Another significant component of Genius Networks is Frederator, a pioneering force in streaming video and an independent producer of animation for various platforms. Frederator operates a global animation network on YouTube, boasting a network of over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers. With iconic shows like The Fairly OddParents, Adventure Time, and Bee and PuppyCat in its portfolio, Frederator has established a strong reputation in the animation industry and garners billions of views every month.
Through its strategic partnerships, Genius Brands International, Inc. has further enhanced its distribution capabilities and expanded its reach across major digital platforms. Collaborations with notable animation creators on platforms like YouTube, Meta, and TikTok have allowed Genius Brands to tap into diverse audiences and cater to various viewing preferences. Additionally, the acquisitions of WOW Unlimited Media and Ameba TV have expanded the company's distribution channels, including the pioneering Ameba TV Amazon Prime Video Channel and SVOD service.
With this comprehensive distribution network in place, Genius Brands International, Inc. is well-positioned to reach viewers globally through Ad-Free Subscription VOD (SVOD), Ad Supported VOD (AVOD), and Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channels. Leveraging the popularity and success of its platforms, Genius Brands' collective digital content offerings generate an impressive average of over 1 billion views per month.
To lead this consolidated network and drive growth, Genius Brands International, Inc. has appointed Todd Steinman as the President of Genius Networks. Steinman brings extensive experience in digital media and entertainment, having worked at The Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers, and WPP. His expertise in operations, content, monetization, and distribution will propel Genius Brands' mission of providing high-quality and engaging family entertainment across various digital platforms.
With a robust global distribution network, a talented leadership team, and a compelling lineup of family-friendly content, Genius Brands is poised for continued success and growth in the children's entertainment industry. As the demand for digital content continues to rise, Genius Brands International, Inc. is well-equipped to capture the attention of its target audience and solidify its position as a leader in the digital age.
Grab Important Details Here: Company Website.
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Breakout Catalysts To Watch - Key Info On (Nasdaq: GNUS)
#1. Company Announces Plans To Join Home Of Major Multimedia Powerhouses (NYSE American Exchange)!
Genius Brands Announces Name Change to 'Kartoon Studios'; Set to Transfer Listing to NYSE American Under New Ticker Symbol, ‘TOON’
Rebrand Reflects Company’s Growth and Focus on Production, Distribution and Licensing of Multi-Platform Animated Entertainment Content for Children and Families
‘STAN LEE’ to Ring Opening Bell on June 26th
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genius Brands International, Inc. (Genius Brands, (Nasdaq: GNUS) today announced that the Company will be changing its name to Kartoon Studios. In connection with the name change, the Company plans to transfer its listing from the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) to the NYSE American exchange (“NYSE American”).
Kartoon Studios is expected to commence trading on the NYSE American exchange when markets open on Monday, June 26, 2023. Effective that date, the Company’s common st-ock will begin trading under a new trading symbol, “TOON,” and a new CUSIP number, 37229T 509. The Company will continue to trade on Nasdaq under its current trading symbol, “GNUS” until the close of market on Friday, June 23, 2023.
The Company also reports that “STAN LEE,” via animation, will ring the opening bell of the NYSE on June 26th, reflecting the emphasis on STAN LEE created IP going forward for Kartoon Studios. Anyone that would like to join in on the celebration, can livestream the bell-ringing at the NYSE American exchange on Kartoon Channel.
The Company, through its interest in STAN LEE UNIVERSE, controls the name, likeness, signature, consumer product licensing, and post-Marvel IP, of Stan Lee, which it has commenced to bring to market beginning with a 20-year license to Marvel and the Walt Disney Company, and a major branding initiative commemorating Stan’s 100th anniversary at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023.
Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Genius Brands, commented, “The name change from Genius Brands to Kartoon Studios was conceived to reflect the core DNA of the Company, making high quality and socially responsible animated cartoons for children, distributing them worldwide, and licensing consumer products based on the character images. In conjunction with the renaming of the company, we are transitioning our st-ock listing to the NYSE American exchange, which we believe is more aligned with our strategy to become a leading provider of children’s entertainment. NYSE is home to major multimedia powerhouses like Disney, SONY, Roblox, AMC and others. We are heading into our next phase of growth so the timing is ideal for us as a company and our shareholders to make the move. I encourage in-vest-ors to join “Stan Lee,” along with management and the board, as he rings the NYSE opening bell on June 26 2023 to celebrate this momentous occasion.”
“The defining focus of our new ‘Kartoon’ and animation rebranding reflects the recent vertical integration of the business following several acquisitions over the past year, including WOW Unlimited Media in Canada and its subsidiaries Frederator Studios, Frederator Network and Mainframe Entertainment; Ameba TV; Beacon Media; as well as taking a major stake in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment, the largest children’s animation catalogue in Europe. We now have capabilities to do everything in-house, from content creation to production, distribution and global merchandising.”
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Read the full article here.
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#2. A Massive Revenue Explosion In Q1 Signals A Company On The Move (Huge 885% Increase).
Genius Brands Announces 885% Increase in Revenue for Q1 2023
- Kartoon Channel’s “SHAQ’S GARAGE” Set to Premiere June 5 Exclusively on Pluto TV
- Company’s Kartoon Channel and Ameba Services Report Significant SVOD Streaming Growth
- Strategic Initiative to Streamline Operations Resulting in a Material Reduction in Annualized Expenses
- Reports $114.3Mn in Current Assets, Working Capital of $23.5Mn and Total St-ockholders’ Equity of $91.3Mn
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genius Brands International, Inc. (“Genius Brands”) (NASDAQ: GNUS), a global brand management company that creates and licenses multimedia entertainment content for children, today provided a business update for the three months ended March 31, 2023 (“Q1 2023”).
Q1 2023 revenue increased 885% to $14.2Mn, compared to $1.4Mn for the same period last year. The Company also announced it has begun implementing a comprehensive cost cutting plan, aimed at streamlining operations and continuing the path to profitability. Expense reductions include personnel costs, production spend, lease, and vendor expenses. As of March 31, 2023, Genius Brands had current assets of $114.3Mn, working capital of $23.5Mn, and total st-ockholders’ equity of $91.3Mn.
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#3. A $10 Analyst Target Screams Significant Upside Potential From Current Levels.
In May, James McIlree, a top analyst at Dawson James Securities put a $10.00 target on GNUS.
After its close on Friday, that target provides GNUS with over 200+% potential upside.
Check out these report highlights:
- Over the past 12 months, Genius has transformed itself into a global developer, producer and distributor of animated children’s content. The acquisitions of WOW Unlimited and Ameba TV and the in-vest-ment in YFE have resulted in scaled-up content creation, access to independently created content from WOW’s YouTube multi-channel network and global distribution capabilities contributed by YFE and Ameba TV. The company’s animation studio produces in-house content and for customers such as Dreamworks and Mattel. Genius also operates the largest marketing and media agency within the Kids 2-11 age group, with annual media spending exceeding $100Mn.
- The company is unique among entertainment companies of its size with a global distribution reach enabled by its ownership of Kartoon Channel, a children’s video streaming service acquired with Ameba TV, YFE’s distribution, which includes international linear TV channels on free and pay TV, AVOD and SVOD channels. YFE’s reach is global, with children's channels in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Australia.
- Valuation: A comparable group of entertainment companies has traded at 3x to 5x sales over the past few years. Using 4.5x sales and our Q4 2024 run rate revenue estimate of $72Mn results in a $10.00 price target.
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Time’s ticking. Drop everything right now and get Genius Brands International, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNUS) on your radar before it’s too late.
When updates pop up, I’ll have them out to you quickly.
Jeff Ackerman
Managing Editor, Stock News Trends
