Stock Futures Edge Higher, IMAX Shares Up 14%
Stock futures edged higher Friday morning as markets headed toward a weekly gain despite continued volatility. Treasury yields have eased, lifting megacaps and chip stocks, though markets continue to be on watch for signs of a breakthrough in negotiations to end the war in Iran.In pre-market trading, S&P 500 futures increased 0.35%, Nasdaq 100 futures were up 0.38% and Dow futures gained 0.60%.Check out this morning's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.HIGHER -Imaxup 14% following a WSJ report that the company is considering a saleEstee Lauderup 12% after the company and Puigconfirmed that they have ended talks about a potential combinationMerckup 3% after its treatment for lung cancer in partnership with Chinese-based Kelun-Biotech cut tumor progression risk by 65% in a Phase 3 studyPerpetua Resourcesup 8% after the company announced that it has secured a $2.9B loan from the U.S. Export-Import BankSweetgreenup 9% after being upgraded at JPMorgan on its ramping brand transformationUP AFTER EARNINGS -Ross Storesup 5%Workdayup 7%Zoom Communicationsup 8%Take-Twoup 4%Booz Allenup 4%DOWN AFTER EARNINGS -Deckers Outdoordown 3%LOWER -Futudown 38% after Reuters reported that China is launching a crackdown on illegal cross-border securities trading
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Analyst Views on IMAX
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- Partnership Expansion: Georgia Theatre Company has signed an agreement with IMAX to add five new IMAX with Laser locations in the Southeastern U.S., further solidifying their partnership that began with the first IMAX theater in Athens, Georgia in 2025, which is expected to enhance immersive movie experiences for audiences.
- Market Growth Potential: IMAX has shown strong performance in the North American market, achieving its highest-ever domestic box office in 2025, a 14% increase over 2023, and a remarkable 75% year-over-year growth in Q1, indicating significant appeal in the Southeastern market.
- Technological Innovation: The new IMAX theaters will feature the IMAX with Laser system, delivering 4K crystal-clear images and precision audio through advanced projection technology, aimed at enhancing viewing quality and meeting audience demands for high-quality entertainment, thereby boosting the theaters' competitiveness.
- Employee Ownership Advantage: As the only 100% employee-owned theater chain in the U.S., Georgia Theatre Company is committed to providing exceptional viewing experiences, with employee investments directly promoting long-term success and community engagement, which enhances customer loyalty.
- Global Debut Performance: IMAX achieved a $24.4 million box office during the four-day Memorial Day weekend for 'The Mandalorian and Grogu', capturing 14.8% of the global debut, signaling a strong start to the summer blockbuster season.
- North American Market Share: The film earned $14.5 million in North America, representing 14.5% of its North American debut despite being shown on only 1% of screens, demonstrating IMAX's significant market influence in high-grossing films.
- Technological Innovation Collaboration: Director Jon Favreau closely collaborated with IMAX, utilizing IMAX-certified digital cameras, with nearly half of the film featuring IMAX's exclusive expanded aspect ratio, enhancing audience immersion and elevating the viewing experience.
- Future Outlook: IMAX will continue to screen 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' across its global network, looking forward to driving summer box office growth alongside upcoming releases like 'Toy Story 5' and other IMAX films.
- Acquisition Rumors Boost Stock: IMAX shares surged 15.47% to $5.24 over the past week as the company explores potential buyers, although discussions are in preliminary stages and may not materialize.
- Strong Market Demand: IMAX is experiencing robust demand for its technology platform in the U.S. and internationally, having signed agreements for 10 new locations in Australia and seven in Japan this year, indicating significant global expansion potential.
- Increased Filmmaker Collaboration: More filmmakers are utilizing special digital cameras for shooting, optimizing films for IMAX's large screens, with 14 upcoming IMAX releases projected to generate a record $1.4 billion in global box office receipts by 2026.
- Profitability Improvement: IMAX's adjusted net income surged 58% to $80.6 million in 2025, translating to $1.45 per share, indicating that the company is achieving higher profitability while expanding its network.
- Acquisition Potential: IMAX is reportedly in talks with potential acquirers, and while discussions are in preliminary stages, the strong demand for its technology platform may attract larger entertainment companies.
- Market Expansion: IMAX has shown impressive performance in international markets, signing agreements for 10 new locations in Australia and seven in Japan in 2023, totaling 42 systems across 10 countries, demonstrating its global expansion capabilities.
- Profit Growth: The company's adjusted net income surged 58% to $80.6 million in 2025, translating to $1.45 per share, indicating that IMAX is achieving higher profitability while expanding its network.
- Industry Trends: An increasing number of filmmakers are utilizing special digital cameras for movie production, with 14 IMAX-filmed releases projected to generate $1.4 billion in global box office receipts in 2026, further solidifying its market position.

- Strong Box Office Performance: Disney's ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’ debuted with approximately $81.96 million in domestic ticket sales over the three-day weekend, with projections suggesting a $102 million four-day haul, indicating robust market demand and brand strength.
- Global Revenue Growth: The film's estimated global box office reached $165 million, including $63 million from international markets, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise worldwide.
- Signs of Industry Recovery: Although the overall holiday weekend box office fell 34% from last year, year-to-date domestic revenue has climbed to about $3.41 billion, up 14%, indicating a gradual recovery in the theater market.
- Significant IMAX Benefits: IMAX benefited significantly from the launch of ‘Mandalorian and Grogu’, generating $24.4 million globally, which accounted for nearly 15% of the film's worldwide debut, further solidifying IMAX's position in the premium viewing experience market.
- Opening Weekend Performance: Disney's new film ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ achieved $82 million in its opening weekend, surpassing analysts' predictions of $80 million, indicating strong market demand and viewer interest.
- International Market Response: The film also performed well internationally, with approximately $63 million in ticket sales, and is expected to exceed $100 million during the four-day Memorial Day weekend, further solidifying its market position.
- Popularity of Premium Formats: 41% of the box office came from premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Cinema, with standard ticket prices averaging $16.01 and premium tickets at $19.43, demonstrating viewers' willingness to pay a premium for enhanced viewing experiences.
- Diverse Revenue Strategy: Disney's revenue strategy extends beyond box office sales, leveraging merchandise, streaming services, and theme parks, with the Star Wars franchise generating over $1 billion in retail sales annually, showcasing its strong brand value.









