IMAX Q2 Deep Dive: Installation and Box Office Gains Drive Margins, Network Expansion Accelerates

July 25, 2025 at 01:33 AM EDT

IMAX Cover Image

Premium cinema technology company IMAX (NYSE: IMAX) reported Q2 CY2025 results topping the market’s revenue expectations, with sales up 3.1% year on year to $91.68 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.26 per share was 15.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

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IMAX (IMAX) Q2 CY2025 Highlights:

Revenue: $91.68 million vs analyst estimates of $90.79 million (3.1% year-on-year growth, 1% beat)
Adjusted EPS: $0.26 vs analyst estimates of $0.23 (15.1% beat)
Adjusted EBITDA: $36.69 million vs analyst estimates of $33.4 million (40% margin, 9.8% beat)
Operating Margin: 15.6%, up from 3.2% in the same quarter last year
Market Capitalization: $1.52 billion

StockStory’s Take

IMAX’s second quarter results modestly surpassed Wall Street’s expectations, as management credited growth in system installations and significant box office gains for the company’s operating performance. CEO Richard Gelfond cited a 50% increase in installations and over 40% box office growth as key factors. The company’s strategy to focus on “film for IMAX” releases, which feature exclusive content and marketing partnerships with studios, helped drive higher per-screen averages and market share. Gelfond noted, “We’re moving higher in our range for full year installations to between 150 and 160 systems worldwide.”

Looking forward, IMAX’s guidance is anchored by a robust film slate and continued global network expansion. Management anticipates strong demand from exhibitors, particularly in high-performing markets such as Japan, France, and the United States. CFO Natasha Fernandes emphasized that a replenished and growing backlog of system signings provides visibility into future expansion, while upcoming blockbuster releases and diversified content—including local language films and alternative events—are expected to support ongoing box office momentum. Fernandes stated, “We have a significant and replenishing backlog with a clear path to years of network growth.”

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management attributed the quarter’s performance to higher installation activity, robust box office results for major releases, and operational efficiencies that expanded margins.

System installations surged: IMAX recorded 36 new or upgraded installations in the quarter, with notable expansion in Japan, France, and the Netherlands. Year-to-date, the company is tracking toward its largest-ever network expansions in several countries, reflecting elevated exhibitor demand.
Box office share increased: Major “film for IMAX” releases, such as Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning and Sinners, captured double-digit percentage shares of their global box office during exclusive IMAX runs. The company’s box office market share rose to 3.6% globally and 5.3% domestically, despite representing less than 1% of screens.
Diverse content mix: IMAX’s local language film strategy led to a record opening in Japan with Demon Slayer and expanded its box office contributions from non-Hollywood content to around 40% of the total. The company is also growing its alternative content portfolio, including music events and live programming.
Operational efficiency gains: Management highlighted a $3 million year-over-year reduction in core operating expenses due to organizational streamlining and technology investments. These efforts contributed to a 58% gross margin in Content Solutions and a 54% margin in Technology Products and Services.
Expanded credit facility: IMAX increased its revolving credit facility from $300 million to $375 million, extending its term to 2030. Management sees this as reinforcing its capital position and supporting growth investments, particularly as exhibitor partners accelerate IMAX system adoption.

Drivers of Future Performance

IMAX’s outlook is shaped by upcoming high-profile film releases, ongoing network growth, and its ability to diversify content beyond traditional Hollywood titles.

Blockbuster-driven momentum: Management believes that a strong pipeline of “film for IMAX” releases—including franchises such as Avatar, Star Wars, and Super Mario Brothers—will underpin box office and revenue growth in the next several quarters. Several titles are already locked in for 2026 and 2027.
Geographic expansion and backlog: The company expects continued system signings and installations, with a growing backlog in high per-screen average markets like the U.S., Japan, and Australia. Fernandes noted that less than half of addressable market zones globally have IMAX systems, providing a long runway for network expansion.
Content diversity and risks: Management is increasing its focus on local language films and alternative content, such as music and live events, to reduce reliance on Hollywood releases. However, competition from premium large format (PLF) screens and possible shifts in exhibitor strategies could present future risks to installation and box office share.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) the rollout and box office performance of upcoming “film for IMAX” titles, (2) the pace of new system installations and signings in key international markets, and (3) progress in diversifying content offerings, particularly local language films and alternative events. Continued operational discipline and execution on backlog conversion will be additional markers we track.

IMAX currently trades at $28.29, down from $29.04 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).

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