Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)

Registration No. 333-276259

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(to Prospectus dated January 5, 2024)

 

 

KARTOON STUDIOS, INC.

 

Up to $7,000,000 in Shares of Common Stock and/or Pre-Funded Warrants

 

We are offering shares of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and/or pre-funded warrants to purchase common stock (“Pre-funded Warrants”) at an aggregate offering price of up to $7,000,000 pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In the initial closing, we are offering 3,900,000 shares of common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants directly to an institutional investor pursuant to a securities purchase agreement dated April 18, 2024 between us and such investor, or the Purchase Agreement. The offering price per share of common stock in this offering is $1.00 per share. The offering price is $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant, which is equal to the offering price per share of common stock less $0.01. The total gross proceeds to us from the initial closing, before placement agent fees and expenses, will be approximately $4,000,000.

 

A holder of Pre-funded Warrants will not have the right to exercise any portion of its Pre-funded Warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. Each Pre-funded Warrant will be exercisable for one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. Each Pre-funded Warrant will be exercisable upon issuance and will expire when exercised in full.

 

In up to three additional subsequent closings, we will sell up to an additional 3,000,000 shares of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants to such investor pursuant to the Purchase Agreement at the same offering price per share of common stock and/or per Pre-funded Warrant as sold in the initial closing. For each Pre-funded Warrant we sell in a subsequent closing, the number of shares of common stock we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis. The date(s) of each of the potential additional closings, if any, will occur no later than one-hundred and eighty (180) days following the date of the Purchase Agreement, at such time that is mutually agreed up on by the Company and such investor, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

 

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”) under the symbol “TOON”. On April 17, 2024, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the NYSE American was $1.48 per share. There is no established public trading market for the Pre-funded Warrants, and we do not expect a market to develop. We do not intend to apply for listing of the Pre-funded Warrants on the NYSE American or any other securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the Pre-funded Warrants will be limited. This offering also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

As of April 18, 2024, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $55,037,718 based on 33,155,252 shares of common stock held by such non-affiliates, and a per share price of $1.66, the closing sale price of our common stock on February 29, 2024. During the 12-calendar month period that ends on, and includes, the date of this prospectus supplement (but excluding this offering), we have not sold any securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3. We are thus currently eligible to offer and sell up to an aggregate of approximately $18,341,838 of our securities pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3.

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement and under similar headings in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of certain risks you should consider before investing in our securities.

 

 

 

 1 

 

 

   Per Share   Per Pre-funded Warrant   Total(2) 
Public offering price  $1.00   $0.99   $7,000,000 
Placement agent fees(1)  $0.07   $0.069   $490,000 
Proceeds to us, before expenses  $0.93   $0.921   $6,510,000 

 

  (1) Excludes the placement agent’s out-of-pocket expenses we have agreed to reimburse and excludes a non-accountable expense reimbursement which we have agreed to pay to the placement agent equal to 1% of the gross proceeds raised from this offering. See the section of this prospectus supplement titled “Plan of Distribution” for additional disclosure regarding the placement agent fees.
  (2) Based on 3,900,000 shares of common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants being sold in the first closing of this offering and 3,000,000 shares of common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants that may be sold in the potential additional closings of this offering, and assuming full exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants.

 

We have retained EF Hutton LLC to act as our placement agent in connection with this offering. The placement agent has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to arrange for the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement. The placement agent is not purchasing or selling any of the securities we are offering and the placement agent is not required to arrange the purchase or sale of any specific number of securities or dollar amount.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

Delivery of the shares of common stock and Pre-funded Warrants being issued in the initial closing pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is expected to be made on or about April 22, 2024.

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is April 18, 2024.

 

 

 

   

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT   Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT   S-1
MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA   S-2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   S-3
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY   S-4
THE OFFERING   S-7
RISK FACTORS   S-9
USE OF PROCEEDS   S-13
DIVIDEND POLICY   S-13
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING   S-13
CAPITALIZATION   S-16
DILUTION   S-18
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION   S-20
LEGAL MATTERS   S-23
EXPERTS   S-23
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL   S-23
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   S-23
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE   S-24

 

PROSPECTUS   Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS   1
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY   2
RISK FACTORS   5
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   6
DIVIDEND POLICY   8
USE OF PROCEEDS   9
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK   10
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS   13
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES   14
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS   22
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS   24
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION   27
LEGAL MATTERS   30
EXPERTS   30
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL   30
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   30
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE   31

 

 

 

 

 S-i 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are part of a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), using a “shelf” registration process on December 22, 2023 (File No. 333-276259) (the “Registration Statement”), using a “shelf” registration process. Under this process, we may sell from time to time in one or more offerings up to an aggregate of $75,000,000 in our securities described in the accompanying prospectus. The Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on January 5, 2024.

 

This prospectus supplement describes the specific terms of this offering. The accompanying base prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference therein, provides general information about us, some of which, such as the section therein titled “Plan of Distribution,” may not apply to this offering. Generally, when we refer to this prospectus supplement, we are referring to both this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, combined.

 

We urge you to carefully read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein and the additional information under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Information Incorporated by Reference” before buying any of the securities being offered under this prospectus supplement. These documents contain information you should consider when making your investment decision.

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. We have not, and the placement agent have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in the accompanying base prospectus. To the extent any information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying base prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement. The information in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to modify or supersede the information in the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference therein, except for those documents incorporated by reference therein which we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement.

 

You should not assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front cover of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus or on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference herein or therein, as applicable. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, the securities described in this prospectus supplement only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the offering of the securities in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the securities and the distribution of this prospectus supplement outside the United States. This prospectus supplement does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.

 

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

 

 

 S-1 

 

 

Our logo and other trade names, trademarks, and service marks of Kartoon Studios, Inc. appearing in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are the property of our company. Other trade names, trademarks, and service marks appearing in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are the property of their respective holders.

 

In this prospectus supplement, unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, the terms “Kartoon,” “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Kartoon Studios, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

 

Unless otherwise indicated, we have based the information concerning our industry contained in this prospectus supplement and incorporated by reference herein on our general knowledge of and expectations concerning the industry, which involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus supplement and in the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement. These and other factors could cause the information concerning our industry to differ materially from those expressed in this prospectus supplement and incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-2 

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use words, such as “anticipate,” “could,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “potential,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. These include, among other things, statements regarding:

 

· our ability to generate revenue or achieve profitability;
   
· our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all;
   
· fluctuations in the results of our operations from period to period;
   
· general economic and financial conditions; the adverse effects of public health epidemics, including the recent coronavirus outbreak, on our business, results of operations and financial condition;
   
· our 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;
   
· our reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios;
   
· our ability to market and advertise our products;
   
· our reliance on third-parties to promote our products;
   
· our ability to keep pace with technological advances;
   
· performance of our information technology and storage systems;
   
· a disruption or breach of our internal computer systems;
   
· our ability to retain key personnel;
   
· our ability to successfully identify appropriate acquisition targets, successfully acquire identified targets and successfully integrate the business of acquired companies;
   
· the impact of federal, state or local regulations on us or our vendors and licensees;
   
· our ability to protect and defend against litigation, including intellectual property claims;
   
· the volatility of our stock price;
   
· the marketability of our stock;
   
· our broad discretion to invest or spend the proceeds of our financings in ways with which our stockholders may not agree and may have limited ability to influence; and
   
· other risks and uncertainties, including those listed in the section on “Risk Factors.

 

 

 

 S-3 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

 

This summary contains basic information about us and this offering. This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement. This summary is not complete and may not contain all of the information that is important to you and that you should consider before deciding whether or not to invest in our securities. For a more complete understanding of our Company and this offering, you should carefully read this prospectus supplement, including any information incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, in its entirety. Investing in our securities involves risks that are described in this prospectus supplement under the heading “Risk Factors,” under the headings “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in our other filings with the SEC.

  

Our Company

 

Overview

 

Kartoon Studios, Inc. (formerly known as Genius Brands International, Inc.) is a global content and brand management company that creates, produces, licenses, and broadcasts timeless and educational, multimedia animated content for children. Led by experienced industry personnel, we distribute our content primarily on streaming platforms and television and license our properties for a broad range of consumer products based on our characters. We are a “work for hire” producer for many of the streaming outlets and animated content intellectual property (“IP”) holders. In the children’s media sector, our portfolio features “content with a purpose” for toddlers to tweens, providing enrichment as well as entertainment. With the exception of selected WOW Unlimited Media Inc. (“Wow”) titles, our programs, along with licensed programs, are being broadcast in the United States on our wholly-owned advertisement supported video on demand (“AVOD”) service, its free ad supported TV channels and subscription video on demand (“SVOD”) outlets, Kartoon Channel! and Ameba TV (as defined below), as well as linear streaming platforms. These streaming platforms include Comcast, Cox, DISH, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Fire, Roku, Apple TV, Apple iOS, Android TV, Android mobile, Pluto TV, Xumo, Tubi, Youtube, and Youtube Kids and via KartoonChannel.com, as well as Samsung and LG smart TVs. Our in-house owned and produced animated shows include Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Llama starring Jennifer Garner, Rainbow Rangers, KC Pop Quiz and Shaq’s Garage starring Shaquille O’Neal. Our library titles include the award-winning Baby Genius, adventure comedy Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab®, and Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, created with and starring iconic investor Warren Buffett, Team Zenko Go!, Reboot, Bee & PuppyCat: Lazy in Space and Castlevania.

 

We also license our programs to other services worldwide, in addition to the operation of our own channels, including but not limited to Netflix, Paramount+, Max, Nickelodeon, and satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasters around the world.

 

Through our investments in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, a publicly traded company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (RTV-Frankfurt), we have gained access to one of the largest animation catalogues in Europe with over 50 titles consisting of over 1,600 episodes, and a global distribution network which currently covers over 60 territories worldwide.

 

Through the ownership of Wow, we established an affiliate relationship with Mainframe Studios, which is one of the largest animation producers in the world. In addition, Wow owns Frederator Networks Inc. (“Frederator”) and its Channel Frederator Network (together with Kartoon Channel! and Ameba TV (the “TOON Media Networks”), the largest animation focused multi-channel network on YouTube with over 2,500 channels. Frederator also owns Frederator Studios, focused on developing and producing shorts and series for and with partners, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Netflix, Sony Pictures Animation and Amazon.

 

We have rights to a select amount of valuable IP, including among them a controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, LLC (“SLU”), through which we control the name, likeness, signature, and all consumer product and IP rights to Stan Lee (the “Stan Lee Assets”).

 

We also own Beacon Media Group, LLC (“Beacon Media Group”) and Beacon Communications, Ltd. (“Beacon Communications,” together with Beacon Media Group, “Beacon”), a leading North American marketing and media agency and its first-class media research, planning and buying division. Beacon represents over 30 major toy companies, including Playmobil, Bandai Namco, Bazooka Candy Brands, and Moose Toys.

 

In addition, we own the Canadian company Ameba Inc., which distributes SVOD service for kids (“Ameba TV”) and has become the focal point of revenue growth for our TOON Media Networks’ subscription offering.

 

 

 S-4 

 

 

We and our affiliates provide world class animation production studios a catalogue representing thousands of hours of premium global content for children, a broadcast system for delivering that content and an in-house consumer products licensing infrastructure to fully exploit the content.

 

On June 23, 2023, the Company was renamed Kartoon Studios, Inc. On June 26, 2023, we transferred our listing to NYSE American. In connection with listing on NYSE American, we voluntary delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our stock began trading on NYSE American under the new symbol “TOON” on June 26, 2023.

 

Historically, the Company has incurred net losses. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company reported net losses of $77.2 million and $44.5 million, respectively. The Company reported net cash used in operating activities of $16.1 million and $25.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $718.5 million and total stockholders’ equity of $53.3 million. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had current assets of $57.1 million, including cash of $4.1 million and marketable securities of $11.9 million, and current liabilities of $45.6 million. The Company had working capital of $11.5 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to working capital of $28.6 million as of December 31, 2022. Management has evaluated the significance of these conditions in relation to the Company’s ability to meet its obligations and noted the Company has sufficient marketable securities and investments to fund operations for the next 12 months. In addition, the Company has the ability to reduce operating costs and use equity and equity-linked instruments to pay for services and compensation.

 

Recent Developments

 

At a special meeting of stockholders of the Company held on November 1, 2023 (the “Special Meeting”), the Company’s stockholders approved an increase to the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock, from 40,000,000 shares to 190,000,000 shares and to reflect a corresponding increase in the total number of shares the Company is authorized to issue from 50,000,000 shares to 200,000,000 shares (the “Authorized Share Increase”). To effectuate the Authorized Share Increase, on November 9, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Change to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the state of Nevada, which became effective immediately upon filing.

 

In February 2024, the Company partnered with Penguin Young Readers and KOHL’s to launch retail promotions featuring book and plush products from the “Llama Llama” franchise, as part of the Kohl’s Cares program.

 

Through the end of 2023 and in the first quarter of 2024, Kartoon Channel!’s U.S. paid subscribers increased along with free trial sign-up doubling compared to the previous year. In addition, the Company reduced customer acquisition costs over 50% from the first half to the second half of 2023, driving bigger margins through improved media efficiency and a content strategy. Additionally, the Company’s subsidiary, Beacon Media Group, specializing in kids and family, announced growth in revenue and expansion of its client base with six new advertisers. For further information, copies of these press releases are contained in the Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 13, 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

In April 2024, the Company launched a new storefront on Amazon dedicated to Stan Lee, offering a collection of branded apparel and merchandise. The Company also announced the launch of the “Stan Lee Presents” channel on YouTube, with over 300,000 subscribers. The newly branded channel, formerly “Cinematica,” will be managed by Frederator, one of the largest animation networks on YouTube, with millions of subscribers and billions of views annually. The channel is curated by longtime Stan Lee collaborator, originator and executive producer of the Batman movie franchise, and comic book historian Michael Uslan and former POW! Entertainment editorial chief Kim Luperi. “Stan Lee Presents” focuses on all things Stan Lee, including content from Stan’s personal archives, digital Stan Lee comic books, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, rarely seen historical materials, as well as sneak peaks of upcoming Stan Lee Universe projects, clips, trailers, interviews, and more, available exclusively on the channel. We launched the channel to showcase content directly to Stan Lee’s broad fanbase, including his 27+ million passionate followers across social media.

 

 

 

 

 

 S-5 

 

 

This month, the Company also partnered with the world’s largest digital collectibles platform, VeVe, and Multiverse Clothing Company Inc. for the Stan Lee limited-edition digital and physical collectibles to be included in launches aimed for June and July of 2024 around San Diego Comic-Con. These exclusive collections will feature artwork created by three of the most renowned contemporary pop culture artists, Rob Prior, Burton Morris, and Punk Me Tender. The “phygital” collections will blend fine art with smart fashion and include special digital collectibles by VeVe. The Company is also developing a new proprietary generative artificial intelligence (“A.I.”) toolkit and workflow, “GADGET A.I.”, that integrates NVIDIA Omniverse and utilizes Bria.ai, and is designed to enable development, production, and post-production of animated content and upgrade the quality and distribution reach of thousands of existing catalog episodes and acquisitions. Gadget A.I. leverages NVIDIA Omniverse’s core technologies for universal scene description, OpenUSD, and for ray tracing, RTX, to facilitate seamless collaboration, real-time simulation, and rendering, and will encompass a spectrum of other production services, including character design, scriptwriting, music, animation, resolution enhancement, and dubbing, all unified to enhance workflow efficiencies. As part of our ethical A,I. use and to protect our own IP, we plan to use Bria.ai, that employs licensed, certified datasets, to ensure our A.I.-driven animation production respects copyright and upholds the integrity of original content. We anticipate substantial cost savings, including a saving of 75% of current animation production costs; accelerated time-to-market; and the fostering of job growth. We anticipate this new cutting-edge approach will enable our products to become far more profitable, while offering a better experience for viewers.

 

Company Information

 

We were incorporated in California on January 3, 2006 and reincorporated in Nevada in October 2011. We commenced operations in January 2006, assuming all of the rights and obligations of our then Chief Executive Officer, under an Asset Purchase Agreement between us and Genius Products, Inc., in which we obtained all rights, copyrights, and trademarks to the brands “Baby Genius,” “Kid Genius,” “123 Favorite Music” and “Wee Worship,” and all then existing productions under those titles. In October 2011, we (i) changed our domicile to Nevada from California, and (ii) changed our name to Genius Brands International, Inc. from Pacific Entertainment Corporation (the “Reincorporation”). In connection with the Reincorporation, we changed our trading symbol from “PENT” to “GNUS.” In June 2023, we changed our name to Kartoon Studios, Inc. from Genius Brands International, Inc. along with our trading symbol “GNUS” to “TOON.”

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 190 N Canon Drive, 4th Floor, Beverly Hills, California 90210. Our telephone number is 310-273-4222. We maintain an Internet website at www.kartoonstudios.com. The information contained on, connected to or that can be accessed via our website is not part of this prospectus.

 

 

 

 

 

 S-6 

 

 

THE OFFERING

 

 

Common stock and Pre-funded Warrants offered by us  

Shares of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants having an aggregate offering price of up to $7,000,000, which are being offered in up to four closings as follows:

    · In the initial closing of this offering, we are selling 3,900,000 shares of common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants at a price of $1.00 per share, or $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant, to an institutional investor pursuant to the Purchase Agreement; and
    · In up to three additional subsequent closings, we may sell up to an additional 3,000,000 shares of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants at the same price as the shares of common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants sold in the initial closing to the institutional investor pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. For each Pre-funded Warrant we sell in a subsequent closing, the number of shares of common stock we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis The date of the additional closings, if any, will occur no later than one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date of the Purchase Agreement, at such time that is mutually agreed up on by the Company and such investor.
     
    The Pre-funded Warrants have an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Pre-funded Warrants are being offered to the investor to the extent that the purchase of our common stock in this offering by the investor would result in the investor, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering. The Pre-funded Warrants are immediately exercisable and may be exercised at any time until all of the Pre-funded Warrants are exercised in full.
     

Common stock outstanding before this offering

 

  35,375,005 shares
Common stock to be outstanding immediately after the initial closing of this offering   39,375,005 shares
     
Common stock to be outstanding immediately after the potential additional closings of this offering   42,775,005 shares, assuming sales of (i) 3,900,000 shares of common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants in the initial closing of this offering, (ii) 3,000,000 shares of common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants in the potential additional closings of this offering, and (iii) the full exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants, in each case the shares of common stock are being sold at a price of $1.00 per share, and the Pre-funded Warrants are being sold at a price of $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant. The actual number of shares of common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants issued will vary depending on the number of shares of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants issued in the potential additional closings of this offering that the investor elects to purchase and whether we complete the potential additional closings, as further described in this prospectus supplement.
     
Offering price   $1.00 per share of common stock and $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant
     
Use of proceeds   We estimate the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $6.5 million from the initial closing of this offering, after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” beginning on page S-13 of this prospectus supplement for additional detail.

 

 

 

 

 S-7 

 

 

Lock-Up agreements   We and our executive officers and directors have agreed, that subject to certain exceptions, we and our directors and officers will not, until ninety (90) days pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, and one-hundred and eighty (180) days pursuant to the placement agent agreement, after the closing of this offering, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly of any of our shares of common stock.
     
Trading symbol  

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “TOON.”

 

There is no established trading market for the Pre-funded Warrants, and we do not expect a trading market to develop. We do not intend to list the Pre-funded Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system.

     
Risk factors   Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement and other information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before investing in our securities.

 

The number of shares of our common stock outstanding before this offering and to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 35,775,005 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of April 18, 2024, and excludes, as of April 18, 2024, the following:

 

  1,060,139 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under our 2020 Incentive Plan, at a weighted-average exercise price of $15.28 per share;
     
  996,106 shares of common stock issuable upon vesting of restricted stock units outstanding;
     
  31,902 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2020 Incentive Plan; and
     
  6,826,952 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, at a weighted-average exercise price of $8.12 per share.

 

Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the outstanding options or warrants or vesting of restricted stock units described above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-8 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, as well as our other filings with the SEC, include material risk factors relating to our business. Those risks and uncertainties and the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial or that are not specific to us, such as general economic conditions, may also materially and adversely affect our business and operations. If any of those risks and uncertainties or the risks and uncertainties described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be harmed substantially. In such a case, you may lose all or part of your investment. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and those risks and uncertainties incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, as well as the other information included in this prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision with respect to our common stock.

 

Risks Related to this Offering

 

We cannot guarantee that the potential additional closings of this offering will be completed or, if so, at what price.

 

Whether we complete any additional subsequent closings of this offering depends on certain conditions being met. There can be no assurance that these conditions will be met. If we complete additional subsequent closings, the amount of shares sold in the additional subsequent closings and the gross proceeds that we will receive will depend on the amount of shares that the investor elects to purchase at the time of additional subsequent closings.

 

If we fail to raise sufficient capital in this offering, we may need to seek alternative financing when market conditions permit. Such financing may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. The actual amount of funds that we will need and the timing of any such investment will be determined by many factors, some of which are beyond our control.

 

You will experience immediate dilution in the book value per share of the common stock purchased in this offering.

 

The price per share of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants being offered in the initial closing may be higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock outstanding prior to the initial closing. Based on the offering price of $1.00 per share or $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant in the initial closing and our net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023 of $0.86 per share, if you purchase shares of 3,900,000 common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants in the initial closing of this offering, and after deducting estimated placement agent fees and offering expenses payable by us, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $0.14 per share, representing the difference between the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock as of December 31, 2023 after giving effect to the initial closing of this offering.

 

The price per share of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants being offered in the potential additional closings may be higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock outstanding prior to any such closings. Assuming that an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants are sold in the potential additional closing(s) at a price of $1.00 per share, and after deducting estimated placement agent fees and offering expenses payable by us, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $0.14 per share, representing the difference between the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock as of December 31, 2023 after giving effect to the potential additional closings of this offering at the $1.00 per share offering price. The foregoing calculation is based on net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023, and net tangible book value as of the date(s) of the potential additional closings could be substantially different.

 

You will experience additional dilution upon the exercise of options, as well as upon the vesting of outstanding stock options, including those options currently outstanding and those granted in the future, and the issuance of restricted stock or other equity awards under our stock incentive plans. See the section titled “Dilution” beginning on page S-18 for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase shares in this offering.

 

 

 

 S-9 

 

 

You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.

 

In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock. We cannot assure you that we will be able to sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is equal to or greater than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing our shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share in this offering.

 

Future sales or resales of our common stock, or the perception that such future sales may occur, may cause our stock price to decline.

 

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in this offering and the subsequent resale of the substantial number of our commons stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, following this offering could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. A substantial majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock are, and the shares of common stock sold in this offering upon issuance, will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act.

 

There is no established public trading market for the Pre-funded Warrants, and we do not expect a market to develop.

 

We do not intend to apply for listing of the Pre-funded Warrants on the NYSE American or any other securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the Pre-funded Warrants will be limited. This offering also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

The Pre-funded Warrants are speculative in nature.

 

Except as otherwise provided in the Pre-funded Warrants, until holders of Pre-funded Warrants acquire our common stock upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants, holders of Pre-funded Warrants will have no rights with respect to our common stock underlying such Pre-funded Warrants. Upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants, the holders will be entitled to exercise the rights of a stockholder of our Common Stock only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.

 

Moreover, following this offering the market value of the Pre-funded Warrants is uncertain. There can be no assurance that the market price of our common stock will ever equal or exceed the price of the Pre-funded Warrants, and, consequently, whether it will ever be profitable for investors to exercise their Pre-funded Warrants.

 

We will not receive any meaningful amount of additional funds upon the exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants.

 

Each Pre-funded Warrant will be exercisable until it is fully exercised and by means of payment of the nominal cash purchase price upon exercise or through a “cashless exercise” procedure. Accordingly, we will not receive any meaningful additional funds upon the exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants.

 

 

 

 S-10 

 

 

Holders of the Pre-funded Warrants will have no rights as common stockholders until such holders exercise their Pre-funded Warrants and acquire shares of our Common Stock.

 

Until holders of the Pre-funded Warrants exercise their Pre-funded Warrants and acquire shares of our common stock, such holders will have no rights with respect to the shares of our common stock underlying such Pre-funded Warrants. Upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants, the holders will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.

 

Significant holders or beneficial holders of shares of our Common Stock may not be permitted to exercise the Pre-funded Warrants that they hold.

 

A holder of the Pre-funded Warrants will not be entitled to exercise any portion of any Pre-funded Warrant that, upon giving effect to such exercise, would cause the aggregate number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by such holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99% (or 9.99% at the election of the holder) of the number of shares of our common stock immediately after giving effect to the exercise. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your Pre-funded Warrants for shares of our common stock at a time when it would be financially beneficial for you to do so. In such a circumstance, you could seek to sell your Pre-funded Warrants to realize value, but you may be unable to do so in the absence of an established trading market and due to applicable transfer restrictions.

 

We have broad discretion to determine how to use the funds raised in this offering, and may use them in ways that may not enhance our operating results or the price of our common stock.

 

Our management will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds from this offering, and we could spend the proceeds from this offering in ways our stockholders may not agree with or that do not yield a favorable return, if at all. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” beginning on page S-13 of this prospectus supplement for additional detail. However, our use of these proceeds may differ substantially from our current plans. If we do not invest or apply the proceeds from this offering in ways that improve our operating results, we may fail to achieve expected financial results, which could cause our stock price to decline.

 

We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, you must rely on stock appreciation for any return on your investment.

 

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends will also depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors and will be at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to limitations under applicable law. Accordingly, you will have to rely on capital appreciation, if any, to earn a return on your investment in our common stock.

 

Our common stock price is likely to be highly volatile because of several factors, including a limited public float.

 

The market price of our common stock has been volatile in the past and the market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile in the future. You may not be able to resell shares of our common stock following periods of volatility because of the market’s adverse reaction to volatility.

 

 

 

 S-11 

 

 

Other factors that could cause such volatility may include, among other things:

 

  actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
     
  the absence of securities analysts covering us and distributing research and recommendations about us;
     
  we may have a low trading volume;
     
  overall stock market fluctuations;
     
  announcements concerning our business or those of our competitors;
     
  actual or perceived limitations on our ability to raise capital when we require it, and to raise such capital on favorable terms;
     
  conditions or trends in our industry;
     
  litigation;
     
  changes in market valuations of other similar companies;
     
  future sales of common stock;
     
  departure of key personnel or failure to hire key personnel; and
     
  general market conditions.

 

Any of these factors could have a significant and adverse impact on the market price of our common stock. In addition, the stock market in general has at times experienced extreme volatility and rapid decline that has often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-12 

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants will be approximately $3.7 million for the initial closing of this offering, after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and assuming no exercise of Pre-funded Warrants. Assuming that an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants are sold in the potential additional closings at a price of $1.00 per share, and after deducting estimated placement agent fees and offering expenses payable by us, we estimate that the total net proceeds from the sale of the common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants will be approximately $6.4 million.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes.

 

The precise amount and timing of the application of these proceeds will depend upon a number of factors, such as our funding requirements and the availability and costs of other funds. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to us from this offering. Depending on the outcome of our efforts and other unforeseen events, our plans and priorities may change and we may apply the net proceeds of this offering in different manners than we currently anticipate. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion in the timing and application of these proceeds.

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on applicable law and then-existing conditions, including our financial condition, operating results, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING

 

The following description is a summary of some of the terms of our securities, our organizational documents and Nevada law. The descriptions in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus of our securities and our organizational documents do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, our organizational documents, copies of which have been or will be filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part. This summary supplements the description of our capital stock in the accompanying prospectus and, to the extent it is inconsistent, replaces the description in the accompanying prospectus.

 

We are offering 3,900,000 shares of common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants in the initial closing and up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants in up to three additional subsequent closings. The shares of common stock or Pre-funded Warrants will be issued separately. We are also registering the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants offered hereby.

 

Common Stock

 

A description of the Common Stock that we are offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement is set forth hereunder and under the heading “Description of Capital Stock” starting on page 10 of the accompanying prospectus. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we had 35,375,005 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

 S-13 

 

 

Pre-funded Warrants

 

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the Pre-funded Warrants that are being offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Pre-funded Warrant, the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K that we will file with the SEC. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of Pre-funded Warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Pre-funded Warrants.

 

Term

 

The Pre-funded Warrants will not expire until they are fully exercised.

 

Exercisability

 

The Pre-funded Warrants are exercisable at any time until they are fully exercised. The Pre-funded Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice and payment of the exercise price. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a Pre-funded Warrant. The holder of the Pre-funded Warrant may also satisfy its obligation to pay the exercise price through a “cashless exercise,” in which the holder receives the net value of the Pre-funded Warrants in shares of Common Stock determined according to the formula set forth in the Pre-funded Warrant.

 

Exercise Limitations

 

Under the terms of the Pre-funded Warrants, the Company may not effect the exercise of any such warrant, and a holder will not be entitled to exercise any portion of any such warrant, if, upon giving effect to such exercise, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates, any other persons acting as a group together with the holder or any of the holder’s affiliates, and any other persons whose beneficial ownership of Common Stock would or could be aggregated with the holder’s for purposes of Section 13(d) or Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) would exceed 4.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of such warrant, which percentage may be increased or decreased at the holder’s election upon 61 days’ notice to the Company subject to the terms of such warrants, provided that such percentage may in no event exceed 9.99%.

 

Exercise Price

 

The exercise price of our shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants is $0.01 per share. The exercise price of the Pre-funded Warrants and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our shares of Common Stock, as well as upon any distribution of assets, including cash, stock or other property, to our stockholders.

 

Transferability

 

Subject to applicable laws, the Pre-funded Warrants may be offered for sale, sold, transferred or assigned without our consent.

 

 

 

 S-14 

 

 

Exchange Listing

 

We do not intend to list the Pre-funded Warrants on the NYSE American, any other national securities exchange or any other nationally recognized trading system.

 

Fundamental Transactions

 

Upon the consummation of a fundamental transaction (as described in the Pre-funded Warrants, and generally including any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of our shares of Common Stock, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our properties or assets, our consolidation or merger with or into another person, the acquisition of more than 50% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of 50% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of Common Stock), the holders of the Pre-funded Warrants will be entitled to receive, upon exercise of the Pre-funded Warrants, the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that such holders would have received had they exercised the Pre-funded Warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction, without regard to any limitations on exercise contained in the Pre-funded Warrants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a fundamental transaction where the consideration consists solely of cash, solely of marketable securities or a combination of cash and marketable securities, then each Pre-funded Warrants shall automatically be deemed to be exercised in full in a cashless exercise effective immediately prior to and contingent upon the consummation of such fundamental transaction.

 

No Rights as a Stockholder

 

Except by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of Common Stock, the holder of a Pre-funded Warrant does not have the rights or privileges of a holder of our shares of Common Stock, including any voting rights, until such holder exercises the Pre-funded Warrant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-15 

 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our consolidated cash and cash equivalents, equity and total capitalization as of December 31, 2023:

 

·on an actual basis;
·

on an as-adjusted basis, to give effect to the sale by us, in the initial closing this offering, of 3,900,000 shares of common and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants stock at an offering price of $1.00 per share or $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant, after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us and assuming full exercise of Pre-funded Warrants; and

·on a further as-adjusted basis, to give effect to the sale by us, in the potential additional closings this offering, of 3,000,000 shares of common and/or Pre-funded Warrants stock at an offering price of $1.00 per share or $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant, after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us and assuming full exercise of Pre-funded Warrants.

 

You should read this table together with the “Use of Proceeds” section included in this prospectus, the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

   As of December 31, 2023 
(in thousands, except share and par value data) 

Actual

(audited)

   As Adjusted For Initial Closing   As Adjusted For Additional Closings 
Cash and cash equivalents  $4,095   $7,775   $10,535 
Stockholders’ equity:            
Preferred Stock            
Preferred Stock, 9,943,999 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023            
0% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 6,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023            
Series B Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 1 share authorized, 1 share issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023            
Series C Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023            
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 190,000,000 shares authorized, 35,323,217 shares issued and 35,247,744 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023   352    391    394 
Treasury Stock at Cost, 75,473 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2023   (339)   (339)   (339)
Additional Paid-in Capital   773,986    777,947    780,944 
Accumulated Deficit   (718,546)   (718,546)   (718,546)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss   (3,883)   (3,883)   (3,883)
Total Kartoon Studios, Inc. Stockholders' Equity   51,570    55,570    58,570 
Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries   1,691    1,691    1,691 
Total Stockholders’ Equity  $53,261   $57,261   $60,261 

 

The as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only.

 

The above table is based on 35,247,744 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 S-16 

 

 

The number of shares of our common stock outstanding before this offering and to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 35,247,744 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and excludes, as of December 31, 2023, the following:

 

  · 1,183,908 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under our 2020 Incentive Plan, at a weighted-average exercise price of $14.96 per share;
     
  · 1,020,067 shares of common stock issuable upon vesting of restricted stock units outstanding;
     
  · 87,045 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2020 Incentive Plan; and
     
  · 6,852,952 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, at a weighted-average exercise price of $8.19 per share.

 

Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the outstanding options or warrants or vesting of restricted stock units described above.

 

To the extent that options or warrants are exercised, new options are issued under our 2020 Incentive Plan, or we issue additional shares of common stock in the future, there may be further dilution to investors participating in this offering. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital because of market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-17 

 

 

DILUTION

 

If you invest in our common stock, you will experience dilution to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering.

 

Our net tangible book value (deficit) as of December 31, 2023, was approximately $30,268,000, or $0.86 per share of our common stock, based upon the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of that date. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our total tangible assets, less total liabilities, by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Dilution in net tangible book value per share represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of shares of common stock in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering.

 

Initial Closing

 

After giving effect to the sale of shares of 3,900,000 shares of our common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants in the initial closing of this offering, at the offering price of $1.00 per share and $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrants, and after deducting the estimated placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023, would have been approximately $33,948,000, or $0.86 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.00 per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $0.14 per share to the new investor purchasing our common stock in the initial closing of this offering at the public offering price. The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis:

 

Offering price per share of common stock   $ 1.00  
Net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of December 31, 2023   $ 0.86  
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to the investor in the initial closing of this offering   $ 0.00  
As adjusted net tangible book value per share after the initial closing of this offering   $ 0.86  
Dilution per share to the investor purchasing shares in the initial closing of this offering   $ 0.14  

 

Initial and Potential Additional Closings

 

After giving effect to the sale of shares of (i) 3,900,000 shares of our common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants in the initial closing of this offering and (ii) up to 3,000,000 shares of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants in the potential additional closings of this offering, if any, in each case at the offering price of $1.00 per share or $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant and after deducting the estimated placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2023, would have been approximately $36,708,000, or $0.87 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.01 per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $0.13 per share to the investor purchasing our common stock in this offering at the public offering price. The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis:

 

Public offering price per share of common stock  $1.00 
Net tangible book value (deficit) per share as of December 31, 2023  $0.86 
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to the investor in this offering  $0.00 
As adjusted net tangible book value per share after the initial and additional subsequent closings of this offering  $0.87 
Dilution per share to the investor purchasing shares in the initial and additional subsequent closings of this offering  $0.14 

 

 

 

 S-18 

 

 

The number of shares of our common stock outstanding before this offering and to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 35,247,744 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and excludes, as of December 31, 2023, the following:

 

  · 1,183,908 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under our 2020 Incentive Plan, at a weighted-average exercise price of $14.96 per share;
     
  · 1,020,067 shares of common stock issuable upon vesting of restricted stock units outstanding;
     
  · 87,045 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2020 Incentive Plan; and
     
  · 6,852,952 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, at a weighted-average exercise price of $8.19 per share.

 

Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the outstanding options or warrants or vesting of restricted stock units described above.

 

To the extent that options or warrants are exercised, new options are issued under our 2020 Incentive Plan, or we issue additional shares of common stock in the future, there may be further dilution to investors participating in this offering. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital because of market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe that we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. If we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders. 

 

 

 

 S-19 

 

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

EF Hutton LLC, which we refer to as the Placement Agent, has agreed to act as the exclusive placement agent in connection with this offering. The Placement Agent is not purchasing or selling securities offered by this prospectus supplement, nor is the Placement Agent required to arrange the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities, but has agreed to use its best efforts to arrange for the sale of all of the securities offered hereby. We are offering shares of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants having an aggregate offering price of up to $7,000,000, which are being offered in up to four closings. In the initial closing of this offering, we are selling 3,900,000 shares of common stock and 100,000 Pre-funded Warrants at a price of $1.00 per share, or $0.99 per Pre-funded Warrant, to an institutional investor pursuant a securities purchase agreement dated April 18, 2024 between us and such investor, or the Purchase Agreement; and in up to three additional subsequent closings, we may sell up to an additional 3,000,000 shares of our common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants at the same price as the shares of common stock and/or Pre-funded Warrants sold in the initial closing to the institutional investor pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. For each Pre-funded Warrant, we sell in a subsequent closing, the number of shares of common stock we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis The date of the additional closings, if any, will occur no later than one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date of the Purchase Agreement, at such time that is mutually agreed up on by the Company and such investor. We negotiated the price for the securities offered in this offering with the investor. The factors considered in determining the price included the recent market price of our common stock, the general condition of the securities market at the time of this offering, the history of, and the prospects, for the industry in which we compete, our past and present operations, and our prospects for future revenues.

 

The Placement Agent is not purchasing or selling any securities, nor are they required to arrange for the purchase and sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities, other than to use their “reasonable best efforts” to arrange for the sale of the securities by us. Therefore, we may not sell the entire amount of securities being offered. The Placement Agent may engage one or more subagents or selected dealers in connection with this offering.

 

We have entered into a placement agency agreement, dated April 18, 2024 (“Placement Agreement”), with the Placement Agent, which provides that the Placement Agent’s obligations are subject to conditions contained in the Placement Agreement.

 

We will deliver the securities being issued to the investor upon receipt of investor funds for the purchase of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus.

 

Placement Agent, Commissions and Expenses

 

Upon the closing of this offering, we will pay the Placement Agent a cash transaction fee equal to seven percent (7.0%) of the aggregate gross cash proceeds to us from the sale of the securities in the offering. In addition, we will reimburse the Placement Agent for its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this offering, including the fees and expenses of the counsel for the Placement Agent of up to $75,000.

 

The following table shows the public offering price, Placement Agent fees and proceeds, before expenses, to us.

 

   Per Common Stock   Per Pre-funded Warrant   Total 
Public offering price  $1.00   $0.99   $7,000,000 
Placement agent fees (7%)  $0.07   $0.069   $490,000 
Non-accountable expense allowance (1.0%) (1)  $0.01   $0.0099   $70,000 
Proceeds, before expenses, to us  $0.92   $0.9111   $6,440,000 

 

(1) We have also agreed to pay the Placement Agent a non-accountable expense reimbursement of 1% of the gross proceeds received by us from the sale of the securities at each closing.

 

 

 

 S-20 

 

 

We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, the Placement Agent’s accountable expense, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding Placement Agent fees, will be approximately $[____] all of which are payable by us.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

We and our executive officers and directors have agreed, that subject to certain exceptions, we and our directors and officers will not, until ninety (90) days pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, and one hundred and eighty (180) days pursuant to the placement agent agreement, after the closing of this offering, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly of any of our shares of common stock.

 

The Placement Agent may in its sole discretion and at any time without notice release some or all of the shares subject to lock-up agreements prior to the expiration of the lock-up period. When determining whether or not to release shares from the lock-up agreements, the Placement Agent will consider, among other factors, the security holder’s reasons for requesting the release, the number of shares for which the release is being requested and market conditions at the time.

 

Indemnification

 

We have agreed to indemnify the Placement Agent against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments that the Placement Agent may be required to make for these liabilities.

 

Regulation M

 

The Placement Agent may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, and any commissions received by it and any profit realized on the resale of the securities sold by it while acting as principal might be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act. As an underwriter, the Placement Agent would be required to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 10b-5 and Regulation M under the Exchange Act. These rules and regulations may limit the timing of purchases and sales of our securities by the placement agent acting as principal. Under these rules and regulations, the Placement Agent (i) may not engage in any stabilization activity in connection with our securities and (ii) may not bid for or purchase any of our securities or attempt to induce any person to purchase any of our securities, other than as permitted under the Exchange Act, until it has completed its participation in the distribution.

 

Determination of Offering Price

 

The actual offering price of the securities were negotiated between us, the Placement Agent and the investors in the offering based on the trading of our common stock prior to the offering, among other things. Other factors considered in determining the public offering price of the Securities we are offering, include our history and prospects, the stage of development of our business, our business plans for the future and the extent to which they have been implemented, an assessment of our management, the general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering and such other factors as were deemed relevant.

 

Electronic Distribution

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by the Placement Agent. In connection with the offering, the Placement Agent or selected dealers may distribute prospectuses electronically. No forms of electronic prospectus other than prospectuses that are printable as Adobe® PDF will be used in connection with this offering.

 

 

 

 S-21 

 

 

Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the Placement Agent’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by the Placement Agent is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the Placement Agent in its capacity as placement agent and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

Certain Relationships

 

The Placement Agent and its affiliates have and may in the future provide, from time to time, investment banking and financial advisory services to us in the ordinary course of business, for which they may receive customary fees and commissions.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

Other than in the United States of America, no action has been taken by us or the Placement Agent that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 S-22 

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Flangas Law Group. Certain legal matters related to the offering will be passed upon for us by Reed Smith LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters related to the offering will be passed upon for the placement agent by Loeb & Loeb LLP, New York, New York.

 

EXPERTS

 

WithimSmith+Brown, PC, an independent registered public accounting firm, audited our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion), and Baker Tilly US, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, audited our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion), which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in this Registration Statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Baker Tilly US, LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

  

INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

 

As of the date of this prospectus supplement, Reed Smith LLP, outside counsel to the Company, beneficially owns 400,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We are a public company and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov, and on our web site at http://www.kartoonstudios.com. Our SEC filings may also be inspected and copied at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-1004. The public may obtain information about the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The information contained on our web site is not included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In addition, our Common Stock is listed for trading on NYSE American under the symbol “TOON.”

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is only part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act, and therefore omits certain information contained in the Registration Statement. We have also filed exhibits and schedules with the Registration Statement that are excluded from this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and you should refer to the applicable exhibit or schedule for a complete description of any statement referring to any contract or other document. You may:

 

  · obtain a copy from the SEC upon payment of the fees prescribed by the SEC, or
     
  · obtain a copy from the SEC’s web site or our web site.

 

 

 

 S-23 

 

 

INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with them. Incorporation by reference allows us to disclose important information to you by referring you to those other documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. This prospectus omits certain information contained in the registration statement, as permitted by the SEC. You should refer to the registration statement and any prospectus supplement filed hereafter, including the exhibits, for further information about us and the securities we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. Statements in this prospectus regarding the provisions of certain documents filed with, or incorporated by reference in, the registration statement are not necessarily complete and each statement is qualified in all respects by that reference. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement, including the documents incorporated by reference or the exhibits, may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed rates at the offices of the SEC listed above in “Where You Can Find More Information.” The documents we are incorporating by reference are:

 

  · Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 filed on April 9, 2024;
     
  · Our Current Reports on Form 8-K (other than information furnished rather than filed) filed on January 30, 2024, February 13, 2024 as amended by Form 8-K/A on February 13, 2024, April 9, 2024, and April 19, 2024;
     
  · Our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on April 4, 2024, as supplemented on April 10, 2024; and
     
  · The description of our common stock contained in Exhibit 4.13 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed on March 30, 2020, including any subsequent amendment or any report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

 

Any statement contained in this prospectus supplement or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement.

 

We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus any future filings made by us with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, except for information “furnished” under Items 2.02 or 7.01 on Form 8-K or other information “furnished” to the SEC which is not deemed filed and not incorporated in this prospectus, until the termination of the offering of securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

You may request, orally or in writing, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated herein by reference. These documents will be provided to you at no cost, by calling us at (310) 273-4222 or by writing to us at the following address:

 

Kartoon Studios, Inc.

190 N. Canon Drive, 4th Floor

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Attn: Brian Parisi

 

You should rely only on information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. We are not making offers to sell the securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

 

 

 

 S-24 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

KARTOON STUDIOS, INC.

 

$75,000,000

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Warrants

Debt Securities

Rights

Units

 

This prospectus relates to the offer and sale, from time to time, by Kartoon Studios, Inc. (“we,” “us” or the “Company”), in one or more offerings, any combination of common stock (as defined below), preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, rights to purchase common stock or other securities or units having a maximum aggregate offering price of $75,000,000. When we decide to sell a particular class or series of securities, we will provide specific terms of the offered securities in a prospectus supplement.

 

The prospectus supplements may also add, update or change information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. However, no prospectus supplement shall offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as the documents incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, carefully before you invest. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement relating to the offered securities.

 

Our Common Stock is quoted on the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”) under the symbol “TOON.” On January 4, 2024, the last reported sale price for our Common Stock was $1.37 per share, as reported on the NYSE American. Each prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to our listing on the NYSE American or on any other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement.

 

These securities may be sold directly by us, through dealers or agents designated from time to time, to or through underwriters or through a combination of these methods. We may also describe the plan of distribution for any particular offering of our securities in a prospectus supplement. If any agents, underwriters or dealers are involved in the sale of any securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, we will disclose their names and the nature of our arrangements with them in a prospectus supplement. The net proceeds we expect to receive from any such sale will also be included in a prospectus supplement.

 

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Please carefully read the information under the headings “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and “Item 1A – Risk Factors” of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in any Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus before you invest in our securities.

 

We may amend or supplement this prospectus from time to time by filing amendments or supplements as required. You should read the entire prospectus and any amendments or supplements carefully before you make your investment decision.

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this prospectus is January 5, 2024

 

 

 

   

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  PAGE
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS 1
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY 2
RISK FACTORS 5
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 6
DIVIDEND POLICY 8
USE OF PROCEEDS 9
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK 10
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS 13
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES 14
DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS 22
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS 24
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 27
LEGAL MATTERS 30
EXPERTS 30
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL 30
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 30
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 i 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a Registration Statement that we filed with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer from time to time securities having a maximum aggregate offering price of $75,000,000. Each time we offer any type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will prepare and file with the SEC a prospectus supplement that contains more specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or the documents incorporated herein by reference. You should read carefully both this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, together with additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information,” before buying any of the securities being offered.

 

This prospectus does not contain all the information provided in the Registration Statement we filed with the SEC. For further information about us or our securities offered hereby, you should refer to that Registration Statement, which you can obtain from the SEC as described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any applicable prospectus supplement or any applicable free writing prospectus that we have authorized. We take no responsibility for and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of any other information that others may give you. The securities offered hereby are not being offered in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates of such document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

We may sell securities through underwriters or dealers, through agents, directly to purchasers or through any combination of these methods. We and our agents reserve the sole right to accept or reject in whole or in part any proposed purchase of securities. The prospectus supplement, which we will prepare and file with the SEC each time we offer securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, agents or others involved in the sale of securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this prospectus to, “Kartoon,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” mean Kartoon Studios, Inc., a Nevada corporation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

 

This prospectus summary highlights certain information about our company and other information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or in documents incorporated by reference. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before making an investment decision. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, any prospectus supplement, including the matters set forth under the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” and the financial statements and related notes and other information that we incorporate by reference herein, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, before making an investment decision.

 

Overview

 

Kartoon Studios, Inc. (formerly known as Genius Brands International, Inc.; “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a global content and brand management company that creates, produces, licenses, and broadcasts timeless and educational, multimedia animated content for children. Led by experienced industry personnel, we distribute our content primarily on streaming platforms and television and licenses properties for a broad range of consumer products based on our characters. We are a “work for hire” producer for many of the streaming outlets and animated content intellectual property (“IP”) holders. In the children’s media sector, our portfolio features “content with a purpose” for toddlers to tweens, providing enrichment as well as entertainment. With the exception of selected WOW Unlimited Media Inc. ("Wow") titles, our programs, along with licensed programs, are being broadcast in the United States on our wholly-owned advertisement supported video on demand (“AVOD”) service, its free ad supported TV (“FAST”) channels and subscription video on demand (“SVOD”) outlets, Kartoon Channel! and Ameba. These streaming services are available on Apple TV, Apple iOS, Android TV, Android mobile, Amazon Prime, Amazon Fire, Tubi, Roku, Comcast, Cox, Dish/Sling, Xumo, Pluto, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, as well as YouTube and YouTube Kids, among other platforms. Our in-house owned and produced animated shows include Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Llama starring Jennifer Garner, Rainbow Rangers, KC Pop Quiz and Shaq’s Garage starring Shaquille O’Neal. Our library titles include the award-winning Baby Genius, adventure comedy Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab®, and Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, created with and starring iconic investor Warren Buffett, Team Zenko Go!, Reboot, Bee & PuppyCat: Lazy in Space and Castlevania.

 

We also license our programs to other services worldwide, in addition to the operation of our own channels, including but not limited to Netflix, HBO Max, Paramount+, Nickelodeon, and satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasters around the world.

 

Through our investments in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG (“YFE”), a publicly traded company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (RTV-Frankfurt), we have gained access to one of the largest animation catalogues in Europe with over 50 titles consisting of over 1,600 episodes, and a global distribution network which currently covers over 60 territories worldwide.

 

Through the ownership of Wow, we established an affiliate relationship with Mainframe Studios, which is one of the largest animation producers in the world. In addition, Wow owns Frederator Networks Inc. (“Frederator”) and its Channel Frederator Network, the largest animation focused multi-channel network on YouTube with over 2,500 channels.

 

We have rights to a select amount of valuable IP, including among them a controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, LLC (“SLU”), through which we control the name, likeness, signature, and all consumer product and IP rights to Stan Lee (the “Stan Lee Assets”).

 

We also own Beacon Media Group, LLC and Beacon Communications, Ltd. (collectively, “Beacon”), a leading North American marketing and media agency and its first-class media research, planning and buying division. Beacon represents over 30 major toy companies, including Playmobile, Bandai Toys, Bazooka and Moose Toys.

 

In addition, we own the Canadian company Ameba Inc. (“Ameba”), which distributes SVOD service for kids and has become the focal point of revenue growth for TOON Media Networks’ subscription offering.

 

 

 

 

 2 

 

 

We and our affiliates provide world class animation production studios a catalogue representing thousands of hours of premium global content for children, a broadcast system for delivering that content and an in-house consumer products licensing infrastructure to fully exploit the content.

 

On June 23, 2023, the Company was renamed Kartoon Studios, Inc. On June 26, 2023, we transferred our listing to NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”). In connection with listing on NYSE American, we voluntarily delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our stock began trading on NYSE American under the new symbol “TOON” on June 26, 2023.

 

Historically, the Company has incurred net losses. For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company reported net losses of $15.5 million and $11.2 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company reported net losses of $55.5 million and $29.1 million, respectively. The Company reported net cash used in operating activities of $20.2 million and $24.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $696.9 million and total stockholders’ equity of $74.0 million. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had current assets of $61.4 million, including cash of $3.9 million and marketable securities of $16.2 million, and current liabilities of $49.6 million. The Company had working capital of $11.8 million as of September 30, 2023, compared to working capital of $28.6 million as of December 31, 2022. Management has evaluated the significance of these conditions in relation to the Company’s ability to meet its obligations and noted the Company has sufficient marketable securities and investments to fund operations for the next 12 months. In addition, the Company has the ability to reduce operating costs and use equity and equity-linked instruments to pay for services and compensation.

 

The Securities We May Offer

 

This prospectus is part of a Registration Statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of:

 

  · Common stock;
     
  · Preferred stock;
     
  · Warrants;
     
  · Debt securities, in one or more series;
     
  · Right to purchase common stock or other securities; and/or
     
  · Units

 

In one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $75,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that specific offering and include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations that apply to those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 3 

 

 

Use of Proceeds

 

Except as described in any applicable prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by us hereunder, if any, for working capital and general corporate purposes. We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus our intended use for the net proceeds received from the sale of any securities sold pursuant to the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus.

 

NYSE Listing

 

Our Common Stock is listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “TOON.”

 

Corporate Information

 

We were incorporated in California on January 3, 2006 and reincorporated in Nevada in October 2011. We commenced operations in January 2006, assuming all of the rights and obligations of our then Chief Executive Officer, under an Asset Purchase Agreement between us and Genius Products, Inc., in which we obtained all rights, copyrights, and trademarks to the brands “Baby Genius,” “Kid Genius,” “123 Favorite Music” and “Wee Worship,” and all then existing productions under those titles. In October 2011, we (i) changed our domicile to Nevada from California, and (ii) changed our name to Genius Brands International, Inc. from Pacific Entertainment Corporation (the “Reincorporation”). In connection with the Reincorporation, we changed our trading symbol from “PENT” to “GNUS.” In June 2023, we changed our name to Kartoon Studios, Inc. from Genius Brands International, Inc. along with our trading symbol “GNUS” to “TOON.”

 

Our principal executive office is located at 190 N. Canon Drive, 4th Floor, Beverly Hills, California 90210, and our phone number is (310) 273-4222. Our website address is http://www.kartoonstudios.com/. The inclusion of our website address does not include or incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus any information on, or accessible through, our website. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, together with amendments to these reports, are available on the “Investors” section of our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 4 

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves risk. The prospectus supplement applicable to a particular offering of securities will contain a discussion of the risks applicable to an investment in Kartoon and to the particular types of securities that we are offering under that prospectus supplement. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement together with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 5 

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus, each prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and each prospectus supplement contain “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, that relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements concern our anticipated results and progress of our operations in future periods, planned exploration and, if warranted, development of our properties, plans related to our business and other matters that may occur in the future. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “leading,” “intend,” “contemplate,” “shall” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The section in this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” and the sections in our periodic reports, including the section in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled “Business,” and the section in such Form 10-K and any future Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qs incorporated herein by reference entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as other sections in this prospectus and the documents or reports incorporated by reference into this prospectus, discuss some of the factors that could contribute to these differences. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus, each prospectus supplement, and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:

 

·our ability to generate revenue or achieve profitability;
   
·our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all;
   
·fluctuations in the results of our operations from period to period;
   
·general economic and financial conditions; the adverse effects of public health epidemics, including the recent coronavirus outbreak, on our business, results of operations and financial condition;
   
·our 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;
   
·our reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios;
   
·our ability to market and advertise our products;
   
·our reliance on third-parties to promote our products;
   
·our ability to keep pace with technological advances;

 

 

 

 

 6 

 

 

·performance of our information technology and storage systems;
   
·a disruption or breach of our internal computer systems;
   
·our ability to retain key personnel;
   
·our ability to successfully identify appropriate acquisition targets, successfully acquire identified targets and successfully integrate the business of acquired companies;
   
·the impact of federal, state or local regulations on us or our vendors and licensees;
   
·our ability to protect and defend against litigation, including intellectual property claims;
   
·the volatility of our stock price;
   
·the marketability of our stock;
   
·our broad discretion to invest or spend the proceeds of our financings in ways with which our stockholders may not agree and may have limited ability to influence; and;
   
·other risks and uncertainties set forth herein and in the documents incorporated by reference herein under the heading “Risk Factors.”

 

Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this prospectus may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Actual results may vary materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. The uncertainties that may cause differences include, but are not limited to: our need for additional funds to finance our operations; our history of losses; anticipated continuing losses and uncertainty of future financing; market acceptance of our services; the sufficiency of our existing capital resources; competition from other companies; the risk of technological obsolescence; uncertainties related to our ability to obtain intellectual property protection for our technology; and dependence on officers, directors and other individuals.

 

We will not update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law. You are advised to consult any further disclosures we make in our reports to the SEC, including our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Our filings list various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results. We note these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 7 

 

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have never declared or paid dividends on our Common Stock and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on applicable law and then-existing conditions, including our financial condition, operating results, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 8 

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use any net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus for our operations and for other general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, the development, production, and distribution of animated content and associated licensed merchandise, general working capital and possible future acquisitions. We have not determined the amounts we plan to spend on any of the areas listed above or the timing of these expenditures. As a result, our management will have broad discretion to allocate the net proceeds, if any, we receive in connection with securities offered pursuant to this prospectus for any purpose. Additional information on the use of net proceeds from an offering of securities covered by this prospectus may be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the specific offering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 9 

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

 

The following sections constitute a summary as of the date of this prospectus and do not purport to be a complete description of our capital stock. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering the specific terms of the securities offered by that prospectus supplement. We will indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement if the terms of the securities differ from the terms we have summarized below. We will also include in the prospectus supplement information, where applicable, material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the securities.

 

 

General

 

The following description of common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”) and preferred stock of the Company (the “preferred stock”), together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the common stock and preferred stock that we may offer under this prospectus but is not complete. For the complete terms of our common stock and preferred stock, please refer to our articles of incorporation, as may be amended from time to time (the “Articles of Incorporation”) any certificates of designation for our preferred stock, that may be authorized from time to time, and our amended and restated bylaws, as amended from time to time (the “Bylaws”). The Nevada General Corporation Law may also affect the terms of these securities. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any future common stock or preferred stock that we may offer, we will describe the specific terms of any series of these securities in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we so indicate in a prospectus supplement, the terms of any common stock or preferred stock we offer under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.

 

As of January 4, 2024, our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of capital stock, of which 190,000,000 are shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (of which 35,180,532 were issued and 35,256,005 were outstanding), and 10,000,000 are shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (of which 1 was issued and outstanding.) The authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock and preferred stock are available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed. Unless approval of our stockholders is so required, our board of directors will not seek stockholder approval for the issuance and sale of our common stock.

 

Common Stock

 

The holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. In addition, the holders of our Common Stock will be entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds; however, the current policy of our Board of Directors is to retain earnings, if any, for operations and growth. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of our Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets that are legally available for distribution. The holders of our Common Stock will have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, which may be designated solely by action of our board of directors and issued in the future.

 

Our Common Stock is listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “TOON.”

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our 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 our Board of Directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights.

 

 

 

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Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

 

We have designated six thousand (6,000) shares of preferred stock as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”). Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of our Common Stock based on a conversion calculation equal to the Base Amount divided by the conversion price. The Base Amount is defined as the sum of (i) the aggregate stated value of the Series A Preferred Stock to be converted and (ii) all unpaid dividends thereon. The stated value of each share of the Series A Preferred Stock is $1,000 and the conversion price is currently $0.21 per share, subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits, dividends and recapitalizations.

 

We are prohibited from effecting a conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock to the extent that as a result of such conversion, the holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% in the aggregate of the issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock, calculated immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock possess no voting rights except as required by law.

 

Nevada Anti-Takeover Law and Certain Charter and Bylaw Provisions

 

Some features of the Nevada Revised Statutes, which are further described below, may have the effect of deterring third parties from making takeover bids for control of our company or may be used to hinder or delay a takeover bid. This would decrease the chance that our stockholders would realize a premium over market price for their shares of Common Stock as a result of a takeover bid.

 

Acquisition of Controlling Interest

 

The Nevada Revised Statutes contain provisions governing acquisition of a controlling interest of a Nevada corporation. These provisions provide generally that any person or entity that acquires a certain percentage of the outstanding voting shares of a Nevada corporation may be denied voting rights with respect to the acquired shares, unless the holders of a majority of the voting power of the corporation, excluding shares as to which any of such acquiring person or entity, an officer or a director of the corporation, or an employee of the corporation exercises voting rights, elect to restore such voting rights in whole or in part. These provisions apply whenever a person or entity acquires shares that, but for the operation of these provisions, would bring voting power of such person or entity in the election of directors within any of the following three ranges:

 

·20% or more but less than 33 1/3%;
   
·33 1/3% or more but less than or equal to 50%; or
   
·more than 50%.

 

The stockholders or board of directors of a corporation may elect to exempt the stock of the corporation from these provisions through adoption of a provision to that effect in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation.

 

These provisions are applicable only to a Nevada corporation, which:

 

·has 200 or more stockholders of record, at least 100 of whom have addresses in Nevada appearing on the stock ledger of the corporation; and
   
·does business in Nevada directly or through an affiliated corporation.

 

On November 20, 2013, we amended our bylaws to provide that the provisions of NRS 78.378 and 78.3793 (“Acquisition of a Controlling Interest”) shall not apply to the Company or to any acquisition of a controlling interest in the Company by any existing or future stockholder.

 

 

 

 

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Combination with Interested Stockholder

 

The Nevada Revised Statutes contain provisions governing combination of a Nevada corporation that has 200 or more stockholders of record with an interested stockholder. As of January 4, 2024, we had 188 stockholders of record, not including persons or entities that hold our stock in nominee or “street name” through various brokerage firms.

 

A corporation affected by these provisions may not engage in a combination within two years after the interested stockholder first became an interested stockholder, unless either (i) the combination or transaction by which the interested stockholder first became an interested stockholder is approved by the board of directors before the interested stockholder first became an interested stockholder, or (ii) the combination is approved by the board of directors and by the affirmative vote of the corporation’s stockholders representing at least 60% of the outstanding voting power of the corporation not beneficially owned by the interested stockholder or the interested stockholder’s affiliates. Generally, if approval is not obtained, then after the expiration of the two-year period, the business combination may be consummated with the approval of the board of directors of the combination or transaction by which the interested stockholder first became an interested stockholder before the person became an interested stockholder, or a majority of the voting power held by disinterested stockholders, or if the consideration to be received per share by disinterested stockholders is at least equal to the highest of:

 

·the highest price per share paid by the interested stockholder within the two years immediately preceding the date of the announcement of the combination or within two years immediately before, or in the transaction in which he, she or it became an interested stockholder, whichever is higher;
   
·the market value per share on the date of announcement of the combination or the date the person became an interested stockholder, whichever is higher; or
   
·if higher for the holders of preferred stock, the highest liquidation value of the preferred stock, if any.

 

Generally, these provisions define an interested stockholder as a person who is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of a corporation. Generally, these provisions define combination to include any merger or consolidation with an interested stockholder, or any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition, in one transaction or a series of transactions, with an interested stockholder of assets of the corporation having:

 

·an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the aggregate market value of the assets of the corporation;
   
·an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the aggregate market value of all outstanding shares of the corporation; or
   
·representing 10% or more of the earning power or net income of the corporation.

 

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation, the existence of authorized but unissued common stock and undesignated preferred stock may enable our board of directors to make more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of our Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby to protect the continuity of management. If, in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, the board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal was not in our best interest, such shares could be issued by the board of directors without stockholder approval in one or more transactions that might prevent or render more difficult or costly the completion of the takeover transaction by diluting the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder group, by putting a substantial voting block in institutional or other hands that might undertake to support the position of the incumbent board of directors, by effecting an acquisition that might complicate or preclude the takeover, or otherwise.

 

In addition, our Articles of Incorporation grants our board of directors broad power to establish the rights and preferences of authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock. The issuance of shares of preferred stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of shares of common stock. The issuance also may adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of those holders and may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control of our Company.

 

 

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 

The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus and the related warrant agreements and warrant certificates. For the avoidance of doubt, this section relates only to new warrants that we may issue and not any of our outstanding warrants, and we refer to such new warrants in this prospectus for the sake of simplicity as “warrants.”

 

While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any warrants offered under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Specific warrant agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement, which includes this prospectus.

 

General

 

We may issue warrants for the purchase of Common Stock, preferred stock or debt securities, in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or together with Common Stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from these securities.

 

We plan to evidence each series of warrants by warrant certificates that we will issue under a separate warrant agreement. We will enter into the warrant agreement with a warrant agent. We will indicate the name and address of the warrant agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of warrants.

 

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants, including:

 

·the offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered;
   
·the currency for which the warrants may be purchased;
   
·if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security or each principal amount of such security;
   
·if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
   
·the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of one warrant and the price at which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise;
   
·the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business on the warrant agreement and the warrants;
   
·the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;
   
·any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants;
   
·the periods during which, and places at which, the warrants are exercisable;
   
·the manner of exercise;
   
·the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;
   
·the manner in which the warrant agreement and warrants may be modified;
   
·if applicable, a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations of holding or exercising the warrants; and
   
·any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on the warrants.

 

 

 

 13 

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 

The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future debt securities we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below. As of the date of this prospectus, we have no outstanding registered debt securities.

 

We will issue senior notes under a senior indenture, which we will enter into with the trustee to be named in the senior indenture. We will issue subordinated notes under a subordinated indenture, which we will enter into with the trustee to be named in the subordinated indenture. We have filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We use the term “indentures” to refer to both the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture.

 

The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). We use the term “debenture trustee” to refer to either the senior trustee or the subordinated trustee, as applicable.

 

The following summaries of material provisions of the senior notes, the subordinated notes and the indentures are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the debt securities that we sell under this prospectus, as well as the complete indentures that contain the terms of the debt securities. Except as we may otherwise indicate, the terms of the senior and the subordinated indentures are identical.

 

General

 

The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors and set forth or determined in the manner provided in an officers’ certificate or by a supplemental indenture. Debt securities may be issued in separate series without limitation as to aggregate principal amount. We may specify a maximum aggregate principal amount for the debt securities of any series. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series, including any pricing supplement. The prospectus supplement will set forth:

 

·the title;
   
·the principal amount being offered, and, if a series, the total amount authorized and the total amount outstanding;
   
·any limit on the amount that may be issued;
   
·whether or not we will issue the series of debt securities in global form and, if so, the terms and who the depositary will be;
   
·the maturity date;
   
·whether and under what circumstances, if any, we will pay additional amounts on any debt securities held by a person who is not a U.S. person for tax purposes, and whether we can redeem the debt securities if we have to pay such additional amounts;
   
·the annual interest rate, which may be fixed or variable, or the method for determining the rate, the date interest will begin to accrue, the dates interest will be payable and the regular record dates for interest payment dates or the method for determining such dates;
   
·whether or not the debt securities will be secured or unsecured, and the terms of any secured debt;
   
·the terms of the subordination of any series of subordinated debt;

 

 

 

 

 14 

 

 

·the place where payments will be payable;
   
·restrictions on transfer, sale or other assignment, if any;
   
·our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of any such deferral period;
   
·the date, if any, after which, the conditions upon which, and the price at which we may, at our option, redeem the series of debt securities pursuant to any optional or provisional redemption provisions, and any other applicable terms of those redemption provisions;
   
·the date, if any, on which, and the price at which we are obligated, pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provisions or otherwise, to redeem, or at the holder’s option to purchase, the series of debt securities and the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities are payable;
   
·whether the indenture will restrict our ability and/or the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things:
   
·incur additional indebtedness;
   
·issue additional securities;
   
·create liens;
   
·pay dividends and make distributions in respect of our capital stock and the capital stock of our subsidiaries;
   
·redeem capital stock;
   
·place restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, make distributions or transfer assets;
   
·make investments or other restricted payments;
   
·sell or otherwise dispose of assets;
   
·enter into sale-leaseback transactions;
   
·engage in transactions with stockholders and affiliates;
   
·issue or sell stock of our subsidiaries; or
   
·effect a consolidation or merger;
   
·whether the indenture will require us to maintain any interest coverage, fixed charge, cash flow-based, asset-based or other financial ratios;

 

 

 

 

 

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·a discussion of any material or special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the debt securities;
   
·information describing any book-entry features;
   
·provisions for a sinking fund purchase or other analogous fund, if any;
   
·whether the debt securities are to be offered at a price such that they will be deemed to be offered at an “original issue discount” as defined in paragraph (a) of Section 1273 of the Internal Revenue Code;
   
·the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any;
   
·the denominations in which we will issue the series of debt securities, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;
   
·if other than dollars, the currency in which the series of debt securities will be denominated; and
   
·any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the debt securities, including any events of default that are in addition to those described in this prospectus or any covenants provided with respect to the debt securities that are in addition to those described above, and any terms that may be required by us or advisable under applicable laws or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of the debt securities.

 

Conversion or Exchange Rights

 

We will set forth in the prospectus supplement the terms on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock or other securities of ours or a third party, including the conversion or exchange rate, as applicable, or how it will be calculated, and the applicable conversion or exchange period. We will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of our securities or the securities of a third party that the holders of the series of debt securities receive upon conversion or exchange would, under the circumstances described in those provisions, be subject to adjustment, or pursuant to which those holders would, under those circumstances, receive other property upon conversion or exchange, for example in the event of our merger or consolidation with another entity.

 

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

 

The indentures in the forms initially filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part do not contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. However, any successor of ours or the acquirer of such assets must assume all of our obligations under the indentures and the debt securities. If the debt securities are convertible for our other securities, the person with whom we consolidate or merge or to whom we sell all of our property must make provisions for the conversion of the debt securities into securities that the holders of the debt securities would have received if they had converted the debt securities before the consolidation, merger or sale.

 

 

 

 

 

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Events of Default Under the Indenture

 

The following are events of default under the indentures in the forms initially filed as exhibits to the registration statement with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:

 

·if we fail to pay interest when due and payable and our failure continues for 90 days and the time for payment has not been extended or deferred;
   
·if we fail to pay the principal, sinking fund payment or premium, if any, when due and payable and the time for payment has not been extended or delayed;
   
·if we fail to observe or perform any other covenant contained in the debt securities or the indentures, other than a covenant specifically relating to another series of debt securities, and our failure continues for 90 days after we receive notice from the debenture trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the applicable series; and
   
·if specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur.

 

If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, other than an event of default specified in the last bullet point above, the debenture trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by notice to us in writing, and to the debenture trustee if notice is given by such holders, may declare the unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, due and payable immediately. If an event of default specified in the last bullet point above occurs with respect to us, the principal amount of and accrued interest, if any, of each issue of debt securities then outstanding shall be due and payable without any notice or other action on the part of the debenture trustee or any holder.

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of an affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to the series and its consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, unless we have cured the default or event of default in accordance with the indenture. Any waiver shall cure the default or event of default.

 

Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the debenture trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the debenture trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the debenture trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the debenture trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:

 

·the direction so given by the holder is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture; and
   
·subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the debenture trustee need not take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might be unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding.

 

 

 

 

 

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A holder of the debt securities of any series will only have the right to institute a proceeding under the indentures or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies if:

 

·the holder has given written notice to the debenture trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to that series;
   
·the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and such holders have offered reasonable indemnity, to the debenture trustee to institute the proceeding as trustee; and
   
·the debenture trustee does not institute the proceeding and does not receive from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series other conflicting directions within 90 days after the notice, request and offer.

 

These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.

 

We will periodically file statements with the debenture trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the indentures.

 

Modification of Indenture; Waiver

 

We and the debenture trustee may change an indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters, including:

 

·to fix any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the indenture;
   
·to comply with the provisions described above under “Consolidation, Merger or Sale”;
   
·to comply with any requirements of the SEC in connection with the qualification of any indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
   
·to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee;
   
·to provide for uncertificated debt securities and to make all appropriate changes for such purpose;
   
·to add to, delete from, or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issuance, authorization and delivery of debt securities or any series, as set forth in the indenture;
   
·to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of the debt securities of any series as provided under “General” to establish the form of any certifications required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of the indenture or any series of debt securities, or to add to the rights of the holders of any series of debt securities;
   
·to add to our covenants such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders, to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and the continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default, or to surrender any of our rights or powers under the indenture; or
   
·to change anything that does not materially adversely affect the interests of any holder of debt securities of any series.

 

 

 

 

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In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the debenture trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series that is affected. However, we and the debenture trustee may only make the following changes with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:

 

·extending the fixed maturity of the series of debt securities;
   
·reducing the principal amount, reducing the rate of or extending the time of payment of interest, or reducing any premium payable upon the redemption of any debt securities; or
   
·reducing the percentage of debt securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any amendment, supplement, modification or waiver.

 

Discharge

 

Each indenture provides that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except that the following obligations survive until the maturity date or the redemption date:

 

·register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the series;
   
·replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of the series;
   
·maintain paying agencies;
   
·hold monies for payment in trust; and
   
·appoint any successor trustee;

 

and the following obligations survive the maturity date or the redemption date:

 

·recover excess money held by the debenture trustee; and
   
·compensate and indemnify the debenture trustee.

 

In order to exercise our rights to be discharged, we must deposit with the debenture trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

 

 

 

 

 

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Form, Exchange and Transfer

 

We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, or another depositary named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to that series.

 

At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

 

Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will make no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.

 

We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

 

If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

 

·issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of any series being redeemed in part during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any debt securities that may be selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing; or
   
·register the transfer of or exchange any debt securities so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt securities we are redeeming in part.

 

Information Concerning the Debenture Trustee

 

The debenture trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the debenture trustee must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the debenture trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

 

 

 

 

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Payment and Paying Agents

 

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

 

We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that, unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may make interest payments by check that we will mail to the holder or by wire transfer to certain holders. Unless we otherwise indicate in a prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate office of the debenture trustee in the State of Nevada as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

 

All money we pay to a paying agent or the debenture trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the debt security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

 

Governing Law

 

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nevada, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

 

Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities

 

The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus supplement. The indentures in the forms initially filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part do not limit the amount of indebtedness that we may incur, including senior indebtedness or subordinated indebtedness, and do not limit us from issuing any other debt, including secured debt or unsecured debt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

 

The complete terms of the rights will be contained in the rights agreements we enter into with rights agents. These documents will be included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read the rights agreements and any related documents. You also should read the prospectus supplement, which will contain additional information and which may update or change some of the information below.

 

This section describes the general terms of the rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities that we may offer to stockholders using this prospectus. Further terms of the rights will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement (or applicable free writing prospectus). The following description and any description of the rights in a prospectus supplement (or applicable free writing prospectus) may not be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of any agreement relating to the rights.

 

Rights may be issued independently or together with any other security and may or may not be transferable. As part of any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement under which the underwriters or any other person would purchase any securities that are not purchased in such rights offering. If we issue rights, each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent, that will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. Further terms of the rights will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any obligation to any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. The rights agreements and rights certificates will be filed with the SEC as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or as an exhibit to a filing incorporated by reference in the registration statement. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information” for information on how to obtain copies of the rights agreements and rights certificates.

 

The prospectus supplement relating to any rights we offer will describe the specific terms of the offering and the rights, including the record date for stockholders entitled to the rights distribution, the number of rights issued and the number of shares of Common Stock that may be purchased upon exercise of the rights, the exercise price of the rights, the date on which the rights will become effective and the date on which the rights will expire, and any applicable U.S. federal income tax considerations.

 

In general, a right entitles the holder to purchase for cash a specific number of shares of Common Stock or other securities at a specified exercise price. The rights are normally issued to stockholders as of a specific record date, may be exercised only for a limited period of time and become void following the expiration of such period. If we determine to issue rights, we will accompany this prospectus with a prospectus supplement that will describe, among other things:

 

·the record date for stockholders entitled to receive the rights;
   
·the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities that may be purchased upon exercise of each right;
   
·the exercise price of the rights;
   
·the terms for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price, if any;
   
·whether the rights are transferable;
   
·the period during which the rights may be exercised and when they will expire;
   
·the steps required to exercise the rights;

 

 

 

 

 

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·whether the rights include “oversubscription rights” so that the holder may purchase more securities if other holders do not purchase their full allotments;
   
·whether we intend to sell the shares of Common Stock or other securities that are not purchased in the rights offering to an underwriter or other purchaser under a contractual “standby” commitment or other arrangement;
   
·our ability to withdraw or terminate the rights offering;
   
·any material United States federal income tax consequences; and
   
·other material terms, including terms relating to transferability, exchange, exercise or amendment of the rights.

 

If fewer than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

 

We may issue units comprised of shares of Common Stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities, rights and warrants to purchase Common Stock in any combination. We may issue units in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish. This section outlines certain provisions of the units that we may issue. If we issue units, they will be issued under one or more unit agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or other financial institution, as unit agent. The information described in this section may not be complete in all respects and is qualified entirely by reference to the unit agreement with respect to the units of any particular series. The specific terms of any series of units offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If so described in a particular supplement, the specific terms of any series of units may differ from the general description of terms presented below. We urge you to read any prospectus supplement related to any series of units we may offer, as well as the complete unit agreement and unit certificate that contain the terms of the units. If we issue units, forms of unit agreements and unit certificates relating to such units will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement, which includes this prospectus.

 

Each unit that we may issue will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:

 

·the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;
   
·any provisions of the governing unit agreement;
   
·the price or prices at which such units will be issued;
   
·the applicable U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the units;
   
·any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and
   
·any other terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units.

 

The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Capital Stock,” “Description of Debt Securities” and “Description of Warrants” will apply to the securities included in each unit, to the extent relevant and as may be updated in any prospectus supplements. We may issue units in such amounts and in as many distinct series as we wish. This section summarizes terms of the units that apply generally to all series. Most of the financial and other specific terms of a particular series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Unit Agreements

 

We will issue the units under one or more unit agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or other financial institution, as unit agent. We may add, replace or terminate unit agents from time to time. We will identify the unit agreement under which each series of units will be issued and the unit agent under that agreement in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

 

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The following provisions will generally apply to all unit agreements unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement:

 

Modification Without Consent

 

We and the applicable unit agent may amend any unit or unit agreement without the consent of any holder:

 

·to cure any ambiguity in any provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described below;
   
·to correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision; or
   
·to make any other change that we believe is necessary or desirable and will not adversely affect the interests of the affected holders in any material respect.

 

We do not need any approval to make changes that affect only units to be issued after the changes take effect. We may also make changes that do not adversely affect a particular unit in any material respect, even if they adversely affect other units in a material respect. In those cases, we do not need to obtain the approval of the holder of the unaffected unit; we need only obtain any required approvals from the holders of the affected units.

 

Modification With Consent

 

We may not amend any particular unit or a unit agreement with respect to any particular unit unless we obtain the consent of the holder of that unit, if the amendment would:

 

·impair any right of the holder to exercise or enforce any right under a security included in the unit if the terms of that security require the consent of the holder to any changes that would impair the exercise or enforcement of that right; or
   
·reduce the percentage of outstanding units or any series or class the consent of whose holders is required to amend that series or class, or the applicable unit agreement with respect to that series or class, as described below.

 

Any other change to a particular unit agreement and the units issued under that agreement would require the following approval:

 

·if the change affects only the units of a particular series issued under that agreement, the change must be approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding units of that series; or
   
·if the change affects the units of more than one series issued under that agreement, it must be approved by the holders of a majority of all outstanding units of all series affected by the change, with the units of all the affected series voting together as one class for this purpose.

 

These provisions regarding changes with majority approval also apply to changes affecting any securities issued under a unit agreement, as the governing document.

 

In each case, the required approval must be given by written consent.

 

Unit Agreements Will Not be Qualified Under Trust Indenture Act

 

No unit agreement will be qualified as an indenture, and no unit agent will be required to qualify as a trustee, under the Trust Indenture Act. Therefore, holders of units issued under unit agreements will not have the protections of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to their units.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mergers and Similar Transactions Permitted; No Restrictive Covenants or Events of Default

 

The unit agreements will not restrict our ability to merge or consolidate with, or sell our assets to, another corporation or other entity or to engage in any other transactions. If at any time we merge or consolidate with, or sell our assets substantially as an entirety to, another corporation or other entity, the successor entity will succeed to and assume our obligations under the unit agreements. We will then be relieved of any further obligation under these agreements.

 

The unit agreements will not include any restrictions on our ability to put liens on our assets, nor will they restrict our ability to sell our assets. The unit agreements also will not provide for any events of default or remedies upon the occurrence of any events of default.

 

Form, Exchange and Transfer

 

We will issue each unit in global (i.e., book-entry) form only. Units in book-entry form will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary, which will be the holder of all the units represented by the global security. Those who own beneficial interests in a unit will do so through participants in the depositary’s system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depositary and its participants. We will describe book-entry securities, and other terms regarding the issuance and registration of the units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Each unit and all securities comprising the unit will be issued in the same form.

 

If we issue any units in registered, non-global form, the following will apply to them:

 

·The units will be issued in the denominations stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Holders may exchange their units for units of smaller denominations or combined into fewer units of larger denominations, as long as the total amount is not changed.
   
·Holders may exchange or transfer their units at the office of the unit agent. Holders may also replace lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated units at that office. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.
   
·Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their units, but they may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange, and any replacement, will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership. The transfer agent may also require an indemnity before replacing any units.
   
·If we have the right to redeem, accelerate or settle any units before their maturity, and we exercise our right as to less than all those units or other securities, we may block the exchange or transfer of those units during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of exercise and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers of or exchange any unit selected for early settlement, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unsettled portion of any unit being partially settled. We may also block the transfer or exchange of any unit in this manner if the unit includes securities that are or may be selected for early settlement.

 

Only the depositary will be entitled to transfer or exchange a unit in global form, since it will be the sole holder of the unit.

 

Payments and Notices

 

In making payments and giving notices with respect to our units, we will follow the procedures as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may sell the securities described herein, from time to time, in one or more offerings, by a variety of methods, including the following:

 

·on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which our securities may be listed at the time of sale, including the NYSE American;
   
·in the over-the-counter market;
   
·in transactions otherwise than on such exchange or in the over-the-counter market, which may include privately negotiated transactions and sales directly to one or more purchasers;
   
·through one or more agents, including an “at the market” offering within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act;
   
·through ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
   
·through purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
   
·to or through underwriters, broker-dealers, agents, in privately negotiated transactions, or any combination of these methods;
   
·through short sales;
   
·through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;
   
·by pledge to secure debts or other obligations;
   
·block trades in which the broker-dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction, or crosses in which the same broker acts as agent on both sides of the trade;
   
·a combination of any of these methods; or
   
·by any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.

 

We may sell the securities to or through one or more underwriters or dealers (acting as principal or agent), through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers. We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

·at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;
   
·at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;
   
·at prices related to such prevailing market prices;
   
·at varying prices determined at the time of sale; or
   
·at negotiated prices.

 

 

 

 

 

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We will describe the terms of the offering of the securities and the specific plan of distribution in a prospectus supplement or supplements to this prospectus, any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you, an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or other filings we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference. Such description may include, to the extent applicable:

 

·the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, agents or other purchasers;
   
·the purchase price of the securities or other consideration therefor, and the proceeds, if any, we will receive from the sale;
   
·any options to purchase additional shares or other options under which underwriters, dealers, agents or other purchasers may purchase additional securities from us;
   
·any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation;
   
·any public offering price;
   
·any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
   
·any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

 

Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

 

If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. We may offer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement, other than securities covered by any option to purchase additional shares or other option. If a dealer is used in the sale of securities, we, or an underwriter, will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. To the extent required, we will set forth in the prospectus supplement the name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may change from time to time. We may use underwriters, dealers or agents with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe in the prospectus supplement, naming the underwriter, dealer or agent, the nature of any such relationship.

 

We may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. If required by applicable law, we will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of securities and we will describe any commissions payable to the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, the agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

 

We may provide agents, dealers and underwriters with indemnification against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or dealers or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Agents, dealers and underwriters or their affiliates may engage in transactions with, or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

  

 

 

 

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We may engage in at-the-market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act. In addition, we may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us, or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of Common Stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of our Common Stock. In addition, we may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other securities.

 

All securities we may offer, other than the Common Stock, will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.

 

Any underwriter may be granted an option to purchase additional shares, and engage in stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. An underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the option to purchase additional shares or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

 

Any underwriters, dealers or agents that are qualified market makers on the NYSE American may engage in passive market making transactions in our Common Stock on the NYSE American in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of the Common Stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Flangas Law Group. Certain legal matters will be reviewed by Reed Smith LLP. If the validity of the securities offered hereby in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, such counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering.

 

EXPERTS

 

Baker Tilly US, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion), which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in this Registration Statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Baker Tilly US, LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

 

Reed Smith LLP, outside counsel to the Company, beneficially owns 400,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to an executed retainer letter agreement.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We are a public company and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov, and on our web site at http://www.kartoonstudios.com. Our SEC filings may also be inspected and copied at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-1004. The public may obtain information about the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The information contained on our web site is not included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. In addition, our Common Stock is listed for trading on NYSE American under the symbol “TOON.”

 

This prospectus is only part of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act, and therefore omits certain information contained in the Registration Statement. We have also filed exhibits and schedules with the Registration Statement that are excluded from this prospectus, and you should refer to the applicable exhibit or schedule for a complete description of any statement referring to any contract or other document. You may:

 

·obtain a copy from the SEC upon payment of the fees prescribed by the SEC, or
   
·obtain a copy from the SEC’s web site or our web site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with them. Incorporation by reference allows us to disclose important information to you by referring you to those other documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. This prospectus omits certain information contained in the registration statement, as permitted by the SEC. You should refer to the registration statement and any prospectus supplement filed hereafter, including the exhibits, for further information about us and the securities we may offer pursuant to this prospectus. Statements in this prospectus regarding the provisions of certain documents filed with, or incorporated by reference in, the registration statement are not necessarily complete and each statement is qualified in all respects by that reference. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement, including the documents incorporated by reference or the exhibits, may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed rates at the offices of the SEC listed above in “Where You Can Find More Information.” The documents we are incorporating by reference are:

 

  · Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed on April 13, 2023;

 

  · Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023 and September 30, 2023, filed on May 22, 2023, August 14, 2023 and November 17, 2023, respectively.

 

  · Our Current Reports on Form 8-K (other than information furnished rather than filed) filed on, February 10, 2023, March 1, 2023, April 3, 2023, April 14, 2023, May 26, 2023, June 13, 2023, June 27, 2023, July 3, 2023, August 28, 2023, September 25, 2023, October 3, 2023, October 27, 2023, November 3, 2023, November 14, 2023 and December 15, 2023;

 

  · Our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on July 14, 2023; and

 

  · The description of our common stock contained in Exhibit 4.13 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed on March 30, 2020.

 

Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus any future filings made by us with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, except for information “furnished” under Items 2.02 or 7.01 on Form 8-K or other information “furnished” to the SEC which is not deemed filed and not incorporated in this prospectus, until the termination of the offering of securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

You may request, orally or in writing, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated herein by reference. These documents will be provided to you at no cost, by calling us at (310) 273-4222 or by writing to us at the following address:

 

Kartoon Studios, Inc.

190 N. Canon Drive, 4th Floor

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Attn: Brian Parisi

 

You should rely only on information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are not making offers to sell the securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

 

 

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Kartoon Studios, Inc.

 

 

Up to $7,000,000 in Shares of Common Stock and/or Pre-Funded Warrants

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 18, 2024