Item 1A. Risk Factors
General Risks Relating to Our Business
We are employing a business model with a limited track record, which may make our business difficult to evaluate.
We began as an audiovisual content filtering company. In 2021, as a result of the Reorganization Plan, we fully divested ourselves of the assets related to the content filtering business. Today, we operate by offering and producing our own original content, distributing original content, releasing licensed films or shows, consulting with content filmmakers, maintaining engagement with our existing users, conducting research and development to create new intellectual property and devising new methods to monetize existing intellectual property. Few if any peer companies exist, and none have yet established long-term track records that might assist you in predicting whether our business model can be implemented and sustained over an extended period of time. It may be difficult for you to evaluate our potential future performance without the benefit of established long-term track records from companies implementing a similar business model. Our ability to succeed and generate operating profits and positive operating cash flow will depend on our ability, among other things, to continue to:
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● Develop and execute our business model;
● Attract and maintain an adequate customer base;
● Raise additional capital, if necessary, in the future;
● Attract and retain qualified personnel.
We cannot be certain that our business strategy will be successful because this strategy is still relatively new and even if successful, we may face difficulty in managing our growth. We may encounter unanticipated problems as we continue to refine our business model, which may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We have a history of net losses and cannot guarantee that we will be able to become profitable or maintain profitability.
We recorded net loss attributable to controlling interests of $170.5 million in fiscal 2025 and $88.3 million in fiscal 2024, net income of $13.4 million in fiscal 2023, a net loss of $13.7 million in fiscal 2022, net income of $17.1 million in fiscal 2021, and net income of $15.6 thousand in fiscal 2020. Prior to 2020, we recorded a net loss in all prior reporting periods. If our ability to generate positive net income remains inconsistent in the future, the value of our Common Stock would likely be materially and adversely affected.
If our efforts to attract and retain customers are not successful, our business will be adversely affected.
Our ability to continue to attract customers will depend, in part, on our ability to consistently provide our customers with compelling content choices and a quality experience for selecting and viewing our original content. Furthermore, the relative service levels, content offerings, pricing and related features of competitors to our service may adversely impact our ability to attract and retain customers. If consumers do not perceive our service as valuable, including if we introduce new or adjust existing features, adjust pricing or service offerings, or change the mix of content in a manner that is not favorably received by them, we may not be able to attract and retain customers. In addition, many of our customers try our service resulting from word-of-mouth advertising from existing customers. If our efforts to satisfy our existing customers are not successful, we may not be able to attract new customers, and, as a result, our ability to maintain and/or grow our business will be adversely affected. Customers may cease to use our service for many reasons, including the need to cut household expenses, unsatisfactory availability of content, competitive services providing a better value or experience and customer service issues not being satisfactorily resolved. We must continually add new customers both to replace departed customers and to grow our business beyond our current customer base. If we are unable to compete successfully with current and new competitors in retaining existing customers and attracting new customers, our business will be adversely affected. Further, if excessive numbers of customers cease using our service, we may be required to incur significantly higher marketing costs than we currently anticipate, to replace these customers with new customers.
The popularity of SVOD releases are difficult to predict and can change rapidly, leading to significant fluctuations in our revenues. A low public acceptance rate of our content may adversely affect our results of operations.
The production and distribution of feature films, SVOD and other content are inherently risky businesses, largely because the revenues derived from the sale or licensing of such content depend primarily on widespread public acceptance, which is difficult to predict. In addition, we must invest substantial amounts in the marketing of feature films and SVOD before we learn whether these feature films and streaming programs and products will reach anticipated levels of popularity and financial return with viewers.
The popularity of our content depends on many factors, only some of which are within our control. Examples include the quality and public acceptance of competing content available or released at or near the same time, the availability of alternative forms of leisure and entertainment activities and our ability to maintain or develop strong brand awareness and target key audience demographics. If we are not able to create and distribute content that is popular with consumers and affiliates, our revenues may decline or fail to grow to the extent we anticipate when making investment decisions. The underperformance of a feature film, particularly an “event” film (which typically has high production and marketing costs), can have an adverse impact on our results of operations in both the year of release and in the future.
The video industry is subject to rapid technological change. We must continue to enhance and improve our technology.
Our current software and related web-based technology is developed and in use. We must continue to enhance and improve the performance, functionality and reliability of the systems upon which our business model is built. The development of any software is characterized by rapid technological change, rapid introduction or changes in user requirements and preferences, short development
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cycles, frequent introduction of new products and services, new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards and practices that could render our existing technology obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to develop new technologies that enhance our existing technology, to address the varied needs of existing and new customers while also responding to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a cost-effective and timely basis. The development of our technology involves significant technical and business risks. We may fail to use new technologies effectively or to adapt our proprietary technology and systems to customer requirements or emerging industry standards. If we are unable to adapt to changing market conditions, strategic partner and customer requirements or emerging industry standards, that will have a material adverse effect on our ability to succeed.
Changes in competitive offerings for entertainment video, including the potential rapid adoption of piracy-based video offerings, could adversely impact our business.
The market for entertainment video is intensely competitive and subject to rapid change. Through new and existing distribution channels, consumers have increasing options to access entertainment video. The various economic models underlying these channels include subscription, transactional, ad-supported and piracy-based services. All have the potential to capture meaningful segments of the entertainment video market in the future. Piracy, in particular, threatens to damage our business, as its fundamental proposition to consumers is so compelling and difficult to compete against: virtually all content for free. Furthermore, in light of the compelling consumer proposition, piracy services are subject to rapid global growth. Traditional providers of entertainment video, including broadcasters and cable network operators, as well as internet based e-commerce entertainment video providers, are increasing their internet-based video offerings. Several of these competitors have long operating histories, large customer bases, strong brand recognition and significant financial, marketing and other resources. They may secure better terms from suppliers, adopt more aggressive pricing and devote more resources to product development, technology, infrastructure, content acquisitions and marketing. New competitors may enter the market or existing providers may adjust their services with unique offerings or approaches to providing entertainment video. Companies also may enter into business combinations or alliances that strengthen their competitive positions. If we are unable to successfully, or profitably, compete with current and new competitors, our business will be adversely affected, and we may not be able to increase or maintain market share, revenues, or profitability.
If we are not able to manage change and growth, our business could be adversely affected.
We are expanding our operations and scaling our service to effectively, and reliably, handle anticipated growth in both customers and features related to our service. We are building out crowd-sourcing expertise to help us select content to fund, create and distribute. If we are not able to manage the growing complexity of our business, including improving, refining, or revising our systems and operational practices related to our video operations, our business may be adversely affected.
If we fail to maintain or, in new markets establish, a positive reputation with customers concerning our service, including the content we offer and the way in which we allow the customer to help us choose the content that is ultimately added to the service, we may not be able to attract or retain customers, and our operating results may be adversely affected.
We believe that a positive reputation is important to attract and retain customers who have a number of choices for obtaining entertainment video. To the extent our content is perceived as low quality, or we fail to sufficiently differentiate our content offerings from our competitors, our ability to establish and maintain a positive reputation may be adversely impacted. Furthermore, to the extent our marketing, customer service and public relations efforts are not effective or create a negative consumer reaction, our ability to establish and maintain a positive reputation may be adversely impacted. As we expand into new markets, we need to establish our reputation with new customers. To the extent we are unsuccessful in creating positive impressions, our business in new markets may be adversely impacted.
Changes in how we market our service could adversely affect our marketing expenses and our customer base may be adversely affected.
We utilize a broad mix of marketing and public-relations programs, including social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, X and Tik Tok, to promote our service to potential customers. We may limit or discontinue the use or support of certain marketing sources or activities if advertising rates increase or if we become concerned that customers or potential customers deem certain marketing practices intrusive or damaging to our brand. If the available marketing channels are curtailed, our ability to attract new customers may be adversely affected.
If companies that promote our service determine that we negatively impact their businesses, decide to compete more directly with our business, enter a similar business, or choose to exclusively support our competitors, we may no longer have access to certain marketing
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channels. If we are unable to maintain or replace our sources of customers with similarly effective sources, or if the cost of our existing sources increases, our customer base and marketing expenses may be adversely affected.
We face risks, such as unforeseen costs and potential liability, in connection with content we acquire and/or distribute through our service.
As a distributor of content, we face potential liability for negligence, copyright and trademark infringement, or other claims based on the nature and content of the materials that we acquire and/or distribute.
In 2016, in connection with the Disney Litigation, the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “California Court”) granted a preliminary injunction requiring us to cease certain business operations related to the filtering and streaming of copyrighted motion pictures for which we had not properly obtained a license. The preliminary injunction was issued pursuant to claims by the plaintiffs that we were unlawfully decrypting and streaming their Copyrighted Works, and violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (the “DMCA”). The preliminary injunction ultimately led to us filing a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, in 2017. In 2019, the California Court found us liable for copyright infringement, and violating the DMCA, with respect to certain motion pictures. Damages related to the respective copyright infringements, and DMCA violations, totaled $62.0 million. In 2020, we entered into the Disney Settlement Agreement as part of our Reorganization Plan and the Bankruptcy Court issued a final decree closing the Bankruptcy Case. For more information regarding the Disney Litigation, see “— Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings —Disney Litigation.”
The issuance of the preliminary injunction required us to cease all business operations related to our content filtering service as it was constituted at the time the preliminary injunction was issued. As this was our primary line of business, this led to a complete loss of revenue for us. Using the resources available to us, we immediately began working on a new content filtering system that could be operated with the preliminary injunction in place. We also pivoted the business, creating our own original content and licensing content from other creators. It took nearly four years to resolve the litigation, resulted in us filing for and reorganizing under chapter 11 bankruptcy, and resulted in more than $5.0 million in legal fees.
We also may face potential liability for content used in promoting our service, including marketing materials and features on our website (www.angel.com) such as customer reviews. To the extent we do not accurately anticipate costs or mitigate risks, including for content that we obtain but ultimately do not make available on our service, or if we become liable for content we acquire and/or distribute, our business may suffer. Litigation to defend such claims could be costly and the expenses and damages arising from any liability or unforeseen production risks could harm our operating results. We may not be indemnified or insured against such claims or costs of these types.
Theatrical distribution typically involves significant risk and high upfront marketing costs, which can cause our financial results to vary from time to time.
We incur significant marketing and advertising costs before and throughout a theatrical release in an effort to drive public awareness of the film and increase ticket sales. For instance, marketing costs are generally incurred before and throughout the theatrical release of a film and are expensed as incurred. Therefore, we typically incur losses with respect to a particular film prior to and during the film’s theatrical exhibition, and profitability for the film may not be realized until after its theatrical release window. Further, we may revise the release date of a film as the production schedule changes or in such a manner as we believe is likely to maximize revenues or for other business reasons. Additionally, there can be no assurance that any of the films scheduled for release will be completed and/or in accordance with the anticipated schedule or budget, or that the film will ever be released.
We rely upon a number of partners to make our service available on their devices.
We currently offer customers the ability to receive content through a host of internet-connected screens, including TVs, digital video players, TV set-top boxes and mobile devices. We work with various tech companies and distributors, including Roku, Google, Apple and Samsung, to make our service available through the TV set-top boxes of such service providers, pursuant to their standard terms. We intend to continue to broaden our capability to transmit TV shows and movies to other platforms and partners over time. If we are not successful in maintaining existing and creating new relationships, or if we encounter technological, content licensing, regulatory or other impediments to delivering our content to our customers via those devices, our ability to grow our business could be adversely impacted. Furthermore, the devices are manufactured and sold by entities other than us and while these entities should be responsible for the devices’ performance, the connection between us and those devices may nonetheless result in customer dissatisfaction toward us and such dissatisfaction could result in claims against us or otherwise adversely impact our business.
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Any significant disruption in or unauthorized access to our computer systems or those of third parties that we utilize in our operations, including those relating to cybersecurity or arising from cyber-attacks, could result in a loss or degradation of service, unauthorized disclosure of data, including customer and corporate information, or theft of intellectual property, including digital content assets, which could adversely impact our business.
Our reputation and ability to attract, retain and serve our customers is dependent upon the reliable performance and security of our computer systems and those of third parties that we utilize in our operations. These systems may be subject to damage or interruption from earthquakes, adverse weather conditions, other natural disasters, terrorist attacks, power loss, telecommunications failures and cybersecurity breaches. Interruptions in these systems, or with the internet in general, could leave our service unavailable or degraded, or otherwise hinder our ability to deliver content to our customers. Service interruptions, errors in our software or the unavailability of computer systems used in our operations could diminish the overall attractiveness of our service to existing and potential customers.
Our computer systems and those of third parties we use in our operations are vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches, including cyber-attacks such as computer viruses, denial of service attacks, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions. These systems periodically experience directed attacks intended to lead to interruptions and delays in our service and operations as well as loss, misuse or theft of data. The addition of new features or upgrades also increases our exposure to vulnerabilities, and generative AI could intensify these cybersecurity risks. Any attempt by hackers to obtain our data (including customer and corporate information) or intellectual property (including digital content assets), disrupt our service or otherwise access our systems, or those of third parties we use, if successful, could harm our business, be expensive to remedy and damage our reputation. We have implemented certain systems and processes to thwart hackers and protect our data and systems. To date, hackers have not had a material impact on our service or systems; however, there can be no assurance that hackers may not be successful in the future. Efforts to prevent hackers from disrupting our service or otherwise accessing our systems are expensive to implement and may limit the functionality of or otherwise negatively impact our service offering and systems. Any significant disruption to our service or access to our systems could result in a loss of customers and adversely affect our business and results of operation.
We utilize our own communications and computer hardware systems located either in our facilities or in that of a third-party Web hosting provider. In addition, we utilize third-party “cloud” computing services in connection with our business operations. We also utilize our own and third-party content delivery networks to help us deliver TV shows and movies in high volume to our customers over the internet. Problems faced by us or our third-party Web hosting, “cloud” computing or other network providers, including technological or business-related disruptions, as well as cybersecurity threats, could adversely impact the experience of our customers.
We rely upon certain third-party cloud computing service providers to operate certain aspects of our service and any disruption of or interference with our use of such services from our providers would impact our operations and our business would be adversely impacted.
Several third-party cloud computing services providers provide us with a distributed computing infrastructure platform for business operations, or what is commonly referred to as a “cloud” computing service. We have designed our software and computer systems to utilize data processing, storage capabilities and other services provided by such providers. Currently, we run the vast majority of our computing using such third-party cloud computing services. Given this, along with the fact that we cannot easily switch our operations to another cloud provider, any disruption of or interference with our use of such services from our providers would impact our operations and our business would be adversely impacted.
If the technology we use in operating our business fails, becomes unavailable, or does not operate as expected, our business and operating results could be adversely impacted.
We utilize a combination of proprietary and third-party technology to operate our business. We also use technology to recommend and merchandise content to our consumers as well as to enable fast and efficient delivery of content to our customers and their various consumer electronic devices. For example, we have built and deployed our video on a content delivery network (“CDN”). To the extent Internet Service Providers do not interconnect with our CDN, or if we experience difficulties in its operation, our ability to efficiently, and effectively, deliver our content to our customers could be adversely impacted and our business and results of operation could be adversely affected. We also utilize third party technology to help market our service, process payments and otherwise manage the daily operations of our business. If our technology or that of third parties we utilize in our operations fails or otherwise operates improperly, our ability to operate our service, retain existing customers and add new customers may be impaired. Also, any harm to our customers’ personal computers or other devices caused by software used in our operations could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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If government regulations relating to the internet or other areas of our business change, we may need to alter the manner in which we conduct our business or incur greater operating expenses.
The adoption or modification of laws or regulations relating to the internet or other areas of our business could limit or otherwise adversely affect the manner in which we currently conduct our business. In addition, the continued growth and development of the market for online commerce may lead to more stringent consumer protection laws, which may impose additional burdens on us. If we are required to comply with new regulations or legislation or new interpretations of existing regulations or legislation, this compliance could cause us to incur additional expenses or alter our business model.
Changes in laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth, popularity or use of the internet, including laws impacting net neutrality, could decrease the demand for our service and increase our cost of doing business. Within such a regulatory environment, coupled with potentially significant political and economic power of local network operators, we may experience discriminatory or anti-competitive practices that could impede our growth, cause us to incur additional expense or otherwise negatively affect our business.
Changes in how network operators handle and charge for access to data that travel across their networks could adversely impact our business.
We rely upon the ability of consumers to access our service through the internet. If network operators block, restrict or otherwise impair access to our service over their networks, our service and business could be negatively affected. To the extent that network operators implement usage-based pricing, including meaningful bandwidth caps, or otherwise try to monetize access to their networks by data providers, we could incur greater operating expenses and our new customer acquisition and retention could be negatively impacted. Furthermore, to the extent network operators create tiers of internet access service and either charge us for or prohibit us from being available through these tiers, our business could be negatively impacted.
Most network operators that provide consumers with access to the internet also provide these consumers with multichannel video programming. As such, many network operators have an incentive to use their network infrastructure in a manner adverse to our continued growth and success. While we believe that consumer demand, regulatory oversight and competition will help check these incentives, to the extent that network operators are able to provide preferential treatment to their data as opposed to ours or otherwise implement discriminatory network management practices, our business could be negatively impacted.
Privacy concerns could limit our ability to collect and leverage our customer data and disclosure of customer data could adversely impact our business and reputation.
In the ordinary course of business, and in particular in connection with merchandising our service to our customers, we collect and utilize data supplied by our customers. We must comply with various international, federal and state laws and regulations related to the handling, use and protection of data, and may become subject to additional legislation in the future. Any actual or perceived failure to comply with data privacy laws or regulations, or related contractual or other obligations, or any perceived privacy rights violation, could lead to investigations, claims and proceedings by governmental entities and private parties, damages for breach of contract and other significant costs, penalties and other liabilities, as well as harm to our reputation and market position.
Other businesses have been criticized by privacy groups and governmental bodies for attempts to link personal identities and other information to data collected on the internet regarding users’ browsing and other habits. Increased regulation of data utilization practices, including self-regulation or findings under existing laws that limit our ability to collect and use data, could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, if we were to disclose data about our customers in a manner that was objectionable to them, our business reputation could be adversely affected, and we could face potential legal claims that could impact our operating results.
Our reputation and relationships with customers would be harmed if our customer data, particularly billing data, were accessed by unauthorized persons.
We maintain personal data regarding our customers. This data is maintained on our own systems as well as those of third parties we use in our operations. With respect to billing data, such as credit card numbers, we do not store such information on our servers, but rely on third party services that are Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard compliant for storing and accessing billing information. We take measures to protect against unauthorized intrusion into our customers’ data. Despite those measures, we, our payment processing services and other third-party services we use could experience an unauthorized intrusion into our customers’ data. In the event of such a breach, current and potential customers may become unwilling to provide the information to us necessary for them to become customers. Additionally, we could face legal claims for such a breach. The costs relating to any data breach could be material, and we cannot be sure that our insurance coverage will be adequate or sufficient to protect us from or to mitigate liabilities relating to a data
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breach, that such coverage will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that such coverage will pay future claims. For these reasons, should an unauthorized intrusion into our customers’ data occur, our business could be adversely affected.
We are subject to payment processing risk.
Our customers pay for our service using a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards. We rely on internal systems as well as those of third parties to process payments. Acceptance and processing of these payment methods are subject to certain rules and regulations and require payment of interchange and other fees. To the extent there are disruptions in our payment processing systems, increases in payment processing fees, material changes in the payment ecosystem, such as large re-issuances of payment cards, delays in receiving payments from payment processors and/or changes to rules or regulations concerning payment processing, our revenue, operating expenses and operating results could be adversely impacted. In addition, from time to time, we encounter fraudulent use of payment methods, which could impact our results of operation, and, if not adequately controlled and managed, could create negative consumer perceptions of our service.
If our trademarks and other proprietary rights are not adequately protected to prevent use or appropriation by our competitors, the value of our brand and other intangible assets may be diminished, and our business may be adversely affected.
We rely and expect to continue to rely on a combination of proprietary information, invention assignment, non-competition and arbitration agreements with our employees, consultants and third parties with whom we have relationships, as well as trademark, copyright, patent and trade secret protection laws, to protect our proprietary rights. We may also seek to enforce our proprietary rights through court proceedings. We have applied and we expect to apply for trademark registrations and the issuance of patents from time to time. Such applications may not be approved, third parties may challenge any copyrights, patents or trademarks issued to or held by us, third parties may knowingly or unknowingly infringe our intellectual property rights and we may not be able to prevent infringement or misappropriation without substantial expense to us. If the protection of our intellectual property rights is inadequate to prevent use or misappropriation by third parties, the value of our brand and other intangible assets may be diminished, competitors may be able to mimic our service and methods of operations more effectively, the perception of our business and service to customers and potential customers may become confused in the marketplace and our ability to attract customers may be adversely affected.
We currently hold various domain names relating to our brand. Failure to protect our domain names could adversely affect our reputation and brand and make it more difficult for customers to find our website and our service. We may be unable, without significant cost or at all, to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to, infringe upon or otherwise decrease the value of our trademarks and other proprietary rights.
Intellectual property claims against us could be costly and result in the loss of significant rights related to, among other things, our website, our recommendation and merchandising technology and marketing activities.
Trademark, copyright, patent and other intellectual property rights are important to us and other companies. Our intellectual property rights extend to our technology, business processes and the content on our website. From time to time, third parties may allege that we have violated their intellectual property rights. If we are unable to obtain sufficient rights, successfully defend our use, develop non-infringing technology or otherwise alter our business practices on a timely basis in response to claims for infringement, misappropriation, misuse or other violation of third-party intellectual property rights, our business and competitive position may be adversely affected. In addition, the use or adoption of new and emerging technologies may increase our exposure to intellectual property claims. For example, the development and use of generative AI tools remain subject to uncertain legal frameworks, and the availability of copyright and other intellectual property protection for AI-generated material is uncertain. Many companies are devoting significant resources to developing patents that could potentially affect many aspects of our business. There are numerous patents that broadly claim means and methods of conducting business on the internet. Defending against intellectual property claims, whether they are with or without merit or are determined in our favor, would result in costly litigation and the diversion of technical and management personnel. It also may result in our inability to use our current website, streaming technology, our recommendation and merchandising technology or inability to market our service and merchandise our products. As a result of such disputes, we may have to develop non-infringing technology, enter into royalty or licensing agreements, adjust our merchandising or marketing activities or take other actions to resolve the claims. These actions, if required, may be costly or unavailable on terms acceptable to us, which would adversely affect our business operations.
In 2016, in connection with the Disney Litigation, the California Court granted a preliminary injunction requiring us to cease certain business operations related to the filtering and streaming of copyrighted motion pictures for which we had not properly obtained a license. The preliminary injunction was issued pursuant to claims by the plaintiffs that we were unlawfully decrypting and streaming their Copyrighted Works and violating the DMCA. The preliminary injunction ultimately led to us filing a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, in 2017. In 2019, the California Court found us liable for copyright infringement, and violating
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the DMCA, with respect to certain motion pictures. Damages related to the respective copyright infringements, and DMCA violations, totaled $62.0 million. In 2020, we entered into the Disney Settlement Agreement as part of our Reorganization Plan and the Bankruptcy Court issued a final decree closing the Bankruptcy Case. For more information regarding the Disney Litigation, see “— Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings —Disney Litigation.”
We may be engaged in legal proceedings that could cause us to incur unforeseen expenses and could occupy a significant amount of our management’s time and attention.
From time to time, we may be subject to litigation or claims that could negatively affect our business operations and financial position. It is possible that a portion of our working capital could be required to fund expenses in our defense of future legal matters. As we grow, we expect the number of litigation matters against us to increase. To date, these matters have included claims of defamation and copyright infringement, litigation that is typically expensive to defend. Litigation disputes could cause us to incur unforeseen expenses, could occupy a significant amount of our management’s time and attention and could negatively affect our business operations and financial position. See“—Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings” for more information.
We may seek additional capital that may result in stockholder dilution or others having rights senior to those of our stockholders.
From time to time, we may seek to obtain additional capital, either through equity, equity-linked or debt securities. The decision to obtain additional capital will depend on many factors, including but not limited to the following:
If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, such securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to the rights of our Common Stock and our stockholders may experience dilution.
We depend on our senior management to achieve our objectives, and our loss of, or inability to obtain, key personnel or inability to attract and retain highly skilled employees could delay or hinder implementation of our business and growth strategies, which could adversely affect the value of your investment and our ability to pay dividends.
Our success depends on the diligence, experience and skill of our Board and officers. Neal Harmon is a director and our Chief Executive Officer. Jeffrey Harmon is our Chief Content Officer. Jordan Harmon is our President. Elizabeth Ellis is our Chief Operating Officer. Glen Nickle is our Chief Legal Officer. Scott Klossner is our Chief Financial Officer. We have neither employment agreements with, nor key man insurance for, any of our officers and the loss of any of them, but particularly Messrs. Neal, Jeffrey and Jordan Harmon, could harm our business, financial condition, cash flow and results of operations. Any such event would likely result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. To achieve our objectives, we rely on the hiring of new qualified employees. In our industry, there is substantial and continuous competition for highly skilled business, product development, technical and other personnel. We may not be successful in recruiting new personnel or in retaining and motivating existing personnel, which may be disruptive to our operations.
Our ability to monetize content that we distribute is heavily reliant on factors outside of our control.
Our ability to monetize content that we distribute is heavily reliant on factors outside of our control, including, but not limited to, the potential loss of key talent, the potential for budget overruns, the quality of the content produced, the timeliness of the production and subsequent release schedule, and the relationship of the creator with the audience. If we are unable to find ways to mitigate the risks associated with these external factors, or factors within our control, it may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Holders of our Common Stock will have only limited rights regarding our management, and will thus not have the ability to actively influence the day-to-day management of our business and affairs.
Our Board will have sole power and authority over our day-to-day management, subject only to the requirements of the DGCL. Holders of our Common Stock will not have an active role in our day-to-day management. The holders of each class of Common Stock vote together as a single class on each matter to be voted on by our stockholders, including the election of directors. On each such matter, each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote and each outstanding share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten votes.
We may change our operational policies and business and growth strategies without stockholder consent, which may subject us to different and more significant risks in the future.
Our Board determines our operational policies and our business and growth strategies. Our directors may make changes to, or approve transactions that deviate from, those policies and strategies without a vote of, or notice to, our stockholders or debtholders. This could result in us conducting operational matters or pursuing different business or growth strategies than those contemplated in this Annual Report. Under any of these circumstances, we may expose ourselves to different and more significant risks in the future, which could materially and adversely affect our business and growth.
The ability of a stockholder to recover all or any portion of such stockholder’s investment in the event of a dissolution or termination may be limited.
In the event of a dissolution or termination of us, the proceeds realized from the liquidation of our assets will be distributed among the stockholders, but only after the satisfaction of the claims of our third-party creditors. The ability of a stockholder to recover all or any portion of such stockholder’s investment under such circumstances will, accordingly, depend on the amount of net proceeds realized from such liquidation and the number of claims to be satisfied therefrom. There can be no assurance that we will recognize gains on such liquidation, nor is there any assurance that holders of our Common Stock will receive a distribution in such a case.
Our Board and our executive officers will have limited liability for, and will be indemnified and held harmless from, our losses.
We will indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of us) by reason of the fact that he/she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of us, or is or was serving at the request of us as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of us, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful. A successful claim for such indemnification could deplete our assets by the amount paid.
Our business may be subject to regulatory or legislative changes.
We may face government regulation and legal uncertainties in connection with our business. There may be a number of federal, state or local legislative or regulatory proposals under consideration of which we are not aware or which may be considered or adopted in the future. Any new legislation or regulation, or the application or interpretation of existing laws or regulations, may negatively impact our growth, impose additional burdens on us or alter how we do business. This could decrease the demand for our services, increase our cost of doing business or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Members of our Board and our executive officers may have other business interests and obligations to other entities.
Neither our directors nor our executive officers will be required to manage us as their sole and exclusive function and they may have other business interests and may engage in other activities in addition to those relating to us, provided that such activities do not compete with our business or otherwise breach their agreements with us; provided, that our executive officers and employee directors are all full-time employees of our company and are expected to spend such time fulfilling their duties as is necessary to do so. On the other hand, our non-employee directors are not full-time with our company and must only spend such time managing our company as they deem
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necessary to fulfill their fiduciary duties to our company. We depend on our directors and executive officers to successfully operate our company. Their other business interests and activities could divert time and attention from operating our business.
Provisions in our governing documents and under Delaware law could discourage a takeover that stockholders may consider favorable.
Our charter documents may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that a stockholder may consider favorable because they provide for a right of first refusal on our behalf. As a Delaware corporation, we are subject to certain Delaware anti-takeover provisions. Under Delaware law, a corporation may not engage in a business combination with any holder of 15.0% or more of its capital stock unless the holder has held the stock for three years or, among other things, the board of directors has approved the transaction.
Financial forecasting may differ materially and adversely from actual results.
Given the dynamic nature of our business, and the inherent limitations in predicting the future, forecasts of our revenues, contribution margins, net income and number of total customers and other financial and operating data may differ materially and adversely from actual results. Such discrepancies could cause a decline in the price of our Common Stock.
Our future indebtedness may limit our ability to declare and pay dividends and may affect our operations, including our ability to repay existing debt obligations.
We may seek debt financing to assist with the financing of our future operations. Our ability to make principal and interest payments with respect to any such debt incurred depends on future performance, which performance is subject to many factors, some of which will be outside of our control. In addition, most of such indebtedness will likely be secured by substantially all of our assets and will contain restrictive covenants that limit our ability to repay our existing debt obligations and to incur additional indebtedness. Payment of principal and interest on such indebtedness, as well as compliance with the requirements and covenants of such indebtedness, could limit our ability to repay existing debt obligations in a timely fashion, if at all. Such leverage may also adversely affect our ability to finance future operations and capital needs, or to pursue other business opportunities and make results of operations more susceptible to adverse business conditions. All of the above could limit our ability to declare and pay dividends.
An investment in us is a speculative investment, and therefore, no assurance can be given that our investors or stockholders will realize their investment objectives.
No assurance can be given that investors or stockholders will realize a return on their investments in us or that they will not lose their entire investment. There is a risk that we will not be able to successfully implement our business plan which could have an adverse effect on our ability to generate revenue and in turn, provide a return to investors. Further, we filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and as of September 30, 2020, the Reorganization Plan was confirmed and effective. We obtained a chapter 11 bankruptcy discharge and the terms of the Reorganization Plan require us to pay $9.9 million over fourteen years in fifty-six equal quarterly payments of $177.0 thousand (with an option to reduce the payment to $7.8 million by paying the loan off in three to five years) with the first payment becoming due October 15, 2020. This also includes all payment obligations under the promissory note payable to the Studios pursuant to the Disney Settlement Agreement, which promissory note has a term of fourteen years. The Company elected to pay the entire settlement amount within the five year period and as such, as of the year ended 2025, the required settlement amount of $7.8 million has been fully repaid. If, upon the expiration of fourteen years after the Reorganization Plan Effective Date and there is no breach or violation of the Disney Settlement Agreement that remains uncured after written notice is received and there have not been four instances of unpermitted conduct in violation of the Disney Settlement Agreement, subject to a Notice of Default (as defined in the Disney Settlement Agreement), in a consecutive five year period, then the Note shall be cancelled, and the original Note marked “Paid and Cancelled” shall be returned to us. For more information regarding the Reorganization Plan and Disney Settlement Agreement, see“Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings—Disney Litigation.”
We may be found in violation of the Disney Settlement Agreement in relation to the unauthorized use of Copyrighted Works by a Studio or its affiliates. If a Studio prevails in an Enforcement Action against us, our business would be adversely impacted and this would significantly impair our ability to continue as a going concern.
In accordance with the Disney Settlement Agreement and the No Use Covenant described thereunder, we must certify that no Copyrighted Works of the Studios or their affiliates are stored on our computers or servers in compliance with the list(s) provided by the Studios of their Copyrighted Works. Thereafter, any unauthorized use (as described in the Disney Settlement Agreement) by us of a Copyrighted Work owned or controlled by a Studio or its affiliate without the express written authorization of a Studio or its affiliate
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is a “Strike,” regarded as unpermitted conduct in violation of the Disney Settlement Agreement, subject to a Notice of Default. If we incur four Strikes within a consecutive five-year period, any Studio may institute an Enforcement Action against us. If a Studio prevails in an Enforcement Action, it shall be entitled to all available remedies, including: (i) acceleration of the Note, if the Note has not been canceled and (ii) foreclosure on all collateral pledged under the Security Agreement, which comprises all of our assets and all of the equity in Angel Studios owned by Neal Harmon and Jeffrey Harmon and would significantly adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to continue our business operations. For more information regarding the Disney Litigation, Reorganization Plan and Disney Settlement Agreement see“Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings —Disney Litigation.”
We are subject to liens on our personal property, including our intellectual property, under the Reorganization Plan, which if enforced, would significantly impair our intellectual property rights and our ability to continue as a going concern.
Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, performance under the Note as well as the Express Covenants shall be secured by a first priority fully perfected lien, which was placed on all equity in Angel Studios owned by Neal and Jeff Harmon and all of our assets currently owned and controlled by us, our affiliates and subsidiaries, or acquired, created, owned and controlled by us after the Reorganization Plan Effective Date, including intellectual property, such as patents, patent applications, trademarks, tradenames, copyrights and copyright applications. In the event of a violation of the Express Covenants or an uncured default of the payment obligations as described within the Note, the Studios can institute an Enforcement Action in Bankruptcy Court. If the Studios prevail in an Enforcement Action against us, the Compliance Lien (as defined in the Disney Settlement Agreement) will be enforced and foreclosed upon, disposing of any collateral that could be used to satisfy the list of claims in accordance with the priorities set forth in the Reorganization Plan. The disposition of equity owned by Neal and Jeff Harmon could lead to a change in control of Angel Studios and investors would have limited rights to determine new management or the direction of Angel Studios. The Compliance Lien will remain in effect for fourteen years from the Reorganization Plan Effective Date. For more information regarding the Reorganization Plan and Disney Settlement Agreement, see“Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings —Disney Litigation.”
Any liens on our intellectual property enforced under the Reorganization Plan would have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue our business operations.
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We intend to retain all of our earnings for the future operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate making any cash distributions at any time in the foreseeable future.
Artificial intelligence technologies present both competitive risks and strategic opportunities for our business.
Advances in generative artificial intelligence are lowering the barriers to film and TV show creation, which could enable new competitors to produce films and TV shows at reduced cost and timelines. AI-generated films and TV shows may also create consumer confusion, market saturation, or quality concerns that could affect audience willingness to engage with entertainment generally. If we are unable to effectively integrate AI into our operations, or if competitors are able to leverage AI capabilities more effectively than we can, our competitive position and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our increasing use of artificial intelligence tools in engineering and operations introduces new risks.
We use AI-assisted development tools in our engineering processes, including for code generation, and are expanding AI use across operational functions. Our reliance on AI tools presents risks, including potential errors, biases, or vulnerabilities in AI-generated code or outputs that may not be detected through our quality assurance processes; dependence on third-party AI platforms and models that may change in availability, pricing, capability, or terms of use; potential intellectual property risks associated with AI-generated material and code, including uncertainty regarding ownership, licensing, and infringement; potential regulatory changes affecting the use of AI in film and TV show creation, distribution, or customer interactions; and risks related to the collection, processing, and use of member data in AI systems, including privacy and data protection concerns. We have implemented quality review processes and vendor oversight practices to manage these risks, although these measures may not prevent all adverse outcomes. Any of these risks, if realized, could increase our costs, disrupt our operations, or subject us to legal liability.
Risks Relating to Our Bitcoin Treasury Strategy
Our bitcoin treasury strategy exposes us to various risks, including risks associated with bitcoin
Our bitcoin treasury strategy exposes us to various risks, including the following:
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Bitcoin is a highly volatile asset. Bitcoin is a highly volatile asset that has traded below $77,000 per bitcoin and above $126,000 per bitcoin on BitGo during 2025. The trading price of bitcoin was significantly lower during prior periods, and such decline may occur again in the future.
Bitcoin does not pay interest or dividends. Bitcoin does not pay interest or other returns and we can only generate cash from our bitcoin holdings if we sell our bitcoin or implement strategies to create income streams or otherwise generate cash by using our bitcoin holdings. Even if we pursue any such strategies, we may be unable to create income streams or otherwise generate cash from our bitcoin holdings, and any such strategies may subject us to additional risks.
Our bitcoin holdings significantly impact our financial results and the market price of our Common Stock. Our bitcoin holdings have significantly affected our financial results and if we continue to increase our overall holdings of bitcoin in the future, they will have an even greater impact on our financial results and the market price of our Common Stock.
Our bitcoin treasury strategy has not been tested over an extended period of time or under different market conditions. We are continually examining the risks and rewards of our strategy to acquire and hold bitcoin. This strategy has not been tested over an extended period of time or under different market conditions. For example, although we believe bitcoin, due to its limited supply, has the potential to serve as a hedge against inflation in the long term, the short-term price of bitcoin declined in recent periods during which the inflation rate increased. If bitcoin prices were to decline or our bitcoin treasury strategy otherwise proves unsuccessful, our financial condition, results of operations and the market price of our Common Stock would be materially adversely impacted.
We are subject to counterparty risks, including in particular risks relating to our custodians. In an effort to mitigate our counterparty risks, we currently store all of the bitcoin we own in custody accounts at U.S.-based, institutional-grade custodians. Applicable insolvency law with respect to the holding of digital assets in custodial accounts is not fully developed, and if our custodially-held bitcoin were considered to be the property of our custodians’ estates in the event that any such custodians were to enter bankruptcy, receivership or similar insolvency proceedings, we could be treated as a general unsecured creditor of such custodians, inhibiting our ability to exercise ownership rights with respect to such bitcoin, or delaying or hindering our access to our bitcoin holdings, and this may ultimately result in the loss of the value related to some or all of such bitcoin, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition as well as the market price of our Common Stock.
The broader digital assets industry is subject to counterparty risks, which could adversely impact the adoption rate, price and use of bitcoin. A series of high-profile bankruptcies, closures, liquidations, regulatory enforcement actions and other events relating to companies operating in the digital asset industry in recent years have highlighted the counterparty risks applicable to owning and transacting in digital assets. Although these bankruptcies, closures, liquidations and other events have not resulted in any loss or misappropriation of our bitcoin, nor have such events adversely impacted our access to our bitcoin, they have, in the short-term, likely negatively impacted the adoption rate and use of bitcoin. Additional bankruptcies, closures, liquidations, regulatory enforcement actions or other events involving participants in the digital assets industry in the future may further negatively impact the adoption rate, price and use of bitcoin, limit the availability to us of financing collateralized by bitcoin, or create or expose additional counterparty risks.
Changes in the trading price of bitcoin could have significant accounting impacts, including increasing the volatility of our results. The Company has adopted ASU No. 2023-08, which requires us to measure our bitcoin holdings at fair value in our statement of financial position, and to recognize gains and losses from changes in the fair value of our bitcoin in net income each reporting period. ASU No. 2023-08 also requires us to provide certain interim and annual disclosures with respect to our bitcoin holdings. Volatility in the price of bitcoin could have a material impact on the carrying value of our digital assets on our balance sheet, increase the volatility of our financial results, and it could also have adverse tax consequences, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial results and the market price of our Common Stock.
The broader digital assets industry, including the technology associated with digital assets, the rate of adoption and development of, and use cases for, digital assets, market perception of digital assets, and the legal, regulatory, and accounting treatment of digital assets are constantly developing and changing, and there may be additional risks in the future that are not possible to predict.
Changes in our ownership of bitcoin could have accounting, regulatory and other impacts. While we currently own bitcoin directly, we may investigate other potential approaches to owning bitcoin, including indirect ownership (for example, through ownership interests in a fund that owns bitcoin). If we were to own all or a portion of our bitcoin in a different manner, the accounting treatment for our bitcoin, our ability to use our bitcoin as collateral for additional borrowings, and the regulatory requirements to which we are subject, may correspondingly change. For example, the volatile nature of bitcoin may force us to liquidate our holdings to repay the obligations for which our bitcoin was used as collateral, which could be negatively affected by any disruptions in the crypto market, and if our bitcoin is not liquidated in an orderly manner, the value of the proceeds received may not accurately reflect the market value of bitcoin, all of which could negatively affect our business and implementation of our bitcoin treasury strategy.
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Our bitcoin holdings are and will be less liquid than cash and cash equivalents and may not be able to serve as a source of liquidity for us to the same extent as cash and cash equivalents.
We intend to adopt bitcoin as our primary treasury reserve asset. Historically, the bitcoin market has been characterized by significant volatility in price, limited liquidity and trading volumes compared to sovereign currencies markets, relative anonymity, a developing regulatory landscape, potential susceptibility to market abuse and manipulation, compliance and internal control failures at exchanges, and various other risks inherent in its entirely electronic, virtual form and decentralized network. During times of market instability, we may not be able to sell our bitcoin at favorable prices or at all. For example, a number of bitcoin trading venues temporarily halted deposits and withdrawals in 2022. As a result, our bitcoin holdings may not be able to serve as a source of liquidity for us to the same extent as cash and cash equivalents. Further, bitcoin we hold with our custodians and transact with our trade execution partners does not enjoy the same protections as are available to cash or securities deposited with or transacted by institutions subject to regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Additionally, we may be unable to enter into term loans or other capital raising transactions collateralized by our unencumbered bitcoin or otherwise generate funds using our bitcoin holdings, including in particular during times of market instability or when the price of bitcoin has declined significantly. If we are unable to sell our bitcoin, enter into additional capital raising transactions using bitcoin as collateral, or otherwise generate funds using our bitcoin holdings, or if we are forced to sell our bitcoin at a significant loss, in order to meet our working capital requirements, our business and financial condition could be negatively impacted.
Bitcoin is a highly volatile asset, and fluctuations in the price of bitcoin have in the past influenced and are likely to continue to influence our financial results and the market price of our Common Stock.
Bitcoin is a highly volatile asset, and fluctuations in the price of bitcoin have in the past influenced and are likely to continue to influence our financial results and the market price of our Common Stock. Our financial results and the market price our Common Stock would be adversely affected, and our business and financial condition would be negatively impacted, if the price of bitcoin decreased substantially (as it has in the past), including as a result of:
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Bitcoin and other digital assets are novel assets, and are subject to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty.
Bitcoin and other digital assets are relatively novel and are subject to significant uncertainty, which could adversely impact their price. The application of state and federal securities laws and other laws and regulations to digital assets is unclear in certain respects, and it is possible that regulators in the United States or foreign countries may interpret or apply existing laws and regulations in a manner that adversely affects the price of bitcoin or the ability of individuals or institutions such as us to own or transfer bitcoin.
The U.S. federal government, states, regulatory agencies and foreign countries may also enact new laws and regulations, or pursue regulatory, legislative, enforcement or judicial actions, that could materially impact the price of bitcoin or the ability of individuals or institutions such as us to own or transfer bitcoin. For example, within the past several years:
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While the complaint against Coinbase, Inc. was dismissed in February 2025, the complaint against Payward Inc. and Payward Ventures Inc. was dismissed with prejudice in March 2025, and the complaint against Binance Holdings Ltd. was dismissed with prejudice in May 2025, the SEC or other regulatory agencies may initiate similar actions in the future, which could materially impact the price of bitcoin and our ability to own or transfer bitcoin.
It is not possible to predict whether, or when, new laws will be enacted that change the legal framework governing digital assets or provide additional authorities to the SEC or other regulators, or whether, or when, any other federal, state or foreign legislative bodies will take any similar actions. It is also not possible to predict the nature of any such additional laws or authorities, how additional legislation or regulatory oversight might impact the ability of digital asset markets to function, the willingness of financial and other institutions to continue to provide services to the digital assets industry, or how any new laws or regulations, or changes to existing laws or regulations, might impact the value of digital assets generally and bitcoin specifically. The consequences of any new law or regulation relating to digital assets and digital asset activities could adversely affect the market price of bitcoin, as well as our ability to hold or transact in bitcoin, and in turn adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
Moreover, the risks of engaging in a bitcoin treasury strategy are relatively novel and have created, and could continue to create, complications due to the lack of experience that third parties have with companies engaging in such a strategy, such as increased costs of director and officer liability insurance or the potential inability to obtain such coverage on acceptable terms in the future.
The growth of the digital assets industry in general, and the use and acceptance of bitcoin in particular, may also impact the price of bitcoin and is subject to a high degree of uncertainty. The pace of worldwide growth in the adoption and use of bitcoin may depend, for instance, on public familiarity with digital assets, ease of buying, accessing or gaining exposure to bitcoin, institutional demand for bitcoin as an investment asset, the participation of traditional financial institutions in the digital assets industry, consumer demand for bitcoin as a store of value or means of payment, and the availability and popularity of alternatives to bitcoin. Even if growth in bitcoin adoption occurs in the near or medium-term, there is no assurance that bitcoin usage will continue to grow over the long-term.
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Because bitcoin has no physical existence beyond the record of transactions on the bitcoin blockchain, a variety of technical factors related to the bitcoin blockchain could also impact the price of bitcoin. For example, malicious attacks by miners, inadequate mining fees to incentivize validating of bitcoin transactions, hard “forks” of the bitcoin blockchain into multiple blockchains, and advances in digital computing, algebraic geometry, and quantum computing could undercut the integrity of the bitcoin blockchain and negatively affect the price of bitcoin. The liquidity of bitcoin may also be reduced and damage to the public perception of bitcoin may occur, if financial institutions were to deny or limit banking services to businesses that hold bitcoin, provide bitcoin-related services or accept bitcoin as payment, which could also decrease the price of bitcoin. Actions by U.S. banking regulators, such as the issuance in February 2023 by Federal banking agencies of the “Interagency Liquidity Risk Statement,” which cautioned banks on contagion risks posed by providing services to digital assets customers, and similar actions, have in the past resulted in or contributed to reductions in access to banking services for bitcoin-related customers and service providers, or the willingness of traditional financial institution to participate in markets for digital assets. The liquidity of bitcoin may also be impacted to the extent that changes in applicable laws and regulatory requirements negatively impact the ability of exchanges and trading venues to provide services for bitcoin and other digital assets.
Our historical financial statements do not reflect the potential variability in earnings that we may experience in the future relating to our bitcoin holdings.
Our historical financial statements do not fully reflect the potential variability in earnings that we may experience in the future from holding or selling significant amounts of bitcoin.
The price of bitcoin has historically been subject to dramatic price fluctuations and is highly volatile. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-08, which we adopted as of January 1, 2025. We determine and record the fair value of our digital assets in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, based on quoted prices on the active exchange(s) that we have determined are the principal market for such assets (Level I inputs). We determine the cost basis of our digital assets using the cost at the time of acquisition of each unit received. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are now recorded to Net loss (gain) on digital assets in our consolidated statement of operations.
For periods prior to January 1, 2025, impairment losses were recognized within net loss (gain) on digital assets in our consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the impairment was identified. Also for periods prior to January 1, 2025, gains were not recorded until realized upon sale(s), at which point they were presented net of any impairment losses for the same digital assets held. In determining the gain to be recognized upon sale, we calculated the difference between the sales price and carrying value of the digital assets sold immediately prior to sale. See “Note 3” to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included herein for further discussion.
Because we intend to purchase additional bitcoin in future periods and increase our overall holdings of bitcoin, we expect that the proportion of our total assets represented by our bitcoin holdings will increase in the future, and we expect ASU No. 2023-08 to significantly affect the carrying value of our bitcoin on our balance sheet. As a result, and in particular with respect to the quarterly periods and full fiscal year with respect to which ASU No. 2023-08 will apply, and for all future periods, volatility in our earnings may be significantly more than what we experienced in prior periods.
We expect our bitcoin holdings to significantly impact our financial results and the market price of our Common Stock.
We expect our bitcoin holdings to significantly affect our financial results and if we increase our overall holdings of bitcoin in the future as we are expected to do, they will have an even greater impact on our financial results and the market price of our Common Stock.
A significant decrease in the market value of our bitcoin holdings could adversely affect our ability to satisfy our financial obligations.
As of December 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $241.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we incurred a net loss of approximately $170.5 million and used cash in operating activities of approximately $83.3 million. Management is working to increase revenues through the growth of Angel Guild memberships, our pipeline of theatrical releases through 2026 and additional streaming agreements. Management believes it will be able to continue to fund operating capital shortfalls for the next year through the issuance of debt and Common Stock. Our ability to obtain equity or debt financing may in turn depend on, among other factors, the value of our bitcoin holdings, investor sentiment and the general public perception of bitcoin, our strategy and our value proposition. Accordingly, a significant decline in the market value of our bitcoin holdings or a negative shift in these other factors may create liquidity and credit risks, as such a decline or such shifts may adversely impact our ability to secure sufficient equity or debt
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financing to satisfy our financial obligations. These risks could materialize at times when bitcoin is trading below its carrying value on our most recent balance sheet or our cost basis.
If we are unable to secure equity or debt financing in a timely manner, on favorable terms, or at all, we may be required to sell bitcoin to satisfy our financial obligations, and we may be required to make such sales at prices below our cost basis or that are otherwise unfavorable. Any such sale of bitcoin may have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition, and could impair our ability to secure additional equity or debt financing in the future. Our inability to secure additional equity or debt financing in a timely manner, on favorable terms or at all, or to sell our bitcoin in amounts and at prices sufficient to satisfy our financial obligations could cause us to default under such obligations. Any default on our current or future indebtedness may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We face risks relating to the custody of our bitcoin, including the loss or destruction of private keys required to access our bitcoin and cyberattacks or other data loss relating to our bitcoin.
We hold our bitcoin with regulated custodians that have duties to safeguard our private keys. Our custodial services contracts do not restrict our ability to reallocate our bitcoin among our custodians, and our bitcoin holdings may be concentrated with a single custodian from time to time. If there is a decrease in the availability of digital asset custodians that we believe can safely custody our bitcoin, for example, due to regulatory developments or enforcement actions that cause custodians to discontinue or limit their services in the United States, we may need to enter into agreements that are less favorable than our current agreements or take other measures to custody our bitcoin, and our ability to seek a greater degree of diversification in the use of custodial services would be materially adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2025, the insurance that covers losses of our bitcoin holdings would cover the entire value of our bitcoin holdings in an isolated loss scenario where only our bitcoin holdings were affected. However, should the loss be more widespread, it is possible that only a small portion of our bitcoin holdings would ultimately be insured. There can also be no guarantee that such insurance will be maintained as part of the custodial services we have or that such coverage will cover losses with respect to our bitcoin. Moreover, our use of custodians exposes us to the risk that the bitcoin our custodians hold on our behalf could be subject to insolvency proceedings and we could be treated as a general unsecured creditor of the custodian, inhibiting our ability to exercise ownership rights with respect to such bitcoin. Any loss associated with such insolvency proceedings is unlikely to be covered by any insurance coverage we maintain related to our bitcoin.
Bitcoin is controllable only by the possessor of both the unique public key and private key(s) relating to the local or online digital wallet in which the bitcoin is held. While the Bitcoin blockchain ledger requires a public key relating to a digital wallet to be published when used in a transaction, private keys must be safeguarded and kept private in order to prevent a third party from accessing the bitcoin held in such wallet. To the extent the private key(s) for a digital wallet are lost, destroyed or otherwise compromised and no backup of the private key(s) is accessible, neither we nor our custodians will be able to access the bitcoin held in the related digital wallet. Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that our digital wallets, nor the digital wallets of our custodians held on our behalf, will not be compromised as a result of a cyberattack. The bitcoin and blockchain ledger, as well as other digital assets and blockchain technologies, have been, and may in the future be, subject to security breaches, cyberattacks or other malicious activities.
The emergence or growth of other digital assets, including those with significant private or public sector backing, could have a negative impact on the price of bitcoin and adversely affect our business.
The emergence or growth of digital assets other than bitcoin may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. As of December 31, 2025, bitcoin was the largest digital asset by market capitalization. However, there are numerous alternative digital assets and many entities, including consortiums and financial institutions, are researching and investing resources into private or permissioned blockchain platforms or digital assets that do not use proof-of-work mining like the Bitcoin network. For example, in late 2022, the Ethereum network transitioned to a “proof-of-stake” mechanism for validating transactions that requires significantly less computing power than proof-of-work mining. The Ethereum network has completed another major upgrade since then and may undertake additional upgrades in the future. If the mechanisms for validating transactions in Ethereum and other alternative digital assets are perceived as superior to proof-of-work mining, those digital assets could gain market share relative to bitcoin.
Other alternative digital assets that compete with bitcoin in certain ways include “stablecoins,” which are designed to maintain a constant price because of, for instance, their issuers’ promise to hold high-quality liquid assets (such as U.S. dollar deposits and short-term U.S. treasury securities) equal to the total value of stablecoins in circulation. Stablecoins have grown rapidly as an alternative to bitcoin and other digital assets as a medium of exchange and store of value, particularly on digital asset trading platforms.
Additionally, central banks in some countries have started to introduce digital forms of legal tender. For example, China’s CBDC project was made available to consumers in January 2022, and governments including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Israel have been discussing the potential creation of new CBDCs. Whether or not they incorporate blockchain or similar
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technology, CBDCs, as legal tender in the issuing jurisdiction, could also compete with, or replace, bitcoin and other digital assets as a medium of exchange or store of value. As a result, the emergence or growth of these or other digital assets could cause the market price of bitcoin to decrease, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Our bitcoin treasury strategy could subject us to enhanced regulatory oversight.
There has been increasing focus on the extent to which digital assets can be used to launder the proceeds of illegal activities, fund criminal or terrorist activities, or circumvent sanctions regimes, including those sanctions imposed in response to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. We are committed to acquiring bitcoin exclusively through entities that are subject to, and compliant with, know your customer and anti-money laundering regulations and related compliance rules in the United States. If we are found to have purchased any of our bitcoin from bad actors that have used bitcoin to launder money or persons subject to sanctions, we may be subject to regulatory proceedings and any further transactions or dealings in bitcoin by us may be restricted or prohibited.
We may incur indebtedness or enter into financial instruments in the future that may be collateralized by our bitcoin holdings. We may also consider pursuing strategies to create income streams or otherwise generate funds using our bitcoin holdings. These types of bitcoin-related transactions are the subject of enhanced regulatory oversight. These and any other bitcoin-related transactions we may enter into, beyond simply acquiring and holding bitcoin, may subject us to additional regulatory compliance requirements and scrutiny, including under federal and state money services regulations, money transmitter licensing requirements and various commodity and securities laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations applicable to bitcoin and digital assets are evolving and subject to interpretation and change. Governments around the world have reacted differently to digital assets; certain governments have deemed them illegal, and others have allowed their use and trade without restriction, while in some jurisdictions, such as the United States, digital assets are subject to overlapping, uncertain and evolving regulatory requirements. Increased enforcement activity and changes in the regulatory environment, including changing interpretations and the implementation of new or varying regulatory requirements by the government or any new legislation affecting bitcoin, as well as enforcement actions involving or impacting our trading venues, counterparties and custodians, may impose significant costs or significantly limit our ability to hold and transact in bitcoin.
In addition, private actors that are wary of bitcoin or the regulatory concerns associated with bitcoin may in the future take further actions that may have an adverse effect on our business or the market price of our Common Stock.
Due to the unregulated nature and lack of transparency surrounding the operations of many bitcoin trading venues, bitcoin trading venues may experience greater fraud, security failures or regulatory or operational problems than trading venues for more established asset classes, which may result in a loss of confidence in bitcoin trading venues and adversely affect the value of our bitcoin.
Bitcoin trading venues are relatively new and, in many cases, unregulated. Furthermore, there are many bitcoin trading venues which do not provide the public with significant information regarding their ownership structure, management teams, corporate practices and regulatory compliance. As a result, the marketplace may lose confidence in bitcoin trading venues, including prominent exchanges that handle a significant volume of bitcoin trading and/or are subject to regulatory oversight, in the event one or more bitcoin trading venues cease or pause for a prolonged period the trading of bitcoin or other digital assets, or experience fraud, significant volumes of withdrawal, security failures or operational problems.
In 2019 there were reports claiming that 80.0% - 95.0% of bitcoin trading volume on trading venues was false or non-economic in nature, with specific focus on unregulated exchanges located outside of the United States. The SEC also alleged as part of its June 5, 2023, complaint against Binance Holdings Ltd. that Binance committed strategic and targeted “wash trading” through its affiliates to artificially inflate the volume of certain digital assets traded on its exchange. The SEC has also brought recent actions against individuals and digital asset market participants alleging that such persons artificially increased trading volumes in certain digital assets through wash trades, or repeated buying and selling of the same assets in fictitious transactions to manipulate their underlying trading price. Such reports and allegations may indicate that the bitcoin market is significantly smaller than expected and that the United States makes up a significantly larger percentage of the bitcoin market than is commonly understood. Any actual or perceived wash trading in the bitcoin market, and any other fraudulent or manipulative acts and practices, could adversely affect the value of our bitcoin.
Negative perception, a lack of stability in the broader bitcoin markets and the closure, temporary shutdown or operational disruption of bitcoin trading venues, lending institutions, institutional investors, institutional miners, custodians or other major participants in the bitcoin ecosystem, due to fraud, business failure, cybersecurity events, government-mandated regulation, bankruptcy or for any other reason, may result in a decline in confidence in bitcoin and the broader bitcoin ecosystem and greater volatility in the price of bitcoin.
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For example, in 2022, each of Celsius Network, Voyager Digital, Three Arrows Capital, FTX, and BlockFi filed for bankruptcy, following which the market prices of bitcoin and other digital assets significantly declined. In addition, in June 2023, the SEC announced enforcement actions against Coinbase, Inc. and Binance Holdings Ltd., two providers of large trading venues for digital assets, which similarly was followed by a decrease in the market price of bitcoin and other digital assets. These were followed in November 2023, by an SEC enforcement action against Payward Inc. and Payward Ventures Inc., together known as Kraken, another large trading venue for digital assets. While the complaint against Coinbase, Inc. was dismissed in February 2025, the complaint against Payward Inc. and Payward Ventures Inc. was dismissed with prejudice in March 2025, and the complaint against Binance Holdings Ltd. was dismissed with prejudice in May 2025, the SEC or other regulatory agencies may initiate similar actions in the future. Since we expect the price of our Common Stock will be significantly affected by the value of our bitcoin holdings, the failure of a major participant in the bitcoin ecosystem could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
We have implemented structured processes to evaluate, identify, and mitigate significant cybersecurity risks that may affect the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of its information systems and data. These processes include implementing controls and technologies designed to prevent, detect, and mitigate data loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized access, or other security incidents. Our information security program safeguards confidential, proprietary, business, and personal information and incorporates measures to mitigate the impact of security incidents involving third-party vendors or customers.
We actively oversee cybersecurity risks related to third-party technologies, including encryption, authentication, employee email, and content delivery. Our risk management strategy includes security assessments, penetration testing, vulnerability management, and audits. All employees with access to information systems are required to review and and comply with the Angel Cybersecurity Policy.
Our Security Chapter is responsible for overseeing cybersecurity initiatives and collaborates with teams across Angel Studios to ensure compliance with industry best practices.The Security Chapter is led by an industry expert with more than 18 years of professional cybersecurity experience. We also engage independent third-party assessors when necessary to evaluate and enhance our cybersecurity posture. Cybersecurity risks and associated controls are reviewed regularly as part of our enterprise risk management framework.
Risk Management & Strategy. We maintain an enterprise information security program that uses industry frameworks to identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks across our cloud infrastructure, content delivery platforms, payment processing, and corporate systems. Program elements include security governance, access control, encryption, vulnerability management, penetration testing, incident response, employee training, and third‐party risk management. For critical vendors (e.g., cloud, CDN, payment processors), we perform due diligence, impose contractual security requirements, and conduct periodic assessments.
Governance. The Board of Directors, through the Audit Committee, oversees cybersecurity risk at least quarterly. Management provides updates on threat trends, program maturity, third‐party risk, incidents, and remediation activities.
Incidents & Effects. To date, we have not experienced a material cybersecurity incident. We receive and investigate attempted attacks and take remediation steps as appropriate. Based on our assessments, cybersecurity risks have not materially affected our operations, strategy, or financial results to date; however, future incidents (including at third-party providers) could have a material effect. We also acknowledge that generative AI could intensify these cybersecurity risks.
Item 2. Properties
Our primary assets are our Intellectual Property and the contracts we have entered into directly.We lease our corporate office facilities at 295 W. Center St., Provo, Utah, under a lease commencing on December 15, 2016, and ending on February 28, 2029. In July 2021, we purchased a 50.0% ownership interest in the building and entity that we lease our corporate office facilities from. We also entered into three new leases to expand our corporate office space at 265 W., 275 W. and 285 W Center St., Provo, Utah under leases commencing August 1, 2022, March 1, 2024 and July 1, 2022, respectively, and ending July 31, 2027, February 28, 2029 and September 30, 2027, respectively. On September 28, 2023, we entered into a lease addendum for the leased premises located at 285 W Center St., Provo, Utah to clarify that due to construction delays, the lease began on October 1, 2022 rather than on July 1, 2022, and
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will end on September 30, 2027. We have entered into a warehouse lease at 951 East 1950 North in Spanish Fork, Utah that began on September 1, 2022 and will end September 30, 2027. We also entered into an office lease at 526 Selby Ave, St Paul, Minnesota that began on June 1, 2025 and will end May 31, 2027. We do not currently own or lease any other real property. We believe that our office facilities are suitable and adequate for our business as it is contemplated to be conducted.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We currently are, and from time to time might again become, involved in litigation. Litigation has the potential to cause us to incur unexpected losses, some of which might not be covered by insurance but can materially affect our financial condition and our ability to continue business operations.
Disney Litigation and the Preliminary Injunction
On December 12, 2016, the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “California Court”) in the matter of Disney Enterprises, Inc.; Lucasfilm Ltd., LLC; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., or Plaintiffs, v. VidAngel (the “Disney Litigation”), granted the Plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction against us. On October 5, 2017, the California Court allowed the Plaintiffs to amend the original complaint to add three of their subsidiaries, MVL Film Finance LLC, New Line Productions, Inc. and Turner Entertainment Co., as additional Plaintiffs (collectively the “Plaintiffs”), and identify additional motion pictures as having allegedly been infringed. The Plaintiffs claimed that we unlawfully decrypted and infringed 819 titles in total.
On March 6, 2019, the California Court granted the Plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment as to liability. The order found that we were liable for infringing the copyrights and violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), with respect to certain motion pictures of the Plaintiffs. Damages related to the respective copyright infringements and DMCA violations were decided by a jury trial in June 2019. The jury found that we willfully infringed the Plaintiffs’ copyrights and awarded statutory damages of $75.0 thousand for each of the 819 infringed titles, or $61.4 million. The jury also awarded statutory damages of $1.3 thousand for DMCA violations for each of the 819 infringed titles, or $1.0 million. The total award for both counts is $62.4 million. On September 23, 2019, a judgment consistent with the jury’s verdict was entered against us by the California Court. The Plaintiffs also sought an award of costs and attorneys’ fees.
On August 26, 2020, we entered into a Settlement Agreement (the “Disney Settlement Agreement”) with the Plaintiffs as part of our Reorganization Plan, effectively ending the litigation. See “—Part I, Item 1. Business—History of the Business—Reorganization Plan” for more information on the Disney Settlement Agreement and Reorganization Plan.
The Permanent Injunction
On September 5, 2019, the California Court issued a permanent injunction against us. The permanent injunction enjoins us, our officers, agents, servants, employees and attorneys from: (1) circumventing technological measures protecting Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works (as defined in the Disney Settlement Agreement) on DVDs, Blu-rays or any other medium; (2) copying Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works, including, but not limited to, copying the works onto computers or servers; (3) streaming, transmitting or otherwise publicly performing any of Plaintiffs’ Copyrighted Works over the internet, via web applications, via portable devices, via streaming devices or by means of any other device or process; and (4) engaging in any other activity that violates, directly or indirectly, Plaintiffs’ anti-circumvention right, 17 U.S.C. § 1201(a), or that infringes by any means, directly or indirectly, any Plaintiffs’ exclusive rights in any Copyrighted Work under Section 106 of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §106.
We were required to cease and have ceased filtering and streaming all movies and TV programs owned by the Plaintiffs.
The foregoing description of the permanent injunction is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by the California Court’s orders.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
On October 18, 2017, we filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11, title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah (the “Bankruptcy Court”), case number 17-29073 (the “Bankruptcy Case”). On November 17, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court issued a final decree closing the Bankruptcy Case. See“—Part I, Item 1. Business—History of the Business—Reorganization Plan” for more information.
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ClearPlay Litigation
In 2014, we responded to a contention by ClearPlay that we (at such time, VidAngel) infringed on certain ClearPlay patents by suing ClearPlay in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the case was later transferred to Utah). In doing so, we requested judicial determinations that our technology and service did not infringe eight patents owned by ClearPlay and that the patents were invalid. In turn, ClearPlay counterclaimed against us, alleging patent infringement. On February 17, 2015, the case was stayed pending inter partes review by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”), of several of ClearPlay’s patents. We were not party to or involved in the USPTO’s review of those patents. Owing to those proceedings, on May 29, 2015, the Utah trial court closed the case without prejudice to the parties’ rights to reassert any or all claims later. In July and August 2015, many of ClearPlay’s patent claims, including many of the claims asserted against us, were invalidated by the USPTO. Certain of ClearPlay’s other patent claims were upheld and others were never challenged in the USPTO. Following the USPTO’s rulings, ClearPlay appealed certain of the USPTO’s invalidity decisions to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The findings of invalidity were all affirmed by the Federal Circuit on August 16, 2016. On October 31, 2016, the Magistrate Judge, Brooke C. Wells, conducted telephonic status conferences in this and a related case brought by ClearPlay against DISH Network and ordered that both cases be re-opened. Subsequently, Magistrate Judge Wells granted ClearPlay’s motion to stay the litigation at least until a decision is rendered on the preliminary injunction by the Ninth Circuit. On October 12, 2017, the magistrate judge ordered the case stayed again, this time until a final decision is rendered in the Disney Litigation. On February 14, 2018, ClearPlay filed a claim in our chapter 11 proceeding seeking an unliquidated sum. On April 14, 2020, the trustee appointed in our Bankruptcy Case filed an objection to the claim in the Bankruptcy Court seeking an order to disallow the claim in its entirety. On October 21, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court issued an order converting the trustee’s objection to ClearPlay’s claim in the Bankruptcy Case to an adversary proceeding.
On April 20, 2021, the Bankruptcy Court lifted the stay as the final decision in the Disney Litigation had been determined and we were no longer in bankruptcy. VidAngel Entertainment assumed responsibility for defense of the ClearPlay litigation, and any settlement discussions thereto, as part of the asset purchase agreement, dated March 1, 2021, by and between Angel Studios, Skip TV Holdings, LLC and VidAngel Entertainment, LLC (the “VidAngel Asset Purchase Agreement”). On November 4, 2021, we informed the court that we sold VidAngel and VidAngel Entertainment is the successor. On January 14, 2022, ClearPlay filed a response stating Angel Studios and VidAngel Entertainment are liable for past infringement as they are the successor to VidAngel.
On December 20, 2021, we served non-infringement and invalidity contentions concerning the patents asserted in this case. On January 7, 2022, ClearPlay filed a motion seeking to add additional causes of action under the DMCA and Utah state law for alleged tortious interference, which we opposed on February 4, 2022. On June 23, 2022, the Court granted leave for ClearPlay to amend its complaint to add these claims but deferred to a later stage of the proceedings any ruling on the futility of the claims. On December 8, 2023, the Court held a Markman hearing to construe the scope and meaning of certain disputed claim terms in the asserted patents. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Court took the matter under submission.
On August 30, 2024, we entered into a settlement agreement with ClearPlay pursuant to which, among other things, ClearPlay will receive a royalty of $1.8 million, which is to be paid in thirty-six monthly installments of $50.0 thousand per month. Pursuant to the VidAngel Asset Purchase Agreement, these payments will be made by VidAngel Entertainment, LLC and as such no liability was recorded by us. The litigation was subsequently dismissed with prejudice.
The Chosen Arbitration
Historically, our business generated a significant portion of our total revenue from distribution activities related to the Chosen Agreement. The Chosen Agreement outlines the contractual arrangement between the parties pursuant to which we were granted a limited license to distribute, solely on the Angel App, all previous and future episodes and seasons of the series “The Chosen,” and any future audiovisual productions derivative thereof. Revenue from distribution activities related to the Chosen Agreement does not currently account for any percentage of our revenue.
On April 4, 2023, The Chosen initiated a private binding arbitration against us alleging certain material breaches of contract under the Chosen Agreement and seeking to terminate the Chosen Agreement pursuant to which we were granted a limited license to distribute, solely on the Angel App, all previous and future episodes and seasons of the TV series “The Chosen” and any future audiovisual productions derivatives thereof. On September 25, 2024, the arbitrator proceeding issued the Award granting The Chosen’s breach of contract claims and terminating the Chosen Agreement effective as of May 28, 2024. The Award granted The Chosen monetary damages in the amount of $30.0 thousand, plus costs and an allocable portion of its attorney fees. The Award denied in full The Chosen’s claims for the remedies of disgorgement of profits and corrective advertising.
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On October 25, 2024, we filed an appeal of the Award with an appellate panel of arbitrators (the “Panel”), as permitted under the arbitration provision of the Chosen Agreement. On June 13, 2025, the Panel upheld the Award and we intend to comply with its terms, including with respect to the termination of the Chosen Agreement effective as of May 28, 2024.
On July 11, 2025, we entered into a settlement and release agreement with The Chosen for dismissal and mutual release of all pending matters. We settled all pending claims and liabilities as part of the Award in July 2025.
Slingshot Litigation
On March 11, 2025 we were served with a Complaint dated March 5, 2025 (the “Complaint”), which was filed by Slingshot USA, LLC (“Slingshot”) against us in Utah State Court in the Fourth Judicial District. The Complaint alleges that we breached a 2021 Content Distribution Agreement (“CDA”) with Slingshot, engaged in deceptive business practices and misled investors through non-compliant fundraising activities. On April 11, 2025, we filed a motion to strike, asking the court to dismiss several causes of action alleged by Slingshot. On April 25, 2025, Slingshot filed an amended complaint dropping the stricken causes of action.
As discussed in Item 7, Recent Developments -Asset Purchase Agreement, we entered into a Term Sheet with 2521 that sets forth the principal terms and conditions governing the joint venture between the JV Partners (as defined below), through Giant Slayer Media (as defined below). The Term Sheet, pursuant to its terms, became binding on October 7, 2025, upon the execution of that certain Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Slingshot and Giant Slayer Media, also dated as of October 7, 2025.
In addition to the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Term Sheet, the Asset Purchase Agreement also provided for, upon the closing of the transactions contemplated therein, the revocation by Slingshot of its deemed termination of the CDA and the dismissal of the current lawsuit, brought by Slingshot against Angel Studios Licensing, LLC, our affiliate, pursuant to a Confidential Dismissal Agreement and Mutual Release (the “Dismissal Agreement”) effective as of October 7, 2025, by and between Angel Studios Licensing, LLC and Slingshot. The Dismissal Agreement resolved in full the action titled Slingshot USA, LLC v. Angel Studios Licensing, LLC, Case No. 250401064, in the Fourth Judicial District Court, Utah County, State of Utah Lawsuit, and any and all claims arising from or relating to the parties’ prior content distribution agreement, the CDA, concerning DAVID and Young David. Slingshot dismissed the Lawsuit with prejudice on October 8, 2025.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our Class A Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “ANGX.” Our Class B Common Stock is not listed or traded on any stock exchange.
Holders
The approximate number of holders of record of our Class A Common Stock as of March 9, 2026 was 62,754 and the approximate number of holders of record of our Class B Common Stock as of that date was 10,049.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends, and we do not currently anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Performance Graph
This performance graph shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act.
The performance graph below shows the cumulative total return to our stockholders between September 11, 2025 (the date that our Class A common stock commenced trading on the NYSE) through December 31, 2025, in comparison to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500 Index”), the NYSE Composite, and the Dow Jones Internet Composite Index (“DJINET”). The graph assumes that $100 was invested in our Class A common stock and each index at their closing prices on September 11, 2025 and data for the indexes assumes reinvestment of any dividends. The stock price performance shown in the graph represents past performance and is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
There were no other unregistered securities to report which have not been previously included in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None
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Item 6. Reserved
[Reserved].
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion of our historical results of operations and liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes related thereto which are included in “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those that are set forth under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any period in the future.
Overview
We are a values based media distribution company that uses technology to empower a vibrant and growing community to replace the Hollywood gatekeeper system and champion stories that amplify light for mainstream audiences.
Our community, known as the Angel Guild, is at the heart of this mission.
1) The Angel Guild votes to select film and TV shows.
2) The Angel Guild rallies in theaters to support film releases.
3) The Angel Guild funds future films and TV shows with their membership.
As of December 31, 2025, through the Angel Guild, approximately 2.0 million paying members help decide what film and TV projects we will market and distribute.
Pledge to Amplify Light
All Guild members make a written pledge stating: “When I vote, I pledge to help choose excellent entertainment that is true, honest, noble, just, authentic, lovely or admirable.”
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We primarily generate revenue from the following sources:
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Bitcoin Treasury Strategy
As of December 31, 2025, we held an aggregate of approximately 303.1 bitcoins. This equates to 1.7925 bitcoin per million shares of our Common Stock. We plan to continue to acquire and hold bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset as an adjunct to our core film and TV distribution business. The continued implementation of our bitcoin treasury strategy aims to support our mission-driven approach of funding the world’s best filmmakers in producing stories that amplify light for generations to come. The overall strategy contemplates that we may (i) enter into capital raising transactions that are collateralized by our bitcoin holdings, (ii) consider pursuing strategies to create income streams or otherwise generate funds using our bitcoin holdings and (iii) periodically sell bitcoin for general corporate purposes, including to generate cash to meet our operating requirements.
Financings
Regulation A Offerings
From time to time, we conduct offerings under Regulation A of the Securities Act, the proceeds of which we use for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
In September 2024, we sold an aggregate of 3,538,661 shares of our Class A Common Stock, pursuant to an offering under Regulation A of the Securities Act. The price of the Class A Common Stock was $5.66 per share, and the Regulation A Offering generated gross proceeds of approximately $20.0 million. We used the proceeds from the Reg A Offering to manage our business and provide working capital for our operations, as well as expenses relating to salaries and other compensation to our officers and employees.
In September 2025, we sold an aggregate of 6,688,077 shares of our Class A Common Stock, pursuant to an offering under Regulation A. The price of the Class A Common Stock was $8.23 per share, and the Regulation A Offering generated gross proceeds of approximately $55.0 million. We used the proceeds from the Reg A Offering to manage our business and provide working capital for our operations, as well as expenses relating to salaries and other compensation to our officers and employees.
At the Market Offering
On December 5, 2025, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”), dated as of December 5, 2025, with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., TCBI Securities, Inc., doing business as Texas Capital Securities, Maxim Group LLC and Roth Capital Partners, LLC (each, a “Sales Agent,” and together, the “Sales Agents”), providing for the offer and sale to or through the Sales Agents, from time to time, shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $150,000,000. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we sold an aggregate of 196,348 shares of our Class A Common stock, generating gross proceeds of $1.0 million.
In accordance with the terms of the Equity Distribution Agreement, we may offer and sell shares of our Common Stock at any time and from time to time through the Sales Agents. Sales of the shares, if any, will be made by means of transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including block trades and sales made in ordinary brokers’ transactions on the NYSE or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
The Sales Agents will receive from us a commission of up to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share for any shares sold through it under the Equity Distribution Agreement. The net proceeds we receive from the sale of our Common Stock in this offering will be the gross proceeds received from such sales less the commissions and any other costs we may incur in issuing the shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Distribution Agreement, the Sales Agents are not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of shares but will use their commercially reasonable efforts to sell on our behalf any shares to be offered under the Equity Distribution Agreement. Under the terms of the Equity Distribution Agreement, we also may sell shares to the Sales Agents as principals for their own account to the extent permitted under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
Off the Chain
On September 11, 2024, we and Off the Chain, LP (“Off the Chain”), a leading bitcoin asset management firm, entered into an agreement in principle for an investment by Off the Chain of approximately $10.0 million to help support our bitcoin treasury strategy. On September 30, 2024, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with Off the Chain, pursuant to which Off the Chain agreed to purchase an aggregate of 1,769,328 shares of Class A Common Stock, at a price of $5.66 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of
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$10.0 million, payable in bitcoin. The sale closed on October 10, 2024. We used the proceeds from our sale of Class A Common Stock to Off the Chain to support our bitcoin treasury strategy.
Loan and Security Agreement with Warrant Offering
On September 8, 2025, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with certain lenders, which provides us with an up to $100.0 million term loan with a delayed draw feature, which is composed of four committed tranches: (i) the first tranche in an aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million, which was funded on the closing date; (ii) the second tranche in an aggregate principal amount equal to $20.0 million, which was drawn in February 2026; (iii) the third tranche in an aggregate principal amount equal to $20.0 million, which may be drawn by December 31, 2026 and (iv) the fourth tranche in an aggregate principal amount equal to $20.0 million, which may be drawn by June 30, 2027. The availability of each tranche will be subject to achievement by us of certain conditions, including, without limitation, achievement of a specified minimum annualized recurring revenue and receipt by us of a minimum of net cash proceeds from the sale or issuance of equity. Borrowings under the credit facility will be used to pay off certain of the Company’s existing indebtedness, as well as for general working capital purposes and business operations.
In connection with the credit facility, the Company issued each lender thereunder a warrant to purchase stock to purchase an aggregate amount of 1,462,682 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock with an exercise price per share of $7.29. The Warrants vest and become exercisable in proportion to and in conjunction with the advancement of each tranche under the Credit Facility. The warrants will expire on September 11, 2030.
Other
During the year ended December 31, 2025, we sold an aggregate of 9,266,477 shares of Class A Common Stock to various purchasers, generating gross proceeds of approximately $49.1 million. The issuances of the Class A Common Stock were made in reliance upon exemptions from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. We intend to use the proceeds from the sales of Class A common stock to manage our business and provide working capital for our operations. The proceeds may also be used to pay expenses relating to salaries and other compensation to our officers and employees.
P&A Subsidiaries
Over the past year, we have formed several subsidiaries (each, a “P&A Subsidiary”) to exploit the commercial potential of specific films. Generally, a P&A Subsidiary enters into a distribution agreement with a filmmaker/production company to license the rights to market and distribute a film. The P&A Subsidiary then executes a services agreement with us to market the film’s theatrical release. The P&A Subsidiary also sublicenses the film to us for distribution via the Angel App and our website, as well as to other distribution networks. In exchange for our right to distribute the film, we retain a share of revenue generated by our distribution of the film to the Guild.
P&A Subsidiaries have dual class voting structures: preferred shares, which are offered to investors under Regulation A; and common shares, which we purchase at formation and which are the sole voting shares of a P&A Subsidiary. Typically, the preferred shares have a ‘Stated Value’ of 115-120% of the price at which the shares are sold. A P&A Subsidiary’s board of directors may, upon determining that the company has sufficient available funds, pay the Stated Value to preferred shareholders. Payments are made from receipts generated by the film’s theatrical release, after movie theaters have taken their negotiated share. If revenue generated from a film’s theatrical release is insufficient to pay the Stated Value, P&A Subsidiaries may pay the Stated Value from revenue generated by the film’s distribution, merchandizing sales, and other commercial exploitation. Upon full payment of the Stated Value, a P&A Subsidiary’s preferred shares are automatically redeemed, and we become the entity’s sole owner. After a P&A Subsidiary has redeemed its preferred shares, the subsidiary splits remaining revenue with the filmmaker according to the terms of the Distribution Agreement.
We are legally distinct from the P&A Subsidiaries, and investments in them are distinct from an investment in us. A P&A Subsidiary is formed solely to exploit the commercial potential of a single film, and proceeds generated from a subsidiary’s offering of preferred shares are used to market and distribute that one film. A P&A Subsidiary has no other business or assets other than its exploitation of the rights to the film. The subsidiary’s shareholders do not have any rights to our assets or securities if a film does not perform well financially.
Investors in our common stock are investing in us and our business, which is broader than the marketing of a single film. Investors in our Common Stock do not have any right to payment of any amounts from the receipts of a film’s theatrical release prior to dividend payments made to the shareholders of the P&A Subsidiaries.
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P&A Subsidiaries are required to file current and periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to Rule 257(b) of Regulation A. Unlike us, P&A Subsidiaries do not have reporting obligations under Section 15 of the Exchange Act.
Recent Developments
Homestead Merger
On November 14, 2025, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Homestead Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, Angel Black Autumn Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware Corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Black Autumn Show, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“Homestead”) and the Stockholder Representative (as defined in the Black Autumn Merger Agreement), pursuant to which we will acquire directly or indirectly all of the equity interests of Black Autumn Show, Inc. (“Black Autumn”), which owns the rights to the Homestead movie and series. Under the terms of the Homestead Merger Agreement, if the merger is completed, at the effective time of the merger, the following consideration will be payable: at the effective time, each holder of issued and outstanding shares of Black Autumn Stock will be entitled to receive (a) that number of shares of our Class A Common Stock equal to (i)(A) the Homestead Per Share Merger Consideration multiplied by (B) the number of shares Homestead Stock held by such holder as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, divided by (ii) $6.13, plus (b) such holder’s Homestead Pro Rata Share of the Homestead Royalty Shares. All capitalized terms used in this paragraph are used as defined in the Homestead Merger Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.16 to this Annual Report.
Toothy Cow Productions Merger
On November 14, 2025, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“TCP Merger Agreement”), by and among Angel TCP Merger Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Angel, Toothy Cow Productions, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company (“TCP”), and the unitholder representative, pursuant to which we will acquire directly or indirectly all of the equity interests of TCP, which owns the rights to the Wingfeather Saga series. Under the terms of the TCP Merger Agreement, if the merger is completed, at the effective time of the merger, the following consideration will be payable: at the effective time, all of the issued and outstanding common units of membership interests of TCP (the “TCP Common Units”), preferred unit of membership interests of TCP designated as Class A Preferred Units (the “TCP Class A Preferred Units”), and preferred unit of membership interests of TCP designated as Class B Preferred Units (the “TCP Class B Preferred Units,” and, collectively with the TCP Common Units and the TCP Class B Preferred Units, the “TCP Units”) will be cancelled and extinguished and converted automatically into the right to receive a portion of the TCP Aggregate Stock Consideration. With respect to holders of TCP Units, the TCP Aggregate Stock Consideration is equal to (a) the TCP Stock Consideration Per Common Unit, multiplied by (b) the number of shares of TCP Units held by such holder as of immediately prior to the TCP Closing; with respect to holders of TCP Class A Preferred Units, the TCP Aggregate Stock Consideration is equal to (a) the TCP Stock Consideration Per Class A Preferred Unit, multiplied by (b) the number of shares of TCP Class A Preferred Units held by such holder as of immediately prior to the TCP Closing; and with respect to holders of TCP Class B Preferred Units, the TCP Aggregate Stock Consideration is equal to (a) the TCP Stock Consideration Per Class B Preferred Unit, multiplied by (b) the number of shares of TCP Class B Preferred Units held by such holder as of immediately prior to the TCP Closing. All capitalized terms used in this paragraph are used as defined in the TCP Merger Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.14 to this Annual Report.
Tuttle Twins Show Merger
On November 14, 2025, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger (“TTS Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which we will acquire directly or indirectly all of the equity interests of Tuttle Twins Show, LLC. (“TTS”), which owns the rights to the Tuttle Twins series. Under the terms of the TTS Merger Agreement, if the merger is completed, at the effective time of the merger, the following consideration will be payable: at the Effective Time, all of the issued and outstanding common units of membership interests of TTS (the “TTS Common Units”) and preferred units of membership interests of TTS (the “TTS Preferred Units,” and, together with the TTS Common Units, the “TTS Units”) will be cancelled and extinguished and converted automatically into the right to receive the TTS Merger Consideration, consisting of, as applicable, (a) for TTS Investors, an amount in cash equal to the TTS Investor Per Unit Cash Consideration and a number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock equal to the TTS Investor Per Unit Stock Consideration, (b) for TTS Key Operators, a number of shares of Company Class A Common Stock equal to the TTS Key Operator Per Unit Stock Consideration. All capitalized terms used in this paragraph are used as defined in the TTS Merger Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.15 to this Annual Report.
Asset Purchase Agreement
The Company entered into a term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) with 2521 Entertainment, LLC (“2521”, together with the Company, the “JV Partners”) that sets forth the principal terms and conditions governing the joint venture between the JV Partners, through Giant Slayer Media LLC (“Giant Slayer Media” or the “JV”). The Term Sheet, pursuant to its terms, became binding on October 7, 2025, upon the execution of that certain Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Slingshot USA LLC (“Slingshot”) and Giant Slayer Media, also dated as of October 7, 2025 (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”). The Term Sheet will remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the
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execution of the definitive Limited Liability Company Agreement for the JV (the “LLCA”) and a distribution agreement between the Company (or one of its affiliates) and Giant Slayer Media (the “Distribution Agreement”) or (b) the mutual agreement of the JV Partners to terminate the Term Sheet.
Pursuant to the Term Sheet, the Company contributed $31,366,686 and 2521 contributed $46,550,473 in cash to the JV. Moreover, the Company was credited, as a capital contribution, an amount equal to $2,342,277 on account of a previous investment with Slingshot, which resulted in the Company’s total initial capital contribution of $33,708,963. Following the cash contribution by the JV Partners, the equity split in the JV became 42% to the Company and 58% to 2521.
Separately, under the Term Sheet, the JV Partners agreed to negotiate in good faith and execute definitive agreements to implement the terms of the Term Sheet, including the Asset Purchase Agreement, the LLCA and the Distribution Agreement, each in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the JV Partners. The LLCA became effective on October 2, 2025, and the Distribution Agreement became effective on November 19, 2025.
Under the Term Sheet, and by means of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Giant Slayer Media acquired substantially all of the assets of Slingshot related to the animated feature film, DAVID, the associated works and certain other ancillary rights and obligations, for an aggregate purchase price of $77,917,159 in cash. Further, except as may be otherwise provided in the Distribution Agreement: (a) Giant Slayer Media acquired ownership of the Purchased Assets under the Asset Purchase Agreement; (b) each of the JV Partners agreed to assign, and caused its affiliates and personnel to assign, to Giant Slayer Media all rights, title and interest in and to any derivative works, sequels, prequels, spinoffs or other works based on or derived from the Purchased Assets and (c) all such rights will automatically vest in Giant Slayer Media without further action. The Company or its relevant affiliate is acting as the distributor of the Purchased Assets under the Distribution Agreement, which contain specific payment terms, events of default and guaranty terms. The relationship of the JV Partners in the JV is governed by the LLCA, which contain specific terms regarding the distribution of proceeds received from the Company under the Distribution Agreement and other terms relating to the management of the JV.
In addition to the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Term Sheet, the Asset Purchase Agreement also provided for, upon the closing of the transactions contemplated therein, the revocation by Slingshot of its deemed termination of the distribution agreement between the Company and Slingshot and the dismissal of the current lawsuit, brought by Slingshot against Angel Studios Licensing, LLC, the Company’s affiliate, pursuant to a Confidential Dismissal Agreement and Mutual Release effective as of October 7, 2025, by and between Angel Studios Licensing, LLC and Slingshot. The Dismissal Agreement resolved in full the action titled Slingshot USA, LLC v. Angel Studios Licensing, LLC, Case No. 250401064, in the Fourth Judicial District Court, Utah County, State of Utah, and any and all claims arising from or relating to the parties’ prior content distribution agreement concerning DAVID and Young David. Slingshot dismissed the Lawsuit with prejudice on October 8, 2025. The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description and is subject to and qualified in its entirety to the full text of the Term Sheet, which is filed as Exhibit 10.8 to this Annual Report.
Financial Operations Overview
Revenues
Historically, we have primarily generated revenue from the Angel Guild, theatrical distribution, content licensing and other. See “Revenue” for more information.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues represents the direct costs incurred by us in generating our revenue. These costs include expenses directly associated with the goods or services sold during the reporting period. Components of cost of revenues include items such as licensing royalty expense, free theatrical tickets for premium Guild members, content amortization, film delivery costs, hosting, merchandise costs, credit card fees, freight and shipping costs and costs of services provided.
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Operating Expenses
Selling and Marketing: Selling and marketing expenses include the promotion of the Angel Guild and increasing memberships, as well as current and future theatrical releases. As we continue to bring on additional content, drive Angel Guild memberships and promote future theatrical releases, this cost is expected to continue to rise.
Research and Development: Research and development expenses consist of personnel necessary to continue our focus on improving existing products, optimizing existing services and developing new technology to better meet the needs of our customers and partners. These expenses also include the amortization of capitalized software. See Note 8, Capitalized Software, Net for more information.
General and Administrative: General and administrative expenses consist of the increased support staff necessary to manage the continued and expected growth of the business, including payroll and related expenses for executive, finance, content acquisition and administrative personnel, as well as recruiting, professional fees and other general corporate expenses.
Legal: Legal expenses include costs incurred in connection with legal proceedings, regulatory matters, compliance obligation, and corporate governance. Legal expenses may fluctuate based on the nature, timing, and complexity of matters encountered by us. While we strive to manage these costs effectively, they may have a material impact on our financial condition depending on the scope of ongoing or anticipated legal matters.
Results of Operations
The following represents our performance highlights for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024:
For the year ended December 31, Change
Revenues
The following represents our revenue by type for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024:
For the year ended December 31, Change
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During the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, the increase in revenues was largely due to: 1) an increase in Angel Guild revenue by $174.1 million as a result of increased Angel Guild members from approximately 0.6 million to approximately 2.0 million from December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2025, 2) an increase in Theatrical revenue by $47.6 million as a result of more successful theatrical box office releases in 2025, including the King of Kings and David, 3) an increase in content licensing revenue of $7.9 million as a result of larger licensing deals being entered into from our 2025 theatrical releases,compared to 2024 which had smaller theatrical box office releases and in turn smaller licensing deals and 4) an increase in Merchandise revenue of $1.6 million as our films brand recognition become stronger. This increase was offset by a decrease in Pay it Forward and Theatrical Pay it Forward revenue of $6.0 million, due to our focus transitioning away from Pay it Forward and focusing more on the Angel Guild.
Cost of Revenues
The following represents our costs of revenue by type for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024:
For the year ended December 31, Change
During the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, the increase in cost of revenues was largely due to: 1) an increase in Angel Guild cost of revenues by $29.3 million was a result of increased memberships and the associated transaction fees of $19.2 million related to that growth, as well as an increased number of free movie tickets for premium Angel Guild members for Angel theatrical releases of $7.9 million. The increase in theatrical cost of revenues of $4.2 million was a result of 8 films being released during the year ended December 31, 2025 with only 5 films being released during the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in royalties of $41.3 million was a result of higher royalties earned by filmmakers, with most of the increase directly related to the profit sharing of the Angel Guild revenues during the year.
Selling and Marketing
The following represents our selling and marketing expenses by type for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024:
For the year ended December 31, Change
During the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, the increase in selling and marketing expenses was largely due to: 1) an increase in Angel Guild sales and marketing expenses of $129.1 million as a result of the promotion of the Angel Guild in an effort to increase memberships and 2) an increase in theatrical sales and marketing expenses of $68.0 million as a result of 8 box theatrical box office releases in 2025 compared to 5 box office releases in 2024. As we continue to bring on additional content, drive Angel Guild memberships and promote future theatrical releases, this cost is expected to fluctuate, but overall remain high and be a significant component of our operating expenses.
Other Operating Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, the increase in general and administrative costs of $15.6 million were primarily related to: 1) additional employee costs of $3.5 million during 2025 related to the support staff necessary to manage the continued and expected growth of the business, 2) additional equity issuance costs of $5.3 million during 2025 due to an increase in the cost of equity granted to employees, 3) additional 3rd party accounting and auditing services of $3.9 million as a result of the costs incurred from the Business Combination, 4) additional foreign withholding tax of $0.7 million as a result of increase licensing
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deals in international territories, 5) amortization of $1.0 million of the prepaid content rights related to a First Look Agreement the Company entered into with an artist granting the Company the right of first refusal on the artist’s future projects, and 6) additional software costs of $0.7 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, the increase in research and development costs of $2.7 million were primarily related to: 1) additional employee costs of $0.6 million related to additional staff necessary to manage the continued and expected growth of the business, 2) additional software costs of $0.9 million, and 3) additional amortization of capitalized software of $1.3 million. The increase in research and development expenses also reflects our expanded investment in artificial intelligence capabilities and AI-assisted development practices. During 2025, we integrated AI development tools across our engineering organization and invested in an AI-enhanced discovery and recommendation system, which helped lead to increased member engagement with our film and TV show library. We believe our adoption of AI-accelerated development practices improves our engineering productivity and enables us to allocate a greater proportion of our technical resources to architecture, product design, and quality assurance rather than manual code generation. We expect to continue increasing our investment in AI tools and capabilities in future periods.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, the decrease in legal expense of $0.7 million was largely a result of a decrease in legal costs associated with The Chosen arbitration and estimated liabilities as a result of the arbitration during 2024, which was offset by additional legal costs from the Business Combination. For more information, see “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”
Other Income and Expense
The decrease in the gain/loss on digital assets of $3.5 million in 2025 is a result of measuring our digital assets at fair value at the end of each reporting period per Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-08 and the value of bitcoin decreasing during the year ended December 31, 2025. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we sold a portion of our digital assets and as such recognized a realized gain of $1.7 million.
The increase in interest expense of $9.5 million is related to a higher dollar amount of P&A and other notes entered into and outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, as can be seen on our consolidated statements of cash flows.
The increase in interest income of $2.0 million is the result of higher cash balances during the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the $1.8 million in other income is the result of a $2.4 million gain related to an IRS regulation released in Q4 2025, which, as a result, allowed the Company to remove a previously booked excise tax accrual in relation to the Business Combination, offset by $0.6 million in expenses related to the impairment of investments. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the $1.0 million other expense was related to an impairment loss on an equity investment.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating and Capital Expenditure Requirements
As of Change
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $36.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2025, due to cash flow provided by financing activities of $175.8 million, offset by cash used in operating activities of $83.3 million and cash used in investing activities of $55.6 million.
To date, we have funded a significant portion of our operations through private and public offerings of our common stock and raise of money through notes payable. As of December 31, 2025, we had cash on hand of approximately $44.1 million. Notes payable currently
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consists of 1) P&A notes in the amount of $55.5 million with amounts due based on timing of certain cash proceeds, but which amounts are expected to be paid within the next twelve months, 2) financing of a convertible note in the amount of $5.5 million, which will be due, if not converted into equity beforehand, by May 1, 2027, and 3) a financing facility in the amount of $100.0 million, of which $40.0 million is currently drawn, with interest payable monthly and principal installments starting in November 2027 and a final maturity of October 1, 2030. These amounts were offset by $3.8 million in debt issuance costs and debt discounts. As we continue to grow, we expect to raise additional funds to cover any shortfall in operating needs. We project that our existing capital resources, including cash, accounts receivables, licensing receivables, recurring revenues from our membership base, and the ability to sell our digital assets if necessary, will be sufficient to meet our operating requirements for at least the next twelve months.
Evaluation of Going Concern
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue to operate as a going concern within one year from the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we incurred a net loss of approximately $170.5 million and used cash in operating activities of approximately $83.3 million. We have an accumulated deficit of approximately $241.5 million as of December 31, 2025. A significant portion of the net loss for the period ended December 31, 2025 was due to the continued marketing expenses to increase Angel Guild memberships and support our theatrical releases. We anticipate that as we continue to grow the business, we will incur operating losses and use cash in operating activities during 2026.
We have seen tremendous growth in our revenue as a result of 1) increasing Angel Guild memberships, 2) having a strong pipeline of theatrical releases through 2026 and 3) finding success in post-theatrical window licensing agreements. Theatrical releases typically require a large upfront capital commitment for marketing the film. We finance marketing activities for theatrical releases through two primary methods: 1) Regulation A offerings that are tailored to raise money for the print and advertising costs (“P&A”) for specific theatrical releases and 2) P&A loan agreements with individual and institutional investors. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we raised $13.2 million from Regulation A offerings and received $84.0 million from P&A loans, both of which were used for P&A in various theatrical releases during the year. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we raised $5.0 million from Regulation A offerings and received $23.3 million from P&A loans. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we paid $43.5 million for the repayments of P&A loans, including interest and paid $15.8 million as a redemption of shares for Regulation A investors, from the proceeds collected from the theatrical releases and other revenues earned. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid $17.9 million for the repayments of P&A loans, including interest and paid $0.0 million as a redemption of shares for Regulation A investors, from the proceeds collected from the theatrical releases and other revenues earned.
Additionally, we have raised capital through the sale of our common stock, generating approximately $104.1 million of cash during the year ended December 31, 2025 and we have grown from approximately 0.6 million Angel Guild members, as of December 31, 2024, to approximately 2.0 million Angel Guild members, as of December 31, 2025, generating approximately $254.8 million in cash from Angel Guild paid memberships during the year ended December 31, 2025. In addition, in February 2026, the second tranche of the Company’s Loan and Security Agreement was drawn, for an aggregate principal amount equal to $20.0 million. Management believes it will be able to continue to fund operating capital shortfalls for the next year through the issuance of debt and our common stock. While there is no assurance of success, management remains committed to its plans to grow revenues and manage expenses. If these efforts are not successful, or if securing debt and selling our common stock on acceptable terms proves challenging, we can reduce our spend on marketing of the Angel Guild, which could materially affect our growth, our financial condition and/or our ability to continue as a going concern.
Discussion of Operating, Investing, Financing Cash Flows
Operating Activities.Cash flows used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, were as follows:
For the year ended December 31,
Cash flows used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $83.3 million compared to cash flows used in operating activities of $51.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in cash used in operating activities during 2025, compared to 2024, is due largely to the larger net loss generated during the current year of $82.0 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $42.8 million resulting in less proceeds received, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $19.4 million, a higher deferred revenue balance of $26.1 million, a decrease in licensing receivables of $10.3 million, an increase in
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accrued licensing royalties of $23.3 million, and an increase in both depreciation and amortization expense of $6.5 million and stock-based compensation expense of $6.0 million.
Investing Activities.Cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, were as follows:
For the year ended December 31,
Return on investments in affiliates 165,774 — 165,774
Cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $55.6 million compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase of cash flows used was largely due to the increased cash spend for investments in affiliates of $31.5 million largely due to the investment in Giant Slayer Media, an increase of our purchase of content of $5.8 million largely due to the purchase of the IP for Sketch, the purchase of prepaid content rights of $3.0 million related to a First Look Agreement the Company entered into with an artist granting the Company the right of first refusal on the artist’s future projects, as well as a decrease in the disposition of digital assets of $2.2 million. Both periods saw moderate activity in issuing and collecting repayments on notes receivable, with more collections during 2024 being the result of several of our filmmakers paying us back these notes receivables during this period.