Underscoring the power of its global platform, IMAX exceeds consensus expectations and posts strong year-over-year growth for the second quarter across key metrics:
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Revenue of $103 million, up 12% year-over-year
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Strong operating profitability with Net Income margin of 15.5% and Adjusted EBITDA(3) margin of 46.6%
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Net income per diluted share of 27 cents, up 35% year-over year and record Q2 Adjusted EPS(2,3) of 43 cents, up 65% year-over-year
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Year-to-date Cash from Operating Activities of $36 million, up 19% year-over-year
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Amidst worldwide fan frenzy for IMAX, the Company delivers 20% of the global box office in record-breaking $52 million(1) opening weekend of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey – the first full-length theatrical release ever shot entirely with IMAX film cameras
Record-breaking box office holds indicate historic IMAX run ahead for The Odyssey, with the Company achieving its highest grossing Monday and Tuesday ever and approximately $60 million in presales for future showtimes
Network growth momentum continues, with highest Q2 installations (38) in a decade, and International excluding China network expansion of 9% year-over-year
The Odyssey kicks off a stellar second half 2026 slate culminating with Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three and including Spider-man: Brand New Day (China, Japan and South Korea), Tom Cruise's Digger, and the IMAX-exclusive theatrical release of Netflix's Cliff Booth project, along with multiple local language blockbusters
NEW YORK, July 23, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) today reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2026, demonstrating the value of its unique global entertainment platform and broad content portfolio.
"As we enter the second half of 2026, Christopher Nolan's breathtaking The Odyssey — the first-ever full-length theatrical release filmed entirely with IMAX film cameras — is emerging as a transformational event for IMAX, as the purest and most complete expression yet of the power of our global platform," said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. "In its debut, The Odyssey achieved the biggest IMAX opening weekend of all time in like-for-like markets(1) and delivered the highest IMAX international market share in like-for-like markets of any major release in our history."
"The Odyssey has the potential to impact our business in many ways that are clear — and many ways we can't yet predict, as its success on our platform reverberates across the creative community, and throughout the entertainment landscape. In the near-term, the film gives us excellent momentum as we enter the second half of the year, with a strong slate that culminates with Dune: Part Three, which was also shot with IMAX film cameras and will be presented in IMAX 70mm film."
"We are very pleased with our strong results for the second quarter — in which we handily beat consensus estimates across key financial metrics — and look forward to building on our momentum to deliver global box office growth, network expansion worldwide, new opportunities for our brand and continued value for our shareholders."
(1) | IMAX global box office for The Odyssey does not include box office in South.Korea, Mainland China and Japan which open The Odyssey on Aug 5, Aug 14 and Sep 11, respectively. | |||
(2) | Attributable to common shareholders. | |||
(3) | Non-GAAP Financial Measure. See the discussion at the end of this earnings release for a description of the non-GAAP financial measures used herein, as well as reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP amounts. |
Second Quarter Financial Highlights
Three Months Ended June 30, (Unaudited) | Six Months Ended June 30, (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||||
In millions of U.S. Dollars, except per share data | 2026 | 2025 | YoY % | 2026 | 2025 | YoY % | |||||||||||||||
Total Revenue | $ | 102.8 | $ | 91.7 | 12 | % | $ | 184.2 | $ | 178.4 | 3 | % | |||||||||
Gross Margin | $ | 62.9 | $ | 53.6 | 17 | % | $ | 108.7 | $ | 106.8 | 2 | % | |||||||||
Gross Margin (%) | 61.2 | % | 58.5 | % | 270bps | 59.0 | % | 59.9 | % | (90bps) | |||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 15.9 | $ | 12.2 | 30 | % | $ | 22.0 | $ | 20.4 | 8 | % | |||||||||
Net Income Margin (%) | 15.5 | % | 13.3 | % | 220bps | 11.9 | % | 11.4 | % | 50bps | |||||||||||
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders | $ | 15.4 | $ | 11.3 | 36 | % | $ | 19.6 | $ | 13.6 | 44 | % | |||||||||
Net Income Per Share - Diluted(1) | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.20 | 35 | % | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.25 | 40 | % | |||||||||
Total Adjusted EBITDA(2)(3) | $ | 48.0 | $ | 39.1 | 23 | % | $ | 78.5 | $ | 76.0 | 3 | % | |||||||||
Total Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%)(2)(3) | 46.6 | % | 42.6 | % | 400bps | 42.6 | % | 42.6 | % | —bps | |||||||||||
Adjusted Net Income(1)(2) | $ | 24.2 | $ | 14.6 | 66 | % | $ | 33.8 | $ | 21.8 | 55 | % | |||||||||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share - Diluted(1)(2) | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.26 | 65 | % | $ | 0.60 | $ | 0.40 | 50 | % | |||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding (in millions): | |||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 55.0 | 53.8 | 2 | % | 54.5 | 53.4 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||
Diluted | 56.6 | 55.2 | 3 | % | 56.5 | 55.1 | 3 | % |
(1) | Attributable to common shareholders. | |||
(2) | Non-GAAP Financial Measure. See the discussion at the end of this earnings release for a description of the non-GAAP financial measures used herein, as well as reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP amounts. | |||
(3) | Total Adjusted EBITDA is before adjustments for non-controlling interests. Total Adjusted EBITDA per Credit Facility attributable to common shareholders, excluding non-controlling interests, was $45.6 million and $72.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026, respectively (2025 - $36.7 million and $65.7 million, respectively). The Company's Credit Facility covenant is calculated on a trailing twelve-month basis. |
Second Quarter Segment Results(1)
Content Solutions | Technology Products and Services | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | Gross Margin | Gross Margin % | Revenue | Gross Margin | Gross Margin % | ||||||||||||||||
2Q26 | $ | 34.7 | $ | 21.9 | 63 | % | $ | 64.8 | $ | 39.0 | 60 | % | |||||||||
2Q25 | 34.0 | 22.4 | 66 | % | 55.6 | 30.2 | 54 | % | |||||||||||||
% change | 2 | % | (2 | %) | 16 | % | 29 | % | |||||||||||||
YTD26 | $ | 66.1 | $ | 40.2 | 61 | % | $ | 113.1 | $ | 65.9 | 58 | % | |||||||||
YTD25 | 68.2 | 46.0 | 67 | % | 106.2 | 59.3 | 56 | % | |||||||||||||
% change | (3 | %) | (13 | %) | 7 | % | 11 | % |
(1) | Please refer to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2026 for additional segment information. |
Content Solutions Segment
Second quarter Content Solutions revenues and gross margin increased 2% to $35 million and decreased 2% to $22 million year-over-year, respectively, reflecting IMAX's diversified global model delivering a 63% gross margin.
Second quarter global box office of $285 million marked IMAX's highest Q2 box office since 2019 and increased 1% year-over-year driven by strong 24% box office growth in International markets excluding Mainland China. Top grossing second quarter titles included Michael ($69 million), The Mandalorian & Grogu ($42 million), and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($39 million).
Technology Products and Services Segment
Second quarter Technology Products and Services revenues and gross margin increased 16% to $65 million and 29% to $39 million year-over-year, respectively, driven by higher systems sales, rental revenues and amendments and renewals of existing agreements.
During the second quarter of 2026, the Company installed 38 systems compared to 36 systems in the second quarter of 2025. Of the 2026 installs, 18 systems were under sales arrangements, compared to 13 in the prior year.
Commercial network growth continued with the number of IMAX locations reaching 1,809 systems as of June 30, 2026 compared to 1,750 systems as of June 30, 2025 which includes 9% expansion of the IMAX rest of world footprint. The Company ended Q2 2026 with a backlog of 421 IMAX systems.
Operating Cash Flow and Liquidity
Net cash provided by operating activities for first half 2026 increased 19% year-over-year to $36 million, reflecting higher operating profits and improvements in working capital driven by higher collections.
As of June 30, 2026, the Company's available liquidity was $551 million. The Company's liquidity included cash and cash equivalents of $160 million, $334 million in available borrowing capacity under the Company's revolving credit facility, and $57 million in available borrowing capacity under IMAX China's revolving facilities. Total debt, excluding deferred financing costs, was $292 million as of June 30, 2026.
In 2025, the Company issued $250 million of 0.750% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 ("2030 Convertible Notes"). In connection with the pricing of the 2030 Convertible Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with an initial cap price of $57.10 per share of the Company's common shares.
Share Count and Capital Return
The weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding in the second quarter of 2026 were 55.0 million and 56.6 million, respectively, compared to 53.8 million and 55.2 million in the second quarter of 2025.
During the second quarter of 2026, the Company repurchased 404,866 common shares at an average price of $33.91 per share, for a total of $13.7 million, excluding commission. During the second quarter of 2025, the Company did not have any repurchases of common shares.
In June 2025, the Company's Board of Directors approved an extension of its share repurchase program through June 30, 2026 and an increase of approximately $100.0 million in the Company's share repurchase program. As of June 30, 2026, the Company's total share repurchase authority was $500.0 million with approximately $237.0 million available under the program.
Supplemental Materials
For more information about the Company's results, please refer to the IMAX Investor Relations website located at investors.imax.com.
Investor Relations Website
On a monthly basis, the Company posts quarter-to-date box office results on the IMAX Investor Relations website located at investors.imax.com. The Company expects to provide such updates within five business days of month-end, although the Company may change this timing without notice.
The Company may post additional information on the Company's corporate and Investor Relations websites, which may be material to investors. Accordingly, investors, media and others interested in the Company should monitor the Company's website in addition to the Company's press releases, United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or in Canada, the System for Electronic Data Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR+") filings and public conference calls and webcasts, for additional information about the Company. References to our website address and domain names throughout this release are for informational purposes only, or to fulfill specific disclosure requirements of the SEC's rules or The New York Stock Exchange Listing Standards. These references are not intended to, and do not, incorporate the contents of our websites by reference into this release.
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call today at 8:30 AM ET to discuss its second quarter 2026 financial results. This call is being webcast and can be accessed at investors.imax.com. To access the call via telephone, interested parties please pre-register at: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI3274f7133629408aacb9aff84db92ce1 and you will be provided with a dial-in number and unique pin. To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the call will be available via webcast at investors.imax.com.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX's principal executive offices are located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and New York, New York. As of June 30, 2026, there were 1,876 IMAX systems (1,809 commercial multiplexes, 10 commercial destinations, 57 institutional locations) operating in 91 countries and territories.
Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970".
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX Live®, and IMAX Enhanced® are trademarks and trade names of the Company or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.imax.com. You can also connect with IMAX on Instagram (www.instagram.com/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/imax), X (www.twitter.com/imax), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
Forward-Looking Statements
This earnings release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX Corporation (the "Company") management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could affect our future results and cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "accelerate," "believe," "continue," "could," "expect," "future," "grow," "look forward to," "may," "potential," "momentum," "will" or the negative or other variations thereon or comparable terminology.
These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding: the Company's business and technology strategies and measures to implement such strategies; the Company's competitive strengths, differentiation, goals, market opportunity and penetration, including opportunities in and expected growth from international markets, momentum and runway for expansion and growth of business, networks, operations and technology; capital allocation, including with respect to share repurchase programs; the Company's technological capabilities and the differentiation thereof; future releases of films and other content to the IMAX network, including the timing of such releases, the anticipated box office revenues, and other effects thereof; and plans and references to the future success of the Company and expectations regarding its future operating, financial and technological results, including its box office guidance for 2026.
These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with the expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: risks associated with the Company's investments, operations, and future expansion in foreign jurisdictions, including the impact of economic, political and regulatory policies and laws of the United States, Canada, and China, tariffs and other trade regulations, and economic and trade tensions, trade wars, and geopolitical conflicts; risks related to the Company's growth and operations in China, including the impact of industry conditions to both the Company and its partners; the ability of the Company's exhibitor customers to fulfill their contractual payment obligations; risks related to the Company's ability to attract and retain its employee population or the loss of the Company's key personnel; the performance of IMAX remastered films and other films released to the IMAX network; conditions, changes and developments in the commercial exhibition industry; the Company's ability to enter into new IMAX theater system agreements and sales and lease agreements and the effects thereof; fluctuations in operating results and cash flow; currency fluctuations and foreign exchange controls; the potential impact of increased competition in the markets within which the Company operates, including competitive actions by other companies; the ability of the Company to respond to change and advancements in technology, including with respect to AI products and AI-generated content; the potential impacts of consolidation among commercial exhibitors and studios; success of brand extensions and new business initiatives; conditions and competition in the in-home (including streaming) and out-of-home entertainment industries; the Company's ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities (or lack thereof); cybersecurity and data privacy incidents; the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property and to avoid infringing, misappropriating, or violating the intellectual property rights of others; effects of environmental laws and regulations, including with respect to climate change; weather conditions and natural disasters that may disrupt or harm the Company's business; effects of the Company's indebtedness on its cash flow and business activities and the Company's ability to comply with its debt agreements; general economic, market or business conditions; sustained inflationary pressure; political, economic and social instability and the resulting disruptions to the Company's operations or supply chain; the Company's ability to convert system backlog into revenue and cash flows; accuracy of assumptions underlying goodwill impairment assessment and fair value measurements; changes in laws, regulations or accounting principles; any statements of belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; other factors and risks outlined in the Company's periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or in Canada, the System for Electronic Data Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR+"); and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this earnings release are qualified by these cautionary statements, and actual results or anticipated developments by the Company may not be realized, and even if substantially realized, may not have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These factors, other risks and uncertainties and financial details are discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as may be updated in filings the Company makes from time to time with the SEC, including the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
IMAX Network and Backlog
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025(1) | ||||
System Signings(2): | |||||||
Sales Arrangements | 29 | 15 | 50 | 34 | |||
Traditional JRSA | 7 | 13 | 9 | 89 | |||
Total IMAX System Signings | 36 | 28 | 59 | 123 | |||
(1) | Includes 70 traditional JRSA systems with AMC Entertainment in 2025. |
(2) | System signings include new signings of 29 in Q2 2026, 39 in YTD 2026, 26 in Q2 2025 and 63 in YTD 2025. |
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | ||||||
June 30, | June 30, | ||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||
System Installations(1): | |||||||
Sales Arrangements | 18 | 13 | 26 | 26 | |||
Traditional JRSA | 20 | 23 | 31 | 31 | |||
Total IMAX System Installations | 38 | 36 | 57 | 57 | |||
(1) | System installations include new systems installations of 17 in Q2 202625 in Q2 YTD18 in Q2 2025 and 32 in YTD 2025. |
As of June 30, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
System Backlog: | |||
Sales Arrangements | 234 | 165 | |
Hybrid JRSA | 5 | 94 | |
Traditional JRSA | 182 | 242 | |
Total System Backlog(1) | 421 | 501 | |
(1) Greater China backlog changes include first half installations along with restructuring of certain contracts resulting in cancellation of backlog for 17 system locations deemed mutually to no longer be beneficial to IMAX and its exhibition customers. | |||
As of June 30, | |||
2026 | 2025 | ||
System Network: | |||
Commercial Multiplex Systems | |||
Sales Arrangements | 928 | 851 | |
Hybrid JRSA | 82 | 119 | |
Traditional JRSA | 799 | 780 | |
Total Commercial Multiplex Systems | 1,809 | 1,750 | |
Commercial Destination Systems | 10 | 11 | |
Institutional Systems | 57 | 60 | |
Total System Network | 1,876 | 1,821 |
IMAX CORPORATION | |||||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | |||||||||||||||
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
Revenues | |||||||||||||||
Technology sales | $ | 26,654 | $ | 18,842 | $ | 40,068 | $ | 32,366 | |||||||
Image enhancement and maintenance services | 53,160 | 50,854 | 101,744 | 101,607 | |||||||||||
Technology rentals | 20,000 | 19,116 | 36,624 | 38,427 | |||||||||||
Finance income | 3,028 | 2,872 | 5,785 | 5,951 | |||||||||||
102,842 | 91,684 | 184,221 | 178,351 | ||||||||||||
Costs and expenses applicable to revenues | |||||||||||||||
Technology sales | 9,606 | 9,352 | 15,162 | 16,575 | |||||||||||
Image enhancement and maintenance services | 22,558 | 21,376 | 45,494 | 40,821 | |||||||||||
Technology rentals | 7,782 | 7,354 | 14,858 | 14,177 | |||||||||||
39,946 | 38,082 | 75,514 | 71,573 | ||||||||||||
Gross margin | 62,896 | 53,602 | 108,707 | 106,778 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 34,528 | 35,302 | 67,016 | 68,764 | |||||||||||
Research and development | 1,655 | 1,542 | 3,459 | 2,860 | |||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 2,164 | 1,809 | 4,192 | 3,540 | |||||||||||
Credit loss expense (reversal), net | 1,481 | (183 | ) | 1,021 | (309 | ) | |||||||||
Restructuring charges and other impairments | 2,294 | 786 | 2,294 | 843 | |||||||||||
Income from operations | 20,774 | 14,346 | 30,725 | 31,080 | |||||||||||
Realized and unrealized investment gains | 18 | 33 | 54 | 65 | |||||||||||
Retirement benefits non-service expense | (67 | ) | (133 | ) | (134 | ) | (203 | ) | |||||||
Interest income | 651 | 1,114 | 1,119 | 1,654 | |||||||||||
Interest expense | (1,961 | ) | (1,927 | ) | (3,857 | ) | (3,728 | ) | |||||||
Income before taxes | 19,415 | 13,433 | 27,907 | 28,868 | |||||||||||
Income tax expense | (3,507 | ) | (1,198 | ) | (5,928 | ) | (8,483 | ) | |||||||
Net income | 15,908 | 12,235 | 21,979 | 20,385 | |||||||||||
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | (506 | ) | (980 | ) | (2,351 | ) | (6,803 | ) | |||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders | $ | 15,402 | $ | 11,255 | $ | 19,628 | $ | 13,582 | |||||||
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.25 | |||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.25 | |||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding (in thousands): | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 54,951 | 53,751 | 54,537 | 53,448 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 56,569 | 55,161 | 56,475 | 55,064 | |||||||||||
Additional Disclosure: | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 15,675 | $ | 15,896 | $ | 30,911 | $ | 30,809 | |||||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | $ | 528 | $ | 492 | $ | 1,056 | $ | 984 |
IMAX CORPORATION | |||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | |||||||
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share amounts) | |||||||
(Unaudited) | |||||||
June 30, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 159,917 | $ | 151,168 | |||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses | 114,561 | 108,079 | |||||
Financing receivables, net of allowance for credit losses | 118,396 | 121,954 | |||||
Variable consideration receivables, net of allowance for credit losses | 97,461 | 91,402 | |||||
Inventories | 39,245 | 32,505 | |||||
Prepaid expenses | 14,333 | 14,881 | |||||
Film assets, net of accumulated amortization | 18,401 | 15,529 | ... |