Kartoon Channel! and Ameba Deliver Triple-Digit Year Over Year Growth in Early 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

Kartoon Studios (NYSE: TOON) reported exceptional growth in early 2025, with a 116% year-over-year earnings increase for January and February compared to 2024. The company has promoted Todd Steinman to President of Toon Media Networks Worldwide, expanding his role to lead global operations as Kartoon Channel reaches 71 territories with a potential audience of 2.8 billion viewers.

Key developments include doubled watchtime across FAST platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Xumo, plus the addition of Samsung TV Plus. The company launched a 24/7 Rainbow Rangers channel on Google TV Freeplay and is implementing AI-assisted dubbing technology for international expansion. Under Steinman's leadership, Kartoon Channel has become a profitable platform combining AVOD, SVOD, and FAST channels.

Positive

• 116% year-over-year earnings increase in January-February 2025
• Expansion to 71 territories with access to 2.8 billion viewers
• Doubled watchtime performance across FAST platforms
• Profitable operations in North America
• Successful implementation of diversified revenue model (AVOD, SVOD, FAST)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Media Entertainment Analyst

Kartoon Studios reports 116% YoY earnings growth with expanded distribution to 71 territories, demonstrating successful monetization of their streaming platforms.

Kartoon Studios (TOON) has delivered triple-digit growth with a 116% year-over-year earnings increase for January-February 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable performance stems primarily from their Kartoon Channel! and Ameba platforms in the domestic market, positioning the company as an emerging contender in the family streaming sector.

The company has expanded its distribution footprint significantly, now reaching 71 territories with a potential audience of 2.8 billion viewers. This global scale provides substantial monetization opportunities across their diversified revenue streams including AVOD (ad-supported), SVOD (subscription), and FAST (free ad-supported television) channels.

Todd Steinman's promotion to President of Toon Media Networks Worldwide signals the company's commitment to international expansion. Under his leadership, Kartoon Channel! has already achieved profitability in North America—a significant accomplishment in the streaming industry where many platforms struggle with profitability.

The FAST channel strategy appears particularly effective, with Kartoon Channel! doubling performance across platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Xumo while adding Samsung TV Plus. The launch of a dedicated 24/7 Rainbow Rangers channel on Google TV Freeplay further extends their reach and revenue potential.

Their implementation of AI-assisted dubbing technology for content localization represents a strategic advantage for international growth. This technology likely reduces the traditional costs and time associated with content localization, allowing for faster market entry and potentially higher margins in global territories.

The transformation of Kartoon Channel!, Ameba, and Frederator Networks into profitable streaming services marks a significant achievement, as children's content has become a key battleground in the streaming wars, with families representing sticky, long-term subscribers and valuable advertising demographics.

Kartoon Channel Doubles Watchtime Across FAST Platforms

Google TV Freeplay launches 24/7 Rainbow Rangers Channel

AI-Assisted Foreign Language Dubbing, Helping to Drive International Expansion

Todd Steinman Promoted to President of Toon Media Networks Worldwide as Platforms Now Reaches 71 Territories with Universe of 2.8 Billion Viewers

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) today announced that it has expanded Todd Steinman’s role from Toon Media Networks President to lead global business for Kartoon Channel Worldwide! as the company accelerates international growth and capitalizes on surging momentum across its digital platforms.

Fueled by triple-digit growth from Kartoon Channel! and Ameba’s domestic business, the company reported a 116% year-over-year earnings increase for January and February 2025 (timing adjusted), compared to the same period in 2024. This growth, combined with ongoing platform expansion, reinforces Kartoon Studios’ position as a rising leader in the global family streaming market.

With distribution now spanning 71 territories and access to an audience of 2.8 billion, Steinman’s expanded role will include international operations while driving monetization across global markets. His leadership has already transformed Kartoon Channel! into a profitable, high-growth platform across North America.

Andy Heyward, CEO and Chairman of Kartoon Studios, commented: “Todd Steinman is an extraordinary executive who has not only delivered profitability and growth in the U.S. at a record pace but also defined a successful, scalable streaming model we can now extend worldwide across Ad-supported Video on Demand (AVOD), Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD), and FAST channels.   Steinman’s extraordinary performance guiding Kartoon Channel!, Ameba, and Frederator Networks into profitable streaming powerhouses for children and young adults has fueled an important and growing profit center for Kartoon Networks, with triple-digit growth year over year. The combination of Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD), AVOD, and FAST has created a diversified and fast-growing children's service. Steinman will now assume oversight of the global expansion of Toon Media Networks and Kartoon Channel! Worldwide.”

The Company has released a video interview with Steinman today where he discusses the strategy and rise of Kartoon Channel! and Toon Media Networks, as well as the drivers of growing profitability. The video is now available via the Kartoon Studios’ social media accounts and the links below:

• X: https://x.com/KartoonStudios
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kartoon.studios
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kartoonstudios/
  

Supporting this growth, Kartoon Channel! doubled the performance across its FAST channels since last year on platforms that include Tubi, Pluto TV, and Xumo and added Samsung TV Plus. The expansion continues with the recent debut of a 24/7 Rainbow Rangers channel on Google TV Freeplay, significantly enhancing Kartoon Channel!’s domestic reach and monetization footprint.

In addition to expanding distribution, Kartoon Studios is leveraging AI-assisted dubbing technology to localize content efficiently, helping the company unlock new international markets with speed and precision.

Steinman added:
“This next chapter is about building on our momentum in international markets. We’re focused on profitability, brand impact, and delivering content that connects with families everywhere.”

About Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) is a global creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of premium entertainment brands for children and families. The Company’s diverse portfolio includes some of the most recognized properties in kids' media, including original IP like Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Shaq’s Garage starring Shaquille O’Neal, Rainbow Rangers, and Llama Llama starring Jennifer Garner.

Kartoon Studios owns a controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, managing the legendary creator’s name, likeness, signature, voice, consumer products licensing, and original post-Marvel IP. Stan Lee is widely regarded as one of the most influential storytellers in modern history, with his characters appearing in four of the top ten highest-grossing films of all time.

Kartoon Studios’ animation powerhouse, Mainframe Studios, has delivered over 1,000 half-hour episodes and more than 60 feature-length projects. The studio’s partners include Disney, Netflix, Mattel, and Sony, with current productions such as Barbie, CoComelon, and Unicorn Academy.

Through its wholly owned Toon Media Networks—including Kartoon Channel!, Ameba, and Frederator Network—Kartoon Studios reaches audiences worldwide across linear, AVOD, SVOD, and FAST platforms. Kartoon Channel! is the #1 rated kids’ streaming app on the Apple App Store and delivers thousands of hours of family-friendly content, including top-performing series like Peppa Pig Shorts, Mother Goose Club, Talking Tom & Friends, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and educational content through Kartoon Classroom and Spanish language collection KC En Español. Frederator Network operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, featuring over 2,000 exclusive creators with billions of annual views.

In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media and became the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, a leading European kids’ content company.

The Company also includes Beacon Media Group, a full-service agency offering integrated PR, social media, influencer, creative, and media buying services across entertainment, lifestyle, gaming, and tech verticals.

Recognized for its operational excellence, Kartoon Studios was recently honored by Amazon with the Operational Excellence Award for 100% on-time delivery.

For more information, visit www.kartoonstudios.com

Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding Mr. Steinman’s contributions to be made to the Company due to his expanded role; Media Networks continuing to accelerate growth; the potential for maximum reach, brand building power, and a diversified and flexible monetization model; Mr. Steinman bringing the same U.S. vision and execution to the Company’s international operations; Kartoon Channel’s global footprint continuing to accelerate; Rainbow Rangers and Shaq’s Garage continuing to bring in audiences; greater operational efficiency, scale, and monetization as the Company unlocks new growth in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and beyond; and Kartoon Channel! continuing to be a leader of the next generation of children’s programming and AVOD distribution, and the ability of Kartoon Channel! to build a scalable, profitable streaming platform that delivers real value — for families and for investors. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Mr. Steinman to make the anticipated contributions to the Company’s international operations; the Company’s ability to sustain growth and become profitable; Kartoon Channel’s ability to continue to accelerate its global footprint; the ability of Rainbow Rangers and Shaq’s Garage to continue to bring in audiences; the Company’s ability to have greater operational efficiency, scale, and monetization as it unlocks new growth in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and beyond; Kartoon Channel! continuing to be a leader of the next generation of children’s programming and AVOD distribution and building a scalable, profitable streaming platform that delivers real value — for families and for investors; the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; fluctuations in the results of the Company’s operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; the Company’s ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; the Company’s reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; the Company’s ability to market and advertise its products; the Company’s reliance on third-parties to promote its products; the Company’s ability to keep pace with technological advances; the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and those other risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

MEDIA CONTACT:
pr@kartoonstudios.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
ir@kartoonstudios.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5aa9cb97-0a19-4932-9fd7-e22bcefa7aeb

FAQ

What was Kartoon Studios (TOON) earnings growth in early 2025?

Kartoon Studios reported a 116% year-over-year earnings increase for January and February 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Who is the new President of Toon Media Networks Worldwide?

Todd Steinman was promoted to President of Toon Media Networks Worldwide, expanding his role from Toon Media Networks President to lead global business for Kartoon Channel Worldwide.

How many territories does Kartoon Channel now reach?

Kartoon Channel now reaches 71 territories with access to an audience of 2.8 billion viewers.

What streaming platforms feature Kartoon Channel's FAST channels?

Kartoon Channel's FAST channels are available on Tubi, Pluto TV, Xumo, Samsung TV Plus, and recently launched a 24/7 Rainbow Rangers channel on Google TV Freeplay.

What technology is Kartoon Studios using for international expansion?

Kartoon Studios is using AI-assisted dubbing technology to efficiently localize content for international markets.