Company Description
IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) is a global entertainment technology company in the motion picture and video production industry. The company describes itself as an innovator in entertainment technology that combines proprietary software, auditorium architecture, patented intellectual property, and specialized equipment to create immersive cinematic experiences. Its technology platform is used by top filmmakers and studios and supports a theatrical distribution network for major event films around the world.
According to company disclosures, IMAX operates through two reportable segments: Content Solutions and Technology Products and Services. The business principally consists of IMAX film remastering and the sale or lease of premium IMAX theater systems. Across these activities, the company states that it leverages proprietary technology and engineering in all aspects of its operations.
Global IMAX Network and Footprint
IMAX reports that its network is among the important theatrical distribution platforms for major event films globally. As of September 30, 2025, the company states that there were 1,829 IMAX systems in operation, including 1,759 commercial multiplexes, 10 commercial destinations, and 60 institutional locations, spanning 89 countries and territories. This network is central to how IMAX brings its branded experience to audiences worldwide.
The company notes that it is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. IMAX also highlights that shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970".
Technology Platform and Branded Experiences
IMAX emphasizes its use of proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to deliver what it calls experiences that take viewers beyond the edge of their seats. The company’s platform includes IMAX film remastering processes and premium theater systems that support its branded formats and trademarks, such as IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX Live®, IMAX Enhanced® and IMAX StreamSmart® or IMAX VisionScience™ (as referenced in various company communications).
Through its Technology Products and Services segment, IMAX engages in the sale or lease of premium IMAX theater systems. Through its Content Solutions segment, it focuses on IMAX film remastering and related content activities that support the company’s presence in the theatrical ecosystem.
Box Office Performance and Content Mix
IMAX reports that its technology platform underpins a global box office business. In a company press release, IMAX stated that it achieved a record $1.28 billion in global box office in 2025, describing that year as the best in its history by this measure. The company highlighted record box office results in North America, China, and other international markets, as well as record performance in 35 countries and territories.
IMAX also notes that it is expanding its portfolio of local language films. In its 2025 box office update, the company reported that two of its top five films for the year were from outside Hollywood. IMAX’s communications list titles such as “Ne Zha 2,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “F1: The Movie,” “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle,” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” among its top performers in 2025 by IMAX box office.
Partnerships and Exhibition Relationships
IMAX works with filmmakers, studios, and exhibition partners. The company’s news releases describe collaborations with major studios on high-profile releases, including films that are Filmed for IMAX or shot with IMAX film cameras. IMAX also reports agreements with exhibitors. For example, an agreement with Cinemark Holdings Inc. covers new IMAX with Laser systems, upgrades of existing systems to IMAX with Laser, and activation of additional IMAX 70mm film projection systems at selected Cinemark locations in the United States and South America.
In that agreement, IMAX states that all new and upgraded locations will be equipped with IMAX with Laser, which it describes as its most advanced entertainment experience. The company notes that IMAX with Laser includes a 4K laser projection system with a new optical engine, custom-designed lenses, and proprietary technology intended to deliver brighter images with increased resolution, deeper contrast, and a wide range of colors on IMAX screens.
Capital Structure and Financing Activities
IMAX is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol IMAX. The company has reported several financing transactions through its SEC filings and press releases. In November 2025, IMAX announced the pricing and subsequent closing of a private offering of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2030, with an aggregate principal amount of $250 million, including the full exercise of an option to purchase additional notes. An accompanying Form 8-K describes the terms of these notes, including interest, maturity, conversion rights, redemption provisions, and related capped call transactions intended to reduce potential share dilution or offset certain cash payments upon conversion.
In a separate Form 8-K, IMAX disclosed that it entered into a Seventh Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which increased its revolving borrowing capacity and provided an uncommitted accordion feature, subject to conditions. The filing outlines the interest rate structure, leverage covenant, guarantees by certain subsidiaries, and the use of proceeds for working capital and other corporate purposes, including repayment of a previous credit facility.
Content and Distribution Initiatives
IMAX’s news releases highlight its role in the release of major films and special content. The company reports that it supports wide global releases for titles such as “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” where IMAX’s global network delivered a significant share of the film’s opening weekend box office on a relatively small share of total screens. IMAX also notes record performances for specific weekends, such as a record Thanksgiving period driven by titles like “Zootopia 2” and “Wicked: For Good.”
IMAX also engages in partnerships to present restored or special-format content. For example, IMAX and GKIDS announced an expanded partnership to bring 4K restorations of Studio Ghibli films to IMAX locations across North America. Under that arrangement, IMAX versions of the films are being created from new 4K restorations overseen by Studio Ghibli’s Atsushi Okui.
Trademarks and Brand
IMAX emphasizes a portfolio of registered and protected trademarks associated with its technology and experiences. Across its communications, the company lists marks such as IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX Live®, IMAX Enhanced®, IMAX StreamSmart®, and IMAX VisionScience™ as trademarks and trade names of IMAX or its subsidiaries.
FAQs about IMAX Corporation
- What does IMAX Corporation do?
IMAX Corporation describes itself as an entertainment technology company that combines proprietary software, auditorium architecture, and specialized equipment to create immersive cinematic experiences. Its business principally includes IMAX film remastering and the sale or lease of premium IMAX theater systems, organized into Content Solutions and Technology Products and Services segments. - How does IMAX participate in the global box office?
IMAX reports box office performance generated through its global network of IMAX systems. In a company press release, it stated that it achieved a record $1.28 billion in global box office in 2025, with record results in North America, China, and other international markets, and record box office in 35 countries and territories. - Where is IMAX headquartered and where does it operate?
IMAX states that it is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of September 30, 2025, the company reported 1,829 IMAX systems operating in 89 countries and territories. - What are IMAX’s main business segments?
According to the company’s description, IMAX has two reportable segments: Content Solutions and Technology Products and Services. These segments cover IMAX film remastering and the sale or lease of premium IMAX theater systems, supported by proprietary technology and engineering. - What is IMAX with Laser?
In its agreement with Cinemark, IMAX describes IMAX with Laser as its most advanced entertainment experience. It is based on a 4K laser projection system with a new optical engine, custom lenses, and proprietary technology designed to deliver brighter images, increased resolution, deeper contrast, and a wide range of colors on IMAX screens. - How is IMAX financed and what securities does it issue?
IMAX common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol IMAX. The company has issued convertible senior notes, including 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2030, as described in its Form 8-K filings. Those filings outline interest rates, maturity, conversion features, redemption options, and related capped call transactions. - What is IMAX China Holding, Inc.?
IMAX states that IMAX China Holding, Inc. is a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation whose shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970". This subsidiary is referenced in multiple company press releases. - How does IMAX work with content partners?
Company communications note that top filmmakers and studios utilize IMAX systems to connect with audiences for major event films. IMAX also reports partnerships with distributors such as GKIDS to present 4K restorations of Studio Ghibli films in IMAX locations, and it highlights collaborations on films that are Filmed for IMAX or shot with IMAX film cameras. - What role do trademarks play in IMAX’s business?
IMAX identifies a set of registered and protected trademarks, including IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX Live®, IMAX Enhanced®, IMAX StreamSmart®, and IMAX VisionScience™. These marks are associated with its technology, formats, and branded experiences. - Does IMAX provide financial guidance or host investor events?
In its news releases, IMAX has announced investor-focused events, such as an investor day detailing its long-term growth plan across its content portfolio, system network, and technology platform. The company also issues press releases and Form 8-K filings to report financial and operating results and material financing transactions.
Stock Performance
Imax (IMAX) stock last traded at $39.19, down 0.36% from the previous close. Over the past 12 months, the stock has gained 57.1%, ranking #294 in 52-week price change. At a market capitalization of $2.1B, IMAX is classified as a mid-cap stock with approximately 54.0M shares outstanding.
Latest News
Imax has 10 recent news articles. Of the recent coverage, 3 articles coincided with positive price movement and 6 with negative movement. Key topics include earnings, conferences, earnings date. View all IMAX news →
SEC Filings
Imax has filed 5 recent SEC filings, including 3 Form 4, 1 Form 144, 1 Form SCHEDULE 13D/A. The most recent filing was submitted on March 17, 2026. SEC filings provide transparency into a company's financial condition, material events, and regulatory compliance. View all IMAX SEC filings →
Insider Radar
Insider selling at Imax over the past 90 days can reflect routine portfolio management, scheduled trading plans (Rule 10b5-1), tax planning, or compensation-related dispositions rather than a directional view on the stock.
Financial Highlights
Imax generated $410.2M in revenue over the trailing twelve months, retaining a 60.0% gross margin, operating income reached $84.2M (20.5% operating margin), and net income was $34.9M, reflecting a 8.5% net profit margin. Diluted earnings per share stood at $0.63. The company generated $127.1M in operating cash flow.
Upcoming Events
ROTH Conference fireside chat
IMAX opening
Repurchase program expiration
Imax has 5 upcoming scheduled events. The next event, "ROTH Conference fireside chat", is scheduled for March 24, 2026 (in 7 days). 2 of the upcoming events are financial in nature, such as earnings calls or quarterly results. Investors can track these dates to stay informed about potential catalysts that may affect the IMAX stock price.
Short Interest History
Short interest in Imax (IMAX) currently stands at 6.1 million shares, up 16.3% from the previous reporting period, representing 14.0% of the float. Over the past 12 months, short interest has increased by 27.9%. This moderate level of short interest indicates notable bearish positioning. The 6.2 days to cover indicates moderate liquidity for short covering.
Days to Cover History
Days to cover for Imax (IMAX) currently stands at 6.2 days, up 64.6% from the previous period. This moderate days-to-cover ratio suggests reasonable liquidity for short covering, requiring about a week of average trading volume. The ratio has shown significant volatility over the period, ranging from 1.9 to 7.4 days.
IMAX Company Profile & Sector Positioning
Imax (IMAX) operates in the Entertainment industry within the broader Photographic Equipment & Supplies sector and is listed on the NYSE. In monthly performance, the stock ranks #1,384 among all tracked companies.
Investors comparing IMAX often look at related companies in the same sector, including Amc Entmt Hldgs Inc (AMC), Sphere Entertainment Co (SPHR), Dave & Busters Entmt Inc (PLAY), Huya Inc (HUYA), and Reservoir Media Inc (RSVR). Comparing financial metrics, valuation ratios, and stock performance across these peers can help investors evaluate IMAX's relative position within its industry.