An increase in global licensing revenue led to a 13% jump for WildBrain’s Q1 revenue for 2026, despite drops in the company’s Canadian television and audience engagement segments.

The first quarter of WildBrain’s 2026 fiscal year, which ended on Sept. 30, represents the company’s last with its television business as an independent segment. WildBrain ceased broadcasting on its channels on Oct. 22, and terminated their licenses on Oct. 31. Its television segment will be reclassified as discontinued operations in the next quarter.

The company’s TV segment also saw the most significant decrease in revenue, dropping 36% year-over-year (YOY). Content creation and audience engagement saw a much smaller decrease, falling by only 3%.

Below are key insights from WildBrain’s Q1 report and its earnings call from Nov. 14.

Overall Q1 revenue: $125.5 million.

YOY change: A 13% increase from $111 million. Excluding television revenue, the increase rises to 16%.

Reason for increase: A 29% increase in global licensing revenue to $81.1 million from $62.9 million. This was partially offset by a 3% decrease in content creation and audience engagement revenue (down to $39.8 million from $40.8 million) and a 36% decrease in television revenue (down to $4.7 million from $7.3 million).

Reason for global licensing increase: Growth from brands such as Peanuts (pictured), Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies, as well as third-party revenue from WildBrain CPLG.

Q1 consolidated net loss: $20.8 million.

YOY change: Fell $21.1 million from an income of $1.7 million.

Adjusted EBITDA, excluding television: $30.7 million, a 43.5% YOY increase from $21.4 million.

Peanuts extended partnership: On Oct. 1, Apple TV+ extended its Peanuts partnership with WildBrain, Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson Film Productions until 2030.

CEO Josh Scherba on global licensing growth: “[Global licensing was] driven by sustained momentum across our key franchises: Peanuts, Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies. Demand remains broad, based across many categories and markets around the world, underscoring the strength of our 360-degree franchise strategy, the depth of our local expertise and the worldwide appeal of these evergreen properties.”

On WildBrain’s position in the market: “The rising engagement across our digital platforms, growing pipeline and media solutions, and the significant growth in licensing all underscore how we are building a meaningful platform at the centre of the ecosystem where today’s kids and families are watching content and engaging with brands.

“Our scale across YouTube, FAST and AVOD not only keeps our brands front and centre with global audiences, but also demonstrates the strength of our model in driving awareness, engagement and monetization.”

CFO Nicholas Gawne on fiscal 2026 guidance: “We expect revenue growth of approximately 15 to 20% and adjusted EBITDA growth of approximately 15 to 20% … While we are seeing some headwinds in content distribution, as anticipated within global licensing, we continue to expect growth across the full portfolio of our own brands, as well as growth within WildBrain CPLG.”

Image courtesy of Apple TV+

With files from Kidscreen