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Kartoon Studios (NYSE: TOON), a global producer and distributor of children’s and family entertainment, delivered a powerful operational update showcasing broad-based momentum across production, streaming, A.I. innovation, and corporate strategy. The company reported continued double-digit revenue growth, a strengthened balance sheet, and expanding global distribution as it prepares for multiple franchise launches in 2026.
Kartoon Studios generated $9.9 million in Q3 revenue, up 13% year-over-year, with year-to-date revenue increasing 28% to $29.7 million. Operational efficiency improved sharply, with loss from operations improving 10% sequentially and 32% YTD, driven by cost reductions and expanding high-margin channels.
The company’s largest growth driver, Mainframe Studios, delivered a standout quarter with 45% year-over-year revenue growth and 65% year-to-date growth, supported by production agreements with major global content owners including Sony (NYSE: SONY), Disney (NYSE: DIS), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), PBS, SpinMaster (OTC: SNMSF) and PBS. Multi-year contracts already extend visibility through 2027, securing predictable, recurring revenue. Recenlty featured alongside giants in the industry Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD), Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) and Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) among others, see complete news article.
Meanwhile, Kartoon Studios’ streaming division Toon Media Networks — which includes Kartoon Channel!, Ameba, and Frederator — delivered record performance in October. Kartoon Channel! achieved its strongest month ever, hitting all-time highs in subscriber growth and total watch time, while Frederator sold out a limited-edition merch drop for Bee and PuppyCat. The network continues to expand internationally across more than 60 territories, adding hit content including Angry Birds, Om Nom, Unicorn Academy, and Care Bears.
A major highlight for 2025 is the official launch of STAN A.I., the company’s advanced AI-driven animation initiative inspired by the late Stan Lee. Originally seeded in collaboration with Nvidia two years ago, STAN A.I. is designed to speed up production timelines, lower cost per minute of animation, and enable full-pipeline automation from pre-production to final delivery. CEO Andy Heyward described the moment as “the first pitch of the first inning” of a transformative shift expected to reshape the animation industry.
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Strategically, Kartoon Studios reinforced its balance sheet after completing a $7.3 million financing with an institutional investor, who also agreed not to sell shares below $1.00 through year-end. The deal includes accompanying warrants that could double the total capital infusion. The company also retired legacy shares and reduced overhead, strengthening liquidity and capital structure.
The company further boosted leadership with the appointment of Jeffrey Schlesinger, former President of Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution, to its Board of Directors — a move expected to accelerate global distribution, monetization, and partnership opportunities.
Looking ahead, Kartoon Studios is preparing for two major franchises set to drive meaningful revenue and licensing potential in 2026:
- Hundred Acre Wood’s Winnie & Friends — executive-produced by Linda Woolverton with music by Danny Elfman and previewing Christmas Eve 2025.
- Stan Lee Universe — backed by consumer products partnerships with Madame Tussauds, Topps, and Panini, supporting a 30-million-plus global fan base.
“With strengthened operations, expanding digital channels, institutional support, and a premium IP slate, Kartoon Studios enters 2026 from a position of real strategic momentum,” Heyward said. “We’re disciplined, we’re focused, and we’re building long-term shareholder value.”
