Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021 has been derived from audited statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6, 2022.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and reclassifications) necessary to state fairly the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Statements of Operations, Statements of Comprehensive Loss, Statements of Stockholders' Equity, and Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Genius Brands International, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries, investments in entities in which it has controlling influence and variable interest entities where the Company has been determined to be the primary beneficiary. Minority interests are recorded as non-controlling interests. Non-consolidated investments are accounted for using the equity method or the fair value option when the Company has the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of the investee. When the Company does not have the ability to significantly influence the operating decisions of an investee, these equity securities are classified as either marketable investment securities or other investments and recorded at fair value with changes recognized within other Income (expense) on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company holds an interest in Stan Lee University (“SLU”), an entity that is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The variable interest relates to 50% ownership in the entity that is comprised of the Stan Lee Assets (as defined below) and that requires additional financial support from the Company to continue operations. The Company’s total net cash investment in SLU as of June 30, 2022, is $0.8 million. The Company is considered the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE.

In evaluating whether the Company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, the Company considers the purpose for which the VIE was created, the importance of each of the activities in which it is engaged and the Company’s decision-making role, if any, in those activities that significantly determine the entity’s economic performance as compared to other economic interest holders. This evaluation requires consideration of all facts and circumstances relevant to decision-making that affects the entity’s future performance and the exercise of professional judgment in deciding which decision-making rights are most important.

In determining whether the Company has the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company evaluates all of its economic interests in the entity, regardless of form (debt, equity, management and servicing fees, and other contractual arrangements). This evaluation considers all relevant factors of the entity’s design, including: the entity’s capital structure, contractual rights to earnings (losses), subordination of our interests relative to those of other investors, contingent payments, as well as other contractual arrangements that have the potential to be economically significant. The evaluation of each of these factors in reaching a conclusion about the potential significance of our economic interests is a matter that requires the exercise of professional judgment. The Company continuously assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as changes to existing relationships or future transactions may result in the Company consolidating its collaborators or partners.

Foreign Currency

The Company considers the U.S. dollar to be its functional currency for its United States based operations. The Company considers the Canadian dollar to be its functional currency for its Canada based operations. Accordingly, the financial information is translated from the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar for inclusion in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in stockholders’ equity.

Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Tax Credits Receivable

The Federal and certain Provincial governments in Canada provide programs that are designed to assist film and television production in the form of refundable tax credits or other incentives.

Estimated amounts receivable in respect of refundable tax credits are recorded as an offset to the related production operating cost, or to investment in film and television programming when the conditions for eligibility of production assistance based on the government’s criteria are met, the qualifying expenditures are made and there is reasonable assurance of realization. Determination of when and if the conditions of eligibility have been met is based on management’s judgement, and the amount recognized is based on management’s estimates of qualifying expenditures. The ultimate collection of previously recorded estimates is subject to ordinary course audits from the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) and Provincial agencies. Changes in administrative policies by the CRA or subsequent review of eligibility documentation may impact the collectability of these estimates. The Company continuously reviews the results of these audits to determine if any circumstances arise that in management’s judgement would result in a previously recognized amount to be considered no longer collectible.

The Company classifies the tax credits receivable as current based on their normal operating cycle. Government assistance, in the form of refundable tax credits, is relied upon as a key component of production financing. These amounts are claimed from the CRA through the submission of income tax returns and can take up to 18 to 24 months from the date of the first tax credit dollar being earned to being received. As this financing is fundamental to the Company’s ability to produce animated productions and generate revenue in the normal course of business, the normal operating cycle for such assets is considered to be a 12-to-24-month period, or the time it takes for the CRA to assess and refund the tax credits earned.

As of June 30, 2022, the Company had $25.9 million in current Tax Credit Receivables on its condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company does not have an allowance on tax credits receivable as of June 30, 2022, based on historical experience and future expectations.

Equity-Method Investments

When the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in an entity but can exert significant influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies, the investment is accounted for either (i) under the equity method of accounting or (ii) at fair value by electing the fair value option available under U.S. GAAP. Significant influence generally exists when the firm owns 20% to 50% of the entity’s common stock or in-substance common stock.

In general, the Company accounts for investments acquired at fair value. See Note 5 for further information about the Company’s investment in YFE’s equity securities accounted for under the fair value option.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation on property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to seven years. Maintenance, repairs, and renewals, which neither materially add to the value of the assets nor appreciably prolong their lives, are charged to expense as incurred. Gains and losses from any dispositions of property and equipment are reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.

Film and Television Costs

The Company capitalizes production costs for episodic series produced in accordance with FASB ASC 926-20, Entertainment-Films - Other Assets - Film Costs. Accordingly, production costs are capitalized at actual cost and amortized using the individual-film-forecast-computation method, whereby these costs are amortized, and participations costs are accrued based on the ratio of the current period’s revenues to management’s estimate of ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from each production.

Due to the inherent uncertainties involved in making such estimates of ultimate revenues and expenses, these estimates have differed in the past from actual results and are likely to differ to some extent in the future from actual results. In addition, in the normal course of the Company’s business, some titles are more successful or less successful than anticipated. Management reviews its ultimate revenue for productions in development and cost estimates on a title-by-title basis, when an event or change in circumstances indicates that the fair value of the production may be less than its unamortized cost. This may result in a change in the rate of amortization of film costs and participations and/or a write-down of all or a portion of the unamortized costs of the film or television production to its estimated fair value.

These write-downs are included in amortization expense within Direct Operating Expenses on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. There were no events or changes in circumstances that would indicate a change in fair value of productions and therefore the Company has not recorded any impairment charges during the three or six months ended June 30, 2022.

The Company expenses all capitalized costs that exceed the initial market firm commitment revenue in the period of delivery of the episodes. Additionally, for episodic series, from time to time, the Company develops additional content, improved animation and bonus songs/features for its existing content. After the initial release of the episodic series, the costs of significant improvement to existing products are capitalized while routine and periodic alterations to existing products are expensed as incurred.

Debt and Attached Equity-Linked Instruments

The Company measures issued debt on an amortized cost basis, net of debt premium/discount and debt issuance costs amortized using the effective interest rate method or the straight-line method when the latter does not lead to materially different results.

The Company analyzes freestanding equity-linked instruments including warrants attached to debt to conclude whether the instrument meets the definition of the derivative and whether it is considered indexed to the Company’s own stock. If the instrument is not considered indexed to the Company’s stock, it is classified as an asset or liability recorded at fair value. If the instrument is considered indexed to the Company’s stock, the Company analyzes additional equity classification requirements per FASB ASC 815-40, Contract’s in Entity’s Own Equity. When the requirements are met, the instrument is recorded as part of the Company’s equity, initially measured based on its relative fair value with no subsequent re-measurement. When the equity classification requirements are not met, the instrument is recorded as an asset or liability and is measured at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in earnings.

When required, the Company also considers the bifurcation guidance for embedded derivatives per ASC 815-15, Embedded Derivatives. 

Revenue Recognition

The Company accounts for revenue according to standard FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”).

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of the products or services in a contract. Judgement is required in determining the timing of whether the transfer of control occurs at a point in time or over time and is discussed below. The Company evaluates each contract to identify separate performance obligations as a contract with a customer may have one or more performance obligations. Consideration in a contract with multiple performance obligations is allocated to the separate performance obligations based on their stand-alone selling prices. If a stand-alone selling price is not determinable, the Company estimates the stand-alone selling price using an adjusted market assessment approach. The Company’s main sources of revenue are derived from animation production services provided to third parties, the sale of licenses for the distribution of films and television programs, advertising revenues, and merchandising and licensing sales.

Gross versus Net Revenue Presentation

The Company evaluates individual arrangements with third parties to determine whether the Company acts as principal or agent under the terms. To the extent that the Company acts as the principal in an arrangement, revenues are reported on a gross basis, resulting in revenues and expenses being classified in their respective financial statement line items. To the extent that the Company acts as the agent in an arrangement, revenues are reported on a net basis, resulting in revenues being presented net of any expenses incurred in providing agency services. Determining whether the Company acts as principal or agent is based on an evaluation of which party has substantial risks and rewards of ownership under the terms of an arrangement. The most significant factors that the Company considers include identification of the primary obligor, as well as which party has credit risk, general and inventory risk and the latitude or ability in establishing prices.

The Company has identified the following material and distinct performance obligations.

Production Services

Animation Production Services

For revenue from animation production services, the customer controls the output throughout the production process. Each production is made to an individual customer’s specifications and if the contract is terminated by the customer, the Company is entitled to be reimbursed for any costs incurred to date, and for any prepaid commitments made, plus the agreed contractual mark-up. Revenue and the associated costs of such contracts are recognized over time on a percentage of completion basis - i.e. as the project is being produced, prior to it being delivered to the customer. The percentage-of-completion is calculated based upon the proportion of costs incurred cumulatively to total expected costs. Changes in revenue recognized as a result of adjustments to total expected costs are recognized in profit or loss on a prospective basis. Invoices related to these projects are issued based on the achievement of milestones during the project or other contractual terms. The difference between contractual payments received and revenue recognized is recorded as deferred revenue when receipts exceed revenue. When revenue exceeds milestone billings, the Company recognizes this difference as unbilled accounts receivable. Unbilled accounts receivable is transferred to accounts receivable when the Company has an unconditional right to consideration.

When the outcome of an arrangement cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is recognized only to the extent of the expenses incurred that are recoverable.

Content Distribution

Film and Television Licensing

The Company recognizes revenue related to licensed rights to exploit functional IP in two ways; for minimum guarantees, the Company recognizes fixed revenue upon delivery of content and the start of the license period and for functional IP contracts with a variable component, the Company estimates revenue such that it is probable there will not be a material reversal of revenue in future periods. The Company recognizes revenue related to licensed rights to exploit symbolic IP substantially similarly to functional IP. Although it has a different recognition pattern from functional IP, the valuation method is substantially the same, depending on the nature of the license.

Invoices related to these projects are issued based on the achievement of milestones during the project or other contractual terms. The difference between contractual payments received and revenue recognized is recorded as deferred revenue when receipts exceed revenue. When revenue exceeds milestone billings, the Company recognizes this difference as unbilled accounts receivable. Unbilled accounts receivables are transferred to accounts receivable when the Company has an unconditional right to consideration.

Advertising revenues

The Company sells advertising and subscriptions on its wholly-owned AVOD service, Kartoon Channel!, and its SVOD distribution outlets, Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse, and Ameba TV. Advertising sales are generated in the form of either flat rate promotions or advertising impressions served. For flat rate promotions with a fixed term, the Company recognizes revenue when all five revenue recognition criteria under ASC 606 are met. For impressions served, the Company delivers a certain minimum number of impressions on the channel to the advertiser for which the advertiser pays a contractual CPM per impression. Impressions served are reported to the Company on a monthly basis, and revenue is reported in the month the impressions are served. For subscription-based revenue, the Company recognizes revenue when customer downloads the mobile device application and their credit card is charged.

Upon the acquisition of Wow, the Company generates advertising revenue from Frederator’s owned and operated YouTube channels as well as revenues generated from the operation of its multi-channel network on YouTube. Revenue is recognized when services are provided in accordance with the Company’s agreement with YouTube, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection of the related receivable is probable. Receivables are usually collectable within 30 days.

Licensing & Royalties

Merchandising and licensing

The Company enters into merchandising and licensing agreements that allow customers to produce merchandise utilizing certain of the Company’s intellectual property. For minimum guaranteed amounts that make up a contract, revenue is recognized over time, over the term of the license period commencing on the date at which the customer can use and benefit from the licensed content. Variable consideration in excess of non-refundable guaranteed amounts, such as royalties and other contractual payments are recognized as revenue when the amounts are known and become due provided collectability is reasonably assured. Invoices are issued based on the contractual terms of an agreement and are usually payable within 30-45 days.

Product Sales

The Company recognizes revenue related to product sales when the Company completes its performance obligation, which is when the goods are transferred to the buyer.

Media Advisory & Advertising Services

Media and Advertising Services

The Company provides media and advertising services to clients. Revenue is recognized when the services are performed. When the Company purchases advertising for clients on linear and across digital and streaming platforms and receives a commission, the commissions are recognized as revenue in the month the advertising is displayed.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company issues stock-based awards to employees and non-employees that are generally in the form of stock options or restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Share-based compensation cost is recorded for all options and awards of unvested stock based on the grant-date fair value of the award.

The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option pricing model, which requires management to make assumptions with respect to the fair value on the grant date. The assumptions are as follows: (i) the expected term assumption of the award is based on the Company’s historical exercise and post-vesting behavior (ii) the expected volatility assumption is based on historical and implied volatilities of the Company’s common stock calculated based on a period of time generally commensurate with the expected term of the award; (iii) the risk-free interest rates are based on the implied yield available on U.S. treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent expected term; (iv) and the expected dividend yields of the Company’s stock are based on history and expectations of future dividends payable. In the case of RSUs the fair value is calculated based on the Company’s underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The Company recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period ratably, using the graded attribution method, which is in-substance, recognizing multiple awards based on the vesting schedule. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures when they occur. The Company issues authorized shares available for issuance under the Company’s 2015 Incentive Plan and the Company’s 2020 Incentive Plan upon employees’ exercise of their stock options.

Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates the available evidence about future taxable income and other possible sources of realization of deferred tax assets and records a valuation allowance that reduces the deferred tax assets to an amount that represents management’s best estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that more likely than not will be realized.

Fair value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”) establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on the condensed consolidated statement of operations are represented by cash, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities, bank indebtedness, the Company’s margin loan and interim production financing.

The carrying amounts of cash, restricted cash, receivables, payables, accrued liabilities, bank indebtedness and the Company’s margin loan approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The fair values of the Company’s liability-classified derivative warrants are revalued at the end of each reporting period determined using the BSM model (Level 2) with standard valuation inputs. Refer to Note 19 for additional details. The investment in YFE is also revalued at the end of each reporting period based on the trading price of YFE (Level 1). Refer to Note 5 for additional details. Upon acquisition of Wow, the Company assumed foreign currency forward contracts that are not traded in active markets. These are fair valued using observable forward exchange rates at the measurement dates and interest rates corresponding to the maturity of the contracts.

The fair values of the available-for-sale securities are generally based on quoted market prices, where available. These fair values are obtained primarily from third-party pricing services, which generally use Level 1 or Level 2 inputs for the determination of fair value to facilitate fair value measurements and disclosures. Level 2 securities primarily include corporate securities, securities from states, municipalities and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, United States Government securities, foreign government securities, and certain other asset-backed securities. For securities not actively traded, the pricing services may use quoted market prices of comparable instruments or a variety of valuation techniques, incorporating inputs that are currently observable in the markets for similar securities.

The following table summarizes the marketable securities measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2022 (in thousands):

Fair values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. The Company’s marketable securities are considered to be available-for-sale investments as defined under FASB ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. There were no impairment charges recorded for the marketable securities. Refer to Note 6 for additional details.

Financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value when a significant event occurs and include the Company’s contingent earn-out liability, goodwill and film and television costs as of June 30, 2022. There were no significant events that occurred or circumstances that resulted in an adjustment to the fair value of those assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis during the three months ended June 30, 2022.