WildBrain revenue increased 8% to $153.2 million in its fiscal 2022 second quarter compared to $142.3 million the year prior, reflecting growth at digital media division Spark and its strong consumer products performance.

The Halifax-based kids’ and family entertainment company saw 35% growth in its consumer products segment to $62.5 million in Q2 2022, up from $46.4 million in Q2 2021. AVOD business WildBrain Spark revenue increased 16% to $18.0 million in Q2 2022, compared to $15.5 million in Q2 2021.

WildBrain’s content production and distribution revenue was down to $61.3 million in Q2 2022 vs $68.5 million in Q2 2021, which had a high comp that included $34.3 million from the Peanuts (pictured) library licensing deal to Apple TV+.

The company says Q2 2022 had “a robust pipeline of premium productions including Sonic Prime, new Peanuts content, and work starting on Jonny Jetboy as well as a number of large distribution deals in the current quarter.”

WildBrain also recently announced an all-new Degrassi series for HBO Max in the U.S. HBO Max has also licensed the entire 14-season, 385-episode library of Degrassi: The Next Generation for the U.S. in a partnership that’s touted as the largest deal in the history of the brand. Meanwhile, WildBrain recently delivered to Netflix a third season plus three new family specials for its original preschool series Chip & Potato, which will have a toy line under a licensing agreement with JAKKS Pacific.

Other results from its Q2 and six-month (H1 2022) results for the periods ended Dec. 31, 2021 included net income of $4.6 million compared to $11.3 million in Q2 2021. The company says its H1 2022 net loss of $16.8 million, compared to net income of $8 million in H1 2021, was mainly due to a non-cash, foreign exchange loss in Q1 2022.

Eric Ellenbogen, WildBrain CEO, notes the company’s production business in China is just getting started with a global partnership with leading Chinese streamer, iQIYI, for the new original IP Jonny Jetboy from the creator of PAW Patrol and Bob the Builder.

WildBrain also recently partnered with Jay Ward Productions across distribution, production and licensing for their entire portfolio, including brands Rocky & Bullwinkle, George of the Jungle and Mr. Peabody & Sherman.

“As we promised, we’re layering on more and more premium content deals and launching and re-launching IP to drive consumer products upside and grow our long-term earnings base,” said Ellenbogen, in a statement.” We’re just getting started, so stay tuned.”

Image courtesy of WildBrain