IMAX's Record-Breaking Chinese New Year: A Beacon of Hope for 2025

As we step into 2025, IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) has kicked off the year with a bang, reporting a record-breaking Chinese New Year slate that generated more than $120 million in box office revenue. This remarkable performance is a testament to the company's unique global entertainment platform and broad content portfolio, which continue to drive its success despite market challenges.

In the fourth quarter and full-year earnings call held on February 19, 2025, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond highlighted the company's strategic focus on expanding its global network and diversifying its content portfolio as key drivers of its financial performance. By securing partnerships with major exhibitors like Wanda and AMC, and entering agreements with new partners across North America, IMAX has driven strong system signings and installs, contributing to its growth.



Moreover, IMAX's commitment to programming a record number of local language films, relaunching IMAX documentaries, and securing a deal with Netflix for Greta Gerwig's Narnia has further diversified its content portfolio. This diversification has helped IMAX tap into new markets and audiences, driving box office growth and attracting more moviegoers to its theaters.

In 2025, IMAX has already delivered 14 local language films and achieved its biggest IMAX exclusive music opening ever with Becoming Led Zeppelin. This diversification strategy has paid off, with the company reporting solid financial results for the fourth quarter, including adjusted EBITDA up 48% to $37 million and adjusted EPS up 59% to $0.27 per share.



IMAX's strong performance in China, driven by a favorable movie mix and pent-up demand, has been a significant factor in its success. The company's promising film slate for 2025, including major titles like Avatar 3, Mission Impossible, and Marvel's Thunderbolts, is expected to drive further box office growth and contribute to its financial performance.

In conclusion, IMAX's record-breaking Chinese New Year slate and strong performance in 2025 are a beacon of hope for the company's continued success. By expanding its global network and diversifying its content portfolio, IMAX has positioned itself to capitalize on the growing demand for its unique entertainment experiences and secure better economics in future negotiations with studios. As the company looks ahead to the promising opportunity ahead, investors can be confident that IMAX is well-positioned to achieve a record year at the global box office and deliver strong returns for its shareholders.