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WILDBRAIN REPORTS Q1 2025 RESULTS

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Q1 2025 Highlights

Revenue was $111.0 million, compared to $105.5 million in Q1 2024.Net loss was $10.6 million, compared with net loss of $15.5 million in Q1 2024.Adjusted EBITDA1 was $15.3 million, compared to $18.9 million in Q1 2024.Cash provided by operating activities was $25.8 million, compared to cash used in operating activities of $3.0 million in Q1 2024.Free Cash Flow1 was positive $4.8 million, compared to negative $25.4 million in Q1 2024.

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2024 /CNW/ – WildBrain Ltd. (“WildBrain” or the “Company”) (TSX: WILD), a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, today reported its first quarter (“Q1 2025”) results for the period ended September 30, 2024.

Josh Scherba, WildBrain President and CEO, said: “We started Fiscal Year 2025 with strong growth in Global Licensing, led by our iconic brands—Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies. The work we’ve been doing to simplify our business and focus on our key brands, especially building new fandom and engagement for Strawberry and Teletubbies, is showing greenshoots in our results as consumers reengage with these beloved brands. In our production business, the pipeline continues to build, and that activity will fuel earnings growth later in this fiscal year, and more importantly, in Fiscal Year 2026 and beyond. We are harnessing momentum across our business and are well positioned to deliver growth in both revenue and profitability this fiscal year.”

Nick Gawne, WildBrain CFO, added: “As we announced in July, we are pleased to have successfully refinanced our debt, extended our maturity and repaid the convertible debentures. The strength in Global Licensing this quarter highlighted our strategy focusing on key franchises, and we continue to execute on our priorities of simplifying our business, reducing leverage over time and prioritizing on our high-growth areas of the business while managing our operating efficiency.”

Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook

The Company reaffirms its previously announced outlook for Fiscal Year 2025. We expect:

Revenue growth of approximately 10 to 15%, andAdjusted EBITDA growth of approximately 5 to 10%.

Q1 2025 Financial Highlights

Financial Highlights

(in millions of Cdn$)

Three Months Ended

September 30,

2024

2023

Revenue

$111.0

$105.5

Gross Margin

$52.7

$51.8

Gross Margin (%)

47 %

49 %

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to WildBrain

$15.3

$18.9

Net Income (Loss) attributable to WildBrain  

$(10.6)

$(15.5)

Basic Earnings (Loss) per Share

$(0.05)

$(0.08)

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$25.8

$(3.0)

Free Cash Flow

$4.8

$(25.4)

In Q1 2025, revenue increased 5% to $111.0 million, compared to $105.5 million in Q1 2024.

Content Creation and Audience Engagement revenue decreased 14% to $40.8 million in Q1 2025, compared to $47.2 million in Q1 2024. Production revenue was lower year-over-year as a result of fewer productions in the studios as compared to the prior year as well as timing of live action productions. Audience Engagement partially offset the drop in Content Creation revenues with growth in music licensing and YouTube network revenues.

Global Licensing revenue increased 27% to $62.9 million in Q1 2025, compared to $49.5 million in Q1 2024. Revenue in the quarter was driven by strong growth in Peanuts, growth within our global licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG, as well as strong growth in WildBrain’s owned brands, Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies.

Gross margin for Q1 2025 was 47%, compared to gross margin of 49% in Q1 2024. Gross margin for Q4 2024 was $52.7 million, an increase of $0.9 million, compared to $51.8 million for Q1 2024. 

Cash provided by operating activities in Q1 2025 was $25.8 million, compared to $3.0 million cash used in operating activities in Q1 2024. Free Cash Flow was positive $4.8 million in Q1 2025, compared with Free Cash Flow of negative $25.4 million in Q1 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA declined 19% to $15.3 million in Q1 2025, compared with $18.9 million in Q1 2024. Higher gross margin dollars were offset by higher SG&A, reflecting the recovery of a previously reserved bad debt of $2.8 million in Q1 2024.

Q1 2025 net loss was $10.6 million compared to net loss of $15.5 million in Q1 2024. The change was primarily driven by higher gross margin dollars, offset by higher SG&A and higher interest costs.

1.

Free Cash Flow, Gross Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA attributable to WildBrain are non-GAAP financial measures – see below for further details.

Q1 2025 Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call on November 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results.

To immediately join the call by phone on that date without operator assistance, please use the following URL to receive a toll-free automated instant call back connecting you into the conference:

https://link.meetingpanel.com/?id=11401

Alternatively, you may dial direct to be entered into the call by an operator, referencing conference ID 11401 at +1 888-510-2154 in North America or +1 437-900-0527 internationally.

If dialing in, please allow 10 minutes to be connected to the conference call.

Replay will be available after the call on +1 (888) 660-6345 or +1 (289) 819-1450, under passcode 11401#, until November 15, 2024.

The audio and transcript will also be archived on our website approximately three business days following the event.

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations: Kathleen Persaud – VP, Investor Relations, WildBrain
kathleen.persaud@wildbrain.com
+1 212-405-6089

Media: Shaun Smith – Sr. Director, Global Communications & Public Relations, WildBrain
shaun.smith@wildbrain.com
+1 416-977-7230

About WildBrain

At WildBrain we inspire imaginations through the wonder of storytelling. As a leader in 360° franchise management, we are experts in content creation, audience engagement and global licensing, cultivating and growing love for our own and partner brands around the world. With approximately 14,000 half-hours of kids’ and family content  in our library—one of the world’s most extensive—we are home to such treasured franchises as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Inspector Gadget and Degrassi. WildBrain’s mission is to create exceptional entertainment experiences that captivate and delight fans both young and young at heart.

Our studios produce such award-winning series as The Snoopy Show; Snoopy in Space; Camp Snoopy; Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City; Sonic Prime; Chip and Potato; Teletubbies Let’s Go! and many more. Enjoyed in more than 150 countries on over 500 platforms, our content is everywhere kids and families view entertainment, including YouTube, where our network has garnered over 1.5 trillion minutes of watch time. Our television group owns and operates some of Canada’s most-loved family entertainment channels. WildBrain CPLG, our leading consumer-products and location-based entertainment agency, represents our owned and partner properties in every major territory worldwide. 

WildBrain is headquartered in Canada with offices worldwide and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WILD). Visit us at wildbrain.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects WildBrain’s current assumptions and expectations regarding future events as at the time they are made. The words “will”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking information, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond WildBrain’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: changes in general economic, business and political conditions. WildBrain undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Non-IFRS Measures

In addition to the results reported in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, the Company uses various non-GAAP financial measures, which are not recognized under IFRS, as supplemental indicators of our operating performance and financial position. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance the user’s understanding of our historical and current financial performance and our prospects for the future. Management believes that these measures provide useful information in that they exclude amounts that are not indicative of our core operating results and ongoing operations and provide a consistent basis for comparison between periods. The following discussion explains the Company’s use of certain non-GAAP financial measures, which are Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the Shareholders of the Company, Gross Margin and Free Cash Flow.

Investors are cautioned that these non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an alternative measure to net income or loss, or other measures as determined in accordance with GAAP, or as an indicator of the Company’s financial performance or a measure of liquidity and cash flows.

“Adjusted EBITDA” means earnings (loss) before net finance costs, income taxes, amortization of property & equipment and right-of-use and intangible assets, amortization of acquired and library content, equity-settled share-based compensation expense, changes in fair value of embedded derivatives, gain/loss on foreign exchange, reorganization, development and other expenses, impairment of certain investments in film and television programs/acquired and library content/P&E/intangible assets/goodwill, and also includes adjustments for other identified charges, as specified in the accompanying tables. Adjusted EBITDA is not an earnings measure recognized by GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP; accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes that certain lenders, investors and analysts use Adjusted EBITDA to measure a company’s ability to service debt and meet other payment obligations, and as a common valuation measurement in the media and entertainment industry. Further, certain of our debt covenants use Adjusted EBITDA in the calculation. The most comparable GAAP measure is earnings before income taxes.

“Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the Shareholders of the Company” means Adjusted EBITDA excluding the portion of Adjusted EBITDA attributable to non-controlling interests.

“Gross Margin” means revenue less direct production costs and expense of film and television produced. Gross Margin is not an earnings measure recognized by GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP; accordingly, Gross Margin may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes Gross Margin is a useful measure of profitability before considering operating and other expenses and can be used to assess the Company’s ability to generate positive net earnings and cash flows. The most comparable GAAP measure is gross profit.

“Free Cash Flow” means operating cash flow less distributions to non-controlling interests, changes in interim production financing, cash interest paid on our long-term debt, bank indebtedness, and lease liabilities, and principal repayments on our lease liabilities. Free Cash Flow does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP; accordingly, Free Cash Flow may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes Free Cash Flow is a useful measure of the Company’s ability to repay debt, finance strategic business acquisitions and investments, pay dividends, and repurchase shares. The most comparable GAAP measure is cash from operating activities.

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SOURCE WildBrain Ltd.

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GoSchool: Redefining Inclusive Education for Special Learning Needs

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MUMBAI, India, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GoSchool, a progressive international online school, is breaking new ground to ensure that every child, irrespective of their learning needs, has access to high-quality education. Serving students with ADHD, high-functioning autism, dyslexia, and physical disabilities, GoSchool’s inclusive approach fosters a nurturing, personalized, and adaptable learning environment.

In today’s fast-paced world, traditional schools often struggle to meet the unique requirements of students with special learning needs. GoSchool’s innovative online platform offers a supportive and flexible learning space that empowers these students to reach their fullest potential.

Why GoSchool is the Ideal Choice:

Children with special learning needs often face significant challenges in traditional classroom settings, from difficulties in social interactions and sensory processing to the need for tailored educational approaches. GoSchool addresses these challenges through a variety of innovative solutions:

Specialized Teachers and Support Staff
GoSchool employs dedicated educators who are specifically trained to support children with special learning needs. These teachers understand the complexities of neurodivergent behaviors and are adept at fostering an inclusive classroom environment. Their expertise enables them to effectively guide students, offering them the tools and encouragement they need to succeed academically.Alleviating Social Anxiety Through Online Learning
For children dealing with social anxiety, traditional school environments can feel overwhelming. GoSchool’s online platform enables children to learn from the comfort of their homes, creating a safe space that reduces anxiety and encourages engagement. This approach is especially beneficial for children with autism or social anxiety, who may find in-person interactions challenging.Small Class Sizes for Personalized Attention
GoSchool maintains small class sizes to ensure each student receives individualized attention. With fewer students per class, teachers can tailor their instruction, closely monitor each child’s progress, and make necessary adjustments that enhance the overall learning experience.High Academic Standards Without Compromise
Despite its inclusive and personalized approach, GoSchool adheres to the highest academic standards. Affiliated with Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel, GoSchool offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for academic success, college readiness, and lifelong learning. The curriculum is structured to deliver a robust educational experience while allowing flexibility in teaching methods for students who require additional support.An Ideal Alternative to Homeschooling
GoSchool provides the best of both worlds: the flexibility and one-on-one support often found in homeschooling, combined with the academic rigor, structure, and social interaction opportunities of an international school. This unique approach makes GoSchool an excellent option for parents seeking more than a traditional or home-based education.

A Commitment to Individual Growth and Excellence

GoSchool believes that children with special learning needs have tremendous potential and simply need the right environment to flourish. By blending technology, specialized teaching methods, and a supportive community, GoSchool aims to redefine inclusive education. With a curriculum designed to promote both academic achievement and personal growth, GoSchool equips students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in today’s world.

Ready to Empower every Child:

GoSchool believes in nurturing every child’s unique potential within a learning environment where they feel valued and supported. If parents are seeking a school that truly understands and meets the specific needs of their child, GoSchool could be the perfect fit. Parents can enrol today to give their child the opportunity to thrive in a school that champions inclusivity, high standards, and innovative education.

To learn more or start the enrollment process, visit www.go-school.in and begin the child’s journey to success.

Contact Us: +91 91794 69179
Email: admission@go-school.in
Dr. Thomas V Aghamkar | +91 8055870956 | thomas.aghamkar@go-education.in

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2551307/Special_Learning_Needs_GoSchool.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2551306/GoSchool_Logo.jpg

 

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Global Battery Alliance Unveils Results of Wave Two Battery Passport Pilots, Two CATL Programs Included

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NINGDE, China, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Battery Alliance (GBA) today successfully unveiled the results of the 2024 Battery Passport pilots during the Annual General Meeting, hosted in Shanghai and Ningde. Ten consortia, led by the world’s leading battery cell manufacturers, successfully completed the largest pre-competitive effort to establish harmonized battery passport. As a member of the GBA, CATL supported this initiative by leading two pilot projects for its Shenxing and CTP batteries, achieving a new milestone towards more transparent and sustainable battery value chains.

In January 2023, GBA published the world’s first battery passport proof of concept in Davos, Switzerland during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. Building on the successful launch in 2023, the consortia worked with seven digital solution providers to determine the provenance and flow of seven materials: lithium, graphite (artificial), aluminum, cobalt, copper, iron phosphate, and nickel.

Aligning with existing regulations and voluntary standards, seven rulebooks were developed through a multi-stakeholder process by the GBA, including Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Biodiversity, and Circular Design.

With separate passports for its Shenxing and CTP batteries, CATL was one of the first companies to share its results from the pilots with data verification by independent agencies. This achievement reaffirms CATL’s commitment to providing customers with sustainable and high-quality battery solutions. With an overall carbon footprint of 49 kgCO2eq/kwh across both pilots, CATL demonstrated its dedication to reducing emissions throughout the battery lifecycle. Furthermore, strong performance across all battery passport criteria highlights CATL’s commitment to transparency, traceability, and environmental responsibility. By prioritizing sustainability, CATL aims to deliver value to customers while contributing to a greener future.

CATL remains committed to the development of GBA battery passports as a tool to enhance product transparency, safety, and sustainability. This initiative aligns with CATL’s sustainable development vision, promoting transparency in product carbon footprint and ESG performance. By participating in the GBA battery passport development and advocacy, CATL aims to contribute to the establishment of global standards for battery industry sustainability, bridging regulatory gaps and fostering a greener future.

Beyond battery passports, CATL strives to actively contribute towards the development of industry standards and best practices. The company’s nine carbon-neutral factories and innovative tools like CCMS and CREDIT demonstrate its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.

Commenting on the launch, Inga Petersen, Executive Director of the GBA said: “We are thrilled with the results of the 2024 Battery Passport pilots and congratulate all participating organisations for this major achievement. Having the world’s leading cell manufacturers mobilize their supply chains, work pre-competitively and report on harmonised sustainability expectations represents an unprecedented commitment to greater transparency and sustainability in the battery industry as captured in the 2030 GBA Vision.”

Jiang Li, Vice President and Board Secretary of CATL, said: “The future of the battery industry lies in collaborative efforts to ensure sustainability and circularity. CATL is proud to be at the forefront of these efforts. Through our participation in the Battery Passport initiative and our active engagement in the GBA, we are shaping a more sustainable future for the battery sector.”

 

SOURCE Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL)

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Aulisa® Medical Expands Access with New Leasing Options for Procuring Advanced Monitoring Solutions

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PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Aulisa® Medical USA, Inc., a leader in FDA-cleared, wearable, wireless continuous vital sign monitoring technology, proudly announces the launch of flexible leasing options for its state-of-the-art monitoring solutions. This strategic move underscores Aulisa’s mission to bring the latest in healthcare technology to more providers and settings, ensuring that patient care remains efficient, effective, and accessible.

In today’s healthcare landscape, staying at the forefront of medical technology is essential for providing high-quality patient care. Yet, budget constraints and high upfront costs can make this challenging for many hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities. Aulisa’s new leasing plans are designed to provide easy and flexible financing alternatives for healthcare facilities to acquire advanced Aulisa® Guardian Angel monitoring solutions without financial strain. By offering these options, Aulisa helps providers maintain optimal care standards while managing expenses more efficiently.

“Offering leasing options is a natural extension of our commitment to enhancing patient safety and supporting healthcare professionals,” said Augustine (Augie) Lien, founder and CEO of Aulisa Medical USA, Inc. “We want to remove the barriers that prevent facilities from accessing the tools they need to deliver exceptional care. By easing financial constraints, we empower providers to stay equipped with cutting-edge technology that can make a real difference in patient outcomes.”

Comprehensive Monitoring Solutions for Every Patient-care Setting
Aulisa’s Guardian Angel® CMPM (Centralized Multiple Patient Monitoring) System has set a high standard in patient monitoring by delivering real-time data on oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate (PR), and body temperature. Now available with flexible leasing options, this system provides unparalleled support to healthcare professionals who need to monitor multiple patients simultaneously, improving workflow efficiency and responsiveness in critical care settings like ICUs and NICUs.

Key Advantages of Leasing Equipment for Healthcare Facilities
Leasing Aulisa’s advanced monitoring systems presents numerous advantages that resonate with the needs of healthcare facilities. Monthly leasing plans allow institutions to allocate funds more efficiently by spreading out costs, avoiding significant upfront expenditures. This model provides financial predictability, as fixed rates prevent budget surprises and enable better long-term planning. Additionally, leasing offers the flexibility to upgrade equipment during the lease term, ensuring that facilities continue to benefit from the latest advancements without the burden of repurchasing.

The immediate access to new technology that leasing offers can enhance patient care significantly. Facilities can implement state-of-the-art monitoring systems quickly, supporting faster and more informed decision-making in patient treatment. Leasing also provides potential tax benefits, as lease payments may be deductible and can improve cash flow by preserving existing lines of credit for other critical investments.

Commitment to Innovation and Accessibility
Aulisa’s introduction of leasing options reaffirms its dedication to innovation and the accessibility of critical monitoring technology. From hospital ICUs and NICUs to specialized clinical settings, Aulisa’s FDA-cleared solutions are designed to ensure reliable, high-quality patient monitoring that healthcare providers can trust.

To learn more about the Guardian Angel® CMPM System and other Aulisa Medical products, visit:
www.aulisa.com/products/cmpm
www.aulisa.com/collections/guardian-angel-remote-gateway-systems

For more information about Aulisa’s leasing options, visit: http://aulisamedicalusainc.firstcitizensef.com or contact the team directly at information@aulisa.com.

About Aulisa Medical
Head-quartered in Silicon Valley, Aulisa® Medical is a leading medical technology company founded by serial medical technologies entrepreneur, Augustine (Augie) Lien. The company specializes in developing wireless, wearable monitoring systems that provide continuous, cloud-based vital sign data in both clinical and home environments. Through the development of new healthcare innovations, Aulisa® continues to grow the application of digital health technologies that empower both consumers and healthcare providers, incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies that can detect adverse events and potentially save lives.

Media Contact:
Kyle Thompson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Email: kyle.thompson@aulisa.com
Direct: (650) 387-0001
www.aulisa.com

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SOURCE Aulisa Medical USA, Inc.

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