe Studios, Frederator Studios and Kartoon Studios at the entity
level. The additional financial information prepared by the segment managers is discussed at length in meetings with the CODM. The Company
determines that the revenue information reviewed by the CODM, combined with the financial information discussed with the segment managers
is sufficiently detailed to allow the CODM to assess each component’s performance and make resource allocation decisions. Kartoon
Studios, Frederator Studios and Mainframe Studios are separate entities, although according to ASC 280-10-50-11 all criteria are met in
order to present result in aggregation.
33
When evaluating the Company’s
performance and making key decisions regarding resource allocation, the CODM reviews several metrics included in net income or loss, which
also include the following:
Schedule of segment
allocations
Three Months Ended June 30, 2026
Content
Production and
Distribution
Media Advisory
and Advertising
Total
Revenues
$ 5,373
$ 448
$ 5,821
Less Operating Expenses:
Selling, Marketing and Direct Operating Costs
( 4,731 )
( 43 )
( 4,774 )
General and Administrative Expenses
( 2,570 )
( 975 )
( 3,545 )
Segment results:
$ ( 1,928 )
$ ( 570 )
$ ( 2,498 )
Reconciliation of net (loss) income:
Depreciation Expense
$ ( 676 )
$ ( 43 )
$ ( 719 )
Interest Expense
( 175 )
–
( 175 )
Share-Based Compensation
( 193 )
–
( 193 )
Legal Settlement Income
39,238
–
39,238
Standstill Agreement Accrued Expense
( 4,000 )
–
( 4,000 )
Income Tax Expense
( 573 )
–
( 573 )
Other
( 4,158 )
27
( 4,131 )
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
36
–
36
Net Income (Loss)
$ 27,571
$ ( 586 )
$ 26,985
Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
Content
Production and
Distribution
Media Advisory
and Advertising
Total
Revenues
$ 9,437
$ 842
$ 10,279
Less Operating Expenses:
Selling, Marketing and Direct Operating Costs
( 7,212 )
( 70 )
( 7,282 )
General and Administrative Expenses
( 4,176 )
( 1,252 )
( 5,428 )
Other Segment Expenses
–
( 8 )
( 8 )
Segment results:
$ ( 1,951 )
$ ( 488 )
$ ( 2,439 )
Reconciliation of net (loss) income:
Depreciation Expense
$ ( 685 )
$ ( 43 )
$ ( 728 )
Interest Expense
( 165 )
–
( 165 )
Share-Based Compensation
( 48 )
–
( 48 )
Other
( 2,760 )
( 127 )
( 2,887 )
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
104
–
104
Net Income (Loss)
$ ( 5,505 )
$ ( 658 )
$ ( 6,163 )
34
Six Months Ended June 30, 2026
Content
Production and
Distribution
Media Advisory
and Advertising
Total
Revenues
$ 11,812
$ 1,247
$ 13,059
Less Operating Expenses:
Selling, Marketing and Direct Operating Costs
( 9,568 )
( 115 )
( 9,683 )
General and Administrative Expenses
( 5,734 )
( 2,033 )
( 7,767 )
Segment results:
$ ( 3,490 )
$ ( 901 )
$ ( 4,391 )
Reconciliation of net (loss) income:
Depreciation Expense
$ ( 1,351 )
$ ( 87 )
$ ( 1,438 )
Interest Expense
( 408 )
–
( 408 )
Share-Based Compensation
( 384 )
–
( 384 )
Legal Settlement Income
39,238
–
39,238
Standstill Agreement Accrued Expense
( 4,000 )
–
( 4,000 )
Income Tax Expense
( 573 )
–
( 573 )
Other
( 7,546 )
46
( 7,500 )
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
76
–
76
Net Income (Loss)
$ 21,562
$ ( 942 )
$ 20,620
Six Months Ended June 30, 2025
Content
Production and
Distribution
Media Advisory
and Advertising
Total
Revenues
$ 18,074
$ 1,709
$ 19,783
Less Operating Expenses:
Selling, Marketing and Direct Operating Costs
( 14,002 )
( 148 )
( 14,150 )
General and Administrative Expenses
( 7,850 )
( 2,520 )
( 10,370 )
Other Segment Expenses
–
( 8 )
( 8 )
Segment results:
$ ( 3,778 )
$ ( 967 )
$ ( 4,745 )
Reconciliation of net (loss) income:
Depreciation Expense
$ ( 1,324 )
$ ( 90 )
$ ( 1,414 )
Interest Expense
( 293 )
–
( 293 )
Share-Based Compensation
( 135 )
–
( 135 )
Other
( 6,170 )
( 101 )
( 6,271 )
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests
169
–
169
Net Income (Loss)
$ ( 11,531 )
$ ( 1,158 )
$ ( 12,689 )
35
In evaluating segment expenses,
the CODM primarily focuses on cash operating costs and budget-to-actual variances, as these measures are most relevant to assessing operating
performance and making resource allocation decisions. All other segment items included in net income or loss are reported on the consolidated
statements of operations and described within their respective disclosures.
Sale of Frederator Networks, Inc.
Frederator Networks operated
within the Company’s Content Production and Distribution segment, and its operating results are included in income from continuing
operations within that segment for all periods through June 30, 2026. As described in Note 1, Organization and Business - Recent Transactions ,
control of Frederator Networks transferred to the buyer on July 8, 2026. Accordingly, its results will be excluded from the segment beginning
in the third quarter of 2026. The disposal did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on the Company’s
operations or financial results and therefore did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations under ASC 205-20, Presentation
of Financial Statements Discontinued Operations .
Beginning in the third quarter
of 2026, the exclusion of Frederator Networks is expected to affect the Content Production and Distribution segment as follows:
· Revenues are expected to decrease by $ 1.9 million due to the exclusion of Frederator’s post-sale activity.
· Operating loss is expected to decrease by $ 0.1 million, reflecting the removal of Frederator’s operations.
· A one-time loss on deconsolidation of $ 0.3 million, is expected to be recognized in the third quarter of 2026, which is not allocated
to segment operating income in accordance with the Company’s segment reporting policies.
The Company does not expect
the sale and deconsolidation of Frederator Networks to have a material impact on the long-term financial performance of the Content Production
and Distribution segment.
Note 22: Subsequent Events
Marketable Securities
Subsequent to June 30, 2026, the Company purchased marketable securities for $1.5 million,
and sold marketable securities for proceeds of $2.0 million.
Stockholder Rights Plan and Related Measures
On July 1, 2026, the Company’s
Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan and related measures, as described below.
Preferred Stock Rights
Agreement:
On July 1, 2026, the Company
entered into a Preferred Stock Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) with VStock Transfer, LLC, as rights agent. In connection
with the Rights Agreement, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of distribution of one right (a “Right”) for each outstanding
share of our common stock, payable to stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 13, 2026. In general terms, the Rights
Agreement imposes significant dilution upon any person or group (other than the Company and certain other exempt persons, that is or becomes
the beneficial owner of ten percent (10%) or more of the Company’s common stock without the prior approval of the Board of Directors.
Each Right entitles its registered holder, upon the occurrence of certain triggering events, to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth
of a share of Series D Participating Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $3.75 per one one-thousandth of a share, subject to adjustment.
The Rights become exercisable only if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our outstanding common stock without
the approval of the Board of Directors, subject to certain exceptions. The Rights are redeemable by the Board of Directors at a price
of $0.001 per Right at any time prior to the earlier of the time the Rights become exercisable and their final expiration, and will expire
at the close of business on June 29, 2027, unless earlier redeemed or exchanged.
36
Certificate of Designation
of Series D Participating Preferred Stock:
In
connection with the Rights Agreement, the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada a Certificate of Designation
designating 300,000 shares of our authorized preferred stock as Series D Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share. Each
one one-thousandth of a share of Series D Participating Preferred Stock (“ Series D Preferred
Stock”), if issued, upon the exercise of the Rights (i) will not be redeemable; (ii) will entitle holders to quarterly dividend
payments, when and if declared, of $0.001 per one one-thousandth of a share of Series D Preferred Stock, or an amount equal to the dividend
paid on one share of common stock, whichever is greater; (iii) will entitle holders upon liquidation either to receive $1.00 per
one one-thousandth of a share of Series D Preferred Stock or an amount equal to the payment made on one share of common stock, whichever
is greater; (iv) will have the same voting power as one share of common stock and will vote together with the common stock; and
(v) will entitle holders to a payment per one one-thousandth of a share of Series D Preferred Stock equal to the payment made on one
share of common stock if the common stock is exchanged via merger, consolidation, or a similar transaction. No shares of Series D Preferred
Stock were issued or outstanding as of the date of this Report, and the designation was established solely to support the Rights Agreement.
Amendments to Bylaws:
The Board also adopted amendments
to our Bylaws that, among other things, divide the Board of Directors into two classes with staggered terms, eliminate the ability of
stockholders to act by written consent, provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called only by the Board of Directors, establish
advance notice procedures for stockholder nominations of directors and other stockholder proposals, require the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of our outstanding stock to remove a director, and designate an exclusive forum for
certain legal proceedings.
The foregoing actions had
no effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or shares of common stock outstanding as of or for the period
covered by this report. For additional information, see our Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2026, as amended by our Form 8-K/A filed on July
6, 2026, and our Form 8-A12B filed on July 2, 2026.
Disposal of a Subsidiary
On July 8, 2026, the Company
sold all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Frederator Networks, Inc. (“Frederator Networks”), which operated the
Frederator Network channel business, to Project Robot LLC, an unaffiliated third party, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated June
18, 2026. Kartoon Studios will retain key intellectual property of Frederator Studios, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company,
including Bee and PuppyCat, Bravest Warriors, Castlevania, and Catbug , for distribution and product licensing opportunities.
The transaction was part of the Company’s strategic realignment to focus on monetization of premium intellectual property and franchise
development. Upon closing, the Company ceased to have a controlling financial interest in Frederator Networks. The base purchase price
under the purchase agreement was $0.5 million in cash, subject to customary post-closing adjustments for net working capital, indebtedness,
and cash and cash equivalents, on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The Company expects to recognize a loss on disposal of approximately $0.3
million (before income taxes), representing the excess of Frederator Networks’ net carrying amount over the estimated net consideration
to be received. This estimate is preliminary, unaudited, and subject to change pending finalization of the post-closing working capital
true-up pursuant to the purchase agreement, which is expected to be completed within 60 days of closing. Because the transaction closed
after June 30, 2026, Frederator Networks’ assets, liabilities, and results of operations continue to be included in the Company’s
condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 on a continuing-operations basis.
Frederator Networks did not meet the held-for-sale criteria of ASC 360-10-45-9 as of June 30, 2026. Management concluded that the disposition
does not represent a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company’s operations or financial results, and accordingly,
the transaction does not qualify for discontinued-operations presentation under ASC 205-20. In connection with the closing, Frederator
Networks, Inc and Project Robot LLC entered into a three-year Channel Distribution Agreement with Frederator Studios, LLC. Under this
arrangement, Frederator Studios, LLC, will continue to receive a declining share of net YouTube receipts (85% in year one, decreasing
to 5% by year three) generated from certain retained channels through YouTube CMS infrastructure. Frederator Studios, LLC and Frederator
Networks, Inc., will each retain a 50% ownership interest in the Frederator trademark. Management does not believe this continuing
involvement affects the conclusions and estimates described above.
37
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide readers of our
consolidated financial statements with the perspectives of management. This should allow the readers of this report to obtain an understanding
of our businesses, strategies, current trends, and future prospects. It should be noted that the following MD&A contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations, financial condition
and liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes for the three and six
months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025 .
Certain statements made
or incorporated by reference in this report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in our press releases and
in statements made by or with the approval of authorized personnel constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act,
and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements reflect intent, belief, current expectations, estimates
or projections about, among other things, our industry, management’s beliefs, and future events and financial trends affecting us.
Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,”
“estimates,” “may,” “will” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify
forward looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events
or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected
in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain
risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely
from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These differences can arise as a result of the
risks described in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026 (“The 2025 Annual Report”), and elsewhere in this Report, as well
as other factors that may affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition. Forward-looking statements in this report
speak only as of the date hereof, and forward-looking statements in documents incorporated by reference speak only as of the date of those
documents. Unless otherwise required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, we cannot assure you that
the forward-looking statements contained in this report will, in fact, transpire.
Overview
We are a global content and
brand management company focused on the creation, production, licensing, and distribution of multimedia animated content for children.
Our main sources of revenue are derived from animation
production services provided to third parties, the sale of licenses for the distribution of films and television programs, advertising
revenues, and merchandising and licensing sales.
Production Services
Animation Production Services:
Our production services business is centered on delivering original and third-party commissioned animated content with a focus on
production efficiency and scalability. Mainframe Studios, our primary production entity, is undertaking operational enhancements through
the adoption of flexible production workflows, strategic outsourcing, and the integration of new technologies. These initiatives aim to
optimize cost structures and streamline the production pipeline. To date, Mainframe has produced over 1,200 television episodes, 70 movies,
and three feature films, including titles such as Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures , Octonauts: Above & Beyond , Cocomelon ,
SuperKitties , and Unicorn Academy , in partnership with leading global media companies. Mainframe Studios is currently engaged
in the production of numerous owned IP and for-hire projects spanning a range of formats and target audiences, including Phoebe &
Jay, It’s Andrew, and SuperKitties . This content is being produced for leading platforms and broadcasters such as Disney Junior,
PBS Kids, Netflix, CBC, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, among others. These projects are at various stages of production
and delivery, with certain titles completed during the prior year and others expected to be delivered through 2026.
38
During 2025, we entered into
active development and production on Hundred Acre Wood’s: Winnie and Friends, an animated franchise series inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh
by A.A. Milne. Structured as a serialized short-form series, the production is engineered for broad multi-platform distribution across
AVOD, FAST, SVOD, in-store, and international platforms. Developed as a cornerstone franchise for Kartoon Studios, the series features
an original yarn-based animation style combining digital tools with handcrafted textures to create a warm, storybook aesthetic enhanced
by music and dance. The franchise includes a multi-phase rollout, consisting of major holiday specials, including Christmas, Halloween,
Thanksgiving, and Easter, and is supported by an integrated global consumer products program spanning toys, apparel, home goods, publishing,
collectibles, and retail partnerships. The series is scheduled to premiere with preliminary activities in Q4 2026, with a full launch
across main distribution channels anticipated in Q1 2027.
Content Distribution
Film and Television Licensing:
We recognize revenue by licensing rights to exploit functional IP (IP that has significant standalone functionality, such as the ability
to be played or aired). Our content distribution strategy is focused on scaling audience reach and monetization across a network of branded
destinations, including Kartoon Channel! , Kartoon Channel! Worldwide , Frederator, and Ameba. We plan to grow revenue through
expanded licensing activity and increased utilization of owned IP assets such as Rainbow Rangers , Stan Lee brands, Shaq’s
Garage , and many more. To support margin expansion, we are actively implementing AI-driven tools designed to reduce operating costs
in areas such as localization and video resolution enhancement. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company sold its interest in
Frederator Networks, Inc. For additional information, see Recent Events, Sale of Frederator Networks, Inc.
Advertising Revenue: We
receive advertising revenue through our wholly-owned VOD services, Kartoon Channel! and Ameba, and Frederator’s owned and
operated YouTube channels as well as revenues generated from the operation of Frederator’s creator network, Channel Frederator
Network . Additionally, advertising revenue is derived from Kartoon Channel! branded channels on Free Ad Supported Streaming
TV services. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company sold its interest in Frederator Networks, Inc. In connection with such
sale, the Company entered into a three-year Channel Distribution Agreement. For additional information, see Recent Events, Sale of
Frederator Networks, Inc.
Licensing and Royalties
Merchandising and Licensing :
The Company enters into merchandising and licensing agreements that allow licensees to produce merchandise utilizing certain of the Company’s
symbolic IP (IP that is not functional as it does not have significant standalone use and substantially all of the utility of symbolic
IP is derived from its association with the entity’s past or ongoing activities, such as a brand or logo). We believe the licensing
and royalties business presents the most significant long-term growth opportunity. Strategic emphasis is being placed on the commercialization
of the Stan Lee intellectual property portfolio and the launch of the Hundred Acre Wood’s: Winnie and Friends property, with
a focus on both digital and physical consumer products, as well as location-based fan experiences. We intend to expand the use of our
broader IP catalog in licensing programs in 2026 and beyond.
Media Advisory and Advertising Services
Beacon, our specialized media
and marketing agency, provides media advisory and advertising consulting services to clients. Revenue is recognized when the services
are performed or are paid through a monthly retainer. Our media advisory and advertising operations are structured to generate recurring
and diversified revenue through a combination of retainer-based engagements and commission-driven media planning and buying. This blended
revenue model affords client flexibility and supports margin optimization through efficient resource utilization. Beacon has continued
to invest in higher-value service offerings, including influencer-driven marketing programs, data-informed media planning, and customized
campaign development. These capabilities have increased the scope and duration of client engagements and strengthened customer retention.
As these services scale, we expect to benefit from operating leverage, as incremental revenue can be generated with comparatively limited
increases in fixed costs. The group continues to build upon its established presence in the toy industry while expanding into adjacent
sectors, including family entertainment and travel.
39
Recent Events
Section 3(a)(10) Accounts Payable Settlement
On November 18, 2025, we entered
into an agreement to engage in a transaction under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act with CCI, to settle an additional $1.0 million
of accounts payable in exchange for issuing 1,695,072 shares of common stock. Under the terms of the agreement, CCI makes payments to
our vendors in cash and, in exchange, we issued shares of common stock to CCI. The settlement was valued at 1.75 shares of common stock
per $1 of accounts payable, pursuant to the terms of the agreement. The transaction was approved by a court after a public hearing on
the fairness of the terms and conditions. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, we settled $0.6 million of accounts payable
and issued an aggregate of 977,360 shares of common stock to CCI. During the six months ended June 30, 2026, we recognized a loss
of $0.1 million on the settlement, representing the difference between the carrying value of liabilities extinguished and the fair value
of shares issued, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The transaction was
carried out in stages and completed as of June 30, 2026.
On April 8, 2026, we entered
into a new agreement to settle an aggregate of $1.1 million of outstanding accounts payable under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act
with CCI, in exchange for issuing 2,001,797 shares of common stock, and to settle an additional past obligations up to $0.3 million in
exchange for issuing 551,250 shares of common stock. The terms were consistent with the November 2025 arrangement. The transaction was
carried out in stages and completed as of June 30, 2026. During the three months ended June 30, 2026, we recognized a loss of $0.6
million on the settlement, representing the difference between the carrying value of liabilities extinguished and the fair value of shares
issued, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Section 16(b) Litigation Settlement
Between May 29, 2026 and June
11, 2026, we entered into settlement agreements with six defendants (the “Settling Parties”) in the action styled Todd
Augenbaum v. Anson Investments Master Fund LP, et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-00249 (S.D.N.Y.) , an action brought under Section 16(b) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by a stockholder on behalf of and for our benefit, in which we were named only as a nominal defendant,
seeking disgorgement of alleged short-swing profits realized by certain investors in the 2020 private placements. The Settling Parties
agreed to pay aggregate settlement amounts of $78.5 million minus fees and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel (in an amount not yet
determined), subject to certain terms and conditions, and the parties agreed to mutual releases. Pursuant to the settlement agreements,
50% of each settlement amount, or $39.2 million in the aggregate, was paid directly to us during June 2026, and the remaining 50% was
deposited into escrow to fund the court-awarded fees and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel, with any residual balance payable to us after
the applicable approval orders become final. We recognized the $39.2 million received as a non-recurring, non-operating gain, included
in Other Income (Expense), net, on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2026. In connection
with the settlement with the Anson Investments Master Fund LP and its affiliates (collectively, the “Anson Parties”), on June
10, 2026, we entered into a standstill and voting agreement with the Anson Parties, under which we agreed to pay the Anson Parties $4.0
million and the Anson Parties agreed to certain voting commitments and standstill restrictions through June 11, 2027. We recognized this
amount as a non-operating loss, included in Other Income (Expense), net, on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the
three months ended June 30, 2026. The related liability was included in current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet
as of June 30, 2026 and was paid in July 2026. In accordance with ASC 450-30-25-1, any residual amounts distributable to us from escrow
constitute a gain contingency and will be recognized if and when realized.
Adoption of Stockholder Rights Plan and Related Measures
On July 1, 2026, the Board
of Directors adopted a Preferred Stock Rights Agreement (a stockholder rights plan), filed a related Certificate of Designation designating
300,000 shares of a new Series D Participating Preferred Stock, and adopted amendments to our Bylaws. The stockholder rights plan is intended
as a protective measure to guard against coercive or unfair takeover tactics and the accumulation of a controlling interest in the Company
without negotiation with the Company’s Board. The Series D Participating Preferred Stock was designated solely to support the stockholder
rights plan; no shares have been issued, and the rights issued under the plan become exercisable only upon the occurrence of certain triggering
events. These actions did not affect our financial condition, results of operations or shares of common stock outstanding as of or for
the period covered by this report. For additional information, see Note 22, Subsequent Events, to our condensed consolidated financial
statements included in this report, Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors , and our Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2026, as amended
on July 6, 2026, and our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on July 2, 2026.
40
Sale of Frederator Networks, Inc.
On July 8, 2026, we sold all
of the issued and outstanding common stock of Frederator Networks, Inc. (“Frederator Networks”), which operated the Frederator
Channel network business, to Project Robot LLC, an unaffiliated third party, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated June 18, 2026.
We will retain key intellectual property of Frederator Studios, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, including Bee and PuppyCat, Bravest
Warriors, Castlevania, and Catbug , for distribution and product licensing opportunities. The transaction was part of our strategic
realignment to focus on monetization of premium intellectual property and franchise development. Upon closing, we ceased to have a controlling
financial interest in Frederator Networks. The base purchase price under the purchase agreement was $0.5 million in cash, subject to customary
post-closing adjustments for net working capital, indebtedness, and cash and cash equivalents, on a cash-free, debt-free basis. We expect
to recognize a loss on disposal of approximately $0.3 million (before income taxes), representing the excess of Frederator Networks’ net
carrying amount over the estimated net consideration to be received. This estimate is preliminary, unaudited, and subject to change pending
finalization of the post-closing working capital true-up pursuant to the purchase agreement, which is expected to be completed within
60 days of closing. Because the transaction closed after June 30, 2026, Frederator Networks’ assets, liabilities, and results of
operations continue to be included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended June
30, 2026, on a continuing-operations basis. Frederator Networks did not meet the held-for-sale criteria of ASC 360-10-45-9 as of June
30, 2026. Management concluded that the disposition does not represent a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on our
operations or financial results, and accordingly, the transaction does not qualify for discontinued-operations presentation under ASC
205-20. In connection with the closing, Frederator Networks, Inc. and Project Robot LLC entered into a three-year Channel Distribution
Agreement with Frederator Studios, LLC. Under this arrangement, Frederator Studios, LLC will continue to receive a declining share of
net YouTube receipts (85% in year one, decreasing to 5% by year three) generated from certain retained channels through YouTube CMS infrastructure.
Frederator Studios, LLC and Frederator Networks, Inc. will each retain a 50% ownership interest in the Frederator trademark. Management
does not believe this continuing involvement affects the conclusions and estimates described above.
Results of Operations
Net income for the three
months ended June 30, 2026 was $27.0 million, compared to a net loss of $6.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The increase
was primarily attributable to a non-recurring, non-operating gain of $39.2 million from the Section 16(b) litigation settlement received
in June 2026. Excluding this one-time gain, we would have incurred a net loss from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2026.
As a result, period-over-period comparisons of net income are not indicative of underlying operational performance. For additional information
regarding the settlement, see Recent Events Section 16(b) Litigation Settlement .
In addition, our results
for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026 include the operations of Frederator Networks, Inc., which was sold on July
8, 2026. In the future, we expect to focus on monetization of premium intellectual property and franchise development. For
additional information regarding the Frederator Networks sale, see Recent Events Sale of Frederator Networks, Inc.
Our summary results for the
three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 are below:
Revenue
Three Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
Change
% Change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Production Services
$ 3,459
$ 7,359
$ (3,900 )
(53 )%
Content Distribution
1,853
1,992
(139 )
(7 )%
Licensing and Royalties
61
86
(25 )
(29 )%
Media Advisory and Advertising Services
448
842
(394 )
(47 )%
Total Revenue
$ 5,821
$ 10,279
$ (4,458 )
(43 )%
41
Production Services
Production services revenue
was generated specifically by Mainframe Studios providing animation production services. Revenue for production services is recognized
over time on a percentage of completion basis, therefore, as the projects are still in progress, we recognize revenue based upon the proportion
of costs incurred cumulatively to total expected costs. Consequently, less revenue is recognized during the periods in which the projects
are near completion or completed. The production services revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2026 was 53% lower than the
production services revenue recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2025. The decrease was primarily due to the timing of production
deliveries at Mainframe Studios, with several projects shifting from the first quarter into later periods in 2026, reducing the proportion
of costs incurred relative to total estimated project costs. In contrast, the comparable prior year period benefited from multiple projects
simultaneously entering advanced production phases, resulting in a higher concentration of production activity and correspondingly higher
revenue recognized under the percentage of completion method.
Content Distribution
Revenue related to content
distribution on advertising-supported video on demand (“AVOD”) and subscription video on demand (“SVOD”), including
advertising sales for the three months ended June 30, 2026, decreased by 7% as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025.
The decrease of $0.1 million was due to a decrease in Frederator’s creator network revenue from YouTube by $0.7 million driven by
overall less viewership as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by an increase in Mainframe content distribution revenue
by $0.4 million due to delivery of episodes of Mainframe’s It’s Andrew! IP Project and distribution revenue from other
Mainframe IP, and an increase in sales activity of Ameba and Kartoon Channel divisions by $0.2 million.
Licensing and Royalties
Revenue related to our licensing
and royalties for the three months ended June 30, 2026 decreased by 29% as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025,
primarily attributable to timing differences in revenue recognition from our existing license deals.
Media Advisory and Advertising Services
Revenue generated by media
advisory and advertising services for the three months ended June 30, 2026 decreased by 47% as compared to the three months ended
June 30, 2025, primarily due to a reduced number of customer accounts in the period compared to the prior period.
Expenses
Three Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
Change
% Change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Marketing and Sales
$ 139
$ 167
$ (28 )
(17 )%
Direct Operating Costs
4,634
7,113
(2,479 )
(35 )%
General and Administrative
4,458
6,214
(1,756 )
(28 )%
Total Expenses
$ 9,231
$ 13,494
$ (4,263 )
(32 )%
Marketing and Sales
Marketing and sales expenses
for the three months ended June 30, 2026 decreased by approximately 17% as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2025.
The decrease is considered immaterial, and overall marketing and sales spending remained largely consistent period-over-period, reflecting
no significant changes in the Company’s corporate awareness initiatives or advertising activities.
42
Direct Operating Costs
Direct operating costs during
the three months ended June 30, 2026 consisted primarily of salaries and related expenses for the animation production services employees
of Wow. Creator network channel expenses, licensing and production of content costs, such as participation expenses related to profit
sharing obligations with various animation studios, post-production studios, writers, directors, musicians or other creative talent that
had rendered services and amortization, including any write-downs of film and television costs, make up the remainder of direct operating
costs. The 35% decrease was primarily due to lower salary costs by $2.2 million driven by a lower headcount in Production Services related
to the delivered projects, that were in the advanced production stages in the prior year quarter compared to the current period and a
decrease of $0.6 million of direct costs related to Frederator Networks. The decrease in direct operating costs was partially offset by
an increase of $0.2 million in film amortization expense and an increase of $0.1 million in participation expenses arising from new contractual
agreements entered into during the period as well as existing agreements, consistent with the corresponding increase in owned-IP revenue.
General and Administrative
The $1.8 million decrease
in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the three months ended June 30,
2025, was driven by a decrease of $0.7 million in salaries and wages primarily due to the capitalization of certain wages associated with
a new film project and reduced headcount, a decrease of $0.6 million in professional fees reflecting reduced use of external consulting
services and timing of the annual shareholder meeting costs, a decrease of $0.3 million in various administrative costs, mainly IT infrastructure
and other equipment costs, a decrease of $0.1 million in bad debt expense due to certain receivables being written down in prior year
quarter, and a gain on disposal of equipment of $0.1 million recorded in the current period. The decrease was partially offset by an increase
of $0.1 million in share-based compensation expense due to new awards granted in recent periods.
Impairment Charge
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, we reassessed our nonfinancial assets, including our definite-lived intangible assets and our
indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. No indicators of impairment or triggering events were identified during the periods,
and we concluded that no impairment charges were required.
On July 8, 2026, we completed
the sale of Frederator Networks, Inc. We assessed the Frederator Networks, Inc. asset group for recoverability using the executed Stock
Purchase Agreement price as the primary evidence of fair value and determined that any impairment indicated as of June 30, 2026 would
be limited to the aggregate shortfall on the transaction of approximately $0.3 million. Because the sale closed on July 8, 2026, this
shortfall will be reflected in the loss on deconsolidation of Frederator recognized in the third quarter of 2026. Accordingly, no impairment
charge was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2026. For additional information, see Note 22, Subsequent Events, to
the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
Our summary results for the
six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 are below:
Revenue
Six Months Ended
2026
2025
Change
% Change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Production Services
$ 7,552
$ 13,931
$ (6,379 )
(46 )%
Content Distribution
4,126
3,973
153
4 %
Licensing and Royalties
134
170
(36 )
(21 )%
Media Advisory and Advertising Services
1,247
1,709
(462 )
(27 )%
Total Revenue
$ 13,059
$ 19,783
$ (6,724 )
(34 )%
43
Production Services
Production services revenue
was generated specifically by Mainframe Studios providing animation production services. Revenue for production services is recognized
over time on a percentage of completion basis, therefore, as the projects are still in progress, we recognize revenue based upon the proportion
of costs incurred cumulatively to total expected costs. Consequently, less revenue is recognized during the periods in which the projects
are near completion or completed. The production services revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was 46% lower than the production
services revenue recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2025. The decrease was primarily due to the timing of production deliveries
at Mainframe Studios, with several projects shifting from the first quarter into later periods in 2026, reducing the proportion of costs
incurred relative to total estimated project costs. In contrast, the comparable prior year period benefited from multiple projects simultaneously
entering advance production phases, resulting in a higher concentration of production activity and correspondingly higher revenue recognized
under the percentage of completion method.
Content Distribution
Revenue related to content
distribution on advertising-supported video on demand (“AVOD”) and subscription video on demand (“SVOD”), including
advertising sales for the six months ended June 30, 2026, increased by 4% as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025.
The increase was primarily driven by revenue recognized from the delivery of episodes of Mainframe’s It’s Andrew! IP
Project and distribution revenue from other Mainframe IP of $1.2 million, and an increase in sales activity of Ameba and Kartoon Channel
divisions by $0.2 million. The increase was partially offset by a decline in content revenue from Frederator’s creator network on
YouTube of $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025. The decrease
in Frederator’s creator network revenue from YouTube was due to overall less viewership as compared to the prior year period.
Licensing and Royalties
Revenue related to our licensing
and royalties for the six months ended June 30, 2026 decreased by 21% as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025, primarily
attributable to timing differences in revenue recognition from our existing license deals.
Media Advisory and Advertising Services
Revenue generated by media
advisory and advertising services for the six months ended June 30, 2026 decreased by 27% as compared to the six months ended June 30,
2025, primarily due to a reduced number of customer accounts in the period compared to prior period.
Expenses
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
Change
% Change
(in thousands, except percentages)
Marketing and Sales
$ 331
$ 353
$ (22 )
(6 )%
Direct Operating Costs
9,352
13,797
(4,445 )
(32 )%
General and Administrative
9,589
11,927
(2,338 )
(20 )%
Total Expenses
$ 19,272
$ 26,077
$ (6,805 )
(26 )%
44
Marketing and Sales
Marketing and sales expenses
for the six months ended June 30, 2026 decreased by approximately 6% as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025. The
decrease is considered immaterial, and overall marketing and sales spending remained largely consistent period-over-period, reflecting
no significant changes in the Company’s corporate awareness initiatives or advertising activities.
Direct Operating Costs
Direct operating costs during
the six months ended June 30, 2026 consisted primarily of salaries and related expenses for the animation production services employees
of Wow. Creator network channel expenses, licensing and production of content costs, such as participation expenses related to profit
sharing obligations with various animation studios, post-production studios, writers, directors, musicians, or other creative talent that
had rendered services, and amortization, including any write-downs of film and television costs, make up the remainder of direct operating
costs. The 32% decrease was primarily due to lower salary costs of $4.0 million driven by a lower headcount in Production Services related
to the delivered projects, that were in the advanced production stages in the prior year quarter compared to the current quarter, a decrease
of $1.2 million of direct costs related to Frederator Networks and the elimination of $0.1 million from the restructuring of our international
operations. The decrease in direct operating costs was partially offset by an increase of $0.5 million in film amortization expense and
an increase of $0.3 million in participation expenses arising from new contractual agreements entered into during the period as well as
existing agreements, consistent with the corresponding increase in owned-IP revenue. Additionally, $0.1 million in product development
costs was not capitalized.
General and Administrative
The $2.3 million decrease
in general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the six months ended June 30,
2025, was driven by a decrease of $1.2 million in salaries and wages primarily due to the capitalization of certain wages associated with
a new film project and reduced headcount, a decrease of $0.9 million in professional fees, reflecting reduced use of external consulting
services and timing of the annual shareholder meeting costs, a decrease of $0.2 million in other administrative costs, mainly IT infrastructure
and other equipment costs, and a gain on disposal of equipment of $0.1 million recorded in the current period. The decrease was partially
offset by an increase of $0.2 million in share-based compensation expense due to new awards granted in recent periods.
Impairment Charge
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, we reassessed our nonfinancial assets, including our definite-lived intangible assets and our
indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. No indicators of impairment or triggering events were identified during the periods,
and we concluded that no impairment charges were required.
On July 8, 2026, we completed
the sale of Frederator Networks, Inc. We assessed the Frederator Networks, Inc. asset group for recoverability using the executed Stock
Purchase Agreement price as the primary evidence of fair value and determined that any impairment indicated as of June 30, 2026 would
be limited to the aggregate shortfall on the transaction of approximately $0.3 million. Because the sale closed on July 8, 2026, this
shortfall will be reflected in the loss on deconsolidation of Frederator recognized in the third quarter of 2026. Accordingly, no impairment
charge was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2026. For additional information, see Note 22, Subsequent Events, to the
Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report.
45
Other
Expense, net
Components of Other Income (Expense), net, are
summarized as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Interest Expense (a)
$ (175 )
$ (165 )
$ (408 )
$ (293 )
Other Income (Expense), net (b-l)
Loss on Revaluation of Warrants (b)
–
(678 )
–
(232 )
Loss on Revaluation of Equity Investment in YFE (c)
(514 )
(3,778 )
(3,471 )
(7,418 )
Realized Loss on Marketable Securities Investments (d)
–
(32 )
–
(28 )
(Loss) Gain on Foreign Exchange (e)
(412 )
1,713
(784 )
2,380
Loss on Debt Settlement (f)
(630 )
–
(754 )
(944 )
Interest Income (g)
47
12
82
66
Finance Lease Interest Expense (h)
(4 )
(6 )
(8 )
(10 )
Gain on Lease Modification (i)
–
4
–
4
Legal Settlement Income (j)
39,238
–
39,238
–
Loss on Standstill Agreement (k)
(4,000 )
–
(4,000 )
–
Other (l)
(2,618 )
(122 )
(2,565 )
(89 )
Other Income (Expense), net
$ 31,107
$ (2,887 )
$ 27,738
$ (6,271 )
Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2026
(a)
Interest Expense during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, primarily consisted of $0.2 million and $0.4 million in interest, respectively, incurred on production facilities and the factoring liability.
(b)
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company did not record any gain related to warrant revaluation.
(c)
As the investment in YFE is accounted for under the fair value option, the Company recognized a loss on revaluation of its equity investment in YFE of approximately $0.5 million and $3.5 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, respectively. The loss reflected decreases in YFE’s stock price during the current reporting periods compared to the respective prior reporting periods. The impact of foreign currency translation is excluded and presented separately.
(d)
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company did not record any loss related to marketable securities.
(e)
The loss on foreign exchange during the three months ended June 30, 2026, primarily related to the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiary, resulting in a loss of $0.4 million. The loss on foreign exchange during the six months ended June 30, 2026, primarily related to the revaluation of the YFE investment, resulting in a loss of $0.2 million due to the Euro depreciating against the U.S. dollar as compared to prior period and a loss of $0.6 million due to the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiary.
(f)
The loss on debt settlement recorded during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, includes a loss of $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, arising from the Section 3(a)(10) transaction completed during the periods.
(g)
Interest Income during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, primarily consisted of income from investments in marketable securities.
(h)
The finance lease interest expense represents the interest portion of the finance lease obligations for equipment purchased under an equipment lease line.
(i)
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026, the Company did not record any gain related to lease modification.
(j)
Between May 29, 2026 and June 11, 2026, the Company
received aggregate cash of $39.2 million representing 50% of the court-approved settlement payments under the Section 16(b) litigation
settlement agreements. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Business - Recent Transactions , to our condensed
consolidated financial statements.
(k)
In connection with the legal settlement with the Anson Investments Master Fund LP and its affiliates, on June 10, 2026, Kartoon Studios Inc. entered into a standstill and voting agreement with the Anson Parties, under which the Company agreed to pay the Anson Parties $4.0 million and the Anson Parties agreed to certain voting commitments and standstill restrictions through June 11, 2027. The amount was recognized as a non-operating loss for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026. For additional information, see Note 1, Organization and Business - Recent Transactions , to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
(l)
Other loss of $2.6 million primarily consists of non-operating losses related to legal fees directly attributable to the legal settlement, recorded during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2026.
46
Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2025
(a)
Interest Expense during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2025 consisted of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, primarily due to interest incurred on production facilities.
(b)
The loss on revaluation of warrants during the three months ended June 30, 2025 was related to the remeasurement occurred immediately before reclassification of the outstanding 7,894,736 Series A warrants and 7,894,736 Series B warrants from liability to equity. The loss on revaluation of warrants during the six months ended June 30, 2025 consisted of $0.7 million loss recorded at remeasurement offset by a $0.4 million fair value gain in the period ended March 31, 2025 of the outstanding 7,894,736 Series A warrants and 7,894,736 Series B warrants. These warrants were classified as a liability in the period ended March 31, 2025 and change in their fair value resulted in a recorded gain due to a decrease of expiration period.
(c)
As accounted for using the fair value option, the loss on revaluation of equity investment in YFE of $3.8 million and $7.4 million, respectively, recorded in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2025, was a result of the decreases in YFE’s stock price as of the reporting period when compared to the prior reporting period. This excluded the impact of foreign currency recorded separately.
(d)
The realized loss on marketable securities investments of $32,145 recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2025, was related to the Loss of $37,197 on sale of certain securities prior to the maturity date, offset by the gain of $5,053 attributable to the sale of U.S. Treasury Securities. The realized loss on marketable securities investments of $27,691 recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2025 was related to the loss of $37,197 on sale of certain securities prior to the maturity date, offset by the gain of $9,507 attributable to the sale of U.S. Treasury securities.
(e)
The gain on foreign exchange during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2025 primarily related to the revaluation of the YFE investment and remeasurement of foreign currency transactions of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiary, resulting in a gain of $1.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively, due to the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Euro relative to prior periods.
(f)
In April 2025, a settlement agreement with YFE related to the shareholder loan agreement was finalized. As the settlement was considered probable and the loss reasonably estimable as of March 31, 2025, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $0.9 million during the first quarter of 2025.
(g)
Interest Income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, primarily consisted of income from investments in marketable securities, net of premium amortization expense, as well as other transactions, including interest income related to Employee Retention Tax Credit (“ERTC”) receivable and interest income related to the shareholder loan. Each of these sources was individually immaterial.
(h)
The finance lease interest expense represents the interest portion of the finance lease obligations for equipment purchased under an equipment lease line.
(i)
On April 1, 2025, a subsidiary, Beacon Communications, executed a rent reassignment agreement relinquishing one floor of its office space in Toronto to a new tenant who assumed the lease obligation for that floor. This transaction resulted in a gain of $4,253 on lease modification recorded during the period ended June 30, 2025.
(j)
During the three months ended June 30, 2025, a net loss of $0.1 million was recognized in connection with the reversal of previously accrued other income related to Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) claims. Other income had initially been recorded based on anticipated recoveries from submitted claims. Subsequent legislative developments reduced the expected recoverable amounts, resulting in a partial reversal of the accrued other income. The amount also included $11,991 of other income, primarily consisting of late fees from select clients on payment plans. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, other income primarily related to such late fees totaled $50,197.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of June 30, 2026,
we had cash of $7.7 million (which does not include cash held in escrow from the Section 16(b) litigation settlement described above),
which increased by $4.8 million as compared to December 31, 2025. The increase was primarily due to cash provided by operating activities
of $31.4 million, cash provided by financing activities of $1.7 million, and the effect of exchange rate of $0.5 million, offset by cash
used in investing activities of $28.8 million. The cash provided by operating activities of $31.4 million was primarily due to net income
of $20.5 million, and a favorable impact of net change in non-cash adjustments of $15.1 million, partially offset by a net use of cash
related to operating assets and liabilities of $4.2 million. Net income was driven primarily by a non-recurring and non-operating cash
receipt of $39.2 million representing 50% of the court-approved settlement payments under the Section 16(b) litigation settlement agreements.
The cash provided by financing activities of $1.7 million was primarily due to the drawdowns, net of repayments and debt issuance costs,
from production facilities of $1.2 million, proceeds from a warrant exercise of $0.6 million, partially offset by finance lease payments
of $0.1 million. The cash used in investing activities of $28.8 million was primarily due to the investment of the settlement proceeds
in marketable securities of $32.8 million, offset by the proceeds received from the redemption of marketable securities purchased in prior
periods of $4.0 million.
47
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, we received aggregate cash of $39.2 million representing 50% of the court-approved settlement payments under the Section
16(b) litigation settlement agreements. The Settling Parties agreed to pay us aggregate settlement amounts of $78.5 million minus fees
and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel (in an amount not yet determined), subject to certain terms and conditions, and the parties
agreed to mutual releases. Pursuant to the settlement agreements, 50% of each settlement amount, or $39.2 million in the aggregate, was
paid directly to us during June 2026, and the remaining 50% was deposited into escrow to fund the court-awarded fees and expenses of plaintiff’s
counsel, with any residual balance payable to us after the applicable approval orders become final. These receipts are non-recurring and
non-operating in nature and do not represent a source of operating cash flow. We used a significant portion of these receipts to purchase
$32.3 million of available-for-sale securities, primarily U.S. Treasury securities. As a result, the settlement receipts are reflected
principally in the marketable securities balance rather than in the ending cash balance. We hold these securities as a source of liquidity
and expect to draw on them to fund working capital and operating requirements. We have not received, and have not recognized, the portion
of the settlement deposited into escrow. Any residual amounts distributable to us will become available as a source of liquidity if and
when realized. On June 10, 2026, we entered into a standstill and voting agreement with the Anson Parties, under which we agreed to pay
the Anson Parties $4.0 million for certain voting commitments and standstill restrictions through June 11, 2027.
Subsequent to June 30, 2026,
we sold our interest in Frederator Networks, Inc. for $0.5 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments for net working capital,
indebtedness, and cash and cash equivalents, on a cash-free, debt-free basis. Frederator Networks was not a material contributor to our
consolidated operating cash flows, and the sale is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. In connection with
the sale, we entered into a three-year Channel Distribution Agreement under which we will receive a declining share of net YouTube receipts
generated by certain retained channels. For additional information, see Recent Events - Sale of Frederator Networks, Inc.
As of June 30, 2026,
we held available-for-sale marketable securities with a fair value of $32.8 million, compared to $4.0 million as of December 31,
2025, representing an increase of $28.8 million. The increase was primarily due to purchases of $32.3 million of securities funded by
the proceeds received under the Section 16(b) litigation settlement, together with $0.5 million of securities purchased in May 2026, partially
offset by $4.0 million of securities redeemed upon maturity during the six months ended June 30, 2026. The available-for-sale securities
consist principally of U.S. Treasury securities and are available as a source of liquidity.
Working Capital
As of June 30, 2026,
we had total current assets of $63.0 million, including cash of $7.7 million, and marketable securities of $32.8 million, and our total
current liabilities were $31.6 million. We had working capital of $31.4 million as of June 30, 2026 as compared to working capital
of $2.3 million as of December 31, 2025. The increase of
$29.1 million was du e to an increase of $27.3 million in current assets and a decrease
of $1.9 million in current liabilities compared to the balances as of December 31, 2025. The increase in current assets is primarily
driven by an increase of $28.8 million in marketable securities investments due to investments of a portion of the cash proceeds from
the settlement of the Section 16(b) litigation in the marketable securities, an increase of $4.8 million in cash primarily due to the
remaining settlement proceeds not allocated to marketable securities, an increase of $0.8 million in prepaid expenses, and an increase
of $0.7 million in production tax credit receivable due to recognized credits for the ongoing projects,
offset by a decrease of $7.6 million in accounts receivable related to the timing of contractual billing milestones in production
projects and a decrease of $0.2 million in other receivables due to collection of insurance proceeds related to previously filed claims.
The decrease in current liabilities is primarily driven by a decrease of $6.4 million in accounts payable primarily within the Media Advisory
and Advertising Services segment, driven by the seasonality of the business, as sales peak during the holiday season, a decrease of $1.7
million in deferred revenue balance related to revenue recognized under the percentage-of-completion method on production projects, offset
by a standstill agreement payable of $4.0 million which was outstanding as of June 30, 2026, an increase of $1.1 million in production
facilities due to advance stages of production projects, an increase of $1.0 million in accrued expenses related mainly to billing timing
and insurance policy renewals, and an increase of $0.1 million in participation payable due to timing of production related participant
distributions.
48
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, we met our immediate cash requirements through existing cash balances. We continue to navigate macroeconomic challenges
in the animation and advertising industries, including ongoing government tariffs and intensified competition. In the prior periods, we
have demonstrated resilience in our financing activities, having successfully raised net proceeds through public offerings, and continue
to explore opportunities to further strengthen our financial position. In parallel, management also plans to preserve liquidity, as needed,
by implementing cost saving measures. For example, during the six months ended June 30, 2026, in order to improve liquidity, we settled
approximately $1.7 million of outstanding accounts payable in transactions under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act. Additionally,
we also used equity and equity-linked instruments to pay for services and compensation.
During the six months ended
June 30, 2026, we received $39.2 million in direct cash proceeds from the settlement of the Section 16(b) litigation, which we have
substantially deployed into available-for-sale marketable securities as a source of liquidity. Management has evaluated the significance
of these conditions in relation to our ability to meet our obligations and noted that we have sufficient cash, marketable securities and
investments to fund operations for the next 12 months from the issuance date of this 10-Q.
As of June 30, 2026, we had
access to production facilities with an outstanding balance of $12.9 million. Our production facilities are generally repayable on demand
and bear interest at rates ranging from bank prime plus 1.00% to 1.25% per annum. Borrowings under these facilities are collateralized
by a security interest in substantially all of the relevant production company’s tangible and intangible assets, including federal
and provincial tax credits and production service agreements. We expect to continue utilizing production facilities to finance specific
productions as projects advance through the production pipeline. For additional information regarding our production facilities, see Note
12, Bank Indebtedness and Production Facilities, to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Comparison
of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025
Our total cash as of June 30,
2026 and June 30, 2025 was $7.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
Six Months Ended June 30,
2026
2025
Change
(in thousands)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
$ 31,432
$ (6,290 )
$ 37,722
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
(28,826 )
1,301
(30,127 )
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
1,672
(273 )
1,945
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash
521
(555 )
1,076
Increase (Decrease) in Cash
$ 4,799
$ (5,817 )
$ 10,616
Change in Operating Activities
Change in operating activities
of $37.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025, include an increase
in net income of $33.4 million driven primarily by the legal settlement cash receipts, an increase of $5.6 million in net non-cash expense
adjustments, and an increase of $1.3 million in cash flows from operating assets activity, offset by a decrease of $2.6 million in cash
flows from operating liabilities activity.
Items necessary to reconcile
net loss to cash provided by operating activities included net non-cash expenses of $15.1 million for the six months ended June 30,
2026 as compared to net non-cash expenses of $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025. The increase of $5.6 million in
non-cash expenses compared to prior year was primarily due to a $4.0 million accrued expense related to the standstill agreement recorded
in the current period, an increase of $2.0 million non-cash adjustment due to stock issued for services, an absence of foreign currency
YFE investment remeasurement recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2025 resulting in a $1.9 million change compared to the prior
year, a noncash reduction of $1.7 million in accounts payable due to corresponding stock issuances to CCI, an increase of $0.8 million
in loss on debt settlement related to the transaction under Section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Act of 1933, an increase of $0.4 million
in Film and Television amortization related to the projects delivered in prior year, and an increase of $0.2 million in stock-based compensation
expense due to new awards granted. These movements were offset by a decrease of $3.9 million in expense related to fair value adjustment
of YFE investment, an absence of $1.3 million loss on debt related to the settlement agreement of the loan from related party recorded
in prior year period, and an absence of $0.2 million loss related to revaluation of the warrants recorded in prior year period.
49
Change in cash provided by
operating activities also includes fluctuations in working capital, including movements in operating assets and liabilities. Working capital
adjustments reflect timing differences between the recognition of revenues and expenses and the related cash receipts or payments. Operating
asset and liability activities resulted in a net decrease of $4.2 million in cash during the six months ended June 30, 2026, as compared
to a net decrease of $2.9 million in cash during the six months ended June 30, 2025. The changes resulted in an increase in use of
cash related to operating asset and liability cash flows of $1.3 million compared to prior year. This was primarily due to a decrease
in cash flows from the operating liabilities by $2.6 million, offset by an increase in net cash flows generated by the operating assets
activity by $1.3 million. The decrease in cash flows used by the operating liabilities by $2.6 million was primarily due to unfavorable
impact of deferred revenue movement of $1.7 million representing revenue recognized related to cash received in advance in prior periods,
generally more accounts payable settled in cash by $1.2 million, an unfavorable impact of lower accrued salaries and wages costs of $0.6
million, and an unfavorable impact of lower media purchases accrued expenses of $0.2 million, offset by favorable impact of accrued participation
costs movement of $0.5 million due to timing of payment obligation and an increase of $0.3 million related to timing of Mainframe production
costs accruals. Net cash flows generated by the operating assets activity by $1.3 million compared to the prior year period was due to
generally higher net receipts of outstanding accounts receivable by $2.5 million, a favorable impact of $0.4 million attributable to other
receivables, partially offset by higher capitalized costs related to ongoing productions by $1.1 million, lower net receipts of tax credits
during the current period by $0.4 million and more cash spent on prepaid services by $0.1 million as compared to the prior year period.
Change in Investing Activities
The cash used in investing
activities increased by $30.1 million, primarily due to investment of a portion of the legal settlement proceeds in the marketable securities
totaling to $31.0 million, partially offset by an increase in proceeds from the redemption of marketable securities of $0.8 million during
the six months ended June 30, 2026.
Change in Financing Activities
The increase in cash provided
by financing activities of $1.9 million was primarily due to higher net proceeds from borrowing from our margin loan and production facilities
of $1.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2026 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2025, proceeds from warrants
exercise of $0.6 million, and lower finance leases payments by $0.1 million.
Material Cash Requirements
We have entered into arrangements
that contractually obligate us to make payments that will affect our liquidity and cash flows in future periods. Our material cash requirements
from known contractual and other obligations primarily relate to our debt and lease obligations and our employment and consulting contracts.
The aggregate amount of future minimum purchase obligations under these agreements over the period of next five years is approximately
$26.9 million as of June 30, 2026, of which $16.8 million could be owed within one year. Included in the amount that could be due
within one year is the production facilities balance of $12.9 million.
In addition, we expect to
incur significant production costs in connection with the development and launch of Hundred Acre Wood’s: Winnie and Friends ,
which is scheduled to premiere with preliminary activities in Q4 2026 and a full launch anticipated in Q1 2027. We expect to fund these
production costs through a combination of existing cash and marketable securities, production facilities, and potential licensing and
distribution advances.
We plan to utilize our liquidity
(as described above) to fund our material cash requirements.
As of June 30, 2026,
we had $0.2 million in commitments for capital expenditures, related to equipment leases.
50
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the financial
statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and our discussion and analysis of
our financial condition and operating results require our management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts
reported. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions it believes to be reasonable under
the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual
results may differ from these estimates, and such differences may be material.
Note 2, “Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part
II, Item 8 of our 2025 Annual Report and “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 of the 2025 Annual
Report describe the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet
arrangements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk
As a “smaller reporting
company”, as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required by this Item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls
and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms
and accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing
similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Our management, with the participation of
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report,
of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation,
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial
Reporting
There was no change in our
internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended
June 30, 2026 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations over Internal Controls
Control systems, no matter
how well-conceived and operated, are designed to provide a reasonable, but not an absolute, level of assurance that the objectives of
the control system are met. Furthermore, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and
the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation
of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements resulting from error or fraud may occur and not
be detected. The Company conducts periodic evaluations of its internal controls to enhance, where necessary, its procedures and controls.
51
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
As of June 30, 2026,
there were no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or as to which any of its property is subject, other
than as described below. Each of the proceedings described below was previously reported in Part I, Item 3 of the Company’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026 (the “2025 Annual Report”), and in Part
II, Item 1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 (the “Q1 2026 Form 10-Q”), which
descriptions are incorporated herein by reference. The following summarizes material developments during the quarter ended June 30,
2026.
Securities Litigation:
As previously reported, the
Company and its Chief Executive Officer Andy Heyward are defendants in a putative securities class action pending in the U.S. District
Court for the Central District of California, styled In re Genius Brands International, Inc. Securities Litigation, Master File No. 2:20-cv-07457
DSF (RAOx). Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages on behalf of a putative class of persons who invested in the Company’s common stock during
the alleged class period. Following the District Court’s February 4, 2025 and August 5, 2025 orders, a single alleged misstatement under
Plaintiffs’ Third Amended Complaint remains at issue in the case. The alleged misstatement appeared in a press release issued March 17,
2020, and was repeated in a shareholder letter issued March 20, 2020. It stated that the Nickelodeon cable platform Nick Jr. had increased
its airing of the Company’s cartoon series Rainbow Rangers to 26 times a week. Plaintiffs claim this statement was false and was issued
with an intent to deceive investors. Defendants have denied and continue to deny any wrongdoing.
As previously reported, the
parties mediated the dispute, together with the shareholder derivative actions referenced below, before Phillips ADR in December 2024.
The case did not settle during the mediation. In light of the District Court’s February 4, 2025 order, the mediator reached out to the
parties to determine whether there is a basis now to resolve the dispute. The mediator has not reported back concerning his discussions
with Plaintiffs’ counsel. The Company cannot predict whether the parties will decide to continue with mediation or, if they do, whether
they will be able to reach a settlement of the case and of the related shareholder derivative litigation on terms acceptable to the parties.
The Company cannot predict the outcome of the securities class action.
At the status conference held
January 12, 2026, the Court referred the case to Magistrate Judge Oliver to resolve questions about the scope of discovery and concerning
proposals by Defendants to streamline the Defendants’ formal Answer to the Third Amended Complaint, in both cases to focus on the small
portion of the Third Amended Complaint remaining. Since that time, the parties have served discovery demands and responses, and Judge
Oliver has resolved a number of discovery disputes in a manner that has limited the scope of discovery being sought by Plaintiffs. Additionally,
Plaintiffs designated a few dozen paragraphs of their Third Amended Complaint that they felt should be formally answered by Defendants,
and Defendants have filed their Answer. Discovery is ongoing, with both parties having substantially completed their document productions.
The Court has not issued a scheduling order.
Shareholder Derivative
Actions:
There have been no material
developments during the quarter in the previously reported shareholder derivative actions, including Cohen v. Heyward, et al., Case No.
A-25-929617-C (District Court of Clark County, Nevada). The Company is named only as a nominal defendant, and the plaintiffs seek no recovery
from the Company. All of the derivative actions remain stayed, or are expected to be stayed, pending the outcome of the securities class
action, whose outcome, and therefore the outcome of the derivative actions, the Company cannot predict.
52
Section 16(b) Litigation:
As previously reported, the
Company is a nominal defendant in Todd Augenbaum v. Anson Investments Master Fund LP, et al., Case No. 1:22-cv-00249 AS (S.D.N.Y.), an
action brought under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act by a stockholder on behalf and for the benefit of the Company. The action seeks
disgorgement of alleged short-swing profits realized by certain investors in the Company’s 2020 private placements. No Company officer
or director is among the defendants. The plaintiff seeks no relief from the Company, and the Company stands to receive any recovery obtained
in the action.
Settlements with six of the
eight defendants. Between May 29, 2026 and June 11, 2026, the Company and plaintiff’s counsel entered into settlement agreements with
six of the eight defendants, resolving the plaintiff’s claims against those defendants subject to the terms and conditions of the settlement
agreements. The settling parties agreed to pay aggregate settlement amounts of approximately $78.5 million (gross of plaintiff’s counsel’s
fees and expenses, which have not yet been awarded), and the parties agreed to mutual releases. The settling defendants also waived any
indemnity claims against the Company relating to the action. Fifty percent of each settlement amount, or $39.2 million in the aggregate,
was paid directly to the Company during June 2026. The remaining fifty percent was deposited into escrow to fund the court-awarded fees
and expenses of plaintiff’s counsel, with any residual balance payable to the Company after the applicable approval orders become final.
Plaintiff’s application for attorneys’ fees and expenses is expected to occur in the coming months. In connection with the settlement
with the Anson Investments Master Fund LP and its affiliates, on June 10, 2026, the Company entered into a standstill and voting agreement
under which the Company agreed to pay the Anson parties $4.0 million. This amount was paid in July 2026. For the accounting treatment
of the settlement receipts, the escrowed balance, and the standstill and voting agreement, see Note 1 and Note 2 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements.
Trial as to the non-settling
defendants. The Court held trial beginning June 8, 2026 and concluding June 18, 2026, after which the jury returned a verdict in favor
of the two non-settling defendants and awarded no damages. Following the verdict, plaintiff’s counsel filed a motion for judgment as a
matter of law and, in the alternative, for a new trial. If the motions are denied, the Company anticipates the plaintiff will appeal to
the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Should the Court of Appeals rule in the plaintiff’s favor, the Company may
have an opportunity to recover funds from the non-settling defendants, whether through a judgment as a matter of law or a favorable verdict
in a second trial. If the jury verdict is instead upheld, the case will conclude with no further damages awarded. The Company cannot predict
the outcome of the pending motions, any future appeal, or a potential second trial.
As previously reported in
the Q1 2026 Form 10-Q, one of the non-settling defendants, Empery Asset Management and affiliated entities, filed an action against the
Company styled Empery Asset Master Ltd., et al. v. Kartoon Studios, Inc., Index No. 650906/2026 (Supreme Court of the State of
New York, New York County). The action alleges breach of contract and seeks declaratory relief in connection with the Company’s denial
of their indemnification demands, with damages of approximately $3.5 million plus a declaration that the Company is obliged to advance
their defense expenses on an ongoing basis. During the quarter, following the parties’ stipulation, the federal court entered an order
on May 13, 2026 remanding the action to state court. On June 22, 2026, Empery filed an amended complaint adding the second non-settling
defendant, Brio Capital Master Fund Ltd. and an affiliated entity, as additional plaintiffs and asserting damages of over $10 million.
The Company filed its answer responding to the amended complaint on July 28, 2026. The Company denies all liability.
As previously reported, the
Company’s indemnification matter with its placement agent, Special Equities Group (“SEG”), arising from a non-party subpoena
in the Augenbaum litigation, was resolved by an amicable agreement between the parties. The Company’s agreements with SEG differ in nature
from those at issue in the Empery litigation and have no bearing on the outcome of the claims in that litigation. There were no further
developments during the quarter.
In all of the aforementioned
active proceedings, the Company has denied and continues to deny any allegations of wrongdoing directed against it. The Company intends
to defend the claims asserted against it vigorously. The Company maintains a program of directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance, which, subject to the insurers’ reservations of rights, has to this point offset a substantial portion of the costs incurred
in defending the Securities Litigation and the Shareholder Derivative Actions, as well as the Augenbaum lawsuit.
53
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Except as set
forth below, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors set forth in our 2025 Annual Report.
We have incurred net losses from operations
since inception.
We have a history of operating
losses and incurred net operating losses in each fiscal quarter since our inception. During the three months ended June 30, 2026,
we generated total revenues of $5.8 million and incurred a net loss from operations of $3.4 million, while for the same period the previous
year, we generated total revenue of $10.3 million and incurred a net loss from operations of $3.2 million, respectively. These operating
losses, among other things, have had an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, stockholders’ equity,
net current assets and working capital. Although we have net income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, the net income is
not derived from operations and is instead attributed to non-recurring and non-operating cash receipt of $39.2 million from the court
approved cash settlement received by us.
We will need to generate additional
revenue and/or reduce costs to achieve profitability. We are generating revenues derived from our existing properties, properties in production,
and new brands being introduced into the marketplace. However, the ability to sustain these revenues and generate significant additional
revenues and reduce our expenses or achieve profitability will depend upon numerous factors some of which are outside of our control.
Changes in U.S. trade policy, including
current and proposed tariffs on foreign-produced content, could adversely impact our business operations, particularly due to our reliance
on animation production services based in Canada and Asia.
The U.S. government has indicated
its intent to adopt, and in certain cases has implemented, a new approach to trade policy and in some cases to renegotiate, or potentially
terminate, certain existing bilateral or multilateral trade agreements. It has initiated or is considering the imposition of tariffs on
certain foreign goods. Changes in U.S. trade policy could result in one or more U.S. trading partners adopting responsive trade policies,
making it more difficult or costly for us to conduct our international and domestic operations. In May 2025, President Trump announced
an intention to impose tariffs on films made outside of the United States, which he reiterated in September 2025 and again in January
2026. Although we are headquartered in the United States, our primary animation production operations are located in Canada. To date,
no formal executive order or implementing regulations specific to filmed or animated content have been issued, and the scope and extent
of any such proposed measures remain undefined.
The broader legal landscape
governing U.S. tariff authority has continued to evolve materially. In February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Learning Resources,
Inc. v. Trump that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, invalidating a
broad set of tariffs that had been imposed under that authority. Following the ruling, the administration imposed a temporary 10% global
tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which expired in July 2026 in accordance with that statute’s 150-day limit. In parallel,
the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative initiated investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 covering a substantial
number of U.S. trading partners and, following one such investigation, in July 2026 imposed tariffs on goods of approximately 60 trading
partners, reflecting the administration’s stated intent to reestablish broad-based tariff measures under alternative statutory authorities.
In addition, a World Trade Organization moratorium on customs duties applicable to electronic transmissions, which had previously served
as a potential constraint on the imposition of tariffs on digitally distributed content, expired in March 2026, and the joint review of
the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which prohibits customs duties on digital products transmitted electronically between the parties,
commenced in July 2026. Any renegotiation or modification of that agreement’s digital trade provisions could reduce or eliminate one of
the remaining legal constraints on the imposition of duties on content produced by our Canadian operations. The full implications of these
developments for the potential imposition of tariffs or fees on filmed or animated content remain uncertain.
54
There is a risk that tariff
measures could be extended to include animated content produced internationally. Our business operations, financial condition, and results
of operations could be significantly affected by such measures, as well as by the potential expansion of existing tariffs or the implementation
of new tariffs, trade restrictions, or retaliatory measures by other countries that could disrupt our established operations. This in
turn could require us to increase prices to our customers, which may reduce demand, or, if we are unable to increase prices, result in
lower profit margins on certain services.
We cannot predict future trade
policy or the terms of any renegotiated trade agreements and their impact on our business. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions,
the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely
impact demand for our services, our costs, our customers, our suppliers, and the U.S. economy, which in turn could adversely impact our
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are subject to laws governing children’s
privacy and online safety, including the FTC’s amended COPPA rule, which became fully enforceable in April 2026, and compliance requires
ongoing operational measures.
Our digital distribution properties,
including Kartoon Channel!, are directed to children, and we are subject to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the
FTC’s implementing rule, which govern the online collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information from children under
the age of 13. In April 2025, the FTC published significant amendments to the COPPA Rule, and operators were required to be in full compliance
by April 22, 2026. Among other changes, the amended rule expanded the definition of personal information to include biometric identifiers,
requires separate verifiable parental consent before disclosing children’s personal information to third parties for purposes not integral
to our service (including targeted advertising and training artificial intelligence technologies), and requires operators to maintain
a written information security program and data retention policy applicable to children’s personal information.
Because a portion of our revenue
is derived from advertising on child-directed services, these requirements, particularly the separate consent requirement for third-party
advertising disclosures, affect how we and our advertising partners may collect and use viewer data. Compliance involves ongoing operational,
contractual, and technological measures, including monitoring third-party vendors’ use of data collected through our services. In addition,
a growing number of states have enacted laws imposing further restrictions on the processing of minors’ personal information, and additional
federal and state rulemaking, including with respect to age verification, remains under active consideration.
We implemented the changes
necessary to comply with the amended rule by the required date, and doing so has not to date had a material effect on our operations or
advertising-supported revenue. However, because these requirements are not uniform across jurisdictions and continue to evolve, compliance
with the most restrictive applicable standard could increase our costs or constrain our advertising-supported revenue model in the future.
Failure to comply with COPPA or analogous state laws could result in investigations, enforcement actions, civil penalties, and reputational
harm with parents, distributors, and advertisers, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
The loss of one or a few significant customers
could have a material adverse effect on us.
A small number of customers
have in the past, and may in the future, account for a significant portion of our revenues in any one year or over a period of several
consecutive years. During the three months ended June 30, 2026, three customers each accounted for more than 10% of our total consolidated
revenue. These customers accounted for an aggregate of 74.2% of our total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2026. During
the six months ended June 30, 2026, three customers each accounted for more than 10% of our total consolidated revenue. These customers
accounted for an aggregate of 66.1% of our total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2026. As of June 30, 2026, we had
three customers, the accounts receivable for each of which exceeded 10% of the total accounts receivable. These customers accounted for
an aggregate of 69.6% of the total accounts receivable as of June 30, 2026. The loss of business from a significant customer could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
55
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial
number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial
amounts of our common stock in the public market or upon shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, it could
create a circumstance commonly referred to as an “overhang” and, in anticipation of which, the market price of our common
stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our
ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we
deem reasonable or appropriate.
As of August 13, 2026,
approximately 59,728,670 shares of common stock of the 62,204,105 shares of common stock issued are outstanding and freely trading. As
of June 30, 2026, there were 38,960,004 warrants outstanding. Lastly, as of June 30, 2026, there are 839,998 shares of common
stock underlying outstanding options granted, 2,576,561 shares of common stock underlying outstanding restricted stock units (“RSUs”)
and 5,096,394 shares reserved for issuance under our Kartoon Studios, Inc. 2020 Incentive Plan.
We are authorized to issue “blank
check” preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could adversely impact the rights of holders of our common stock.
Our Articles of Incorporation,
as amended (our “Articles of Incorporation”), authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock
without seeking approval of our shareholders. As of June 30, 2026, 6,000 shares of our authorized preferred stock have been designated
as 0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and 50,000 shares of our authorized preferred stock have been designated as Series C Preferred
Stock, none of which shares were outstanding. On July 1, 2026, the Board of Directors designated 300,000 shares of our authorized preferred
stock as Series D Participating Preferred Stock, none of which have been issued, in connection with our adoption of a stockholder rights
plan on that date, as described elsewhere in this report. Any preferred stock that we issue in the future may rank ahead of our common
stock in terms of dividend priority or liquidation premiums and may have greater voting rights than our common stock. In addition, such
preferred stock may contain provisions allowing those shares to be converted into shares of common stock, which could dilute the value
of common stock to current stockholders and could adversely affect the market price, if any, of our common stock. In addition, the preferred
stock could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of our company.
Although we have no present intention to issue any additional shares of authorized preferred stock, there can be no assurance that we
will not do so in the future.
Our stockholder rights plan and provisions of our amended
Bylaws and Nevada law could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
On July 1, 2026, our Board
of Directors adopted a stockholder rights plan (the “Rights Agreement”) and adopted amendments to our Bylaws. Under the Rights
Agreement, if a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 10% or more of our outstanding common stock without the approval of our
Board, the rights held by that person or group would become void and each other holder of a right would become entitled to purchase shares
of our common stock at a substantial discount, resulting in significant dilution to the acquiring person or group. In connection with
the Rights Agreement, on July 1, 2026 our Board also designated a new series of participating preferred stock. In addition, the amendments
to our Bylaws adopted on July 1, 2026, among other things, divide our Board into two classes with staggered terms, eliminate the ability
of stockholders to act by written consent, provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called only by the Board, establish advance
notice procedures for stockholder nominations and proposals, require a two-thirds supermajority stockholder vote to remove a director,
and designate an exclusive forum for certain disputes. We are also subject to provisions of Nevada law that may have anti-takeover effects.
These provisions, alone or
in combination, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, or for our stockholders to change the composition of our
Board, even in a transaction that some or all of our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests or in which our stockholders
might receive a premium over the then-current market price of our common stock. As a result, these provisions could limit the price that
investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock
and the ability of our stockholders to realize a premium for their shares.
56
Actions of activist stockholders could
be disruptive and costly and could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and/or share price.
While we strive to maintain
constructive communications with our stockholders, we may, from time to time, be subject to demands from activist stockholders. Any activist
campaign against the Company that contests, conflicts with, or seeks to change, our board composition, leadership, strategic direction,
or business mix could have an adverse effect on us because: (i) responding to actions by activist stockholders could disrupt our operations,
be costly or time-consuming, or divert the attention of our board of directors and senior management from their regular duties, including
diverting their attention from the operation of our business and the execution of our strategic plans, which could adversely affect our
results of operations or financial condition; (ii) perceived uncertainties as to our future direction, including as a result of possible
changes to the composition of our board, may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of the business or lack of continuity,
any of which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our customers, employees, and/or business partners and result in the
loss of potential business opportunities, or make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners, and
may adversely affect our relationships with vendors, customers, business partners, and other third parties; (iii) these types of actions
could cause significant fluctuations in our share price based on temporary or speculative market perceptions or other factors that do
not necessarily reflect the underlying fundamentals and prospects of our business; and (iv) if individuals are elected to our board of
directors with a specific agenda, it may adversely affect our ability to effectively implement our business strategy and create additional
value for our stockholders.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
During the three months ended
June 30, 2026, the Company did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities that were not disclosed in SEC filings.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
(a) Disclosure in Lieu
of Current Report on Form 8-K
Amendments to Employment
Agreements
On August 10, 2026, the Company
entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to that certain Executive Employment Agreement (“Heyward Employment Agreement”)
with Andrew Heyward. The Amendment extends the term of the Heyward Employment Agreement to a four-year term, commencing August 15, 2025.
The Amendment made no changes to Executive’s base salary, made adjustments to certain producer fee payments and amended Section
4.2 of the Heyward Employment Agreement to provide that the 2025 performance metrics roll forward and apply to calendar year 2026.
The foregoing description of the
Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amendment, a copy of which is filed as
Exhibit 10.3 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
On August
10, 2026, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Jaffa Amendment”) to that certain Executive Employment Agreement (“Jaffa
Employment Agreement”) with Michael Jaffa, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. The Jaffa Amendment extends
the term of the Jaffa Employment Agreement to a four-year term, commencing November 14, 2025, and adds an annual bonus at the sole discretion
of the Company.
The foregoing
description of the Jaffa Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Jaffa Amendment,
a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
On August
10, 2026, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Parisi Amendment”) to that certain Executive Employment Agreement (“Parisi
Employment Agreement”) with Brian Parisi, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The Parisi Amendment extends the term of the Parisi
Employment Agreement to a three-year term, commencing January 1, 2026, and adds a 5% base salary adjustment in year three of the term
and an annual bonus at the sole discretion of the Company.
The foregoing description of the
Parisi Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Parisi Amendment, a copy of which
is filed as Exhibit 10.5 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Rule 10b5-1 Trading
Plans
During the quarter ended June 30,
2026, none of the Company’s directors or officers adopted , modified or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule
10b5-1 trading arrangement (each as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
57
Item 6. Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
3.1
Articles
of Incorporation of the Company, as amended(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2021)
3.2
Certificate
of Change to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on February 9,
2023(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February
10, 2023)
3.3
Bylaws
of the Company, as amended(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed
with the SEC on August 19, 2019)
3.4
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the 0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada on November 21, 2019 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 21, 2019)
3.5
Certificate of Designation of Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on April 12, 2022)
3.6
Articles of Merger of Kartoon Studios, Inc. into the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2023).
3.7
Certificate of Designation of Series C Preferred Stock of the Company, dated September 25, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed on September 25, 2023)
3.8
First Amendment to the Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 25, 2023)
3.9
Certificate of Change to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on November 9, 2023 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on November 14, 2023)
3.10
Amendment to Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 2, 2026 )
4.1
Preferred Stock Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 6, 2026)
10.1
Settlement Agreement and Stipulation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 24, 2026)
10.2†*#
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and each of its directors and executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 2, 2026)
10.3†*
First Amendment to Heyward Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2026
10.4†*
First Amendment to Jaffa Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2026
10.5†*
First Amendment to Parisi Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2026
31.1*
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2*
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1**
Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2**
Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in inline XBRL and included in exhibit 101).
_______
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
# Exhibits and Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally
a copy of any omitted exhibit and schedule to the SEC upon request.
58
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements
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.
Kartoon Studios, Inc.
August 14, 2026
By:
/s/ Andy Heyward
Andy Heyward
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
August 14, 2026
By:
/s/ Brian Parisi
Brian Parisi
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
59
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.