IMAX Q3: Box office and profit spike on The Odyssey

IMAX Corp. posted its highest third quarter results to date.

The company reported global box office receipts of $712 million for the period. That figure is nearly double the $368 million recorded in the same quarter last year. Premium ticket sales accounted for more than $550 million of that total.

Revenue climbed 64 percent to $174.6 million, up from $106.7 million in the prior year. Net income jumped more than 400 percent to $117.1 million, compared to $22.6 million in 2025. Adjusted EBITDA reached a quarterly record of $121 million, a 133 percent increase over the $51.8 million reported a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share stood at $2.21, far exceeding the 47 cents from the previous year.

CFO Natasha Fernandes said the results show the potential for growth as the company expands its network. She noted that the performance proves the value of high-end theatrical experiences in driving consumer spending. CEO Rich Gelfond called the quarter an awakening to the platform's ability to impact global culture. He said the results signal a deeper appreciation for the immersive experience IMAX provides.

The company expects to exceed its 2026 full-year guidance of $1.4 billion in global box office. This projection is supported by agreements signed earlier in the year for 105 theater systems worldwide. Gelfond indicated that a 13-theater agreement in Europe is expected to close shortly.

Upcoming releases include Dune: Part Three and the Chinese debut of Avengers: Doomsday later in 2026. Pre-sales for Dune: Part Three have reached $30 million, the second-highest figure in IMAX history. For 2027, the schedule includes films shot with proprietary IMAX cameras, such as Star Wars: Starfighter and the Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow. Avengers: Secret Wars and the original Star Wars will also be presented in 70mm film for the first time.

The company is expanding its merchandise offerings to capitalize on these releases. Following a popular popcorn bucket for The Odyssey, IMAX is rolling out a Godzilla Minus Zero apparel line and other branded products for the December release of the new Dune film. The company is also piloting new concept auditoriums that are smaller and ultra-premium. These venues aim to enhance immersive aspect ratios, depth of view, and sound quality. IMAX plans to add 10 to 15 new 70mm film locations.

In a strategic move, IMAX secured the theatrical release of The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, the sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Major chains like Cinemark and Regal passed on the film due to Netflix's two-week release window. AMC Theatres will screen the Brad Pitt-starring film on its IMAX screens. The movie will debut in theaters on November 25 before hitting Netflix on December 23. It will be shown in more than 550 IMAX locations worldwide.