IMAX Achieves Record $1.28 Billion Global Box Office in 2025
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 09 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Box Office Growth: IMAX achieved a record global box office of $1.28 billion in 2025, representing over a 40% increase from 2024, not only setting a new high but also surpassing its previous record from 2019, showcasing its strong performance in the theatrical industry.
- Market Share Increase: In 2025, over 16% of domestic ticket sales came from premium large format theaters, up from 15% in 2024, indicating a growing consumer preference for high-quality viewing experiences, which IMAX is well-positioned to capitalize on.
- Strong Profitability: IMAX reported a net income of $43 million in the first three quarters of 2025, a 67% increase from the same period in 2024, demonstrating the advantages of its asset-light model that allows it to remain profitable in a competitive market.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: IMAX forecasts a new record global box office of $1.4 billion in 2026, bolstered by upcoming blockbuster releases such as
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Analyst Views on IMAX
Wall Street analysts forecast IMAX stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for IMAX is 44.00 USD with a low forecast of 34.00 USD and a high forecast of 47.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
12 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 34.370
Low
34.00
Averages
44.00
High
47.00
Current: 34.370
Low
34.00
Averages
44.00
High
47.00
About IMAX
Imax Corporation is a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events. Through its proprietary software, auditorium, architecture, patented intellectual property, and specialized equipment, the Company offers an end-to-end solution to create content experiences. The Company operates through two segments: Content Solutions and Technology Products and Services. The Content Solutions segment principally includes content enhancement and distribution services. This segment is also engaged in the distribution of large-format documentary films and exclusive experiences ranging from live performances to interactive events with artists and creators, as well as film post-production services. The Technology Products and Services principally include the sale, lease, and maintenance of IMAX Systems. This segment is also involved in ancillary theater business activities, including after-market sales of IMAX System parts and three-dimensional (3D) glasses.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
U.S. Box Office Starts Strong in 2026, Disney's 'Avatar' Tops for Fourth Weekend
- Strong Box Office Performance: According to Comscore, U.S. theaters generated $98.6 million over the January 9-11 weekend, bringing year-to-date ticket sales to $327.5 million, a 23% increase from last year, indicating a robust market recovery.
- 'Avatar' Continues to Lead: Disney's 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' has maintained the top spot for four consecutive weekends, earning $21.3 million domestically, pushing its North American total past $342.6 million and its global total over $1.23 billion, solidifying its dominance in the early 2026 marketplace.
- New Releases Shine: Paramount's 'Primate' debuted in second place with $11.3 million from nearly 3,000 theaters, while Lionsgate's 'Greenland 2: Migration' entered the top five with $8.5 million, showcasing the appeal of new films in the current box office landscape.
- Significant IMAX Contributions: IMAX screenings of 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' contributed over $12 million globally over the weekend, accounting for approximately 13% of the film's worldwide gross to date, further highlighting the importance of premium formats in box office performance.
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IMAX Corporation Target Price Raised to $47, Upside Potential of 38%
- Analyst Rating Reaffirmed: Mike Hickey from Benchmark Co. reiterated his Buy rating for IMAX Corporation, setting a price target of $42, indicating a 23% upside, reflecting optimism about the company's global box office share exceeding $1.25 billion.
- Operating Leverage Improvement: Hickey noted that IMAX's record performance in 2025 has pushed adjusted EBITDA margins into the mid-40% range, showcasing the company's differentiated advantage in its asset-light platform, enabling high utilization and strong free cash flow conversion rates.
- Accelerated Market Demand: Wells Fargo's Omar Mejias also reaffirmed a Buy rating, raising the price target from $40 to $47 based on the company's diversified business model, which is well-positioned to benefit from the accelerated demand for premium, event-driven cinema.
- Expanded Market Opportunities: Mejias emphasized IMAX's preparedness to capitalize on industry trend shifts through enhanced visibility and an expanded total addressable market, further solidifying its leading position in the entertainment sector.
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