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National Cinemedia (NCMI)
NASDAQ:NCMI
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National Cinemedia (NCMI) AI Stock Analysis

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NCMI

National Cinemedia

(NASDAQ:NCMI)

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Neutral 54 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
$4.00
▼(-3.38% Downside)
National Cinemedia's overall score is driven by a mixed financial performance with strong revenue growth but profitability challenges. The technical analysis suggests a neutral trend, while valuation concerns persist due to a negative P/E ratio. The earnings call provides a positive outlook with growth in key areas, contributing to a slightly optimistic sentiment.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
The significant growth in programmatic revenue indicates strong demand and effective monetization strategies, supporting long-term revenue expansion.
Strategic Acquisition
The acquisition expands NCMI's market share and theater presence, enhancing its competitive position and potential for revenue synergies.
Cash Flow Improvement
Improved cash flow generation enhances financial flexibility, supporting investments in growth initiatives and debt reduction.
Negative Factors
Profitability Challenges
Persistent profitability issues may hinder long-term financial health and limit the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities.
Decline in Attendance
Decreasing attendance can impact advertising revenue, challenging the company's core business model and growth prospects.
Local Advertising Revenue Decline
A decline in local advertising revenue reflects market softness, potentially affecting overall revenue stability and growth.

National Cinemedia (NCMI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

National Cinemedia Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNational CineMedia, Inc., through its subsidiary, National CineMedia, LLC, operates cinema advertising network in North America. It engages in the sale of advertising to national, regional, and local businesses in Noovie, a cinema advertising and entertainment pre-show seen on movie screens; and sells advertising on its Lobby Entertainment Network, a series of strategically-placed screens located in movie theater lobbies, as well as other forms of advertising and promotions in theatre lobbies. The company is also engaged in the sale of online and mobile advertising through its Noovie Audience Accelerator product, as well as a suite of Noovie digital properties, such as Noovie Shuffle, Noovie Trivia, Name That Movie, and Noovie Arcade to reach entertainment audiences beyond the theater. It offers its services to third-party theater circuits under long-term network affiliate agreements. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado.
How the Company Makes MoneyNational Cinemedia generates revenue primarily through advertising sales. The company offers a range of advertising products, including on-screen ads, lobby displays, and mobile and digital extensions that allow brands to engage with audiences before, during, and after movies. Key revenue streams include national and local advertising contracts, where advertisers pay for visibility in front of captive audiences. NCMI also benefits from partnerships with major cinema chains, which provide access to their audiences and enhance the company's advertising reach. Additional revenue is derived from the sale of sponsorships and promotional events tied to movie releases. The company's earnings are bolstered by its ability to leverage data analytics to provide targeted advertising solutions, making ad placements more effective and appealing to advertisers.

National Cinemedia Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 30, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 11, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a generally positive outlook with significant growth in Programmatic and self-serve platforms, despite some declines in attendance and local advertising revenue. The stabilization of advertiser demand and anticipation of a strong fourth quarter contribute to an optimistic sentiment.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Stabilization of Advertiser Demand
Advertiser sentiment stabilized in the third quarter, with a rebound in demand across key advertising categories such as retail, automotive, wireless, and government.
Programmatic Revenue Growth
Programmatic revenue grew approximately 4x compared to the previous year, marking the strongest Programmatic quarter ever, with an 82% sequential increase.
Self-Serve Platform Growth
Self-serve platform revenue increased by 23% quarter-over-quarter, driven by expanded business development outreach and CRM-based activation.
National Advertising Revenue Increase
National advertising revenue totaled $49.9 million, up 6.6% from $46.8 million in the prior year period, driven by strong scatter demand and improved inventory utilization.
Strong Performance of Platinum Spot
Platinum Spot achieved an impressive 89% ad recall, with revenue up 19% compared to the prior year, and the highest third quarter Platinum sales in NCM's history.
Bullseye Product Success
The Bullseye product delivered more than 283,000 verified incremental store visits, representing a 110% lift in a recent cellular campaign.
Positive Outlook for Q4
Anticipated strong holiday slate with films like Wicked for Good, Avatar Fire & Ash, and Zootopia 2, already generating significant advertiser excitement.
Negative Updates
Decline in Overall Attendance
NCM's quarterly audience was down 11% compared with the third quarter of 2024, in line with the third quarter box office decline.
Local and Regional Advertising Revenue Decline
Local and regional advertising revenue was $9.6 million, down from $11.4 million in the prior year period, due to lingering softness in health care and professional services.
Lower Total Revenue Year-to-Date
Year-to-date total revenue was $150 million, down from $154.5 million in the same period last year, primarily due to macroeconomic uncertainty earlier in the year.
Negative Unlevered Free Cash Flow
Total unlevered free cash flow for the quarter was negative $1.8 million, driven by year-over-year increases in capital expenditures and system optimization costs.
Company Guidance
In the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, National CineMedia, Inc. reported total revenue of $63.4 million, within their guidance range of $62 million to $67 million, marking a 2% year-over-year increase. This growth was largely driven by improved national advertising demand, which totaled $49.9 million, up 6.6% from the previous year, despite a decline in overall attendance by 11% compared to Q3 2024. The company achieved an adjusted OIBDA of $10.2 million, aligning with expectations, and reflecting strong inventory utilization, especially in their Programmatic and self-serve advertising channels. Programmatic revenue saw a significant increase, approximately 4 times higher than the previous year, while self-serve platform revenue rose 23% quarter-over-quarter. National revenue per attendee increased by 20% year-over-year, reaching $0.46, the highest in five years. Local and regional advertising revenue, however, saw a decline to $9.6 million from $11.4 million the prior year. NCM ended the quarter with $32.9 million in cash and no debt, while announcing a quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share. The company remains optimistic about the fourth quarter, expecting revenue between $91 million and $98 million, driven by a strong holiday movie slate.

National Cinemedia Financial Statement Overview

Summary
National CineMedia shows potential with strong revenue growth of 42.5%, but profitability remains a concern with negative net and EBIT margins. The balance sheet is stable with low leverage, yet returns on equity are negative. Cash flow generation is improving with an 8.7% growth in free cash flow, but further enhancements in profitability and operational efficiency are needed.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
The income statement shows a mixed performance. While there is a notable revenue growth of 42.5% in the TTM period, the company struggles with profitability, evidenced by negative net and EBIT margins. The gross profit margin is relatively low, indicating cost pressures. The company needs to improve its operational efficiency to enhance profitability.
Balance Sheet
50
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03 in the TTM period, suggesting low leverage. However, the negative return on equity indicates challenges in generating returns for shareholders. The equity ratio is not provided, but the overall stability is moderate.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals a positive trend with an 8.7% growth in free cash flow in the TTM period. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, indicating efficient cash generation relative to net income. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio suggests room for improvement in cash profitability.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue236.40M240.80M165.20M249.20M114.60M90.40M
Gross Profit99.80M72.80M85.10M131.30M37.70M46.90M
EBITDA25.20M22.00M750.10M45.00M-18.00M129.40M
Net Income-15.10M-22.30M705.20M-28.70M-48.70M-65.40M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets451.90M568.60M567.70M792.40M817.40M886.20M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments29.90M75.20M34.60M64.50M101.50M180.60M
Total Debt11.00M24.20M16.00M1.14B1.12B1.08B
Total Liabilities101.40M157.40M133.20M1.26B1.20B1.15B
Stockholders Equity350.50M411.20M434.50M-515.30M-526.70M-473.10M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow26.30M54.50M-10.00M-50.20M-100.90M47.30M
Operating Cash Flow32.10M60.30M-6.70M-47.30M-95.20M55.30M
Investing Cash Flow-8.60M-5.70M32.60M-400.00K-5.40M15.60M
Financing Cash Flow-43.00M-14.10M-52.10M10.30M21.50M53.50M

National Cinemedia Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price4.14
Price Trends
50DMA
4.20
Negative
100DMA
4.40
Negative
200DMA
4.91
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
>-0.01
Negative
RSI
49.14
Neutral
STOCH
41.99
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For NCMI, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 4.14 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4.08, below the 50-day MA of 4.20, and below the 200-day MA of 4.91, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of >-0.01 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 49.14 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 41.99 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for NCMI.

National Cinemedia Risk Analysis

National Cinemedia disclosed 34 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. National Cinemedia 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

National Cinemedia Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
62
Neutral
$423.05M-0.04%7.22%97.88%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
56
Neutral
$989.64M-29.67%30.13%
54
Neutral
$403.47M-26.20-4.10%2.90%-3.67%34.36%
39
Underperform
$59.46M-341.04%-14.41%65.67%
39
Underperform
$400.91M-1.19-29.47%-7.12%-7.75%
31
Underperform
$5.26M-1.41-194.72%-11.51%74.52%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NCMI
National Cinemedia
4.14
-2.90
-41.19%
CCO
Clear Channel Outdoor
1.99
0.44
28.39%
BOC
Boston Omaha
13.45
-1.40
-9.43%
CDLX
Cardlytics
1.10
-2.76
-71.50%
ADV
Advantage Solutions
0.86
-2.58
-75.00%
VSME
VS Media Holdings Limited Class A
0.11
-0.99
-90.00%

National Cinemedia Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
National Cinemedia Acquires Spotlight Cinema Networks
Positive
Nov 17, 2025

On November 17, 2025, National CineMedia, Inc. announced the acquisition of Spotlight Cinema Networks, a company specializing in advertising for art house, luxury, and dine-in cinemas. This strategic move is set to increase NCM’s national market share by about 6% and expand its presence in New York and Los Angeles markets by 30%. The acquisition is expected to enhance NCM’s advertising network, providing access to luxury audiences and unlocking new revenue opportunities, with anticipated synergies to be realized in 2026. The transaction aligns with NCM’s growth strategy and commitment to long-term shareholder value.

Executive/Board Changes
National Cinemedia’s Sales President to Step Down
Negative
Nov 14, 2025

Catherine Sullivan, the President of Sales, Marketing, and Partnerships at National CineMedia, Inc., will step down from her role on November 13, 2025, and leave the company on December 1, 2025, due to the elimination of her position. Her departure will be classified as an ‘Involuntary Termination,’ entitling her to severance pay, and it is not related to any policy violation.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
National Cinemedia Appoints Simon Mullaly to Board
Positive
Oct 22, 2025

On October 21, 2025, National CineMedia, Inc. appointed Simon Mullaly to its Board of Directors, filling the vacancy left by Nathan ‘Tripp’ Lane. Mullaly, designated by Blantyre Capital, brings over 25 years of global capital markets experience, having previously worked at firms like Guggenheim Partners and Goldman Sachs. His appointment is expected to enhance the company’s strategic direction, leveraging his expertise in leveraged credit and special situations trading.

Executive/Board Changes
National CineMedia Director Nathan Lane Resigns
Neutral
Sep 29, 2025

On September 26, 2025, Nathan “Tripp” Lane resigned from National CineMedia’s Board of Directors and all associated committees, with his departure not stemming from any disagreement with the company. His resignation allows Blantyre Capital Limited to designate a replacement, as per their Director Designation Agreement, with the company planning to appoint the nominee after ensuring compliance with fiduciary duties and applicable laws.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025