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Genius Brands International, Inc. (Nasdaq: GNUS) is a premier global children's media company engaged in the development, production, marketing, and licensing of branded children's entertainment properties and consumer products for media and retail distribution. Located at 5820 Oberlin Dr, San Diego, CA, Genius Brands has successfully curated a diverse portfolio of family-friendly content. The company boasts an impressive array of intellectual property, including the Stan Lee brand, Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Shaq's Garage, starring Shaquille O'Neal. These shows are available on platforms like Kartoon Channel! and Pluto TV.
Recently, Shaq's Garage achieved significant viewership milestones on Kartoon Channel! thanks to the pilot episode on Pluto TV, which attracted twice the number of users and view time compared to other shows. The series has become a standout hit, capturing over 25% of all channel viewers on launch day.
Furthermore, Genius Brands acquired WOW! Unlimited Media, expanding its reach with over 2,500 channels under the Frederator Network, and invested strategically in Germany's Your Family Entertainment AG, enhancing its international footprint. The company's Genius Networks encompasses Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba, with Kartoon Channel! offering a vast library of safe, family-friendly content available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Amazon Prime Video, Roku, and more.
The company also celebrated the release of the Stan Lee documentary on Disney+, earning critical acclaim and a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This documentary is a part of their strategy to leverage the Stan Lee Universe, which includes a notable 20-year licensing deal with Marvel Studios for future projects.
Genius Brands continues to operate at the intersection of entertainment and education, offering STEM-based content through Kartoon Classroom. With ongoing strategic partnerships and a focus on high-quality, engaging content, Genius Brands International is poised to remain a leader in the children's media industry.
Genius Brands International (NASDAQ: GNUS) announced a transformative 20-year licensing agreement with Marvel and Disney, granting the rights to use Stan Lee's likeness for various media and merchandise. This deal not only provides license fees and ongoing royalties but also ensures Stan Lee's legacy remains a key part of the Marvel universe. The company is set to unveil new Stan Lee content and products, including NFTs, coinciding with the Stan Lee Centennial on December 28. This strategic move aims to enhance Genius Brands' brand value and market presence significantly.
Genius Brands International (NASDAQ: GNUS) has signed a significant 20-year licensing deal with Marvel Studios for the rights to use Stan Lee's name, likeness, and voice in films, TV shows, and Disney theme parks. This agreement, celebrated by the company's CEO Andy Heyward, will preserve and promote Stan Lee's legacy as the iconic face of Marvel. The deal includes provisions for existing footage and recordings of Lee. As Genius Brands approaches the centennial of Stan Lee's birthday, the company strengthens its position in the children's entertainment market.
Genius Brands International (NASDAQ: GNUS) reported a 35% revenue increase year-over-year for Q1 2022, totaling $23.1 million. The acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media, finalized on April 6, 2022, led to a pro forma revenue increase of 53% to $19.4 million. The company also recorded a $5.4 million gain from investment in Your Family Entertainment, which is set to enhance content offerings on Kartoon Channel!. Genius Brands is focused on leveraging synergies from the WOW! acquisition to improve profitability while maintaining a strong cash position.
Genius Brands International (Nasdaq: GNUS) has announced the launch of a dedicated Kartoon Channel! on The Roku Channel, expanding its digital presence. Following the success of its app, the channel will offer a variety of original programming and popular children’s brands, reaching millions of viewers. The Roku Channel currently reaches approximately 80 million U.S. households. This expansion aligns with Genius Brands' goal of enhancing its offerings through partnerships, and marks a significant milestone in its mission to deliver family-friendly entertainment.
Genius Brands International (Nasdaq: GNUS) has completed the acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media (TSX-V: WOW), enhancing its position in the children’s entertainment sector. The deal is projected to provide immediate financial benefits and is expected to boost revenue significantly, with WOW! reporting a 31% revenue increase to $64.2 million in 2021. The acquisition includes channel Frederator Network, which garners over 1 billion monthly views on YouTube. This strategic move aims to create a comprehensive animation ecosystem and support revenue growth through integrated production capabilities.
Genius Brands International (NASDAQ: GNUS) announced a significant business update, reporting a 217% revenue increase to $7.9 million for 2021, compared to $2.5 million in 2020. The company expects to imminently close the acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media, which reported revenues of $64.2 million for the same year. As of December 31, 2021, Genius Brands held over $116 million in cash and marketable securities. The company continues to expand its entertainment offerings, including the upcoming Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse launch and new series featuring Shaquille O’Neal.
Genius Brands International (NASDAQ: GNUS) has launched the Kartoon Genius programming block in Latin America and the MENA region, expanding its Kartoon Channel! to 67 countries. This new two-hour daily block, airing in Arabic, English, and Spanish, features original children's content aimed at positive entertainment. Managing Director Paul Robinson emphasized the demand for uplifting children's programming, with the initiative building on the success of the Kartoon Channel in the U.S. and representing significant global growth opportunities.
Genius Brands International (NASDAQ: GNUS) has appointed Cindy Kelly as the new Head of Advertising Sales & Co-Chief Revenue Officer for Kartoon Channel! Her extensive experience in children's media sales, including roles at Cartoon Network and Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, aims to enhance ad revenues. This appointment follows the recent launch of Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse and the acquisition of Ameba TV, both pivotal for expanding the platform's reach in children's entertainment.
Genius Brands International (Nasdaq: GNUS) has promoted Kerry Phelan to Chief Brand Officer. Phelan, who joined in 2021, has extensive experience in brand management, previously working with major franchises like Star Wars and Cars. This role expansion aims to enhance global brand growth across all businesses, including WOW! Unlimited Media, Inc and Ameba TV. The company intends to build a 360° ecosystem to drive incremental revenue and strengthen its portfolio of children’s entertainment properties.
Genius Brands International (NASDAQ: GNUS) is set to launch season one of its animated series, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, on Youku, Alibaba's video platform, starting March 2022. The series, appealing to children, features Arnold Schwarzenegger and has already gained over 75 million views since its April 2021 debut. This partnership aims to reach millions of children across China, emphasizing positive messaging and entertaining content. The show promotes teamwork and values while introducing a fresh superhero narrative.
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