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Imax Corp. (IMAX)
NYSE:IMAX

IMAX (IMAX) AI Stock Analysis

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IMAX

(NYSE:IMAX)

69Neutral
IMAX presents a balanced investment profile with strong financial performance and positive strategic guidance. The company’s operational efficiency and cash generation are key strengths, complemented by promising international market expansions. However, the high P/E ratio and lack of momentum indicators pose risks. The recent earnings call emphasized robust growth projections, particularly in China, and strategic partnerships, contributing positively to the score.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
IMAX is positioned to deliver accelerated financial growth, driven by a record number of Filmed for IMAX titles, a robust local-language pipeline in China, and continued global expansion of its premium exhibition network.
Market Expansion
IMAX is poised to benefit from structural tailwinds in premium theatrical content due to improved screen utilization, deepening filmmaker partnerships, and expanding system installations across underpenetrated markets.
Negative Factors
Political Uncertainty
Recent speculation suggested that China might ban Hollywood film imports, although officials familiar with Chinese film regulation emphasize that no new directives to halt film imports have been issued.
Regulatory Risks
Recent speculation suggested that China might ban Hollywood film imports as part of its broader policy response to global tariff disputes.

IMAX (IMAX) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

IMAX Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionIMAX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an entertainment technology company worldwide. It offers cinematic solution through proprietary software, theater architecture, intellectual property, and specialized equipment. The company offers IMAX Digital Re-Mastering (DMR), a proprietary technology that digitally enhances the image resolution, visual clarity, and sound quality of motion picture films for projection on IMAX screens; IMAX theater systems to exhibitor customers through sales, leases, and joint revenue sharing arrangements; and digital projection systems. It also provides preventative and emergency maintenance services to IMAX network; distributes large-format documentary films; film post-production and quality control services for large-format films, and digital post-production services; owns and operates IMAX theaters; and rents 2D and 3D large-format film and digital cameras, as well as offers production advice and technical assistance services to documentary and Hollywood filmmakers. The company markets its theater systems through a direct sales force and marketing staff to science and natural history museums, zoos, aquaria, and other educational and cultural centers, as well as theme parks, private home theaters, tourist destination sites, fairs, and expositions. It owns or otherwise has rights to trademarks and trade names, which include IMAX, IMAX Dome, IMAX 3D, IMAX 3D Dome, Experience It in IMAX, The IMAX Experience, An IMAX Experience, An IMAX 3D Experience, IMAX DMR, DMR, IMAX Enhanced, IMAX nXos, and Films To The Fullest. As of December 31, 2021, the company had a network of 1,683 IMAX theater systems comprising 1,599 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, and 72 institutional facilities operating in 87 countries and territories. IMAX Corporation was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyIMAX Corporation generates revenue primarily through several key streams: technology licensing, theater system sales and maintenance, and film distribution. The company licenses its proprietary projection and sound systems to movie theaters, which pay for the installation and ongoing use of IMAX technology. This includes both the initial sale or lease of the equipment and subsequent maintenance and service contracts. Additionally, IMAX earns revenue by distributing specially formatted films and co-producing IMAX-specific content, often partnering with major film studios to release blockbusters in the IMAX format. These partnerships enhance the company's earnings through box office revenue shares and distribution fees. Thus, IMAX's business model capitalizes on its unique technological offerings and strategic alliances within the global film industry.

IMAX Financial Statement Overview

Summary
IMAX exhibits a solid financial standing with improvements in profitability and cash generation. While revenue growth has slowed, the company has managed to enhance its margins and cash flow, pointing to operational efficiencies. The leverage is moderate but should be monitored to prevent excessive risk. Overall, IMAX maintains a stable financial position with areas of strength in profitability and cash flow.
Income Statement
72
Positive
IMAX has shown improvement in its income statement metrics over the years. The gross profit margin has remained stable, reflecting effective cost management. Although the revenue declined by 6% from 2023 to 2024, the net profit margin improved slightly due to better cost controls. The EBIT and EBITDA margins have improved significantly from 2022 levels, indicating operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
IMAX's balance sheet indicates moderate stability. The debt-to-equity ratio is manageable, reflecting a balanced approach to leveraging. The equity ratio has decreased slightly over the years, indicating a slight increase in leverage risk. Return on equity has improved due to positive net income, signaling better utilization of equity capital.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
The cash flow statement shows a strong operating cash flow to net income ratio, suggesting that net income translates well into cash. The free cash flow has grown significantly from 2023 to 2024, indicating robust cash generation capacity. However, fluctuations in free cash flow in prior years highlight potential volatility in cash management.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
352.21M374.84M300.81M254.88M137.00M
Gross Profit
190.20M214.34M156.35M134.41M21.54M
EBIT
43.86M50.40M-4.83M10.98M-121.82M
EBITDA
111.28M112.96M52.77M74.16M-69.41M
Net Income Common Stockholders
26.06M25.34M-22.80M-22.33M-143.78M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
100.59M76.20M97.40M189.71M317.38M
Total Assets
830.40M814.67M821.15M883.25M997.75M
Total Debt
266.26M252.06M263.02M226.11M305.68M
Net Debt
165.66M175.85M165.62M36.40M-11.70M
Total Liabilities
452.18M469.08M491.39M452.88M532.98M
Stockholders Equity
299.47M273.14M263.36M356.08M385.49M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
29.62M25.78M-15.30M-11.71M-32.27M
Operating Cash Flow
70.84M58.62M17.32M6.07M-23.01M
Investing Cash Flow
-41.22M-31.79M-53.29M-7.00K-9.26M
Financing Cash Flow
-6.04M-48.53M-58.51M-132.72M240.57M

IMAX Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price21.44
Price Trends
50DMA
25.34
Negative
100DMA
25.00
Negative
200DMA
22.65
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.43
Negative
RSI
57.07
Neutral
STOCH
52.88
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For IMAX, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 21.44 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 25.33, below the 50-day MA of 25.34, and below the 200-day MA of 22.65, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of 0.43 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 57.07 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 52.88 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for IMAX.

IMAX Risk Analysis

IMAX disclosed 29 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. IMAX reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

IMAX Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (58)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
69
Neutral
$1.14B44.459.10%-6.04%6.43%
CNCNK
66
Neutral
$3.29B13.5767.31%0.29%-0.56%63.92%
63
Neutral
$1.45B11.551222.83%7.44%71.46%
58
Neutral
$26.25B2.79-10.85%4.33%2.15%-44.22%
AMAMC
50
Neutral
$1.27B20.03%-3.64%48.94%
38
Underperform
$1.73B168.75%-2.85%75.96%
37
Underperform
$1.73B259.47%-2.85%75.96%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
IMAX
IMAX
21.44
5.11
31.29%
CNK
Cinemark Holdings
27.93
10.31
58.51%
AMC
AMC Entertainment
2.95
0.48
19.43%
LGF.A
Lions Gate Entertainment Class A
7.68
-2.87
-27.20%
LGF.B
Lions Gate Entertainment Class B
6.90
-2.90
-29.59%
MSGE
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
30.30
-8.29
-21.48%

IMAX Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 19, 2025 | % Change Since: -21.23% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 23, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted IMAX's strong strategic positioning, expansion, and financial performance, particularly with a record-breaking start to 2025 in the Chinese market. Despite challenges in 2024, the company has shown resilience and adaptability, setting the stage for a promising year ahead.
Highlights
Record-Breaking Chinese New Year Performance
IMAX experienced a historic Chinese New Year slate, achieving more than $120 million in box office revenue and surpassing their previous record of $66 million in 2023.
Expansion of Global Network
IMAX expanded its global network, signing 130 systems and installing 146 systems in 2024, with 57% under joint revenue sharing arrangements.
Strong Adjusted EBITDA and EPS Growth
For Q4, adjusted EBITDA increased by 48% to $37 million, and adjusted EPS grew by 59% to $0.27 per share.
Strategic Partnerships and Content Expansion
IMAX secured a first-of-its-kind partnership with Netflix for Greta Gerwig's Narnia, and expanded its content portfolio to a record 118 films, including 61 local language films.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Management
IMAX improved operating cash flows by 21% year-over-year to $71 million and achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 39% for the full year.
Lowlights
Softness in the China Box Office in 2024
IMAX experienced a significant headwind due to softness in the China box office in 2024, attributed to an unfavorable mix of local language films.
Impact of Hollywood Strikes
The 2024 domestic box office was affected by strike-impacted slate and some high-profile studio misses, although IMAX matched its highest grossing year despite these challenges.
Company Guidance
During the IMAX Corporation's fourth quarter 2024 earnings call, CEO Richard Gelfond outlined the company's strong financial performance and strategic advances, projecting over $1.2 billion in IMAX grosses for 2025. He highlighted a 48% increase in adjusted EBITDA to $37 million and a 59% rise in adjusted EPS to $0.27 per share for the fourth quarter. For the full year 2024, IMAX reported revenues of $352 million with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 39%, achieving the high end of their guidance. Gelfond also emphasized the record-breaking success of the Chinese New Year slate, which surpassed $120 million, indicating a robust turnaround in the China market. Additionally, the company achieved 146 system installations, with 57% under joint revenue sharing arrangements, and secured 130 system signings, with 60% of new locations in growth markets outside North America. Looking ahead, IMAX expects continued growth driven by a strong film slate and expanded global network, with guidance for adjusted EBITDA margin to be at least 40% in 2025.

IMAX Corporate Events

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
IMAX Partners with Netflix for Exclusive Film Release
Positive
Jan 17, 2025

On January 17, 2025, IMAX Corporation announced an agreement with Netflix to exclusively showcase Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film ‘Narnia’ across its global theater network for two weeks, starting Thanksgiving 2026. This collaboration underscores IMAX’s strategic positioning in providing a unique cinematic experience and highlights its ongoing efforts to partner with major content creators like Netflix, potentially enhancing its market presence and stakeholder value.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.