Kinepolis expands IMAX network across Europe and North America

LAS VEGAS - Kinepolis Group, in partnership with IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX), has announced the addition of nine new IMAX locations, expanding their global reach across Europe, the United States, and Canada. IMAX, currently valued at $1.37 billion, has demonstrated remarkable market performance with a 61.66% return over the past year, trading near its 52-week high of $27.77. This development nearly doubles Kinepolis’ IMAX presence in Europe, bringing the total to 13 venues with new sites in France, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands. The announcement, made at CinemaCon 2025 today, comes as IMAX celebrates a robust first quarter and the approach of a summer filled with major film releases. According to InvestingPro analysis, IMAX maintains a strong financial health score, with current assets nearly four times its short-term obligations.

Eddy Duquenne, CEO of Kinepolis Group, emphasized their dedication to premium cinema experiences and the role of IMAX in enhancing Hollywood’s most significant films. Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, echoed this sentiment and expressed enthusiasm for the growing demand for their platform.

Eight of the forthcoming locations are scheduled to open before the end of 2025, marking Kinepolis and IMAX’s first collaboration in the Netherlands and an expanded presence with MJR Cinemas in Michigan. Kinepolis, through its wholly owned subsidiaries MJR Theatres and Landmark, will implement the new IMAX with Laser systems, designed to provide a superior moviegoing experience with 4K laser projection, precision audio, and a wide color range exclusive to IMAX screens.

The new IMAX locations will be equipped with the latest technology to deliver high-resolution, contrast-rich, and vividly colored imagery, redefining the immersive viewing experience for audiences.

IMAX Corporation, known for its innovative entertainment technology, collaborates with top filmmakers and studios to offer audiences unique cinematic experiences. With a network that is a key theatrical distribution platform for major event films globally, IMAX continues to expand its footprint, with 1,807 systems operating in 90 countries and territories as of December 31, 2024.

This expansion by Kinepolis and IMAX underscores the sustained appetite for high-quality cinema experiences and the strategic growth of both companies in the entertainment industry. The information reported is based on a press release statement. With IMAX’s next earnings report scheduled for April 24, 2025, analysts maintain a bullish outlook with price targets ranging from $16 to $35. InvestingPro subscribers can access 11 additional exclusive tips and comprehensive analysis about IMAX’s financial health and growth prospects through the platform’s detailed Pro Research Report.

In other recent news, IMAX Corporation’s financial performance and strategic developments have captured investor attention. The company reported fourth-quarter earnings for 2024 with an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.27, missing the forecasted $0.42, and revenue of $92.7 million against an expected $118.33 million. Despite these misses, IMAX achieved an 8% year-over-year growth in Q4 revenue and a 21% improvement in operating cash flows. Benchmark analysts maintained their Buy rating with a $30 price target, citing IMAX’s direct-to-consumer segment growth and upcoming product launches as potential growth drivers, despite concerns about profitability and cost management.

Rosenblatt Securities upgraded their price target for IMAX to $35, maintaining a Buy rating, following a strong start to the first quarter with successful film releases like "Captain America: Brave New World" and "Ne Zha 2," the latter grossing over $1.3 billion globally. Analysts at Rosenblatt are optimistic about IMAX’s prospects, highlighting a record number of films shot specifically for the IMAX format, which could exceed financial forecasts. The company’s strategic focus on expanding its content portfolio and global network, alongside cost management improvements, sets a positive outlook for 2025.

IMAX’s financial outlook for 2025 remains strong with plans to install 145-160 systems and a projected box office exceeding $1.2 billion. The company aims to maintain a minimum 40% adjusted EBITDA margin, driven by a promising film slate, including "Avatar 3" and other franchise titles. The strategic partnership with Netflix for exclusive releases, such as the upcoming "Narnia" series, underscores IMAX’s leverage in the entertainment industry.

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