IMAX reported its strongest quarter on record for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2026, as a surge in global box office drove sharp gains in revenue, profit and cash generation. The company also said its record results are accelerating demand for new IMAX systems and highlighted a strong upcoming film slate.
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Record financial results: Revenue rose 64% year over year to $175 million, while gross margin increased 88% to $126 million. Net income was $117 million, a record 67% margin, and adjusted EBITDA reached $121 million, a record 69% margin. The adjusted EBITDA margin was more than 20 percentage points higher than a year earlier.
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Per-share earnings jumped: Net income per diluted share was $1.96, up 430% from a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share rose 370% to $2.21. IMAX said both quarterly per-share results exceeded any full-year result in its history.
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Operating cash flow grew: Cash from operating activities increased 28% year over year to $86 million.
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Box office set a new high: IMAX reported $712 million in global box office for the quarter, up about 90% from its previous quarterly record of $372 million.
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“The Odyssey” was a major driver: Christopher Nolan’s film became IMAX’s highest-grossing release, generating more than $550 million worldwide. IMAX presentations accounted for more than 30% of the film’s global box office.
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System signings topped 100 for the year to date: About 65% were for new locations, rather than existing sites. IMAX said sales activity had accelerated following “The Odyssey” and amid strong advance sales for “Dune: Part Three.” Signings are agreements for systems, not a count of installations completed.
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The upcoming slate includes several major releases: IMAX pointed to “Dune: Part Three” and the Chinese release of “Avengers: Doomsday” as opening its 2027 lineup. Other titles it highlighted include “Wandering Earth 3” for the Chinese New Year period, “Star Wars: Starfighter,” “Man of Tomorrow,” “Avengers: Secret Wars,” and the original “Star Wars,” which is scheduled for an IMAX 70mm presentation.
The quarter combined exceptional film-driven box office with higher margins and stronger cash generation. The system signings also indicate that the period’s momentum is translating into sales commitments, including expansion into new locations.