IMAX Q1 2026 Earnings: Revenue Dip Amid Strong Film Performances and Record Box-Office Outlook

IMAX posted Q1 2026 revenue of about $81 million, a 6% YoY decline, and net income of $6.1 million, down 26% from the prior year. Adjusted EPS rose to 17 cents, beating the consensus of 15 cents. Global IMAX box-office receipts were $260 million, 13% lower than Q1 2025.

The Wrap

Top IMAX titles were “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Project Hail Mary,” China’s “Pegasus 3,” and “Scream 7.” “Project Hail Mary” earned $92 million on IMAX screens, 18% of its worldwide gross, and more than doubled IMAX’s internal forecast. Domestic grosses rose 75% YoY, offsetting a slowdown in China after the 2025 “Ne Zha 2” surge.

Variety Magazine

Technology Products and Services revenue fell 4% to $48.3 million and Content Solutions revenue dropped 8% to $31.4 million. IMAX installed 19 new theater systems (down from 21) and added 42 auditoriums in ten countries, including ten Hoyts screens in Australia.

Hollywood Reporter

CFO Natasha Fernandes said the “breakout success” of “Project Hail Mary” validates the IMAX platform and expects a more balanced Chinese box-office in 2026, citing titles such as Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part III.” She noted the U.S./Israel-Iran conflict has not affected IMAX plans. CEO Rich Gelfond, recovering from pneumonia, confirmed a gradual return to full duties.

Variety Magazine

Fernandes called Disney’s new “InfinityVision” certification a “marketing play” to offset the lack of an IMAX platform for the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday,” adding that Marvel fans are “among the most savvy and discerning moviegoers.”

Hollywood ReporterThe WrapVariety MagazineIMAX (NYSE:IMAX) Posts Q1 CY2026 Sales In Line With EstimatesDeadline Hollywood

Revenue is reported as $81 million (Variety), $81.4 million (Hollywood Reporter, Deadline) and $81.38 million (StockStory). Net income is $6.2 million (Variety) versus $6.1 million (Hollywood Reporter, Deadline). Operating margin is given as 12.2% and also as 19.3% for the same quarter, showing a discrepancy.

IMAX (NYSE:IMAX) Posts Q1 CY2026 Sales In Line With Estimates

IMAX forecasts a record $1.4 billion global box-office for 2026 and expects 160–175 theater-system installations. Upcoming slate includes “The Odyssey,” “Dune: Part III,” “Mandalorian and Grogu,” Greta Gerwig’s “Narnia,” and a Star Wars spinoff, all for IMAX formats.

Variety Magazine

• “The breakout success of ‘Project Hail Mary’ — a Filmed For Imax release that more than doubled our initial box office projections — demonstrates what a well-crafted blockbuster can achieve when it leans fully into the Imax platform,” — Natasha Fernandes, CFO

Variety Magazine

• “My recovery from pneumonia is progressing well. I have been discharged from the hospital and will continue to focus on my health in the coming weeks. I want to thank my doctors, my family, the team at IMAX, and everyone for their support. As I transition back from medical leave, I am gradually re-engaging in the business and involved in all strategic decisions at IMAX. The management team is doing an outstanding job and will continue with their day-to-day responsibilities,” — Rich Gelfond, CEO

The Wrap

• “From our view, we feel it’s a marketing play to try and offset the face that they don’t have an Imax platform or brand for Avengers: Doomsday,” — Natasha Fernandes, CFO

Hollywood Reporter